ANCIENT SKIES

Magazine Overview

Title: ANCIENT SKIES
Issue: Volume 5, Number 1
Date: March-April, 1978
Publisher: Ancient Astronaut Society
Country: USA
Theme: Ancient Astronauts, Archaeology, Mythology

The Candelabra of the Andes

This article, by Robert Charroux and translated by Doris L. Phillips, explores the enigmatic Candelabra of the Andes, a large geoglyph located on the Penninsula of Paracas, Peru. Charroux describes the site, accessible by land only with difficulty, and notes the virgin soil and unusual tracks found. He details the design, which features a central axis and three branches, possibly representing a trident or "Three Crosses." The soil's unique preservation properties are highlighted, suggesting that marks can endure for centuries.

Charroux discusses various interpretations of the Candelabra, including its potential connection to the Incas or Aymaras, and dismisses explanations attributing it to pirates or a 19th-century priest. He posits that the design predates the 16th century and is not visible from the high seas, suggesting it served as a sign or beacon. The author links the Candelabra to the Nazca lines, proposing that understanding one could unlock the enigma of the other. He concludes with the audacious hypothesis that these markings are messages from another planet or an extinct ancient race.

Fifth World Conference - Chicago, July 1978

The magazine announces speakers for the Fifth World Conference, including Robert K.G. Temple (author of "The Sirius Mystery"), W. Raymond Drake (author of "Gods or Spacemen"), Dr. Irwin Ginsburgh (theorizing the Garden of Eden was a spacecraft environment), Rev. Jack A. Jennings, and Dr. and Mrs. Ignacio Iturbe (interpreting the Aztec Calendar Stone as a spaceship).

The conference will also feature exhibits from the "Strange, Strange World" Pavilion of Montreal's Man and His World Exposition, including a model of Ezekiel's spaceship. Tickets for the conference and a banquet are available.

Society's First Book Published in French

"Le Livre Des Anciens Astronautes" (The Book of Ancient Astronauts), edited by Jacques Bergier and Georges H. Gallet, has been published in French. It contains proceedings from the Society's Second World Conference in Zurich, 1975, and includes an interview with Dr. Vladimir Avinsky on prehistoric extraterrestrial visitations to Earth. An English version is hoped for in 1979.

Report on Yucatan Adventure

An expedition by the Ancient Astronaut Society to Yucatan and Southern Mexico (November 19-28, 1976) is detailed. Participants explored Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza, Uxmal, Sayil, Xlapak, and Labna, noting the challenging jungle terrain and the significance of sites like the Sacred Well (Cenote) and the La Venta Museum. The report highlights the Palenque sarcophagus lid depicting an "astronaut" and other reliefs suggesting ancient astronauts and their vehicles. The expedition concluded with visits to Bonampak and Yaxchilan.

Recommended Reading

Two books are recommended: "Incidents of Travel in Central America, Chiapas, and Yucatan" by John L. Stephens and "Copan-Home of the Mayan Gods" by Francis Robicsek.

Congratulations and Address Changes

Congratulations are extended to Professor Dr. Ricardo Salazar-Southwell for receiving the Gold Medal "HIPOLITO UNANUE" from Peru for his achievements in odontology. Erich von Däniken's new address and latest book, "Beweise" (Von Daniken's Proof), are also mentioned.

More on the Dogons

Vladimir V. Rubtsov discusses the Dogon mythology, taking issue with interpretations that dismiss their myths as "mumbo-jumbo." He emphasizes the work of ethnologists Marcel Griaule and Germaine Dieterlen, who regarded Dogon myths as a high philosophical system. Rubtsov supports Robert K.G. Temple's hypothesis connecting Dogon astronomical knowledge to ancient visits from the Sirius star system and notes Eric Guerrier's independent research. He clarifies that "Amma" is the Dogon chief god and "Nommo" is an amphibian culture hero, not a rocket vehicle. The Dogon designs of the "sirigi" are interpreted as symbolizing the descent of an "ark," not necessarily a spaceship. Rubtsov stresses the importance of a scientific approach when studying Dogon traditions.

Member Expedition to Guatemala and Honduras

A planned expedition to explore Mayan ruins in Tikal, Antigua, Quirigua (Guatemala), and Copan (Honduras) is announced for December 27, 1978 - January 6, 1979. The tour includes visits to significant Mayan sites and a rest period on Roatan Island.

Mayan Picture Writings

A panel from the Madrid Codex is presented, with an analysis of Mayan number symbols (dots for one, bars for five). The image is interpreted as depicting people on a numbered public conveyance, possibly a train or plane.

Sixth World Conference - Munich, Germany

The Sixth World Conference is scheduled for June 14-16, 1979, in Munich, Germany.

Member Expedition to Egypt and England

An expedition to Egypt and England is being arranged for 1979. Participants will visit the Great Pyramid at Gizeh, explore the Nile River Valley, and then travel to England to examine Stonehenge and London. The tour will be in two groups, with options to join parts of the journey.

Exchange Opinions

Dr. Eugeniusz E. Filipowicz seeks to exchange opinions on the geographical interdependence of ancient sites and the origin of world languages in New Guinea.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Ancient Skies strongly promotes the ancient astronaut theory, presenting articles that interpret ancient artifacts, myths, and sites as evidence of extraterrestrial contact. The magazine actively organizes expeditions and conferences to further explore these theories, encouraging members to engage in firsthand investigation and research. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry into unexplained phenomena and ancient mysteries, with a particular focus on linking them to advanced ancient civilizations or extraterrestrial influences.