Ancient Skies - Vol 05 No 2 - 1978

Magazine Overview

Title: ANCIENT SKIES
Issue: Volume 5, Number 2
Date: May-June, 1978
Publisher: Official Logbook of the Ancient Astronaut Society
Country: USA

This issue of ANCIENT SKIES delves into ancient mysteries and potential extraterrestrial influences on human history. The cover features a striking graphic and the tagline "Come Search With Us!", setting a tone of exploration and inquiry.

The Trident of Paracas: A Re-evaluation

The lead article, "The Trident of Paracas" by Josef F. Blumrich, challenges a long-standing claim in the literature that the main axis of this enigmatic geoglyph in Peru points directly towards the Nazca lines. Blumrich, an engineer with a background in aeronautics and space programs, states that this claim is likely based on "wishful thinking." He recounts his visit to the Paracas area, where he determined the Trident's main axis points towards Isla Blanca, an island located a few miles off the coast. Using a map and his own compass measurements, he concludes that the Trident's axis deviates significantly (about 43° 50') from the line connecting it to Nazca, and therefore, it is "NOT pointing in the direction towards Nazca."

Blumrich also provides previously unpublished details about the Trident's physical characteristics. He describes the vertical arms as being 1 to 1.2 meters deep with a base of 3.2 meters wide. The sloping sides are made of hard-pressed sand, with a base covered by wind-pressed sand about 12 cm deep. Beneath this layer is a yellowish-white crystalline layer, likely 20 inches or more thick, which is surprisingly smooth. He notes that the practically white Trident would have been highly visible against its dark surroundings. He also mentions a rectangular ditch (20 x 14 meters) at the foot of the Trident and a circular pit (3 meters diameter) located below its upper line. Blumrich suggests that the orientation towards Isla Blanca is not a coincidence and warrants further investigation.

Fifth World Conference of the Ancient Astronaut Society

The magazine announces the upcoming Fifth World Conference of the Ancient Astronaut Society, to be held from July 27-29, 1978, at the Chicago Marriott Hotel. Twenty-six speakers are scheduled to present on a wide variety of topics related to ancient astronauts and mysteries. Notable speakers and their topics include:

• Josef F. Blumrich, USA: "This is Man's Earth, a technological appraisal of the Hopi Indian traditions."
• Erich von Daniken, Switzerland: "Where Is The Evidence?", an appraisal of possible locations of knowledge left by extraterrestrial visitors.
• Zecharia Sitchin, USA: "The Twelfth Planet," an explanation of mankind's origin from another planet in our solar system.
• Robert Earle, USA: "Hummingbird Spaceships," attempting to explain Nazca markings and connections between ancient Mexican and South American peoples.
• White Bear Fredericks, USA: "The Kachinas of the Hopi," interpreting Hopi folklore and their extraterrestrial origins.
• Dr. Mirko Bunc, Yugoslavia: "Human Consciousness and Space Travel in the Past and the Future," an in-depth study of the Great Pyramid.
• Dr. Richard P. Germann, USA: "Science's Ultimate Challenge: A Reevaluation of Ancient Occult Knowledge."
• Dr. Irwin Ginsburgh, USA: "First Man, Then Adam," exploring if Adam and Eve were extraterrestrials and if the Garden of Eden was a spaceship.
• Andrew Tomas, USA: "The World Flood and Mankind's Rehabilitation by Space Civilizers."
• Tom Valentine, USA: "The Great Pyramid: Man's Monument to Man."

The conference also features a "Strange, Strange World" pavilion exhibit, showcasing enigmatic artifacts and models, including a model of Ezekiel's spaceship.

Reader Responses and Further Investigations

Several reader letters discuss the drawing of an Australian "churinga." Tina Kinczyk suggests it might be a map of a star or solar system, reminiscent of Betty Hill's hypnosis sketch. Mell Carey believes Zecharia Sitchin could interpret it, linking it to our solar system and visitor routes. Vlady Cornateanu proposes it could represent a solar system's formation, a constellation like the Pleiades, or the development of a planetary family. Vasilis Kotsos offers two theories: it represents an atom's structure or a printed electronic circuit, providing diagrams (Figures A and B) for comparison.

June Stewart's article, "The Churinga," further explores the drawing's potential meanings. She questions if it's a record of knowledge from a dying race, an attempt to improve circumstances (like a "cargo cult"), or a star map of the twelve known stars within ten light years. She speculates that if it's ancient, it depicts a constellation unknown today, or perhaps represents our solar system as seen from space, suggesting contact with intelligent beings or that the Aborigines are descendants of a civilization with such knowledge.

Recommended Reading and Coming Events

The issue includes an extensive "Recommended Reading" list focusing heavily on Maya archaeology, history, and civilizations, featuring works by authors like Ignatius Donnelly, Sylvanus G. Morley, J. Eric S. Thompson, and John L. Stephens. It also lists upcoming events, including the Fifth World Conference in Chicago, member expeditions to Guatemala/Honduras (December 1978) and Egypt/England (June 1979), and the Sixth World Conference in Munich, Germany (June 1979).

Inscriptions and Mysteries

A section presents an inscription from the Palace Complex at Palenque, Mexico, described by John L. Stephens in 1839. The inscription is painted on an inner wall and is not recent graffiti. A member from Iran believes the characters might be Arabic, distinguishing "n" and "s," but cannot read it, posing the question to readers: "Can you read it?"

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of established theories in ancient mysteries (as seen with the Trident of Paracas), the exploration of potential extraterrestrial influences on ancient cultures (Hopi traditions, Nazca, Great Pyramid), and the dissemination of information through conferences and publications. The Ancient Astronaut Society positions itself as a platform for scientific and literary inquiry into these subjects, encouraging members to actively participate in research and discussion. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, seeking evidence and challenging conventional explanations for ancient phenomena.