Ancient Skies - Vol 09 No 1 - 1982-83

Magazine Overview

Title: ANCIENT SKIES
Issue: Volume 9, Number 1
Date: March-April, 1982
Publisher: Ancient Astronaut Society
Country: USA
Price: $2.00

This issue of ANCIENT SKIES, the Official Logbook of the Ancient Astronaut Society, features a cover story detailing an expedition to find the legendary Lake Petha in Mexico, alongside an in-depth report on the mysterious crystal skull of Lubaantun and an announcement for a major member expedition.

Lake Petha - We Finally Found It!

The cover story, written by Gene M. Phillips, the Society's Founder, recounts the arduous journey to locate Lake Petha in the Lacandon jungle of Chiapas, Mexico. The expedition, led by Guillermo (Willy) Stein, initially faced a severe 36-hour downpour in Tenosique, delaying their plans. They were joined by Jan De Vos, a Belgian university professor and historian of the Lacandon Indians, and Pablo Montanez, a professional cartographer who had authored a book on the Lacandon people.

Montanez proved instrumental in the search, drawing a precise map that corrected inaccuracies in existing charts, including Frans Blom's 1953 map. He identified Lake Petha, which had been described by Austrian explorer Teobert Maler in 1898 as a nearly circular lake over two kilometers in diameter, capable of accommodating steamships, and featuring a waterfall. Previous expeditions had mistakenly targeted Lake Miramar, which was too far south.

The journey to Lake Petha involved a challenging drive in a cattle truck over rough, muddy roads, requiring the group to walk parts of the way and navigate a swollen stream. With the help of local Tzeltal Indians, who initially required a permit to allow passage, the group finally reached the lake. They found it matched Maler's description, including a cayuco (dugout canoe) at the water's edge. A subsequent aerial reconnaissance flight confirmed the lake's dimensions and features as described by Maler.

More on the Crystal Skull of Lubaantun

Authored by George Fathman, this article delves into the analysis of the crystal skull, believed to be from Lubaantun, which was examined by Hewlett-Packard. Larry LaBarre, an employee at H-P, shared his insights from the analysis conducted about ten years prior. The skull, originally loaned to Frank Dorland by Miss Mitchell-Hedges, was analyzed for its X, Y, and Z axes, revealing it was composed of 3 or 4 distinct growths from a single, solid crystal.

LaBarre highlighted the miraculous nature of the skull's creation, noting that its hardness (around 9 on the Mohs scale, second only to diamond) would typically cause such a crystal to shatter if cut improperly. The skull, however, was intricately carved, including a removable jaw with functioning hinge points, without apparent disruption. The analysis also revealed a prism-like feature at the back of the head, which could refract light. Fathman concludes that the skull was likely created for a purpose unknown to us, suggesting a higher intelligence and capability in past civilizations than often credited.

Member Expedition to Europe, the Middle East and Africa November 1982

This section announces a comprehensive, adventure-packed expedition scheduled for November 1982. The journey begins in Vienna, Austria, for the Ancient Astronaut Society's Eighth World Conference. Following the conference, the group will travel to Amman, Jordan, exploring historical sites like the Great Mosque and the ruins of Jerash. A significant portion of the trip is dedicated to Petra, the ancient 'rose-red city.'

The expedition continues to Jerusalem, Israel, for visits to holy sites, and then proceeds to Cairo, Egypt, for a brief tour of the Pyramids and Sphinx. The final leg includes travel to Nairobi, Kenya, with excursions to the Nairobi National Park and the Mount Kenya Safari Club, followed by game viewing in the Masai Mara National Reserve. The trip concludes with returns to Chicago via London. An optional extension to Malta, with a stopover in Rome, is also offered.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of ancient history, archaeology, and the possibility of extraterrestrial influence or advanced ancient technologies. The articles promote a sense of wonder and encourage readers to question conventional historical narratives. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry into unexplained phenomena and ancient mysteries, advocating for the exploration of alternative theories regarding human origins and past civilizations. The focus on expeditions and scientific analysis, as seen in the Lake Petha and crystal skull articles, underscores a commitment to investigating these subjects through direct experience and rigorous examination.