ANCIENT SKIES

Magazine Overview

Title: ANCIENT SKIES
Issue: Volume 16, Number 3
Date: July-August, 1989
Publisher: ANCIENT ASTRONAUT SOCIETY
Country: USA
Price: $3.00
ISSN: 0747-8900

This issue of Ancient Skies delves into the complex relationship between ancient civilizations, extraterrestrial intelligence, and the ongoing UFO phenomenon. It features articles by prominent researchers in the field, exploring historical evidence, biblical accounts, and scientific skepticism.

Extraterrestrial Strategy and Ethics - Past and Present by Dr. James W. Deardorff

Dr. Deardorff, a Research Professor Emeritus at Oregon State University, presents a hypothesis regarding the strategy of ancient astronauts. He suggests that for millennia, from approximately 3000 to 15000 years ago, Earth was visited by beings referred to as 'sky-gods' or 'ancient astronauts.' These visitors imparted knowledge and skills, but also, in some instances, encouraged worship and even took early inhabitants as mates. The lack of a single dominant group suggests a diversity of ethical values among these visitors.

Deardorff proposes that the more ethical ancient astronauts eventually shifted to a 'hands-off' policy, restricting their contact to prevent humanity from becoming overly reliant on them and hindering its own development. This strategy, he argues, persisted for millennia until around World War II. Since 1947, with the rise of modern UFO sightings and terminology, the ETs have begun to show themselves more frequently. He uses the Fatima event of 1917 as an example of an occasional, short-duration event that might be interpreted as an extraterrestrial encounter.

He also discusses the 'leaky embargo' hypothesis, suggesting that occasional ET contacts are permitted to gradually educate those mentally prepared for the reality of ETs, while still maintaining an overall embargo to avoid overwhelming the general population. This strategy, he believes, is designed to mitigate the shock of a future overt encounter.

The Enigma of Zechariah's Flying Roll by Dr. Franklin R. Ruehl

Dr. Ruehl, a Ph.D. in theoretical nuclear physics and a ufologist, examines biblical texts for evidence of ancient astronaut activity. He focuses on Zechariah 5:1-2, which describes a 'flying roll' with dimensions of 20 cubits by 10 cubits. Assuming a cubit to be between 18 and 22 inches, the object would measure between 15x30 feet and 18.3x36.6 feet. Ruehl suggests this object could have been either saucer-shaped or cigar-shaped and interprets it as further biblical confirmation of the ancient astronaut hypothesis.

Ruehl argues that the vastness of the universe, with billions of stars and trillions of planets, makes the existence of other civilizations highly probable. He also points to the age of the cosmos and the exponential growth of technology in advanced societies as reasons why extraterrestrials could have easily mastered interstellar travel and visited Earth in the distant past. He contends that the scientific community's skepticism is often rooted in egoism and a reluctance to accept concepts that challenge established paradigms or suggest a level of intelligence and technology far beyond our own.

Twilight of Civilization by Andrew Tomas

Andrew Tomas, a prolific author, challenges conventional views of prehistory by exploring the capabilities of Cro-Magnon man and presenting evidence for an earlier, more advanced civilization. He argues that the Cro-Magnon people, who lived between 30,000 years ago and the emergence of early Mesopotamian and Egyptian cultures, were not primitive but possessed significant artistic and intellectual abilities. He highlights their sophisticated hunting tools, oil lamps, cave paintings comparable to modern art, and apparent knowledge of astronomy, including lunar phases and constellations.

Tomas points to evidence such as the advanced craftsmanship of nephrite tools found in Siberia and the use of refrigeration principles in ancient Indian pottery as indicators of sophisticated technology. He also references ancient Tibetan legends about 'fiery iron serpents' and historical accounts from figures like Herodotus and Rumi, suggesting a cosmic tradition and knowledge passed down from advanced visitors. He notes that astronomical recordings found in Cro-Magnon caves indicate observations spanning thousands of years, suggesting a need to move the historical horizon deeper into prehistory.

Books and Society Information

The issue also includes a list of recommended books related to ancient astronauts and related topics, such as "Catastrophism and the Old Testament," "Dragon Treasures," "The Face on Mars," "Return to Mars," "The Oak Island Quest," and "The Ark of Noah." Information about the Ancient Astronaut Society is provided, including its founding in 1973, its tax-exempt status, and its mission to promote scientific, literary, and educational exploration of ancient astronaut theories.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the ancient astronaut hypothesis, the potential influence of extraterrestrial intelligence on human history and civilization, and the interpretation of ancient texts and artifacts as evidence of past contact. The editorial stance of Ancient Skies is clearly in favor of exploring these possibilities, encouraging readers to question conventional historical and scientific narratives and to 'Come Search With Us!' The magazine aims to present evidence and theories that support the idea of ancient ET visitation and its impact on humanity's past and present.