ANCIENT SKIES

Magazine Overview

Title: ANCIENT SKIES
Issue: Volume 20, Number 6
Date: January-February, 1994
Publisher: ANCIENT ASTRONAUT SOCIETY
Country: USA

This issue of ANCIENT SKIES, the official logbook of the Ancient Astronaut Society, delves into the historical evidence of paleocontacts, exploring the possibility of extraterrestrial visitations to Earth in ancient times. The magazine features articles by Dr. Matest M. Agrest and Robin Collyns, examining biblical texts, ancient legends, and archaeological findings through the lens of ancient astronaut theories.

The Historical Evidence of Paleocontacts by Dr. Matest M. Agrest

Dr. Agrest, a physicist and astrophysicist, presents his research on paleocontacts, connecting the problem to various scientific and philosophical branches. He focuses on the Hebrew Bible, particularly the Book of Genesis, to find evidence of ancient visitors. He highlights Genesis VI, 4, where the term "Nephilim" is used. Agrest argues that the common translation of "Nephilim" as "giants" is incorrect and that its true meaning is "beings fallen from the sky," supporting the idea of extraterrestrial descent.

He discusses the translation of the Hebrew text and contrasts it with English translations, noting that the transliterated word "Nephilim" is often used instead of a translated meaning. Agrest references Jewish traditions, including the Talmud Babylonian and the Book of Zohar, which also interpret "Nephilim" as manlike beings of great size who descended from the sky.

Another key biblical passage examined is Genesis V, 24, concerning the Patriarch Enoch. Agrest notes that while the Bible records the deaths of other patriarchs, Enoch's death is not mentioned, and he was "taken" by God. This is interpreted as a possible ascension to the sky, an event opposite to the descent of the "Nephilim."

Agrest introduces the "Book of Enoch," discovered by James Bruce in Ethiopia. This book, though potentially altered over time, contains accounts of "angels, the sons of heaven," descending on Mount Hermon during the time of Jared, Enoch's father. The name "Jared" itself means "descended," further supporting the theory.

Further evidence is drawn from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, described in a manner akin to a nuclear explosion, with warnings of blindness and radiation. The story of Lot's wife turning into a pillar of salt is also mentioned.

Agrest also points to the massive stone structures at Baalbek, specifically the "trilithon," as evidence of advanced ancient engineering that might be attributed to extraterrestrial intervention. He questions who quarried and moved these enormous blocks.

He recounts how his ideas, published in "Literaturnaja Gazeta" in 1960, generated significant international attention, despite initial criticism and accusations of undermining Soviet science. He mentions his article "Astronauts of Yore" and its inclusion in various publications.

Agrest concludes that Earth has been visited by manlike, anthropomorphic extraterrestrial astronauts, that many planets are inhabited, and that anthropomorphism is a universal principle for intelligent beings. He calls for aligning Earth's philosophy with these conclusions.

Sacred and Magic Numbers by Robin Collyns

Robin Collyns responds to an article by Max H. Flindt and Vella Munn regarding inherent mathematical ability inherited from extraterrestrials. Collyns proposes that sophisticated mathematical knowledge was taught to early cultures by extraterrestrials.

He highlights the importance of mathematics in understanding the physical world and mentions the discovery of "magic numbers" in physics, such as clusters of xenon atoms forming stable groupings (13, 19, 25, 55, 71, 87, and 147 atoms). These numbers are also significant in mathematical sphere packing, like icosahedrons.

Collyns discusses the mathematical order of the cosmos, referencing Yan Einasto's theory of the universe being structured like a "honeycomb" with vast cavities filled with neutrino particles. He touches upon the concept of multiple universes and the theoretical formation of bubble universes.

He also explores ancient knowledge, mentioning the teachings of Yogis and the Bhagavad-Gita, and the possibility that such knowledge of physical universes could only come from extraterrestrials.

Collyns points to the number 666 in the Book of Revelations as a potential code imparted by extraterrestrials, possibly related to a comet's orbit. He notes that the passage implies it would be decoded by a future computer generation.

He discusses the advanced mathematics of the Mesopotamians, including knowledge of cubic and biquadric equations and accurate calculations of the Earth's radius, suggesting contact with a scientifically developed civilization.

Collyns also references classical writings, such as a description of a version of Homer's Iliad written on parchment so small it could fit into a "nutshell," hinting at advanced technology.

Finally, he mentions the discovery by Russian scientists of eight "sacred numbers" (3, 7, 9, 11, 13, 24, 27, and 36) found throughout ancient cultures, which appear to represent celestial mathematics and planetary data, suggesting a single, unknown source.

Other Contributions

Spacemen in Ancient Mexico?

A brief note describes an exhibit at the De Young Museum in San Francisco featuring "greenstone" cones found with skeletons at Teotihuacan, noting their similarity to Apollo reentry vehicles. A seven-ray motif found in a cave is linked to the lost kingdom of "Lemuria."

Letters to the Editor

Two letters from astrophysicist Iosef S. Shklovsky to Dr. Agrest are quoted. Shklovsky expresses interest in Agrest's work on Enoch and paleocontacts, noting that Carl Sagan was also exploring similar ideas. He suggests that Agrest send Sagan his publications, as Sagan was paying attention to Babylonian ethos.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the interpretation of ancient texts, particularly the Bible, as evidence for extraterrestrial contact, and the exploration of advanced ancient knowledge, especially in mathematics, as a product of such contact. The magazine's stance, as represented by its articles and the society it represents, is to actively investigate and promote the theory of ancient astronauts and their influence on human civilization. The tone is one of serious inquiry, seeking to connect historical, religious, and scientific data to support the central hypothesis.