Ancient Skies - Vol 23 No 3 - 1996

Magazine Overview

Title: Ancient Skies
Issue: Volume 23, Number 3
Date: July-August, 1996
Publisher: Ancient Astronaut Society
Country: USA
Cover Headline: ATLANTIS - A NEW VIEW OF THE ISLAND CONTINENT AND ITS DESTRUCTION

This issue of Ancient Skies delves into speculative theories surrounding ancient civilizations, extraterrestrial encounters, and the interpretation of myths and legends through the lens of ancient astronaut theory.

Atlantis: A New View of the Island Continent and Its Destruction

By Heli Sarre, this article proposes a novel theory about the island continent of Atlantis. Sarre acknowledges the lack of empirical evidence for a sunken continent in the Atlantic and suggests that Atlantis might have been an artificial island. The theory posits that 'gods from outer space' participated in its construction, with the Greek god Poseidon, identified with the Egyptian god Ptah and Sumerian god Enki, playing a key role. These 'scientist-gods' allegedly developed the island, possibly using gold and 'oricalcum', and created a 'natural water filter' of limestone to provide potable water. The destruction of Atlantis is theorized to have occurred either through a massive tidal wave caused by the Antarctic ice cap sliding into the ocean, or by the release of underground gas from the sea floor, causing the artificial island to sink. Sarre draws a parallel to the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan, built on floating gardens, as an example of artificial island construction. The article concludes by inviting feedback from engineers and scientists on the feasibility of this hypothesis.

Abductions Past and Present

This section, co-authored by Nicolas Benzin and Ronald R. Rattmann, explores the phenomenon of alien abductions. The authors note the common descriptions of abductees being taken by grey beings with large heads and the aliens' alleged interest in genetic material for a breeding program, potentially creating hybrid beings. The 'missing time effect' is also discussed. The article posits that the current abduction phenomenon may have ancient roots, with similar motives found in European legends, particularly from northern Hessia. Legends of 'goblins' abducting people, seeking sexual union, and engaging in breeding programs, as well as the 'stealing' of babies (paralleling the missing embryo syndrome), are presented as ancient counterparts to modern abduction accounts. The physical descriptions of these legendary beings, with grey skin and big heads, are also compared to alien descriptions. The authors encourage readers to search for similar legends in their home countries.

Other Articles and Contributions

• Children of God? by Martin Bruijns discusses the striking resemblance between fetuses at about 8 weeks gestation and descriptions of aliens, questioning if this is a coincidence or if aliens are beings that develop differently, possibly using telepathy due to undeveloped vocal cords. The article references Budd Hopkins' work on alien abductions leading to pregnancies that end prematurely and the claim of meeting children in subsequent abductions. It also draws a parallel to the biblical account of 'sons of God' taking human wives and fathering giants, suggesting a possible link to paranormal abilities.
• Dropa, Hoax or Dried Cornstalks? by Joyce M. Sachs presents information about the Dropa, an alleged alien race from China, and an oddity found in the 'Million Dollar Museum' in White City, New Mexico. The exhibit consists of mummified 'remains' with large heads and adult-like bodies, found in the mountains near Carlsbad. Sachs suggests these could be related to the Dropa or an advanced race, and notes the potential connection to the 'Clovis Man' era, approximately 12,000 years ago.
• Children of God? (continued) by Martin Bruijns explores the biblical narrative of 'sons of God' and human women, and the resulting 'giants' or 'mighty men of old.' Bruijns questions if this refers to mythological beings from Atlantis, Mu, or other ancient cultures, and if their descendants possess paranormal abilities.
• Maya Calculations Far into the Past and into the Future (Appendix IV to Maya Hieroglyphic Writing: an Introduction) by J. Eric S. Thompson is cited, referencing Maya dates recorded into the remote past, with the oldest known date appearing on Stela D at Quirigua, Guatemala, approximately 400 million years into the past.
• Magellan Reveals Venus by Cordula Robinson is cited, discussing a dramatic event that resurfaced the planet Venus some 300 to 400 million years ago. This is linked to the hypothesis that our remote ancestors came to Earth from Venus.
• Sind Wir Allein? (Are We Alone?) is mentioned as an anthology of lectures from the Ancient Astronaut Society's World Conference, featuring articles by Erich von Daniken and others.
• Robin Collyns' article in Ancient Skies 23:2 is referenced for a scenario on the 'seeding' of life on Earth, suggesting alternative approaches to interpreting evolutionary patterns.
• Dr. Stuart W. Greenwood is mentioned in relation to the hypothesis of remote ancestors coming from Venus.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the ancient astronaut theory, the possibility of extraterrestrial influence on ancient civilizations, and the interpretation of myths, legends, and unexplained phenomena as evidence of past alien contact. The magazine's stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, encouraging research and discussion, and presenting speculative theories alongside historical and mythological accounts. The editorial emphasis is on exploring alternative explanations for historical mysteries and phenomena that challenge conventional scientific and historical paradigms.