ANCIENT SKIES

Magazine Overview

Title: ANCIENT SKIES
Issue: VOLUME 24, NUMBER 6
Date: JANUARY-FEBRUARY, 1998
Publisher: ANCIENT ASTRONAUT SOCIETY
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of ANCIENT SKIES, the Official Logbook of the Ancient Astronaut Society, delves into controversial topics concerning human origins and ancient technologies. The cover story, "THE MYSTERIOUS ORIGINS OF MAN: A CASE OF ATTEMPTED SUPPRESSION" by Michael A. Cremo, critiques the scientific establishment's reaction to evidence suggesting extreme human antiquity. The magazine also features an article by Bo Lindkvist on the "Shamir" and its potential extraterrestrial origins, alongside book reviews and conference announcements.

The Mysterious Origins of Man: A Case of Attempted Suppression

Michael A. Cremo, author of "Forbidden Archeology," discusses the intense negative reaction from the scientific world to the NBC television special "The Mysterious Origins of Man." He argues that this reaction highlights a resistance to evidence that contradicts mainstream scientific theories, particularly regarding human antiquity. Cremo states that standard scientific views place human origins around 100,000 years ago, with earlier ancestors appearing millions of years ago. However, "Forbidden Archeology" documents hundreds of cases suggesting human beings have existed for two or three billion years, a timeline consistent with ancient Sanskrit writings.

Cremo posits that if humans have existed for such an extended period, Darwinian evolutionary explanations are inadequate, leading to the hypothesis of extraterrestrial involvement. He references ancient Sanskrit texts that speak of humanoid beings from other planets traveling in spacecraft called "vimanas." These texts distinguish between space-traveling humans and gods, suggesting that ancient accounts of gods might be interpretations of encounters with advanced extraterrestrial visitors.

Cremo elaborates on the "knowledge filter" – a process by which dominant scientific groups suppress contradictory evidence. He recounts how the producers of "The Mysterious Origins of Man" faced significant obstacles in filming artifacts from California gold mines, which geological evidence suggests are 50 million years old. The Phoebe Hearst Natural History Museum allegedly refused access, citing staff shortages and fund issues, even when filming costs were offered.

Similarly, attempts to film the pyramid complex at Teotihuacan were met with demands for script approval and promises not to mention UFOs or spacemen, ultimately resulting in denied permission. Cremo suggests this is evidence of a "good old boys network" controlling information that challenges established views.

The article highlights the scientific community's outrage, particularly concerning the program's anti-Darwinian message. An excerpt from "Science" magazine illustrates this, noting the "indignation spilling out" over the suggestion that humans coexisted with dinosaurs and that evidence was being suppressed. Internet comments reveal strong criticism, with some calling for apologies and others labeling the program as "hooey."

Cremo attributes the scientific fury to a desire to control the minds of students and maintain government funding for research supporting Darwinism. He notes that the National Center for Science Education received numerous calls from teachers struggling to answer student questions after the program aired.

A letter campaign was organized against NBC and its sponsors. Cremo also mentions the criticism of "Forbidden Archeology" itself, with some detractors admitting they had not read the book. Producer Bill Cote is quoted stating their goal was to present an alternative view and question fundamental issues, acknowledging the unexpected level of outrage.

Dr. Jere H. Lipps, a paleontologist, is quoted criticizing the program as a "scientific travesty" and a "disservice to the general public." He urged scientists to object to NBC's portrayal of the program as science and to pressure sponsors. Calls for boycotts and pressure on NBC's parent company, General Electric, are also mentioned.

Cremo contrasts this with the perceived courage of NBC in rebroadcasting the program and using the protests to promote it, seeing it as a sign of intellectual freedom. He criticizes attempts by figures like Dr. Allison R. Palmer, president of the Institute for Cambrian Studies, to involve the FCC in censoring the program, viewing such actions as attempts to intimidate and silence dissenting views.

He concludes that fundamentalist Darwinism operates as an ideology, sometimes upheld by unscientific means like intimidation. Cremo asserts that Darwinism is an article of faith, and its adherents seek a monopoly on public thought, which he hopes they will never achieve. The article notes that more documentation on these reactions can be found in Cremo's upcoming book, "Forbidden Archeology's Impact."

Still More on the Shamir

Bo Lindkvist presents his belief that the "Shamir" was a divine tool used by extraterrestrials. He has observed stone-cutting sites worldwide that he believes could only have been achieved with sophisticated tools. Lindkvist describes marble quarries in Pieria, Greece, where he saw stones with horizontal tracks and circular cuttings that appear to have been burned into the stone, suggesting a tool like a laser. He also notes similar markings in Aswan, Egypt, which he likens to typist spacing lines.

Lindkvist mentions a method called "Jet-Burning" used in Sweden, which produces a flame with a velocity of 4000 feet per second, making surfaces soft as velvet. He references the Judishes Lexikon, which describes the Shamir as a "fabulous worm" that helped Solomon split stone blocks for building the Temple. Lindkvist argues that this was not magic but real tools and machines from advanced technology.

He interprets the biblical story of Solomon and the Archangel Michael's magical seal ring, used to trap a demon to help place the corner stone of the Temple, as a possible reference to a large helicopter or advanced machinery. Lindkvist concludes that many ancient tales reflect the use of machinery and engineering science in prehistory.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly advocates for the ancient astronaut hypothesis and challenges conventional scientific narratives, particularly regarding human origins and ancient technologies. The editorial stance is critical of the mainstream scientific establishment, portraying it as resistant to evidence that contradicts established theories and prone to suppressing alternative viewpoints through a "knowledge filter." The magazine champions intellectual freedom and the exploration of unconventional ideas, suggesting that ancient myths and texts may hold clues to advanced extraterrestrial interactions in Earth's past. The articles promote a view of history where advanced technologies and non-terrestrial influences played significant roles, contrasting this with what they describe as the dogmatic adherence to Darwinian evolution by some scientists.