Approach - Vol 1 No 05 - 1958 08

Magazine Overview

Title: APPROACH
Issue: Vol. 1, No. 5
Date: August, 1958
Publisher: Sagittarius Publishers, Pretoria, South Africa
Editor: Edgar Sievers

This issue of APPROACH, a monthly review focused on 'Man in Life and Space', presents a blend of philosophical reflection, UFO reports, and speculative narratives.

Meeting the Challenges

The lead editorial, 'Meeting the Challenges', posits that true progress comes not from escapism but from confronting life's difficulties with inner detachment and preparedness. It criticizes religious figures who condemn worldly activities and argues that the point is not avoiding temptation but how one faces it. The editorial stresses the importance of developing one's 'inner man' through continuous effort and engagement with life's tasks, rather than seeking salvation through avoidance. It suggests that the 'space people' want humanity to build up health, morals, and character through unselfish unfoldment, not stagnation.

UFO Over Accra, Ghana

Reported by James H. Neal, this article details a sighting on May 10, 1958, at approximately 4:40 AM. Neal observed a bright light in the sky over Accra that swayed slightly before disappearing. He notes a similar object seen a month earlier near Keta, suggesting ongoing interest from 'friends from outer space' in Ghana.

A Point, a Theme and my Angle

This piece reflects on the entries to an 80-word competition titled 'Looking Up Into The Sky What Am I Hoping For?'. The author analyzed whether entrants focused on individualistic, egocentric thoughts or a broader, more inclusive outlook. The assessment criteria included whether the hope expressed was sentimental or reflected inner strength and a drive toward action. The author expresses pleasant surprise at the high quality and cosmic perspective shown by the entrants, noting a shared viewpoint of looking at human affairs with a 'cosmic eye'.

Africa Region Liaison Group

This section announces the next meeting of the Africa Region Liaison Group in Pretoria on September 24th, which will discuss Dr. Rampa's article and related questions. Arrangements for a Johannesburg meeting are pending.

Is There Stagnation in the UFO Field?

This article addresses the question of stagnation in UFO interest. It acknowledges a perceived lull but argues that sightings are increasing globally. The author identifies two main reasons for the feeling of stagnation: (1) governments, particularly the USA and UK, are not releasing their UFO files, and (2) the reports, sightings, and theories have become repetitive and boring. The article dismisses the idea that governments would ever release UFO information, fearing the implications for their 'space race' narratives and perceived global power. It argues that the UFO phenomenon is not about fantasy but about a call for humanity to build up health, morals, and character, urging unselfish unfoldment.

Dr. T. Lobsang Rampa: Journey into Space (Concl.)

The concluding part of Dr. Rampa's narrative describes a journey with 'space people' to Venus. The account details the arrival on Venus, describing beautiful cities and people without ugliness of mind or body. The group is then taken to a 'Hall of Knowledge' where they witness a simulated history of Earth, from its molten beginnings to the rise and fall of civilizations like Poseidon, Lemuria, and Atlantis. They are shown the probable future of Earth and are told that the 'space people' guard Earth because of humanity's folly. The experience is described as overwhelming, with the narrator feeling that their capacity for surprise had ended. The article concludes with a reflection on the profound nature of these experiences, suggesting they are not fantasy but truth, an 'aeon-old evangelium' of bliss and salvation.

Book Order Service

This section lists available books, including 'Change' by Barker G. (now 20s.), 'Flying Saucer Review's World Roundup of UFO Sightings & Events' (29s.), and GA's 'Course in Telepathy' (85s.). It also notes that Arnold's 'Coming of the Saucers' and McCoy's 'They Shall Be Gathered Together' are out of print.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a worldview that integrates UFO phenomena with spiritual and personal development. There is a strong emphasis on inner growth, confronting challenges, and understanding humanity's place in a larger cosmic context. The editorial stance is critical of government secrecy regarding UFOs and advocates for a more enlightened, less materialistic approach to life. The narrative of contactees, like Dr. Rampa, is presented not as mere fantasy but as factual accounts conveying profound truths about existence and humanity's potential.