APPROACH

Magazine Overview

Title: APPROACH
Issue: Vol. 1, No. 9
Date: December, 1958
Publisher: Sagittarius Publishers
Country: South Africa
Editor: Edgar Sievers

This issue of APPROACH, a monthly review focused on 'Man in Life and Space', presents a blend of philosophical, spiritual, and UFO-related content. It is a non-profit publication by the Peace and Brotherhood Programme, aiming to foster understanding and unity.

Articles

Suffering a State of Unbalance (Page 53)

The lead article posits that suffering is a consequence of unbalance, questioning the traditional notions of good and evil. It suggests that God is the embodiment of universal law and justice, and that creation involves movement and the subsequent need for balance. The author argues that when individuals recognize this, suffering can cease. The article touches upon the idea of 'punishment' within the concept of divine love and explores the dynamic nature of God's creation.

Sightings, and Prophecies (Page 54)

This section reviews the past year's developments in cosmic and interplanetary knowledge, noting a significant increase in UFO sighting reports from various countries, including Denmark, South America (with photographic evidence), and a notable 'flap' in the USA during August/September. It dismisses prophecies of mass landings and alien interference as originating from psychic sources, contrasting them with the magazine's focus on maintaining balance.

Season of Light in Darkness (Page 54-55)

Connecting the December solstice to ancient traditions, this article discusses the return of the sun and its symbolic representation of light, warmth, and enlightenment. It draws parallels between the sun's struggle against winter darkness and the ongoing efforts of 'struggling and labouring forces and entities' in subtler realms to achieve a 'New light' of understanding and mastery. The text emphasizes that this is a cyclic process of regeneration and elevation, applicable to both nature and human spiritual unfoldment.

On Achievements and Opportunities (Page 56)

This piece reflects on the progress of the APPROACH review since its launch nine months prior. It notes a steady increase in subscribers, reaching 175, and highlights that the actual readership is significantly higher due to exchange copies and a network of 'virtual sputniks'. The magazine's influence extends to nearly 20 foreign countries. The article reiterates the publication's goal of promoting peace and brotherhood, suggesting that the most effective method is to 'just BE peace' and 'BE brotherly', aligning with the efforts of liaison groups worldwide.

The UFO News Stand (Page 57)

This section reports on several UFO-related developments. It details NICAP's belief that the 'Straith' letter sent to George Adamski was a hoax and that they may know the identity of the hoaxer. The article also mentions Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary Jameson Parker's denial of Adamski's claims regarding the letter. Further news includes Professor Hermann Oberth's statement that approximately 2% of UFO reports remain unexplained and are attributed to 'Uranides'. Unconfirmed reports suggest George Hunt (Ric) Williamson was invited to meet the Queen, and the unexpected death of his wife Betty, a witness to an Adamski encounter, is noted. Finally, Otis T. Carr's announcement of a planned Moon trip in his own saucer-like craft is mentioned.

Book Review: Questions and Answers (Page 58)

This review covers George Adamski's five-part booklet, 'Questions and Answers', which addresses 100 questions from correspondents on UFOs, cosmic science, and related topics. The reviewer finds the answers to be direct and precise, though sometimes incomplete due to the vastness of the subjects. The questions range from basic to advanced, touching upon the nature of space people, their connection to teachings about Earth's destiny, and the concept of 'Etherians'. The review emphasizes the importance of self-understanding in recognizing 'space people' and advises caution against impostors.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the interconnectedness of spiritual growth, universal laws, and the concept of balance. The magazine consistently promotes peace, brotherhood, and a holistic understanding of life, encouraging readers to actively participate in achieving these goals. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO phenomena while grounding these investigations within a broader spiritual and philosophical framework. There is a clear emphasis on personal responsibility and inner development as pathways to understanding and positive change.