APPROACH

Magazine Overview

Title: APPROACH
Issue: Vol. 1, No. 10
Date: January, 1959
Publisher: Sagittarius Publishers, Pretoria, South Africa
Editor: Edgar Sievers

This issue of APPROACH, a monthly review focusing on 'Man in Life and Space,' presents a blend of spiritual philosophy, commentary on current events, and UFO-related news and reviews. The publication is described as non-profit, a Peace and Brotherhood Programme.

Knowledge of the Innermost Support

The lead article, "Knowledge of the Innermost Support," argues that Man, in any state, is always within God, who is the ALL-Embracing. It posits that fallen Man has not fallen out of or away from God, and that Man's existence is contingent on God's presence within him. This knowledge, when deeply understood, is presented as the key to overcoming feelings of despair, forlornness, and annihilation. The author distinguishes between intellectual understanding and true experiential knowledge, which comes from deep contemplation. This inner support is described as the most satisfying and quieting aspect of existence, offering peace, security, and a feeling of being protected. The article concludes by posing the question of why Man is called 'fallen' and why failure exists.

GA's World Tour

This section reports on George Adamski's (GA) upcoming world tour, which commenced on the 17th of the month from California. His aim is to lecture to a wide public and meet friends. The article notes the significant preparatory work involved and expresses doubt about the inclusion of the African continent in the itinerary unless more funds are raised. It highlights the formidable challenges in the region but expresses confidence in overcoming them. The author acknowledges the strain on Adamski, considering his advanced age, and believes his efforts will be appreciated by his readers.

Space Conquest, and the Enslavement of Nations

This article critically examines the implications of the Soviet Union's achievement in placing a rocket in orbit around the sun. While acknowledging it as a technical triumph, the author expresses suspicion regarding the aims and motives behind such efforts. The possibility of landing on the moon is discussed, noting the significant problems yet to be solved for a safe return. The article argues that the immense resources, money, and material invested in space programs are a 'vicious necessity' to maintain the world's economic system and armament machine. It criticizes these programs as a burden on 'poor peoples,' citing the U.S.A.'s budget deficit and its impact on future taxpayers, leading to a form of serfdom. The author suggests that from a cosmic perspective, these endeavors are a 'sordid spectacle' and a 'sarcastic tragedy.' The article asserts that outer space is inhabited by a superior order, and Earthmen will face disillusionment. It questions the justification for space conquest, arguing that the 'adventurous spirit' is a trend of the few, while majorities are content with the past. The scale of modern space projects is seen as involving the resources of continents and the tribute of millions, raising questions about who bears the responsibility. The author links this to the 'great whore Babylon' and suggests that the current race is not about adventure but about fear of a neighbor gaining a strategic position, thinly disguised as a race for superiority and world mastery. The visit of Mr. Mikoyan to the USA is seen as an attempt to mollify American feelings after the Russian setback, but it is interpreted as another Russian success.

"They Were Trying to Bribe Me!"

This section features a statement by George Adamski (G.A.), confirming rumors about attempts to suppress UFO information through financial offers. Adamski recounts being offered $25,000 to declare Frank Scully's book 'Behind the Flying Saucers' as fiction. Later, in 1954, he was offered $35,000 for his part in 'Flying Saucers Have Landed' with a similar suggestion. In 1957, a committee of two men made a similar offer for his work on 'Inside the Space Ships.' Adamski states he refused all offers and that the men would not reveal their names or affiliations, leading him to conclude that vested interests are behind these attempts to silence the truth about UFOs.

A Point, a Theme and my Angle

This piece highlights a quote from Miss Lucy McGinnis, GA's secretary, emphasizing that the subject of interplanetary visitors is a serious matter, not mere entertainment, and that people have considered UFO meetings as such for too long. The author agrees with this sentiment and notes that GA's lecture tours, including one in the Mid-West and his upcoming world tour, are significant in dispelling such misconceptions. The article suggests that UFOs appeal to all mankind, showing a path to salvation, but that salvation requires personal effort. It encourages those whose saucer curiosity is turning into personal resolve to be on the right track.

Africa Region Liaison Group

This update reports on contributions received for the George Adamski Visit Fund, which enabled the remittance of a quota to the Queensland Flying Saucer Research Bureau in Australia. It details GA's planned tour of Australia and New Zealand in January, February, and March, with potential visits to Japan and India. He is scheduled to tour England from April 12 to May 11, followed by Scandinavia and the Continent (Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland) through May, June, and July. The group still needs to raise approximately £500 to cover the costs of GA's return flight from Europe. Centre Organisers will be appointed to coordinate activities.

The UFO News Stand

This section provides brief news items: a new contact claimant, Dan Martin from Mexico, claims to have met people from Mercury and spent time on a mother ship. George Adamski sent a message to German-speaking followers regarding the publication of 'Inside the Space Ships' in German, which has reached its second impression. An interesting note mentions a Catholic periodical in Germany publishing a photograph of an 'Abominable Snowman' taken in the Seminow mountains, with an estimated population of 80 living in extreme cold.

Book Review: Discourses by a Certain Diane

Dana Howard reviews "Over the Threshold" by Diane, published by Llewellyn Publications. The reviewer finds the book to be neither exceptional nor poor, describing the author as gifted but noting that her 'discourses' on topics like intuition, disease, reincarnation, finance, and consciousness do not reveal fundamentally new information. The reviewer criticizes the book for its undefined terminology, logical inconsistencies, and the tendency for psychics to lack historical sense. The 'inventions' by Diane's 'Venusians' are deemed to be recent creations. The reviewer suggests that 'Diane' is a psychic creation of the writer herself, borrowing heavily from the authoress's own mind. The claim that this is the first time 'Diane' has communicated with beings on Earth is dismissed as 'plain bunk.' The reviewer concludes that the book has no value for UFO studies but is 'priceless' as material for studying comparative psychism and the pitfalls of occult realms.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the nature of God and humanity's relationship with the divine, the critical examination of space exploration as a potentially deceptive geopolitical and economic endeavor, and the persistent interest in UFO phenomena, including allegations of suppression and personal contact experiences. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards official narratives regarding space and a belief in the significance of UFOs, while also cautioning against the pitfalls of occult pursuits. There is a strong emphasis on spiritual understanding as a source of inner strength and security, contrasted with the perceived materialism and fear driving global politics and technological races.