Approach - Vol 2 No 01 - 1959 04

Magazine Overview

Title: APPROACH
Issue: Vol. 2, No. 1
Date: April, 1959
Publisher: Sagittarius Publishers, Pretoria, South Africa
Editor: Edgar Sievers

This issue of APPROACH, a monthly review focused on 'Man in Life and Space,' marks the commencement of its second volume. The publication is described as a non-profit, Peace and Brotherhood Programme initiative.

Editorial: To Arm Ourselves for the Future

The editorial sets the tone for the year, emphasizing a less systematic, more relaxed approach to discussing humanity's problems. It highlights the immense scale of upcoming developments, suggesting that current troubles will pale in comparison to those emerging in the next twenty-five years. The editorial posits that the causes of these future events have long been laid, and what is observed now is merely the beginning of their consummation. It draws a parallel to past civilizations whose downfall was potentially linked to the excessive release of atomic energy. The piece urges readers to seek wisdom from rare human beings of the past and to consider how to arm themselves against detrimental influences, becoming resistant and a positive force for others.

Articles and Features

Bombtests Are Almost Daily News

This article critiques the materialistic age's focus on scientific and technical endeavors that lead to self-destruction, specifically the continued bomb testing. It argues that humanity's pursuit of knowledge about life has led to dissection and suffering, and the exploitation of atomic power, driven by folly rather than fear, represents a disregard for life and a form of madness. The author calls for a return to sanity by respecting life.

Pilots Call Air Force Secrecy Ridiculous

Staff writer John Lester reports on a group of over 50 commercial airline pilots who have blasted the U.S. Air Force's policy of censorship and denial regarding UFOs. The pilots, many with extensive experience, find the secrecy 'ridiculous' and 'bordering on the absolute ridiculous.' Their testimonies have gained momentum, leading to calls for public hearings. The article notes that while the pilots' names are known, they are withheld due to the ongoing ban on disclosure. Pilots report being treated as incompetents when reporting sightings, often dismissed as mirages or lightning bolts. Military pilots face severe penalties for discussing their experiences.

Night Session Dialogue: Mediumship is Opposite of Adeptship

This section continues a discussion on 'Psychicism in UFOlogy.' It addresses the claim by George Adamski of telepathic contact with space travelers, contrasting it with other methods like visions or trance states. The dialogue distinguishes between true telepathy, defined as conscious and controlled use of mind energy, and passive reception of impressions. It emphasizes the importance of mind control, reasoning, and discrimination, arguing that true helpers of mankind, like Jesus, Albert Schweitzer, and Gandhi, did not rely on mediumship but on love and selflessness. The piece suggests that mediumship is a passive instrument, whereas adeptship involves active self-control. It also touches upon the misuse of terms like 'spirit' and 'spiritual communication,' differentiating between external observation and internal mind-level energies.

Space Ship Field News

• This section presents several recent reports of alleged UFO sightings:
• A privately received report of a space ship accompanying an airliner from Cape Town to Windhoek in March.
• A scout ship observed by a member of the Diplomatic Corps in Potgietersrus, described as 3000 ft high, football-sized, gliding slowly, revolving, and surrounded by a golden reflection before disappearing straight up.
• A sighting by Hélène Bilger in July '58 of a 'batch of white clouds' illuminated by white light, with a greyish disc amongst them that slowly disappeared.
• Comments suggest that hovering ships might be surrounded by condensation clouds in humid air, reflecting ionized atmospheric gases, with low temperatures inducing electrical phenomena.

A Point, a Theme and my Angle

This feature includes happy news from author T. Lobsang Rampa, who has settled in a new country to escape press 'snooping.' His second book, 'Doctor from Lhasa,' is expected soon. It also reports that Rey d'Aquila, the liaison lady for the Netherlands, has arranged a meeting for 'GA' (likely George Adamski) with Queen Juliana, which is anticipated to be beneficial for the cause. There is also a mention of A. van Stolk's failing health.

Africa Region Liaison Group

This section supports the idea of a world-wide International Contact Day on Whitsuntide weekend, May 17. It encourages friends to organize outings and keep their thoughts focused on space visitors. Centre Organisers are asked to take initiative, and friends in the Johannesburg/Pretoria area are directed to send particulars to Mr. C.A. Bunton for a combined outing.

Book Review: Why Staffordshire of all Places?

This review examines Gavin Gibbons' book 'The Coming of the Space Ships' (and 'They Rode in Space Ships'). The reviewer acknowledges Gibbons' romantic style and his presentation of 'flying saucer' cases, including the Ranton case where occupants of a space ship were described as having 'unsmiling expressions.' However, the reviewer finds Gibbons' theory that space ships will land in Staffordshire unconvincing, based solely on the number of sightings. The review is critical of Gibbons' editing of contact claimants Dan Fry and Truman Bethurum, finding his support unwavering and his method of forcing personal designations objectionable. The reviewer also questions the plausibility of 'high-stilted, quasi-philosophical lectures' delivered by 'men from Space' and notes the incongruity of slang like 'pal' and 'buddy' in such contexts. The review concludes that like Fry and Bethurum, the 'selected' individuals are excused for seeing themselves as unique.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the potential dangers of advanced technology (atomic energy, bomb tests), the need for spiritual and mental development over mere psychic abilities, and the ongoing investigation and reporting of UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious optimism regarding future developments, advocating for self-awareness, mind control, and a focus on love and selflessness as essential qualities for humanity's progress and survival. There is a clear distinction drawn between passive mediumship and active adeptship, with an emphasis on the latter. The magazine also actively promotes international cooperation among UFO enthusiasts for events like 'International Contact Day.'