APPROACH

Magazine Overview

Title: APPROACH
Issue: Vol. 2, No. 5
Date: August, 1959
Publisher: Sagittarius Publishers, Pretoria, South Africa
Editor: Edgar Sievers

APPROACH is described as a non-profit, Peace and Brotherhood Programme publication. This issue, dated August 1959, offers a monthly review focusing on 'Man in Life and Space,' with a strong emphasis on UFO phenomena, spirituality, and socio-political commentary.

Contents

The magazine features several articles and news sections:

• To Swim Back to the Rock (p. 25): An editorial reflecting on the widespread restlessness of the era and the perceived failure of organized religion to provide spiritual guidance, advocating for a turn towards the 'innermost self'.
• South Africa's Voice is Missing (p. 26): A commentary on the political landscape, particularly critiquing France's actions under De Gaulle and South Africa's perceived inaction regarding nuclear testing in the Sahara.
• The Film G.A. has Shown on his Lecture Tour (p. 26-27): A report on a film presented by George Adamski, detailing his claims about deciphering symbols on UFO photos, a Mexican farmer's encounter with space beings, and Adamski's own investigations.
• Space Ship Field News: Southern Africa Often Visited (p. 28-30): A compilation of UFO sightings in Southern Africa, including descriptions of 'green fireballs,' scout craft, and larger objects, with specific reports from Natal, the Orange Free State, and other regions.

To Swim Back to the Rock

This editorial piece, appearing on page 25, addresses the pervasive sense of restlessness in contemporary society across various fields, from international politics to personal lives. It notes that many groups and movements attempt to capitalize on this by offering simplistic solutions. The author laments that organized religion, particularly in the West, has failed to fulfill its responsibilities, not only by being unable to prevent conflicts but also by failing to fortify individuals against materialism and moral decay. The proliferation of over 600 'Christian' sects is cited as evidence of spiritual fragmentation. The article proposes that individuals who have lost faith in organized religion should turn their gaze inward to their 'innermost self,' which is described as the 'Father's very home,' a source of power, knowledge, and a shield against the world's difficulties.

South Africa's Voice is Missing

This article on page 26 discusses the impact of strong leadership, using Charles de Gaulle's reorganization of France as an example. It contrasts this with South Africa's perceived lack of decisive national direction. The author criticizes France's ambition to join the atomic power bloc and its nuclear testing plans in the Sahara. The piece expresses disappointment that South Africa, a leading African nation, is choosing to 'turn a blind eye' to these issues, suggesting that this inaction will lead to negative consequences ('fresh karma is woven').

The Film George Adamski Has Shown on His Lecture Tour

This section, spanning pages 26 to 27, summarizes a film presented by George Adamski. According to liaison ladies Lou Zinsstag and Rey d'Aquila, the film's first half consists of documentary material, while the second half features color movie shots of UFOs taken by Adamski. The film aims to explain the meaning of symbols found on photos and footprints, which Adamski believes are a technical code revealing the secret of space ship propulsion. It is mentioned that a German and a Polish scientist have succeeded in deciphering this code. The article also recounts Adamski's investigation into a Mexican farmer's encounter with space beings, which was declared authentic by the Mexican government after three years. The farmer, a former university professor, reportedly hosted two beings for four days and was even invited to visit Venus. The film also includes a photograph of an oil painting of an entity named Orthon, done with his consent. Adamski suggests that the truth about these matters is accessible only through a special 'key' that cannot be made public. The section concludes with a mention of the Trinidad sighting and a UFO photographed from the naval vessel Almirante Saldanha.

Space Ship Field News: Southern Africa Often Visited

This extensive report, covering pages 28 to 30, details numerous UFO sightings in Southern Africa. It notes a significant number of reports, particularly concerning 'blue fireballs' and 'green fireballs,' which were observed in the eastern half of the Union, with Natal Province being a frequent location. The author suggests these phenomena are unlikely to be meteorites due to their consistent appearance over months. Several incidents are described: objects seen to 'break into pieces' and 'disappear,' a flaming object over Donnybrook that shed 'pieces,' and a farmer near Reitz who saw an object 'explode into 3 parts.' Sightings of 'scout craft' and 'space ships' are also reported, including a large object hovering near Pretoria, a silver, top-shaped object seen in Steynsburg, and a high-speed object observed by an ex-fighter pilot near Bloemfontein. The report also includes sightings from Salisbury, Southern Rhodesia, involving multiple 'Flying Saucers.' A significant event mentioned is a 'long white object' seen over Sterkstroom. The section concludes with a report from Papua, New Guinea, by Father W. B. Gill, detailing an encounter with a large flying object and smaller ones, where 'illuminated men' waved and exchanged signals, suggesting a friendly greeting from extraterrestrial visitors. The editor emphasizes the importance of showing friendliness and open-mindedness towards such visitors.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of APPROACH are the search for spiritual truth beyond conventional religious structures, the growing evidence and reporting of UFO phenomena, and a critical stance on contemporary political actions, particularly concerning nuclear proliferation and nationalistic ambitions. The editorial stance, as expressed in 'To Swim Back to the Rock' and the concluding remarks on the Papua report, advocates for introspection, open-mindedness, and a peaceful, friendly approach towards potential extraterrestrial visitors. There is a clear interest in the intersection of science, spirituality, and unexplained phenomena, with a tendency to view these events as significant indicators of a larger cosmic reality.