APPROACH

Magazine Overview

Title: APPROACH
Issue: Vol. 2, No. 7
Date: October, 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 philosophical inquiry into the nature of movement and consciousness, alongside reports and discussions on UFO phenomena and potential extraterrestrial contact.

How Remote That One Point Without Movement?

The lead article, 'How Remote That One Point Without Movement?', explores the universal principle of movement, citing Heraclitus's 'panta rhei' (all is flowing). It argues that movement is fundamental to existence, underpinning light, space, form, distance, change, and duration. The author posits that the human being is a complex composition of movements, from the atomic to the emotional and mental. Despite this constant flux, the article questions the existence of an unchanging core 'self' deep within our innermost recesses. It suggests that while we are subject to immutable laws of change, there might be a fundamental aspect of ourselves that remains constant.

Moonshine – Or Not?

This editorial piece reflects on the awkward position of an editor dealing with subjects still in flux, using the impending Russian moon snaps as an example. It highlights the tension in UFOlogy quarters regarding the possibility of life on the moon, referencing 'GA' (George Adamski) and his descriptions of 'beauty and life on the satellite'. The author notes that while current pictures might not decide the issue, future ones may. It also touches upon ancient beliefs, quoting Proclus (410-485) and Orphic traditions that spoke of rivers, forests, towns, and snow on Selene (the Moon).

GA in Switzerland: Some Casual Remarks Worth Noting

This section reports on remarks made by George Adamski during his meetings in Zürich, Basle, and Locarno, as recalled by Karl L. Veit, editor of the German publication 'UFO-Nachrichten'. Adamski reportedly spoke of impending catastrophic and cosmic events that will occur under the observation of experienced space friends. He mentioned that untold numbers of space people are stationed on Earth, monitoring activities, with specific examples given of ten men and two women dispersed across Europe, including an area from Basle via Locarno and Milan to Rome.

Adamski also recounted an encounter in Locarno with a stranger who identified him and engaged in a discussion. This stranger explained why scout ships were seen moving southwards over Locarno on June 8, 1959, and mentioned a slender, cigar-like mothership observed on June 10, circled by three scout ships. The space man also suggested that diligent members of UFO groups would eventually be rewarded with contact or a ride, and that interplanetary ships have parking stations in remote Alpine valleys.

Analysis of UFO Claims and Intuition

Further articles delve into the nature of UFO claims and the role of intuition and direct experience. The author expresses conviction that genuine, communicative contacts between Earth and space beings have occurred, but places faith primarily in individuals like George Adamski and Allingham, alongside a few other cases. The text distinguishes these from psychic claims, which are deemed unreliable due to the lack of control over the channeling process. The importance of personal experience and assimilated knowledge is stressed, suggesting that intuition is a higher function of consciousness that can be accessed through introspection and by drawing upon stored knowledge from previous lifespans.

The article critiques the current human inability to easily grasp 'new' cosmic knowledge, attributing it to ignorance in previous lives. It highlights the difficulty in accepting the reality of interplanetary visitors and spacecraft, suggesting that humanity is still largely unprepared. The concept of 'modulated fields of energy' is introduced, explaining how thoughts can be transmitted and received, and how psychics might 'pick the minds' of researchers. It is proposed that humanity is reaching into higher layers of thought fields, including those of space friends, and that as our brain cells adapt, we become more capable of understanding these higher reasonings.

The text also addresses the idea of space people living among us, suggesting that their presence is logical given humanity's history of rejecting them. It posits that these beings are our elders and superiors in moral advancement, with intentions of a high order, unlike terrestrial espionage which is tied to power politics. The possibility of cosmic catastrophes is raised, with the suggestion that space people might offer rescue operations, but that human acceptance is unlikely due to a breakdown in reasoning, motivation, and ethical responsibility.

Brisbane 'Sunday Mail' Splashes Papua UFO Encounter Story

This section reports on a sensational 8-page spread in the Brisbane 'Sunday Mail' detailing a UFO sighting over New Guinea. The report, sent by Father W. B. Gill of the Boianai Anglican Mission, describes a group of 12 people, including himself, witnessing a large flying object and two smaller ones after sunset on June 27, between 6 and 6:30 p.m. Four figures were seen on top of the large object, which appeared to be a mothership. One figure waved back when Father Gill waved. The object was illuminated from the waist up by a shaft of blue light from its top. The report also notes that a similar object was sighted the previous night by 38 witnesses. The dimensions of the object are estimated, with the bottom deck being roughly 35 feet and the top deck 20 feet, assuming the figures were earth-sized.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the fundamental nature of movement and consciousness, the reality of UFO phenomena and extraterrestrial visitors, and the importance of direct experience and intuition in understanding these subjects. The magazine appears to adopt a stance that acknowledges the validity of UFO reports and the potential for advanced beings from other worlds to interact with or observe humanity. There is a clear distinction made between what the publication considers 'genuine' contact (like that of George Adamski) and more speculative psychic claims. The editorial tone suggests a belief in humanity's ongoing evolution and the need for open-mindedness towards cosmic realities, even if the current human condition is not fully prepared for them. The publication is presented as a non-profit, Peace and Brotherhood Programme initiative, indicating a broader philosophical and humanitarian outlook.