Astronytt - Vol 1 No 1 - 1986

Magazine Overview

ASTRONYTT, Årgang 1, Nr. 1, September 1986. This inaugural issue of the Norwegian magazine ASTRONYTT, published by Dänikens Venner, serves as an introduction to the organization and its focus on popular science, ancient astronaut theories, and challenging conventional explanations.

Foreningens logo – en utfordring (The Organization's Logo – A Challenge)

This editorial piece discusses the process of selecting a logo for the organization. The chosen logo, an 'astronaut figure' found carved into a mountainside in Tarata, Chile, is described as fitting the organization's need for a simple, mystical, and unique symbol. The figure's immense size (121 meters high) and its presence in South America are highlighted as intriguing aspects, prompting readers to ponder its origins and purpose.

Formannen har ordet (The Chairman Has the Floor)

The chairman, Hogne Kile, welcomes readers to the new magazine and the organization. He emphasizes that ASTRONYTT aims to be a forum for members to exchange information and ideas, and to introduce new thoughts and concepts. The main article by Erich von Däniken is presented not as the sole truth, but as an input to the ongoing debate. The editorial board is introduced, consisting of Hogne Kile (chairman), Anne Bolme (treasurer), and board members Leif Helland, Geir Magne Årvik, and Rune Taarland. This interim board will serve until the general assembly in the summer of 1987. The magazine states a neutral stance on all religions and political directions, focusing instead on supporting new, well-founded scientific theories. The article also mentions the upcoming 'Foreningsnytt' section will detail the organization's purpose and activities. The chairman clarifies that they are not a 'fan club' but a serious organization, despite the interest in von Däniken's work.

Foreningsnytt (Organization News)

This section is dedicated to self-promotion, introducing the organization 'Dänikens Venner' which started in March 1986. The organization aims to create a forum for serious-minded individuals with open minds, promoting popular science ideas and challenges, particularly those inspired by Erich von Däniken's studies. They plan to offer activities like local group meetings, seminars, and access to books through a partnership with Ernst G. Mortensens Forlag. The organization also intends to develop a video, film, and slide program, and potentially organize travel tours to significant locations. They explicitly state they are a serious organization, not a 'congregation' or 'fan club'. The membership fee for 1986-1987 is 250 Norwegian Kroner.

Erich von Däniken i Norge!! (Erich von Däniken in Norway!!)

This article recounts the events surrounding Erich von Däniken's visit to Norway in May 1986. The organization 'Dänikens Venner' collaborated with Ernst G. Mortensens Forlag for the book premiere. The visit included a welcome at Sola Airport, a tour of the Kongeparken on Ålgård, book signings in Sandnes and Stavanger (which were very successful, with long queues), and a presentation at the Høyskolesenteret in Rogaland, followed by a lively debate. The visit then continued to Oslo with similar events, including numerous interviews. The author concludes that the visit was highly successful and expresses anticipation for future events.

Bokhjørnet (The Book Corner)

This regular section features book reviews. In this issue, Hogne Kile reviews Erich von Däniken's latest book, 'Har jeg tatt feil?' (Have I Been Wrong?). Kile admits the review is not entirely neutral, as he has enjoyed all of von Däniken's previous eleven books. He describes the book as modern in content and form, discussing future possibilities in space travel, the interpretation of ancient myths in light of new technology, and the phenomenon of cargo cults. The review also touches upon the connection between these theories and the first moon landing. It mentions a section with new evidence from ancient Indian scriptures, contributed by Professor Dr. Dileep Kumar Kanjilal. Kile highly recommends the book.

Erich von Däniken: Har jeg tatt feil? (Erich von Däniken: Have I Been Wrong?)

This is a promotional page for Erich von Däniken's twelfth book, 'Har jeg tatt feil?'. It reiterates the author's theory that astronauts from alien planets created the foundation for life on Earth. The book costs 165 Norwegian Kroner and can be purchased directly from the bookstore or ordered from the publisher, Ernst G. Mortensens Forlag.

Workshop Seminar

This section announces a seminar with Erich von Däniken scheduled for September 20th. The seminar, held in English, will cover the basics of von Däniken's theories, group discussions, and association activities. It will take place at Chateau Neuf in Oslo from 12:00 to 18:00, with a seminar fee of 250 Norwegian Kroner. A lecture by von Däniken is also scheduled for September 22nd at Chateau Neuf.

Brevkassen (The Mailbox)

This section is intended for member dialogue. As this is the first issue, there are no reader letters yet. However, the editor shares excerpts from letters received during the organization's establishment. These include inquiries about member distribution in Trøndelag, a member listing affiliations with various scientific societies, and an enthusiastic endorsement of the organization. One excerpt strongly advocates for accepting discoveries that don't fit traditional patterns. Another mentions a personal recommendation of Erich von Däniken for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1982.

Den sanne historien om Adam og Eva (The True Story of Adam and Eve)

This article offers an alternative interpretation of the biblical creation story of Adam and Eve. It begins by defining 'Adam' as meaning 'human' and the first intelligent being. The author contrasts the biblical account with a more critical perspective, questioning the omnipotence and nature of God as described. The article analyzes the two creation accounts in Genesis, highlighting the differences in the creation of man and woman. It then discusses the temptation and fall from Eden, suggesting that God, being omniscient, must have known Adam and Eve would disobey.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the promotion of Erich von Däniken's theories, the establishment and activities of the organization 'Dänikens Venner', and the exploration of alternative interpretations of historical and religious narratives. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, challenging established norms, and fostering a community for those interested in popular science and unexplained phenomena, while maintaining a neutral position on politics and religion.

This issue of Astronytt, dated 1986 and identified as issue number 2, is published by Foreningen DANIKENS VENNER. The cover features the headline "BLI EN ÅPENSINNET!" (Be Open-Minded!) and an illustration related to the Ancient Astronaut Society. The magazine's credo, stated on the final page, defines it as a politically and religiously neutral popular science association dedicated to promoting new and groundbreaking ideas about the universe and human development.

The Extraterrestrial Origin of Humanity

The central theme of this issue, largely driven by an article attributed to Erich von Däniken, posits that human intelligence is not a product of natural evolution alone, but rather the result of deliberate intervention by extraterrestrial beings. The author challenges the traditional biblical narrative of creation, suggesting that the story of Adam and Eve can be understood as a legend describing an alien genetic engineering project.

The Creation Narrative Reinterpreted

The article begins by questioning the logic and divine worthiness of the biblical account of original sin. It then aligns this narrative with the 'Ancient Astronaut Society' perspective, proposing that extraterrestrials landed on Earth thousands of years ago with the mission to 'forward intelligence' and find suitable life forms for mutation. The necessity of widespread intelligence in the universe for interstellar communication is emphasized. The aliens, being best adapted to their home planet, needed to create life on Earth that was compatible with the local environment.

Genetic Mutation and Artificial Creation

According to the theory presented, the extraterrestrials selected female animals from various species that showed potential for favorable results. From these, a single cell was extracted. Under an electron microscope, the DNA sequence and composition of this cell were altered, possibly by swapping specific genes – a process claimed to be achievable in modern laboratories. This modified cell was then nurtured with growth substances to become an egg cell. This egg cell was artificially fertilized and implanted into the same animal species' female, resulting in offspring that exhibited the characteristics of the parents but also possessed new traits like curiosity, the ability to learn language, and a capacity for culture.

The 'Missing Link' and Darwin's Theory

The article suggests that this process explains the origin of humans, who are descended from hominid ancestors but possess additional, engineered traits. Charles Darwin's theory of evolution is not contradicted but supplemented, with the 'missing link' being this targeted, artificial mutation of an ancestor.

The Role of Adam and Eve

The extraterrestrials are said to have placed the first humans, Adam and Eve, in a 'paradise' to protect them from dangers. It is proposed that the aliens taught Adam and Eva language, with their initial language being that of the 'gods' (the extraterrestrials). The naming of all things by Adam is seen as part of this process. The aliens then departed, leaving Adam and Eve with the command to multiply and dominate the Earth, but with one prohibition: no sexual contact with their own non-mutated kin. This was to prevent a genetic setback.

Original Sin as a Genetic Setback

The concept of 'original sin' is explained as the consequence of this prohibition being broken. A sexual encounter with a non-mutated relative resulted in a genetic regression, making all subsequent descendants 'victims' of this transgression. This genetic setback is now part of the human gene pool, leading to a fear of the gods' return and potential punishment. The subsequent sacrifices mentioned in religious texts are interpreted as attempts to appease these gods.

Linguistic Evidence and Sumerian Texts

The article delves into linguistic analysis, particularly focusing on the Sumerian cuneiform script. It is noted that the symbol for 'rib' (ti) also means 'life force' and 'to create life'. This leads to a reinterpretation of the biblical account of Eve being created from Adam's rib, suggesting it should be understood as: "And the Lord God took a cell from Adam, and let Eve arise from it." The Sumerian symbol for 'ti' was a standing arrow, signifying 'life and heaven', indicating that life originated from above. This concept is traced to ancient Germanic cultures as well. The author also points to ancient place names and god names (like Ti-ahuanaco, Ti-ti-caca, Ti-xtla, Ti-bet, Kon-ti-ki, In-ti) that contain the 'ti' element, interpreted as meeting places with God or divine beings.

The 'Missing Link' and Extinct Species

The article asserts that humans do not wish to mix with primitive hominids today due to chromosomal differences, and that interspecies sexual relations either do not result in fertility or produce infertile offspring. It is suggested that species chosen by extraterrestrials for artificial mutation that did not survive, such as Neanderthals, are now extinct.

The Magazine's Offerings and Reader Engagement

Page 4 details the offerings of the "Foreningen tilbudspakke" (Association's Offer Package), including potential merchandise like member sweaters, pins, and stickers. It also solicits reader contributions for the magazine "ASTRONYTT," requesting letters and article proposals in typed form, with black and white images. Future plans for video and travel activities are mentioned. A reader survey is included to gather feedback on the current issue and suggestions for future content.

Advertisement and Credo

Page 5 features an advertisement for SR-BANK Stavanger Sparekasse, offering loan insurance. The final page reiterates the credo of Foreningen DANIKENS VENNER, emphasizing its role as a platform for open-minded individuals to explore new and groundbreaking theories about the universe and humanity's future.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the reinterpretation of ancient myths and religious texts through the lens of ancient astronaut theories. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting critical thinking and questioning established narratives, particularly concerning human origins and biblical accounts. The magazine encourages readers to be "open-minded" and to consider alternative explanations for historical and biological phenomena, drawing heavily on the work and ideas of Erich von Däniken.