Australian Saucer Record - Vol 07 No 04 - 1961

Magazine Overview

This issue of the AUSTRALIAN SAUCER RECORD, Volume Seven, No. 4, published by the A.F.S.R.S., focuses on the aftermath of a successful 1961 convention and includes several UFO sighting reports and an article on astronomical prophecy. The cover features the magazine's title over a map of Australia with three flying saucers, and is priced at 2/7.

1961 Convention Echoes

The editorial, titled "1961 CONVENTION ECHOES," discusses the success of a convention organized by the A.F.S.R.S. and Perth U.F.O. Groups. Initially planned with Geo Hunt Williamson as the guest speaker, the arrangements were altered, and Miss June Marsden, the official representative of the South Pacific Sky Watch of Sydney, stepped in as a qualified speaker alongside the editor, Fred P. Stone. Miss Marsden's public lectures in Adelaide prior to the convention drew large crowds and significant media attention from radio and TV stations, indicating a growing public interest in the UFO cause. The convention itself, held in Perth, received extensive coverage from the press, with speakers finding that media outlets were eager for interviews and talks, a stark contrast to previous experiences where securing space was difficult and the subject was often treated lightly.

The article highlights the organizational challenges of running such an event on a voluntary basis, noting that many smaller problems were discussed and resolved, leading to significant strides. A key success was the deep sense of unity among attendees, regardless of their approach to the subject (factual, psychic, material, or spiritual), fostering a bond of fellowship that demonstrated the magazine's commitment to an open-minded approach. The organizers expressed gratitude to their Western Australian hosts for their hospitality and friendship, and a desire for a future convention, possibly in the Eastern States, to include those who could not attend.

Sightings and Incidents

Telepathic Event and Sighting (October 11th, 1961)

On Wednesday, October 11th, 1961, during breakfast with the President of the Perth U.F.O. Society, Mr. Cyril Jones, a telepathic message was reportedly received predicting a sighting that night between 8:15 and 8:30 p.m. A final business meeting for the convention was underway when Mr. Jones announced it was time to go out. Those who followed him observed a clear patch of sky where a "long narrow cigar shaped object bluey purple tending to pink" appeared. It was described as majestic, moving slowly, and taking about a minute to cross the sky. Approximately twenty witnesses observed the object without variation in detail. This event was covered by the press the following morning and is referred to as the third incident in a series of sightings.

Sighting Follows the Next Night

A telepathic message indicated another sighting the following night. A group, including elderly pensioners, gathered on a high sand dune. They observed an object crossing the sky at a steady level. The leader quickly identified it as something other than an American satellite, which was a disappointment to some. The object traced a path through the sky before vanishing over the horizon. Shortly after, four large flashing lights appeared from the same point, speeding in different directions, resembling falling stars or meteors. The duration was no more than 30 seconds, and the color was reddish-orange. The article notes that while they could have been meteors, they adhered to a telepathic appointment, suggesting a more deliberate nature.

Saucer Object Follows Train from Perth

This incident, related by June Marsden, occurred on the second night out from Perth. Around 2:30 a.m., she observed a "large object reddish yellow, a little larger than the moon to normal vision, pacing at a low level the train." The object darted forward, lessened its pace, dropped in level, and rose again. When she tried to wake other women, the object was no longer visible. Upon returning to her carriage and looking out again with lights off, it reappeared and swished over the train to the opposite side, vanishing into the distance. The magazine notes that similar incidents involving a "Saucer" buzzing a Transcontinental train have been recorded, including one involving a small diesel train that scared the driver and led to investigations being met with a "tight security block." The area of these incidents is noted as being close to the Woomera Rocket Range site.

Mystery Object Flashes in the Sky (August 5th, 1961)

Reported from Sydney and Canberra, a mystery object flashed across the skies, described as a "ball of fire with a long, flaming tail." It was sighted just before 9 a.m. in Sydney suburbs and over Canberra in the western sky, appearing orange-red and glowing. Hundreds of calls jammed the police switchboard. Dr. A.R. Hogg, Ass. Dirct. of the Cmwlth. Observatory at Mount Stromlo, observed it and described it as speeding across the sky like a "brassy ball of light," suggesting it was a daytime meteor that disintegrated in the air. A vapor trail persisted for about two minutes. The article concludes with a question about whether it was indeed a meteor.

Sky Object Widely Sighted (August 25th, 1961)

This report from Melbourne details a mystery object flashing across the sky, seen from most Melbourne suburbs, Euroa, Yass (NSW), and Canberra. Two airline pilots flying from Sydney to Melbourne at 20,000 ft. also saw the light, which faded quickly. Witnesses described it as looking like a rocket or a meteor. The Government Astronomer in Canberra, Mr. Harley Wood, suggested it was likely a meteor. Two T.A.A. pilots thought it was an aircraft heading towards them. The editor's note suggests these pilots had a better view and were closer to the object. Captain Robert Hirst of a Viscount aircraft also saw the object, which his co-pilot initially mistook for another aircraft. The magazine expresses sympathy for pilots who may be hesitant to report truthfully due to official statements. A 16-year-old student, Jillian Coombe, produced a chunk of metal-like material found near the Rosanna Golf Course, which she said was related to a colored ball of light she saw.

Mystery Object Buzzes Train (July 29th, 1961)

Reports from Darwin, Tennant Creek, and Wonarah describe a "brilliant object" seen on Thursday night, described as a "ball of fire with flashing red- and -white tail jet." It was seen by dozens of people, including an airpilot. A train driver and fireman on the North Australian Railway provided a graphic description of the object buzzing their train. Driver Douglas Clark reported the object coming up behind the train and then moving towards it, descending to within 1000 ft. above. The article notes that similar incidents have occurred on this stretch of country.

The Prophecy of the Sun of Justice

This section, authored by J.E. Verner, explores a prophecy concerning the entry of a "new sun" into our solar system, drawing from Dino Kraspedon's book "My Contact with Flying Saucers" and other sources like Nostradamus and the Bible.

Kraspedon's book describes a prophecy from a "Captain of the Flying Saucer from Jupiter" about a new sun entering the solar system from the direction of Cancer. This new sun, described as a "blazing Star" and later a "great Star" that will burn for seven days, will cause two suns to appear. It will be called the "SUN OF JUSTICE" and the "SUN OF RIGHTECUSNESS." The prophecy suggests a general displacement of all bodies in the solar system, leading to a "new sky" and a "New Earth." It also mentions that the stars and constellations will cease to give their light, the sun will be darkened, and the earth will remove out of its place.

Verner analyzes these passages, suggesting that the new sun will encounter the repulsive force of our sun and be pushed by the weight of large bodies. The orbits of all planets will change, and Pluto will be ejected from the system. This event is predicted to occur "toward the end of this century" (referring to the 20th century).

A diagram labeled "A" illustrates the paths and positions of the outer planets from 1979 to 1997, showing them forming a spiraling tail pointing away from the direction of the new sun's entry. This arrangement, it is theorized, will allow the planets to move to new orbits without collision, with Pluto being pushed out of the solar system by the new sun's pressure.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, the possibility of telepathic communication, the organization and challenges of UFO research groups, and speculative astronomical prophecies. The editorial stance is one of open-mindedness, encouraging the exploration of these phenomena while acknowledging the difficulties in obtaining official confirmation and the tendency for authorities to dismiss or downplay sightings. The magazine promotes unity and cooperation among UFO enthusiasts and emphasizes the importance of objective evaluation of evidence, even when it challenges conventional understanding.

This issue of the Australian Saucer Record, dated February 1961, focuses on the "Coming Planetary Conjunction of February 1961" and related topics, including UFO sightings, psychic phenomena, and theories on space travel. The magazine presents a diagram of the heliocentric longitude of planets during this conjunction, noting it occurs once in 25,000 years.

The Coming Planetary Conjunction

The issue addresses numerous requests for information regarding the February 1961 planetary conjunction. It highlights slight disagreements on the exact date, with some sources suggesting February 2nd, others February 4th and 5th. June Marsden's research indicates February 4th for European areas and February 5th for Australia, while New Zealand friends pinpoint the second. The magazine leaves the explanation of these discrepancies to readers. It emphasizes that the event's effects might be felt before and after the specific date, potentially leading to terrestrial upheavals and celestial disturbances.

UFO Sightings and Incidents

Reports from Darwin residents include G. Helstałek's sighting of a "saucer shaped object the size of a football with a brilliant red and white tail" that moved inland in what he described as controlled flight. Mrs. R. Parker observed an object low enough to see what she believed were cabin lights. The R.A.A.F. is reportedly compiling a list of sightings. The magazine also draws a parallel between three similar "buzzing of trains" incidents that occurred on lonely stretches of line, noting that one was also seen in built-up areas, suggesting these are not mere coincidences.

Psychic Phenomena: ESP, Psychism, and Telepathy

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to exploring psychic phenomena, particularly ESP (Extra Sensory Perception), psychism, and telepathy. The author notes that flying saucer research has developed into various schools of thought, some of which are critical of others. The article argues that ESP is a fashionable term for phenomena that have existed for centuries, including psychism and telepathy. It distinguishes between these, with telepathy being described as a reception of thoughts from another mind or intelligence, often without a trance state, where the recipient remains in control. The magazine differentiates this from deeper psychic gifts like clairvoyance, clairaudience, and mediumship, which may involve trance states or external control. It cautions against mistaking all psychic phenomena as the same and warns against hero-worship of individuals, emphasizing the importance of maintaining an open mind. The article also touches upon the potential for spirit control, distinguishing between lower astral orders and control by the Holy Spirit or angelic beings, suggesting that contradictory evidence to higher laws indicates a non-divine source.

Space Travel and Anabiosis

An article titled "A THEORY CONFIRMED" discusses the possibility of humans undertaking long space journeys by using "frozen" or hibernated states, a theory previously put forth by Don Alfredo Calef. This idea is supported by Dr. Audrey Smith, a scientist from the National Institute for Medical Research, who suggests that creatures found on the moon or other planets might be revived if brought to Earth. Dr. Smith's research on anabiosis (latent life) under adverse conditions highlights the capacity for survival in states of severe drought, heat, and cold. The article also mentions the potential for reanimation methods to be developed in the future.

Spiritual Guidance and Societal Transformation

An article by H.E. Lawn, a member of the Perth U.F.O. Group, titled "THE SAUCER MYSTERY," posits that the problem is not solving the mystery of flying saucers but acting on the advice and warnings received from space visitors. Lawn argues that humanity's selfish and greedy attitude, particularly among those in power, prevents acceptance by space visitors. He suggests that a global catastrophe might be necessary to shock humanity into a cooperative attitude, leading to a spiritual awakening and the ability to build advanced craft. The article concludes by emphasizing the "Great Commandments" of loving God and one's neighbor as oneself, suggesting these are the fundamental principles for harmonious coexistence.

Booklets and Editor's Note

The issue concludes with a notice about two new booklets: "THE MOON IS INHABITED" by Columba Krebs and "VISITING SPACEMEN." The editor thanks Mr. Lawn for his timely message, finding it highly relevant and worthy of deep consideration.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the interconnectedness of cosmic events (planetary conjunctions), unexplained aerial phenomena (UFOs), and the potential for human spiritual and technological advancement. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, encouraging reader participation and critical thinking, while also promoting a spiritual perspective grounded in universal love and cooperation. There is a clear emphasis on the idea that humanity's internal transformation is key to understanding and interacting with potential extraterrestrial visitors and navigating future challenges.