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Beyond Reality No 2

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Overview

Title: Beyond Reality Issue: Vol. 1 No. 2 Date: December 1972 Publisher: Simplex Textured Reproductions, Inc. Price: $.75

Magazine Overview

Title: Beyond Reality
Issue: Vol. 1 No. 2
Date: December 1972
Publisher: Simplex Textured Reproductions, Inc.
Price: $.75

This issue of Beyond Reality magazine, dated December 1972, explores a range of topics within the realms of ESP, the occult, and psychic phenomena. The cover features a striking, somewhat disturbing image of multiple distorted faces and the bold title "Beyond Reality." The magazine highlights a perceived revival of interest in the occult, noting that even national news magazines like Time have featured the subject.

Editorial

The editorial, written by Harry Belil, Editorial Director/Associate Publisher, expresses optimism about the magazine's successful entry into the field, citing the volume of mail received. He observes the growing interest in the occult, evidenced by coverage in national news magazines and newspaper supplements. Belil mentions that the magazine is including a questionnaire to better understand reader preferences for future issues and hopes for a favorable response to this second issue.

Features

This issue presents a diverse array of articles:

  • "Probing Strange Discoveries" by Ivan T. Sanderson (Page 10): Sanderson delves into enigmas that science struggles to explain, such as sea monsters, abominable snow creatures, UFOs, and other Fortean events. He introduces two specific mysteries: the Direwolf, reportedly seen in Canadian forests despite common belief in its extinction, and other enigmas from Canada and Central Africa.
  • "Harry Houdini: Psychic or Magician?" by Walter Gibson (Page 16): This article examines the famous escape artist and magician, questioning whether his feats were purely illusion or if he possessed genuine psychic abilities.
  • "Beyond Reality Interviews Irene Hughes" (Page 23): An interview with Irene Hughes, likely a figure known for psychic abilities or experiences.
  • "Communication Of The Mind" by Larry Dickson (Page 25): Explores the concept of telepathic communication.
  • "The Minor Arcana" by Nancy McLlvaine (Page 29): Likely discusses a part of the Tarot card system.
  • "The Mysterious Pyramids" by Max Toth (Page 32): Investigates the enigmatic nature and potential hidden mysteries of the pyramids.
  • "The Art Of Dream Catching" by Richard Coleman (Page 37): Focuses on the practice and interpretation of dreams.
  • "Signs And Omens" by Zolar (Page 54): Explores the interpretation of signs and omens.
  • "Astrology And Art" by Rod Chase (Page 58): Discusses the connection between astrology and artistic expression.
  • "Are We Heading For A New Ice Age?" by N. Brunswick (Page 62): Addresses concerns about a potential future ice age.

Departments

The magazine also includes regular sections:

  • Editorial (Page 4): As detailed above.
  • Letters To Beyond Reality (Page 6): Features correspondence from readers, including Tom Farber, Mitch McGovern, Aaron Smith, Mrs. Alice Morgan, and Janet Deleonardo. Readers express interest in the magazine's content, suggest future articles, share personal experiences, and inquire about specific topics like Tarot cards.
  • Strange And Unknown (Page 8): An article by Timothy Green Beckley discusses events that trigger psychic communication, such as traumatic experiences and military conflict. It recounts stories of premonitions of death, including an account from World War I involving Private Reynolds and a statue in Vietnam called "Sorrow" that is said to warn of danger.
  • Psychic Books For Review (Page 14): Reviews of books related to psychic phenomena.
  • UFO Report (Page 40): A section dedicated to reports and discussions about Unidentified Flying Objects.

Advertisements

Several advertisements are present:

  • Astara (Page 2): Promotes a non-profit organization offering answers to life's enigmas and a free booklet, "Finding Your Place in the Golden Age."
  • Career Institute (Page 9): Offers a course on improving English speaking and writing skills, promising a college-graduate level of proficiency in 15 minutes a day.
  • ASTROPROFILE (Page 7): Advertises a personalized, year-long horoscope report generated by computer, based on detailed birth information, for $10.00.
  • Book Offers (Page 5): A selection of books on various occult and psychic topics, such as Astrology, ESP, Phrenology, Dreams, Prophecy, Hypnotism, Reincarnation, Tarot, and UFOs, are offered for $3.00 each, with discounts for purchasing multiple books.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on the esoteric, paranormal, and unexplained. The editorial stance appears to be one of open exploration and belief in the existence and importance of psychic phenomena, the occult, and mysteries beyond conventional scientific understanding. There is an effort to present material that is informative and engaging for readers interested in these subjects, while avoiding sensationalism or glorification of negative aspects like black magic or Satanism, as noted by one reader.

This issue of Beyond Reality magazine, identified as Issue 11, delves into a variety of unexplained phenomena, historical mysteries, and paranormal subjects. The cover prominently features Harry Houdini, posing the question "Magician or Psychic?" and highlighting the Houdini Magical Hall of Fame. The magazine includes articles on cryptids, psychic research, and book reviews.

Strange Discoveries

The issue begins with a discussion of the Direwolf, also referred to as Dinocyon, presenting a scale drawing to illustrate its immense size in comparison to a full-grown African bull elephant. Scientists believe this creature roamed the earth during the dinosaur period. A reconstruction of its head, based on a recently discovered skull, is also shown. The article recounts an encounter by the author's friend, Frank Graves, who ran head-on into one of these creatures in the Canadian Northwest Territories, describing it as significantly larger than a wolf.

Another account details an encounter in West Africa, where Dr. Ted Roth, Director of the National Zoo, was informed by locals about an animal in a swamp that was smaller than an elephant, with a long, slim neck, a large head, sharp teeth, and the ability to walk on its hind legs. This creature was so feared that locals refused to help cross the swamp.

The magazine also touches upon reports of still-living dinosaurs in Africa, stretching from Liberia to Rhodesia, though photographic evidence is scarce.

Ivan T. Sanderson and the Society of the Investigation of the Unexplained

An article titled "Exclusive to Beyond Reality" introduces Ivan T. Sanderson, an explorer, zoologist, and geologist, and the founder of the Society of the Investigation of the Unexplained in Columbia, New Jersey. Sanderson is noted as an authority on sea monsters and the Abominable Snowman. The Society's headquarters is described as a 25-acre farm housing many artifacts. The article highlights Sanderson's scientific approach to investigating unexplained phenomena and his extensive travels and publications.

Psychic Books for Review

Several books on psychic and occult subjects are reviewed:

  • The Book of Charms and Talismans by Sepharial: Explores the significance of lucky charms and provides instructions for making personal talismans.
  • Strange Experience: The Autobiography of a Hexenmeister by Lee R. Gandee: Details the author's upbringing in a haunted house in rural West Virginia, filled with astral projections, apparitions, and communications with the dead.
  • The Ghosts That Walk in Washington by Hans Holzer: Discusses encounters with spirits in Washington D.C., including those of historical figures.
  • Psychic Discoveries Behind the Iron Curtain by Sheila Ostrander and Lynn Schroeder: Reports on the Soviet government's extensive research into ESP, including telepathy, PK, and prophecy.
  • New Dictionary of Astrology by Sepharial: A glossary of astrological terms.
  • The Modern Witch's Spellbook by Sarah Morrison: A practical guide to witchcraft, spells, charms, and divination.
  • The Age of Flying Saucers by Paris Flammonde: Assembles evidence and reports on unexplained aerial phenomena.
  • The Book of Imaginary Beings by Jorge Luis Borges: A survey of creatures from human imagination.
  • The Psychic Feats of Olof Jonsson by Brad Steiger: A study of Olof Jonsson's clairvoyant abilities and psychic phenomena.
  • A Book of Devils and Demons by Ruth Manning-Sanders: A collection of tales about devils and demons.

Harry Houdini: Magician or Psychic?

This section is dedicated to the life and legacy of Harry Houdini. Walter B. Gibson, an authority on magic and psychic phenomena, discusses Houdini's career. Gibson worked with Houdini and was acquainted with figures like Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Dr. Hereward Carrington. The article questions whether Houdini, who famously debunked spiritualists, might have had psychic abilities himself.

A key element is the Houdini Magical Hall of Fame in Niagara Falls, Ontario, which houses memorabilia related to Houdini and other mystifiers. A significant exhibit is a sealed box containing a pencil and pad, with a $31,000 reward offered to anyone who can produce a message written by a spirit through "direct writing." This challenge continues a tradition set by Houdini and Joseph Dunninger.

The article recounts Houdini's famous escape from a water-filled milk can, as described by Hewat Mackenzie, who believed Houdini could physically disintegrate and reassemble his body. It also mentions a "test" Houdini performed for ex-president Theodore Roosevelt involving a map of South America appearing on a paper.

Despite Houdini's public stance against spiritualism, believers suggest he might communicate from the spirit plane. Skeptics, however, dismiss such claims. The article notes that Houdini's career was marked by his ability to expose fraudulent mediums, thereby gaining the support of skeptics.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the boundaries between the known and the unknown, presenting evidence and accounts of phenomena that defy conventional scientific explanation. Themes include the existence of cryptids (Direwolf, African creature), the nature of psychic abilities and spiritualism, and the enduring mystery surrounding figures like Harry Houdini. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various perspectives and encouraging readers to draw their own conclusions, while also critically examining claims, as exemplified by Houdini's own approach to debunking fake mediums.

Title: Beyond Reality
Issue: 21
Volume: 2
Date: Undetermined, but context suggests the early 1970s.

This issue of Beyond Reality magazine delves into various aspects of the occult, paranormal, and psychic phenomena. It features articles on haunted locations, psychic abilities, telepathy, and Tarot cards, aiming to explore the unexplained and provide insights into these subjects.

The Spirits of Mount Misery

This article introduces Mount Misery, a desolate area near Long Island, New York, with a dark history. It is described as a place of Indian battles, weird murders, and suicides, deliberately avoided by locals. The area is said to be haunted by specters from an unseen world. The name "Mount Misery" was chosen around 1765 after a home built on the spot burned down three times. It was also a place where Indian braves tested their bravery. Over centuries, the area has accumulated tragedy and ominousness, with recent events including two unsolved ax murders, strange accidents, and peculiar fires. Residents report hearing strange sounds, such as Indian calls and rattling chains. Visitors have shared stories of trees that mysteriously appear and disappear overnight, with some individuals marking trees with paint only to find them moved later. On full moons, the spirits of Indian braves killed in battle are said to be seen dancing around an open fire.

Irene Hughes: Psychic "Crime-Buster"

This section features an exclusive interview with Chicago psychic Irene Hughes. The article highlights that countries like Spain, Turkey, Italy, and Germany are taking psychic phenomena seriously, and police departments in the United States are using clairvoyants to catch criminals and locate missing persons. Catholic seminaries are even offering classes in ESP development and Astrology. Irene Hughes, described as one of the most prominent sensitives in the Midwest, had her first clairvoyant experience at the age of four. Her father was a "psychic weatherman." Her life was saved by a "spirit world" intervention after a severe case of dysentery when she was five; an unseen voice guided her mother to make her peach leaf tea, which miraculously healed her. Hughes's psychic abilities include prophecy, finding missing persons and objects, and acting as a "ghost hunter." She writes a weekly column for 36 newspapers, relaying her predictions in advance. Author Brad Steiger, who wrote her biography, "Know The Future Today," claims she accurately predicted the Middle East War in 1966 for 1967 and President Johnson's decision not to run for re-election in 1968, three months before the announcement. W. G. Roll, head of the parapsychology project at Duke University, has tested Irene and indicated she possesses ESP abilities. Hughes offers several predictions for the future, including a fantastic water pipeline for New York, food shortages in 1975-76, earthquakes in Florida before the end of the 1970s, and the beginning of a Civil War in the U.S. starting in 1989, followed by a new world monetary system by 1982. Hughes also assists police in solving cases, having received commendations for her work. She recounts a case where she accurately identified Al Capone's use of a house as a hideaway, describing details that were later validated by police records. She also participated in a "ghost hunting" case in Davenport, Iowa.

Mental Telepathy: Communication of the Mind

This article, by Larry Dickson, explores the phenomenon of telepathy through the personal account of Mrs. T. W. from New York. Mrs. T. W.'s husband, an insurance executive, called at 5 P.M. to say he would be working late. At 11:20 P.M., he called again to say he was leaving the office. Shortly after Mrs. T. W. went to bed, she heard her husband's voice, seemingly in great pain and distress, calling for help. He described being attacked by two youths in the parking lot, robbed of his watch, wedding band, and wallet, and having his car stolen. He also reported being beaten and having his leg cut. Mrs. T. W., convinced it was more than a dream due to its repetition, called the police with the details. The police apprehended the perpetrators and found her husband safe, though robbed and beaten, and recovered his belongings. The article discusses the scientific and personal aspects of telepathy, noting that while not fully explained, it is a recognized phenomenon. It suggests that telepathy may function best during emotionally charged situations, weighty decisions, or moments of danger. Experiments have shown that telepathic abilities vary among individuals and can run in families, often manifesting in those who are in love or share blood ties. The article emphasizes that telepathic manifestations are natural and should be studied scientifically.

Tarot Cards: The Minor Arcana

Written by Nancy McIlvaine, this article focuses on the Minor Arcana of the Tarot deck, following a previous discussion on the Major Arcana. The Minor Arcana consists of 56 cards, divided into four suits of 14 cards each: four court cards and ten numbered cards. The article explains the symbolism of each suit:

  • Cups: Represent emotion, emotional love, desire, and fulfillment, as well as illusion, deception, and duality, corresponding to the element of water.
  • Wands: Represent aspiration, labor, growth, ideas, energy, vitality, and desire, corresponding to the element of fire.
  • Swords: Represent calamity, grief, misfortune, conflict, and strife, corresponding to the element of air and thought.
  • Pentacles: Represent business, possessions, honor, professions, generosity, affluence, and practical creativity, corresponding to the element of earth.

The article notes that while the Major Arcana deals with the soul's journey, the Minor Arcana concerns the affairs of man on earth. It highlights the similarity between the Minor Arcana and modern playing cards, with the Tarot having an additional court card. The author emphasizes that Tarot readings should be experienced rather than just explained, requiring personal trial and error for comprehension.

Beyond Reality Reader Survey Questionnaire

This section includes a questionnaire for readers to provide feedback on the magazine's content. It asks for preferences on articles, favorite writers, reasons for reading the magazine, age, reading habits (other occult magazines), and opinions on various paranormal topics such as reincarnation, astral projection, ghosts, the influence of the dead, extraterrestrial life, and witchcraft. Readers are asked to provide their name and address, and the research editor's contact information is provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of the paranormal, supernatural, and psychic phenomena. The magazine appears to take a serious and investigative stance towards these subjects, presenting personal accounts, expert interviews, and historical context. The editorial stance seems to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging readers to consider the possibility of unexplained events and abilities, while also grounding some discussions in scientific investigation and personal experience. The inclusion of a reader survey indicates a desire to engage the audience and tailor future content to their interests within the occult and psychic fields.

This issue of "Beyond Reality" (issues 31-40) features a diverse range of topics, including the enduring mysteries of pyramids, the practice of Tarot card reading, UFO reports, and the study of precognition through dreams. The cover prominently highlights "THE MYSTERIOUS PYRAMIDS" by Max Toth.

The Mysterious Pyramids

This article by Max Toth explores the historical and geographical significance of pyramids. It notes that pyramids, particularly the great pyramid at Gizeh, have been a subject of debate for centuries regarding their purpose and the secrets they might hold. Similar structures have been found across different cultures and time periods. The article identifies four main geographical locations with pyramid structures: Egypt, Central America (Maya), Mexico (Aztec), and Cambodia. It also mentions the possibility of a pyramid discovery near St. Louis, Missouri, and structures in the Siberian uplands. The construction of the first Egyptian pyramid is attributed to Imhotep, who was later deified. The great pyramid of Cheops is described in detail, including its dimensions, construction materials, and precise alignment. The article touches upon theories connecting Hawaiians to Egyptians and legends of pyramid builders being giants or gods from the sky. It also discusses the mysterious energies associated with pyramid forms, citing experiments by Monsieur Bovis and Karel Drbal, who found that organic matter placed inside pyramid models was dehydrated and preserved, and that razor blades could be kept sharp. Monsieur Jean Martial's experiments with uncleaned fish also demonstrated significant dehydration and preservation within a pyramid model. The author speculates that pyramids might serve as marker beacons for spaceships and suggests that extraterrestrial visitations thousands of years ago are plausible, given the astronomical knowledge and construction techniques evident in these ancient sites.

Waite Deck Series: The Reading

This section provides a guide to reading Tarot cards, focusing on the Waite deck. It explains the significance of the Major Arcana and the ten numbered cards of the Minor Arcana, comparing them to the ten Sephiroth of the Tree of Life. The Court cards are described as representing the bridge between the Major and Minor Arcanas and personal qualities associated with elements, or people when reading for divination. The article outlines a method for conducting a Tarot reading, starting with selecting a "Significator" card to represent the person being read. It details how to shuffle, cut the cards, and lay out ten cards in a specific pattern, assigning meanings to each position: Current influences, obstacles, goal, past influences, future influences, the Significator's attitude, environment, hopes and fears, and the final outcome. Readers are advised to stick to the book's meanings and avoid over-interpretation, especially when reading for friends.

UFO Report

This section, edited by Hayden C. Hewes, Director of IUFOB, presents several UFO sighting reports:

  • UFO's Cause Power Failure in Texas: On February 27, 1972, in Mart, Texas, Les Roll observed and photographed a saucer-shaped object, which was surrounded by an electromagnetic field and hovered at an altitude of 700-800 feet. The object was estimated to be 50-60 feet in diameter and 17-20 feet in height. The incident was investigated by the FBI, and a widely reported power failure occurred.
  • Oklahoma City's Strange Visitor from Space: Rich Barnes witnessed an object flash downward and land in a field, leaving a shower of sparks. A search the next morning found a 23-pound fragment and smaller debris, identified by NASA as "not a meteorite" but resembling lava rock. Additional analysis suggested the larger piece was not the main object, which may have blown up.
  • Additional UFO Reports:
  • On June 20th, two airmen in California observed a "bright orange-colored object" hovering.
  • Residents of Carlyle, Illinois, reported numerous sightings, including a bright light shooting flames.
  • In Port Lincoln, Australia, reports of a "triangular shaped" object following a car were investigated.
  • In Srinagar, India, a "football-shaped luminous" saucer hovered over the city, and cigar-shaped UFOs were also reported.

The International UFO Bureau requests that anyone observing a UFO contact them.

The Art of Dream Catching

This article by Richard Coleman discusses the work of the Central Premonitions Registry (CPR), an organization that collects and analyzes precognitive dreams. Robert D. Nelson, Director of the CPR, explains that the registry aims to determine if future events can be known through dreams and if disasters can be predicted and averted. The CPR staff monitors news wires and reports for confirmations of predictions. The article presents several case studies: a housewife who predicted President Nasser's death, a man who dreamed of a dogfight involving Soviet and Israeli jets, and a waitress who foresaw the death of a prominent musician (later identified as Igor Stravinsky). The article recommends four steps for recalling dreams: keeping a notebook and pencil by the bedside, jotting down outlines upon awakening, writing out the full dream with details, and sending relevant predictions to the magazine's editor for forwarding to the CPR. The Registry is conducting a nationwide study to identify individuals with precognitive abilities and to understand the brainwave activity associated with such dreams. It is noted that most people dream multiple times a night and are more likely to remember a dream if they awaken while it is in progress.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores topics related to the unexplained, the paranormal, and alternative perspectives on reality. The articles on pyramids, Tarot, UFOs, and precognitive dreams suggest an editorial stance that is open to investigating phenomena that lie beyond conventional scientific understanding. There is a clear interest in ancient mysteries, esoteric practices, and evidence of phenomena that challenge established scientific paradigms. The publication aims to inform readers about ongoing research and anecdotal evidence in these fields, encouraging critical thinking and further exploration.

Title: Beyond Reality
Issue: 45
Volume: 4
Date: October 1972
Publisher: Simplex Reproductions, Inc.
Price: $1.00

This issue of Beyond Reality explores a range of paranormal and unexplained phenomena, from personal memory enhancement techniques to the enduring mystery of Harry Houdini's alleged spirit communications, and delves into the world of UFO sightings and psychic abilities.

I Discovered the Real Me!

The issue opens with a personal account titled "I Discovered the Real Me!" by Dr. Bruno Furst. He describes how an anxiety-ridden individual, after finding a book on memory techniques, systematically improved his memory to the point of recalling complex statistics and entire reports with ease. This newfound ability led to increased self-assurance, poise, and improved conversational skills, transforming his personality within a week. His wife also adopted the program, enabling them to master a foreign language and quote information with confidence. Furst attributes his success and happiness in life to this memory system, offering a free booklet titled "Adventures in Memory" to interested readers.

Harry Houdini: The Unresolved Mystery

The magazine revisits the persistent attempts to contact the spirit of the famous magician Harry Houdini. Despite numerous seances and claims by mediums, no definitive proof of Houdini's communication has emerged. Will Goldston reported a spirit claiming to be Houdini, "lost in his new sphere," while Arthur Ford claimed to have received "code words" from Houdini through a controlling spirit. Bessie Houdini, his widow, was involved in these attempts, though her admissions were later disclaimed. The article notes that even skeptics like Houdini himself eventually admitted to believing in spirit communication. The Houdini Magical Hall of Fame in Niagara Falls features the Water Torture Cell, a testament to his indestructible psychic power, according to some believers.

Irene Hughes: A Psychic's Perspective

Irene Hughes, a psychic who has been teaching ESP since 1959, shares her experiences and insights. She describes a fraternity house where she sensed the presence of a former medical doctor, correctly identifying details about the house and its former occupant. Hughes also recounts how she accurately described a colonel's right arm being ripped off by a shell, his fitting with an artificial arm, and his subsequent death on a hospital train, a vision witnessed by his old regiment. She discusses the growing interest in psychic phenomena and suggests that governments are becoming more involved, with other countries like Turkey and Germany conducting extensive research in areas like telepathy and psychic healing. Hughes believes everyone possesses ESP and has the means to develop it, emphasizing the importance of recognizing this "gift."

Strange and Unknown: UFOs and Other Phenomena

This section explores various unexplained events. A statue in Vietnam is reported to have warned of Vietcong attacks and halted enemy convoys, with claims of it speaking, singing, and asking for water. Dr. Carrington describes a vision of an "etheric double" of a colonel who died on a hospital train, appearing to his regiment in the trenches. The article also discusses "Strange Messages from The Other Side?", including a ring that seemingly spelled out messages from a deceased son and a purported face of Jesus appearing in a funeral photograph. The magazine highlights UFO sightings, particularly in Rhode Island, featuring a photograph of a large cigar-shaped object taken by Harold Trudel. Dr. J. Allen Hynek, former head of the Air Force's UFO project, admits in his book "The UFO Experience" that phenomena exist which cannot be explained by current knowledge. The article suggests UFOs will return to the news and encourages readers to submit their own photographic evidence.

Classified Advertising and Subscriptions

The issue includes a classified advertising section with various offerings related to occult items, psychic development, and spiritual services. Advertisements include occult book lists, witchcraft supplies, psychic readings, and astrological services. Subscription information for "Beyond Reality" magazine is provided, detailing rates for six and twelve issues, along with a coupon for subscribing.

Occult Products and Services

Several pages are dedicated to advertisements for occult products and services. These include incense, oils, powders, and charms from "Zolar, World's Most Popular Astrologer," described as "Occult Charms & Talismans as Curios." Items like "Master Oriental Incense," "Mystic-Rite Incense," "Magnet Oil," and "Hi John Conqueror Oil" are offered, along with explanations of their alleged uses for personal problems, spiritual development, and attracting love or luck. The "School of Wicca" also advertises its courses in various esoteric subjects.

Strage Discoveries: Ancient Mysteries and Unexplained Events

This section touches upon ancient mysteries and unexplained phenomena. It mentions a small figurine found in West Africa that appears to be a dinosaur, despite the lack of fossil evidence in the region, suggesting a possible unknown animal existence. The article also discusses the fused sand found at the site of the first atomic bomb test at Los Alamos and compares it to a similar substance found in lower Mesopotamia, questioning the source of such intense heat. It briefly touches upon the parting of the Red Sea and theories involving seismic shifts and ancient floods, while dismissing notions of atomic wars or UFO bombardments in ancient Babylon. The section concludes by noting that while "extra-sensory projection" (ESP) is increasingly understood, it remains a subject of ongoing investigation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Beyond Reality consistently explores the fringes of human experience, focusing on ESP, the occult, psychic phenomena, and UFOs. The magazine presents anecdotal evidence, personal testimonies, and reports from researchers, often highlighting the subjective nature of these experiences. While acknowledging the possibility of fraud, the editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging readers to consider phenomena that challenge conventional scientific understanding. The publication aims to be a platform for sharing information and evidence related to the unexplained, inviting reader participation and submissions.

This issue of Beyond Reality magazine, identified by its page number '51', delves into a variety of esoteric, historical, and unusual topics. The cover prominently features "American Indian Silversmiths" offering buttons made from classic coins, alongside advertisements for learning upholstery and a call to action against pollution. The magazine's content spans from ancient traditions to modern phenomena, including UFOs, astrology, and the study of omens.

American Indian Silversmiths

The issue begins with an advertisement for "American Indian Silversmiths" who create buttons from Indian Head Nickel, Buffalo Nickel, and Liberty Dime coins. These buttons are presented as collector's items and decorative additions to clothing, emphasizing their heritage and value. The advertisement provides pricing and ordering information through the American Liberty Jewelry Co. in Los Angeles, California.

Learn Upholstery at Home

An advertisement promotes the Modern Upholstery Institute, offering a home study course for upholstering furniture. It highlights the potential for big profits, high-paying job opportunities, and earning while learning, with a free illustrated career book and sample lesson available.

Pyramid Power

An article titled "Put Pyramid Power to work for you" suggests that pyramids possess unexplained energy and powers. It claims that experiments and research, as reported in scientific journals and best-selling books, have proven these properties. The Toth Pyramid Co. offers pyramid models for sale, promising benefits such as preserving biological materials and sharpening razor blades indefinitely. It also mentions a patent received by Czechoslovakian scientists on the properties of the pyramid.

Tarot and Esoteric Books

Advertisements feature the "Tarot Classic Deck" and a companion book by Stuart R. Kaplan, detailing the origin, meanings, and spreads of tarot cards. U.S. Games Systems, Inc. in New York offers these items, along with a free tarot catalog.

UFOs and Aliens Among Us

A prominent advertisement announces a "FOUR VOLUME CONFIDENTIAL REPORT ON UFO'S ALIENS AMONG US!" compiled by outstanding authorities. It claims aliens have been observed, photographed, studied, and compared, allowing for categorization of basic types. The report addresses the possibility of aliens among us, the evidence, their purpose, and alleged "silencings" and threats against UFO witnesses. It also covers the activities of "Men in Black" and provides a look at recent contact and landing events, illustrated with rare saucer photos, alien types, and flight patterns.

Strange Discoveries: Omens and Fortean Phenomena

An article titled "STRANGE DISCOVERIES" (continued from page 50) discusses the work of Charles Hoy Fort and the study of "forteans." The author argues that many phenomena, including those related to UFOs, Loch Ness monsters, and Yetis, are not easily explained by conventional science and are often dismissed as hoaxes or hallucinations. The article highlights the extensive evidence gathered for these phenomena, such as eyewitness accounts, photographs, sonar data, footprints, and physical traces.

Signs and Omens

Another article, "SIGNS AND OMENS," traces the historical significance of omens from ancient Babylonian and Assyrian civilizations through India and Greece. It notes that omens were used to predict future events based on various observations, including animal behavior, entrails of sacrificial victims, and celestial phenomena. The article posits that omens have provided good warnings and that there is no such thing as accident or coincidence, as the universe operates under law. It mentions that sneezing was considered a good omen in Greece, and that various substances like oil, lead, wax, and egg were used in divination practices across different cultures.

Bird Omens and Superstitions

The "Signs and Omens" article further details bird omens, considered particularly sacred in Greek mythology, with specific birds like the raven and crow being significant. It also touches upon common superstitions such as black cats, walking under ladders, Friday the Thirteenth, and the "evil eye." The author notes that while people may deny belief in superstitions, they often adhere to them in practice. The concept of the "evil eye" is discussed, along with the use of charms and amulets to counteract its perceived influence.

Lucky Stones and Color Superstitions

This section details birthstones associated with each month and zodiac sign, as well as stones for each day of the week. It also explores color superstitions, linking colors like red, orange, scarlet, yellow, brown, green, and black to various emotions, traits, and fortunes. For instance, red is associated with love and passion, while green signifies youth and hope.

Omens and Predictions

The article continues by listing various omens related to candles, crickets, death-watches, marriage, nightingales, owls, and clouds. It explains that a spark on a candle wick might mean a letter, while a big glow signifies money. Crickets are considered lucky omens, and hooting owls can indicate ill-health. Clouds are interpreted as signs for weather prediction, and thunder from a clear sky is seen as good fortune.

Physical Signs and Omens

This part of the "Signs and Omens" series discusses physical signs and omens, including seeing the new moon, bees in the house, crickets, shooting stars, howling dogs, robins, moths, dropped knives, spilled salt, singing tea-kettles, rabbits crossing paths, and washing hands in used water. It also mentions the superstition of breaking a mirror, which is said to bring seven years of bad luck.

Astrology and Art

An article by Rod Chase, "ASTROLOGY AND ART," explores the connection between zodiacal signs and artistic expression. It discusses how artists often embody their astrological signs, citing examples like Vincent Van Gogh (Aries), Cezanne (Capricorn), Martin Luther King (Capricorn), Walt Whitman (Gemini), and Claes Oldenburg (Aquarius). The author analyzes how symbols and characteristics of zodiac signs are reflected in the artists' works and personalities. It also touches upon the Piscean age and its association with merging and self-undoing, referencing artists like Winslow Homer, Albert Ryder, and Claude Howell.

Zodiacal Symbols in Art

The article further examines how artists' works can be interpreted through astrological symbols. It mentions that while it's not always possible to guess an artist's Sun sign, zodiacal symbols are deeply embedded in the collective unconscious. Examples include artists like Gauguin (Gemini), Mary Cassatt (Gemini), Leonardo da Vinci (Aries), and painters associated with Cancer, Taurus, Libra, Leo, Virgo, and Sagittarius. The author predicts that astrology will become a viewpoint for teaching art in universities.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Beyond Reality consistently explores themes of the unusual, the unexplained, and the esoteric. It presents information on a wide array of topics, from ancient beliefs and superstitions to modern phenomena like UFOs and the purported energies of pyramids. The magazine seems to adopt an open-minded stance, encouraging readers to consider alternative explanations and explore subjects often dismissed by mainstream science. The advertisements also reflect this focus, offering products and services related to self-improvement, divination, and paranormal interests. The editorial stance appears to be one of curiosity and a willingness to investigate phenomena beyond conventional understanding.

This issue of Beyond Reality (Issue 61) explores themes of societal transformation, geological theories, artistic movements, and psychic phenomena. The cover headline, 'ARE WE HEADING FOR ANOTHER ICE AGE?', introduces a discussion on cyclical climate shifts, while other articles delve into the astrological 'Age of Aquarius' and the sensational claims of a psychic method called 'Telecult Power.'

The Wave of Aquarius

The magazine posits that the 'Wave of Aquarius' is a significant societal shift, akin to a tide or season, characterized by a surge in group activities (like The Beatles and The Stones), encounter groups, the openness of sexuality, and movements for liberation. It also notes the rise of interest in astrology and concerns about air and water pollution as Aquarian themes. Alvin Toffler's observations from 'Future Shock' are cited, describing people who resist change and remain oblivious to the accelerating pace of modern life, seeking a 'separate peace' from the new realities.

The transition from the Piscean Age to the Aquarian Age is discussed in relation to astrological cycles. The Piscean Age, associated with Leo and service, is contrasted with the Aquarian Age, which has Cancer on the sixth house cusp, signifying work and independence. Significant dates like Independence Day (July 4) and Bastille Day (July 14) are mentioned as occurring within this transition period. The text also notes that on July 4, 1176, a breakthrough from 'motherhood' and attachment to England occurred.

Artistic Expressions of the Aquarian Age

The issue highlights how the 'Aquarian wave' is reflected in modern art, particularly through the symbolism of the egg and the breaking of shells. Artists like Charlotte Moorman and Herbert Distel are mentioned for their use of egg imagery in their work. Distel's 'Project Canaris' and his 'egg works' are described, along with the rock group The Orangrinders' album 'Out Of The Egg.' The article traces the beginning of this Aquarian wave in American art to the 1913 International Exhibition of Modern Art (Armory Show), which introduced European modernists and coincided with the Sun in Aquarius and the Moon in Cancer, breaking the 'Cancer shell of artistic conservatism.'

Are We Heading for Another Ice Age?

This section features the theories of Hugh Auchincloss Brown, an electrical engineer, who proposes that Earth experiences cataclysms every 5,000 to 7,000 years due to the wobble of its axis caused by the growth of oversized polar ice caps. Brown suggests this wobble can cause the globe to capsize, leading to world floods and new ice ages. He points to evidence such as mammoths found frozen in upright positions with grass in their mouths in the Arctic, and rhinoceroses found in permanently frozen ground, suggesting tropical lands were flung poleward. His theories also attempt to explain the formation of mountains, oil deposits, and ocean tides. The 'Pole Watchers Club' supports Brown's research, with its head, Mrs. Dorothy Starr, warning that the Antarctic ice cap's growth could lead to another world flood if not controlled.

Telecult Power: A Psychic Secret

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to promoting a book called 'Telecult Power' by Reese P. Dubin. The book claims to offer a secret method that can automatically bring users anything they desire – riches, love, friends, power, and secret knowledge – within seconds. Dubin claims to have discovered a 'Tele-Photo Transmitter' that concentrates thoughts and sends them to their destination. The article lists numerous testimonials, including claims of diamonds and jewels appearing, a pocketful of money materializing, a new car being delivered, and a woman regaining her husband's affection. It also suggests the method can reveal unspoken thoughts, allow users to see beyond walls, and even influence others to obey silent commands. The advertisement offers the book for $6.98 with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Reader Contributions and Submissions

The magazine includes sections inviting readers to share their unusual psychic experiences, offering $10 for accepted submissions. It also welcomes information on ESP and occult discoveries from local newspapers or personal experiences, to be sent to the 'TRUE EXPERIENCES Department' at Beyond Reality's New York address.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the concept of profound change, both societal and geological, often framed through astrological and psychic lenses. The magazine appears to embrace unconventional theories and phenomena, from the dawning of the Age of Aquarius to the possibility of impending ice ages and the power of psychic abilities. The editorial stance seems to be one of open-mindedness towards speculative ideas and a fascination with the hidden forces that shape human experience and the planet. The inclusion of a sensational advertisement for 'Telecult Power' suggests a willingness to explore and promote extraordinary claims related to personal transformation and wish fulfillment.