CENAP Infoline - no 087

Magazine Overview

This issue of cenap-infoline, dated 9. Februar 1999, issue number 87, delves into the phenomenon of UFO cults and their apocalyptic predictions, with a particular focus on the Metharia sect in Germany. The magazine explores the intersection of esoteric beliefs, alleged extraterrestrial contact, and the potential for dangerous group dynamics.

Metharia: A UFO Apocalypse Cult

The lead story, "Reinigung im All" (Cleansing in Space), details the Metharia sect, based in Eckernförde, Germany. The sect is led by Edeltraud Schröder, a 59-year-old woman who claims to have received messages from extraterrestrials from the planet Metharia, near Alpha Centauri. Schröder preaches that an apocalypse is imminent and that only the 'enlightened' will be saved by a UFO.

Peter Neumann, a former member, recounts the destruction of his family due to his wife's involvement with the sect. He describes Schröder as a charismatic figure who preys on vulnerable individuals with a mix of esoteric teachings, spiritual healing, and UFO lore. Neumann's wife, along with their two daughters, joined Schröder, leading to Neumann's divorce.

Experts like Hans-Peter Bartels, the sect commissioner for Schleswig-Holstein, express serious concern. Bartels likens Metharia to groups like Heaven's Gate and the Solar Temple, noting the potential for mass suicide if the predicted apocalypse fails to materialize. He estimates the sect has around 200 members nationwide.

Schröder reportedly claims to have been beamed aboard a spaceship near Alpha Centauri years ago, where she received revelations about an impending 'cleansing' of Earth. Her book, "Reise zur Venus" (Journey to Venus), is considered the sect's holy scripture, detailing her alleged experiences with 'Santiner' from Metharia. She dismisses the need for a physical body for the space journey, stating, "The fleshly shell is rather a hindrance."

The article highlights the financial aspects of the sect, noting that Schröder's group owns seven properties and likely generates significant income through seminars, 'esoteric trinkets,' and alleged remote healing sessions. Bartels suspects the group profits from seminars, an 'esoteric bazaar,' and purported remote healing services.

Children are also a focus for the sect. Propst Knut Kammholz of Eckernförde expresses concern about the sect's influence on families, stating that children are particularly vulnerable. While parents attend weekend workshops (costing DM 380), sect members look after the children. Children can join the "Verein zur Errichtung des geistchristlichen Zentrums Metharia e. V." (Association for the Establishment of the Spiritual Christian Center Metharia Ltd.) from the age of seven, paying membership fees.

Other Esoteric Trends and Businesses

Beyond the Metharia sect, the magazine explores the broader landscape of esoteric businesses and trends in Germany.

Esoterik-Messe in Mannheim

An article titled "Esoterik-Messe im Rosengarten / Veranstalter erwartet 2500 Besucher" describes the annual Esoterik Days held in Mannheim. The event features numerous stalls selling items like minerals, meditation CDs, Bach flower remedies, and yogi tea. Practitioners offering services such as dowsing, palmistry, clairvoyance, and tarot card reading are present. The article notes the significant financial scale of the esoteric industry in Germany, with an estimated 1,000 esoteric methods and up to 20,000 providers generating an annual turnover of approximately 18 billion Marks.

Several practitioners are highlighted: Renate Lehr from Pforzheim offers health checks using dowsing rods and mineral therapies. Inga Michel runs the "Schule für spirituelles Erwachen" (School for Spiritual Awakening). Annelore Berneck, a chirosophist, analyzes handwriting and palm lines for a fee. Dotschka Metérowa offers lessons in tarot card reading for DM 450.

The event's program includes lectures on contacting the afterlife, meditation, mantras, and increasing life force through "tachyonic energy." The Esoterik Days were scheduled for November 14-15, 1998.

"Diva" Satellite Project

A science and technology section features an article about the "Diva" satellite, developed by scientists at the Astronomical Calculation Institute in Heidelberg. This small satellite is designed to measure the distances and positions of at least ten million stars, aiming to address fundamental cosmological questions about the universe's size, age, and mass. Dr. Ulrich Bastian of the institute suggests "Diva" could launch as early as 2002. The project is a collaboration involving astronomers from various institutions, with Dornier conducting an industrial feasibility study. The consortium is now focused on securing funding, which depends partly on the German government's commitment to a national spaceflight program.

Mars Polar Lander Mission

Another science article reports on the Mars Polar Lander, launched on January 3, 1999. This American probe is equipped with a microphone, shovel, and drill to search for water and record sounds of wind and weather on the Martian south pole. The mission also includes two smaller "Deep Space 2" mini-probes designed to penetrate the Martian soil. The Mars Polar Lander is part of a larger effort, working in tandem with the Mars Climate Orbiter launched in December 1998.

Other News Snippets

• Yeti Mystery Solved: Chinese authorities, after 20 years of investigation, have concluded that alleged Yeti tracks are actually from other wild animals, stating they do not believe in the creature.
• US Missile Defense System: The US plans to deploy a nationwide missile defense system, with President Clinton proposing seven billion dollars for the project in the 2000 defense budget.
• New Planets Discovered: American astronomers have discovered two new planets outside our solar system. These planets are considered uninhabitable due to their size, structure, and proximity to their stars.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently highlights the commercialization of esoteric beliefs and practices, often portraying them as lucrative businesses preying on people's desires for meaning, healing, and salvation. There's a clear skepticism towards many of these phenomena, particularly cults and extreme New Age beliefs, as evidenced by the critical reporting on the Metharia sect and the cautionary tone regarding the broader esoteric market. The magazine also balances these topics with reports on scientific advancements in space exploration, suggesting an interest in both the unexplained and the scientifically verifiable. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, exposing potentially harmful practices while also informing readers about current events in science and the paranormal.