Deguforum - Issue 31 - 2001

Magazine Overview

Title: DEGUFORUM
Issue: Nr. 31
Volume: 8. Jahrgang
Date: September 2001
Publisher: DEGUFO e.V. (German-speaking Society for UFO Research)
Focus: Journal for UFO research, philosophy, nature, and fringe sciences.

Editorial

The editorial section, usually written by Peter Hatwig, is replaced by a statement of mourning for the victims of the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington. The editor states that personal problems are insignificant compared to the grief of those affected.

Articles and Reports

Cover Story: "Und sie fliegen doch..." (And they do fly...)

This section, compiled by Peter Hatwig, presents various reports of strange occurrences. It includes:

• "1999 - Zwei Objekte in der Lüneburger Heide" (1999 - Two Objects in the Lüneburg Heath): A witness describes seeing a trident-shaped object with colored lights and two cigar-shaped objects during a bike tour. The witness also noted their watch was running slow afterward.
• "Zwei Beobachtungen in Stockholm" (Two Observations in Stockholm): A witness recounts two UFO sightings in Sweden. The first in 1978 involved a flat, coin-shaped object rotating in the sky. The second, in the early 1990s, described a large, blurry, orange sphere seen from a car.
• "Ein Vogel? - Aufnahme mit einer Digitalkamera" (A Bird? - Captured with a Digital Camera): A witness sent a photo of a strange object captured by their digital camera, asking for identification. The DEGUFO response suggests it was likely a bird, explaining why it might have been missed during photography.
• "Wie eine Rakete - Mallorca - 1999" (Like a Rocket - Mallorca - 1999): A witness describes a nocturnal object over Mallorca that moved laterally, stopped, emitted a bright light, and then shot upwards at incredible speed. The object exhibited characteristics of a plane, a helicopter, and a rocket.
• "Ein Nebel - 2001 in der Dom. Rep." (A Fog - 2001 in the Dom. Rep.): A bright object was observed over a beach in the Dominican Republic, emitting a mist-like substance that illuminated the sky. The object disappeared, followed by the mist.
• "Ein ungeklärter Fall - Glücksburg/Ostsee 2001" (An Unexplained Case - Glücksburg/Baltic Sea 2001): A witness reports observing a bright, unidentifiable object on two consecutive evenings. The object appeared to 'disintegrate' into three parts on the first night. The DEGUFO response initially suggested a military exercise but later proposed the International Space Station (ISS) as a possibility, which the witness disputes based on duration and movement.
• "Wie ein Heißluftballon - Köln 2001" (Like a Hot Air Balloon - Cologne 2001): A witness observed an object resembling a hot air balloon at night, moving at a controlled speed. A follow-up email from the witness expresses doubt about the hot air balloon explanation due to the object's speed and maneuverability.
• "Ein schwarzes ovales Objekt - Zürich 2001" (A Black Oval Object - Zurich 2001): A witness describes a large, black, oval object that ascended rapidly and disappeared instantly from view. The local weather radar station confirmed no balloon launches but could not identify the object.
• "Ein dunkelbraunes Objekt - Bad Pyrmont 1990" (A Dark Brown Object - Bad Pyrmont 1990): A witness describes a large, dark brown, cube-shaped object that materialized in the air, hovered, emitted a bright white light, and then vanished instantly. Six white light balls appeared where the object had been.
• "Hell leuchtende Scheibe - Dresden 2001" (Brightly Shining Disc - Dresden 2001): A witness observed a brightly shining disc-like object that was significantly brighter and larger than a satellite or aircraft, moving rapidly across the sky.

Military Pilots Encounter UFO in Turkish Airspace

This report details an incident on August 6, 2001, where Turkish Air Force pilots Ilker Dincer and Arda Gunyer encountered an unidentified conical or disc-shaped object during a training flight near Izmir-Cigli. The object matched their jet's speed and altitude, engaging in what pilots described as a "dogfight." The Turkish Ministry of Defense initially suggested the object was a flock of birds or a weather balloon, but this explanation was disputed by the Sirius UFO Space Sciences Research Center, which suggested a cover-up. The report notes a recent increase in UFO sightings in Turkey and mentions that pilots are considered reliable witnesses.

From Press and Internet

• "DER KORNKREIS-SOMMER IN ENGLAD 2001" (The Crop Circle Summer in England 2001): This section features images and brief descriptions of crop circle formations in Milk Hills, Wiltshire, and Chilbolton, England, from August 2001. The Chilbolton formation is compared to the 'Mars face' image.
• "Ausstellung 'Unsolved Mysteries'" (Exhibition 'Unsolved Mysteries'): A report by Reinhard Habeck on an exhibition titled "Unsolved Mysteries."
• "Warum erschuf Gott die Welt in sieben Tagen?" (Why Did God Create the World in Seven Days?): An article based on a reader's letter in SuW.
• "ESA baut Superteleskop" (ESA Builds Super Telescope): A report based on Spiegel-online about the European Space Agency building a new super telescope.
• "Ist unsere Erde einzigartig im All?" (Is Our Earth Unique in Space?): An article based on a report from Der Spiegel, compiled by Peter Hatwig.
• "Das verräterische Flackern - Auf der Suche nach extrasolaren Planeten" (The Treacherous Flicker - In Search of Extrasolar Planets): An article based on Wissenchaft-online about the search for planets outside our solar system.
• "SETI - eine neue Technik" (SETI - A New Technology): An article discussing new technologies related to the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence.

Philosophy

• "Gottesbeweis" (Proof of God): An article by Hans-Joachim Heyer.
• "Interview eines Magiers" (Interview with a Magician): An interview conducted by Hans-Joachim Heyer.

Natural Science

• "Phantastische Wissenschaft" (Fantastic Science): An article by Roland Roth.

Parapsychology

• "Das Vermächtnis der 7 Weisen - Die Bibliothek des Schicksals" (The Legacy of the 7 Sages - The Library of Fate): An article by Thomas Ritter.
• "Das dunkle Geheimnis der Ruine am Meer" (The Dark Secret of the Ruin by the Sea): An article by Stanislav Grov.

Book Reviews (Bücherschau)

• "Tanz der Dimensionen - Remoteviewing in Deutschland" (Dance of Dimensions - Remote Viewing in Germany): A review by Manfred Jelinski.
• "Die Himmelfahrt der Meeresgöttin" (The Ascension of the Sea Goddess): A review by Thomas Ritter.
• "Intelligenzen im Kosmos" (Intelligences in the Cosmos): A review by Roland Roth.
• "Die Rückkehr zum Mars" (The Return to Mars): A review of a science fiction novel by Ben Bova.

DEGUFO Event Announcement

An announcement for the DEGUFO e.V. members' meeting and conference from October 6-7, 2001, in Bad Kreuznach. The event includes discussions on the organization's status, future activities, and presentations on topics like "The Nature of Space and Time" and "Physical Effects of the UFO Phenomenon."

Reader Letters (Leserbriefe) and Imprint (Impressum)

The issue concludes with a section for reader letters and the imprint.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of DEGUFORUM include eyewitness accounts of unexplained aerial phenomena, military involvement in UFO encounters, and the intersection of science, philosophy, and the unexplained. The editorial stance, as indicated by the opening statement, prioritizes empathy and solemnity in the face of significant global events, temporarily setting aside the usual focus of the journal.

This issue of DEGUFORUM, dated September 2001, delves into a multifaceted exploration of consciousness, reality, science, and spirituality, with a particular focus on the concept of God and the nature of existence. The issue features several distinct articles, including a philosophical treatise on the 'Proof of God,' scientific updates on genetics and robotics, and a personal experiential report on Nadi readings in India.

Gottesbeweis (Proof of God) by Hans-Joachim Heyer

Hans-Joachim Heyer presents a personal, non-empirical, and non-logical 'proof of God.' He frames it as an attempt to bridge subjective experience with rational systems. Heyer argues that our perception of the material world is a cognitive construct of our brain. He posits that the 'real brain' is a non-material entity, existing outside of space and time, and that the material brain and objects like a coffee cup are projections of this real brain. This 'real brain' is described as timeless and formless, an eternal soul. The 'environment' of this soul is a greater soul, which he identifies as God. Heyer contrasts this view with scientific materialism, suggesting that scientists who deny God are basing their conclusions on speculation about a 'real space' beyond our cognitive perception.

He further elaborates on the concept of dimensions, defining them not as spatial or temporal measures but as new qualities that describe points. He suggests that consciousness itself represents a higher dimension, something not found in the physical world. The universe, in his view, is holistic, meaning it is Geist (Spirit) and possesses intelligence. He proposes that the grand structures of the universe (God's mind) emerged first, followed by smaller structures like the human mind, reversing the scientific view of a material universe preceding consciousness.

Naturwissenschaft (Natural Science) Section

This section features several articles:

Fantastische Wissenschaft (Fantastic Science) by Roland Roth

Roland Roth discusses recent scientific discoveries and research. He highlights Honda's development of the Asimo humanoid robot, capable of human-like movement and performing household tasks. The article also touches upon the significance of the human genome project, comparing its impact to the moon landing and atomic fission, as stated by Svante Pääbo. Pääbo suggests that understanding the genome changes our perspective on ourselves and that the genetic similarity between humans and chimpanzees (99%) might explain some of our discomfort with genetic research. The article also addresses the potential for genetic studies to be misused for racist purposes but argues that genetic diversity might mitigate this risk.

Roth also discusses the multiregional theory of human evolution, citing research on fossil remains from Lake Mungo, Australia. This research suggests that modern humans may have evolved in multiple regions (Africa, Europe, and Asia) from Homo erectus, rather than solely from a single African origin as proposed by the 'Out of Africa' theory. The article notes that mtDNA analyses of Neanderthals also do not align with modern humans, further complicating the evolutionary picture.

Neues Leben (New Life)

This article reports on NASA scientists who created primitive 'cells' in a laboratory experiment simulating stellar space conditions. This suggests that life on Earth might have originated in space. The experiment involved creating membrane-like structures from simple substances under ultraviolet radiation. The researchers believe these structures could have protected self-replicating molecules, potentially leading to the first life forms, which might have been transported to Earth via meteorites or cosmic dust.

Kolonien im All (Colonies in Space)

This piece discusses NASA's NIAC (Nathional Innovative Advanced Concepts) initiative to design genetically engineered plants for space colonization. The goal is to create plants that can provide food and regulate the atmosphere for astronauts in harsh extraterrestrial environments, such as Mars. The article mentions the challenges of growing plants in low pressure and temperature conditions and suggests the possibility of developing plants that can produce their own light. It also touches upon the idea of gene customization for plants and the potential for life to exist beyond Earth, supporting the 'Panspermia' theory.

Interview eines Magiers (Interview with a Magician) by Hans-Joachim Heyer

In this interview, Hans-Joachim Heyer explains his self-proclaimed title of 'Magician.' He states that his 'magic' is not about performing tricks but about a fundamental shift in his worldview, moving from a materialistic 'how' to a teleological 'why.' He describes how his philosophy, influenced by Nietzsche and Schopenhauer, led him to perceive the world as a manifestation of his inner beliefs. He explains that by changing his overall thinking, he influences reality, a process he calls 're-enchantment of the world.' He acknowledges that this 'magic' is not provable to non-magicians, as they operate within a different framework of understanding. Heyer uses his homepage as a tool to express his beliefs and to find individuals who might be receptive to his philosophy, seeing their strong negative reactions as a sign of potential for change.

Erlebnisbericht (Experience Report) by Thomas Ritter

Thomas Ritter recounts his personal journey to India to experience Nadi readings. He explains that Nadi readings are a form of divination based on ancient palm leaves inscribed by mythical Rishis thousands of years ago. These leaves are believed to contain the life stories of millions of people. Ritter describes his visits to palm leaf libraries in Madras and Kanchipuram, detailing the process of obtaining a reading. This involves providing personal details, and the Nadi reader uses a system of shells and mandalas to locate the specific palm leaf corresponding to the individual. The readings, conducted in ancient Tamil and translated into English, provided detailed information about his past, present, and future, which Ritter found to be remarkably accurate and verifiable, even to the extent of being carbon-dated to over 350 years old.

He also visited a library in Bangalore, where the process involved a more structured questionnaire and a verbal reading translated into English. The readings covered past lives, present circumstances, future predictions, and health advice. Ritter emphasizes the spiritual and philosophical underpinnings of the Nadi readings, linking them to the concept of 'Shuka-Nadi' and the pursuit of 'Moksha' (liberation from the cycle of birth and death).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The DEGUFORUM issue consistently explores the intersection of science, philosophy, and spirituality. There is a clear skepticism towards purely materialistic explanations of reality, with a strong emphasis on consciousness, subjective experience, and higher dimensions as fundamental aspects of existence. The magazine seems to advocate for a holistic worldview that integrates scientific inquiry with spiritual or metaphysical understanding. The articles challenge conventional scientific paradigms, particularly in the fields of cosmology, evolution, and the nature of consciousness, suggesting that current scientific models are incomplete. The editorial stance appears to be open to unconventional ideas and personal experiences that go beyond empirical evidence, particularly in areas related to spirituality and the potential for human consciousness to influence reality.

This issue of DEGUFORUM, dated September 2001, delves into a variety of esoteric and fringe science topics, including ancient prophecies, paranormal phenomena, and astronomical discoveries. The magazine features personal accounts, reviews, and reports on exhibitions, offering a comprehensive look into these subjects.

Personal Experiences with Palm Leaf Oracles

The issue begins with an "Erlebnisbericht" (Experience Report) detailing the author's encounters with palm leaf libraries in Kanchipuram, India. These libraries, numbering sixteen in Kanchipuram alone, offer Nadi readings that provide a comprehensive overview of an individual's life, from birth to death, and delve into specific areas like education, career, relationships, and spiritual development. The author recounts how the predictions made by these oracles, including a significant life change and the death of his grandfather, proved accurate. The report also touches upon the broader scope of palm leaf manuscripts, which can contain predictions about societal, technical, and scientific developments, though these are rarely consulted unless directly relevant to an individual's fate.

The author highlights the philosophical underpinnings of these prophecies, suggesting that true positive change originates from within. He shares his acquisition of over 100 palm leaf manuscripts, including two concerning the future of Europe, which were part of the estate of a deceased Pandit. These manuscripts, written in ancient Tamil, were initially considered worthless by the Pandit's family but were later preserved by an Indian antiquarian and brought to Germany for research. Dr. Nicklas from the Institute for Indology and Tamilistics at the University of Cologne is involved in the analysis, noting the complexity and extensive nature of the texts, suggesting a full translation could be a ten-year project.

Another experience described is a visit to Vaithisvarankoil, a town with more than a dozen palm leaf libraries, which are believed to be remnants of the vast library of the Rajas of Tanjavur. This library, reportedly containing over 3,000 palm leaf manuscripts, covered all known branches of science and future predictions. The author explains that the Rajas of Tanjavur lost their kingdom to the British after an uprising, and their library was seized.

The Rishis and the Concept of Time

The article further explores the role of the "Rishis," ancient Indian sages who possessed the ability to perceive time non-linearly. It is suggested that they left behind palm leaf records to guide future generations. The author posits that in the "absolute reality" of the universe, past, present, and future coexist in an eternal "now," making all information accessible at any time. This perspective challenges the conventional understanding of linear time and suggests a "simultaneity" of events and processes.

"Unsolved Mysteries" Exhibition

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to an exhibition titled "Unsolved Mysteries," held at the Wiener Schottenstift. The exhibition features nearly 450 mysterious original artifacts from around the world, with a strong emphasis on South America. Among the displayed items are remnants of the controversial "metal library" of Pater Crespi from Ecuador. The exhibition includes unique art objects, many of which are being shown publicly for the first time. The article highlights specific artifacts, such as a "pyramid stone with a divine eye" found in Ecuador, which exhibits fluorescent elements and symbols that may relate to ancient astronomical observations. Another item is a "stone plate with engraving of the 'heavenly ladder,'" featuring intricate carvings and symbols related to shamanistic journeys and spiritual concepts.

Other featured artifacts include peculiar head miniatures from Ecuador, possibly related to headhunting or soul-journeys; a black stone goblet with inlaid constellations; twelve small stone cups with unknown symbols, reminiscent of the Holy Grail legend; and a polished, octagonal stone plate with mandala-like engravings, possibly used for meditation and spiritual guidance.

Scientific and Astronomical Articles

Beyond the esoteric themes, the magazine includes articles on scientific topics. One article, "Why Did God Create the World in Seven Days?" explores the astronomical and numerological basis for the seven-day week, linking it to the visible celestial bodies (Sun, Moon, and five planets) and ancient counting systems like dozens (12) and scores (60).

Another section, "Press and Internet," covers recent developments in astronomy and SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence). It discusses the European Space Agency's (ESA) plans for a new space telescope (NGST) to succeed Hubble, aiming to study the origins of the universe. It also mentions the 'BepiColombo' mission to Mercury and other ESA projects. A separate article discusses the search for extrasolar planets, focusing on the challenge of detecting them and the methods used, such as spectral analysis and analyzing the light fluctuations reflected from a planet's surface.

A piece on SETI's evolving strategy highlights the shift from searching for radio signals to looking for laser signals from potential extraterrestrial civilizations. The article also touches upon the possibility of misinterpreting signals from pulsars or atmospheric electrical discharges.

Book Review: "Remote Viewing in Deutschland"

The "Bücherschau" (Book Review) section features a review of Manfred Jelinski's book, "Tanz der Dimensionen: Remote Viewing in Deutschland." The book details Jelinski's personal experiences with remote viewing, a technique for perceiving hidden information. It explores the mechanics of remote viewing, the challenges faced by natural psychics, and the author's own journey into the field. The review highlights the book's discussion of PSI techniques, potential matrix-like control systems, and the author's experiments with video productions. It also touches upon the mathematical basis of probability in events and the concept of accessing dimensional planes through remote viewing. The review notes that a significant portion of the book is dedicated to investigating extraterrestrials and UFOs, including Mars sessions. Jelinski's work also explores the possibility of training anyone to become a remote viewer, provided they overcome skepticism. The review concludes by commending the book for its well-researched and personal insights, though it suggests the book might be a bit lengthy.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of DEGUFORUM revolve around the exploration of the unknown, the nature of consciousness, and the search for meaning beyond conventional scientific understanding. The magazine consistently features content that bridges the gap between ancient wisdom (palm leaf manuscripts, Rishis) and modern esoteric or fringe scientific pursuits (remote viewing, UFOs, extraterrestrial life). The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting diverse perspectives and personal experiences without necessarily endorsing them as absolute truth. There is a clear interest in ancient civilizations, their knowledge, and potential connections to extraterrestrial phenomena. The inclusion of scientific articles on astronomy and cosmology suggests an attempt to contextualize these esoteric themes within a broader understanding of the universe. The magazine seems to cater to an audience interested in mysteries, the paranormal, and alternative explanations for reality.

DEGUFORUM, Issue 31, September 2001, is a German-language publication from the DEGUFO e.V. (German Society for UFO Research). The issue features a "Bücherschau" (Book Review) section, reader letters, and editorial information.

Book Reviews

Die Himmelfahrt der Meeresgöttin - Phantastische Vermächtnisse u. Artefakte der Astronautengötter by Thomas Ritter

Reviewed by Patricia Pfister, this book is recommended for those interested in the "phantastische Vergangenheit" (fantastic past). Thomas Ritter, an experienced researcher and traveler, presents themes suggesting that human history is more mysterious than conventionally taught. The review highlights ancient Chinese seafaring capabilities (180m ships, nine masts) and the discovery of an unknown material in the Middle Ages, described as similar to old ivory but neither organic nor inorganic, and clearly artificial. The book is said to piece together a fascinating picture of the past, as intriguing as our future.

Intelligenzen im Kosmos - Auf den Spuren außerirdischer Zivilisationen by Roland Roth

Reviewed by Milo Sediq, this paperback discusses the increasing relevance of extraterrestrial intelligence in scientific and media discourse. Roland Roth's book tackles these questions, offering thought-provoking insights rather than definitive answers. It explores themes such as pre-astronautics and future contact, examining how the global population might react and whether "they" are already present. The review suggests it's a worthwhile read for anyone interested in the topic.

Die Rückkehr zum Mars - ein SF-Roman by Ben Bova

Reviewed by Peter Hattwig, this science fiction novel is described as a sequel to Bova's "Mars." Arthur C. Clarke is quoted calling it "the most fascinating book about our neighboring planet that I know." The novel details the dramatic story of the first manned Mars mission. The review praises Bova's expertise as a space researcher, geophysicist, biochemist, and meteorologist, noting the scientific rigor of the narrative. It also commends the complex characterization of the astronauts, avoiding simplistic good-vs-evil portrayals found in franchises like Star Wars and Star Trek. The dialogues are noted for their depth, serving to enhance understanding of the characters and their actions. A key strength is the coherent plot and well-developed storyline, partly presented in a diary format. The reviewer recommends it for those with time to read its nearly 700 pages.

Reader Letters

Leserbrief Reinhard Nühlen

Reinhard Nühlen expresses strong praise for the magazine's editor (presumably Reinhard Nühlen himself, though the text refers to 'dir' - you) for his dedication and ability to produce the magazine almost single-handedly. He compares DEGUFORUM favorably to other publications like "Jufof, Cenap-Report," and "Magazin 2000," noting that even former collaborators Hans-Joachim Heyer and Andreas Haxel shared this high opinion.

Leserbrief Andreas Haxel

Andreas Haxel concurs with Nühlen's praise, specifically commending the quality of the latest issue. While agreeing with most contributions, he mentions having some points of critical feedback, which he finds easier to articulate for DEGUFORUM than for other magazines. He positions DEGUFORUM as a leading publication in its genre.

Leserbrief Roland Roth (Errata)

Roland Roth points out a small error in a previous issue (DEGUFORUM 30), where a picture labeled "The Tower" was missing. He requests that this be noted as an erratum in the next issue and provides the missing image (Image 3), which depicts a central mountain within a crater, described as a symmetrical, monolithic object whose origin is unknown. The editor, PeHa, confirms that the missing image will be published.

Editorial Information

The issue includes standard publication details: Publisher is DEGUFO e.V., with Dr. Peter Hattwig listed as the responsible editor for this issue. Editorial staff includes Hartwig Hausdorf, Hans-Joachim Heyer, Andreas Krug, Britta Meyer, Reinhard Nühlen, Thomas Ritter, and Roland Roth. The magazine is produced using Adobe® Pagemaker® and has a closing date four weeks before the end of each quarter. It is published quarterly. The subscription price for Germany is DM 30.- annually or DM 7.50 per issue. For international subscribers, it is DM 40.- annually or DM 10.- per issue. Membership in DEGUFO includes the subscription. The magazine can be found online at http://www.alien.de/degufo and via email at [email protected].

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme in this issue is the exploration of the unknown, whether through ancient history, extraterrestrial intelligence, or science fiction. The magazine appears to maintain a high standard of quality and depth in its content, as evidenced by reader feedback. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry into unexplained phenomena and speculative topics, while also valuing scientific accuracy and well-researched content, particularly in book reviews.