Deguforum - Issue 46 - 2005

Magazine Overview

Title: DEGUFORUM
Issue: Nr.46
Volume: 12. Jahrgang
Date: June 2005
Publisher: DEGUFO e.V. (German Society for UFO Research)
Country: Germany
Language: German
Price: EURO 5,00

This issue of DEGUFORUM, the journal of the German Society for UFO Research, focuses on the DEGUFO Spring Meeting held in Halberstadt. The cover prominently features a disc-shaped UFO and announces the meeting as the main topic, along with other articles on mysterious crop circles in England, extraterrestrial communication, and encounters with unusual beings.

Editorial: "The DEGUFO Spring Meeting in Halberstadt was great!"

The editorial, written by Peter Hattwig, reflects on the recent DEGUFO Spring Meeting in Halberstadt and a prior FGK (Research Association for Crop Circles) meeting. He expresses his connection to the FGK through shared activities with its managing director, Frank Peters. Hattwig highlights a presentation by Ed Vos on orbs and a talk by crop circle researcher Joachim Koch. He also recounts a personal experience with a light effect device, theorizing that such devices are rarely the cause of UFO sightings due to the distinct nature of the light beams observed.

The editorial details the organizational aspects of the Halberstadt meeting, acknowledging the initial uncertainties but ultimately deeming it a success. He thanks Hans-Ulrich Neumann for his excellent organization, including the hotel arrangements, Walpurgis Night activities, and a city tour. Hattwig also discusses a near-mishap with the program for the 'abductions' session, where one speaker, Dr. Jens Waldeck, fell ill, and another, Anke Heitland, was also indisposed. Hattwig had to step in and present Waldeck's material, which he had to shorten due to its technical nature.

He mentions seeing the documentary "UFOs, Lies, and the Cold War" on Arte, finding it interesting in its confirmation of the UFO phenomenon and the government's struggle to deal with it during the Cold War, leading to the creation of 'idiotic explanations' that persist today.

Finally, Hattwig announces the next DEGUFO members' meeting on September 3rd/4th in Bad Kreuznach and the UFO conference in Chalon, France, from October 13th-16th, 2005, encouraging members to participate.

Table of Contents Highlights

• Top Theme: Report from the DEGUFO Spring Meeting
• The Crop Circle Phenomenon in England by Joachim Koch
• Is the Abduction Phenomenon Disappearing? by Peter Hattwig and Jens Waldeck
• Impressions from Halberstadt

• Sightings and Experiences
• Encounter with a Grey of a Special Kind by Peter Nehring
• The "Praying Mantis" from a Reader
• Mysterious Occurrences in My Life by Frank Duske

• International Reports
• The Dubious Image of the Visitors - Summary of an Interview with Whitley Strieber by Hans-Ulrich Neumann

• Archaeoastronomy
• Mysterious Malta: Mysterious Rillenspuren and Temples on the Mediterranean Island - A Different Kind of Travel Report by Alexander Knörr

• SETI Research
• Lingua Cosmica: On the Linguistic Communication with Extraterrestrial Life Forms - Part 4 by Jens Waldeck

• Orbs
• Orbs - How I See Them by Stephan Focke
• Letters to the Editor on the Topic of Orbs

• Science and Technology
• Alien Shadow Plays
• Unstable Wormholes
• Astronomers Discover Smallest Planet Outside Our Solar System

• Books - Films - Art
• Reviews of books on UFOs, conspiracy theories, and the paranormal.

• Events
• UFO Conference in Chalon
• DEGUFO Members' Meeting

Errata: The issue corrects a previous statement about the copyright of a cover image, attributing it to Ed Voss and his partner Nel, not Frank Peters.

Article: The Crop Circle Phenomenon in England - Much More Than Just Flattened Korn (Part 1)

This article by Joachim Koch details his 14 years of research into crop circles, particularly in Wiltshire, England. He and Hans-Jürgen Kyborg began investigating these formations over 14 years ago, seeking to understand the intelligence behind them. They claim to have established contact through similar pictograms, receiving information about nearby star systems and the interaction of energy and matter. Koch and Kyborg initiated large-scale meditation experiments in 1994, believing the planet needed help. The article notes the British military's surveillance of crop circle researchers, suggesting an awareness of the phenomenon's significance. Koch and Kyborg's research has shifted from mere observation to studying the energetic signatures left by the phenomenon. They have also engaged in local meditations at ancient sites, which have reportedly led to spectacular events, including UFO sightings. Their work has led to two books: "Die Antwort des Orion" (The Answer of Orion) and "Vernetzte Welten" (Interconnected Worlds). A third book is planned after their 2006 meditation project.

The article also touches upon the Global Consciousness Project, which studies the influence of collective human consciousness on random number generators. Koch and Kyborg's meditation projects have shown measurable effects on these systems, demonstrating the power of focused intent.

Article: Is the Abduction Phenomenon Disappearing? (Part 2)

This article by Peter Hattwig examines the abduction phenomenon, noting that it is often met with skepticism, even from UFO believers. He discusses the characteristics of alleged abductions, such as beings passing through walls, hypnosis, and the production of children, questioning their veracity.

Hattwig introduces the concept of Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSS) as a key indicator of genuine abduction experiences, citing its recognition in clinical psychology and psychiatry. He argues that PTSS is rarely caused by imagination or psychosis but requires a real external physical event. This scientific basis makes it difficult for skeptics to dismiss abduction claims outright.

The article then delves into the work of psychologist Richard McNally, who proposed that abduction experiences are merely false memories. However, McNally's study, which compared alleged abductees with a control group, showed that the abductee group exhibited stress reactions consistent with PTSS, contradicting his hypothesis. McNally's conclusion that the trauma is not based on real events but on false memories is questioned.

Sociological approaches by Schetsche are also discussed, suggesting that abduction memories might be a form of the 'False Memory Syndrome' but acknowledging that this explanation has limitations. Schetsche's work points to the need for closer examination of media formats that disseminate abduction narratives.

Hattwig also touches upon new research using Magnetoencephalography (MEG) and Magnetoencephalography (MRT) to study brain activity during trauma recall. Studies by Scott Faro at Temple University have shown distinct patterns of brain activation in individuals recounting traumatic experiences compared to a control group, suggesting that the brain processes real memories differently from fabricated ones.

The article concludes by discussing the challenges in finding alleged abductees for recent DEGUFO events, leading to speculation that the phenomenon might be receding. Hattwig invites readers to share their thoughts on this possibility.

Article: Lingua Cosmica - On the Linguistic Communication with Extraterrestrial Life Forms - Part 4

This section, by Jens Waldeck, is the fourth part of a series on Lingua Cosmica, focusing on the linguistic communication with extraterrestrial life forms. While the full content is not detailed in the provided OCR, it is presented as a research topic within the magazine.

Article: Mysterious Malta: Mysterious Rillenspuren and Temples on the Mediterranean Island

This is a travel report by Alexander Knörr about Malta, focusing on mysterious rillenspuren (grooves) and temples, suggesting a connection to ancient mysteries and possibly extraterrestrial influences.

Article: Encounter with a Grey of a Special Kind

This article by Peter Nehring describes a personal encounter with a 'Grey,' a common type of alien in UFO lore, suggesting a direct experience with an extraterrestrial being.

Article: The "Praying Mantis" from a Reader

This piece is a reader's contribution describing an encounter with a being referred to as "The Praying Mantis," indicating a personal experience shared by a member of the DEGUFO readership.

Article: Mysterious Occurrences in My Life

Frank Duske shares personal accounts of mysterious events in his life, contributing to the collection of unexplained phenomena discussed in the magazine.

Article: The Dubious Image of the Visitors - Summary of an Interview with Whitley Strieber

This article summarizes an interview with author Whitley Strieber, likely discussing his experiences and views on UFOs and alien encounters. Hans-Ulrich Neumann provides the summary.

Orbs Section

This section includes an article by Stephan Focke titled "Orbs - How I See Them," offering his perspective on the phenomenon. It also features letters to the editor from readers discussing orbs and additional orb photos.

Science and Technology Section

This section briefly mentions three scientific topics: "Alien Shadow Plays," "Unstable Wormholes," and "Astronomers Discover Smallest Planet Outside Our Solar System." These are likely short news items or summaries of recent scientific developments relevant to the magazine's scope.

Books - Films - Art Section

• This section provides reviews of several books related to UFOs and related topics:
• "Aus dem Jenseits zurück" by Ernst Meckelburg
• "UFO - UdSSR" by Paul Stonehill & Philip Mantle
• "UFOs and the National Security State" by Richard Dolan
• "A Culture of Conspiracy" by Michael Barkun

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of DEGUFORUM revolve around UFO phenomena, crop circles, alien encounters, and the psychological and scientific aspects of these topics. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry and investigation into unexplained phenomena, while also engaging with scientific and psychological perspectives. The magazine aims to present research, personal accounts, and critical analysis of these subjects, encouraging discussion and further exploration. There is a clear emphasis on presenting evidence and research, even when dealing with controversial topics like alien abductions, and a willingness to challenge skeptical viewpoints with scientific findings like PTSS. The magazine also promotes a sense of community among those interested in these subjects, evident in the reports on meetings and events.

This issue of DEGUFO-Frühjahrstreffen, dated June 2005, focuses on personal accounts of UFO sightings and alien encounters, alongside an exploration of ancient mysteries, particularly those related to Malta.

Witness Testimonies:

Zeuge A: Graue der freundlichen Art

This section details several childhood experiences of the witness, starting around age 4 or 5. The first account describes seeing a "flying ship" and a "grey" alien with long, three-fingered hands. The alien communicated telepathically, and the witness felt a tingling sensation. The alien made a request about bringing someone else the next night. The craft was described as drop-shaped, 8-10 meters long, and 4-5 meters high, with a dark brown upper half and a light brown lower half, emitting a soft glow.

The second experience, from the same period, involved a strange light behaving like a pulsating sphere in the garden. The witness's father dismissed it, despite the witness's insistence. A peculiar aspect of this experience was that the witness was found outside despite being locked in their room, with the key hidden.

The third experience involved a grey alien with a mouth and nose, who spoke telepathically and informed the witness that it was time to go and that the witness would forget these events. The alien also mentioned that memories would return when the witness was 13. The craft was described as round, flattened at the top and bottom, and quite large.

The fourth account describes seeing a black, triangular craft flying silently at night. The craft made several passes, getting lower each time. The witness estimated its length to be 10-20 meters.

The fifth experience, from January 13, 1994, involved nosebleeds and dreams of three grey beings with black eyes, one holding a device that emitted white light, possibly for an implant.

Zeuge B: Der Schnitt im Gehirn

This witness recounts several experiences, starting with a sighting on New Year's Eve 1994/95. While on a balcony with friends, they observed four self-luminous disc-shaped objects approaching silently. The objects flew in formation at an altitude of 80-100 meters and then disappeared over the roof.

The witness also describes a childhood experience from 1975 where their 4-year-old sister vanished from her bed and reappeared later, with no memory of being gone. The witness felt an unusual silence and a sense of being alone.

Another experience involved a witness seeking help from psychologists and therapists regarding their UFO experiences. One therapist suggested it was good to see UFOs, while another was convinced by the testimony of a witness brought by the first.

Zeuge C: Entführungen auch in der DDR

This witness describes a lifelong pattern of abductions, which they believe is a family phenomenon passed down through generations. The witness recalls small beings entering rooms and approaching beds. The experiences are often preceded by a sense of unease and strange orange lights.

One specific memory from age 13 (Summer 1967) involves an orange light on the ceiling, followed by a neighbor asking about a large, orange, glowing oval object seen above their house.

Another account describes Grey aliens appearing by sticking their heads through walls, then entering the room and causing the witness's senses to fade.

A memory from age three and a half to four years old describes being in a strange environment with a small grey being and a tall, blond man. They were in a room with oval windows, and the witness looked down at Earth from what they believe was a spaceship.

Further Experiences (Zeuge C continued)

The witness describes a memory of flying over Africa, seeing herds of gnus, zebras, giraffes, and antelopes. Upon waking, their pajamas were on backward, suggesting a disorienting experience.

Another experience involved severe nosebleeds, which the witness later learned could be a sign of an implant. The witness also recalls a memory of alien beings manipulating their left eye and brain with 'heavy equipment'.

A mysterious device, about 7x7 cm and 2 cm thick, was found. It had various buttons and lights. Interacting with it led to a trance-like state and communication with an unseen speaker. The device disappeared after 12 days.

Zeuge C's Summary and Conclusion

The witness's accounts are analyzed against criteria for abduction experiences: permanent recall, pre-dating regression hypnosis, and occurring during full consciousness. The witness's experiences fit these criteria. The witness also notes that their children are also experiencing similar phenomena.

Präastronautik: Malta

Rätselhaftes Malta

This section, written by Alexander Knörr (DEGUFO), explores the mysteries of Malta, focusing on its ancient temples and unique features.

Malta is described as a fascinating island with a rich history and numerous riddles. The author, accompanied by his friend Hartwig Hausdorf, a proponent of pre-astronautics, has explored the island multiple times.

The history of Malta includes the Knights of St. John, the advanced technology of temple construction (Malta has the largest concentration of prehistoric temples in Europe), and an underground masterpiece, the Hypogäum of Hal Saflieni.

Maltas Tempel

The article discusses the temple complexes on Malta and Gozo, noting that time, tourists, and historical events (like WWII bombings) have taken their toll. However, some temples like Hagar Qim, Mnajdra, and Ggantija are well-preserved, while others like Hal Tarxien and Skorba are in ruins.

Ritualstein vor dem Skorba Tempel

The author describes the modern graffiti on the ancient stones and the feeling of awe when standing in a temple. He recounts an experience at the Skorba Temple where he and Hartwig Hausdorf discovered a magnetic anomaly. A 'ritual object' in front of a niche showed significant compass deviations (15°, 30°, 45°, 60°). This anomaly is difficult to explain with natural causes or the technology available at the time of construction (over 5000 years ago).

The article questions the sheer number of temples on Malta, suggesting that their purpose might not have been solely religious worship, but perhaps astronomical observation, given their precise alignment with celestial bodies. The author speculates that these structures might have been built by a civilization with advanced knowledge.

Das Hypogäum von Hal Saflieni

Discovered in 1902, this underground temple complex in Paola is noted for its well-preserved rooms and halls. The owner initially tried to conceal the find, but it was eventually investigated by the state cultural authority.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are personal encounters with the unexplained, including UFO sightings, alien interactions, and alleged abductions. There's a consistent thread of individuals sharing their experiences, often from childhood, and facing skepticism. The magazine also explores ancient mysteries, particularly those of Malta, suggesting a possible connection between these ancient sites and advanced civilizations or extraterrestrial influence. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness towards these phenomena, presenting witness accounts and speculative theories without outright dismissal, while also acknowledging the scientific and psychological aspects involved.

This issue of Präastronautik, published by DEGUFORUM in June 2005, focuses on ancient mysteries, pre-history, and potential extraterrestrial influences on human civilization. The magazine presents a collection of articles exploring enigmatic sites and phenomena, challenging conventional archaeological and historical narratives.

The Hypogäum and Malta's Ancient Temples

The issue begins by discussing the Hypogäum, an underground complex in Malta, and its relationship to the island's famous megalithic temples. The author highlights the precise craftsmanship and unique acoustics of the Hypogäum, noting that its construction suggests a level of sophistication not typically attributed to early civilizations. A significant point of contention is the dating of these structures. While archaeologists generally place them between 5000 and 6000 years old, the presence of skeletal remains and the scale of construction lead to speculation of a much older origin, potentially around 10,000 years old. The article questions the reliability of C-14 dating for organic materials found in these contexts and explores the implications of a significantly older timeline for human technological capabilities.

The Misqa Tanks

Another Maltese enigma explored are the Misqa Tanks, a series of deep, large hollows in a rock plateau near the Mnajdra temple. While some farmers use them for water storage, their intricate construction, including interconnected channels and peculiar petroglyphs, suggests a more complex purpose. The author, citing archaeologist Dr. Louis Vella, proposes that the Misqa Tanks might conceal an even larger Hypogäum beneath them, similar to the Hal Saflieni Hypogäum. Dr. Vella's theories, which suggest connections between Maltese and Egyptian cultures and propose Malta as the cradle of Egyptian civilization, are presented as controversial within mainstream archaeology.

The 'Cart Ruts'

The article then delves into the mystery of the 'Cart Ruts,' parallel grooves carved into the Maltese landscape. The prevailing theory attributes them to the wear and tear of ox-carts over centuries. However, the author presents several arguments against this explanation: the absence of corresponding animal tracks, the extreme depth and sharp angles of some ruts (up to 70 cm deep), and the abrupt ends and diversions of certain tracks, which resemble modern vehicle errors. The article dismisses theories that the ruts were for water supply or transport of temple components, as they often lead away from temples and quarries. The sheer scale and precision of these ruts, especially on steep cliffs and even extending into the sea, lead the author to conclude they were not made by simple ox-carts.

Underwater Structures and Ancient Technology

Expanding the scope beyond Malta, the magazine presents evidence of ancient, technologically advanced structures found underwater worldwide. Examples include formations near Okinawa, Japan (resembling stepped pyramids), structures off Bimini and Ponape, and a pyramid-like formation near Cuba, all submerged due to rising sea levels since the last Ice Age. The Cosquer Cave in France, with prehistoric cave paintings dated to over 18,440 years old, is also mentioned, suggesting human capabilities far exceeding current historical estimates. These findings collectively challenge the traditional timeline of human development and technological advancement, implying a lost high-tech civilization.

The Phenomenon of Orbs

Two articles explore the phenomenon of 'Orbs,' often captured in photographs as luminous spheres. Stephan Focke, a healer and seer, describes his personal experiences interacting with Orbs, perceiving them as energetic, playful life forms that communicate through tones. He suggests they might be detached consciousness or thoughts. Another contributor, Dr. med. Ruth Kremser, questions the interpretation of Orbs, while Alexander Knörr expresses skepticism about them being intelligent phenomena. The issue notes that the topic of Orbs will be continued in the next issue, with further photographic evidence.

Interview with Whitley Strieber

A summary of an interview with author Whitley Strieber discusses his views on UFOs and alien encounters. Strieber posits that 'aliens' operate from a different dimensional perspective, neither good nor evil, and that their interactions with humans, including abductions, are profound and transformative. He suggests that humanity's current societal structure might be deliberately maintained to avoid overwhelming cultural shock if advanced extraterrestrial beings were to reveal themselves. Strieber also touches upon the idea that UFOs are not necessarily physical craft but rather manifestations of beings capable of altering their form.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout this issue of Präastronautik are the questioning of established historical and archaeological timelines, the exploration of ancient technological capabilities, and the investigation of unexplained phenomena such as UFOs and Orbs. The editorial stance appears to favor alternative interpretations that challenge mainstream science, suggesting that humanity's past may hold more advanced civilizations and extraterrestrial connections than currently acknowledged. The magazine encourages readers to consider evidence that contradicts conventional understanding and to embrace a broader perspective on human history and its potential cosmic context.

This issue of DEGUFORUM, dated June 2005, features a prominent article titled "Lingua Cosmica – Zur sprachlichen Kommunikation mit extraterrestrischen Lebewesen - Teil 4" by Jens Waldeck. The magazine also includes sections on astronomy, book reviews, and personal accounts of unusual experiences.

Lingua Cosmica: The Language of Aliens

Jens Waldeck's article explores the challenges and possibilities of communicating with extraterrestrial life. He introduces the concept of "Exolinguistik" (Exolinguistics), the study of alien languages, and discusses how the term 'alien' evolved from 'foreigner' to 'extraterrestrial.' Waldeck notes that previous research focused on programming-like language structures, but the current focus is on understanding natural language-like communication from aliens. He highlights the human ability to understand natural languages, even unknown ones, and suggests that this innate skill might be key to deciphering alien communication. The article touches upon the complexity of human language acquisition, drawing parallels to how children learn languages without formal instruction.

Waldeck questions the sufficiency of purely mathematical or scientific descriptions of the universe, referencing Hawking's pursuit of a unified theory and Wittgenstein's view that scientific descriptions do not address fundamental life problems. He introduces the concepts of GUT (Grand Unified Theory) and TOE (Theory of Everything), distinguishing between purely scientific theories and those encompassing both natural and spiritual sciences. The article lists various scientific disciplines and arts, suggesting that extraterrestrial communication might involve a broader spectrum of knowledge than currently understood by human science.

The Art of Acquiring Unknown Languages

The article discusses the work of the Summer Institute of Linguistics (SIL) in studying languages spoken by small, isolated communities. It emphasizes the importance of fieldwork and the potential loss of cultural heritage when such languages disappear. The challenge for linguists is to understand these languages without relying on their native tongue, a process that Kenneth L. Pike's work on language acquisition and interpretation is presented as relevant.

Kenneth L. Pike's approach, described as "language and life," involves immersing oneself in a culture and observing from both an external and internal perspective. Pike's methodology for exolinguistics involves understanding the relationship between language and culture. He developed methods for learning foreign languages, including the constructed language "Kalaba-X," which simplifies grammatical structures to aid in language acquisition. The article explains the basic sentence structure in Kalaba-X (Predicate-Object-Subject) and the concept of word classes (Verb, Noun, Adjective), emphasizing the intuitive understanding of these classes.

What Do the Others Have to Say?

This section questions whether mathematical formulas are sufficient to understand the universe or if extraterrestrial beings might communicate through more complex, natural language-like means. It explores the idea that alien communication might be more nuanced than scientific or programming languages, potentially encompassing aspects of culture, philosophy, and art.

Astronomy and Exoplanets

An article titled "Außerirdische Schattenspiele" (Extraterrestrial Shadow Play) discusses the possibility that advanced extraterrestrial civilizations might signal their presence not through radio signals or laser pulses, but by constructing massive objects, such as planetary-sized grids or triangles, that would block their star's light in a characteristic way. These "artificial objects" could be detected by space telescopes like Corot and Kepler. The article suggests that aliens might use multiple such objects arranged in specific patterns to ensure their detection.

Another astronomy piece, "Astronomen entdecken kleinsten Planeten außerhalb unseres Sonnensystems" (Astronomers Discover Smallest Planet Outside Our Solar System), reports on the discovery of an Earth-like planet orbiting the star Gliese 876. This exoplanet, described as the "big cousin of Earth," is twice the diameter and 7.5 times the mass of Earth, making it the smallest exoplanet found to date outside our solar system. The discovery is seen as a confirmation of ancient philosophical ideas about other Earth-like planets.

Physics and Cosmology

An article titled "Instabile Wurmlöcher" (Unstable Wormholes) discusses the theoretical concept of wormholes as shortcuts through spacetime. However, it highlights research by Roman Buniy and Stephen Hsu suggesting that these wormholes are fundamentally unstable, making them impractical for interstellar travel or time travel as often depicted in science fiction.

Personal Accounts and Experiences

The magazine features several personal accounts of unusual experiences:

• Die »Gottesanbeterin« (The Praying Mantis): A reader recounts an encounter in childhood with a tall, slender, bamboo-colored being with long fingers, which spoke to them and told them to go back to sleep.
• A Lucid Dream: A reader describes a vivid dream involving torment by small beings and rescue by "Coneheads," who then helped them forget the experience.
• Out-of-Body Experience: A reader describes an out-of-body experience where they saw an exact double of themselves outside their window.
• Neighbor's Experiences: A reader's neighbor reported seeing a tall, robed figure in a dream and later encountered a man in a hat on his balcony with a tube-like object.
• A Dancing Light: A reader witnessed a white, spherical object flying near an airplane, which disappeared instantly.
• Encounter on December 8, 2004: A reader describes an experience where a "being" stood by their bed, and they felt themselves levitate towards the window.

Book and Film Reviews

• Ernst Meckelburg: "Aus dem Jenseits zurück – Beweise für das Leben danach" (Back from the Beyond – Evidence for Life After Death): This review discusses a book that critically examines the topic of the afterlife, presenting evidence from paranormal experiences and scientific research. The reviewer notes the book's exploration of concepts like consciousness being independent of space-time and the work of David Bohm.
• Paul Stonehill & Philip Mantle: "UFO – UdSSR": This review highlights a comprehensive account of UFO and USO (Unidentified Submerged Objects) incidents in the Soviet Union and Russia. It covers military, scientific, and intelligence sightings and analyses, drawing on experiences from various regions and individuals, including cosmonauts and historians.
• Richard Dolan: "UFOs an the National Security State": The review praises Dolan's book as a definitive history of UFOs in the USA from 1941-1973, focusing on their impact on national security. It discusses the discrepancy between the reality of UFO phenomena and their public perception, likening it to Alice falling down the rabbit hole into Wonderland.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the exploration of extraterrestrial communication, the nature of consciousness and the afterlife, and the reporting of UFO sightings and paranormal phenomena. The magazine appears to adopt a critical yet open-minded stance towards these subjects, presenting scientific research alongside personal testimonies and speculative theories. The editorial stance encourages readers to consider possibilities beyond conventional scientific paradigms and to engage with unexplained phenomena.

This issue of DEGUFORUM, number 46 from June 2005, is a German-language publication from the DEGUFO e.V. (German-speaking Society for UFO Research). The cover headline focuses on books, films, and art, specifically highlighting Michael Barku's book 'A Culture of Conspiracy' and its exploration of reptilian themes and conspiracy theories.

Books - Films - Art

A Culture of Conspiracy by Michael Barku

The main article discusses Michael Barku's book, which posits that the concept of shape-shifting snake-like beings, or reptilians, likely originates from Robert E. Howard's 1929 story 'The Shadow Kingdom.' In this story, the antagonist is a snake-man, and the protagonist is Kull of Atlantis. Barku suggests Howard's ideas came from dreams, as he wrote the story at age 21 and it was published in 'Weird Tales' in August 1929.

The article notes that another American author, Edgar Rice Burroughs, also wrote about reptilian beings in 'Tarzan at the Earth's Core,' written around 1927-1929. Burroughs described snake-men with reptilian features. While Howard was in Texas dreaming up his stories, Burroughs was in California dictating his. It's suggested that Burroughs might not have known about Howard's work, though Howard had 12 of Burroughs' books in his library, many related to Mars.

Edgar Rice Burroughs, born in Chicago in 1875, is mentioned in connection with his Mars stories featuring John Carter. His Martian characters are compared to prehistoric races described by Madame Blavatsky. The article speculates whether Burroughs' stories were influenced by trance states, noting his frequent headaches and nightmares, and visions of veiled figures. He is questioned as to whether he was a 'contactee' or 'abductee,' with the text noting that aliens are often depicted wearing large, hooded robes.

Early UFO Sightings and Connections

The issue then shifts to early UFO sightings in the American sky. It details a torpedo-shaped object exploding over Burlington, Vermont, on July 2, 1907. Other sightings include a strange airship over Ware, Massachusetts (October 25, 1908), round objects over White River Junction, Vermont, and a large black object with searchlights over Bridgewater, Massachusetts. A mysterious red light was seen over North Leominster and Princeton, Massachusetts, and a silver disc flew over Marlboro, Massachusetts. Some witnesses reported seeing a disc land near Lake Williams and heard strange voices. Cigar-shaped objects were also reported over Connecticut, Tennessee, and Alabama.

The article questions whether these sightings, which peaked in 1909, could be attributed to airships. It links Burroughs' Mars novels, like 'A Princess of Mars,' to potential trance-induced inspiration, noting his physical ailments and nightmares. The text also mentions Hiram Bingham, the discoverer of Machu Picchu, as a former classmate.

It is posed whether other individuals had similar sleepwalking-induced inspirations, mentioning Robert E. Howard again, who suffered from nightmares and was found tied to his bed. In 1910, Howard reportedly saw a 'mysterious meteor' in Texas.

The article questions what triggered the interest in reptilians or extraterrestrials in 1927, suggesting possibilities like Charles A. Lindbergh Jr.'s solo flight across the Atlantic, Roald Amundsen's South Pole expedition, or the advent of sound film. It ponders whether these phenomena were always present or if 1927 marked the beginning of a 'psychosocial avalanche.'

Events and Conferences

1st European UFO Researcher and UFO Enthusiast Meeting

An advertisement announces the 1st European UFO Researcher and UFO Enthusiast Meeting, organized by PARANEWS.NET, to be held from October 14th to 16th, 2005, in Chalons en Champagne, France. The event aims to compare the work of European UFO researchers and scientists and allow enthusiasts to experience a UFO researcher up close. Both skeptics and believers are welcome. The event will feature various lectures, panel discussions, and exhibitions from different countries, covering over 50,000 m².

DEGUFO Membership Meeting and Public Forum

Details are provided for the DEGUFO membership meeting on September 3rd and 4th, 2005, in Bad Kreuznach. The public part of the event will begin at approximately 4:00 PM on September 3rd. Planned lectures include Dr. Jens Waldeck on 'Encounters of Another Kind: Reinhard Fischer's "Italians", the Pianomann and Orbs. Levels of Communication,' and Ingbert Jüdt on 'German Flying Saucers - The Right-Wing Radical Exploitation of the UFO Theme,' which examines how the legend of 'Reichsdeutsche Flugscheiben' has been used to promote right-wing extremist ideology.

Stephan Focke and Dr. Peter Hattwig will present on 'Systematic Investigations of Orbs (Light Spheres),' showcasing hundreds of orb images and discussing their properties. An 'Orb Hunt' is planned for the evening, weather permitting, with participants encouraged to bring cameras.

UFO Research Meeting in Bremen

A 'Grenzwissenschaftlicher Treff Bremen' (Parascientific Meeting Bremen) is scheduled for September 12, 2005, at 7:30 PM, focusing on 'Orbs (Light Spheres) and Crop Circles.' The program includes presentations of the best orb photos from the previous meeting and crop circle photos from 2005 worldwide.

FGK Main Meeting

The FGK (Gesellschaft für grenzwissenschaftliche Forschung) will hold its main meeting on October 8th and 9th, 2005, in Zierenberg near Kassel. The public part will include reports on the 2005 crop circle season in various countries, FGK projects, a flight over the Nazca Lines in Peru, and discussions on geomancy and ancient Egypt. Frank Peters will present on 'Mysterious Malta.'

Orb Photos and Research

Further Orb Photos (Continuation from page 30)

The magazine features orb photographs taken by DEGUFO member Andreas Haxel in Santander, Spain, on April 21, 2005. Haxel interprets these orbs as rain phenomena, noting their similar appearance to others shown on previous pages. Another orb photo, taken by Dr. Peter Hattwig in Bremen on May 23, 2005, is highlighted for its unusual hexagonal shape, described as possibly a disc with a hexagonal outline or a 16-faceted cube. Dr. Hattwig is noted to have captured another surprising photo later, which he plans to discuss in a future presentation.

Imprint and Contact Information

The imprint section provides details about the publisher, DEGUFO e.V., its ISSN (0946-1531), and editorial staff, including Dr. Peter Hattwig and Dr. Jens Waldeck. Subscription prices are listed as EURO 20 for domestic annual subscriptions and EURO 25 for international. Single issue prices are EURO 5 (domestic) and EURO 6.50 (international). The publication schedule is quarterly. The imprint also states that articles marked with a name do not necessarily reflect the views of DEGUFO e.V., and the organization is not liable for unsolicited manuscripts or photos. Contact information for DEGUFO e.V. in Bad Kreuznach, including phone and fax numbers, and bank details, is provided. The magazine's website is listed as http://www.alien.de/degufo or http://www.degufo.de.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of DEGUFORUM strongly focuses on the intersection of literature, mythology, and UFO phenomena. It explores how fictional narratives, particularly in early 20th-century pulp fiction, may have influenced or reflected early public consciousness regarding extraterrestrial beings and conspiracy theories. The magazine also actively promotes and reports on UFO research events and discussions, highlighting the work of various researchers and organizations like DEGUFO and FGK. The recurring theme of 'orbs' as unexplained aerial phenomena is prominent, with photographic evidence and ongoing research being featured. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into paranormal and fringe topics, encouraging discussion and investigation while also acknowledging different perspectives, including skepticism.