EARTHQUEST NEWS

Magazine Overview

Title: EARTHQUEST NEWS
Issue: Vol. 4, No. 3
Date: Autumn 2000
Publisher: Andrew Collins

This issue of Earthquest News provides updates on the Questing Conference, discusses various theories about the location of Atlantis, and explores ancient technologies and historical connections between Egypt and Britain.

Atlantis Response

The newsletter begins by addressing the success of Andrew Collins' book "GATEWAY TO ATLANTIS," noting that the hardback edition sold out quickly and the paperback is due in October. Collins responds to reader feedback, particularly regarding the location of Atlantis. While acknowledging theories placing Atlantis in the Bahamas, Caribbean, or Mid-Atlantic, he focuses on debunking the increasingly popular theory that Atlantis was located in Antarctica. Collins argues that Plato's descriptions, including the name 'Atlantis' (daughter of Atlas) and its location in the Western Ocean, do not align with Antarctica. He points out that Plato described Atlantis as being in front of an 'opposite continent' linked by 'other islands,' suggesting the Americas and the Caribbean islands as a more fitting geographical context. Furthermore, Collins interprets Plato's mention of a 'shallow sea' as the Sargasso Sea, a vast area of seaweed in the Mid-Atlantic, which makes more sense than a shallow sea near Antarctica. He also suggests that the language root of the Atlantis legend might be West Semitic, pointing to Phoenician and Carthaginian connections.

The second most popular theory places Atlantis on the western Atlantic seaboard, specifically Cuba and the sunken regions of the Bahamas and Caribbean, a view supported by the work of Emilio Spedicato and the legacy of Edgar Cayce's followers, who have pointed to underwater structures off Andros and Bimini.

The third most popular site is the Mid-Atlantic, particularly the Azores. This theory stems from the interpretation of Plato's description of Atlantis as a huge super-continent, which Collins argues is a misinterpretation of the extent of the Atlantean kings' domain rather than the size of the island itself, citing Critias' description of Atlantis as a relatively small island (600 x 400 km).

Mysteries of the Past

A successful one-day event at Conway Hall, London, featured lectures on crystal optics, Atlantis, transoceanic contact, and cosmic catastrophes. A key lecture was given by Robert Temple, author of "THE SIRIUS MYSTERY" and "THE CRYSTAL SUN." Temple presented evidence of ancient crystal lens technology, showing optical lenses found in museums from civilizations like the Romans, Greeks, Carthaginians, Assyrians, and Chinese. He highlighted the oldest evidence from predynastic Egypt (c. 3100 BC) and a Greek pot shard depicting a figure using a telescope, suggesting that ancient Egyptians possessed technologies often denied by conventional Egyptologists.

Egyptians in Britain

This section introduces Lorraine Evans' controversial new book, "KINGDOM OF THE ARK." Evans, an Egyptologist, proposes that a group of Egyptians, followers of Pharaoh Akhenaten and his daughter Merytaten, reached Bronze Age Britain by boat around 1330-1300 BC. This theory is supported by the discovery of three intact sailing vessels at North Ferriby, Yorkshire, dated by Carbon-14 analysis to 1350-1300 BC, which bear similarities to ancient Egyptian boat designs. Further evidence includes faience beads from Akhenaten's city found in British barrows and a similar necklace from an Irish burial. Evans also connects this to ancient British texts mentioning a princess named Scota, whose father is identified by the Egyptian historian Manetho as Pharaoh Akhenaten. The author notes that this idea echoes themes from his own earlier book, "THE SEVENTH SWORD."

Other New Books

Several other books are recommended:

• "THE MARIAN CONSPIRACY" by Graham Phillips: Explores the life of Jesus and the quest for the Virgin Mary's resting place, suggesting she may have ended her days on Anglesey, Britain.
• "THE TRIUMPH OF THE MOON" by Ronald Hutton: Catalogues the development of modern pagan witchcraft, highlighting the influence of Egyptologist Margaret Murray and the creation of the Horned God and Lady archetypes.
• "THE GREEN STONE" by Graham Phillips: Mentioned in relation to the Akhenaten theory.

Collins also promotes his public meetings held under the name "Earthquest" at the Cobham Lodge Hotel in Westcliff-on-Sea, covering topics like Egypt, Atlantis, earth mysteries, and psi-tech experiments.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores themes of ancient mysteries, alternative historical interpretations, and the re-evaluation of evidence often dismissed by mainstream academia. Collins actively engages with reader theories, presents archaeological and textual evidence for controversial ideas, and promotes his own research and publications. The editorial stance is one of critical inquiry, seeking to uncover hidden histories and challenge conventional narratives, particularly concerning ancient civilizations and their technologies.