Earthquest News - 2002 - Vol 5 No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: EARTHQUEST NEWS
Issue: Vol. 5, No. 1
Date: Summer 2002
Publisher: Andrew Collins
Website: www.andrewcollins.net

This issue of Earthquest News, a newsletter from Andrew Collins, covers upcoming events, new book releases, and recent discoveries related to alternative history, archaeology, and esoteric subjects.

Questing Conference 2002

The newsletter announces the upcoming Questing Conference, scheduled for Saturday, 16 November, at the Storrow Hall, Cecil Sharp House in London. Preparations are underway, and exclusive presentations will be featured from several authors.

• Robert Bauval will present his latest findings on the archaeo-astronomy of ancient and prehistoric Egyptian sites, based on his new book 'Egypt Decoded: The Star and Sun Temples of Ancient Egypt'.
• David Rohl, author of 'The Lost Testament', will discuss the historical reality of the Exodus and its connection to ancient Egypt.
• Graham Phillips, author of 'The Moses Legacy', will present on the true site of Mount Sinai and the search for the historical Moses.
• Andrew Collins and Chris Ogilvie-Herald will deliver a dual lecture titled 'Tutankhamun: the Exodus Conspiracy', exploring the circumstances surrounding the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb and its alleged connection to the Exodus.
• Adrian Gilbert will discuss 'London as the New Jerusalem' and the rise of the British Israelite movement, drawing from his book 'The New Jerusalem'.
• Edmund Marriage will explore the origins of the Garden of Eden and its relationship to ancient Sumerian Watchers, based on the work of Christian O'Brien.
• Ian Lawton, author of 'Genesis Unveiled', will present a new lecture.
• David Elkington, author of 'In the Name of the Gods', will discuss sound acoustics and the origins of religion, including a demonstration of acoustic effects.

Tickets are priced at GBP 25 in advance, with a discount for block bookings. Details for ordering tickets via cheque or credit card are provided.

Psychic Questing Returns

Andrew Collins explains the decision to reintroduce 'psychic questing' as a theme at the conference, a subject that was part of the event's origins prior to 1998. He notes that the 'psychic' element was initially downplayed to appeal to a broader audience interested in alternative history. Now, he feels it is appropriate to bring back elements of intuitive and inspired research. Leading exponents of psychic questing will give presentations, including:

• Richard Ward, who spoke on H. P. Lovecraft's Cthulhu mythos.
• Paul Weston, writing a book on the history and meaning of psychic questing.
• Caroline Wise, owner of Atlantis Bookshop.
• Storm Constantine, fantasy writer and founder of a magical group, who co-wrote 'Silverheart' with Michael Moorcock.

Collins himself will deliver a short lecture on the nature of psychic questing, defining it as 'using intuitively inspired thoughts and information for creative purposes'. He explains that it can begin with dreams, visionary experiences, or compulsions, often involving uncovering confirmatory facts, visiting sites, and communicating with perceived external forces.

The newsletter also notes that in Tibetan Buddhism, psychic questing is known as the Terma tradition, involving 'Tertons' or 'treasure finders'. Similar methods have been used globally throughout history.

Tutankhamun: The Exodus Conspiracy

Collins elaborates on his book 'Tutankhamun: The Exodus Conspiracy', co-authored with Chris Ogilvie-Herald. The book investigates the background of Tutankhamun's tomb discovery and Carter's claim about papyri documents revealing the 'true account' of the Exodus. The authors propose that the evidence for the true location of Mount Sinai points to Petra in Jordan, not the Sinai Peninsula. They suggest that Yahweh was originally worshipped as a lunar deity by semi-nomadic peoples known as the Shasu. The book also explores the possibility that Petra was the original Beth-el, or 'House of God', and potentially even the Garden of Eden.

The book is set for publication in September by Virgin Books and is expected to be controversial, with its cover featuring Tutankhamun's mask overlaid on a Star of David.

Tour of Petra

Andrew Collins announces his intention to conduct a tour of Petra and southern Jordan in the following spring, visiting sites such as the rock city, al-Madhbah, Ain Musa, Little Petra, and Wadi Rum. He assures potential participants of Jordan's safety and its historical connection to T. E. Lawrence.

Robin Hood - Fact or Fiction

Graham Phillips has been featured in a Channel Four television series, 'Fact or Fiction', in an episode on Robin Hood. The program explores Phillips' discovery of a historical Robin Hood and his links to the Warwickshire village of Loxley. Phillips' website offers further research on Robin Hood, William Beckford, and the 'Mountain of God'.

Cuba and Atlantis

The newsletter reports on the discovery of underwater structures in the Yucatan Channel, near Cuba, by Advanced Digital Communications (ADC). Deep-sea sonar scans revealed linear and rectilinear features, leading to speculation that the site could be Plato's lost Atlantis. Collins, author of 'Gateway to Atlantis', had previously proposed a connection between Atlantis and Cuba. The report details the initial findings from ROV footage, including a large, well-worn stone block. While initial observations were met with some skepticism, subsequent analysis and a statement from geologist Dr Manuel Iturralde of CITMA suggest the structures are unlikely to be natural. The article invites investment in further exploration.

New Atlantis Documentary

Andrew Collins will appear as a guest on a new documentary titled 'Lost City of Atlantis' on Discovery's Travel Channel.

American Books Available

Collins' books 'From the Ashes of Angels' and 'Gods of Eden' have been published in the United States by Bear and Company. He mentions being interviewed on Whitley Strieber's 'Dreamland' show.

Heart of the Rose

'Heart of the Rose' is discussed as an expression familiar to readers of Collins' and Phillips' questing books, and also as the title of a rock opera by Graham Russell of Air Supply. The opera is based on the tale of Robin Hood and Maid Marian. Graham Phillips and Jodi Russell are collaborating on a book titled 'Echoes of Time' about the Robin Hood story and their psychic quests. A CD accompanying the show is available, and information can be found on the website www.theheartoftherose.com.

The Website

An apology is issued for the lack of updates on the Andrew Collins website due to his work on the new book and subsequent travel to Petra. Personal events, including his father's death and his marriage, are also mentioned as contributing factors to the delay. The website is undergoing a revamp for easier navigation and will feature details about the upcoming Questing Conference.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently promotes Andrew Collins' research and publications, particularly his work on alternative history, ancient mysteries, and the connections between historical events and esoteric traditions. There is a strong emphasis on the Questing Conference as a platform for presenting new findings and fostering discussion. The revival of 'psychic questing' indicates a willingness to explore intuitive methods alongside traditional research. The reporting on the Cuba/Atlantis discovery and the 'Tutankhamun: The Exodus Conspiracy' book highlights a focus on controversial theories and challenging established historical narratives. The editorial stance is one of active investigation, seeking hidden truths, and presenting compelling, often speculative, evidence to support these pursuits.