EARTHQUEST NEWS

Magazine Overview

Title: EARTHQUEST NEWS
Issue: Vol 6 No 1
Date: Spring 2003
Publisher: Andrew Collins
Country: UK
Language: English

This issue of Earthquest News, a newsletter from Andrew Collins, covers upcoming events, research updates, and articles on paranormal and historical topics. The publication aims to inform and engage readers interested in ancient mysteries, human origins, and spiritual phenomena.

QuestCon2003 Announcement

The newsletter announces QuestCon2003, formerly the Questing Conference, to be held on Saturday, 15 November, at Cecil Sharp House in London. The event will feature a lineup of notable speakers. Colin Wilson will reminisce on his life studying the occult and paranormal. Lynn Picknett will discuss the significance of Mary Magdalene. Robert Bauval will present findings from his quest to uncover the transmission of ancient Egyptian and Hermetic teachings, co-authoring a book titled 'TALISMAN'. Crichton Miller will lecture on 'The Cross and the Serpent,' exploring the Celtic Cross's use in ancient navigation. Montague Keen, from the Society of Psychical Research (SPR), will offer a personal assessment of the Scole Experiment, a physical mediumship group that revolutionized spiritualist perceptions.

Greg Little and mtDNA Research

American writer and researcher Greg Little is highlighted as a key lecturer. He is the author of several bestselling books and is a significant figure in the Association of Research and Enlightenment (ARE). Little is a world-leading expert on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). The newsletter explains that mtDNA, distinct from nuclear DNA, is passed through the female line and carries unique signatures that can be traced to points of origin, providing clues about ethnic origins and migrations. Greg Little's research challenges conventional scientific views on human origins, suggesting a different ethnological movement of prehistoric man than currently accepted. His talk is anticipated to be a remarkable lecture.

Conference Fringe Lectures

In addition to the main conference, a fringe room will host three lectures. Jack Gale will discuss his quest to uncover the occult significance of Flamstead's Well. Andrew Collins will review recent psychic questing activities, comparing them with Tibetan Buddhism traditions. Richard Ward will also contribute. Another fringe talk will focus on the 'Starchild Skull' found in Mexico, with Grant Stapleton discussing its alleged history and origins, including attempts to test its mtDNA. The organizers acknowledge past complaints about scheduling clashes and will endeavor to coordinate billing in future events.

Sunday Walkabout

Adrian Gilbert, co-author of 'THE ORION MYSTERY,' will lead a historical tour of Central London on Sunday, 16 November, the day after the conference. The tour will cover sites like The Monument, St Paul's Cathedral, The Temple Church, and Trafalgar Square, discussing their mystical significance and connections to the Royal Society and Freemasonry. The tour is included in the conference admission price, with details provided to attendees.

Travel and Ticket Information

Tickets for QuestCon03 are priced at GBP/£28 in advance and GBP/£30 on the day, with discounts for group bookings. Postal tickets can be obtained by sending remittances to Questing Conference, PO Box 189, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex SS9 1NF. Online credit card booking is available via the website.

Consequences of War and SARS

Andrew Collins reflects on the impact of the Iraq War and unrest in the Middle East, which led to the postponement of tours organized by Ancient World Tours (AWT), including a planned trip to Jordan and Petra. He also mentions the planned Green Stone Tour is on hold due to the fall in the holiday market, influenced by fears of terrorist attacks and the SARS virus. Collins expresses hope for an improved economic climate before proceeding with these tours.

Grail Quest Research

Collins details his ongoing 'Grail Quest,' which has led him to review his priorities and spend more time psychic questing. He is working on a new book about the Grail legend, challenging conventional ideas about its origin and suggesting a profound Christian Gnostic mystery connected to the Holy Blood. He examines medieval art and texts to understand the significance of collecting Christ's Holy Blood, noting variations in iconography and the roles attributed to figures like Joseph of Arimathea and Mary Magdalene.

Mary Magdalene – A Research Appeal

Collins appeals to readers for help with his research on Mary Magdalene. He asks them to check local churches, cathedrals, and books for representations of the Crucifixion where a person collects the Holy Blood in a vessel, or where the body is being laid out in the Holy Sepulchre. He requests details of age, description, and provenance of any such depictions, especially those showing Mary Magdalene collecting the Holy Blood.

Alien Energy Book Publication

Andrew Collins's book 'ALIEN ENERGY,' previously privately printed, is being published by Eagle Wing Books. The book explores the UFO phenomenon and its relationship to human consciousness and ceremonial landscapes. It posits that earth lights can induce altered states of consciousness and abduction experiences. The book is available through various channels, including a toll-free number and online retailers.

The Nephilim Project

Collins reports on his collaboration with Carl McCoy, frontman of Fields of the Nephilim, on the band's official website. The site includes content on the Watchers and Nephilim, an article by Richard Ward on H.P. Lovecraft's Cthulhu Mythos, and the formation of a magical organization. They are also working on other undisclosed projects.

GrisseCon Event

Collins announces his participation in GrisseCon, a three-day celebration of fantasy, horror, mystery, and magic, to be held at Tillington Hall, Stafford, from 10-12 October. He will be speaking on the Watchers and Nephilim. The event features other speakers and activities, with tickets available at GBP/£40 (£35 for concessions).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently focuses on fringe topics, ancient mysteries, and alternative interpretations of history and spirituality. The editorial stance, as presented by Andrew Collins, is one of critical inquiry, challenging mainstream narratives, and encouraging personal research and exploration. There is a strong emphasis on conferences, lectures, and collaborative projects within the ufology, paranormal, and esoteric research communities. The publication also highlights the importance of personal experience and the ongoing quest for knowledge.