Earthquest News - 2004 - Vol 7 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: EARTHQUEST NEWS
Issue: Vol. 7, No. 2
Date: Autumn 2004
Publisher: Andrew Collins and Questing Conference

This issue of Earthquest News serves as a newsletter from Andrew Collins, detailing his recent book publication, upcoming talks, and ongoing research. The publication is primarily focused on topics related to ancient mysteries, archaeology, and esoteric subjects.

New Book: TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY GRAIL

Andrew Collins announces the publication of his new book, "TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY GRAIL," by Virgin Books. The book is available through shops and Amazon, with signed copies obtainable directly from the author via his website or post. The newsletter provides two summaries of the book's content. One of the key arguments presented is a re-evaluation of the Grail's origins, moving away from traditional medieval stories. Collins suggests that the original guardians of the Grail were John the Evangelist, associated with the 'Poison Chalice' and Gnostic wisdom, and Mary Magdalene, whose vessel contained Jesus's blood. He posits that these two figures merged into an androgyne representation in the Early Church, and that Mary Magdalene may have been the writer of the proto-form of the Fourth Gospel. The book also touches upon the influence of these ideas on Renaissance artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Albrecht Durer. Collins describes the book as a personal quest culminating in him becoming the guardian of what he considers the most authentic Grail cup in Britain. This is his first 'questing style' book since "THE SECOND COMING" in 1993. It is published in hardback, and he advises purchasing it soon due to the high prices of his previous questing books.

Related Content: 'Calling Mr Crowley'

In addition to his new book, Collins has published an online article titled 'Calling Mr Crowley.' This piece details his 25-year relationship with Aleister Crowley, which he states led to the Grail quest outlined in his new book. The article is described as a personal account involving ongoing psychic questing activities spanning a generation. The cover image for "TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY GRAIL" is from Sheerfaith, and the book includes a quote from Kenneth Grant, a former secretary to Crowley, who recently celebrated his eightieth birthday. Grant's theories on communication with non-human intelligences are noted as building upon Crowley's work and embracing psychic questing ideals.

Upcoming Talks

Andrew Collins is scheduled to give two talks on the subject of the Holy Grail. The first is on Tuesday, October 12th, at the London Earth Mysteries Circle (LEMC) at The Diorama Centre, 34 Osnabugh Street, London NW1, from 7:30 pm to 9 pm. Admission is £3.50 for non-members and £2 for members. The second talk will be at The Book Inn, 49 Broadway West, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, on Thursday, October 14th, from 7-9 pm. Admission is £2, which can be redeemed against the purchase of "TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY GRAIL" from the shop. Contact details for LEMC and The Book Inn are provided.

QuestCon04

Plans are underway for QuestCon04, scheduled for Saturday, November 6th, and Sunday, November 7th. The event will feature speakers and authors, with booking for 2005 speakers already in progress. Tickets are £30 in advance and £32 on the day, with options for attending a special Green Stone 25th Anniversary event. Tickets can be purchased from Atlantis Bookshop, via a secure online service, or directly from the author. A 10 percent discount is available for ticket bookings of four or more.

New Book Project: Ashes Sequel

Collins announces his next book will be a sequel to "FROM THE ASHES OF ANGELS." He recently visited eastern Turkey (Kurdistan) with his wife Sue, exploring what he describes as the oldest temples in the world, dating back 11,000 years. A detailed report of this trip will be posted online soon. He hopes to return to complete further research.

Mothman, Mounds, and Memphis Trip

In addition to his Kurdistan trip, Collins and his wife visited the United States. He delivered talks and meditations at the ARE headquarters in Virginia Beach, VA. They then travelled to Point Pleasant, West Virginia (home of Mothman), and examined earthworks and mounds constructed by the Hopewell peoples in Ohio and Kentucky. The trip concluded with visits to Gracelands and Sun Studio in Memphis.

Research Assistance Request

• Collins is seeking assistance with research for his upcoming book, specifically concerning:
• Asian-Indian and East Asian starlore.
• Ancient Chinese records and sacred texts related to cosmology and star mythology.
• Australian aboriginal starlore and cosmology.

"THE BLACK ALCHEMIST"

Collins apologizes for not responding to emails and letters recently due to preoccupation with other matters. He also apologizes for the delay in producing a new version of his book "THE BLACK ALCHEMIST," citing a lack of time but expressing hope for its availability in the coming year.

Extract: ONE WEEK IN KURDISTAN

This section provides an excerpt from Andrew Collins' upcoming book, detailing his visit to Diyarbakir, the capital of Turkey's Kurdish region. He was invited to present on the human origins of the 'Watchers' from the Book of Enoch. Collins links the mythical Garden of Eden to this geo-political region. He discusses his arrival, his guide Halil Baynan, and the linguistic diversity of the region (Kurdish, Turkish, Arabic), noting the prohibition of teaching Kurdish in schools. The political situation in Turkish Kurdistan is described as having stabilized due to a PKK armistice. The excerpt highlights the Diyarbakir's Archaeological Museum, where Collins encountered evidence of early Neolithic culture dating back to 9500 BC, including standing stones from Çayonu. He notes that one stone is said to represent 'God' ('khuda' in Kurdish) but lacks an anthropomorphic form.

Human Sacrifice in the Neolithic

Continuing the excerpt, Collins delves into the evidence of human sacrifice at Neolithic sites like Çayonu and Nevali Çori. He describes the discovery of an 'Altar Stone' at Çayonu, stained with blood from aurochs, sheep, and humans, and a flint dagger, suggesting ritualistic sacrifice. He contrasts this with the student's perplexity, explaining that human sacrifice and cannibalism were common in ancient times. Collins argues that these practices, along with the control of knowledge (astronomy, metallurgy, etc.), were tools used by a ruling elite of priest-shamans to maintain societal hierarchy and control through fear. He draws a parallel with the Anasazi of the southern United States, suggesting their advancements were also built on a foundation of fear and control exerted by a ruling elite, possibly of Meso-American origin, who practiced human sacrifice.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around Andrew Collins' personal research and publications, focusing on ancient mysteries, esoteric history, and the reinterpretation of historical and religious narratives. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, challenging conventional historical and religious accounts (e.g., the Grail legend) and seeking to uncover deeper, often hidden, truths through archaeological evidence, personal questing, and the synthesis of various disciplines. There is a strong emphasis on the author's personal journey and discoveries, presented with a blend of academic research and speculative interpretation. The newsletter also highlights the importance of ancient civilizations and their complex social structures, including the controversial role of human sacrifice in maintaining power and control.