FLYING SAUCER NEWS

Magazine Overview

Title: FLYING SAUCER NEWS
Issue: Vol. 1, No. 1
Date: March 1955
Publisher: James S. Rigberg
Location: New York City, N. Y.
Price: 25 Cents

This is the inaugural issue of "Flying Saucer News," subtitled "The Largest Flying Saucer Magazine In New York City." The magazine is published by James S. Rigberg, who also serves as the editor.

In This Issue

The issue features a table of contents outlining the various sections:

• Saucer Meetings: Reports on recent gatherings and lectures.
• Another Flying Saucer Viewpoint (Editorial): The editor's perspective and objectives for the publication.
• Our Visitors Page: Acknowledging contributions and visitors.
• Flying Saucers and Evolution: An article by Nianda Lynnabeth Hayden.
• Service Department: Information for readers and submission guidelines.
• Saucer Sightings: Reports of observed phenomena.
• New Books and Reviews: Critiques and listings of relevant literature.
• The Book Exchange and Classified Section: A space for reader interaction and commerce.

Saucer Meetings

This section details several recent meetings and lectures:

• September 2, 1954: John Otte from Chicago lectured on flying saucers at Pythian Temple in New York City, showing slides to an audience of about 300 people. Admittance was $1.50.
• November 19, 1954: The Civilian Saucer Intelligence Group of New York held a meeting at Steinway Hall, including nominations and elections. Annual dues were increased from $1.00 to $5.00, with a 50¢ charge for hall rentals. Guests pay $1.00. The next meeting was scheduled for December 17th, featuring Dr. Leon Davidson, a nuclear physicist formerly with the Atomic Energy Project at Los Alamos, New Mexico.
• November 27, 1954: Nianda L. Hayden delivered a lecture at Philosophical Research on flying saucers in the context of Occult teachings and the Seventh Cosmic Ray. She was associated with Dr. George Paelian. Admission was 75¢.
• December 11, 1954: A similar lecture by Nianda L. Hayden was held at the same location, focusing on "Current Flying Saucer Happenings and developments with New Light on Communications with other Planets."
• December 19, 1954: Dr. Gilbert N. Holloway, author of five books on flying saucers, was scheduled to speak at the Hotel Brunswick in Boston, Massachusetts.
• January 2, 1955: Dr. Holloway was slated to lecture in New York City for two months.

A notice invites all flying saucer groups to send in meeting notices, regardless of location.

Another Flying Saucer Viewpoint (Editorial)

James S. Rigberg outlines the primary objectives of "Flying Saucer News":

1. To educate the Flying Saucer Membership on their responsibilities.
2. To foster interest in flying saucers and encourage participation in activities like attending meetings and reporting occurrences.
3. To encourage and support metaphysical and occult centers in expressing their theories.
4. To fearlessly expose any fraudulent "get-rich-quick" schemes.

The editorial also includes a reprinted poem titled "I TOOK A TRIP TO HEAVEN" by J.S.R., originally from "Counter-Current."

Our Visitors Page

This section expresses gratitude to those who assisted with the first issue, including other flying saucer publications like NEXUS, LITTLE LISTENING POST, and THE SAUCERIAN. Special thanks are given to Charlie and Mike Fitzpatrick for their help with advertising and sales. The editor also proudly announces the "cleaning up" of a section of Yorkville in New York City, with the assistance of the 23rd Police Precinct and Captain Hess, from drug pushers and hoodlums. Recommendations are made for Captain Hess to receive commendation. The page also lists visitors, including Mr. Pressing (editor of The Psychic Observer), James Mosley (Editor of Nexus Magazine), Gray Barker (Editor of The Saucerian), Dr. Gilbert N. Holloway, Rev. Harry Darlington, and Rev. Veronica Fleishman. The office and shop are open Monday through Saturday from 12 Noon to 10 P. M.

Flying Saucers and Evolution

By Nianda Lynnabeth Hayden

Hayden posits that flying saucers are attracted to Earth because the human race has reached a new high point in evolution. This advancement is recognized by more evolved inhabitants of other planets. She states that approximately 21 million years ago, the human race individualized into male and female beings, and Sanat Kumara and his assistants came from Venus to guide this evolution. Hayden contrasts "fearful conservatives" and "reactionaries" with "constructive, progressive" individuals who are ushering in a new Golden Age. She discusses mysticism, distinguishing it from "occultism," which she defines as a more advanced stage of evolution. She explains that the "New Group of World Servers" are individuals who have moved beyond self-centered mysticism and are now serving humanity. These servers will be active in the coming 25 years, utilizing "White Magic" (the scientific method of using light and sound) to guide humanity into the Aquarian Age. The article also mentions that the last three-fifths of the cosmic formula for electricity will be given to humanity, with the assistance of servers from other planets. It predicts a future "push-button civilization" with frictionless, silent air travel powered directly from the air.

Continued: Flying Saucers and Evolution

Hayden further elaborates on the concept of reincarnation and the difference between mystics and occultists. Mystics, she claims, fear reincarnation and are prone to hero-worship, while occultists are "knowers" who have experienced mysticism in past lives and now serve humanity. Occultism is presented as a marker of evolutionary advancement, with millions of occultists incarnating since 1900 to assist in the birth of the Aquarian Age. The Piscean Age of mysticism is described as having ended. The New Group of World Servers are identified by their scientific or occult approach to matters and their lack of barriers between spiritual and worldly affairs. They will employ White Magic, which is based on the scientific use of light and sound, as opposed to Black Magic, which misuses these elements. The article notes that the last three-fifths of the cosmic formula for electricity will be revealed, building on the work of figures like the Curies, Edison, and Millikan. It foresees a future of advanced technology, including silent, fuel-less airships traveling at speeds of miles per second, powered directly from the air.

Continued: Flying Saucers and Evolution

Hayden concludes that these advancements will be possible because the majority of people will become "frictionless," leading to the cessation of fear, tension, and conflict between individuals and nations. She states that "the meek have come to inherit the earth," and that neighbors from other solar systems are here to share in this progress. The article suggests that this inheritance has already been enjoyed on other planets for centuries.

Service Department

This section provides contact information for news tips (FILMORE 8-6507) and submission guidelines for articles. Articles should be typed double-spaced, not exceed 1000 words, and include postage for return. The magazine will send a free one-year subscription for any article or news tip used. The department also offers a free mailing service for names and addresses of saucer fans, clubs, and the public to announce future lectures and meetings. Readers are asked to use self-addressed stamped envelopes. A one-year subscription is offered free to any "Interplanetary Visitor." The editors remind readers to keep their eyes and ears open for information and to report it to the office. The section ends with a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year wish from James and Margaret Rigberg, Editors.

Saucer Sightings

This section compiles several reports:

• Pilot Sights "Flying Disk": A TWA pilot reported sighting a large, white, disk-like object near Boston on a Paris-to-New York flight. The object was visible for 10 minutes in plain daylight and moved against a 60-mile-an-hour wind at high speed. Jet pilots also reportedly saw the object, estimated to be about 10,000 feet above them.
• Rome, Sept. 18, 1954: A "Flying Cigar" was reported over Rome, flying at great speed and seen by many.
• New York Herald Tribune, Dec. 10, 1954: The newspaper featured a 9"x7" saucer photo on its front page, with a story about an incident in Taormina, Sicily.
• Life Magazine, Nov. 1, 1954: The magazine published a two-page spread with photographs and text about an incident in France titled "ASTRAL ADVENTURES."
• Dr. G. N. Holloway's NEWS LETTER: Dr. Holloway reported seeing saucers about 50 miles from St. Louis, Missouri.
• Harold Salkin's Report: Harold Salkin mentioned that Mead Layne of B.S.R.A. has a picture of a 27" man (Interplanetary Man) published in POINT Magazine, Sept. 8, 1950. The paper is seeking copies of this issue.
• Harold's Other Work: Harold wrote a commercial and the documentary film "Flight Without Wings" in 1950.
• Duke of Edinburgh: It is reported that the Duke of Edinburgh is an ardent flying saucer fan.

New Books and Reviews

This section reviews several books and magazines:

• George H. Williamson: His new book is expected soon, and he is scheduled to appear in New York during February.
• "Messages From Space People" by Dr. Gilbert N. Holloway is expected in January 1955.
• "Flying Saucers From Mars" by Cedric Allingham ($2.75) is noted for its unpublished photographs.
• "Space, Gravity and the Flying Saucers" by Leonard G. Cramp ($3.00), with an introduction by Desmond Leslie, features drawings and photographs.
• "My Flight To Venus" by Dana Howard ($1.25) is described as a fantastic experience, with a foreword by Dr. Gilbert N. Holloway, containing the "Venus formula for happiness."
• Nianda L. Hayden's Flying Saucer book is expected in the spring.
• The Books of Charles Fort are available for $6.00.
• "FLYING SAUCER NEWS" is available for 25¢ per copy, $1.00 for 4 issues, or $2.00 for 3 years.
• "Coming of the Guardians" by Mead Layne has increased in price to $3.00.
• The Saucerian Magazine is described as the fastest-selling magazine in New York City.
• Nexus is another new saucer magazine, noted as the second best seller.
• "Flying Saucers" by Evelyn Whitell (50¢) is recommended for young readers.
• "Flying Saucers from Outer Space" by Keyhoe ($3.00) is still the magazine's best seller.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this inaugural issue of "Flying Saucer News" revolve around the investigation of flying saucers, their potential connection to human evolution, and the broader concepts of mysticism and occultism. The editorial clearly states an intention to educate, engage, and critically examine the subject matter, including a commitment to exposing fraudulent claims. The publication positions itself as a platform for various viewpoints within the flying saucer community, supporting metaphysical and occult groups. There is a strong undercurrent of belief in a coming "Golden Age" or "Aquarian Age," guided by advanced beings and new methods of understanding the universe, contrasting this with more conservative or reactionary elements. The magazine also actively promotes itself and its related literature, encouraging reader participation and the sharing of information.