Flying Saucer News - 1965 08 - August

Magazine Overview

Flying Saucer News - August 1965

This issue of Flying Saucer News, Volume XXVI, Number 7, dated August 1965, is priced at 25¢. The cover prominently features a headline announcing a "UFO Report: 663 Sightings Unexplained," accompanied by a photograph of airplanes in the sky near a water tower. The magazine is published by James S. Rigberg and serves as a platform for UFO reports, occult literature, and related esoteric topics.

Contents and Featured Articles

The issue includes a diverse range of content, from book reviews and letters to the editor to detailed reports on UFO sightings and "Hot News." Notable sections include:

• Cover Story: The lead story focuses on a significant number of unexplained UFO sightings, suggesting a widespread phenomenon.
• Rare Book Bargains: A substantial portion of the magazine is dedicated to advertising a wide selection of books on occult subjects. These range from ancient texts like the "Book of the Dead" and "Egyptian Magic" to works on Kabbalah, Tibetan mysticism, and spiritualism. Titles such as "Magic and Mystery in Tibet," "The Great Book of Magical Art," and "The Holy Kabbalah" are featured, along with books by authors like Madame Alexandra David-Neel, Aleister Crowley, and A. E. Waite.
• New Occult Books: This section highlights recently published books in the occult field, including "Where Two Worlds Meet," "Mediums of the 19th Century," "Men Among Mankind," and "The Psychedelic Experience." Books on spiritual healing, ghost hunting, and the history of magic are also presented.
• Golden Age Teachings: Lectures from the "mystical Church and College of the Brotherhood" by Doreal are offered in booklet form, covering topics like "Christ and the Last Days," "Mysteries of the Gobi," and "Atlantis and Lemuria."
• Letters to the Editor: Readers share their thoughts and suggestions, including a request to increase the publication frequency and a discussion about UFO interests among aerospace engineering students.
• Reports of Unidentified Flying Objects: This section presents several reader-submitted sighting accounts. One report details three orange disks observed on March 12, 1964. Another from Otahuhu, New Zealand, mentions flattened grass. A report from Waverly, N.Y., describes four shiny lights seen by a child and his mother. A sighting from Hong Kong mentions a formation of luminous flying saucers.
• Book Reviews and Features: Articles like "Gone Over" by Nandor Fodor, "MIND OVER SPACE," and "Edgar Cayce's Evidence for Reincarnation" are presented. The magazine also promotes its own bookshop and offers a free subscription with book purchases.
• Special Sections: "The White Sands Incident and To Men of Earth" by Dan Fry is highlighted as a top seller. The "CONTROVERSIAL PHENOMENA BULLETIN" by Armand A. Laprade is also featured.

Key Persons and Organizations

Several individuals are mentioned, including publisher and editor James S. Rigberg, contributors like Dr. Robert Dickhoff and J. Sylvester, and authors such as Nandor Fodor, Gina Cerminara, and Alexandra David-Neel. UFO figure Dan Fry is noted for his popularity. Organizations like the Brotherhood of the White Temple and the Pythagorean Society are also referenced.

Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine strongly focuses on UFO phenomena, occultism, spiritualism, and esoteric knowledge. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting these subjects, encouraging reader participation through letters and sightings, and supporting the sale of related literature. There is a clear emphasis on the "TRUTH about the Flying Saucers" and the spiritual enlightenment offered by the books and teachings presented. The publication also solicits donations to support its operations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Flying Saucer News consistently promotes the reality of UFOs and the existence of hidden knowledge within occult and spiritual traditions. The magazine acts as a hub for enthusiasts, encouraging the sharing of sightings and experiences. Its editorial stance is pro-UFO and pro-occult, actively selling books and subscriptions to further its mission. The publication relies on reader contributions, donations, and book sales to maintain its operations, as indicated by the "DONATIONS" and "NOTICE" sections. The recurring theme is the exploration of the unexplained, both in the skies and in ancient wisdom, with a strong belief in the importance of spreading this information to a wider audience.

Title: Flying Saucer News
Publisher: James S. Rigberg
Document Type: Magazine Issue
Themes: UFO Sightings, Spacecraft, Extraterrestrial Contact, Paranormal, Psychic Phenomena

Key Articles and Reports

Venus Invasion Hoax Exposed

The cover story details the elaborate scam run by Karl Mekis, a former SS guard, who defrauded thousands of people by convincing them of an impending invasion from Venus. Mekis sold 'survival kits,' 'jobs' in the 'World Republic of Venus,' and even arranged 'marriages' with Venusian men, amassing over $300,000. The article traces his methods, his move to South America and then Europe, and his eventual arrest and conviction in Austria on fraud charges.

UFO Sightings and Reports

The magazine is replete with numerous reader-submitted reports of UFO sightings from various locations in the USA. These include:

• Patuxent Naval Air Station (12/29/64): Saucers detected on radar approaching Maryland at 5,000 M.P.H., with the Air Force claiming radar malfunction.
• Capital Hill (1/11/65): Observation of at least 12 white oval-shaped objects at 15,000 feet, with Army specialists witnessing them, and the Defense Department denying any knowledge.
• Staunton & Williamsburg, Virginia (1/20/65): UFOs sighted over both towns.
• Fishersville, Virginia (12/21/64): Horace Burns reported a bee-hive shaped object, approximately 125 feet in diameter and 90 feet high, with no doors or windows. Radioactivity levels at the site were measured at over 600,000 counts.
• Glenn Oaks, Long Island, New York (unknown date): A dark object, seen around 5 P.M., appeared high as a plane, seemed to spin, then rapidly took off and disappeared.
• Miami, Florida (10/4/57): An object was observed moving from N.W. to S.W., changing course and disappearing.
• New York City (3/6/65): A high-altitude pink object was sighted, possibly a Russian Satellite.
• Oyster Bay, New York (various dates): Reports include a bright white light moving rapidly, a red object blinking and changing speed, and two small objects connected by a line traveling at 300 m.p.h.
• South Danville (unknown date): A mother reported a bright white object that turned red and disappeared. Her son also witnessed it.
• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (11/14 & 11/17/64): Disc-shaped objects were reported traveling fast, described as silvery-white.

Scientific Panel on UFOs Report

A report released by Major L. J. Tacker in 1958, based on a meeting of the Panel of Scientific Consultants, concluded that unidentified flying objects do not pose a direct physical threat to national security and showed no evidence of being foreign artifacts capable of hostile acts. The panel recommended stripping UFOs of their 'special status' and mystery, suggesting a program to reassure the public about the lack of evidence for inimical forces.

Psychic Phenomena and Occult Topics

The magazine features several articles and book advertisements related to psychic abilities and the occult:

• The Psychic Surgeon: An autobiography by Jesse Thomas, detailing his healing techniques.
• The Invisible Powers: A book promising to reveal secrets of psychic power, mental vibrations, and mediumship.
• The Development of Seership: A book teaching how to develop foresight and see one's future.
• Occult Powers: A book covering various psychic phenomena like clairvoyance, astral travel, and telepathy.
• The Art and Science of Personal Magnetism: A guide to developing influence and control over others.
• Spiritual Healing: A report on Maria Jimenez, who experienced a miraculous recovery after a severe injury, attributed to a mass prayer.
• Famous Spirit Healer Jailed: News of Jose Arigo in Brazil being arrested and sentenced for helping people.
• England vs U.S.A. Official O.K. given: A report stating that witchcraft was decriminalized in England in January 1965, contrasting with a Los Angeles ordinance prohibiting occult arts.

Other Features

• Polarity Tester: Discussions on the Sun's magnetic field reversal and its potential impact on planets, with mentions of George Adamski's claims of meeting with extraterrestrial 'Counsellors.'
• Spacecraft Conventions: Announcements for upcoming UFO and spacecraft conventions in Chicago, Mountain View, Missouri, and Parma, Ohio.
• News Briefs: Mentions of movies related to psychic phenomena ('Seance on a Wet Afternoon,' 'The Night Walker') and UFOs ('Strange Sightings').
• Radio and TV Segments: Reports on radio personality Meme Menzel's 'Saturn Report' and Harold Sherman discussing ESP.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the reality of UFOs and extraterrestrial phenomena, encouraging readers to submit their sightings and engage with the subject matter. There is a strong emphasis on the paranormal, psychic abilities, and occult practices, often presented as legitimate areas of study and experience. The editorial stance appears to be one of open investigation into these subjects, often critical of official denials or attempts to downplay the significance of UFO reports. The publication also serves as a platform for promoting books and events related to these interests.

This issue of FLYING SAUCER NEWS presents a collection of classified advertisements and book listings, primarily focused on UFOs, paranormal phenomena, and self-improvement. The magazine's classified section offers opportunities for readers to buy books, subscribe to related publications, and learn about various mail-order schemes.

Classified Advertisements

The classified section is extensive, featuring numerous individuals offering their names and addresses, suggesting they are seeking information, publications, or participating in some form of exchange. These listings cover a wide array of interests, from general information about flying saucers and UFOs to more specific topics like "Metaphysical books, Ouija boards, Planchette, incense, crystal balls, and religious supplies."

Several advertisements promote opportunities to "MAKE MONEY at HOME BY MAIL!" and offer "Late Magazines - Tips - Valuable Information - Money Making Secrets - Opportunities Galore - Plans - Etc." A subscription to Flying Saucer News for one full year is available for a nominal fee.

Featured Article: "WILL YOU BE ALIVE IN 1975?"

A prominent advertisement promotes a book titled "WILL YOU BE ALIVE IN 1975?" by Gordon Collier. The book claims to foretell future world events, political trends, business cycles, and natural disasters, based on predictions made by "Masters" over 30 years. The advertisement highlights the book's accuracy and its potential to help readers profit, increase their lifespan, and prepare for a "new kingdom." The book is offered for $2.00, with a guarantee of a full refund within five years if any forecasts prove untrue. Orders are to be sent to Flying Saucer News.

Book Listings

The magazine features a substantial list of books available for purchase, categorized under "BOOKS ON FLYING SAUCERS" and other related topics such as "MEDICAL HYPNOTISM AND SUGGESTION," "THE ART AND PERSONAL SCIENCE OF MAGNETISM," "PRACTICAL PSYCHOMANCY AND CRYSTAL GAZING," and "MENTAL INFLUENCE." The book listings include authors, titles, brief descriptions, and prices.

Notable book titles include:

• Flying Saucers Farewell by Geo. Adamski
• Inside Space-Ships by Adamski & Les
• Space-Craft from Three Dimensions by Allen, Gordon
• Concrete Evidence by Angelucci, O.
• Nature of Infinite Entities by Anderson, Carl
• Son Of The Sun by Barker, Gray
• The Elysium by Norman, E.
• Voice of Venus by Norman, E.
• Flying Saucers & The Bible by Rigberg, J.
• The Simmonite-Culpeper Herbal by Simmonite and Culpeper
• The Herbalist by Joseph E. Meyer
• How To Increase Your MONEY-MAKING POWER by John Alan Appleman
• "I'LL SHOW YOU HOW TO MAKE PEOPLE DO WHAT YOU WANT" by Dr. Paul P. Parker
• "PUSH-BUTTON" MEMORY by Harry Lorayne
• HOW TO INCREASE YOUR MENTAL POWERS by Harry Lorayne

Many of the books delve into the mysteries of UFOs, alien contact, and the possibility of life on other planets. Others focus on self-help, including memory enhancement, mental development, and financial success.

Mail Order Information

All mail orders for books and subscriptions are to be sent to FLYING SAUCER NEWS at 119 East 96th Street, New York 28, N.Y. The magazine emphasizes prompt fulfillment of mail orders and provides a "RETURN POSTAGE GUARANTEED" notice for merchandise.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFOs and flying saucers, the paranormal, psychic phenomena, and self-improvement, particularly in the areas of financial gain, memory, and mental abilities. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting interest in these subjects through the sale of books and subscriptions, positioning itself as a source for information and opportunities related to these often-unconventional topics. The emphasis on "classified" ads and mail-order sales suggests a business model focused on catering to a niche audience interested in these subjects.