Kontakt

Magazine Overview

This issue of 'Kontakt', an information bulletin from UFO-Tyringe, is a double issue dated January 1, 1972, serving as a year-end review for 1971 and looking ahead to 1972. The magazine is published by Södertälje UFO-Center and is in Swedish.

Year-End Review: UFO-Tyringe 1971

The editorial section reflects on the year 1971 for UFO-Tyringe. It notes that the organization has grown from a small circle to a more substantial group of 15-25 active members. The group has received fairly serious coverage in the local press, presenting a new perspective to the public. Their 'library' has expanded, evidenced by book lists. However, the year also had negative aspects, primarily the failure to secure a local venue for their archive and meetings. Like many other organizations, they also faced significant financial difficulties.

The interim board, which served throughout the year, has prepared a proposal for the 1972 board: Chairman Rolf Reimer, Vice Chairman Conny Forsman, Secretary Barbro Johansson, Treasurer and PR-man Tomas Gustavsson, PR-man Thony Glans, and Suppleant Niis-Olof Johansson. The magazine invites further suggestions for the board to be discussed at the annual meeting in January/February 1972. Membership for 1972 costs 10 SEK, payable to K.A. Johansson via postgiro.

"Julen" - A Look at Christmas Traditions

An article titled "Äldre Fiders Jul" (Older Times' Christmas) explores the historical and cultural roots of Christmas celebrations, particularly focusing on the theme of light overcoming darkness. It touches upon Roman Saturnalia and Janus festivals, and ancient Nordic traditions like "Räppadag" during the winter period. The article discusses the practice of lighting bonfires on high mountains as offerings and signals that the dark period was ending. It links these traditions to the concept of the Midwinter Blót and the eventual evolution into modern Christmas celebrations. The significance of Christmas for the old peasant society is highlighted, with traditions being deeply ingrained. The article also touches upon the folklore surrounding the dark powers during the Christmas season and the importance of observing weather omens during the twelve days from Christmas Eve to Epiphany. It mentions the custom of 'årsgång' (year-walking) on the nights between Thomasmass and Epiphany, where people would walk around to foresee events of the coming year, with warnings about encountering 'gloson' (a creature with a sharp back).

The article further details pre-Christmas preparations, the custom of drinking julöl (Christmas ale) and julbrännvin (Christmas schnapps), and the practice of setting up 'julstänger' (Christmas poles). It emphasizes that during the Christmas holidays, the focus was on festivities, dancing, and games, with the religious aspect often taking a backseat. It describes various games played on the floor, often for adults. The importance of showing kindness to fellow humans, animals, and supernatural beings during this time is stressed. Offerings of food, such as porridge or bread, were left out for 'bolvättar', 'goenissar', or 'tomtar' (household spirits). A sheaf of the last harvested grain was left out for birds. The article contrasts the ancient, often grey-clad, mischievous 'tomte' figure with the modern, rosy-cheeked depiction popularized by Jenny Nyström and Viktor Rydberg, noting that the commercialized 'tomte' has largely replaced its predecessor.

Humanoids

A section titled "Humanoids" defines them as 'human-like beings who make up the crews of UFOs'. It posits that if UFOs are accepted as extraterrestrial craft, the question arises about who pilots them. While definitive answers are elusive, some UFO observations simultaneously report humanoids. The article notes a significant increase in humanoid observations. It references the work of Frank Pedersen and Iver Kjemps, who categorize humanoids into three groups: "The Identical Ones", "Beasts-Robots", and "Dwarfs".

"The Identical Ones" are described as the most debated and least common type, closely resembling humans in appearance and facial features. George Adamski is mentioned as having encountered such beings from Venus and other planets. The article recounts an incident in late summer 1954 where two women in Nordnorge encountered a man with long dark hair, about 170 cm tall, wearing a seamless suit. He spoke an unintelligible language and led them to a silver-glinting 'tefat' which then flew away. The article also references President Eisenhower's 1954 statement denying the existence of flying saucers. It details an incident on December 16, 1954, where Jesus Paz in Venezuela was allegedly attacked by two small, hairy men from a UFO, resulting in deep wounds. While such direct physical harm from humanoids is rare, shock injuries are more common. Another case from May 24, 1962, in Argentina, describes a woman hospitalized with severe shock after witnessing a disc-shaped craft land and two robot-like beings emerge. Investigations found a patch of burned grass at the site.

"Dwarfs" are presented as the most common type of humanoid, accounting for about 75% of sightings. They are described as short, typically 90-150 cm tall, often wearing diving suits or helmets, and having human-like faces with different proportions for noses and mouths. Their bodies are described as more jelly-like, and they leave behind a faint, musty odor.

Uncertainty

The article "Osäkerheten" (Uncertainty) discusses the pervasive feeling of anxiety and uncertainty that plagues human beings, especially when undertaking new tasks or facing challenges. This self-doubt leads individuals to constantly seek external validation and guidance. People are often hesitant to express their opinions or act unless they see similar actions performed by others. The author suggests that this uncertainty is partly due to human nature but also significantly influenced by the social environment, which bombards individuals with one-dimensional, abstract information through media. A small group of intellectuals produces culture and news, creating a gap between producers and consumers. This leads to a feeling of inadequacy and fear of ridicule among ordinary people when they try to voice their opinions. The article questions the possibility of creating a society free from alienation and suggests that acknowledging our dual nature and differing perspectives is a step towards overcoming this pervasive uncertainty. It also acknowledges that uncertainty can have a positive side, acting as a safeguard against dogmatic beliefs in politics, religion, and morality.

"When Was Adam Created?" - Biblical Chronology

This section, "När skapades Adam?" (When was Adam created?), delves into biblical chronology to determine the creation date of Adam. It explains that the Bible does not use the Gregorian calendar but relies on other methods for dating events, such as referencing the reigns of kings or significant historical occurrences. The article identifies the fall of Babylon to Cyrus the Great in 539 BCE as a key anchor point, based on a clay document called the Nabonidus Chronicle. It then works backward through biblical genealogies and timelines, referencing books like Daniel and Ezra, to establish the dates of various events, including the Exodus from Egypt, the construction of Solomon's Temple, and ultimately, the creation of Adam.

Using the Nabonidus Chronicle, the article establishes that Babylon fell in 539 BCE. It then uses the 400-year period mentioned in the Bible (likely referring to the Israelites' time in Egypt) and other genealogical data to calculate the date of the Exodus as 1513 BCE. Further calculations based on the lifespan of biblical figures like Noah, Arpachshad, Shelah, Eber, Peleg, Reu, Serug, Nahor, and Terah, along with the Flood event, lead to the conclusion that Adam was created in 4026 BCE, according to the biblical timeline.

Christmas Gift Tips

A section titled "Julklappstips" (Christmas Gift Tips) offers recommendations for books suitable as Christmas gifts. These include:

• "Kärlekens Konst" (The Art of Loving) by Erich Fromm (8.50 SEK), described as a deep debate on loving in all its forms, not just the physical.
• "Viljan till Mening" (Man's Search for Meaning) by Viktor E. Frankl (16.50 SEK), which develops his logotherapy, presented as a form of psychological healing.
• "Jagets Eld" (The Soul's Fire) by Dennis Lindblom (15.88 SEK), discussing reincarnation in a logical and intelligent manner without preconceived notions.
• "Hotade: Släktled" (Threatened: Generations) by Björn O. Giliberg, presented as the "book of the year" in environmental debates.
• "Flygande Tefat-Fantasi eller Verklighet" (Flying Saucer Fantasy or Reality) by Max B. Miller, hailed as perhaps the best book on this important subject.
• "UFO-Nya Fakta om de Flygande Tefaten" (UFO New Facts about Flying Saucers) by X. Gösta Rehn, described as the Swedish UFO expert's second top book, filled with facts and interesting reading.
• "Denna Ljuva Himlakropp" (This Lovely Celestial Body) by Calienus (14.50 SEK), presented as a book for everyone, regardless of their worldview, and a book to love.

Kontakt 1971 - Year-End Summary

The final page provides a summary of the "Kontakt" magazine's first half-year in 1971. It acknowledges that the technical quality of the magazine has sometimes been poor due to the editorial team's working conditions, but they pledge to continue doing their best. Readers are encouraged to submit articles and viewpoints. The statistics for the issues published in November and December 1971 are provided, showing the number of copies distributed and pages per issue. The issue concludes with a handwritten New Year's greeting from the UFO-Tyringe editorial team: "God Jul, Gott Nytt År" (Merry Christmas, Happy New Year), signed by Dag, Per, Thony, Thorbjörn, and Tomas. A small drawing depicts a UFO with figures, and a caption reads, "Now I'm starting to wonder if there isn't anything other than animals on this planet."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the activities and challenges of UFO organizations, historical UFO sightings and encounters (particularly with humanoids), the cultural and historical roots of traditions like Christmas, and the use of biblical chronology to date historical events, sometimes in relation to UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into UFOs and related phenomena, while also acknowledging the practical difficulties faced by such organizations and the importance of historical and cultural context. There's a clear effort to connect UFOlogy with broader historical, cultural, and even religious narratives, as seen in the articles on Christmas traditions and biblical chronology. The magazine also aims to provide practical information, such as book recommendations and organizational updates.