AAS 10th Anniversary Program (new scanner) text

Magazine Overview

This document is the program for the 10th Anniversary World Conference of the Ancient Astronaut Society, held in Chicago on August 6-7, 1983. The cover features the society's logo and the conference details, along with an image of the Treasury at Petra, Jordan. The program includes welcome letters from the Governor of Illinois, James R. Thompson, and the Mayor of Chicago, Harold Washington, both extending invitations and highlighting Chicago's suitability as a convention city.

Founder's Message

Gene M. Phillips, Founder of the Ancient Astronaut Society, welcomes attendees to the conference. He states that since 1973, the society has sought evidence for highly-developed technological civilizations on Earth before recorded history and visits from intelligent beings from outer space. Phillips emphasizes that the accumulated evidence is overwhelming, suggesting advanced civilizations existed in the past, and that modern science has not yet duplicated their achievements. He poses the question of whether extraterrestrial beings influenced the development of intelligence and technology on Earth, suggesting that human intelligence may not have simply erupted but was brought here, making mankind either the product or descendants of these beings. The message concludes with a call to action: "COME SEARCH WITH US!"

Erich Von Daniken's Message

Erich von Daniken, a prominent figure associated with the Ancient Astronaut Society, describes the organization's founding principles. He states the society is devoted to scientific, literary, and educational objectives, aiming to pursue ancient mysteries free from dogma. The society seeks to promote scientifically-based research and impart knowledge to the public. Future plans include establishing a library/museum, an international journal, and a professorship for "Ancient Astronauts" at an American university. Von Daniken lists numerous phenomena that the ancient astronaut hypothesis can explain, including the origins of life and intelligence on Earth, the emergence of religions, global mythology, descriptions of deities, and unexplained prehistoric constructions and edifices. He also notes phenomena like time-shift effects in ancient writings and the fear of gods. Von Daniken asserts that much remains unexplained about Earth's past and that the society will strive to uncover these truths.

History of the Ancient Astronaut Society

Gene M. Phillips recounts the history of the Ancient Astronaut Society, founded on September 14, 1973. The organization is tax-exempt and operates for scientific, literary, and educational purposes, focusing on whether Earth was visited by intelligent beings and if advanced civilizations existed in the past. Phillips was inspired by Erich von Daniken's book "Chariots of the Gods?" and sought an organization with an open mind, independent of scientific control or dogma. The society holds World Conferences in different countries to maximize member participation. This is the ninth such conference, marking the tenth anniversary. The society publishes a bi-monthly logbook, "Ancient Skies," in English and German. A key endeavor is member field expeditions to remote areas to examine evidence firsthand, citing examples like El Fuerte, Bolivia, and Petra, Jordan. The society boasts that most authors in the ancient astronaut field are members, with millions of their books sold worldwide. Members have given numerous lectures and appeared on media programs.

To stimulate membership, the society offers free books for new or renewed memberships, having distributed over 1200 copies. Their first book, "Le Livre des Anciens Astronautes," published in France, documented the Second World Conference in Zurich, 1975. Their second book, "Neue Beweise der Pra-Astronautik," published in Germany, covered the 1979 World Conference in Munich. The society looks to the future with great expectations, given the vast unexplored areas of Earth and active member research.

Our Swiss Office

The society has over 1400 German-speaking members, primarily in West Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. An office was established in Switzerland to publish the German edition of "Ancient Skies." This office is operated by Erich von Daniken from Feldbrunnen, a suburb of Solothurn. The Swiss office supervises the German publication, sponsors European conferences, arranges local meetings, and organizes member expeditions originating in Europe. A European group was scheduled to travel to Mexico after the Chicago conference to examine ruins in Palenque and other sites. The Swiss office is located in an elegant mansion at Baselstrasse 10, 4532 Feldbrunnen/SO, Switzerland, with offices and archives on the top floor. Erich von Daniken's personal archives contain hundreds of thousands of photographic slides, books, and articles gathered during his travels.

Conference Information and Logistics

The program lists various speakers, including Andrew Tomas, Vaughn M. Greene, Dr. Pasqual S. Schievella, Walter Ernsting (Clark Darlton), Gerardo Levet, Gene M. Phillips, Richard T. Crowe, Dr. Stuart W. Greenwood, George T. Sassoon, and Zecharia Sitchin. The schedule of events spans pages 14-15. For attendees, Walden Books will operate a bookstore in the lower level of the hotel. Eric Lundahl is the official Conference photographer. The banquet entertainment will be provided by Ruth Valle and the Continental Duo. The Ancient Astronaut Society World Headquarters is located at 1921 St. Johns Avenue, Highland Park, Illinois.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this program are the exploration of ancient mysteries, the search for evidence of extraterrestrial influence on human civilization and intelligence, and the promotion of scientific inquiry outside conventional paradigms. The editorial stance is one of open-minded investigation, seeking to challenge established historical and scientific narratives with evidence supporting the ancient astronaut hypothesis. The society actively engages its members through conferences, publications, and expeditions, fostering a global community dedicated to uncovering the past.

This issue of the Ancient Astronaut Society's publication focuses on the society's activities, membership, and its 10th Anniversary World Conference. The magazine highlights the organization's global reach, its commitment to exploring ancient mysteries, and the diverse expertise of its members.

Membership and Society Activities

The "Come Search With Us" section details the benefits and accessibility of membership in the Ancient Astronaut Society. It emphasizes that membership is open to anyone with an open and inquiring mind, regardless of background, and boasts members from 49 US states and numerous countries across the globe. Members receive the bi-monthly publication "Ancient Skies," a membership certificate, and a membership card. A special offer for two-year memberships or renewals includes a free book from the society's selection. The Ancient Astronaut Society is presented as a non-profit, tax-exempt organization, with contributions being tax-deductible in the United States.

Member Expeditions

The "Member Expeditions" section outlines one of the society's principal activities: organizing expeditions to archaeological sites, museums, and other places of interest. These expeditions aim to provide members with firsthand examination of evidence. The article lists an extensive array of locations across six continents that society members have explored, including Australia, Austria, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Easter Island, Egypt, England, Fiji, Guatemala, Honduras, Italy, Israel, Jordan, Kenya, Malta, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Switzerland, Tahiti, Turkey, West Germany, and Yugoslavia. The diverse modes of travel employed by members are also highlighted, ranging from jumbo-jets and private cars to dugout canoes and camelback.

World Conferences

The "World Conferences" section details the society's efforts to provide a forum for exchanging ideas and evidence in the ancient astronaut field. It mentions that World Conferences have been held in various countries, with the 1985 conference scheduled for Zurich, Switzerland. The article lists a comprehensive roster of individuals who have delivered lectures and slide presentations at these conferences over the society's first ten years. These individuals represent a wide range of professions and expertise, including archaeologists, scientists, engineers, educators, authors, journalists, and researchers from over 20 different countries. Notable speakers mentioned include Prof. Dr. Carlos Manes Bandeira, Dr. Manfred Barthel, Jacques Bergier, Erich von Daniken, Josef F. Blumrich, Zecharia Sitchin, and many others.

Conference Schedule (August 6-7, 1983)

The schedule for the 10th Anniversary World Conference, held on Saturday, August 6, and Sunday, August 7, 1983, at the Holiday Inn - O'Hare/Kennedy in Rosemont, Illinois, is provided. The conference featured numerous presentations by society members. Key speakers and their topics included:

• Saturday, August 6:
• Gene M. Phillips: Opening Ceremonies, Introduction of Speakers, Welcoming Address
• Erich von Daniken: Welcoming Address
• Andrew Tomas: "Vaults of Time"
• Vaughn M. Greene: "The 6,000 Year-Old Space Suit"
• Dr. Pasqual S. Schievella: "The Irrational Response of Scientists to the Ancient Astronaut Hypothesis"
• Walter Ernsting: "Fantasy, Science and Mistakes"
• Gerardo Levet: "Ancient Rock-Molding Techniques - Myth or Reality?"
• Sunday, August 7:
• Gene M. Phillips: Slide Presentation of Member Expedition to Petra and Malta
• Richard T. Crowe: "Mysteries of Ancient Ireland"
• Dr. Stuart W. Greenwood: "Ancient Astronauts - An Aerospace Engineer's Search for Evidence"
• George T. Sassoon: "The Holy Grail - An Extraterrestrial Object?"
• Zecharia Sitchin: "The Earth Chronicles"
• Erich von Daniken: "The Strategy of the Gods"

Audience participation discussion periods were scheduled throughout both days, along with recesses and meals. A Gala Banquet was also part of the event.

Featured Articles

"Vaults of Time" by Andrew Tomas

This article explores ancient accounts and traditions of hidden treasures and subterranean storehouses, referencing Egyptian papyri, Greek historian Herodotus, Flavius Josephus, and Arab scholars. It discusses the concept of artifacts from a past civilization founded by extraterrestrial beings and mentions legends of treasures left by Quetzalcoatl and museums in caves established by legendary rulers. The author, Andrew Tomas, is presented as a prolific writer with extensive research into history and science, author of "We Are Not the First" and "Mirage of the Ages."

"The 6,000 Year-Old Space Suit" by Vaughn M. Greene

Vaughn M. Greene's article draws parallels between the 6,000-year-old Dogu statues of Japan and modern Apollo/EMU space suits. Greene, who served in the Army of Occupation in Japan and worked for aircraft companies, analyzes over thirty points of similarity, including lenses, rivets, belts, and earphones. He suggests that such advanced technology could only have been known to a prehistoric tribe if they had been visited by extraterrestrials, citing Japanese legends and Shinto mythology as supporting evidence.

"The Irrational Response of Scientists to the Ancient Astronaut Hypothesis" by Dr. Pasqual S. Schievella

Dr. Pasqual S. Schievella, a philosopher and founder of the National Council for Critical Analysis, discusses the hypothesis of extraterrestrial intelligence visiting Earth in antiquity. He criticizes the way the theory and its proponents have been attacked by some scientists with outrage, abuse, ridicule, and fallacious reasoning, rather than through rigorous scientific scrutiny. He notes the "stony silence" of some "experts" regarding the evidence supporting the ancient astronaut hypothesis.

"Fantasy, Science and Mistakes" by Walter Ernsting

Walter Ernsting, a prolific science-fiction author and founder of the Perry Rhodan series, explores the relationship between human imagination and scientific research. He posits that utopian ideas can become reality and that scientists are often motivated by such schemes. Ernsting suggests that fantasy is a precursor to scientific discovery and that many strange things remain to be found on Earth if one approaches them with an open mind and attentive listening.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the exploration of ancient mysteries, the evidence for extraterrestrial influence on early human civilizations, and the role of the Ancient Astronaut Society in facilitating research and discussion. The editorial stance is one of advocacy for the ancient astronaut hypothesis, encouraging open-minded inquiry and critical examination of evidence, while also highlighting the society's community-building efforts through membership and conferences. There is a clear emphasis on the expertise and diverse backgrounds of the society's members and speakers.

Title: Ancient Skies
Issue: Vol. 11, No. 4, August 1983
Publisher: Ancient Astronaut Society
Cover Headline: Ancient Rock-Molding Techniques - Myth or Reality?

This issue of Ancient Skies magazine, published by the Ancient Astronaut Society, explores various facets of ancient mysteries, advanced technologies, and the possibility of extraterrestrial influence on early civilizations. The publication features articles and profiles of individuals who investigate these topics.

Ancient Rock-Molding Techniques - Myth or Reality?

This article questions conventional theories about the construction of massive stone works found at archaeological sites globally, including those in Egypt, Mexico, and Peru. It suggests that traditional explanations involving chisels, levers, ramps, slaves, and soft rock are insufficient and that advanced technology was likely employed.

Featured Personalities and Their Research

Gerardo Levet: A Mechanical Engineer from Naucalpan, Mexico, Levet is co-Director of the Mental Engineering Institute and an investigator in fields such as astro-archaeology and meta-science. He holds several patents in machine design and is the author of two Spanish books on vital missions and the mind.

Gene M. Phillips: Based in Highland Park, Illinois, Phillips is a practicing attorney and the founder and President of the Ancient Astronaut Society since 1973. He is also the editor of the English edition of the Society's publication, Ancient Skies. Phillips has gained a worldwide reputation through extensive research and visits to archaeological sites, and has presented numerous lectures and media appearances.

Richard T. Crowe: From Chicago, Illinois, Crowe is a freelance writer, lecturer, and talkshow guest specializing in folklore, legend, and ancient mysteries. He has traveled extensively and is a member of the Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained and a board member of the International Fortean Organization. His interests include Irish mythology, ancient Irish artifacts, and alleged visits by strangers in flying crafts.

Dr. Stuart W. Greenwood: An Aerospace Engineer from College Park, Maryland, USA, Dr. Greenwood holds a PhD in aerospace engineering from the University of Maryland. His professional experience includes jet engine development and aircraft propulsion systems. He is a former member of the Council of the British Interplanetary Society and has written articles on the ancient astronaut hypothesis. He is currently the Engineering Manager at the University Research Foundation.

George T. Sassoon: From Warminster, Wiltshire, England, Sassoon was educated in natural sciences and worked in the electronics industry. His interests include obscure languages, the unusual, and the unexplained. He has written technical articles and co-authored books such as "The Manna Machine" and "The Kabbalah Decoded." His article focuses on the Holy Grail as a potential extraterrestrial object.

Zecharia Sitchin: Based in New York, USA, Sitchin is a leading journalist and editor with a profound knowledge of ancient languages and Near Eastern history and archaeology. He spent nearly 30 years gathering data for his "Earth Chronicles" series, which posits that humanity's existence resulted from visits by intelligent beings from another planet in our solar system, referred to as Marduk.

Erich von Daniken: From Feldbrunnen, Switzerland, von Daniken is a prolific author whose books, including "Chariots of the Gods?", have sold millions worldwide. He is known for his theories about ancient astronauts and has given numerous lectures globally. He has been a staunch supporter of the Ancient Astronaut Society and has received awards from the University of Bolivia and the cities of Ica and Nazca in Peru.

Specific Articles and Topics

The Holy Grail - An Extraterrestrial Object?
This article by George T. Sassoon explores the legend of the Holy Grail, suggesting it was a magical object found by the Knights Templar in the ruins of Solomon's Temple. It posits that the Grail might be identical with the "Ancient of Days" from Jewish traditions, an object that dispensed heavenly food and was preserved as a sacred relic. The article speculates that the Templars may have found this object and developed their own cult, which may have evolved into Freemasonry.

Ancient Astronauts - An Aerospace Engineer's Search for Evidence
Dr. Stuart W. Greenwood discusses the ancient astronaut hypothesis within the framework of searching for evidence of extraterrestrial intelligence. He suggests that archaeological findings and ancient literature could indicate extraterrestrial flight operations within our Solar System, with departures and landings oriented towards the East.

The Earth Chronicles
Zecharia Sitchin's work, as summarized, proposes that recent archaeological discoveries and ancient texts reveal that humanity's existence on Earth resulted from numerous visits by intelligent beings from another planet in our solar system, named Marduk. His research focuses on ancient Sumerian records and cosmology.

The Strategy of the Gods
This section references the work of Josef Blumrich, a former NASA engineer, and Erich von Daniken. Blumrich's book, "The Spaceships of Ezekiel," argues that the prophet Ezekiel described actual events and not visions, including a visit to a temple. Von Daniken reportedly found ruins of such a temple at Chavin de Huantar in Peru, similar to Ezekiel's description, raising questions about who copied Solomon's Temple in South America and who transported Ezekiel between Babylonia and Peru.

Society Member Expedition to Petra and Malta

This presentation by Gene M. Phillips highlights the Society's 1982 expedition to Petra, Jordan, and the island of Malta. Petra is described as a mysterious rock city, rediscovered in 1812. Malta is noted for its ancient structures, possibly predating the world deluge, and its famous "cart-ruts."

Visual Content

The magazine includes photographs of the featured speakers: Gerardo Levet, Gene M. Phillips, Richard T. Crowe, Dr. Stuart W. Greenwood, George T. Sassoon, Zecharia Sitchin, and Erich von Daniken. Additionally, page 10 features a collage of images from various archaeological sites visited by the Ancient Astronaut Society, including Comalcalco (Mexico), Tula (Mexico), Mnajdra Temple (Malta), The Sphinx (Egypt), Karnak (Egypt), Teotihuacan (Mexico), Puma Punku (Bolivia), and Lake Miramar (Mexico). The back cover shows a full view of the Treasury at Petra, Jordan.

Advertisements

The issue contains advertisements for Sterling Travel Service, Inc., described as the Ancient Astronaut Society's official travel agency for expeditions, and for the Holiday Inn O'Hare Kennedy hotel.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the exploration of ancient mysteries, the potential for advanced ancient technologies, and the theory of ancient astronauts. The editorial stance of Ancient Skies magazine is clearly aligned with investigating and promoting the ancient astronaut hypothesis, presenting evidence and theories that support the idea of extraterrestrial influence on human history and civilization. The magazine encourages readers to consider alternative explanations for ancient achievements and phenomena, challenging conventional historical and archaeological interpretations.

This document is a single page from a magazine issue. The page contains a photograph of an ancient structure carved into a cliff face, resembling a temple or tomb, with visible architectural details and human figures and vehicles in the foreground. There is no legible text accompanying the image to provide context, title, date, or any other specific details about the publication or the photograph itself.

Content Analysis

The primary content of this page is a photograph. The image depicts a monumental facade carved directly into a sandstone cliff. The architecture is classical in style, featuring a portico with columns, a pediment, and intricate carvings. The scale of the structure is suggested by the presence of small figures of people and vehicles at its base. The lighting indicates it is daytime, with sunlight casting shadows that highlight the depth and detail of the carving.

Due to the complete absence of any accompanying text, it is impossible to determine the specific article, theme, or purpose of this page within the magazine. No authors, publication details, or narrative content are discernible.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

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