Mysteria - Issue 05 - 1979 05

Magazine Overview

MYSTERIA, issue 5/79, is the first volume of this German-language journal dedicated to UFO research and pre-astronautics. The cover features a striking image of a stone carving, hinting at ancient mysteries. The issue is priced at DM 3.50 and is dated 5/79, marking it as the fifth issue of the first year of publication.

Editorial and Content

The issue includes an 'Inhalt / Redaktion / Impressum' (Table of Contents / Editorial / Imprint) section on page 2. The editorial, 'Liebe Leser!' (Dear Readers!) by the Editor-in-Chief Axel Ertelt, addresses reader inquiries and updates on the magazine's operations. It mentions a delay in publication due to the departure of a staff member, Herbert Mohren, and encourages readers to submit their own articles, providing detailed guidelines on manuscript preparation, including formatting, photo submission, and the use of pseudonyms.

Key Articles and Features

• Titelbild: Die Primaten an den Externsteinen (Cover Picture: The Primates at the Externsteine): This photo is linked to the lead article on page 7.

• Leitartikel (Lead Article) on page 7: DIE EXTERNSTEINE - Eine prähistorische UFO-Basis ? (The Externsteine - A Prehistoric UFO Base?) by Ferdi Heller: This article initiates a sensational series exploring the Externsteine as a potential center for extraterrestrial visitors in prehistoric times, possibly linked to the mythological Asgard. The investigation involved the author, his family, and MYSTERIA staff. The first part, "Waren Adam und Eva Primaten?" (Were Adam and Eve Primates?), examines engraved stones from Ica, Peru, found since 1961, which depict beings interpreted as primates and possibly early humans.

• Article on page 5: TATSACHEN ÜBER AUSSERIRDISCHE WELTRAUMSCHIFFE (Facts About Extraterrestrial Spaceships) - 3rd installment: Sexualkontakt mit Außerirdischen (Sexual Contact with Extraterrestrials) by Prof. Dr. Hans Holzer: This article details a case of alleged alien abduction. It describes a young woman from New York State who experienced a UFO encounter and abduction, including sexual contact, with memory loss induced by a 'black box'. The case is explored through hypnosis regression, revealing details about the beings, their technology, and physical marks left on the abductee.

• Article on page 10: Spuren einer vergangenen Technologie im Arabien des Altertums (Traces of a Past Technology in Ancient Arabia) by Bernd Brasser: This piece investigates legends of a once-blooming land in Arabia with a highly developed culture. It suggests that ancient texts, particularly the Koran, hint at catastrophic events, possibly caused by atomic weapons, that destroyed cities and their inhabitants, leaving behind traces of advanced technology.

• Article on page 13: Das Rätsel um die Neuseeland-UFOs gelöst? (The Mystery of the New Zealand UFOs Solved?) by Axel Ertelt: This brief mention suggests that the mystery surrounding UFOs in New Zealand has been resolved.

• Article on page 14: GODS AND SPACEMEN - 2nd installment: Raumfahrer im antiken Griechenland (Space Travelers in Ancient Greece) (Part 1) by W. Raymond Drake: This article continues a series exploring the presence of space travelers in ancient Greece.

• Article on page 17: Vor 65 Jahren - Eine geschichtliche Analyse der Prä-Astronautik (65 Years Ago - A Historical Analysis of Pre-Astronautics) by Hans-Werner Sachmann: This article provides a historical perspective on pre-astronautics.

• Article on page 19: Erich von Däniken - Die Bundeslade: Funkgerät oder Mini-Reaktor (Erich von Däniken - The Ark of the Covenant: Radio Device or Mini-Reactor) by Axel Ertelt: This article examines Erich von Däniken's theories about the Ark of the Covenant.

• Letters to the Editor (Liebe Leser!) on pages 3 and 4: These sections feature reader feedback and editorial responses. One reader reports difficulties in obtaining books from the Kurfürst-Verlag, which the MYSTERIA editorial team is investigating. Another reader is seeking a comparison image of Mare Moscoviense on the Moon. The magazine also announces plans to publish authors' full addresses in future issues.

• Announcement on page 4: A Geiger counter is offered for sale.

• Announcement on page 6: The book "Charisma - Die Kraft der persönlichen Ausstrahlung" by Prof. Dr. Hans Holzer is recommended.

• News item on page 9: "Riesiger Stern explodiert!" (Giant Star Explodes!) reports that computer calculations have confirmed the explosion of a planet between Mars and Jupiter millennia ago.

Editorial Stance and Recurring Themes

MYSTERIA positions itself as a platform for exploring unconventional theories, particularly in the realms of UFO phenomena and pre-astronautics. The magazine encourages reader participation through submissions and feedback, fostering a community of researchers and enthusiasts. The editorial stance appears to be open to investigating historical anomalies and ancient myths through the lens of extraterrestrial influence and advanced ancient technology. Recurring themes include ancient astronauts, prehistoric civilizations, alleged alien encounters, and the reinterpretation of historical and mythological texts. The magazine emphasizes its status as a private publication operating on a cost-recovery basis, with reader-driven decisions influencing awards for contributions.

This issue of "Prä-Astronautik" (Pre-Astronautics), dated September 1979, delves into the possibility of advanced technology and extraterrestrial influences in ancient history. The magazine explores various historical texts, myths, and archaeological findings to support the theory of ancient astronauts.

Ancient Arabia and Atomic Radiation

The article highlights the work of archaeologist Gabriel Mandel, who interprets verses from Surah 18 (94-97) of the Quran as evidence of atomic radiation and the destruction of ancient South Arabian cities. Mandel suggests that Dhul-karnain, a figure mentioned in the Quran, was involved in building a protective wall against the tribes of Gog and Magog, described as destructive forces. The text quotes verses detailing the construction of this wall using iron to prevent their passage.

Mysterious Cities and Advanced Technology

The magazine recounts legends of a shimmering silver city that stood on four giant metal pillars, which vanished instantly. It also discusses the tale of Al Yafa Yafis, the first king of Ma'in, who allegedly built a glowing glass dam and possessed a staff capable of splitting mountains with a flash of light. Another account describes King El Hadhad's encounter with a large metal city on four pillars, which disappeared after he interacted with its inhabitants.

Early Pre-Astronautics Hypotheses

The issue traces the history of pre-astronautics theories, noting that ideas about extraterrestrial intervention in ancient history were not solely a product of modern authors like Erich von Däniken. It mentions Nikali Rinin (around 1930), who suggested that myths from various cultures described visits from extraterrestrial beings. Dr. Irene Sänger-Bredt's work in 1954 is also cited for similar thoughts. A significant development occurred in 1959 when Modest Agrest formalized the hypothesis that ancient myths of 'gods' were actually accounts of visitors from space arriving in spacecraft, leading to the construction of temples resembling their vessels.

Franz Maria Feldhaus and Early Technical Analysis

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the work of engineer Franz Maria Feldhaus. The author highlights Feldhaus's 1914 publication, "Die Technik der Vorzeit, der geschichtlichen Zeit und der Naturvölker" (The Technology of Prehistory, Historical Times, and Natural Peoples). Feldhaus, in his preface, acknowledged the existence of ancient machines about which we have no direct knowledge, suggesting that scientists and researchers in 1914 were already contemplating advanced ancient technology. The article argues that Feldhaus's diplomatic approach indicates he likely knew more than he explicitly stated, possibly hinting at realities that were not yet publicly accepted.

Erich von Däniken and the Ark of the Covenant

The magazine features an article by Axel Ertelt discussing a lecture by Erich von Däniken. Ertelt reviews Däniken's latest work, "Prophet der Vergangenheit," and his theories about the mysterious grooves of Malta. The article focuses on Däniken's evolving ideas about the Ark of the Covenant, referred to as the 'Manna-Machine.' Initially described in his 1968 book "Memories of the Future" as a device with gold plates generating several hundred volts, Däniken's later research suggests it was a transport container for radioactive fuel, possibly powering a mini-reactor. Ertelt also touches upon Däniken's speculation that the cherubim on the Ark's lid might have acted as a loudspeaker for communication with a spacecraft.

Explaining the New Zealand UFOs

Axel Ertelt also presents a personal account offering a potential explanation for the sensational UFO reports from New Zealand. The author describes an experience where a reflection of the sun on his eyeglasses created an effect resembling a circular, orange-colored spot with oval and elongated 'shadows' inside. He suggests this phenomenon could be analogous to the 'New Zealand UFOs,' proposing they might have been reflections of the sun on the windows of a flying object, rather than actual alien craft.

Gods and Spacemen Series

The issue continues the series "Gods and Spacemen" by W. Raymond Drake, focusing on "Space Travelers in Ancient Greece." This section explores how Greek classics mention figures like Alexander, Pericles, Socrates, and Sophocles, but also hints at the presence of 'eccentrics' whose activities align with the modern space age. It discusses legends of ancient travelers who observed Babylon and Israel, and mentions Lycurgus, King of Sparta, who traveled widely and met wise men. The article links ancient figures like Apollo and mythological events like the slaying of Python to potential extraterrestrial interactions, drawing parallels with dragon-slaying myths and serpent worship as primitive memories of spacecraft.

Notable Figures and Ancient Knowledge

The series also touches upon figures like Aethalides, described as a messenger of Mercury, who could travel between the underworld and Earth, reminiscent of Enoch. It discusses the poet Philoxanus and his critique of King Dionysius's poetry, leading to his enslavement. Pythagoras is presented as a wise man who claimed to be the reincarnation of the Trojan hero Euphorbus and brought geometry from Egypt to Greece. His principles of 'Philosophy' or 'Love of Wisdom' are explained, along with his connection to the hyperborean druid Abaris, who is said to have ridden an 'Apollo's Arrow' through the air, similar to a spacecraft.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of "Prä-Astronautik" are the reinterpretation of ancient texts and myths through the lens of advanced technology and extraterrestrial visitation. The magazine consistently posits that many ancient legends and religious narratives can be understood as accounts of encounters with beings from other worlds, equipped with technology far beyond the comprehension of ancient peoples. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these possibilities, challenging conventional historical and scientific explanations and encouraging readers to consider alternative interpretations of the past. The magazine aims to uncover evidence of a technologically advanced past, suggesting that humanity's development may have been influenced by external forces.