Mysteria - Issue 14 - 1980 02

Magazine Overview

Title: MYSTERIA
Issue: Nr. 2/80 (2nd Year)
Date: February 1980 (estimated)
Publisher: MYSTERIA
Country: Germany
Language: German
Price: DM 3,50

This issue of MYSTERIA, a German-language journal for UFO research and pre-astronautics, features a cover illustration of St. Basil's Cathedral in Moscow with a UFO hovering above it. The magazine is published monthly and is a private, self-funded publication.

Table of Contents and Editorial Information

The issue includes a detailed table of contents, listing articles, authors, and page numbers. The editorial team is based in Dortmund, with Hans-Werner Sachmann as the contact person, and Axel Ertelt serving as the editor-in-chief, located in Halver.

The editorial section emphasizes that the magazine is produced on a part-time basis, which may lead to delivery delays. It clarifies copyright ownership, stating that articles with bylines belong to the authors, while unsigned contributions are copyrighted by the editorial team. Reprinting is allowed only with written permission and two sample copies. Unsolicited manuscripts are not liable for return unless sufficient return postage is included, and publication is not guaranteed. The editors reserve the right to edit or shorten submissions. No honorarium is paid as it is a private magazine based on cost recovery. An annual book prize is awarded to the best reader contribution.

Subscription and ordering information is provided, including bank details for Sparkasse Halver-Schalksmühle.

Articles and Features

MYSTERIA privat (Dortmund Editorial)

This section features an introduction from the Dortmund editorial team, explaining their efforts to reach a broader audience by engaging local and regional newspapers. They discuss the challenges of promoting UFO research to a general public and highlight positive experiences with open-minded journalists. The article mentions previous reports in the "Allgemeiner Anzeiger Halver" and "Westfälische Rundschau" and encourages readers to share their opinions with the editors.

Schüler sah UFO-Landung (A Student Saw a UFO Landing)

By Peter Fiebag, this article recounts an incident from August 15, 1973, in Hildesheim. A 17-year-old student, Torsten Weppner, witnessed a strange object, approximately seven to eight meters in diameter, hovering over a football field. The object, described as non-metallic and possibly made of plastic, landed on the field and, after a minute, took off silently, accelerating to supersonic speed and disappearing into the sky. The object was described as having an unusual shape and no visible lights or openings.

Ein Oestricher wird abends zum „UFO-Forscher“ (An Austrian Becomes a "UFO Researcher" in the Evening)

This article profiles Hans-Werner Sachmann, a 28-year-old administrative employee who leads a double life as a UFO researcher and pre-astronautics enthusiast. Inspired by Erich von Däniken's book "The Sirius Mystery," Sachmann has dedicated over ten years to studying UFOs and ancient astronaut theories. He is a member of the American Ancient Astronaut Society and collaborates on the "MYSTERIA" magazine. The article highlights his research into the legend of the "Sigiburg" battle, where a "shining disc" is said to have appeared, potentially indicating an extraterrestrial presence. Sachmann is investigating historical archives for evidence.

„Sigiburg“ Ur-Dortmunder von Außerirdischen geblendet

This piece delves into Sachmann's research on the Battle of Sigiburg, where a legend speaks of a "shining disc" appearing to the Saxon warriors. Sachmann is exploring whether this phenomenon could be attributed to an extraterrestrial flying object. The article mentions his collaboration with other authors on "MYSTERIA" and his contributions to various publications, including a book on archaeological discoveries and mysteries.

UFO-Sonde im Kreml? (UFO Probe in the Kremlin?)

By V. I. Sanarov, this article reports on an unusual phenomenon observed in the Moscow Kremlin on August 5, 1977. A glowing, spherical object, approximately one meter in diameter, appeared about 200 meters above the Kremlin Palace. It split into three parts, with two landing on the ground and one, a yellow ball about five centimeters in diameter, flying into the Arkhangelski Cathedral. The yellow ball moved towards the altar and exploded against the Iconostasis, causing minor damage. While a Soviet expert suggested it might be a ball lightning phenomenon, the article notes inconsistencies, such as the Kremlin's advanced lightning protection system and the object's behavior, which aligns with UFO characteristics. A similar incident involving a glowing ball in the same cathedral was reported about 400 years prior.

Schlecht und recht (Bad and Right)

By Walter Closs, this is the third and final part of "Erlebte Vorgeschichte" (Experienced Prehistory). The author discusses the etymology of words, particularly focusing on the German words "schlecht" (bad) and "recht" (right). He explores potential connections to ancient languages and concepts, including Egyptian deities like Aton, Har, and Re, and their possible links to concepts of law, order, and the sun. The article suggests that the origins of these words might predate their current linguistic families and could hint at ancient, possibly extraterrestrial, influences on human language and culture. He also touches upon the word "Acht" (eight) and its potential connection to "Gesetz" (law) and "Recht" (right), as well as the concept of the horizon and wind rose.

MYSTERIA-Autor 1979 / Schlagzeilen (MYSTERIA Author 1979 / Headlines)

This section announces the winner of the "MYSTERIA-Autor 1979" award, which was Ing. Rudolf Kutzer for his article "STEINANLAGEN mit Zentrum Bretagne:---, Kult oder Technik ?". He receives the book "Lexikon der Prä-Astronautik" by Ulrich Dopatka. Three brochures, "Wächter aus der Unendlichkeit" by Hans-Werner Sachmann, were awarded to Michael Hesemann, Herbert Kleinjung, and Hubert Malthaner. Herbert Kleinjung also won a free annual subscription. The article notes a low reader participation rate (approx. 25%) in the voting.

Headlines

• Werner Keller Dies: The well-known non-fiction author Werner Keller, known for works like "Und die Bibel hat doch recht" (And the Bible is Right), passed away on February 29, 1980, in Switzerland. His books explored pre-astronautic themes.
• Mammoths Again on Earth? A BILD newspaper report from January 23, 1980, discusses Soviet scientists' efforts to extract cells from mammoths found in permafrost and implant them into elephant ova, with the potential for a "retort mammoth baby" within 20 months.
• Remnants of the Big Bang: American and British astronomers have reportedly discovered vast clouds of elemental hydrogen far beyond the Milky Way, believed to be remnants of the Big Bang approximately 12 billion years ago.
• Yeti Back in Discussion: British researchers claim to have found traces of the legendary Abominable Snowman in the Himalayas, presenting "YETI-MIST" as evidence after reportedly hearing its cries.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of MYSTERIA are UFO sightings, pre-astronautics, ancient mysteries, and linguistic analysis. The magazine appears to adopt a stance that explores unconventional theories, particularly those suggesting extraterrestrial influence on ancient human history and culture. It encourages reader participation and aims to present a platform for alternative perspectives on these subjects, while also acknowledging the need for factual reporting and distinguishing itself from more sensationalist or cult-like approaches to UFO research.

Title: UFO-Forschung
Issue: 1980
Publisher: UFO-Forschung
Country: Germany
Language: German
ISSN: 0170-0672
Price: 18,-- DM

This issue of UFO-Forschung presents a collection of articles covering various aspects of UFO phenomena, ancient mysteries, and theoretical physics.

Articles

MUTATION IN NEVADA ?

This short report, citing BILD from January 23, 1980, describes an engineer in the Nevada desert who allegedly saw a large, hairy humanoid figure walking with a slow gait. The being was reportedly over two meters tall and covered in dense hair.

GEFANGENER STRÄFLING LÖSTE SICH IN NICHTS AUF

This article, from NEUE WELTSCHAU No. 8/80, dated January 21, 1980, recounts the mysterious disappearance of a prisoner named John Willoughby from a secure, windowless room. Only his prisoner's uniform and handcuffs remained; the prisoner himself vanished, with the only opening being a twenty-centimeter air shaft.

DER GOLDENE HUT NUR EIN KALENDER ?

Referencing a previous article in issue 1/79 titled "Briefmarken und Prä-Astronautik" by Hans-Werner Sachmann, this piece discusses the so-called "golden hat of Schifferstadt." According to Pfälzer hobby archaeologist Kurt E. Kocher, this artifact is not an artifact of pre-astronautics but rather a calendar system that proves humans were conducting systematic celestial observations over 40,000 years ago.

Die segmentierten Lichtstrahlen (The Segmented Light Rays) by JEAN BASTIDE

This extensive article details several incidents involving unusual light phenomena. It begins with an event on October 18 or 19, 1965, in Mogy-Guacu, Brazil, cited by Dr. Walter Karl Bühler of the "Sociedade Brasileira de Estudos sobre Discos Voadores." During this sighting, two luminous objects were observed. One object directed a light beam towards a balcony, from which a small, humanoid figure appeared, projecting a horizontal luminous band between the two objects. This band caused a loud noise and a bright flash upon contact. The article notes that the oil lamps and flashlights of the witnesses went out of control during the event.

It then discusses a Canadian case from January 1, 1970, where a witness, Jim Drummond, observed an egg-shaped object emitting a light beam that descended in pieces, resembling Morse code. The object then moved away.

The article also mentions a French case investigated by Dr. Claude Poher, where a diesel engine was stopped by a UFO on February 25, 1974. The author suggests that UFOs might generate a field that halts endothermic reactions.

Further accounts include observations by Mr. Richard Faucett near Vernal, Utah, USA, between 1966 and 1972. One sighting involved a "falling star" that stopped, emitting a split, shimmering light beam. Another case from September 25, 1972, in Quebec, Canada, involved four people observing a luminous phenomenon for an hour, described as a segmented light beam with glowing red segments. A follow-up observation on September 27, 1972, by six witnesses, described similar lights.

An incident from March 11, 1977, in Arlington, Virginia, USA, describes a witness seeing a strange object, estimated to be over 100 feet long, flying in an arc. It was described as a long, luminous arrow with a segmented shaft and a blunt tip, with glowing red segments.

Another case from August 3, 1975, in Peru, involved two engineers observing a "laser beam" or "tube" near Lake Huaypo, which later approached a flying saucer. In June 1968, in Belgium, a witness observed luminous, tube-shaped light segments that abruptly ended as if hitting an invisible wall.

The article suggests that these segmented light beams could be termed "Luminous gliding vectors" and notes the consistent reaction of animals (dogs and ducks) to these phenomena, as well as the mention of an "invisible wall."

Schüler sah UFO-Landung (Schoolboy Saw UFO Landing)

This brief report from an unspecified date describes a schoolboy in Northeim who claims to have seen a UFO landing. He states he has never seen a similar flying object and believes it was intelligently controlled, possibly observing him before quickly departing.

Relativitätstheorie und Philosophie! by UDO WÖSTENDIEK

This lengthy article delves into the philosophical implications of Albert Einstein's theory of relativity. The author argues that while Einstein's mathematical equations were groundbreaking, his philosophical interpretations led to half-truths. Wöstendiek questions the nature of reality, suggesting that our senses, described by Einstein as a "reservoir of prejudices," limit our understanding of the universe. He posits that the universe might be a "super-space" without time and space, implying no beginning or end. The author criticizes materialistic views that attempt to exclude God and emphasizes the importance of human senses and emotions, even if they are considered "primitive."

He contrasts the scientific approach with philosophical speculation, suggesting that some who call themselves philosophers may be engaging in "schizophrenia" rather than genuine philosophical inquiry. Wöstendiek also touches upon the concept of expanded consciousness and the limitations of scientific perception, citing a scientist who noted an underlying order in our sensory perceptions, hinting at an objective reality beyond our immediate grasp.

The author reflects on the human tendency to seek simplification, which may lead to overlooking fundamental truths. He questions whether science's current understanding is the ultimate truth and suggests that our "objectified" consciousness might be playing tricks on us.

He further elaborates on Einstein's theories, particularly the constancy of the speed of light and the concepts of time dilation and mass relativity. Wöstendiek acknowledges the mathematical elegance of Einstein's work but argues that it fails to explain the practical reality of how these phenomena occur. He points to the Ives experiment as evidence for the mathematical correctness of Einstein's equations but not for their real-world application or underlying reasons.

The article concludes by lamenting that the ability to derive tangible natural phenomena from abstract mathematical equations has been left to future physicists. Wöstendiek suggests that without this concretization, humanity will struggle to solve major problems like creating new energy sources and combating environmental pollution.

Rätsel der Vergangenheit (Riddle of the Past) by BERND BRASSER

This article explores the mysterious knowledge of the ancient Egyptian priests of Ptah regarding astronomical precession. The author explains precession as the slow, cyclical change in the direction of Earth's axis, causing the spring equinox point to gradually shift along the ecliptic over approximately 25,700 years.

Braser states that Greek historian Herodotus, in his first book, reported that Egyptian priests knew of precession long before Hipparchus. According to Herodotus, during the time of the first priests of Ptah, the sun rose in different directions four times, and set in opposite directions twice. This implies two full cycles of precession, totaling about 51,400 years.

The author questions how the priests obtained this knowledge, suggesting it might have come from an unknown, lost high culture. He notes that the earliest evidence of Egyptian history dates back to the 6th millennium BC, with a developed civilization emerging around 3000 BC. The article posits that the Egyptians may have inherited documents or knowledge from a preceding, advanced civilization.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores unexplained phenomena, particularly UFO sightings and related events, with a focus on detailed case studies and witness accounts. There is a strong interest in ancient mysteries and potential evidence of advanced ancient civilizations or extraterrestrial contact. The philosophical implications of physics, especially relativity, are also a recurring theme, suggesting a belief that conventional scientific understanding may be incomplete and that consciousness plays a significant role in our perception of reality. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, encouraging readers to question established paradigms and consider alternative explanations.

Notable Mentions

• Immanuel Velikovsky: The death of the author of "Worlds in Collision" and "Ages in Chaos" is noted with regret, highlighting his significant contributions to pre-astronautics research.
• Gerald Mosbleck: His ongoing series "Die Kritik an der Relativitätstheorie" (The Critique of Relativity Theory) is advertised as being published exclusively in the JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG.

This issue of "UFO-Forschung" (UFO Research), identified as page 21 of volume 21, published by MYSTERIA, focuses on defining the nature and methodology of UFO research. The publication aims to distinguish between serious, scientific investigation and the prevalent 'cult of the irrational' within the UFO community.

Part 1: What it is...

The introductory section outlines the series' intent: to clearly establish why UFO research is conducted and how it should be performed. The first part, presented here, addresses 'What it is,' while a subsequent part will cover 'How to conduct it,' detailing serious scientific methods and tools.

The series is presented as a collaborative effort, involving the MYSTERIA editorial team, correspondents, and other UFO researchers. Readers are invited to contribute.

The duration of the series is uncertain but expected to span many months. Interruptions may occur due to current events taking precedence over UFO topics in the magazine's space.

Sectarianism Led to the "Cult of the Irrational"

Authored by Axel Ertelt, this article argues that a truly scientific UFO research, involving commercial scientists, is currently impossible due to existing problems in the UFO scene. Ertelt criticizes organizations like MUFON (Mutual UFO Network) for their members' alleged lack of scientific rigor, even if they hold academic titles. He contends that many in the UFO scene promote 'salvation messages from aliens' and spread 'fairy tales,' which he believes damage serious research and cause the public to dismiss the topic.

Ertelt acknowledges the possibility of genuine contacts between humans and extraterrestrials but emphasizes that such cases are rare and difficult to verify. He warns against blindly accepting sensational UFO articles, which he claims are often driven by the media's desire to increase circulation. He contrasts this with the value of unbiased scientific reports, even if they yield negative results.

As an example of the negative impact of sensationalism, Ertelt cites a report about a spaceship landing in Brazil that attracted 50,000 onlookers, only for nothing to appear. He concludes that such events contribute to the scientific community's reluctance to engage with UFO research.

Book Reviews ("das aktuelle buch")

This section features reviews of several books related to UFOs, history, and esoteric subjects:

• "Die Geheimnisse des Cagliostro" by Raymond Silva: A 247-page book detailing the adventures of the 18th-century magician Cagliostro, drawing on new historical sources. It is praised for offering a glimpse into the world of magicians and alchemists and is recommended for those interested in pre-astronautic research.
• "Rätselhafte Mystik" by Colin Wilson: A 149-page book that explores enigmatic and unexplained phenomena, including aspects of pre-astronautics and the Bermuda Triangle. It also touches upon UFOs and draws inspiration from Charles Fort's work.
• "Ist Mars ein bewohnter Planet?" by Joseph Plassmann: A 32-page facsimile reprint of a 1901 brochure discussing cosmological considerations about Mars. Despite being outdated, it is valued for documenting early scientific discussions on extraterrestrial life.
• "Kosmische Bruderschaft" by Ernst Benz: A 157-page book examining new religions and sects from a new perspective. Benz's work is noted for its intensive engagement with ufology as a new form of religion, with his 17th chapter titled "UFOLOGIE ALS ERLÖSUNGSRELIGION" (Ufology as a Religion of Salvation). The review highlights Benz's tendency to conflate fanatical UFO research with scientific research, urging readers to distinguish between the two.
• "Albertus Magnus: Egyptische Geheimnisse" by Albertus Magnus: A 272-page facsimile of a work attributed to Albertus Magnus, a 13th-century figure known as a scientist and theologian. The book is controversial, with some labeling it as dark and charlatanic, while others see it as evidence of his scientific and possibly technical knowledge, which may have been ahead of his time.
• "Fliegende Untertassen - Ja oder Nein?" by Siegfried Schöpfer: A 32-page reprint of a 1955 brochure where the author concluded that there was no evidence for the extraterrestrial origin of UFOs, instead suggesting possible natural causes. The author stands by his original assessment in an updated preface.
• "Theren" Magazine: Described as a bi-monthly science fiction magazine that also covers fringe science topics like UFOs, the Bermuda Triangle, and pre-astronautics. It is a private, independent publication by amateurs and professionals, edited by SPACE-AGENTY in Hagen.
• "Unsterblichkeit im All" by Dr. Emil-Heinz Schmitz: A 469-page book that provides a comprehensive overview of scientific research and prospects for space exploration. It details human endeavors from early rocketry to future colonization projects, focusing on factual material and over 120 illustrations. The author is also known for his book "BEWEISNOT," which aims to debunk theories of ancient alien visitors.

Advertisement: "UFOLOGIE - Theorien und Tatsachen über Fliegende Untertassen" by Dieter von Reeken

This upcoming book, a 160-page offset print, is announced for June 1980. It covers topics such as the birth of the UFO myth, extraterrestrial life, interstellar contacts, and theories and facts about UFOs. Dieter von Reeken, a jurist, has been involved with ufology since 1967 and is affiliated with the "Hermann-Oberth-Gesellschaft e.V."

Advertisement: "ATLANTIS - Mythos, Rätsel, Wirklichkeit" by Edwin S. Ramage

This 232-page book, a translation from English, presents a comprehensive and modern overview of Atlantis from geological, philosophical, mythological, historical, and archaeological perspectives. It discusses Plato's accounts and the ongoing debate about Atlantis's existence and location.

Advertisement: "Auf den Spuren Großer Kulturen - Das Abenteuer Archäologie" by Kurt Benesch

A 240-page book that provides a comprehensive history of archaeology, covering regions and epochs, with extensive illustrations and text. It highlights key archaeological discoveries, researchers, and scientific methods. Kurt Benesch, originally a novelist, has shifted his focus to cultural history and archaeology, undertaking extensive travels to archaeological sites.

Advertisement: "Rätsel seit Jahrtausenden"

This book is available through Hans-Werner Sachmann. The "GÖTTERTEAM" (Axel Ertelt, Peter Fiebag, Johannes Fiebag, and Hans-Werner Sachmann) is preparing a new series of brochures titled "Rätsel seit Jahrtausenden," which will include new facts on the subject. A special offer is made for purchasing multiple copies of "Rätsel seit Jahrtausenden."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of UFO research, distinguishing between scientific inquiry and pseudoscientific or cult-like phenomena. The editorial stance clearly favors a rational, evidence-based approach, criticizing sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims. There is a strong emphasis on promoting scientific methodology within the UFO field and a skepticism towards 'contactee' narratives presented as absolute truth. The issue also delves into historical mysteries and fringe science topics, suggesting a broad interest in unexplained phenomena but always with an underlying call for critical analysis.