Mysteria - Issue 15 - 1980 03

Magazine Overview

Title: MYSTERIA
Issue: Nr. 3/80
Volume: 2. Jahrgang
Date: March 1980
Publisher: MYSTERIA
Country: Germany
Language: German
Price: DM 3,50
Cover Headline: "Das Geheimnis der Schlangensteine" (The Mystery of the Serpent Stones)

This issue of MYSTERIA, a German journal dedicated to UFO research and pre-astronautics, presents a diverse range of articles, including a prominent feature on ancient Egyptian technology and mysteries.

Content Breakdown

Page 1: Cover
The cover features an illustration related to ancient Egypt, possibly depicting figures and symbols discussed within the magazine, with numbered callouts.

• Page 2: Table of Contents / Editorial / Imprint
• This page lists the articles and their respective authors and page numbers. Key articles include:
• "Das Geheimnis der Schlangensteine" (The Mystery of the Serpent Stones) - Lead article by Reinhard Habeck.
• "UFO-Forschung, 1.Teil - 2. Folge: 'Nur die wissenschaftlichen Methoden sind akzeptabel !'" (UFO Research, Part 1 - Part 2: 'Only scientific methods are acceptable!') by Axel Ertelt.
• "Schlagzeilen: Atomarer Blindgänger (K)ein UFO ? / Angst vor UFO im Elsaß" (Headlines: Nuclear Dud (A) UFO? / Fear of UFOs in Alsace) by Udo Wöstendiek.
• "Wie ist die Welt nun tatsächlich aufgebaut ?" (How is the world actually structured now?) by Udo Wöstendiek.
• "Neues aus dem UFO-Weltgeschehen" (News from the UFO World Scene) by Josef Wanderka.
• Reviews of books, including "UNSERE HEIMAT IM ALL" by Gerhard R. Steinhäuser and "MODERNE UNIVERSALGESCHICHTE DER GEHEIMWISSENSCHAFTEN" (Band I - VI), and "WIR, VOM MARS" by Walter Hain.

The editorial section provides contact information for the chief editor, Axel Ertelt, and the Dortmund editorial office, Hans-Werner Sachmann. It also details the publication schedule (monthly) and acknowledges potential delivery delays due to the part-time nature of its production. Copyright information and policies regarding unsolicited manuscripts are also outlined. Subscription and single copy prices are listed, with older issues (1/79 to 7/79 and 9/79) being sold out.

Page 3: MYSTERIA privat
This section, written by the chief editor, discusses the internal challenges of producing MYSTERIA. These include difficulties with timely delivery due to the editors' part-time commitment, the laborious process of compiling texts and original print layouts, and the need for proofreading and printing at different facilities. The editor apologizes for any errors and asks for reader understanding. The promised special print is delayed due to ongoing research. The editor also addresses subscriber complaints about not receiving issues, attributing potential delivery problems to the postal service and requesting prompt notification of missing copies.

Page 4: MYSTERIA privat (Continued)
The editor continues to discuss the magazine's production. He explains the decision to publish monthly, despite the challenges, to remain current, contrasting this with less frequent publications. He emphasizes that MYSTERIA aims to present current and significant events not widely known, and to provide a platform for readers to publish their own articles and reports. The editor mentions his own writing experience and how it led to publishing opportunities, including a book manuscript. He also highlights contributions from established authors in the field. The section concludes with a request for reader feedback on the topics discussed.

Page 5: UFO-Forschung (UFO Research) - Part 1: What it is...
This article, the second part of a series by Axel Ertelt, argues that only scientific methods are acceptable in UFO research. Ertelt criticizes the "sectarianism" within the UFO community, where individuals or groups readily accept unsubstantiated claims, often for publicity or personal gain, rather than engaging in genuine research. He laments the internal conflicts and "small wars" among UFO groups, which he believes harm the field's credibility and lead the public to dismiss UFO research entirely. He notes the prevalence of small, youth-oriented UFO groups in Germany that compete rather than collaborate. Ertelt expresses his own attempts to foster collaboration, which have been thwarted by the "stubbornness" of group leaders who want to be the sole authority.

Page 6: UFO-Forschung (Continued)
Ertelt continues his critique of the UFO scene, stating that MYSTERIA does not always align with other groups but avoids public attacks. He reiterates that true UFO research requires scientific methods, even if it involves speculative thinking. He discusses the difficulty of uniting German UFO groups due to leaders' unwillingness to cede authority. He acknowledges a reader's suggestion for private UFO magazines to merge but explains that such a consolidation is currently impractical due to the immaturity of the field. Ertelt then outlines different approaches to UFO research, distinguishing between those who blindly believe everything they are told and those who merely repeat information without critical analysis. He criticizes both groups, as well as those who outright reject the possibility of UFOs, often citing a lack of scientific evidence. He emphasizes that serious research relies on scientific methods and the explanation of scientifically unexplainable facts, noting that time and money are scarce resources in private UFO research. The article promises to shift to the technical aspects of UFO research in the next installment.

Page 7: Prä-Astronautik (Pre-Astronautics) - DAS GEHEIMNIS DER SCHLANGENSTEINE (The Mystery of the Serpent Stones)
This article by Reinhard Habeck explores the possibility of electricity being known and used in ancient Egypt, approximately 2000 years ago. Habeck, a surveyor, expresses astonishment at the advanced astronomical and trigonometric knowledge of ancient cultures, citing the precision of the Cheops Pyramid and the Pythagorean theorem's apparent use long before Pythagoras. He questions whether other technological information has remained hidden. He focuses on reliefs and wall paintings in Egyptian temples, noting the absence of soot marks, which would be expected if torches, candles, or oil lamps were used for illumination. He discusses this phenomenon with Austrian Egyptologist Prof. H. Satzinger, who mentions an article suggesting the possibility of non-sooting torches made with a specific hydrochloric acid treatment, though this has not been practically tested. Habeck also considers the hypothesis of using mirrors to direct sunlight into dark temple areas, but notes that light scattering makes this method largely ineffective.

Page 8: Prä-Astronautik (Continued)
Prof. Satzinger admits that current knowledge is speculative. Habeck then proposes electricity as the only known light source that could leave no trace after centuries. The page features an illustration of a vase-shaped object discovered by Austrian archaeologist Dr. Wilhelm König in 1936 near Baghdad. Investigations revealed it to be a dry battery from pre-Christian times. The article states that an American, F.M. Gray, successfully replicated its function in 1957 using a copper sulfate solution, and this experiment was repeated successfully in Hildesheim. The battery still reportedly emits 0.5 volts. Dr. Arne Eggebrecht, Director of the Römer- und Pelizaeus-Museum in Hildesheim, is convinced that the ancient Parthians knew about electricity 1800 years before Galvani. The page also includes a diagram of temple crypts, with one labeled 'G' containing three of 247 images.

Page 9: Prä-Astronautik (Continued)
Habeck continues his investigation into ancient Egyptian technology, questioning if Sadat's ancestors also knew about electricity. He discusses mysterious relief depictions in the Hathor Temple of Dendera, which he visited with a group in October 1979. The temple, dedicated to the goddess Hathor, is well-preserved. The group gained access to an underground crypt, described as a "cult room." The reliefs depict human figures alongside bulb-shaped objects (interpreted as oversized light bulbs) with stylized snakes moving within them. The snakes' ends lead to what appears to be a socket. A cable connects this to a box where a figure, identified by Prof. Satzinger as the "Luftgott" (Air God), is kneeling. Habeck speculates if the bulb-like object could represent air ionization. He notes the presence of a "Djed pillar," a symbol of stability and strength, which appears connected to the "snake." The page includes a reproduction of an Egyptian Djed pillar and a modern Djed pillar in an electrical plant.

Page 10: Prä-Astronautik (Continued)
This page continues the discussion on the Hathor Temple reliefs. It poses the question of what lighting sources were used to create the magnificent wall paintings and reliefs, suggesting the Hathor Temple might hold the answer. An image shows a baboon-like figure, identified as Toth, the god of science, who mythology states illuminated the night. The article discusses the mysterious reliefs found in deep underground crypts, noting that Egyptology offers symbolic interpretations rather than definitive answers. It draws a striking parallel between the Djed pillar and modern high-voltage insulators, citing the article "Der Isolator des Pharaohs" (The Pharaoh's Insulator) by Hans-Werner Sachmann from MYSTERIA Nr. 12/79. The original meaning of the Djed pillar is debated among Egyptologists, with theories ranging from a bound grain stalk to a "tree" or "palm" with a back wall. The relief also depicts a monkey-like being holding two knives, which, according to Egyptian mythology, has a specific meaning.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the mysteries of ancient civilizations, particularly Egypt, and the potential for advanced technology far beyond our current understanding of history. The magazine strongly advocates for a scientific approach to UFO research, as articulated by Axel Ertelt, who criticizes the prevalence of unsubstantiated claims and internal conflicts within the UFO community. The editorial stance is one of critical inquiry, seeking evidence-based explanations while remaining open to unconventional possibilities, especially in the realm of pre-astronautics and ancient technologies. The magazine also transparently addresses its own production challenges, demonstrating a commitment to its readers despite resource limitations.

This issue of "Prä-Astronautik" (Pre-Astronautics) from March 1980 delves into a variety of topics, primarily focusing on the interpretation of ancient Egyptian artifacts through the lens of advanced technology and extraterrestrial influence, alongside theoretical physics and recent UFO reports.

The Dendera Reliefs and Ancient Egyptian Technology

The lead article examines the reliefs in the Hathor Temple at Dendera, Egypt. It questions traditional Egyptological interpretations, suggesting that depictions of Thot (the god of science) and other figures might represent the application of artificial lighting or advanced scientific knowledge. The article discusses the work of Auguste Mariette and the ongoing debate about the meaning of hieroglyphs, particularly the "Schlangensteine" (snake stones). It highlights the work of Egyptologist Hermann Kees and Professor H. Satzinger, who offer different interpretations of these reliefs. The author, along with Austrian scientist Walter Garn, an electrical engineer, and British scholar Dr. John Harris, leans towards the interpretation that these reliefs are technical illustrations, possibly depicting electrical devices or even a form of ancient battery.

The text questions why these unique depictions are not found elsewhere and suggests that the priesthood might have used specialized, coded hieroglyphs. The article also touches upon the Ptolemaic period's more complex script and the difficulty in fully deciphering all texts, especially those from older periods like the Hathor Temple.

Theoretical Physics: Space-Time, Energy, and Matter

Another significant section, authored by Udo Wöstendiek, explores the fundamental nature of the universe, building upon previous articles about Einstein's theories. It posits that the universe is composed of a single fundamental substance: "ENERGY-ENERGMA-MATERIE." This concept is presented as a unified force that underlies everything. The author argues that electrons, protons, and neutrons are not matter but energy, and that matter is formed when atoms, composed of these particles, are created. The concept of a space-time continuum is central, with the author suggesting that its strength influences phenomena like gravitation and magnetism. The article proposes that gravitation might not be a separate force but rather a perception of the space-time continuum. It further suggests that magnetism is inversely proportional to space-time strength, being strongest in the "Superraum" (super-space) where space-time is weakest.

UFO Reports and Global Phenomena

The issue includes several reports on UFO sightings and related phenomena:

• "Atomarer Blindgänger" - (K)ein UFO?: This section revisits a mysterious atomic explosion in the South Atlantic in September 1979, linking it to a 1963 observation of an unidentified flying object that crashed into the sea. It also reports on a book claiming Israel's nuclear secrets and its cooperation with South Africa, including the alleged first nuclear explosion off the South African coast in September 1979.
• Angst vor UFO im Elsaß: A report from April 1980 details the experience of a 27-year-old pharmacy assistant in Alsace, France, who claims to have been followed by a brightly lit UFO that caused her car to stall. A radar controller at Mühlhausen/Basel Airport also reported an unidentified object on radar.
• Neues aus dem UFO-Weltgeschehen: This section covers several international UFO events. It discusses a report from January 1980 about a squadron of unidentified aircraft over Oberkärnten, Austria, with explanations ranging from meteorological phenomena to UFOs. It also mentions a report about mass UFO sightings in Costa Rica, leading to power outages and speculation about an extraterrestrial UFO base. The article dismisses a claim by German ufologist Ilse von Jacobi about an impending UFO landing as a false report.

Reader Letters and Editorial Notes

The magazine features a new section for reader letters, aiming to foster discussion and provide a platform for critical engagement with the topics presented. Several letters are included, with readers commenting on articles, suggesting improvements, and sharing their own experiences or opinions. One reader expresses concern about the declining quality of "Magazin 2000" and suggests a merger of smaller publications. Another reader thanks the editorial team for a prize and expresses surprise at the success of their first contribution.

The editorial section includes a note from the Editor-in-Chief, Axel Ertelt, informing readers about his upcoming absence for a half-year vocational training course from August 1980 to January 1981. He assures readers that the magazine will continue to be produced and asks for understanding regarding potential delays.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the reinterpretation of ancient history and artifacts through a technological and potentially extraterrestrial lens (Pre-Astronautics), the exploration of fundamental physics concepts like space-time and energy, and the reporting of contemporary UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging critical thinking and challenging conventional explanations, particularly in the fields of archaeology, history, and physics. The magazine actively promotes the idea that ancient civilizations may have possessed knowledge or technology far beyond what is currently accepted by mainstream science.

This issue of MYSTERIA, dated April 1980, is a German-language magazine focused on ufology, pre-astronautics, and esoteric topics. The issue features a section for reader letters, editorial responses, and book reviews.

Leserbriefe (Reader Letters)

ANTWORT DER REDAKTION (Editorial Response)

Axel Ertelt addresses a reader's suggestion about unifying small UFO magazines, stating that such a collaboration is difficult due to the diverse content and editorial approaches of private publications. He recounts a past attempt to achieve this, which failed. He also mentions discussing this with an editor from a Lüdenscheid-based UFO magazine.

VERBESSERUNGSVORSCHLÄGE (Suggestions for Improvement)

Bernd Brasser from Braunschweig suggests using rub-off foil lettering for titles instead of handwritten ones, believing it would improve the magazine's appearance, though acknowledging it requires more work.

ANTWORT DER REDAKTION (Editorial Response)

In response to Brasser's suggestion, Axel Ertelt agrees that the current printed headings are not ideal. The editorial team is seeking a better solution, possibly using the Letraset process, which they expect to implement from issue No. 5/80. They ask for patience and understanding. The editors also express their continued desire for suggestions and critiques from readers, emphasizing a preference for positive contributions. They aim to use the reader letter section to spark discussion and encourage active participation, urging readers to remain 'sober' and factual in their contributions.

GESPANNT AUF REAKTIONEN (Eager for Reactions)

Luc Shavelli from Hagen thanks the editors for MYSTERIA, complimenting its improved presentation and new cover. He expresses anticipation for increased reactions to his report, "UFOs über Bremen ?", which was published in MYSTERIA Nr. 1/80.

DIE LÖSUNG DER ASTRONAUTENFRAGE ? (The Solution to the Astronaut Question?)

Walter Closs from Backnang expresses gratitude to Axel Ertelt for publishing his articles "Der Stein von Farr" and "Schlecht und recht" and for sending him complimentary copies. He submits another article related to pre-astronautics, which he believes offers a significant step towards solving the 'astronaut question' and potentially finding 'the solution'. He offers further articles that elaborate on his 'came from the moon' thesis.

ANMERKUNGEN DER REDAKTION (Editorial Notes)

ANTWORT DER REDAKTION (Editorial Response)

Axel Ertelt thanks Walter Closs for his numerous contributions and his continued support of MYSTERIA, a private magazine with a small circulation. He notes that, like most contributors, they operate on an idealistic basis without paying honoraria. He announces that Closs's article, "Sie kamen vom Mond" (They Came from the Moon), will be published in the next issue, and further articles from him are requested.

KEINE NEGATIVEN EFFEKTE ? (No Negative Effects?)

Walter Hain from Vienna writes regarding speculations about "negative effects" mentioned in MYSTERIA 10/79, page 12. He states that he noticed nothing of the sort at an AAS meeting in Munich. He includes a photograph taken without flash, which he made without knowing the reader, and asks if he could submit another article on pre-astronautics and ufology, given his years of engagement with these topics.

ANTWORT DER REDAKTION (Editorial Response)

Axel Ertelt confirms that no "negative effects" were reported at the AAS Congress in Munich. He expresses pleasure at receiving Hain's photograph and regrets not meeting him in Munich. He hopes to meet him in the future. Ertelt explains that the photograph was taken while he was holding up MYSTERIA Nr. 5/79, which was being filmed by a WDR team. However, this scene was not included in the WDR documentary broadcast on German Television (3rd program, Cologne area) last year, a broadcast MYSTERIA Nr. 9/79 had reported on. The editors welcome any articles from Hain, even unsolicited ones, and extend this invitation to all authors. They encourage authors to submit reports, articles, and thoughts, even if their previously submitted works have not yet been published. This helps with planning future issues and can positively impact delivery punctuality. The final sentences are a general appeal to all readers and authors.

Ein abschließendes Wort (A concluding word)

Axel Ertelt concludes by stating that the length and content of the reader letter section depend on the readers themselves, with an average of one to two pages planned. He notes that if a section is missing, it's either due to an abundance of more important information needing publication or a lack of reader submissions. He hopes the latter does not occur and encourages every reader to participate in discussions, always remaining factual and content-focused. MYSTERIA does not have space for personal polemics, but he believes their readers are not the type to engage in anonymous attacks on others or authors.

das aktuelle buch (The Current Book)

Rezensionsexemplare (Review Copies)

The magazine requests review copies of books related to its themes, including fringe science, archaeology, myths, and astronomy, to be sent to the editorial address.

Nachtrag: UNSERE HEIMAT IM ALL (Addendum: Our Home in Space)

Gerhard R. Steinhäuser's book, "Unsere Heimat im All", is priced at OS 69,--, approximately DM 10,--.

MODERNE UNIVERSALGESCHICHTE DER GEHEIMWISSENSCHAFTEN BAND I-VI (Modern Universal History of Secret Sciences, Volumes I-VI)

This six-volume encyclopedia, translated from French by Grit Kuntze and Steffi Steigemann, is published by ECON-Verlag, Düsseldorf, 1979. It costs DM 398,-- as a subscription price until December 31, 1980, and DM 478,-- thereafter. The encyclopedia is described as opening a door to an unknown yet present world, explaining phenomena reported in media, astrology, and parapsychology. It is illustrated with 96 color and 839 black-and-white images across its 2016 pages.

• Band I: Das Reich der Magie (The Realm of Magic) covers the history and applications of magic in ancient cultures (China, South America, India, Egypt, Assyria, Babylon), esoteric teachings in Greece, medieval magic, and Renaissance practices.
• Band II: Das Zauberwesen (The Magical Being) explores witches and sorcerers, the power of the devil, magical tools, occult practices, enchantments, talismans, and magic in Africa.
• Band III: Geheimgesellschaften und Geheimbünde (Secret Societies and Fraternities) details the power, significance, and practices of secret societies, describing various orders from Voodoo to Freemasonry.
• Band IV: Zukunft und Himmelszeichen (Future and Celestial Signs) focuses on divination arts like astrology, cartomancy (tarot), palmistry, and geomancy, including a lexicon of divinatory arts.
• Band V: Medizin und Esoterik (Medicine and Esotericism) covers the borderlands of medicine and esotericism, including paramedicine, magnetism, folk medicine, religious healing, and medicinal plants, with aphrodisiac recipes included.
• Band VI: Seele ohne Grenzen (Soul Without Borders) delves into supernatural phenomena such as dreams, fantasy, and phantoms, as well as physiognomy, phrenology, temperaments, races, vices, and virtues, presenting a panorama of the human psyche.

The work is highlighted for its cultural-historical value, tracing the origins and meanings of magical and occult practices over millennia. It is presented as a mosaic of knowledge, aiming to debunk charlatans and clarify complex subjects.

WIR, VOM MARS (We, From Mars)

This section reviews Walter Hain's book, "Wir, vom Mars: Alte und neue Hypothesen über den roten Planeten" (We, From Mars: Old and New Hypotheses about the Red Planet). The book, published by Ellenberg-Verlag, Köln, 1979, has 145 pages and numerous black-and-white illustrations, costing DM 24.--. Hain proposes that discoveries from the American VIKING probes might offer clues about "god-astronauts" on Mars. The book investigates traces of cosmic visitors on Mars and explores the possibility of intelligent life existing millions of years ago, and whether advanced ancestors of humans (Atlanteans, extraterrestrials, or time travelers) existed before recorded history. The book examines topics such as the mythology of Mars, giant beings on Mars, Martian canals, Mars in ancient times, spaceships landing on Mars, intelligent Martian life, and potential artificial Martian satellites. Walter Hain, born March 12, 1948, in Vienna, works in computers and has been researching pre-astronautics for years, seeking evidence on Mars. The review notes that Hain's book is a valuable publication for UFO and pre-astronautics enthusiasts and that a report by Walter Hain will appear in the next issue.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of MYSTERIA revolve around UFO phenomena, pre-astronautics, ancient mysteries, and esoteric knowledge. The editorial stance, as expressed by Axel Ertelt, is one of openness to reader contributions and a desire to foster informed, factual discussion. The magazine operates on an idealistic basis, relying on contributors who share their passion for these subjects. The editors are actively seeking ways to improve the magazine's presentation and content, while also emphasizing the importance of maintaining a sober and objective approach to the complex topics they explore.