Mysteria - Issue 17 - 1980 05

Magazine Overview

Title: MYSTERIA
Issue: Nr. 5/80
Volume: 2. Jahrgang
Date: 1980
Publisher: MYSTERIA
Country: Germany
Language: German
Price: DM 3,50
Cover Headline: SIE KAMEN VOM MOND! (They Came From The Moon!)

This issue of MYSTERIA, a German journal dedicated to UFO research and pre-astronautics, features a prominent cover story and several articles exploring the intersection of unexplained phenomena, ancient history, and philosophical inquiry.

Content Breakdown

Cover Story: "Sie kamen vom Mond!" (Ergänzung) - JUPITERMOND AMALTHEA

By WALTER CLOSS, this article is a continuation of a previous piece. It connects the discovery of Jupiter's moon Amalthea by the Voyager 1 probe to ancient texts, specifically the Chinese "Shoo-king" (800-600 BC) and other cultures. Closs argues that these texts describe "sky dwellers" or inhabitants of a prehistoric moon that later crashed, who were responsible for Earth's civilizations. He presents two pieces of evidence: the moon was connected to Earth by a "band" that later broke, and both the moon and Earth were egg-shaped. The Voyager 1 images of Amalthea, described as an egg-shaped celestial body approximately 200 kilometers long, are presented as proof supporting these ancient accounts. Closs suggests that this knowledge of Amalthea's shape indicates a profound understanding of cosmic events, possibly from ancient astronauts.

MYSTERIA privat

This section features personal accounts from the magazine's editorial team.

Axel Ertelt: The Editor-in-Chief shares his personal journey into UFO research. He recounts how the tragic deaths of the Apollo 1 astronauts in 1967 on Cape Kennedy, and the subsequent media coverage, sparked his interest in spaceflight. Initially finding it boring, a later encounter with the "Ren Dhark" science fiction series, which discussed UFOs, ignited his passion. He describes how this led him to extensively research UFOs and pre-astronautics, eventually dedicating himself to this field. Ertelt expresses a belief that the Apollo astronauts may have been sacrificed by a cosmic power to initiate him into a select group tasked with understanding cosmic events.

Hans-Werner Sachmann: While his introduction was in the previous issue, his contributions are implicitly part of this section's personal narrative.

Other Articles and Features:

• Schlagzeilen (Headlines):
• COMPUTER AUS DEM VORIGEN JAHRHUNDERT (Computer from the Previous Century): A student discovered what is believed to be the world's first computer, capable of calculations and table writing, in a wooden box at the Nordic Museum in Stockholm. The machine, constructed from wood and metal, is dated to 1843 and attributed to inventor Georg Scheutz.
• EINE FATA MORGANA IM ERZGEBIRGE (A Fata Morgana in the Erzgebirge): On February 9, 1980, thousands of people witnessed a Fata Morgana on the Fichtelberg in the Erzgebirge, where inverted mountain ranges of the Bohemian Forest appeared in the sky.

• MENSCH, GOTT UND ALL (Man, God, and All): Compiled by the philosophy circle "Die Tafelrunde" and revised by Hans-Werner Sachmann. This section presents philosophical reflections on the nature of God and the universe. It questions traditional religious doctrines and suggests that a synthesis of science, research, and philosophy leads to fundamental questions about the divine and the cosmos. It posits that humanity is a three-dimensional being living in a four-dimensional space and explores the concept of God as a potential "trigger factor" or an impersonal, possibly genderless, cosmic force rather than a anthropomorphic figure. The authors advocate for a re-evaluation of our worldview, suggesting that established beliefs may be flawed.

Editorial and Information Section:

• Inhalt / Redaktion / Impressum (Contents / Editorial / Imprint): Lists the articles in the issue, editorial contacts in Halver and Dortmund, and publication details. It states that MYSTERIA is published monthly and that delays may occur due to part-time production. Copyright for signed articles belongs to the authors, and for unsigned articles, to the editorial team. Reprinting requires written permission. Unsolicited manuscripts are not liable for return unless return postage is included. No remuneration is paid as MYSTERIA is a private, self-cost-based publication. A book prize is awarded annually to the best reader contribution.
• Hinweis (Note): Correspondence and articles should be sent to the Dortmund editorial office from August 1, 1980, to January 31, 1981. The bank account in Halver remains valid for payments.
• Subscription and Pricing: Single issues and back issues cost DM 3.50. Annual subscription is DM 38,--, half-yearly is DM 20,--, and quarterly is DM 10.50. Overseas airmail postage is DM 10,-- for yearly subscriptions.
• Information on Carola-von-Reeken-Verlag: The publisher no longer exists. Books previously published by them, including "UFOlogie" by Dieter von Reeken, are no longer available through this publisher. The magazine seeks someone to distribute remaining stock.
• Back Issues: Several issues (1/79 to 7/79, 9/79, and 1/80 to 2/80) are completely sold out.
• GÖTTERTEAM: Information about the "GÖTTERTEAM" (authors of "RÄTSEL SEIT JAHRTAUSENDEN") offering remaining copies of their anthology for DM 8,-- via a special "MYSTERIA-Aktion 5/80".
• Obituary: Walter Kohut, known for his role as Will Roczinski in the TV film "DIE DELEGATION", passed away on May 18, 1980.
• MYSTERIA Sonderdruck 1980: A special print on the "UFO Invasion in the Sauerland and Dortmund" is in production and will cost DM 4.50 per issue (for new orders).
• Article Submission: The editorial team notes a current "article drought" from readers and urges them to submit material to ensure timely publication.
• Production Delays: Due to the current article shortage and production challenges, the magazine's page count is temporarily reduced to 22 pages, including book reviews.
• Reader Contributions: The magazine acknowledges readers who have sent payments exceeding the annual subscription price, converting them to extended subscriptions. They also welcome donations, provided they are clearly marked as such.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

MYSTERIA consistently explores themes of UFOs, pre-astronautics, ancient mysteries, and alternative interpretations of history and science. The editorial stance, particularly evident in the "MYSTERIA privat" section and the philosophical articles, is one of critical inquiry, challenging conventional narratives and encouraging readers to question established beliefs. There is a strong emphasis on personal conviction and the pursuit of truth, even when it diverges from mainstream thought. The magazine appears to be a platform for those interested in unconventional theories and a deeper understanding of humanity's place in the cosmos.

This issue of "Philosophie" (Philosophy) from MYSTERIA magazine, dated 1980, delves into profound existential and cosmological questions. It challenges conventional scientific and religious beliefs, seeking a deeper understanding of creation and humanity's role within it. The magazine advocates for a critical re-evaluation of past knowledge and a move towards a new, improved worldview.

Core Philosophical Inquiries

The central theme revolves around the mysteries of creation, questioning whether they lie in the micro or macrocosm. It posits the existence of a unifying force, possibly linked to the Big Bang, and explores the idea of a future 'superhuman' or 'god-like' being, referencing concepts from Taoism and the teachings of Zarathustra.

The article critiques the limitations of current human understanding, contrasting the vastness of the cosmos with the perceived insignificance of human problems. It also challenges the established timelines for human civilization, citing new findings in Ethiopia that suggest a much older human existence than previously thought, questioning the narratives presented by the church and science.

Re-evaluation of Knowledge and Beliefs

The magazine expresses a desire to question everything, to break free from ingrained taboos, and to arrive at a new, improved understanding of the world. It aligns itself with freethinkers rather than institutions promoting 'luciferian' ideas. However, it also acknowledges that not all traditional beliefs are false, suggesting that some wisdom may be hidden within ancient doctrines, guiding humanity towards 'light'.

The approach to religious texts, such as the Bible, is presented as an attempt to decipher ancient wisdom rather than accepting them as mere fairy tales. The authors believe that ancient scriptures might hold knowledge from their 'fathers' who knew more than is currently accepted. They aim to bridge gaps in understanding through scientific engagement and philosophical thought, moving beyond what they term 'senseless hocus-pocus' that has led to conflict and misfortune throughout history, citing examples like religious wars, the Inquisition, and the persecution of indigenous peoples.

Reader Contributions and Editorial Notes

Several reader letters are included, offering diverse perspectives. Ursula Patzer shares a speculative interpretation of an Egyptian relief depicting the god Thoth, suggesting it illustrates an experiment with electricity and the creation of a large light source, possibly a precursor to a light bulb.

The editorial notes address reader feedback, particularly regarding the magazine's publication schedule. The editor, Axel Ertelt, explains the challenges of maintaining a monthly rhythm due to workload and proposes a temporary solution of a double issue (7-8/80) to catch up, assuring subscribers that their subscription will be extended to compensate.

Another reader, Elisabeth Krueger, expresses enthusiasm for an article titled "The Mystery of the Snake Stones" and draws parallels with Louis Charpentier's book "The Secret of the Basques," particularly regarding unexplained light sources in ancient cave paintings and pyramids.

Book Reviews

The issue features several book reviews, covering a range of topics:

• "What Really Stands in the Bible" by Dr. Manfred Barthel: This book is praised for its critical and open-minded approach to the Bible, incorporating recent archaeological findings and comparing different translations. It highlights how new discoveries, such as the ancient city of Ebla, have altered biblical archaeology and understanding, including the potential reinterpretation of phrases like "Peace on Earth and goodwill to men."

• "UFOs, Primeval World, Monsters: The Great Book of Sensations" by Helmut Höfling: This review is mixed. While acknowledging the value of a book on UFOs for young readers, it criticizes Höfling's style and perceived bias against Erich von Däniken, accusing him of personal attacks rather than objective analysis.

• "The Secret of the Goths: From Runes to Cathedrals" by Gérard de Sède: This book explores the history and influence of the Goths, their empire, and their impact on Western civilization, particularly in architecture and spirituality.

• "Earth, Sun, and Planets: Space Probes Explore the Solar System" by Hermann-Michael Hahn: This review highlights the book's comprehensive coverage of astronomical knowledge gained from space missions, presenting facts, data, and scientific sketches. It debunks theories of advanced civilizations on Mars or Venus based on current findings.

• "Gods of the Atomic Age: Modern Mythology about Spaceships and Star People" by Sergius Golowin: The review notes that Golowin analyzes the background of interest in UFOs and ancient astronauts, connecting them to a hope for a better world. However, it criticizes the book for not distinguishing clearly between serious UFO research and speculative theories, and for its psychological approach.

• "The Limitless Dimension: Spaceflight - Chances and Problems" by Prof. Dr. Ing. Harry O. Ruppe: This extensive work is described as a valuable resource for those interested in spaceflight, covering its current state and future prospects, including the development of the space shuttle.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the questioning of established paradigms in science, religion, and history, the search for deeper spiritual and philosophical truths, and the exploration of mysteries related to ancient civilizations, extraterrestrial phenomena, and the cosmos. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, open-mindedness towards unconventional ideas, and a desire to foster a more informed and enlightened worldview, while also cautioning against unsubstantiated claims and personal attacks.

This section of 'das aktuelle buch' (the current book) is issue number 21, focusing on books related to spaceflight and UFO phenomena. The content is primarily in German.

Book Review: 'Raumfahrt' by Prof. Harry O. Ruppe

The first article reviews a book by Professor Harry O. Ruppe, described as one of the few internationally recognized personalities in practical spaceflight. The book is presented as a comprehensive and accessible overview of spaceflight, covering its history, present developments, future opportunities, and the challenges ahead. It specifically addresses European space activities since World War II, the next twenty years, the costs involved, and the long-term perspectives. The review hails it as a standard work essential for technicians, economists, and politicians, also appealing to younger readers due to its attractive outlook and detailed information.

The review provides a brief biography of Prof. Ruppe, noting his birth in Leipzig in 1929. He worked at the TU Berlin's development center for army rockets, later at NASA in Huntsville, USA, under Wernher von Braun. He was a project engineer for the first successful US moon shot, 'Pioneer 4,' and involved in the Apollo projects. He also served as director of the planning office for future projects, proposing the Skylab space station and the space transporter. Since 1966, he has headed the chair for Spaceflight Technology at the TU Munich and remains active in German and European space programs. His most comprehensive scientific textbook on astronautics, published in the USA, was also released in the USSR.

Book Review: 'Warum wir hier sind' (Why We Are Here) by Gloria Lee

The second section reviews a 100-page, self-published book titled 'Warum wir hier sind' (original title 'Why We Are Here'), printed as a typescript and priced at DM 7,--. Published in 1980 by Eigenverlag Hans Jacob in CH-Wetzikon, it is available in Germany through Wolfgang Mayer in Reinheim.

The book's core content is reportedly transmitted telepathically to Gloria Lee by a being from Jupiter who identifies itself simply as 'J.W.' Gloria Lee recorded this 'history' as received through mediumship. Her first contact with this Jupiter being allegedly occurred in September 1953. The brochure's title page states: "Why We Are Here" by J.W., a being from Jupiter, received and recorded by Gloria Lee.

The review notes that the brochure has generated considerable controversy. Within circles of 'serious UFO research,' many view it as an attempt to present a new 'salvation message' to humanity under the guise of UFO research. The name J.W. is suggested to be a simple abbreviation for a 'Jupiter being.'

The review then critically examines the premise, stating that recent findings in spaceflight technology make the existence of a civilization on Jupiter, in our conventional sense, seem like nonsense. The low density of Jupiter is cited as a reason why a technical civilization, as we understand it, cannot exist there, as the entire planet is composed of gaseous, not solid, materials.

However, the review cautions against dismissing the book outright as mere UFO-related fabrication or 'nonsense.' It poses the possibility that the transmitted message might be genuine, suggesting that beings could exist on planets like Jupiter that are intelligent but not necessarily physical, akin to 'energy beings' described in science fiction. This possibility, however, would imply that UFOs sighted worldwide have no connection to these hypothetical Jupiter beings, thus rendering them irrelevant to the origin problem of UFOs.

The review concludes that it can only offer a rough overview of the arguments for and against the Jupiter beings described by Gloria Lee. It refrains from definitively stating the message is false but points out facts that even 'serious UFO researchers' should consider beyond mere skepticism. The reviewer strongly recommends reading the book to form one's own judgment and to be able to discuss the topic knowledgeably.

Announcement: Upcoming Books by Peter Krassa

A section titled 'Hinweis' (Note) announces upcoming works by Peter Krassa, a writer known to proponents of pre-astronautics and author of several books on the subject. Krassa is set to release three books in September:

1. "Phantome des Schreckens" (Phantoms of Terror): This book reportedly covers the so-called MIBs (Men in Black), individuals who allegedly appear in the UFO scene to intimidate UFO researchers and witnesses.
2. "Feuer fiel vom Himmel" (Fire Fell from the Sky): This book is said to detail the Taiga catastrophe of 1908 and is scheduled for release by a Luxembourg publisher.
3. "Erich von Däniken, der Besessene" (Erich von Däniken, the Obsessed): This is a revised and expanded edition of his book "Däniken intim."

"Phantome des Schreckens" and "Erich von Däniken, der Besessene" are expected to be published by an Austrian publisher, with hopes for easy availability in Germany.

The note also mentions that, as previously announced in MYSTERIA Nr. 3/80, Peter Krassa and Reinhard Habeck are working on another manuscript titled "Licht für den Pharao" (Light for the Pharaoh), slated for publication in 1981 by an Austrian publisher. MYSTERIA promises to report extensively on all these works upon their release.

Forthcoming Publication: 'Die Kosmischen Eingeweihten'

Under the heading 'In Planung für Herbst 1980' (In Planning for Autumn 1980), a new anthology titled 'Die Kosmischen Eingeweihten' (The Cosmic Initiates) is announced. This work focuses on contacts with extraterrestrials in antiquity and the Middle Ages. It is presented as a new anthology by the 'GÖTTERTEAM,' comprising H.-W. Sachmann, J. Fiebag, P. Fiebag, and A. Ertelt.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue engages with themes of space exploration, the scientific and speculative aspects of astronautics, and the controversial field of UFO research and alleged extraterrestrial contact. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, presenting different viewpoints and encouraging readers to form their own informed opinions. While acknowledging the public interest in UFOs and channeled messages, the publication also emphasizes scientific understanding and the need for evidence-based analysis, as seen in the critique of the 'Why We Are Here' book and the discussion of Professor Ruppe's scientific work. There is a clear interest in promoting serious discussion on these topics, as evidenced by the detailed book reviews and announcements of upcoming publications.