Mysteria - Issue 19 - 1980 07-08

Magazine Overview

Title: MYSTERIA
Issue: Nr. 7-8/80 (2. Jahrgang)
Date: August 1980
Publisher: MYSTERIA
Country: Germany
Language: German
Price: DM 3,50

This issue of MYSTERIA, a journal for UFO research and pre-astronautics, features a striking cover with ancient stone carvings and the provocative question, "A prehistoric moon?". The content delves into various ancient mysteries and theories surrounding extraterrestrial influence on early human civilizations.

Table of Contents and Editorial Notes

The issue's table of contents outlines the articles and features. The cover image displays two ancient carvings: an "Untier" (beast) with two heads and a collar from Tell Halaf (Mesopotamia) and another "Untier" with a collar from a frieze in Tula, Mexico. The main article on the cover, "Lucifer - Vom Absturz eines Vorzeitmondes" (Lucifer - From the crash of a prehistoric moon), by Walter Closs, is presented as the first part of a sensational article.

• Other articles include:
• "MYSTERIA privat" sections, offering personal updates from the editors.
• A continuation of the "MYSTERIA-Analyse" by Carsten Hagemeier, titled "Hat EvD recht?" (Is EvD right?), examining the documentary "Gods and Astronauts".
• Advertisements and information, including "DIE KOSMISCHEN EINGEWEIHTEN" (The Cosmic Initiates) with headlines about discoveries on Mars and the Loch Ness Monster.
• A section on "Informationen" (Information).

The editorial section provides contact details for the editors Axel Ertelt and Hans-Werner Sachmann. It states that MYSTERIA is published monthly and that copyright for signed articles belongs to the authors, while for unsigned contributions, it belongs to the editorial staff. Reprinting requires written permission and submission of two copies. Unsolicited manuscripts are not liable for return unless return postage is included, and publication is not guaranteed. The editors reserve the right to edit or shorten contributions. No honorarium is paid as the magazine operates on a cost-recovery basis, with a book prize awarded annually to the best reader contribution.

MYSTERIA privat

Axel Ertelt addresses the readers, explaining that he is currently busy with his vocational training, which limits his time for research. He requests patience from readers who send him mail between August 1980 and March 1981. He will be home on most weekends to sort through mail and forward relevant items to Dortmund. He also directs readers to send manuscripts or letters directly to Hans-Werner Sachmann, who will be managing MYSTERIA for about six months.

Ertelt announces that this issue is the double number previously mentioned in issue 5/80. He assures subscribers that their subscriptions will be extended accordingly. He mentions that the analysis "Astronomie ohne Fernrohr" (Astronomy without a telescope) is in progress.

He expresses gratitude for the positive reception of MYSTERIA and notes that this is the first time he is experiencing the magazine as a reader, being surprised by its content along with everyone else.

He also mentions that he and Hans-Werner Sachmann plan to attend the AAS meeting in Fulda and look forward to meeting readers there. For 1981, they are planning the first "MYSTERIA Annual Meeting," with the Externsteine area being considered as a potential location.

Analysis: "Hat EvD recht?" (Is EvD Right?)

This section, a continuation from issue 6/80, critically examines the documentary "Gods and Astronauts" and the theories of Erich von Däniken.

2. The Nazca Plain: The article discusses the Nazca lines, comparing the film's depiction with Däniken's claims. It describes the vast, plain desert landscape with parallel lines, trapezoids, and large figures visible from high altitudes. The lines are described as furrows contrasting with the crusty surface. The limited rainfall in the Nazca region is noted. The article questions the purpose of these lines, particularly the need for landing strips for extraterrestrials, and references Maria Reiche's research linking the lines to a calendar and astronomical observations, especially solstices. It also points out that some figures appear on Nazca pottery, depicting a yearly cycle with animal drawings representing different seasons and events.

The article raises questions about the complexity of the Nazca lines, suggesting that many lines might point to astronomical reference points. It questions the need for a calendar visible only from high altitudes and why such symbols are also found on pottery. The lack of clear dating for the lines suggests they could be much older than previously thought.

Däniken's theory proposes that extraterrestrial intelligences landed using a mothership in orbit and a smaller craft, possibly using an air-cushion method. The lines might have been created by the landing process or later by indigenous people who sought the return of the "gods." The article also briefly mentions other interpretations, such as Inca roads, religious symbols, or a landing site.

It critiques the film for omitting certain details, such as drawings on rock faces depicting figures with rays emanating from their heads and robot-like beings, as well as depictions of flying people on Nazca tapestries. It also highlights other potential ancient sites, like a large figure in Pisco Bay and another on a rocky cliff face, which might be related to Nazca.

3. The Statues of Easter Island: The article discusses the enigmatic statues (Moai) of Easter Island, their origin, and the theories surrounding their creation and transport. It mentions Thor Heyerdahl's research and his claims about how the statues were moved and erected, as well as his hypothesis about the island's past vegetation and the inhabitants' ability to make ropes from reeds. The article questions Heyerdahl's calculations and points out the lack of definitive answers regarding the statues' creation and purpose.

It highlights several unexplained aspects: the difficulty of carving the stone with primitive tools, the transport of massive statues over long distances, the presence of gaps between statues and the bedrock, and the origin of the red "hats" (pukao) placed atop some statues. The article questions who the statues represent, noting that their features do not match any Polynesian tribal characteristics. Däniken's theory suggests extraterrestrials provided advanced tools, which were later lost, leading to the use of primitive methods and eventual abandonment of statue construction. Legends of a mysterious power called "Mana" are mentioned as a possible explanation for moving the statues.

4. The Mammoth Buildings of Sacsayhuaman: This section briefly touches upon Sacsayhuaman, a fortress near Cusco, Peru. It notes that Erich von Däniken has not extensively discussed this site in relation to "god-astronauts." The article quotes Däniken from his book "Meine Welt in Bildern" about the site's significance beyond its visible fortifications. It questions the construction methods of the massive walls, citing the precise fitting of stones and the weight of some blocks (over 100 tons). The article contrasts the work of ancient Inca builders with the possibility of extraterrestrial involvement, referencing a film segment where a large stone block was split with hammer and chisel, resulting in a crooked crack, unlike the precise fitting of the wall blocks.

It mentions that Sacsayhuaman predates the Inca and is attributed in legend to a race of bearded, red-haired, white-skinned people. Däniken's books are cited for further details on this topic.

5. The Cheops Pyramid of Giza: This extensive section analyzes various theories about the Great Pyramid of Giza, including those presented in the film and by Erich von Däniken.

• Construction Date and Builders: The article discusses the traditional dating of the pyramid to between 2650 and 2750 BC, attributed to Pharaoh Khufu. It questions this dating, suggesting the possibility of earlier construction and the deliberate falsification of inscriptions by later rulers. The lack of depictions of pyramid workers and the debate over the purpose and contents of the burial chamber are noted. The article references a manuscript by Abu'l Hassan Ma'sudi, which suggests the pyramids were built by a king named Surid before the great flood to store knowledge of sciences and wisdom.
• Construction Time: The article examines the estimated time taken to build the pyramid. Based on Herodotus's account, it suggests a 10-year preparatory phase followed by 20 years of work, with construction occurring for three months annually during the Nile flood season. It calculates that if 2.6 million blocks were quarried, polished, and transported, it would require an immense daily effort, far exceeding the estimated 90-100 working days per year. The author's calculation suggests around 260 years of work.
• Labor Force: The article discusses the estimated number of workers, citing varying figures from four thousand to one hundred thousand, and notes the discrepancy with historical population estimates.
• Tools and Methods: It explores potential tools and methods used for moving and lifting the stones, including wooden rollers, sledges, pulleys, levers, ramps, and human power. The theory of wooden rollers is questioned due to the limited evidence of suitable trees in ancient Giza. The article also dismisses the idea that sledges or chariots were used, as these were introduced much later.
• Pyramid Secrets: The article lists several intriguing mathematical and astronomical correlations associated with the Cheops Pyramid:
• Its height multiplied by one billion approximates the Earth's distance to the sun.
• A meridian passing through the pyramid divides continents and oceans into two equal halves.
• Its weight multiplied by 10^15 equals the Earth's weight.
• Its side length multiplied by 10 million equals half the Earth's axis, suggesting knowledge of Earth's sphericity.
• It is located at the center of continents.
• The ratio of its circumference to twice its height equals Pi (3.1416).
• The phenomenon of "pyramid energy" is mentioned.
• The discovery of three large pyramids in the Brazilian jungle by an expedition led by Erich von Däniken is noted.

Further points include the discovery of a pyramid-shaped formation off the coast of America and experiments with a radiation detector inside the Chephren Pyramid, which yielded inexplicable data.

The article concludes by critiquing a film that allegedly attempts to "refute" Däniken's theories by misrepresenting facts and using outdated arguments. The author expresses pity for those who create such films, suggesting their motives are either greed or genuine but misguided conviction. A quote from the film is presented, which, while criticizing Däniken's methods, is interpreted by the author as an acknowledgment of the intelligence of ancient ancestors, while also highlighting the intolerance of some people.

Sources

A list of sources is provided, including books by Erich von Däniken, historical texts, and other publications.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of ancient mysteries, particularly those related to potential extraterrestrial influence on early civilizations (ancient astronaut theory). The magazine adopts a critical yet open-minded stance, analyzing evidence and theories, including those of Erich von Däniken, while also presenting counterarguments and alternative interpretations. The editorial stance emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and acknowledges the limitations of current knowledge regarding these ancient enigmas. The "MYSTERIA privat" sections reveal a personal and community-oriented approach to producing the magazine, fostering a connection with its readership.

This issue of MYSTERIA, dated approximately July/August 1980 (based on article dates), is a German-language magazine focusing on fringe science, ancient mysteries, and unexplained phenomena. It features a mix of short news items, book reviews, and in-depth articles exploring controversial theories.

Articles and Features

Cover Story: "LUCIFER - Vom Absturz eines Vorzeit-mondes" (From the Fall of a Prehistoric Moon) by Walter Closs

This extensive article posits that our understanding of prehistory is flawed. Closs argues that the widespread presence of the spiral nebula symbol across cultures (Europe, China, Dogon) suggests a common origin from a forgotten high civilization. He connects this to similar myths and the concept of a universal creative spirit. The core of the theory is that Lucifer, often associated with the devil, is actually a representation of a prehistoric moon that crashed into Earth. This event, according to the author, caused immense destruction and influenced global myths. The article draws parallels with the Edda, biblical texts (Isaiah), Chinese myths (Kung-kung), and other traditions to support the idea of a catastrophic lunar event. It details how the moon's proximity and gravitational pull could have led to geological upheaval, tidal waves, and atmospheric phenomena, explaining the 'evil' connotations associated with the 'light-bearer'. The author criticizes modern scholars for not recognizing this interpretation in ancient texts like the Edda.

"Die kosmischen Eingeweihten" (The Cosmic Initiates)

A brief announcement for a new anthology by Axel Ertelt, Johannes Fiebag, Peter Fiebag, and Hans-Werner Sachmann, which aims to address the question of extraterrestrial contact in antiquity and the Middle Ages. The book is described as a sensation and a potential solution to a long-standing problem.

"Jetzt entdeckt: Seen auf dem Mars" (Now Discovered: Lakes on Mars)

A short news item reporting that US researchers have detected water accumulations beneath the surface of Mars, particularly in the 'Solis Lacus' region, raising the possibility of life. The findings are based on radar measurements.

"Neues vom Loch Ness" (News from Loch Ness)

This piece reports on Robert H. Rines' continued efforts to find evidence of the Loch Ness Monster. Having observed it for over ten summers without definitive proof, he has now released two trained dolphins into the lake to locate 'Nessie'.

"Israels größter Schatz im Vatikan?" (Israel's Greatest Treasure in the Vatican?)

This article suggests that Israel's golden menorah, looted by the Romans in 70 AD, might be stored in the Vatican's archives. The author expresses skepticism about the Vatican's silence on the matter, implying a potential Christian reluctance to reveal such artifacts.

"Hatte die Erde einen Ring?" (Did Earth Have a Ring?)

Dr. John O'Keefe of NASA proposes that Earth may have had a ring system around 34 million years ago, similar to Saturn's. He links this hypothesis to unexplained geological events, such as the abrupt climate change at the end of the Eocene epoch and the sudden appearance of glass meteorites in Australia and North America.

Book Reviews:

• "Astronomen, Priester, Pyramiden: Das Abenteuer Archäoastronomie" (Astronomers, Priests, Pyramids: The Adventure of Archaeoastronomy) by Edwin C. Krupp Translated by Winfried Petri, this book is reviewed as the first systematic attempt to present the field of archaeoastronomy to the layperson. It combines modern archaeology with practical astronomy, discussing megalithic sites like Stonehenge and Carnac, ancient astronomical knowledge in Egypt, Mesoamerica, and North America. The book also critically examines speculations by authors like Velikovsky and von Däniken.

• "Erde im Aufruhr" (Earth in Upheaval) by Immanuel Velikovsky Reviewed as the German translation of Velikovsky's work, this book is presented as further evidence for his catastrophist theories. The review highlights how space exploration findings have begun to support his ideas, which were initially dismissed by the scientific community. The book examines fossil evidence from around the world, including hippopotamus bones found with bison and mammoth remains, suggesting simultaneous extinction events. It also discusses phenomena like large boulders in the Alps and the rapid formation of the Himalayas, which Velikovsky attributes to cosmic influences rather than gradual evolution.

• "Besucher aus der Zukunft" (Visitors from the Future) by Ernst Meckelburg This book proposes that UFOs are not extraterrestrial but originate from future human generations. Meckelburg calls these beings 'Temponauts' and suggests they travel through time using 'extradimensional' methods beyond our current understanding of spacetime. The review notes that scientists are indeed working on higher-dimensional displacement techniques, and that time is considered 'elastic' and 'permeable'. The publisher claims Meckelburg offers the most plausible explanation for UFO phenomena.

• "Das aktuelle Buch/Anzeige" (The Current Book/Advertisement) - Information Section This section includes information about upcoming books by Peter Krassa, which are expected to be available in Germany. It also announces that the distribution of books previously handled by the Carola-von-Reeken-Verlag will now be managed by GEP (Gemeinschaft zur Erforschung unbekannter Phänomene).

"Das aktuelle Buch" (The Current Book) - General Information

This section provides details for readers wishing to send review copies of books related to the magazine's themes (ufology, ancient mysteries, archaeology, myths, astronomy) to the editorial office.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of ancient mysteries, extraterrestrial contact, alternative historical theories, and unexplained phenomena. There is a clear leaning towards theories that challenge conventional scientific and historical narratives, such as Velikovsky's catastrophism and the idea of ancient advanced civilizations or alien influences. The editorial stance appears to be open to, and actively promoting, these 'fringe' perspectives, often presenting them as plausible alternatives to mainstream science. The reviews are generally positive towards the books discussed, highlighting their provocative nature and potential to challenge established views.

This issue of "Katastrophentheorie" (Catastrophe Theory), identified as Seite 21 and part of Volume 21, delves into a theory proposing a catastrophic impact of the moon on Earth. The content draws heavily on mythological accounts, biblical narratives, and ancient epics from various cultures to support its claims about planetary cataclysms.

The Moon's Impact and its Immediate Consequences

The central thesis posits that the moon, during a deep atmospheric entry, experienced immense braking due to air resistance, leading to its eventual crash into Earth's oceans. This event is described as creating a deafening noise, referred to as "Höllenlärm" (hellish noise), drawing parallels to the Gjallarhorn in Norse mythology and a terrible roar described in the Persian Bundahishn during the fall of Apaosha.

According to the theory, the moon's impact caused the Earth's crust to be breached, evidenced by Otto Muck's assertion of two oval deep-sea trenches exceeding 7000m in depth near Puerto Rico. The impact itself is likened to a colossal volcanic eruption, accompanied by severe earthquakes. The molten interior of the Earth is said to have been ejected into the atmosphere, and the ocean waters vaporized.

The Great Flood and Global Consequences

The impact generated a massive tidal wave that encircled the globe. The text dismisses the idea that the biblical flood was merely a localized event in Mesopotamia, pointing to the existence of approximately 60 flood myths across diverse cultures, including those of the Sumerians, Chinese (five Ur-kaisers), and Washoe Native Americans. The Book of Enoch is cited, foretelling a great flood that would submerge the entire Earth. A Polynesian myth describes Tangaroa casting a celestial body into the sea, causing a cataclysm that submerged land and flooded the Earth. The Book of Revelation is also referenced, describing a burning mountain falling into the sea.

Earth's Transformation: Axis Tilt and Seasons

Beyond the immediate destruction, the moon's impact is credited with fundamentally altering Earth's physical characteristics. The penetration of the moon's mass is said to have increased Earth's size, a fact the article claims science has established. More significantly, the impact delivered a shock that tilted the Earth's axis, leading to the establishment of seasons. This is supported by references in the Book of Enoch, where Noah observes the Earth tilting, and the Chinese myth of Kung-kung, which describes the Earth's axis shifting southeast, causing celestial bodies to move. The Finnish epic, Kalewala, also speaks of the Earth receiving a shock that inverted it.

Supporting Texts and Mythological Parallels

The article extensively quotes and references various ancient texts and myths to bolster its catastrophic theory:

• Greek Mythology: The story of Phaeton, who drove the sun chariot too close to Earth, setting it ablaze and then falling into the sea.
• Persian Mythology (Bundahishn): The battle between Ahura Mazda and Ahriman, and the fall of the demon Apaosha with a great roar.
• Biblical Accounts: References to the Book of Revelation (Offb. 20,3 and 8,8) describing a mountain falling into the sea and an angel casting the devil into the abyss. The Book of Enoch (10) regarding the great flood and the Earth's tilting.
• Norse Mythology: Mentions of the Gjallarhorn and Hel.
• Polynesian Mythology: The myth of Tangaroa and a celestial body impacting the sea.
• Washoe Native American Legend: The Great Spirit causing earthquakes, firestorms, and a flood.
• Chinese Mythology: The myth of Kung-kung and the shifting of the Earth's axis.
• Finnish Epic (Kalewala): An account of a shock that inverted the Earth.
• Orphic Hymn: Describes Bacchus calming the Earth's trembling caused by Zeus.

Editorial Notes and Future Publications

The issue concludes with a note indicating that a special print ("Sonderdruck") on "UFO-INVASION ÜBER WESTFALEN?" (UFO Invasion over Westphalia?) has been postponed due to the illness of the typist, wishing her a speedy recovery. Pre-orders for this special print are still possible.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are catastrophism, the interpretation of ancient myths and religious texts as historical accounts of planetary events, and the interconnectedness of global flood narratives. The editorial stance appears to favor a literal interpretation of these ancient stories as evidence for a scientifically plausible, albeit highly speculative, theory of Earth's history shaped by celestial impacts and cataclysms. The magazine promotes a particular worldview that seeks to find scientific validation within mythological and religious frameworks.