Mysteria - Issue 33 - 1981 10

Magazine Overview

MYSTERIA, issue 10/81, volume 3, is a German-language magazine focused on UFO research and pre-astronautics. Published monthly by MYSTERIA-Verlag, this issue features a cover story about the mysterious stone discs of Baian-Kara-Ula and the controversial figure George Adamski. The price of the issue was DM 3.50.

Table of Contents and Key Articles

Page 1: Cover

The cover displays a montage of circular objects resembling stone discs, with the magazine title 'MYSTERIA' and a headline announcing a report on the 'first Le-Sertreffen' (reader meeting).

Page 1: Fotomontage / Zusammenstellung von Axel Ertelt

This section introduces the cover's montage, stating it's a compilation by Axel Ertelt and that the original photo shows one of the 716 stone discs from the mountain caves of Baian-Kara-Ula, referencing a report on page 4.

Page 3: MYSTERIA PRIVAT by Hans-Werner Sachmann

Sachmann addresses the readers, explaining the process of the annual reader poll for the best article of the year. He clarifies that only articles explicitly approved for the poll can be voted on and that readers should not vote for external publications. He emphasizes the importance of this poll for gauging reader interest and motivating authors, noting a significant increase in participation from 1979 to 1980. Due to financial constraints, the magazine cannot pay authors but offers a book prize for the best contribution and a prize for participants. He urges readers to participate to help the editorial team understand reader preferences.

Pages 4-6: DIE GEHEIMNISVOLLEN STEINTELLER von Baian-Kara-Ula (The Mysterious Stone Discs of Baian-Kara-Ula) by Klaus-Dieter Dollhopf and Axel Ertelt

This article details the discovery of approximately 716 stone discs in the Baian-Kara-Ula mountain range, a region on the Chinese-Tibetan border. These discs, found in cave systems, are described as being 2 cm thick, made of granite, and featuring a double-spiral groove pattern with a unique script. Their age is estimated to be at least 12,000 years, with the surrounding graves dating similarly high. The article references Erich von Däniken's 1969 mention of the discs, citing Soviet researcher Alexander Kassanzew. The report claims the discs tell of air vehicles from over 12,000 years ago, whose occupants, the 'Dropa', were stranded on Earth due to energy loss. Chinese and Russian archaeological institutes reportedly deny the existence of these discs. The article also mentions Peter Krassa's investigation, including correspondence with Chinese institutions and a report of a Viennese merchant claiming to have photographed the discs in Peking, though he never produced the photos. The discs are noted to have an unusual cobalt and metal content and a high vibration rhythm, suggesting exposure to high electrical voltages. The article concludes by stating that while evidence is mounting, a definitive proof of the story's truth is still lacking.

Page 7: MYSTERIA-Sonderrubrik: Song-Text DIE FREMDEN (The Strangers) by Dschinghis Khan

This section presents the lyrics of the B-side of a single by the pop group 'Dschinghis Khan' titled 'Die Fremden'. The song's lyrics describe beings from the stars who came to Earth long ago, were called 'The Gods', and left behind traces that humanity may one day understand. The magazine notes that the song embodies pre-astronautic ideas and that attempts to contact the composer and lyricist were unsuccessful.

Pages 7-8: Anmerkungen zur Sonderrubrik (Notes on the Special Section)

The editorial team justifies printing song lyrics, arguing that it can reach a wider audience, including the youth, and introduce them to pre-astronautic concepts in a more accessible way than traditional books.

Pages 9-10: DER KONTAKTLER, 3. Folge: Die Adamski-Kontroverse by Michael Hesemann

This article focuses on George Adamski, a controversial figure in UFOlogy. It recounts his alleged encounter with an extraterrestrial in a flying saucer in 1952, which was reported by the Phoenix Gazette. Adamski's claims gained international attention after Desmond Leslie included his story and photos in the bestseller 'Flying Saucers Have Landed'. The article touches upon Adamski's later claims of traveling inside alien spacecraft. It briefly outlines Adamski's early life, including his emigration from Poland, his philosophical leanings influenced by the 'Royal Order of Tibet', and his move to Palomar Gardens, where he developed an interest in astronomy. His first UFO sighting in 1946 is described, followed by his extensive photographic documentation of UFOs, claiming to have taken over 500 photos by 1952, with only 20 being clear enough to identify as alien craft.

Page 21: Kurzbericht: Schöpfungsgeschichte ist nur von einem Autor (Creation Story is Only by One Author)

A brief report suggesting that the creation story has a single author, though details are minimal.

Page 22: Auslandskorrespondenten berichten: INTERVIEWS von Reinhard Habeck mit Prof. Kaminski und J. F. Blumrich

This section features interviews conducted by Reinhard Habeck with Professor Kaminski and J. F. Blumrich, likely related to UFO research or related scientific topics, though specific details are not provided.

Page 24: DAS SANNIKOWLAND - VERSUNKENE HOCHKULTUR? by Ferdi Heller

This article explores the concept of Sannikov Land, a mythical island in the Arctic, and discusses its potential connection to sunken high cultures. Heller likely examines theories and legends surrounding this topic.

Page 25: An den Externsteinen: ERSTES MYSTERIA-LESERTREFFEN/Oktober 1981

This entry announces the first MYSTERIA reader meeting, which took place at the Externsteine rock formation in October 1981.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of pre-astronautics, UFO sightings, ancient mysteries, and extraterrestrial contact. The editorial stance appears to be open to investigating these phenomena, presenting various theories and reports, while also acknowledging controversy and the need for evidence. The inclusion of reader polls and song lyrics suggests an effort to engage a broad audience and make complex topics more accessible. The magazine operates on a self-funding basis, relying on reader support and contributions.

This issue of UFO-Forschu, dated 1956, focuses heavily on the controversial figure of George Adamski and his claims of contact with extraterrestrials. The magazine explores Adamski's background, his publications, and the evidence he presented, while also addressing the skepticism and criticism he encountered. The issue also delves into historical accounts of advanced mechanical devices and flying objects from various eras, suggesting a long-standing human interest in such phenomena.

George Adamski: The Contactee

The article begins by detailing George Adamski's early UFO observations, noting that his sightings were reportedly corroborated by astronomers and that NASA's 'chronological catalog of reported lunar events' in 1968 listed 579 UFO-related observations on the moon. Adamski's 1949 publication, 'Pioneers of the Space', is described as a 'work of fiction' that explored the idea of Earth being observed by extraterrestrials. The positive public reaction to this idea led Adamski to give lectures on 'flying saucers'. His claims gained significant media attention, including an article titled 'I photographed Space Ships' published in the magazine 'Fate' in July 1951.

In 1951, UFO landings were reported in the Californian desert, prompting Adamski to seek out such events. He often ventured into the desert with friends, including the Baileys and Williamsons. On November 20, 1952, during a picnic, Adamski and his companions reportedly observed a large cigar-shaped mothership. While Mrs. Bailey attempted to film it, she was unsuccessful. A 'flying saucer' then appeared and was pursued by jet fighters before disappearing. Adamski then claims to have encountered a 'strange young man' of 1.65m, dressed in an overall, with long sandy hair. Adamski communicated with him telepathically and through gestures. The 'stranger' revealed that he came from Venus, was interested in Earth's rays, and that his visit was related to atomic bomb explosions, which were affecting space. He explained that 'flying saucers' were brought into Earth's atmosphere by larger 'motherships' and that their propulsion involved principles of repulsion and attraction, magnetism, and gravitation. He also believed in a 'Creator of the Universe' and stated that other planets have inhabitants who live by the Creator's laws. Visitors from other planets are common, and space travel is not rare. He also mentioned that UFOs had crashed and that human form is universal, with extraterrestrials being immortal.

Following this encounter, the extraterrestrial asked Adamski to borrow a cassette for his saucer, which he promised to return. Adamski then retrieved his companions. Dr. Williamson made plaster casts of the 'stranger's' footprints, which were marked with strange symbols.

On December 13, 1952, a 'flying saucer' was expected to fly over Adamski's property and drop the cassette. Adamski managed to take four photos of what he estimated to be an 11-meter diameter 'scout ship'. The UFO flew over houses and trees before disappearing into the morning mist. Neighbors and ex-Air Force Sergeant J. Baker witnessed the event. Baker also managed to photograph the hovering disc from seven meters away.

Upon developing the cassette, Adamski found strange symbols on one of the images, which he claimed no one could decipher. The article refers readers to 'UFO-NACHRICHTEN, Wiesbaden 13, Nr. 268/69, 1981' for a full reprint of Adamski's report.

Doubts About George Adamski

The article acknowledges that Adamski's claims were often met with skepticism and accusations of fraud. Astronomer Donald Menzel suggested that Adamski's photos were of a chicken incubator, though the article counters that similar UFOs have been seen repeatedly, citing a fresco in a church in Arezzo, Italy, and ancient Chinese legends of 'flying bells' and 'flying serpents'. The author states they have investigated credible sightings of Adamski-type UFOs in Germany. They mention a fleet of UFOs seen over Franklin, Virginia, on February 9, 1953, which matched Adamski's descriptions, and similar objects observed over Norwich, England, in November 1953.

Two boys in England photographed a bell-shaped saucer, but the photo was blurry due to the camera's focus. They were interrogated by the Royal Air Force and met Prince Philip. British technician Leonhard G. Cramp reportedly proved that the Coniston and Adamski saucers were identical in shape and size. Another saucer reportedly landed in Scotland shortly after, and was photographed by Cedric Allingham.

Desmond Leslie received reports from South America about sightings of long, cigar-shaped ships, bell-shaped scouts, and human-like beings before Adamski's book was published.

The article dismisses Dr. Menzel's interpretation and a 1975 attempt to debunk Adamski. It mentions Ken Rogers, a UFO researcher, who found a bottle cooler in a London pub that resembled the saucer, leading to a media frenzy. Rogers claimed the design was inspired by the saucer, but the article notes that no rehabilitation for Adamski followed, and Rogers' bottle coolers are still mentioned in some books.

In 1959, Japanese university professor Seiki reportedly developed an anti-gravity device that lifted off the ground, using three spherical capacitors, similar to Adamski's scout ship. This suggests Adamski may have had access to advanced technical knowledge.

Despite this, Adamski's photos remain controversial. Radio commentator Frank Edwards speculated that the photo was taken with three lamps or was a small model, suggesting the spacecraft was a vacuum cleaner from 1937. However, an Air Force photo expert, Pev Marley, stated that the photos could not be fakes and that the shadows were consistent with those on the ground. Joseph Mansour, head of Jetex-Model-Aircraft, confirmed that the objects were not models but large objects over 10 meters in diameter. Photo expert Michael G. Mann also believed the images were authentic. Wendelle C. Stevens noted that an analysis by MGM's special effects lab concluded that while models could be built, the 'distance effect' in Adamski's photos could not be faked.

Further Scrutiny and Defense

The article points out errors in other UFO researchers' accounts, such as incorrect death dates for Adamski. It criticizes the NICAP's 'UFO-Investigator' for stating Adamski had a hamburger stand on Mount Palomar with his telescope on its roof, when the telescope was in his garden. The author argues that such judgments, made without examining the facts, constitute 'prejudice' and 'scientific lynching'.

Adamski's philosophical group was sometimes labeled a sect, but Adamski himself stated that the order was not mystical and focused on universal concepts of the right to life. He condemned sectarianism and mysticism, especially in UFO research.

Ray Palmer, a publisher of science fiction and UFO magazines, claimed in 1961 that Adamski had offered him a science fiction story in 1944 that Palmer himself experienced in 1952, involving Jesus Christ in a spaceship. Adamski refuted this, stating he knew nothing about spaceships or space people in 1944 and was busy with land development.

In the 1950s, UFO researcher James Moseley published critical articles about Adamski. Ex-Air Force Sergeant Jerrold Baker claimed to have found a tape recording of Adamski and his companions discussing how to stage the Venusian encounter. Baker also alleged that Adamski's UFO photos were taken on December 12th, with a model.

Baker did not deny his own UFO photo from December 13th, which he had sworn was a genuine spaceship. He described arriving in Palomar Gardens with the intention of staying indefinitely and befriending Karl Hunrat, who claimed to have developed a magnetic device to 'bring down saucers'. Hunrat later fled to Mexico after being pursued by police, claiming contact with Martians.

Moseley, investigating the 'Adamski case', met with witnesses who corroborated seeing a large mothership and Adamski speaking with a man in the distance. However, Alice K. Wells' drawing of the 'planetarian' was likely based on Adamski's description, as the figure was too distant to be clearly seen.

Ray Stanford, a UFO researcher, stated that while he didn't believe everything Adamski said, he knew people who were present and were sure they saw a mothership hovering above them. They also saw something flash in the distance when Adamski was allegedly speaking with Orthon (the Venusian). Stanford noted that the figure was too distant to identify, but it appeared to be a human-like shape. He described the drawing of Orthon in 'Flying Saucer have Landed' as a 'hoax', as even with binoculars, details could not be discerned.

Stanford acknowledged that Adamski fabricated a lot of nonsense but praised Norman S. Kossuth, Adamski's photo dealer, as a very good and honest man. Kossuth showed Stanford and friends color films of UFOs taken by Adamski, claiming to have witnessed the objects crossing the sky in daylight and seen Adamski filming.

A sworn statement signed by Alfred C. Bailey, Betty Bailey, George H. Williamson, Betty G. Williamson, Alice K. Wells, and Luc McGinnis attested to having read Adamski's report about his contact with a man from another world and having been witnesses.

Official Inquiries and Historical Context

In 1956, Richard Ogden of Seattle inquired with the US Air Force's ATIC about reports of UFO activity on November 20, 1952, in the California desert. The Air Technical Intelligence Center responded by referencing Project Blue Book Special Report No. 14, which contained reports up to October 1955, including a report from an Air Force pilot on November 20, 1952, from the Desert Center area. The report was available for inspection at the USAF Information Services Office in Los Angeles.

Pre-Astronautics: Historical Thinkers and Inventions

The latter part of the issue shifts focus to historical figures and their purported inventions and ideas related to advanced technology and concepts that foreshadow modern science and science fiction.

Gerbert von Aurillac (940-1003), later Pope Sylvester II, is described as a brilliant scholar who, through astrological calculations, allegedly constructed a 'talking head' that could answer questions with 'yes' or 'no'. This binary decision-making capability is compared to modern computer systems. The article questions the source of his knowledge and ingenuity, noting his introduction of Arabic numerals to Western Europe. His successor reportedly ordered the head destroyed, but a book by Sylvester II, 'Patrologiae cursus completus', allegedly describes the art of creating a talking head based on a two-number calculation system.

Albert Magnus (1193-1280), a scholar known for his knowledge in various fields, is also credited with creating an automaton that could answer any question. A story recounts how he created a winter garden filled with blooming flowers and birds for Count Wilhelm II of Holland.

Roger Bacon (1214-1292), a Franciscan friar, is said to have created a talking head after seven years of work. He was known for his experiments with lenses and mirrors, developing a device to observe events up to 80 kilometers away (a reflecting telescope) and a powerful concave mirror capable of setting distant buildings on fire, similar to Archimedes' use of mirrors against the Roman fleet.

Bacon's writings describe various 'admirable artificial instruments', including a fast-moving wagon, a large ship steered by one man, a diving bell, a machine for lifting heavy loads, and a flying machine. He also claimed that underwater vehicles and flying machines were built in antiquity and the Middle Ages, citing Alexander the Great's alleged aerial journey.

Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) is presented as an inventor whose museum displays models of his technical inventions, including flying apparatuses and armored vehicles. His 7000 designs and sketches, despite his relatively small output of paintings, reveal profound technical knowledge, including designs for tanks, rockets, helicopters, and even an automobile with a differential gear. He also developed a gimbal system for compasses, clocks, and lamps 30 years before Geronimo Cardano.

Nikolas of Cusa (c. 1450) proposed that many stars have planetary systems and could harbor life.

Agrippa of Nettesheim (1486-1535) mentioned a 'brazen head' that could speak, attributed to Wilhelm von Paris.

Enrique de Villena, a nobleman and scholar, was rumored to be a sorcerer, and his library was ordered burned by King John II of Castile.

Sir Francis Bacon (1561-1626), in his work 'New Atlantis', described flying humans, submarines, and a 'sound studio', anticipating modern electronic music studios and diving equipment.

Other historical figures mentioned for their contributions or ideas include:

• Edison (1847-1931) and the idea of preserving spoken words.
• Giovanni Battista Porta (1542-1597), who conceived of sealing words in lead tubes and developed the thermometer and camera obscura.
• Tommaso Campanella (1568-1639), who in 'Civitas solis' anticipated concepts like fever healing through music, artificial cheerfulness, shock therapy, and modern flight.
• Athanasius Kircher (1601-1680), who worked on deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphs, studied Chinese script and Sanskrit, discovered sunspots, and constructed various devices, including a talking head.
• Cyrano de Bergerac (1619-1655), who described 'talking books' and a flying machine resembling a grasshopper.
• Johann Joachim Becher (1635-1682), who claimed to have seen the image of Ferdinand III in the clouds.
• Francesco Terzi de Lana (1670 or 1684), who proposed a design for a flying machine and mentioned underwater vehicles.
• Jean Paul, who wrote about fleets of aircraft in his 'Die wunderbare Gesellschaft'.

The article concludes by questioning the sources of these historical accounts and whether these 'thinking machines' were literal artifacts or symbolic searches for knowledge. It suggests that while the existence of such devices remains unproven without concrete finds, the idea of 'invisible rulers' and unexplained phenomena persists.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of UFO phenomena, the credibility of witnesses and researchers, and the exploration of historical precedents for advanced technology and extraterrestrial contact. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting both the claims of UFO proponents like Adamski and the criticisms they face, while also highlighting historical figures who exhibited extraordinary foresight or ingenuity. The magazine seems to lean towards the idea that there are unexplained phenomena and that humanity has long been fascinated by concepts that are now becoming reality, particularly in the realm of technology and space exploration.

This issue of Prä-Astronautik, dated October/November 1981, focuses on a variety of topics including historical accounts of strange instruments, scientific and theological perspectives on the origins of life and the Bible, and the ongoing debate surrounding Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs). A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to reporting on the first MYSTERIA reader meetup held in October 1981.

Article: Historical Instrument Discovery

The issue opens with an account from 1601 where a chaplain in Aix-en-Provence discovered a 'glass instrument with three rectangles' in a cemetery. This device was said to show things that did not exist, such as forests, castles, and rainbows. The article suggests that 'chance' might provide proof of such phenomena.

A comprehensive list of sources is provided for this article and its first part, citing various authors and publishers related to magic, ancient paradises, technology, and utopian concepts.

Kurzbericht: Authorship of 'Genesis'

A brief report highlights a study by Israeli scientists from the Technion in Haifa, led by Jehuda Radday. After analyzing the text of 'Genesis' (the first book of Moses) for five years using a computer, they concluded with 82% probability that the book originated from a single author. This finding challenges newer theories in biblical research. The report notes that the theologian Julius Wellhausen had previously suggested multiple authors based on stylistic differences in the early chapters of Genesis.

Interviews

Interview with Prof. Kaminski (Bochum Observatory)

Reinhard Habeck, the magazine's Austrian correspondent, interviews Professor Kaminski regarding his skeptical stance on UFOs. Kaminski, with 40 years of astronomical observation, states that he has never encountered any phenomenon that could be interpreted as a UFO. He views UFOs as 'opium or drugs' that hinder rational thought and believes that no 'Unknown Flying Object' has ever been found in the vast number of sky photographs taken over 90 years of space and astronomy research. While acknowledging that there are unanswered questions about the universe, he asserts that UFOs are not among them and do not constitute proof of their existence.

Kaminski also discusses the possibility of extraterrestrial life, suggesting that while life in its comprehensive breadth and depth is a unique process in the universe, the human tendency to readily accept the idea of extraterrestrial life stems from a lack of contemplation on the phenomenon of life itself. He believes that communication with potential extraterrestrial beings would hypothetically be possible via electromagnetic waves, but the vast dimensions of the universe make this temporally impossible. He also expresses skepticism about the meaningfulness of interstellar space travel for humanity, suggesting that the focus on such questions distracts from the real problems on Earth.

Interview with J. F. Blumrich (NASA Engineer/Author)

J. F. Blumrich, a NASA engineer and author, offers a different perspective. He acknowledges the validity and objectivity of many reported UFO incidents, coming from intelligent observers. However, he personally has not witnessed anything that resembles a UFO. Blumrich agrees that investigating the UFO phenomenon can bring new insights to science, defining science as the exploration of the boundaries of knowledge. He criticizes the 'official' side for focusing only on debunking false reports while ignoring the investigation of unexplained phenomena, and for ridiculing serious researchers.

Regarding NASA's stance, Blumrich notes that while NASA as an organization is aware of the phenomenon, it has not made clear statements about astronauts' alleged UFO sightings. He recalls a dismissive statement from a NASA spokesperson regarding the formation of a special investigation group. Blumrich firmly believes in humanity's capability for interstellar space travel, stating that while current knowledge is insufficient, it should not lead to declaring such flights impossible. He emphasizes that knowledge is dynamic and that future generations will possess far more understanding.

Section: DAS SANNIKOWLAND – VERSUNKENE HOCHKULTUR?

This section delves into the legend of Sannikov Land, a supposed lost high culture from ancient times. It mentions that in 1953, the last remnants of a sinking landmass were visible in the Arctic Ocean between the 78th and 80th parallels of latitude. This might have been a fragment of a continental plate that submerged due to global shifts. The explorer Nansen is cited as a key witness to the existence of this land. The section also references Soviet geologists finding evidence of the supercontinent 'Gondwana' existing 200 million years ago.

A literary reference points to W. A. Obrutschew's book 'DAS SANNIKOWLAND', published by Verlag Neues Leben, Berlin, 1953.

ERSTES MYSTERIA - LESERTREFFEN 1981

This extensive report details the first reader meetup of the private magazine MYSTERIA, held from October 23-25, 1981, at the Hotel Lindenhof near the Externsteinen. Despite initial concerns about low reader interest, the event was deemed a success. Initially planned as a congress, it was reclassified as a 'reader meetup' due to the number of attendees.

The report outlines the relaxed, unprogrammed nature of the event, which allowed for flexibility. The first evening included a screening of an S-8 film by Axel Ertelt titled 'MYSTERIA zeigt: Megalithkultur in Deutschland' (MYSTERIA presents: Megalithic Culture in Germany), which was well-received, though not fully voiced. Ertelt provided commentary based on his research into megalithic structures.

Subsequent presentations included a talk by Hans-Werner Sachmann on 'The Magic Staves,' discussing weapons of the 'gods.' Several lectures from the meetup are slated for publication in future issues.

Peter Fiebag gave a presentation on mythological peculiarities in the Germanic region, reportedly uncovering new information. The group then visited the Externsteinen, described as magnificent rocks from ancient times bearing traces of Germanic and later human activity.

On Saturday, Rudi Ph. Weilmünster presented on pyramids and pyramid energy, a controversial topic. Johannes Fiebag concluded the meetup with a critical lecture on 'Riddles in Space,' cautioning against misinterpreting evidence presented by some 'prä-astronautik' researchers.

The report notes that while the event was valuable for exchanging opinions and learning from others, the turnout was lower than expected. The organizers plan a larger event in 1983 and encourage readers to attend.

A photograph of the reader meetup was intended for this issue but was postponed to a later publication to avoid delaying the current issue's release.

Cartoon

A cartoon by 'Habeck' depicts several alien-like figures in a space setting, with one figure looking at Earth in the background.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Prä-Astronautik consistently explores themes of the unexplained, ancient mysteries, and alternative scientific perspectives. The magazine appears to encourage critical thinking and the investigation of phenomena that lie outside mainstream scientific consensus, as evidenced by the interviews and the detailed report on the MYSTERIA reader meetup. There is a clear interest in historical anomalies, biblical studies from a non-traditional viewpoint, and the possibility of extraterrestrial life and advanced ancient civilizations. The editorial stance seems to favor open discussion and research into these topics, even if they are controversial or not widely accepted.