Mysteria - Issue 44 - 1983 01

Magazine Overview

MYSTERIA, Fachzeitschrift für UFO-Forschung und Prä-Astronautik, Issue No. 44, 5th Year, January 1983. The cover features a striking, albeit grainy, black and white image of a strange, possibly extraterrestrial creature, with the magazine's title prominently displayed. The issue is priced at DM 3.50.

Content Overview

This issue of MYSTERIA delves into a variety of topics, ranging from UFO sightings and archaeological mysteries to theories on ancient technology and human evolution. The table of contents reveals a diverse selection of articles, including:

• Titelbild: Bewohner der Zukunft (Cover Image: Inhabitant of the Future): Likely referring to the creature on the cover, with accompanying text on page 3.
• Inhalt / Redaktion / Impressum (Contents / Editorial / Imprint): Standard magazine sections.
• MYSTERIA-privat (AXEL ERTELT): An editorial or personal column by the editor-in-chief.
• Jahresrückblick: Pressespiegel 1982 (Year in Review: Press Review 1982): A compilation of news items from the previous year related to the magazine's themes.
• UFO im ZDF: An article detailing a controversial incident involving the German television channel ZDF.
• Elektrischer Strom im Land der Pharaonen (Electric Current in the Land of the Pharaohs): An article exploring the possibility of ancient Egyptian knowledge of electricity.
• Die Philister als Konstrukteure der 'steinernen Wagengeleise' ? (The Philistines as Constructors of the 'Stone Chariot Tracks'?): An archaeological inquiry.
• Bericht über die Pressekonferenz zum 211tägigen Raumflug der sowjetischen Kosmonauten im Außenministerium der UdSSR (Report on the Press Conference for the 211-day Space Flight of Soviet Cosmonauts at the USSR Ministry of Foreign Affairs): A report on a space-related event.
• Vor 40.000 Jahren: Uraustralier bauten Kanäle und Dämme (40,000 Years Ago: Australian Aborigines Built Canals and Dams): An article on prehistoric human activity.
• Die drei Entdeckungen Sibiriens (The Three Discoveries of Siberia): A report on Siberian discoveries.
• MYSTERIA-Antiquariat (MYSTERIA Antiquarian): A section for used or rare items.
• Preisverlosung / Jahresinhaltsverzeichnis für 1982 (Prize Draw / Annual Table of Contents for 1982): Promotional and archival content.
• Autorenspiegel 1982 (Author Review 1982): A review of authors featured in the previous year.
• MYSTERIA-Bibliothek (MYSTERIA Library): A section likely reviewing books.
• Wo ist was ? (Where is What?): A general information or index section.

Editorial and Subscription Information

The editorial team is led by Axel Ertelt, with the editorial office located in Dortmund managed by Hans-Werner Sachmann. MYSTERIA is published bimonthly, with issues appearing in January, March, May, July, September, and November. Copyrights for contributions belong to the authors, or the editorial office if not specified. The magazine states that it cannot assume liability for unsolicited manuscripts and reserves the right to shorten or reject submissions. Payment for contributions is on a cost-reimbursement basis, with an annual book prize awarded for the best article. The price for a single issue is DM 3.50, and an annual subscription is DM 20. Due to increased costs, the magazine will only be available via subscription, with no individual issue sales accepted. Quarterly subscriptions are now considered half-year subscriptions at DM 10.50.

Cover Story: "Inhabitant of the Future"

The editorial column 'MYSTERIA-privat' by Axel Ertelt introduces the cover image as a 'Zoology of the Future' concept by British researcher and animator Douglas Dixon. The image depicts a 'Springteufel' (Jumping Devil), a creature with sharp claws, envisioned as a potential desert dweller of the future. The text notes that this concept was sent in by a Swiss correspondent.

Press Review 1982

This section provides a summary of press reports from 1982 relevant to MYSTERIA's themes. It includes:

• "Westfälisches Stonehenge" in Wormbach: Professor Heinz Kaminski reported the discovery of a potential prehistoric solar and stellar observatory near Wormbach, Germany, which he theorized could be as significant as Stonehenge. The site's topography and nearby church frescoes suggest astronomical alignments.
• Bochumer Expedition fand das Kupferland (Bochum Expedition Found the Copper Land): An expedition from the Bochum German Mining Museum claims to have rediscovered the legendary copper land of Makan in modern-day Oman. Excavations revealed extensive copper production facilities dating back over 4000 years, indicating significant trade with Mesopotamia and India.
• Sehr viel älter: Bemerkenswerte Funde in Belize (Much Older: Remarkable Finds in Belize): Archaeological findings near Cuello, Belize, suggest the Maya civilization dates back at least 4200 years, predating previous estimates. Excavations uncovered evidence of settlements, ritual sites, and even human sacrifices.
• US-Schriftsteller sucht verschollenes persisches Heer (US Writer Seeks Lost Persian Army): American writer Gary Chafetz is planning an expedition to the Egyptian Sahara to search for a Persian army of 50,000 soldiers reportedly lost to a sandstorm around 525 BC, based on accounts by the Greek historian Herodotus.
• Beweis für Evolutionstheorie (Proof for Evolution Theory): A report from Boston describes the birth of a human infant with a rudimentary tail, which doctors consider further evidence for the theory of evolution.

UFOs and Strange Phenomena Reports

• "Im Wald nebenan sind 2 Ufos gelandet" ('2 UFOs Landed in the Forest Next Door'): This article from 'Bild' newspaper reports on a sighting in Dorlar, Germany, where two luminous spheres were seen ascending from a forest. Johannes Freiherr von Buttlar, a UFO researcher, suggests these were unmanned objects and notes similar phenomena reported elsewhere. Burn marks were found on a nearby field.
• Kugelblitz im Kuhstall (Ball Lightning in the Cowshed): A report from the Ural region describes a ball lightning incident that knocked out ten farm workers.
• Pkw blieb stecken - Ehepaar wartete auf ein „UFO" (Car Stuck - Couple Waited for a 'UFO'): In Grand Marais, Minnesota, a couple was found after waiting for a flying saucer, resulting in the woman's death from malnutrition and hypothermia.
• Ufo gesichtet - die Polizei war Augenzeuge (UFO Sighted - Police Were Eyewitnesses): A French parliamentarian, a police officer, and a football club president reported seeing a flying saucer from an aircraft near Saint-Etienne.
• Peking: Das UFO kam im Regenbogen (Peking: The UFO Came in a Rainbow): A UFO sighting is reported in Guizhou province, China, described as moon-sized and surrounded by a rainbow.
• Königin Silvia - Fliegende Untertasse über Schloß Drottningholm (Queen Silvia - Flying Saucer over Drottningholm Castle): A report from 'Frau im Spiegel' suggests Queen Silvia of Sweden may be popular with extraterrestrial beings, citing an alleged sighting of a disc-shaped craft by the royal guard.
• Sind sie ein Sternenmensch? (Are They a Star Person?): An article discussing the concept of 'Star People' as described by medium Brad Steiger, suggesting that one in every 100 people may have extraterrestrial origins.
• Rache der 200 Fledermäuse (Revenge of the 200 Bats): A story about a family forced out of their home by a swarm of bats.

UFOs in the ZDF Incident

An article titled "UFO im ZDF" details a bizarre incident on December 3, 1982, during the German crime series "Kottan ermittelt." The ZDF television channel mistakenly broadcast a text stating "UFO landed in Duisburg. Special broadcast to follow," causing widespread panic and overwhelming emergency phone lines. A subsequent text clarified that no UFO had landed, but many viewers were still confused and angered by the prank. The ZDF later apologized for the incident.

Electric Current in the Land of the Pharaohs

This article by Peter Krassa and Reinhard Habeck explores the controversial idea that ancient Egyptians may have possessed knowledge of electricity. It references the discovery of a Parthian 'vase' by archaeologist Wilhelm König, which, when filled with vinegar, could generate a small electrical current. A similar experiment was replicated in Hildesheim. The article also discusses reliefs in the Hathor Temple at Dendera, which some interpret as depicting electrical devices, suggesting that ancient Egyptian priests understood electricity.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

MYSTERIA consistently explores themes of the unexplained, ancient mysteries, and alternative historical perspectives. The magazine appears to embrace theories that challenge conventional scientific and historical narratives, particularly concerning UFOs, ancient civilizations, and potential extraterrestrial influences. The editorial stance, as indicated by the content and the 'MYSTERIA-privat' column, is one of open inquiry into these subjects, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond mainstream understanding. The magazine also emphasizes reader participation through letters, contributions, and prize draws.

This issue of Prä-Astronautik, titled "MODELL NR. 2", delves into ancient mysteries and archaeological discoveries, primarily focusing on a reconstructed ancient Egyptian "light bulb" and extensive research into Siberia's past.

The Dendera Light Bulb: A Reconstruction

The article begins with a detailed illustration and description of a reconstructed ancient Egyptian light bulb. The glass bulb is 35cm long with a 2cm diameter, sealed with resin at the ends. One end has a plate electrode and the other a point, with a hose also integrated. When evacuated to approximately 40 Torr and subjected to a voltage via a water inductor, the bulb emits a glow that spans between the electrodes. The text humorously notes the common association of "light bulbs" with a "socket" in the form of a lotus flower, from which a thick cable leads to a container, questioning if this represents a type of generator.

The authors recount their decision to travel to Egypt, specifically Dendera, in October 1980, driven by the intriguing photographs of these reliefs. After an arduous taxi ride from Luxor, they arrived at the Hathor Temple. They chose the midday hours to explore a still accessible crypt, despite the heat and the presence of tourists seeking shade.

The Hathor Temple is described as a remnant of a once-mighty complex, with visible foundations and a surrounding wall. The main sanctuary is only partially above ground, with twelve crypts located below, only one of which is currently accessible. The others are closed due to damage from groundwater and looting.

Inside the crypt, illuminated by only two candles, the authors found reliefs that had previously fascinated them. They interpret symbols like a snake in a tube as representing positive and negative forces, and a support structure as similar to an insulator used in high-voltage systems. The article references Danish electro-engineer Tons Brunés, who also studied these reliefs and found them to be more than mere symbols or cultic practices. The text suggests these reliefs depict actual events and reveal that the Hathor Temple was once an experimental site for priests who were also scientists.

The article highlights the work of Peter Krassa and Reinhard Habeck, authors of "Licht für den Pharao" (Light for the Pharaoh), published by John-Fisch-Verlag. Their book explores the possibility of ancient Egyptians possessing electrical power and devices to utilize it, based on their research in the Dendera temple crypts.

The Philistines and the Stone Tracks

Another significant section, authored by Michael Appel, investigates the mysterious "stone tracks" found in various locations around the Mediterranean. These enigmatic grooves, of unknown purpose and origin, lead to questions about their constructors: were they prehistoric cultures or extraterrestrial visitors? The author leans away from the extraterrestrial theory, suggesting that advanced beings would likely not rely on such primitive track systems. Instead, the focus shifts to the possibility of early human ingenuity, possibly linked to ironworking, which is estimated to have begun around 3200 BC. Wooden wagon wheels, however, have been dated much earlier, to at least 6000 BC.

The article notes the presence of similar tracks in Germany, Scandinavia, and among the Philistines, who are believed to have arrived in the Mediterranean region around the 13th century BC. The Philistines' metallurgy is thought to have emerged later, around 1300 BC, but they are believed to have possessed wagons and wheels as early as 4000 BC, possibly originating from a migration from flooded northern German regions.

The stone tracks are found in places like Valencia and Cadiz in Spain, Malta, and Cyrene in North Africa. The article questions whether these were ancient routes for trade, war, or religious processions, and speculates if extraterrestrials might have played a role as colonizers in the Mediterranean, guiding the Philistines.

The author poses the question of whether these tracks served a similar purpose to modern highways, establishing fixed routes and preventing wear and tear. The parallel nature of many tracks, allowing for two-way traffic, is also noted. The possibility of these prehistoric track systems being constructed by Philistines under extraterrestrial direction is raised.

The Three Discoveries of Siberia

Authored by Academician Alexej Okladnikow, this section details the archaeological exploration of Siberia. The first "discovery" refers to the ancient Siberian tribes and their cultures, dating back to around 1871 with the finding of carved mammoth ivory artifacts. Later discoveries included rock art galleries and detailed petroglyphs depicting hunting scenes, mythical figures, and shamanistic rituals.

The article highlights the Tungusic tribes, including the Ewenken and Ewenen, as among the oldest peoples of the Asian continent. Archaeological evidence suggests they developed unique clothing, hunting tools, and portable dwellings, and were skilled in taming reindeer, which allowed them to master the vast Siberian landscape.

The second "discovery" is attributed to the Russian pioneers, farmers, and progressive individuals who, through their struggles against nature and the Tsarist regime, explored and transformed Siberia. Yermak is presented as a symbol of courage and creativity in this process.

The third and ongoing "discovery" began in October 1917 with the socialist transformation of Siberia by Soviet citizens, a process that continues to this day.

The article also touches upon early Russian accounts from the 14th century onwards, describing encounters with various peoples and strange beings in Siberia, including reports of 'wild people' with unusual physical characteristics. It also mentions the rich natural resources of Siberia, but emphasizes that its greatest asset is its people and their creative potential.

The text further discusses the diverse ethnic groups inhabiting Siberia, including Turkic peoples, Finno-Ugric groups, Mongols, and Paleo-Siberian groups, noting the complexity of their languages and cultures. The term "Urbevölkerung" (original population) is discussed in the context of the Russian settlers who became an integral part of Siberia's population over centuries.

Other Sections

The magazine also includes a section on "Archäologie" (Archaeology), featuring a report on the "Uraustralier" (Ancient Australians) who built canals and dams 40,000 years ago, based on research by Dr. Peter Coutts. This section details the discovery of numerous campsites and impressive engineering feats, such as a 3km canal connecting two swamps, which would have required an estimated 20,000 labor hours. The article also mentions the discovery of hundreds of enigmatic low hills, possibly "bridge piers," and dams made of stone, earth, and wood.

There is also a brief mention of a Soviet-French space flight and a report on the "Archäologie" section of the magazine, listing various books available for purchase, including titles on UFOs, ancient mythology, and historical mysteries.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of ancient technologies and civilizations, the questioning of conventional historical narratives, and the presentation of archaeological evidence that challenges established theories. The magazine appears to adopt a stance that is open to unconventional interpretations of historical and archaeological findings, particularly those that suggest advanced knowledge or influence from unknown sources, including potential extraterrestrial involvement. The editorial stance encourages readers to question established norms and to consider alternative explanations for historical phenomena.

This is the 1982 issue of MYSTERIA magazine, identified as issue number 82 and volume 8. The cover features a prominent question: 'WO IST WAS?' (Where is What?), posing three riddles related to geological or archaeological formations, with a deadline for submissions and a book prize. The magazine includes an extensive annual index of authors and their contributions from 1982, as well as a cumulative author count from 1979 to 1982. It also lists available back issues and special series.

Content Highlights

The issue is rich in book reviews, covering a wide range of topics within the magazine's scope. Several books are reviewed, including:

• "Die Epoche der „Engel"" by Hans-Werner Sachmann, which explores the pre-astronautic perspective on Jesus Christ and biblical angels, suggesting they might have been extraterrestrial astronauts.
• "Die Mumien" by Ange-Pierre Leca, a work on Egyptian mummification, its cultural and religious significance, and modern scientific methods for analyzing mummies.
• "Die Frau in der Antike" by E.E. Vardiman, a social history of women in antiquity, examining their roles, daily lives, and societal status.
• "Säulen des Himmels" by Vincent Cronin, an analysis of Western worldviews, exploring the interplay between scientific discovery and religious belief.
• "Cheops" by Herbert Rauprich, which delves into the mysteries and potential knowledge contained within the Great Pyramid.
• "Rätsel der Menschheit" by Johannes Fiebag, a book that tackles various mysteries of the past and present, including ancient cultures, Atlantis, and the Loch Ness Monster.
• "Die großen ungelösten Rätsel des Meeres" edited by John Canning, a collection of information on maritime mysteries like the Bermuda Triangle, sea monsters, and shipwrecks.

Science fiction book reviews are also featured, including works by Octavia Butler, Andre Norton, Gordon Eklund, Roger Zelazny, Miguel Serrano, Richard Monaco, Jack Vance, Kurt Brand, Orson Scott Card, Arthur Conan Doyle, Edmond Hamilton, and E.E. 'Doc' Smith.

The magazine also announces the discontinuation of its 'MYSTERIA-DIA-SERIEN' program, offering remaining stock of slide sets on topics like megalithic culture and Stonehenge. Additionally, it promotes a brochure titled "Ancient Astronaut Society - Congress Stories" featuring photos from AAS congresses.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of MYSTERIA are consistent with its established focus on the unexplained, fringe science, ancient mysteries, and speculative theories. The magazine actively promotes books and authors within these fields, acting as a conduit for information and discussion on topics often outside mainstream scientific discourse. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into phenomena that challenge conventional understanding, encouraging readers to explore alternative explanations for historical events, scientific anomalies, and potential extraterrestrial influences on human history and culture. The emphasis on book reviews suggests a commitment to providing readers with resources for further study in these areas.