Mysteria - Issue 50

Magazine Overview

This is the 50th issue, a special anniversary edition, of MYSTERIA, a German-language magazine focused on UFO research and pre-astronautics. The issue is dated "JUBILÄUMSAUSGABE" (Anniversary Edition) and priced at DM 3.50. It is the 6th volume of the publication.

Editorial and Content Overview

The magazine opens with an editorial by Axel Ertelt, who expresses pride in reaching the 50th issue and entering the sixth year of publication. He announces an increase in the magazine's page count from 28 to 32 pages and the adoption of a new computer typesetting technology for improved layout and readability. Ertelt also addresses criticisms regarding the amount of space dedicated to book reviews and advertisements, stating that a maximum of six pages will now be allocated to these sections, which will be placed at the end of the magazine. New recurring sections include "Foreign Correspondents Report," "Event Calendar," and "Briefly Noted." The editorial also emphasizes stricter criteria for article selection, requiring that submitted articles must be unpublished elsewhere to be considered for MYSTERIA. Original manuscripts are preferred to avoid duplicate submissions.

Hans-Werner Sachmann, co-editor from the Dortmund editorial office, also addresses the readers, thanking them for their continued support over the past five years, which has been crucial for the magazine's financial survival. He acknowledges the publication's occasional delays due to the editors' part-time involvement but assures readers that they will always receive the promised issues. Sachmann highlights the special nature of this 50th issue, with carefully selected articles, and mentions the introduction of "blocksatz" (justified text) for a better layout. He also notes that the magazine is currently self-sustaining, with the MYSTERIA publishing house helping to cover printing costs through the sale of other products.

Sachmann also addresses the magazine's authors, thanking them for their contributions and requesting that all future submissions be sent exclusively to the editorial office in Halver for organizational reasons.

Key Articles and Features

"Die Chronik von Akakor" (The Chronicle of Akakor) by Ingo Runde and Ralf Sonnenberg

This article critically examines the controversial "Chronicle of Akakor," purportedly based on the accounts of an indigenous leader named Tatunka Nara. The authors express skepticism regarding the book's authenticity, pointing out that expeditions to find the legendary city of Akahim have yielded no conclusive evidence. They suggest that author Karl Brugger may have significantly altered or fabricated parts of Tatunka Nara's story, including the expedition itself and descriptions of advanced technology. The article highlights similarities between the catastrophic events described in the "Chronicle of Akakor" and those found in the Edgar Cayce readings and Hopi legends, particularly concerning a great catastrophe around 10,468 BC (interpreted as a pluvial period) and a subsequent flood around 3,500 BC. The authors also note the presence of names and concepts in the "Chronicle" that echo those from other ancient texts and mythologies, suggesting a potential borrowing or fabrication of material.

"Kontakt mit Sirius" (Contact with Sirius) by Centre Spirituel

This piece presents a narrative from the "Centre Spirituel" detailing a research group from a planet in the Sirius system that arrived on Earth 184 million years ago. The Sirian group, described as tall, athletic, and human-like, aimed to alter Earth's climate to accelerate the end of the dinosaur era. The narrative recounts a catastrophe involving an explosion and the collapse of underground caverns, leading to the destruction of their station and the death of two members, leaving two survivors without contact with their home world.

"Der Teufel als Erzengel" (The Devil as Archangel) by Wolfgang Schröder

This article investigates a reported incident in Rosenheim, Germany, where a woman claimed to have given a ride to a hitchhiker who identified himself as the Archangel Gabriel and prophesied the end of the world in 1984. The police were involved in investigating the claims, which gained public attention. The article explores the possibility of this being a genuine encounter or a delusion, referencing theological perspectives on the nature of angels and the devil. It notes that while the Catholic Church dismissed the incident as "absurd," some theologians acknowledge the possibility of the devil appearing as an "angel of light." The article also touches upon the broader theme of end-time prophecies and their psychological impact.

"War Apis der Satan?" (Was Apis Satan?) by Michael Appel

This article proposes a controversial theory that the ancient Egyptian deity Apis, the sacred bull, was actually Beelzebub, a figure often associated with the devil. Appel argues that Apis originated from a bull-headed astronaut who landed on Earth millennia ago. He suggests that the name "Baal-Sebub" (Beelzebub) was misinterpreted and that the figure was originally a powerful entity. The article draws parallels between Baal and figures from the Old Testament, questioning whether Baal was more "devilish" than Yahweh, the God of the Old Testament. It also connects Ptah, another Egyptian deity, to Lucifer, suggesting that Ptah was an "Aryan colonizer" who sought to bring knowledge to humanity, which conflicted with Yahweh's agenda.

"Rüssel-Mops, der Außerirdische" (Snout-Mop, the Alien) by Reinhard Habeck

This is a humorous comic strip depicting an alien encountering a human, with dialogue that plays on themes of space exploration and the unknown.

"Steinerne Sternbilder" (Stone Constellations) by Suren Petrosjan

This short piece reports on the discovery of petroglyphs in the Armenian SSR by architect Suren Petrosjan. These stone carvings, found in what is believed to have been a prehistoric astronomical observatory, depict constellations such as Taurus and Orion, as well as other astronomical drawings. Scientists estimate the age of these rock carvings to be from the 3rd millennium BC.

"Rätselhafte Bildsymbole der Vorzeit" (Enigmatic Symbols of Antiquity) - Reader Letters

This section features reader letters discussing enigmatic symbols found in ancient rock art. One letter from a 16-year-old student, Sabine Merkelbach, proposes that certain symbols resemble human brains and cell divisions, suggesting a possible connection to ancient knowledge of microbiology or genetic manipulation. Another letter discusses similarities between ancient labyrinth symbols and depictions of the human brain.

"Waffen und Technik der nordischen Götter" (Weapons and Technology of the Nordic Gods) by Thomas V. Schuller-Götzburg

This article examines the technological prowess attributed to the Nordic gods as described in the Edda, an ancient collection of Norse poems. The author analyzes descriptions of artifacts such as Thor's hammer Mjölnir, Odin's spear Gungnir, and the magical ship Skidbladnir, suggesting that these were advanced technological devices, possibly including laser weapons, rockets, and spacecraft. The article compares these mythical objects to modern technology and speculates about the advanced knowledge possessed by these ancient beings.

"Ezechiel - Zeuge einer Landung Ausserirdischer?" (Ezechiel - Witness to an Alien Landing?) by Gottfried Bonn

This article critically analyzes the biblical prophet Ezechiel's vision, particularly the first chapter of his book. While acknowledging the traditional interpretation of the text as a divine revelation, Bonn discusses the "pre-astronautics" theory, notably promoted by Erich von Däniken, which posits that Ezechiel witnessed an extraterrestrial spacecraft. NASA engineer Josef F. Blumrich's reconstruction of the alleged spacecraft is presented, depicting it as a disk-shaped craft with helicopter-like propellers. Bonn also presents an alternative, more historical interpretation, suggesting the vision could represent a "throne chariot" rather than a spacecraft, reflecting the ancient human desire for a mobile deity.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of ancient mysteries, extraterrestrial contact, and alternative historical interpretations. There is a clear leaning towards the pre-astronautics theory, with articles often seeking to find evidence of advanced technology or alien intervention in ancient myths, religious texts, and archaeological finds. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various theories and encouraging readers to form their own conclusions, while also acknowledging and sometimes critiquing the more speculative claims within the field. The magazine aims to be a platform for diverse viewpoints on these subjects, as indicated by the inclusion of reader letters and the editorial commitment to publishing a range of perspectives.

This issue of MYSTERIA, Volume 9, Issue 51, published in 1984, offers a diverse range of articles exploring ancient mysteries, ufology, and scientific endeavors. The cover features a striking illustration related to ufology, hinting at the issue's thematic content.

Theses on Ezechiel and Ancient Astronauts

The issue critically examines the theories of Erich von Däniken and Josef F. Blumrich, who propose that biblical figures like Ezechiel possessed knowledge derived from extraterrestrial visitors. The author argues against these interpretations, asserting that prophets like Ezechiel were divinely inspired figures who warned and guided their people, rather than being influenced by astronauts. The article dismisses the idea that Ezechiel's visions were due to schizophrenia or drug use, emphasizing the need to understand them within the context of ancient worldviews and divine revelation. The author concludes that Däniken's and Blumrich's arguments regarding Ezechiel are absurd and a waste of time.

The Giants of Baalbeck

Thomas A. Conrads investigates the colossal stone blocks found in Baalbeck, Lebanon, renowned for their immense size and weight, particularly the 'Stone of the South' weighing approximately 1000 tons. The article questions how such massive stones could have been transported and manipulated in antiquity, comparing them to similar megalithic structures in Peru, like those at Puma Punku and Sacsayhuaman. Conrads speculates on the possibility of giants or advanced ancient technology being involved, referencing ancient legends and biblical accounts of giants and their constructions.

Ancient Legends and Giants

Further exploring the Baalbeck connection, the article delves into ancient Arab legends and biblical texts that speak of giants. It mentions the tradition that Adam lived near Baalbeck and that figures like Noah and Abraham also had connections to the region. The text references the Kebra Negest, an Ethiopian epic, and the Apocrypha of Baruch, which discuss giants and their origins. The Gilgamesh epic is also cited for its description of the giant Gilgamesh. The author poses the question of whether Baalbeck was indeed a city of legendary giants in prehistoric times.

The Ancient Astronaut Society (AAS) - 1983 Review

Axel Ertelt provides a recap of the Ancient Astronaut Society's events in 1983. The main events included the 10th-anniversary congress in Chicago and a meeting in Horn, Germany. The Chicago congress featured speakers such as Erich von Däniken, Andrew Tomas, and Dr. Gene M. Phillips, who presented on various topics including the 'Manna machine' and the Nabataean expedition to Petra. The article notes that attendance at the Chicago congress was lower than expected, possibly due to negative media coverage from figures like Carl Sagan. The Horn meeting was considered a success, with participants discussing topics like the Manna machine, Salomo, and the Maya calendar.

Reinhard Habeck's Contribution

Reinhard Habeck contributes a 'Jubilee Caricature' depicting the MYSTERIA editorial team and various 'visitors' at a celebration. He also provides a continuation of a previous article, discussing the work of myth researcher Jakob Vorberger and Walter-Jörg Langbein's presentation on his research. Habeck also details his own presentation on the AAS-Mexico trip and films shown during the AAS meeting.

Time Gods and Time Travel

Reinhold Müller presents a speculative theory in his article 'Zeitgötter' (Time Gods), proposing that UFOs might be advanced time machines. He suggests that beings from the future could travel to our past to study or influence history. Müller posits that these 'time travelers' might be responsible for ancient myths and legends, and that their interventions in the past would not be detectable by us in the present. He argues that the concept of a single, absolute divine being is a return to an older, truer belief, and that the 'many gods' of various pantheons were often personifications of natural forces or, in some cases, actual extraterrestrial visitors or time travelers.

NASA's 1984 Flight Schedule

The magazine includes a detailed schedule of NASA's planned space flights for 1984, listing missions for the Space Shuttles Challenger and Discovery. These missions were set to include testing of new equipment, satellite deployment, and scientific experiments.

Murder of ARD Correspondent Karl Brugger

A report details the tragic murder of ARD correspondent Karl Brugger in Rio de Janeiro on January 2, 1984. Brugger, known for his book 'The Chronicle of Akakor,' was shot and killed outside a restaurant. The article discusses the circumstances of the murder, the police investigation, and the reputation of Rio de Janeiro as a dangerous city. It also touches upon the controversial nature of Brugger's book and the possibility that his murder might be linked to his research.

Cultural Work in the Spiritual Realm

Helga Jörns reports on a seminar led by dream expert Harald Meder. The seminar focused on practical dream work and the interpretation of dreams and dream drawings. Meder's methods are presented as a way to achieve emotional stability and overcome life's challenges, challenging traditional psychological approaches. The article highlights the growing need for spiritual and psychological self-help due to increasing societal stress.

From Three Kinds of Gods

Walter Closs discusses the concept of gods, referencing Zecharia Sitchin's work on Sumerian astronomical texts. Sitchin suggests that Sumerian civilization received its knowledge from 'gods' who understood the solar system's heliocentric model long before Copernicus. Closs explores the idea that these 'gods' might have been extraterrestrial visitors or time travelers, and that many ancient deities were personifications of natural forces rather than literal astronauts.

The One Absolute Being

This section examines the concept of a single, absolute divine being across various cultures and religions. It references Peruvian literature, Egyptian texts, and Vedic hymns, all of which point to a universal creator. The author suggests that the idea of 'many gods' in some pantheons may have arisen from personifying aspects of this single divine force, and that some of these figures might indeed represent ancient astronauts or time travelers.

Short Notes

Brief news items include a report on a fireball observed in the evening sky over Germany, the discovery of life-sized gold statues in the Peruvian jungle, and the potential discovery of a tenth planet by the IRAS satellite.

Astronaut Ulf Merbold in Space

This section features images and a brief description of astronaut Ulf Merbold's flight into space aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia, highlighting the European Spacelab module and the cooperation between the USA and Europe in space exploration.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of MYSTERIA include the interpretation of ancient texts and myths through the lens of ancient astronaut theories, the exploration of unexplained phenomena like UFOs and megalithic structures, and speculative discussions on time travel. The magazine consistently promotes the idea that ancient civilizations possessed advanced knowledge, often attributed to extraterrestrial or advanced human visitors from the future. The editorial stance appears to favor unconventional interpretations of history and science, encouraging readers to question established narratives and explore alternative explanations for human origins and ancient achievements.

MYSTERIA, Issue 50, published in 1984, is a German-language magazine focusing on ufology and pre-astronautics. This issue features a critical reader's letter, an editorial response, a travelogue about a trip to Mexico, and reviews of various books and publications related to the magazine's core themes.

Reader Feedback and Editorial Response

The issue opens with a lengthy letter from a reader named Detlef Harnack, dated January 27, 1984, expressing strong criticism of MYSTERIA. Harnack finds the content to be largely unoriginal, consisting of newspaper clippings, and believes the price of approximately 10 DM per issue is too high for the quality offered. He estimates printing costs to be very low and suggests the magazine is making a 250% profit. He also criticizes the layout, image captions, and overall presentation of the 'Kongreß-Geschichten' (Congress Stories).

In response, the editorial staff, represented by Axel Ertelt, defends the magazine's pricing and financial situation. They explain that lower print runs, like their 150 copies per issue, increase per-copy costs. They detail that actual print costs were 1.48 DM per issue for the 1983 volume, and after accounting for postage (0.60 DM), the profit margin is significantly less than implied by Harnack. Furthermore, they highlight that about one-third of the print run is distributed for free (as review copies, exchanges, etc.), which further increases the cost per paid copy to approximately 2.22 DM. They also mention additional costs for paper, ink, and handling correspondence, stating that MYSTERIA still incurs a monthly deficit.

Travelogue: Mexiko '83

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a travelogue by Hans-Werner Sachmann, recounting a trip to Mexico in 1983 with the Ancient Astronaut Society (AAS). The journey began with days in Chicago, attending an AAS conference, and then proceeding to Florida for relaxation and an AAS meeting. The group visited Cape Kennedy, Disney World, and EPCOT Center before heading to Mexico.

Sachmann describes the group's anticipation of visiting the mysterious sites of ancient Mesoamerican civilizations. He notes that Erich von Däniken was present and that while he was generally reserved in his interpretations, knowledgeable guides and archaeologists shared their views. A minor hiccup occurred when Däniken discovered their flight to Mexico was not properly registered, leading to a scramble to rebook, eventually flying with Mexicana instead of Aeromexico.

The group visited Chichen Itza, describing the oppressive heat and humidity. They then traveled to Palenque, where they were guided by Herr Sutter, an expert living in the region. Sachmann expresses particular interest in the Temple of the Inscriptions and the tomb of Pakal, mentioning the controversial sarcophagus lid. He notes the disappointing experience of not seeing the actual 'Grabplatte' (sarcophagus lid) in the tomb itself, though a model is shown in the Mexico City Museum.

The travelogue emphasizes the awe-inspiring nature of the ancient ruins and the challenging climate. The author also mentions the AAS's 1984 trip to France.

Book and Brochure Reviews

Several books and brochures are reviewed:

• "Die Odyssee - Eine antike Weltumsegelung" by Dr. Christine Pellech: This book reinterprets Homer's Odyssey, suggesting the travelers were not Greeks but rather conveyed knowledge from Egyptian and Phoenician sources, with possible stops in North and South America. The author, an ethnologist, believes the journey circumnavigated the globe.
• "Seltsame Flugobjekte und die Einheit der Physik" (Strange Flying Objects and the Unity of Physics): A MUFON-CES report by Lothar Richter, this book is recommended for serious UFO researchers, covering UFO sightings in Germany, US intelligence reports, and proposals for data processing and antigravity.
• "Anatomie eines Extraterrestriers" (Anatomy of an Extraterrestrial) by Lothar Richter: This brochure explores questions about intelligent life in the universe, its nature, and its physical characteristics, considering gravitational influences.
• "Wo unsere Zukunft heller wird" (Where Our Future Becomes Brighter) edited by Ursula v. Mangoldt: This book compiles contributions from various authors, offering a hopeful perspective on the future, focusing on personal transformation rather than economic or political issues.
• "Titani nell' antichita" (Titans in Antiquity) by W. Raymond Drake: A comprehensive work by Drake, it explores ancient mysteries, including Lemuria, Baalbek, and Zimbabwe, from a pre-astronautic perspective. The review notes its lack of illustrations and its availability only in Italian.
• "Aus dem Wissen eines neuen Zeitalters" (From the Knowledge of a New Age) by Hermann Ilg: This brochure discusses humanity's awakening to cosmic consciousness and the need for spiritual detachment from Earth.
• "Die kosmischen Eingeweihten" (The Cosmic Initiates) by Axel Ertelt, Johannes Fiebag, Peter Fiebag, and H.-W. Sachmann: This book examines contacts between humans and extraterrestrials in ancient and medieval times, analyzing cases often overlooked in standard literature.
• "Kampf der Dimensionen" (Battle of the Dimensions) by Edward Korkowski: This book presents visions of the future and the overcoming of global crises, drawing on messages from 'intelligences from higher dimensions.'
• "Die Epoche der 'Engel'" (The Epoch of the 'Angels') by Hans-Werner Sachmann: This book examines biblical accounts of angels through a pre-astronautic lens, suggesting they were extraterrestrial astronauts.
• "Sie kommen von anderen Welten" (They Come from Other Worlds) by Herbert Mohren and Axel Ertelt: This book attempts to coordinate theories about extraterrestrial visits and interventions in human history, integrating UFO research and pre-astronautics.

Other Content

The issue also includes sections for reader inquiries, classified ads, and information about joining the Ancient Astronaut Society. A brief report on a UFO sighting at Cannon AFB, New Mexico, is included, describing two disk-shaped objects with lights.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are pre-astronautics, UFO sightings, ancient civilizations, and the interpretation of historical and religious texts through an extraterrestrial lens. The magazine consistently promotes the idea that ancient cultures had contact with advanced alien beings. The editorial stance, as evidenced by the response to Harnack's letter, is one of defending the magazine's efforts and financial viability in a niche market, emphasizing the importance of their work despite criticism.