Mysteria - Issue 57

Magazine Overview

This issue of MYSTERIA, Nr. 57, from the 7th year of publication, is a German-language journal focused on UFO research and pre-astronautics. The cover prominently features the title 'MYSTERIA' and a headline about new riddles concerning the Maya sarcophagus lid from Palenque. The issue is dated January 1985, with a cover price of DM 3.50. It includes a 'Kostenloses Probeexemplar' (Free Sample Copy) designation.

Contents and Articles

Editorial: 'MYSTERIA privat'

The editorial addresses the publication's irregular schedule in 1985, explaining that MYSTERIA is a hobby-driven publication created in spare time alongside other professional and personal commitments. The editors, Axel Ertelt and Hans-Werner Sachmann, acknowledge the criticism of their punctuality but reaffirm their commitment to continuing the magazine, even if it means fewer than six issues per year. They mention plans to improve the layout and font size for older readers. The editorial also looks forward to the Christmas season and the new year, wishing readers well.

Arbeitsgruppen (Working Groups)

Wilfried Stevens reports on the results of a questionnaire regarding interest in forming UFO and pre-astronautics working groups. Despite sending out 400 questionnaires, only 27 responses were received, and only 18 expressed serious interest. The geographical distribution of these interested individuals made group formation impractical. The survey also asked about preferred topics, with UFO research and pre-astronautics being the most popular, while occultism, astrology, and similar subjects were largely rejected.

Neue Rätsel um die Maya-Grabplatte von Palenque (New Riddles Concerning the Maya Sarcophagus Lid of Palenque)

Wolfgang Schröder examines the famous sarcophagus lid from Palenque, Mexico. He contrasts the 'pre-astronautics' interpretation, which views the figure as a Maya astronaut in a spacecraft, with the traditional archaeological view of a symbolic sacrificial scene. Schröder highlights the technical interpretation by researchers like Erich von Däniken and Peter Krassa, who suggest the depiction shows a figure piloting a vehicle resembling a rocket. The article draws parallels between the Maya artifact and the 'rocket chair' used by American astronaut Bruce McCandless, presenting detailed comparisons of the visual elements. It also references other ancient artifacts and interpretations, including the 'Bienen-Gott' (Bee God) and the Popol Vuh.

Flugrädchen und Photonenraketen (Flying Discs and Photon Rockets)

Ing. chem. i. R. Walter Schal proposes an explanation for Navajo sand drawings, interpreting them as depictions of spacecraft with photon-based propulsion. He analyzes the symbols, suggesting they represent a propulsion system using accelerated photons and magnetic fields. Schal connects this to ancient myths and legends, including the Popol Vuh and the idea of 'flying wheels' or 'flying discs'. He also discusses the concept of 'New Age Technology' inspired by nature, citing examples like energy converters using magnetic core storage and potential applications in transportation and spaceflight.

Begegnung der 3. Art in Hemer (Encounter of the 3rd Kind in Hemer)

This section presents an account from Ernst-August R., who reported a UFO encounter in Hemer, Germany, around 1948-1949. He described seeing a cigar-shaped object surrounded by a 'mist' and encountering four meter-tall beings with large heads and slit eyes. The beings appeared to be collecting samples from the environment. The object then departed at high speed. The report includes details from a follow-up interview and questionnaire, noting the object's size and silvery color, and the beings' actions. The article suggests this might have been the largest UFO landing in West Germany at the time, with the witness's testimony being the primary evidence.

Other Short Articles and Sections:

• Kurz notiert: "UFO-Schund" für viel Geld? (Briefly Noted: "UFO Trash" for a Lot of Money?): This piece criticizes a publication that allegedly promotes UFO-related material for profit, contrasting it with the idealistic approach of magazines like MYSTERIA.
• Sex im All? ...aber bitte anschnallen! (Sex in Space? ...but please buckle up!): Discusses NASA's plans for a space station and the psychological and practical considerations of intimate relationships in zero gravity.
• Förderprogramm Grundlagenforschung der Weltraumtechnik (Funding Program for Basic Research in Space Technology): Mentions a significant funding allocation by the German Ministry for Research and Technology for the ROSAT X-ray satellite project.
• 6. CENAP-UFO-Meeting in Schwetzingen: Reports on a UFO meeting organized by CENAP, featuring discussions on UFO cases and presentations by various researchers.
• Haben UFOs hungernden Äthiopiern geholfen? (Did UFOs Help Starving Ethiopians?): Presents a report about alleged UFO interventions providing food aid to Ethiopian refugees in Sudan, as reported by an international aid organization.
• Was Dolmen symbolisieren: Discusses the symbolic meaning of dolmens, suggesting they might represent ancient technology or celestial structures.
• Leserbriefkasten (Letters to the Editor): Contains several letters from readers, including one commenting on a personal ad, another criticizing an organization called IUEL, and a debate about the credibility of authors like the Fiebag brothers versus Dr. Ing. Wolfgang Volkrodt.
• Erschreckende Ansicht (Shocking View): A reader expresses concern about the cruel methods of frog leg harvesting, citing a WWF report and urging readers to boycott the practice.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the idea of pre-astronautics, suggesting that ancient civilizations had contact with extraterrestrial beings and possessed advanced technology. There is a strong emphasis on scientific rigor and critical analysis, as seen in the detailed examination of the Palenque lid and the critique of unsubstantiated claims. The editors express a commitment to uncovering and disseminating information related to UFOs and related phenomena, even while acknowledging the challenges and criticisms faced by the field. The magazine also shows an interest in alternative energy sources and technologies inspired by nature, as exemplified by the 'New Age Technology' section. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, encouraging readers to think critically and participate in the ongoing investigation of these mysteries.

MYSTERIA, Issue 57, November 1985, is a German-language magazine focused on ufology, ancient mysteries, and alternative science. This issue features a cover story exploring the potential connection between the Great Flood and the concept of the Devil, linking them to ancient myths and possible extraterrestrial visitors.

Articles and Features

Was war die Sintflut? - Wer war der Teufel? by Jakob Vorberger

This extensive article posits that the concepts of the 'devil' and the Great Flood originate from ancient myths about extraterrestrial beings who visited Earth thousands of years ago. The author suggests that these beings arrived in a large, egg-shaped spacecraft called 'Ananta', with smaller lander craft named 'Tiana'. The 'Göttersonne' (Sun of the Gods) is interpreted as this mother ship. The article draws parallels between various ancient mythologies (Babylonian, Egyptian, Native American) to support the idea that a 'Göttersonne' or 'Ananta' was damaged, leading to a 'god war' and the subsequent flood. The 'devil' is presented not as a tempter, but as the malfunctioning spacecraft itself.

Ein Astronaut spricht über UFOs! by Roland Gehardt

This section reports on an interview with US Apollo-15 astronaut Col. James B. Irwin. Irwin states that while many phenomena in space can be initially unexplained, he has not personally seen an alien spacecraft and is unaware of any astronaut claiming to have done so. He believes that most reported UFO sightings can be naturally explained, with only a small percentage remaining unexplained, which he personally considers 'fantasy products'.

UFO-Sichtungen »damals«... by Wolfgang Schröder

This article presents two historical UFO sightings from the 16th and 18th centuries. The first, from 1558, describes a large fireball seen by Jean de Lery off the coast of Newfoundland. The second, from 1779, details an unusual light phenomenon observed by Captain James Cook in the South Seas.

P'an-ku und die Entstehung der Erde by Jörg Dendl

This piece explores the Chinese creation myth of P'an-ku, who emerged from a cosmic egg and separated heaven and earth. The author relates this myth to modern scientific understanding of the formation of planets from cosmic matter and suggests that the myth's detailed descriptions of time and scale align with current cosmological theories.

Erdmagnetismus und Monde by Walter Closs

This article discusses the latest findings in Earth's magnetism research, referencing a report by Prof. Subir K. Banerjee. It explores the theory that Earth's magnetic field is caused by the moon, linking it to tidal forces and a dynamo effect. The article also touches upon Hans Hörbiger's theories of celestial mechanics and the concept of 'polar flips' (reversals of the magnetic field), suggesting that the moon's influence is crucial in these processes.

Sinnlose Ewigkeit ? by Helge Sobik

A philosophical reflection on the concept of eternity, questioning whether it implies stagnation or a lack of purpose. The author explores the idea that while individual components of the cosmos may not be eternal, the processes of renewal and change ensure a continuous cycle, preventing true stagnation.

Kurz notiert...

• This section contains brief news items:
• A note on a potential Shuttle landing site on Easter Island.
• A geological puzzle called 'Verbrannter Berg' in Namibia.
• A report on the 10th World Congress of the Ancient Astronaut Society (AAS) in Zurich, mentioning speakers like Peter Krassa, Viktor Farkas, Zecharia Sitchin, and Erich von Däniken.

Buchbesprechungen (Book Reviews)

• Several books are reviewed:
• "Aus den Tiefen des Alls" (From the Depths of Space) edited by Peter and Johannes Fiebag, a collection of articles by 30 scientists and engineers on intelligent life in the cosmos.
• "Magnetismus contra Raum-Zeit" (Magnetism vs. Space-Time) by Udo Wöstendiek, proposing a new worldview to explain various phenomena.
• "Neue Erinnerungen an die Zukunft" (New Memories of the Future) by Erich von Däniken, a self-critical review of his past theories and new evidence for ancient alien contact.
• "Phänomebâle Ironie des Unfaßbaren" (Phenomenal Irony of the Unfathomable) by Reinhard Habeck, a collection of cartoons.
• "Schöpfungsmythen beim Wort genommen" (Creation Myths Taken at Their Word) by Viktor Farkas and Peter Krassa, exploring genetic engineering in ancient myths.
• "Die Epoche der 'Engel'" (The Epoch of the 'Angels') by Hans-Werner Sachmann, analyzing biblical claims about angels from a pre-astronautic perspective.
• "Sie kommen von anderen Welten" (They Come from Other Worlds) by Herbert Mohren and Axel Ertelt, coordinating theories of UFO research and pre-astronautics.
• "Außerirdische und die Friedenssehnsucht der Erdenmenschen" (Extraterrestrials and the Peace-Seeking of Earthlings) by Maarten Dillinger.
• "SPHINX" edited by Dieter A. Hagenbach and Hannes Bertschi, a collection of articles about the Sphinx.
• "Kásskara und die sieben Welten" (Kásskara and the Seven Worlds) by Josef F. Blumrich, about the history of humanity according to Hopi traditions.
• "Saurier-Geschichten" (Dinosaur Stories) by Ray Bradbury, "Ehrbare Kaufleute und ein kleiner Krieg auf der Venus" (Honorable Merchants and a Small War on Venus) by Frederik Pohl, and "Die Trumpfkarten des Himmels" (The Trump Cards of Heaven) by Charles Williams, all reviewed as Bastei-Lübbe publications.
• "Aura" by Oskar Just, a novel.

Other Sections

• ANTARES NEWS: A magazine for science fiction and popular science.
• DIE ANDERE REALITÄT: A free psychological magazine aiming to prove life after death and promote a new era of peace.
• mailbox-extra: An advertisement section for pen pals and hobby exchanges.
• UFO FORSCHUNG: Information about the German UFO research society GEP.
• NEUES VON BASTEI-LOBBE: A list of new fantasy and science fiction books.
• BUCH VERKAUFSLISTE: A private sale of used books.
• LEBEN PRA-ASTRONAUTEN UNTER UNS ?: A brochure about the IUEL.
• CENAP INFO: Information about the CENAP organization.
• NEUE ANZEIGENPREISE: New advertising rates for MYSTERIA.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a worldview that integrates ufology, ancient astronaut theories, mythology, and alternative scientific perspectives. There is a strong emphasis on challenging mainstream scientific paradigms and exploring ancient wisdom and prophecies. The editorial stance appears to be open to unconventional ideas and encourages readers to question established narratives, particularly concerning humanity's origins and place in the cosmos. The magazine also actively promotes its own publications and related organizations, fostering a community of like-minded individuals.

Title: RÜSSEL-MOPS
Issue: Der Außerirdische
Publisher: Junior
Language: German

Cover Content

The cover of this issue features a humorous cartoon strip titled "RÜSSEL-MOPS" at the top. The strip consists of three panels. In the first panel, a character exclaims, "GESTERN WURDE WIEDER EIN UFO GESICHTET!" (Yesterday a UFO was sighted again!). The second panel shows another character, looking skeptical, asking, "ES GIBT KEINE UFOS! VERSTANDEN?!" (There are no UFOs! Understood?!). The third panel shows the first character pointing to a flying saucer and asking the skeptic, "DANN ERKLÄR MIR MAL, WAS DA VORN' FLIEGT." (Then explain to me, what is flying there?). The artwork is signed "HABECK".

Below the cartoon strip, a larger illustration depicts a Christmas scene. A Christmas tree is decorated, and a child is shown playing with a magic kit labeled "DER KLEINE ZAUBER LEHRLING" (The Little Magic Apprentice). Two adults are seated in chairs, seemingly in conversation. The signature "JUNIOR" appears in the lower right corner of this illustration.

A caption below the illustration reads: "Meinst Du immer noch, daß es eine gute Idee war JUNIOR zu Weihnachten einen dieser Zauberkästen von ALBERTUS MAGNUS zu schenken ?" (Do you still think it was a good idea to give JUNIOR one of these magic kits from ALBERTUS MAGNUS for Christmas?). This quote suggests a humorous or possibly cautionary note about the gift.

Key Persons Mentioned

• Albertus Magnus: Mentioned in relation to a magic kit.

Organizations Mentioned

• Junior: Identified as the publisher and possibly the recipient of a Christmas gift.

Themes

• UFOs
• Aliens
• Humor
• Christmas

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue appears to lean towards a lighthearted and humorous approach to the topic of UFOs and aliens, as indicated by the "RÜSSEL-MOPS" comic. The juxtaposition of UFOs with a Christmas theme and a magic kit suggests an editorial stance that blends popular culture with a sense of playful skepticism or imaginative storytelling. The mention of Albertus Magnus adds a historical or educational element, albeit in a humorous context related to magic.