Mysteria - Issue 63

Magazine Overview

Title: MYSTERIA
Issue: Nr. 63
Volume: 9. Jahrgang
Date: 1986
Publisher: Privatzeitschrift (Private Publication)
Country: Germany
Language: German
Price: DM 3,70

This issue of MYSTERIA, a German-language magazine focused on UFO research and pre-astronautics, delves into a variety of intriguing topics, from ancient mysteries to the nature of time and the possibilities of space travel. The cover prominently features the 'Riddle of the Circles of Westbury' and poses the question of whether they are UFO landing sites. The issue includes articles on ancient weaponry, the age of the Sphinx, and theoretical discussions on time and interstellar journeys.

Contents Overview

Cover Story: The Riddle of the Circles of Westbury

The cover highlights the recurring phenomenon of mysterious circles appearing in Westbury, England, posing the question of their origin, with a suggestion that they might be UFO landing sites. A more detailed report is promised for issue Nr. 65.

Articles and Features:

• Ancient Firearms (Schußwaffen im Altertum) by Thomas A. Conrads: This article presents evidence suggesting the use of firearms in ancient times. It cites a bison skull found in the Anthropological Museum in Moscow, dating back possibly 10,000 years, which exhibits a clear bullet hole of approximately 14-15 mm diameter. The author argues that such a hole could not have been made by primitive weapons like spears or arrows. Further examples include a human skull from Nordrhodesia with a bullet hole in the temple and a skull from an exhibition in Essen, Germany, displaying three circular impact holes. The article also touches upon the availability of gunpowder components in ancient South America, Asia, and Egypt, referencing historical texts like the Mahabharata and the Popol Vuh to support the idea of advanced weaponry in antiquity.

• The Sphinx - 12,000 Years Old? (Die Sphinx - 12.000 Jahre alt?) by Wilfried Stevens: This piece questions the conventional dating of the Sphinx, suggesting it could be as old as 12,000 years. The article implies that current archaeological and historical timelines may be incomplete or inaccurate regarding ancient civilizations.

• My Impressions of the GEP Conference in October 1986 (Meine Eindrücke von der GEP-Tagung im Oktober 1986) by Maarten Dillinger: This section offers personal reflections on a conference related to UFO research, likely providing insights into the discussions and atmosphere among enthusiasts and researchers.

• Thoughts on the Age of Aquarius (Gedanken zum Wassermannzeitalter) by Hellmuth Hoffmann: This article reflects on the transition from the technological age to the Age of Aquarius. It discusses the societal and cultural shifts, the disillusionment with purely materialistic progress, and the potential for a renewed focus on spiritual and natural values. The author touches upon the concept of 'border sciences' (Grenzwissenschaften) and their growing importance, noting their support in Eastern Bloc countries.

• The Phenomenon of Time (Das Phänomen Zeit) by Wilfried Stevens: This is a multi-part exploration of the concept of time. Part 1, presented here, questions our conventional understanding and measurement of time. The author highlights the vastness of geological and cosmological timescales (e.g., the Earth's age of 5.5 billion years) and contrasts it with human perception. He uses examples like the Flood (12,000 years ago), the Sumerians (6,000 years ago), and human lifespans to illustrate the difficulty of grasping large time spans. The article speculates on the theoretical possibilities of human development and advanced civilizations within a million years, considering potential cycles of development and decline.

• Between Research and Fantasy (Zwischen Forschung und Phantasie) (Thoughts on Time, Part II): This section continues the discussion on time. It quotes Plato and Einstein to explore the subjective nature of time ('Ich-Zeit' or subjective time) and its measurement through clocks. The author emphasizes that time is relative, differing for observers in different frames of reference, as described by Einstein's theory of relativity. He uses the classic twin paradox as an example of time dilation. The article also briefly touches upon the challenges of interstellar travel, noting that even with advanced propulsion, the vast distances mean journeys would take many years, potentially exceeding a human lifespan. The concept of time dilation is further illustrated with a table showing how time passes differently for a moving observer compared to a stationary one.

Other Sections:

• Impressum and Contents: Standard magazine information, including editorial details, publication schedule, copyright notice, and a detailed table of contents listing all articles and their authors.
• MYSTERIA privat: An editorial piece by Hans-Werner Sachmann discussing the importance of tolerance towards differing opinions within the UFO and pre-astronautics community. He advocates for an open forum where ideas can be exchanged respectfully, emphasizing that researchers should focus on facts and knowledge rather than trying to convert others.
• In eigener Sache (In Our Own Interest): This section contains administrative announcements. It discusses the cancellation of a planned video film project due to high costs and low pre-orders, the postponement of a brochure on the 'Prophet Enoch', and the discontinuation of MYSTERIA's slide series due to low demand. It also clarifies that MYSTERIA is not a bookstore and readers should purchase reviewed books from their local booksellers, except for books explicitly stated as available through MYSTERIA. Readers are also reminded to update their addresses for subscription delivery.
• MYSTERIA-Preisrätsel - und - Autorenwahl 1986: An announcement for a prize riddle and an author selection contest for 1986, encouraging reader participation.
• Literature References: A list of books and articles cited in the issue, including works by Erich von Däniken, Ulrich Dopatka, and Peter Bohac.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of MYSTERIA are the exploration of ancient mysteries, the questioning of established historical and scientific timelines, and the theoretical implications of advanced technology and physics (like relativity and time dilation). The magazine also addresses the philosophical aspects of time and human perception. The editorial stance, as articulated in 'MYSTERIA privat', is one of fostering an open, tolerant, and respectful environment for discussing unconventional ideas and research within the UFO and pre-astronautics fields. The emphasis is on exchanging information and perspectives rather than imposing beliefs. The magazine positions itself as a platform for 'border sciences' and encourages readers to engage critically and thoughtfully with the presented material.

MYSTERIA Nr. 63 is a German-language magazine focused on ufology, pre-astronautics, and ancient mysteries, published in October 1986. The issue features a prominent article questioning the age of the Sphinx and the pyramids of Giza, alongside discussions on relativity theory and the possibility of time travel.

Articles

The Sphinx - 12,000 Years Old?

This lead article by Wilfried Briegel challenges the conventional dating of the Sphinx and the pyramids. Briegel argues that the severe erosion on the Sphinx, attributed to water damage rather than wind and sand, suggests an age far greater than the commonly accepted one. He links the Sphinx's lion body and human head to the astrological age of Leo, which would place its construction around 12,000 years ago, predating the accepted timeline of Egyptian civilization. The article also touches upon Erich von Däniken's theories of extraterrestrial visitors influencing ancient cultures.

Relativity and Time Dilation

An anonymous author explores the principles of Einstein's theory of relativity, focusing on time dilation. The article explains that at extremely high speeds, approaching the speed of light, time processes slow down relative to a stationary observer. This concept is presented as a potential component of future space travel, questioning whether faster-than-light travel might one day be possible, despite current physical laws.

Maarten Dillinger's Impressions of the GEP Conference

Maarten Dillinger recounts his experiences at a GEP (Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens) conference in October 1986. He discusses his presentation on his 'Absolute Relativity Theory' and his decision to also address the controversial work of Swiss UFO researcher Billy Meier. Dillinger notes the generally negative attitude towards Meier among some UFO researchers present but defends his own positive stance, which stems from his research and Meier's information. He contrasts the approach of CENAP (a UFO research group) with that of other researchers, particularly regarding the analysis of UFO sightings.

Discussion on UFO Research and CENAP's Stance

Dillinger critically examines the methodology and conclusions of CENAP, particularly their tendency to seek conventional explanations for UFO sightings. He cites articles from OMNI magazine, including statements from J. Allen Hynek and James Oberg, to illustrate the debate within the UFO community. Dillinger expresses his belief that a serious UFO researcher must consider the possibility of extraterrestrial visitation, a stance he feels CENAP, by focusing solely on terrestrial explanations, fails to adequately address. He suggests that CENAP's approach may inadvertently serve to dismiss evidence of potential extraterrestrial influence on Earth.

Book Reviews and Services

The magazine includes several book reviews:

• Intelligenze Extraterrestri by Maurizio Blondet and Roberto Pinotti, a comprehensive work covering UFO research, pre-astronautics, the Tunguska event, and mysterious structures on celestial bodies. It highlights a sensational photo of a 'moon bridge'.
• Terra-X: Neue Folge by Gottfried Kirchner, a companion book to a ZDF television series, exploring ancient cultures and mysteries in Egypt, Poland, Yemen, Oman, Ethiopia, and South America, with a focus on the 'Curse of the Pharaohs' and ancient kingdoms.

The issue also features a "Bücher-Service" (Book Service) section offering:

• Mag Mor - Die erste Kultur der Erde by Frank Bruns and Herbert Mohren.
• AAS-Anstecknadeln (AAS-Lapel Pins).
• Ancient Astronaut Society Kongress-Geschichten (Ancient Astronaut Society Congress Stories).
• Ausserirdisches Leben und Briefmarken (Extraterrestrial Life and Stamps) by Axel Ertelt.
• Gefangen in Zeit und Raum (Trapped in Time and Space), an SF anthology edited by Axel Ertelt.

It also advertises the UFO research organization GEP (Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänänomens) and its publication, "Journal für UFO-Forschung".

Puzzles and Contests

The magazine includes a "Großes MYSTERIA-Preisrätsel" (Great MYSTERIA Prize Puzzle), a contest asking readers to identify a pre-astronautics author based on a description. It also announces an "AUTORENWAHL AUS 1986" (Author of the Year Election) where readers can vote for their favorite author.

Comics

Two comic strips by "HERMANN" are featured, one depicting a conversation between "Hermine" and another character about news reports, and another showing alien creatures discussing Earth's inhabitants as cannibals. A "THISTLE WHISKY" advertisement with a humorous scene is also present.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

MYSTERIA consistently explores themes of ancient mysteries, extraterrestrial contact, and alternative scientific theories, particularly those that challenge mainstream explanations. The magazine appears to favor a more open-minded approach to phenomena like the Sphinx's age and UFO sightings, often presenting evidence and arguments that support these unconventional viewpoints. There is a clear interest in the work of authors like Erich von Däniken and Billy Meier, though the magazine also engages in critical analysis, as seen in the discussion of CENAP's research methods. The editorial stance leans towards questioning established narratives and encouraging readers to consider a broader range of possibilities regarding human history and the cosmos.