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1981 10 00 OMNI - UFO Religions
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Title: OMNI Issue: October 1981 Date: 1981-10 Publisher: OMNI Country: USA Price: $2.50 Cover Headline: SPECIAL ANNIVERSARY ISSUE
Magazine Overview
Title: OMNI
Issue: October 1981
Date: 1981-10
Publisher: OMNI
Country: USA
Price: $2.50
Cover Headline: SPECIAL ANNIVERSARY ISSUE
This issue of OMNI, the October 1981 Special Anniversary Issue, delves into the fading landscape of UFO religions that once flourished in the 1950s and 1960s. The cover features a striking, surreal illustration with a green alien-like figure and an asparagus-like object, hinting at themes of extraterrestrial life and spirituality.
Anti-Matter: The Decline of UFO Religions
The article "Anti-Matter" by Stella Iner explores the waning influence of UFO religions, noting that many groups from the Golden Age of UFO religion in the 1950s and early 1960s, such as The Brotherhood of the Seven Rays, the Star Light Fellowship, and the Cosmic Circle of Friendship, have vanished. However, some organizations continue to operate, albeit in altered forms.
Understanding, Inc.
Understanding, Inc., founded in 1950 by Daniel Fry, is presented as one such survivor. Fry's inspiration reportedly came from a ride in a flying saucer and an encounter with an extraterrestrial named A-Lan. Fry also claimed to have extracted 27 passages from the Bible that documented UFO sightings. The organization, initially comprising 93 units, now mostly functions as independent "study groups," though Fry remains in charge and claims occasional contact with A-Lan, who now purportedly runs an import-export business in Cairo, Egypt.
Unarius-Science of Life
Ruth Norman, director of Unarius-Science of Life, based in El Cajon, California, also claims contact with her "space brothers." Norman's cosmic connections are said to span thousands of years, and she recalls past lives as historical figures like Socrates, King Arthur, and Isis. Unarius was founded in 1954 after Norman met her husband, Ernest. Norman acts as a conduit for messages from her cosmic informers, which are documented in approximately 80 books. She teaches these messages to about 60 students at her center. Her "space brothers" have pledged peace and anticipate landing a "megaspaceship" on Earth, composed of 33 smaller spacecraft, which will form a giant pyramid to serve as a study center for Unarius members.
The Aetherius Society
More formally structured is The Aetherius Society, described as the Earth's branch office of the Interplanetary Parliament, which is headquartered on Saturn. In 1954, "high priest" George King was designated by an extraterrestrial communication as the Parliament's spokesman on Earth. King established a center in Los Angeles in 1960, and his followers are now found globally. The Aetherius Society emphasizes rituals, with apostles attending ceremonies three times a week and adhering to a special Aetherius religious calendar. The society's core belief is that UFOs visiting Earth channel their spiritual energy to its members.
Challenges and Appeals
Despite the continued existence of these groups, the article notes that "true believers have to admit UFO religions are not what they once were." To combat this disinterest, Ruth Norman suggests that "More Earth persons must extend their consciousness." In a significant move, The Aetherius Society is appealing to the United Nations for help, indicating a desire for broader recognition or assistance.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the historical context and current state of UFO-based religions, exploring their origins, key figures, beliefs, and the challenges they face in maintaining relevance. The editorial stance, as conveyed through the article, appears to be observational and slightly critical, acknowledging the historical significance of these movements while noting their decline in contemporary society.
Tags: UFO religions, Aetherius Society, Unarius-Science of Life, Understanding Inc., Daniel Fry, Ruth Norman, George King, extraterrestrial contact, new religious movements, 1950s UFOs, 1960s UFOs, spirituality, flying saucer, Interplanetary Parliament, United Nations.
Themes: UFO Religions, New Religious Movements, Extraterrestrial Contact, Spirituality.