Magazine Summary
OMNI
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Across the Airwaves
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Summary
This issue of OMNI discusses the decline of UFO religions that were popular in the 1950s and 1960s. It highlights groups such as Understanding, Inc., founded by Daniel Fry after an alleged encounter with an extraterrestrial; Unarius-Science of Life, led by Ruth Norman who claims past-life memories as historical figures; and The Aetherius Society, represented by George King, who acts as a spokesman for an Interplanetary Parliament based on Saturn. These organizations, despite dwindling numbers, continue to promote their beliefs and seek broader recognition, with The Aetherius Society even appealing to the United Nations.
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.
Even true believers have to admit UFO religions are not what they once were.
Key Incidents
Daniel Fry founded Understanding, Inc., after a flying saucer ride and meeting an extraterrestrial named A-Lan.
Ruth Norman met her husband Ernest and founded Unarius.
George King received an extraterrestrial communication designating him as the spokesman for the Interplanetary Parliament.
George King started a center for the Aetherius Society.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of UFO religions?
UFO religions that were popular in the 1950s and 1960s are reportedly declining, with many groups having vanished or become inactive.
Who founded Understanding, Inc. and what was its origin?
Understanding, Inc. was founded in 1950 by Daniel Fry, who claimed to have met an extraterrestrial named A-Lan after a ride in a flying saucer.
What is the role of Ruth Norman and Unarius-Science of Life?
Ruth Norman directs Unarius-Science of Life and claims contact with 'space brothers,' expounding messages from 80 books and teaching 60 students.
What is the Aetherius Society's connection to extraterrestrials?
The Aetherius Society, with George King as its spokesman, believes it is the Earth's branch office of the Interplanetary Parliament headquartered on Saturn.
What efforts are being made by UFO religions to gain attention?
The Aetherius Society is appealing to the United Nations for help, and Ruth Norman suggests that more Earth persons must extend their consciousness.
In This Issue
People Mentioned
- Daniel FryFounder of Understanding, Inc.
- A-LanExtraterrestrial contact
- Ruth NormanDirector of Unarius-Science of Life
- ErnestHusband of Ruth Norman
- George King"High priest" and spokesman for the Interplanetary Parliament
- SocratesPast life memory of Ruth Norman
- King ArthurPast life memory of Ruth Norman
- IsisPast life memory of Ruth Norman
- MosesHistorical figure mentioned in Ruth Norman's past life memories
Organisations
- Understanding, Inc.
- The Aetherius Society
- Unarius-Science of Life
- The Brotherhood of the Seven Rays
- Cosmic Star Temple
- Star Light Fellowship
- Cosmic Circle of Friendship
- Interplanetary Parliament
- United Nations
Locations
- Cairo, Egypt
- El Cajon, USA
- Saturn, Solar System
- Los Angeles, USA
- Detroit, USA
- Ghana, Africa