PaleoSeti Magazine - No 09

Magazine Overview

Title: paleoseti
Issue Date: September 2016
Issue Number: 9
Publisher: EISENGRUBER PUBLISHING
Editor-in-Chief: Herbert Eisengruber

This issue of paleoseti magazine focuses on ancient methods of record-keeping and knowledge preservation, exploring their potential connections to ancient astronaut theories and lost civilizations.

Letter from the Editor

Herbert Eisengruber, Editor-in-Chief, reflects on the 50th anniversary of Erich von Däniken's book "Chariots of the Gods" (originally "Erinnerungen an die Zukunft"). He highlights how von Däniken's work, despite not being the first to propose the ancient astronaut theory, was the first to gain significant traction due to its well-researched case, engaging writing style, and the author's personal site visits. Eisengruber credits von Däniken with introducing him to new ideas and liberal thinking, and positions him as a critic of the often "crusty" archaeology community, quoting Marcel Reich-Ranicki: "Good critics are sometimes wrong. Bad critics are never wrong. Why? Because they never risk to have an opinion."

Sacred Knots - Ancient Disk Drives?

This article, written by Herbert Eisengruber, discusses the challenges of preserving knowledge across millennia. It uses the Voyager Golden Record as an example of a sophisticated message created by scientists, designed to be understood by an alien intelligence. The record, made of gold, contains scientific principles and the 'Sounds of Earth'. The article posits that such a disk, if found by a less advanced society, might not be understood or could even be destroyed. It also touches upon the difficulty of storing data even in modern times, citing the obsolescence of floppy disks and the potential loss of digital information.

Paleoseti from 1877!

This section features a historical document from Santiago, dated 1877, titled 'Paleoseti from Saint Paul'. The document is presented as an 'ESCRITA OF' and was printed by 'IMPRENTA I LITOGRAFIA. DE EL PAIS. 1877'. Further details about its content are not elaborated upon in the provided text, but its inclusion suggests a historical connection to the magazine's themes.

The Case for Ancient Astronauts - Part 6

This is the sixth part of a series exploring the evidence for ancient astronauts. While the specific content of this part is not detailed in the provided text, it continues the magazine's core theme of investigating ancient civilizations and technologies through the lens of extraterrestrial influence.

Lost Knowledge - Surprising Finds

This article delves into the issue of lost knowledge throughout history, suggesting that societies relying on oral traditions and myths may have been more successful at preserving collective memory than those relying solely on written accounts. It references Peter Fiebag's book "Geheimnisse der Naturvölker" (Secrets of the Indigenous Peoples) and the historical loss of knowledge exemplified by the burning of the Library of Alexandria.

Curiosities

This section likely contains interesting or unusual facts and anecdotes related to the magazine's subject matter, though specific details are not provided.

About Erich von Däniken

This article celebrates 50 years of Erich von Däniken's seminal work, "Chariots of the Gods." It highlights his contribution to the ancient astronaut theory and his unique approach of visiting archaeological sites to gather evidence. The article positions him as a significant figure in challenging conventional historical and archaeological narratives.

50 Years Chariots of the Gods

This section is dedicated to commemorating the 50th anniversary of Erich von Däniken's "Chariots of the Gods." It underscores the book's impact on popularizing the idea that ancient civilizations were influenced by extraterrestrial visitors, a concept central to the ancient astronaut theory.

Book and Film Recommendations

This section offers suggestions for books and films related to the themes explored in the magazine, providing readers with further resources for their research.

Next Issue

This section provides a preview of what to expect in the upcoming issue of paleoseti magazine.

The Quipu: An Ancient Andean Record-Keeping System

This detailed article explores the Quipu, a complex system of knotted cords used by the Inca and other Andean cultures. It explains that while often dismissed as primitive, the Quipu was a sophisticated method for recording vast amounts of information, including numerical data, and potentially more complex narratives. The article contrasts this with the loss of knowledge from systems like the Library of Alexandria and highlights the challenges of deciphering the Quipu, noting that modern computer software is now aiding in this process. It discusses how the Spanish conquistadors attempted to destroy Quipus, viewing them as a symbol of Incan culture.

The article details the structure of the Quipu, including different types of knots, colors, and the use of a decimal system. It mentions Leland Locke's pioneering work in the 1910s and the more recent research by Marcia and Robert Ascher, who analyzed the mathematical encoding of the Quipu. An experiment by Berkeley students in 1995, who created a Quipu to express an electromagnetic spectrum, is cited as an example of its power.

The Jewish Tzitzit: A Mathematical Memory Device

Parallel to the Quipu, the article examines the Jewish Tzitzit, a ritual fringe worn on prayer shawls. It describes the Tzitzit as a highly complex mathematical memory device, with specific knotting and winding techniques. The article explains how the number of knots and windings, as well as the use of specific colors like Tekhelet, encode religious information, including the name of God. It references Jewish commentaries like Rashi and Nachmanides, and the Talmud's instructions for creating the Tzitzit. The article notes the similarity in complexity and purpose between the Quipu and the Tzitzit, both serving as sophisticated information storage systems that have persisted to the present day.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of paleoseti magazine consistently explores the theme of ancient knowledge and its preservation, particularly through non-traditional means like knotted cords (Quipu) and ritual fringes (Tzitzit). The magazine champions the idea that ancient civilizations possessed advanced knowledge and technologies, often overlooked or dismissed by mainstream archaeology. The editorial stance, as indicated by the focus on Erich von Däniken and the critique of conventional archaeology, is supportive of the ancient astronaut theory and the investigation of lost civilizations. The magazine encourages readers to consider alternative interpretations of history and to explore the "mysterious past" with an open mind.

Title: Paleoseti
Issue: 11
Cover Headline: "From Jupiter" The first PaleoSETI book of Modern Times?

This issue of Paleoseti delves into the intriguing connections between ancient civilizations, their sophisticated encoding systems, and the possibility of extraterrestrial influence. It explores the concept of PaleoSETI, the search for evidence of ancient alien intelligence.

Ancient Encoding Systems: Quipu and Tzitzit

The article begins by examining the "encoding system" used by both the Inca culture (Quipu) and the Jewish culture (Tzitzit). It posits that these systems were highly advanced and crucial for record-keeping and preservation. The author questions whether these encoding techniques originated from the same source, noting their mathematical nature and the sophistication required for their full decoding. The Inca system, used for all data storage, was largely destroyed by Spanish invaders, while the Jewish system was preserved by separating religious and daily life records. The article suggests that modern technology should be employed to re-examine these ancient methods.

Mythical History and the Quest for Flight

The issue then shifts to the universal human longing for flight, interpreting it not just as a natural aspiration but as a potential echo of a distant past involving "god-men" or "cultural heroes" descending from the stars. It surveys examples from various ancient cultures, including Tiahuanaco, Egypt, India, and Greece, where flying deities or beings are depicted. The article touches upon the myth of Icarus and Dedalus, the flying carpets of Arab-Indian legends, and the knowledge of flight held by initiates of ancient mysteries. It highlights the contributions of figures like Brunetto Latini and Leonardo da Vinci in understanding the mechanics of flight, noting that their work on bird flight and flying machines was remarkably advanced for their time.

Johannes Kepler and Early Space Travel Concepts

The narrative continues by mentioning Johannes Kepler's 1608 book "Somnium sive Astronomia lunaris," which described a magical journey to the Moon, and an account from 1762 in South America about air navigation. It also references early European aviation pioneers like the Montgolfier brothers and figures such as George Cayley and the Wright brothers, who laid the groundwork for modern aviation and the dream of space travel.

"Desde Júpiter": A Futuristic Novel from the Past

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the 1877 Chilean novel "Desde Júpiter" (From Jupiter) by Francisco Miralles, who used the pseudonym Saint Paul. The article describes the book as an "original novel" and a "curious trip of a magnetized Santiaguinian." It highlights the novel's astonishingly prescient ideas for its time, including aerial transport, elevators, subways, advanced photographic systems, and the existence of extraterrestrials who possess advanced knowledge. Miralles' work is presented as a critical commentary on Chilean and Western society, advocating for spiritual and transcendental values.

The novel is seen as a precursor to the concept of PaleoSETI, exploring the idea that extraterrestrials visited ancient Earth and were perceived as gods. The author suggests that Miralles' insights into extraterrestrial interaction and their role in promoting human consciousness were remarkably advanced, even predating research by figures like Erich von Däniken.

The Mythical vs. Official History

The issue contrasts the "official history" based on evolution and materialism with the "mythical history" or "Sacred Narration" found in ancient cultures. It argues that mythical history offers a different perspective on mankind's destiny, one that includes a "Golden Age" and a cyclical view of time, as preserved in traditions from India, Tibet, pre-Christian Europe, and the Americas. The concept of flying beings descending from the stars and influencing human development is central to this mythical narrative.

Miralles' Vision and Extraterrestrial Influence

Miralles' novel is interpreted as a "memory of the future," an extraordinary work that expands the horizons of knowledge and consciousness. The author speculates on the source of Miralles' ideas, suggesting he may have accessed unknown or lost texts in Chile related to the tradition of god-men from the stars. The book's message is seen as a transcendental one about space travelers and their interaction with our world, providing a key to understanding an unknown history.

The "God-Men" and the Eternal Return

The article connects Miralles' ideas to Erich von Däniken's theories about extraterrestrials implanting codes in human DNA that could activate messages and awareness over generations. It frames the novel as a futuristic utopia that criticized contemporary institutions and promoted spiritual values. The title "Desde Júpiter" is explored, suggesting it represents a journey from Jupiter or a memory of the future, hinting at the cyclical nature of the "Eternal Return."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of ancient mysteries, the potential for extraterrestrial influence on human civilization, and the reinterpretation of history through the lens of PaleoSETI. The magazine champions a perspective that challenges conventional historical and scientific dogma, embracing the idea that ancient myths and texts may hold profound truths about our past and future. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging readers to consider unconventional theories and to use modern technology to unlock the secrets of ancient civilizations.

This issue of PaleoSeti Magazine, dated approximately 2015, features a "Book & Film Recommendations" section. The primary focus is on titles of interest to the PaleoSeti or Lost Civilization Theories. The issue includes a review of the popular TV show "Ancient Aliens," a detailed exploration of the concept of terraforming, and a report on a visit to a museum in Ecuador.

Review: Ancient Aliens - The TV Show

Herbert Eisengruber reviews the TV show "Ancient Aliens," noting its popularity and controversial nature, which he believes sparks necessary discussion. He acknowledges the show's limitations due to the medium but finds that most of his expectations have been met positively. The show is described as well-made and professional, offering a comprehensive overview of the Ancient Astronaut Theory. Eisengruber praises the presenters for doing a good job and for not taking themselves too seriously. However, he expresses disappointment that the producers sometimes included episodes with tangential topics, such as Bigfoot, which he feels detract from the core theory. He suggests that these episodes could have been replaced with deeper dives into key aspects like Puma Punku or Tiahuanacu. Despite these criticisms, Eisengruber highly recommends the show for those seeking a "grand overview" of the Ancient Astronaut Theory, advising viewers to conduct their own background research as the show balances science with popular entertainment. The show is produced by the History Channel and available from sources like Amazon.

Article: The Case for Ancient Astronauts - Part 6

This installment continues a thought experiment on space exploration and the possibility of past extraterrestrial visitation. The author, Herbert Eisengruber, recaps the previous part where a generation spaceship reached its destination and began exploring a new world with probes. This part delves into the complexities of establishing a new home, considering the unknown technological abilities of the explorers, the planet's conditions, and the potential dangers of alien flora and microbes. The article highlights that even if a planet is habitable, it might not be suitable for immediate habitation due to factors like high radiation, lack of an ozone layer, aggressive life forms, or hostile atmospheric conditions.

Article: MARS - I came, I saw, I terraformed

This article discusses the concept of terraforming, defining it as the hypothetical process of modifying a celestial body to make it habitable. It notes that while often dismissed as science fiction, aspects of terraforming have been occurring on Earth through human activities like artificial temperature increases due to greenhouse gases and ozone layer modification. The article references science fiction works, including Kim Stanley Robinson's "Mars Trilogy" and Arthur C. Clarke's "2010: Odyssey II." It explains that terraforming is widely accepted by the scientific community, with early proposals by Carl Sagan for Venus in the 1960s, involving seeding the atmosphere with algae to reduce the greenhouse effect. However, the harsh conditions on Venus, such as its thick atmosphere and sulfuric acid clouds, made this approach impossible. Sagan also proposed terraforming Mars, and NASA later studied "planetary ecosynthesis." The article emphasizes that terraforming is primarily discussed for making uninhabitable worlds suitable for life, but can also apply to altering existing atmospheres. It presents a schematic of various climate-engineering proposals for Mars, including building up the atmosphere, increasing pressure, heating the planet, and introducing genetically engineered crops. The article also touches upon the ethical considerations of terraforming, particularly if intelligent life is already present on the planet.

Article: Lost Knowledge - Surprising Finds

Herbert Eisengruber recounts a visit to the "Casa del Alabado" museum in Quito, Ecuador. He describes it as a "great collection of pre-Columbian art" housed in a beautifully restored colonial building. The museum's presentation is praised for its tasteful surroundings, stunning restoration, and well-lit exhibits behind clear glass cases. While some visitors find the exhibits poorly described, Eisengruber highlights the sensational nature of the artifacts. He mentions "otherworldly, robot-like looking figurines and carvings," some of which are similar to those found at the mysterious site of Tiwanacu in Bolivia. A particularly striking artifact is described as a pre-Incan, anatomically correct depiction of the female body with a fetus in place, showing the head of the fetus, a bowel system, and an accurate cross-section of a kidney with its renal artery. Eisengruber compares this detail to the medical studies of Leonardo da Vinci. He notes that while depictions of fetuses are common in Mayan, Aztek, and Incan archaeology, they are typically crude. The Alabado depiction, however, is remarkably detailed. The article also touches upon ancient myths, such as those of the Hopi tribe, which speak of "Katchina" beings from the stars who educated humans. The author poses the question of whether the anatomical depictions found at the Alabado museum, or at sites like Palenque, could be remnants of tools used by these beings to educate students.

Article: Curiosities

Erich von Däniken presents several "impossible truths" from his archive. The first is the "Libyan Desert glass," money-green glass found in southwestern Egypt since 1932. Over 1000 tons have been discovered, with the largest piece weighing 26 kilos. Initially suspected to be from a meteorite impact, no crater has been found. The glass is 97% silicon and forms an unusual line across the desert. The second curiosity is the "Petrified Forest" in Patagonia, Argentina, a national park with petrified tree trunks estimated to be 70 million years old. While a natural explanation exists (cellulose turning to stone due to volcanic ash), some fragments are mysteriously cut into eight or 12 equal blocks, with cracks resembling saw cuts. The third curiosity is a network identified by Russian geologist Dr. Nikolai Gontscharow, which he observed in a cultural atlas. This network connects various ancient sites globally, such as Mohenjo-Daro, Egypt, Newgrange, Easter Island, and Kiev, along lines that resemble the seams of a football. The article suggests this network might indicate a deliberate placement of ancient cultures.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of ancient mysteries, extraterrestrial theories, and the potential for human expansion into space. The magazine consistently promotes the PaleoSeti and Ancient Astronaut theories, encouraging critical thinking and discussion outside of mainstream scientific circles. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unconventional ideas, presenting evidence and arguments that challenge conventional historical and scientific narratives. The magazine also shows an interest in the intersection of science fiction and scientific possibility, particularly concerning space exploration and planetary engineering.

This issue of PaleoSeti Magazine commemorates the 50th anniversary of Erich von Däniken's influential book, "Chariots of the Gods." The magazine delves into von Däniken's life, his theories, and the enduring impact of his work on the field of ancient mysteries and the Ancient Astronaut Theory.

Erich von Däniken: A Life of Inquiry

Erich von Däniken was born in Zofingen, Switzerland, on April 14, 1935. Raised in a religious family, his early education at Collège St-Michel in Fribourg sparked a quest for truth and a questioning of established beliefs about god and religion. After his schooling, von Däniken pursued a career in the hospitality industry, during which he immersed himself in ancient texts and archaeological puzzles. His dedication led him to research and write articles that gained an audience in European and Canadian magazines.

In 1966, he became the director of a hotel in Davos, Switzerland. During this period, he completed his first book manuscript. Despite numerous rejections, "Chariots of the Gods" was published in 1968 and later syndicated in the German weekly magazine Die Zeit. The book achieved remarkable success, selling over 800,000 copies in its first year, prompting The New York Times to coin the term "Dänikenitis." Between 1968 and 1974, von Däniken authored four more books expanding on his initial theories.

In 1975, he received an honorary doctorate from the University of Bolivia and honorary citizenship from Nazca, Peru, a site he extensively researched for its famous Nazca Lines. His writings continued to be published globally. In 1987, he became an honorary member of the Cordon bleu du Saint-Esprit Order and received the Premio Lourenço Filho in Brazil. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, von Däniken remained active, inspiring numerous films, documentaries, and television series. Notably, the History Channel's "Ancient Aliens" series, launched in 2009, explored his hypotheses and achieved high ratings, leading to continued production and international distribution.

Currently, Erich von Däniken engages in speaking engagements worldwide and has maintained a regular column for the Swiss newspaper Blick am Abend since February 2011.

Legacy Night: A Global Celebration

The magazine announces "Erich von Däniken Legacy Night," a live-streamed webcast event celebrating the 50th anniversary of "Chariots of the Gods." This two-hour event, held on October 15th, 2016, from BAFTA's Princess Anne Theatre in London, honored the author and researcher. The event utilized advanced webcasting technology to reach a global audience. Von Däniken delivered a keynote presentation showcasing his most influential speeches and detailing his findings on the Ancient Astronaut Theory. The night also promised insights into the scientific contributions and challenges of his career, with an announcement regarding the future of the "Chariots of the Gods" 360-degree entertainment franchise by Media Invest Entertainment. Attendees at the Gala Night also had the opportunity for a VIP Cocktail Reception and a book signing with von Däniken.

Reader Engagement and Future Content

The magazine invites reader feedback on the current issue and encourages contributions for future articles related to archaeology, the Ancient Astronaut Theory, or Lost Civilization Theories. It also directs readers to its website, www.paleoseti.com, for more research and information, noting that the site is in its 17th year of operation and is a leading resource on the Ancient Astronaut Theory.

The "Next Issue" section previews upcoming content, including articles on "The Colors of the Ancients - History's best kept Secret" and "The Gods of Terra del Fuego," with availability expected at the end of November 2016.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine's editorial stance clearly supports and promotes the exploration of the Ancient Astronaut Theory and related subjects like lost civilizations and ancient mysteries. The focus on Erich von Däniken and the anniversary of "Chariots of the Gods" underscores the publication's commitment to this field. The content encourages critical thinking about humanity's past and the possibility of extraterrestrial influence, as evidenced by the opening questions posed by von Däniken about a "legendary past" and the command of ancient peoples. The magazine actively seeks reader engagement and contributions, fostering a community around these themes.