PaleoSeti Magazine - No 20

Magazine Overview

This issue of Paleoseti magazine, dated June 2021 (Issue 20), is dedicated to exploring ancient mysteries through the lens of ancient astronaut and lost civilization theories. Published by EisenGruber Publishing, the cover prominently features articles on "Ancient Coins: Keepers of Cryptic Secrets?" and "South America's Winged Men - Or Gods?", alongside a "PaleoSeti FAQ" section.

Letter from the Editor

In his "Letter from the Editor," Herbert Eisengruber, Editor-in-Chief, expresses concern over changes in how museums present artifacts. He laments the shift from actual artifacts to virtual interactive displays, the increased use of poor-quality replicas, and the alteration of ancient sites under the guise of safety and accessibility. Eisengruber argues that virtual displays and replicas cannot replace the experience of seeing the real artifact and that fundamental changes to ancient sites, such as the concrete walkway on the Parthenon, hinder interpretation. He encourages readers to engage in discussion about these issues.

Ancient Coins - Keepers of Cryptic Secrets?

This extensive article, also by Herbert Eisengruber, delves into the historical and symbolic significance of ancient coins. Eisengruber shares his father's passion for collecting coins, not just as currency but as historical artifacts commemorating events and personalities. He emphasizes that while possessing ancient coins is legal, his focus is on their depicted imagery and what it can reveal about our past, particularly concerning unusual astronomical events and potential ancient "Gods" or visitors from other worlds.

Coins as Historical Records

Eisengruber explains that coins, like modern currency, have always been a method of payment and issued by an authority. While the obverse often features rulers for dating purposes, the reverse is where history unfolds. Societies depicted important events, buildings, and symbols on coins. He notes that these depictions often required the use of symbols to convey messages concisely.

The Bar Kochba Revolt Coins

A significant example discussed is the coins minted during the Bar Kochba revolt (circa 132-136 CE) in ancient Judea. These coins feature the Jewish Temple, symbolizing its destruction by the Romans, and an Ark of the Covenant depiction. A star above the temple refers to "Bar Kochba," meaning "Son of the Star," linking to Messianic prophecies.

Celestial Events and Symbolism

The article highlights how Roman and Greek coins also commemorated celestial events. Common symbols include pellets, stars, and crescents, often associated with gods like Selene and Helios. Eisengruber proposes an alternative explanation for the "star in crescent" motif, suggesting it might represent solar eclipses. He analyzes coins of Emperor Hadrian, minted around 128 CE, which feature this motif, correlating them with Hadrian's potential experience of solar eclipses, including total and annular ones. The "diamond ring effect" seen in eclipses is also linked to a specific coin depiction.

Comets and Other Celestial Phenomena

Beyond eclipses, coins have depicted comets and other celestial events. The article references a coin possibly depicting one of Mithridates' comets, described as a brilliant celestial event that lasted for 70 days. The author draws parallels between these ancient commemorations and modern societies continuing the tradition of marking significant events on currency.

Celtic Coins and Alternative Interpretations

The article then shifts focus to Celtic coins, which are presented as breaking conventional rules with their stylistic and symbolic nature. Eisengruber questions the official explanations of these coins, particularly those depicting stylized horses and wheels, suggesting they might have astronomical connections or represent something else entirely. He proposes that the ancient Celts might have witnessed phenomena like crop circles long before modern times and that these symbols could represent such events or even ancient spacecraft.

The "Nebra Star Disk" and "Sun Boat"

Eisengruber connects Celtic coin symbolism to the "Nebra Star Disk" and the concept of a "sun boat" or "sky boat." He interprets a specific Celtic coin, dated around 500 BCE, as depicting a structure similar to the Goseck Circle, stars, the Milky Way, and a "bowl" with balls, which he likens to a "vehicle" that moved across the sky. He boldly suggests this could be a reference to an ancient UFO sighting, asserting that ancient people depicted what they saw in real life.

Cross-Cultural Parallels

The article emphasizes the importance of researching ancient coins from a "PaleoSeti perspective" by looking for cross-cultural parallels in their symbolism. It notes that the Mithridates comet and Bar Kochba revolt had equivalents in Roman and Celtic cultures, and similarly, Celtic coins featuring ball symbols have counterparts in ancient India (Western Kshatrapas).

PaleoSeti FAQ

The magazine includes a "PaleoSeti FAQ" section addressing common questions related to the magazine's focus. Topics likely include the interpretation of ancient artifacts, the ancient astronaut theory, and the magazine's unique research perspective.

South America's Winged Men - Or Gods?

This section, indicated on the cover, likely explores myths and evidence related to winged beings in South America, potentially linking them to ancient astronaut theories.

Be part of the mysteries

A concluding section encourages reader engagement and participation in the ongoing exploration of ancient mysteries.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the interpretation of ancient artifacts, particularly coins, as evidence for ancient astronaut visits and lost civilizations. The editorial stance, as expressed by Herbert Eisengruber, is critical of modern museum practices and encourages a re-evaluation of historical evidence through a "PaleoSeti perspective," emphasizing the literal depiction of real events and phenomena by ancient peoples. The magazine promotes critical thinking and challenges conventional archaeological and historical explanations.

This issue of Paleoseti Magazine, titled "Frequently Asked Questions PART 1," features articles by Herbert Eisengruber and Rafael Videla Eissmann. The magazine focuses on the Ancient Astronaut Theory (also referred to as Paleo-Seti) and aims to address common questions and criticisms surrounding it.

Article by Herbert Eisengruber

Herbert Eisengruber's article addresses the controversial nature of the Ancient Astronaut Theory, noting its decline in public discussion since the mid-1990s. He criticizes both Ancient Astronaut theorists who prioritize profit over rigorous research and scientists who publicly dismiss the theory due to fear of professional repercussions, while privately being more open-minded. Eisengruber presents a series of frequently asked questions he has encountered over 25 years.

1. Question: Can we travel to the stars?

Eisengruber tackles the argument that vast cosmic distances make interstellar travel impossible, citing Einstein's Theory of Relativity. He counters that any distance can be traveled if speed is non-zero, emphasizing that it is a matter of time. He uses the example of the Voyager spacecrafts, which are traveling beyond our solar system, and the concept of "Generation Spaceships." These hypothetical vessels would allow for multi-generational journeys, making vast distances traversable over extended periods. He references Biosphere 2 as an early attempt at creating a self-contained environment, suggesting that the technology for generation ships is conceivable, though societal factors like funding and greed are current obstacles. He also briefly touches upon faster-than-light travel, noting that while currently impossible, quantum physics may reveal new possibilities.

2. Question: Aren't there too many stars?

This question addresses the argument that the sheer number of stars makes it improbable for extraterrestrials to find Earth by chance. Eisengruber argues that space travelers would not randomly search but would likely identify habitable planets using advanced detection methods, such as those employed by the Kepler space telescope. He believes future advancements will yield more planetary candidates for exploration, making random encounters less likely than targeted searches.

3. Question: Isn't the Ancient Astronaut Theory nothing but a bunch of "looks like" mysteries?

Eisengruber addresses the criticism that the theory relies on subjective interpretations of ancient artifacts. He uses two examples: a carving from Indonesia that appears to depict a bicycle but was actually an artist's attempt to represent a novel technology (a bicycle) using familiar symbols (flowers for wheels), and a carving from Guatemala that resembles a figure with a helmet and a snout, possibly representing misunderstood technology like a Hepa filter.

4. Question: Wasn't the Ancient Astronaut Theory and many of its "pillars" or arguments already debunked?

Eisengruber argues that the term "debunked" is often used disrespectfully by critics. He uses the example of the main temple of Ollantaytambo in Peru, where massive stones were moved, suggesting that the "thousands of workers" explanation might be insufficient due to space constraints. He contrasts this with Maria Reiche's theory about the Nazca lines, which, though not universally accepted, was not labeled "debunked."

5. Question: No Evidence?

Eisengruber acknowledges the lack of direct extraterrestrial evidence in archaeological digs. He suggests that advanced civilizations might intentionally leave minimal traces or that their artifacts could be dismissed as fakes by archaeologists. He questions what kind of evidence would be accepted and points out that humans often leave behind trash and ruins. He also discusses the environmental consciousness of future societies and how advanced beings might prioritize biodegradable materials and leave little trace.

6. Question: No Scientific Works?

Eisengruber addresses the perception that there are no scientific works in the Paleo-Seti field, noting that most publications are in a popular style for a non-scientific audience. He explains that scientific publications often do not sell well, making it difficult for independent researchers to survive without university backing. He mentions Lutz Gentes' book "The Reality of the Gods" as an example of a more scientific work that did not sell well. He also notes that many scientists are interested in the theory but fear ridicule, and that archaeology and anthropology are not exact sciences where interpretations can vary.

Article by Rafael Videla Eissmann

Rafael Videla Eissmann's article, "'Choike Pürun': A Distant Echo of the Men-Gods In the Pre-Hispanic Tradition of Chile," explores the "bird-men" representations found in pre-Hispanic cultures, particularly in the Araucanian worldview. He links these representations to the search for Extraterrestrial Intelligences in Antiquity, citing examples like the Sun Gate of Tiahuanaco, the Paracas culture, and the Tangata Manú of Rapa Nui.

Eissmann suggests that the "bird-men" are not exclusive to the Americas but are found globally. He credits Erich von Däniken's PaleoSETI historiography for opening new perspectives beyond traditional archaeology, which he argues has limited the understanding of ancient civilizations by focusing on their "primitive Psyche" and "socio-economic structure." He highlights a similarity between the "bird-men" of the Antupainkos and the Wenu Pillán, suggesting a common origin or influence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the defense and exploration of the Ancient Astronaut Theory against common criticisms and skepticism. The magazine adopts a stance that encourages open-mindedness, critical thinking, and a willingness to consider alternative interpretations of historical and archaeological evidence. It challenges the limitations of conventional scientific and archaeological approaches, suggesting that they may overlook or dismiss evidence that supports the theory. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocating for a broader, more inclusive approach to understanding ancient history and human origins, one that is not afraid to question established paradigms.

PaleoSeti Magazine, Issue 21, delves into the fascinating and widespread phenomenon of the 'bird-man' motif across ancient civilizations. The issue presents a compelling visual and textual argument for the extraordinary similarity between seemingly distant cultural foci, suggesting a common thread in ancient beliefs and possibly historical interactions.

The 'Bird-Man' Motif Across Cultures

The magazine showcases numerous examples of the 'bird-man' iconography:

• Tiahuanaco: A detail from the Sun Gate features representations of 'bird-men' surrounding the Supreme Viracocha.
• Paracas Culture: A textile displays a 'bird-man' figure.
• Sumer: A winged man is depicted on a tablet.
• Rapa Nui (Easter Island): The mythical 'bird-man' Tangata Manú is presented, with a photograph from the Mana Expedition (1913-1915).
• Araucanians (Mapuche): The ritual dance known as Choike Pürun, or 'Dance of the Ostrich' (circa 1960), is shown, with dancers evoking the 'bird-men' of their sacred tradition. Dancers are depicted with body paint, photographed by Claude M. Janvier in 1930.
• Ancient Egypt: An anthropomorphic figure on the sarcophagus of the priestess Henut Taui, the 'Lady of the Two Lands,' from the temple of Horus in Thebes, is shown. This figure, painted on the sarcophagus, closely resembles an astronaut's helmet.

The issue posits that these representations are resonances of the 'Children of the Sun,' or 'Los Hijos de los ídolos' (The Offspring of the Gods).

Araucanian Traditions and Knowledge

The magazine provides a deeper look into Araucanian (Mapuche) traditions:

• Choike Pürun Dance: The dance is understood as an ancestral and totemic ritual ceremony that has preserved the knowledge of the inhabitants of the Wenu Mapu, the 'dwellers of the stars,' and their descent to the Chili Mapu. The lyrics from a contemporary version of the dance by musician Joel Maripil are included, describing movements like 'Move, move your wings' and 'flap your wings,' and the act of 'dancing, dancing they draw a star.' This drawing of a star is interpreted as a vertical perspective, representing the plane or dimension of the gods of the sky, the Antupainkos.
• Symbolic Figures: The code of these symbolic figures is evident, suggesting men who had the power to fly, interpreted as a concept for the 'future' rather than the 'past'.
• Knowledge of Sphericity: The issue highlights that the knowledge of the planet's sphericity was known by the ancient Araucanians and preserved through their ceremonial drum, the Kultrún. Anthropologist María Ester Grebe is cited, explaining that the Kultrún represents the cosmic and terrestrial infrastructure.

References and Further Reading

Several academic works are referenced, providing background on the ancestral and sacred traditions, psychology, folklore, customs, beliefs, religion, shamanism, and mythology of the Araucanians and Mapuche people. These include works by Tomás Guevara, Eulogio Robles Rodríguez, Louis Faron, Jorge Dowling Desmadryl, and Rolf Foerster. Additionally, works on the ancient knowledge of the Mapuche and ladders to heaven are mentioned.

Editorial and Community Engagement

The magazine actively seeks reader feedback, inviting constructive criticism on the issue's content. It also calls for contributions from readers, encouraging articles related to archaeology, the Ancient Astronaut Theory, or Lost Civilization Theories. While currently unable to offer payment for submissions, the magazine notes that this may change in the future.

Online Presence

Readers are directed to the PaleoSeti website (www.paleoseti.com) for more background information and research, noting that the site has been online since 1999 and is a long-running resource for the Ancient Astronaut Theory. The magazine also encourages readers to follow its updates on Twitter by searching for 'PaleoSeti Magazine'. Recent tweets mention an upcoming issue with an interview with Erich von Däniken and a find in Israel, as well as the availability of Issue 12.

Visuals

The issue is richly illustrated with photographs of ancient artifacts and cultural practices, including the Sun Gate of Tiahuanaco, a Paracas textile, a Sumerian tablet, Rapa Nui carvings, Araucanian dancers and ceremonies, and an Egyptian sarcophagus. A photograph of the Inca site of Pisaq in Peru is also featured.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the exploration of ancient mysteries through the lens of comparative mythology and archaeology, with a strong emphasis on the Ancient Astronaut Theory. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry and a belief in the possibility of advanced ancient knowledge and extraterrestrial influence, as evidenced by the 'bird-man' motif and the concept of 'dwellers of the stars.' The magazine encourages a critical yet open-minded approach to these subjects, fostering a community of researchers and enthusiasts.