Quest - Vol 4 No 3

Magazine Overview

Title: QUEST
Issue: VOL. FOUR NO. THREE (WHOLE NO. 22)
Date: JAN.-FEB., 1973
Price: 50¢

This issue of QUEST magazine, published in January-February 1973, is a compilation of articles exploring various aspects of the paranormal, UFO phenomena, cult activities, and supernatural occurrences. The magazine features a mix of investigative reports, personal accounts, and speculative theories.

Devil Cults by Kurt Glemser

This article delves into the world of modern-day satanic cults, citing Ed Sanders' book 'The Family' as a handbook on the subject. It highlights the existence of groups in the Los Angeles area focused on creating mindless followers. The 'Solar Lodge of the O.T.O.', led by Jean Brayton, is mentioned, with the Braytons being wanted by the F.B.I. for felony child abuse. The article details the case of Anthony Gibbons, a child allegedly caged for 56 days. Another cult, the 'Four P Movement', which operated in California from 1967 to 1970, is described as having engaged in human sacrifice and cannibalism, including a reported sacrifice near Boulder Creek in November 1968. The article also notes the discovery of dogs' bodies drained of blood, with one cultist found in possession of a human finger bone.

A witness interviewed by Sanders reportedly saw a film of the Manson 'family' showing a decapitated red-headed female, suggesting a connection to the Tate-LaBianca murders.

The article also touches upon a news story from the Asheville, North Carolina Citizen regarding the death of a young man, Randy Eugene Davis, found in a churchyard under circumstances suggesting a ritual. The scene included scattered communion bread, a jar of wine, and a note signed 'Randy'.

UFOs: Menace From The Skies by Kurt Glemser

This section appears to be a summary of a booklet by Kurt Glemser, focusing on documented hostile UFO cases. It mentions the Fred Reagan case being disproven and UFOs that allegedly 'swallow' planes or attack them.

Flying Saucer Intelligences Speak by Ted Owens

This section highlights Ted Owens, who is credited with making over 200 accurate predictions. His claims include predicting plots against presidents, simultaneous hurricanes, and the assassination of Robert Kennedy. Owens also reportedly possesses healing powers and control over weather. The booklet also contains messages from 'SIs' (presumably Space Intelligences), proof of contacts, and an alleged 'curse' on the Eagles professional football team that resulted in injuries.

The Nightwalkers by Kurt Glemser

This article discusses modern cases of werewolves and vampires, including a 1971 'wolfman' incident in Oklahoma, Springheel Jack, 'bedroom invaders', mysterious footprints, and black dogs. It is noted to be illustrated with photographs.

UFOs, The Bible and Jesus by Sam Ichton and Kurt Glemser

This article presents theories that challenge traditional biblical interpretations. It suggests that Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed by a nuclear blast from outer space, not fire and brimstone. Russian scientist N. Agrest is cited, believing a gigantic spaceship approached Earth and landed, possibly near the Baalbek Terrace, which he theorizes is a remnant of a launching platform. Tektites found in the Libyan desert are also suggested to be remains of a missile. Agrest interprets the biblical description of Sodom and Gomorrah's destruction as a warning about a nuclear explosion.

Another Soviet scholar, V. Zaitsev, is quoted suggesting that Christ was a cosmonaut from another planet, and the star of Bethlehem was a spaceship. The article proposes replacing the term 'God' with 'cosmonaut Jesus Christ' and states that 'Christ was a newcomer from space'. Rev. Barry H. Downing, author of 'The Bible and Flying Saucers', is also mentioned as believing Christ was a visitor from another planet, holding degrees in physics and theology.

Rev. Downing's theories suggest that the 'pillar of cloud' and 'pillar of fire' that led the Israelites out of Egypt were UFOs, and that the ascension cloud that lifted Jesus was also a UFO. He believes Christ will return in the same UFO.

Newsfront

This section contains several brief news items:

• Loch Ness Photos: On November 1, 1972, photos taken at Loch Ness by Robert Rines' expedition were released, showing a green-brown triangular object identified as a fin. Sonar data indicated two creatures, 20 to 30 feet long, moving underwater. The fin was estimated to be eight to 10 feet long.
• Moon and Homicide: A study from the University of Miami School of Medicine, published in The American Journal of Psychiatry, suggests a correlation between full moons and homicides in Dade County, Florida, and Cuyahoga County, Ohio. Researchers Arnold L. Lieber and Carolyn R. Sherin speculate that the moon's gravitational pull could affect human mood and behavior.
• Denmark's Pornography Experiment: A copyrighted Washington Post story by Berl Kutschinsky reports that Denmark's pornography experiment has been deemed successful, leading to a significant fall in sex crimes, including child molestation and exhibitionism.

Helen, the Happy Medium, Fights for Her Honour by Jim Lawson

This article details the controversy surrounding Mrs. Helen Hill, a medium known as the 'Star of Light', who was expelled from the Spiritualist Church in Leigh, Lancashire, for alleged 'gimmickry'. She had made correct predictions and written a pop song with the help of a ghost. The church president, Mr. Joe Knowles, accused her of reducing Spiritualism to fortune-telling. Mrs. Hill responded by appointing an agent and holding public meetings. Mr. Knowles formed a 'Spiritualist Task Force' to picket her meetings. Mrs. Hill plans to open a 'Star of Light' sanctuary for healing and clairvoyance, charging for consultations based on income.

'Weeping' Madonna Statue Photographed

This news item reports on a 'weeping' Madonna statue in New Orleans from which fluid streamed from its eyes. The statue, part of the 'Pilgrim Statue of Fatima' series, drew thousands of visitors. While the church did not confirm the phenomenon, the executive editor of the diocesan newspaper, Rev. Elmo Romangosa, photographed the fluid. He suggested that the humid climate could be a factor, but also stated that the Lord can do anything.

The Man Who 'Killed Himself' on Stage

This report describes an incident where hypnotist Ronald Markham, performing as 'Romark', allegedly 'killed himself' on stage in Durban, South Africa, for three-and-a-half minutes. Two doctors present stated he had died, but his heart machine recorded a beat after the interval. Markham claimed to have stopped his heart and breathing through self-hypnosis. The article notes skepticism from some doctors, including Professor Christiaan Barnard, and mentions that Markham's act involved a simulated hanging, with a strapped board to break his fall.

Eyes Down for a Ghost

This brief article mentions a ghost known as 'The White Lady' haunting the Savoy hall in Folkestone, Kent, for months. The ghost has reportedly scared staff, leading to resignations.

Comeback by Ghost

This piece describes a ghost haunting the Pier Theatre, Shanklin, with actors requesting a priest to exorcise it. The ghost, a white-haired man, has allegedly opened doors, moved props, and taken clothing. Legend attributes the haunting to an actor who died on stage in 1858.

Castle for Sale: No Charge for the Ghosts

This article features Watermouth Castle in Ilfracombe, England, which is for sale and includes four ghosts. One ghost, a 'grey lady', was reportedly seen by young ladies staying at the castle. Another ghost used to sit on a stone seat in the garden. A 'monk' ghost was captured in a photograph taken on the terrace. The castle also boasts smugglers' tunnels and a subtropical garden.

U.F.O. DETECTOR

This is an advertisement for a 'U.F.O. Detector' described as a serious research tool, not a toy, guaranteed to react to approaching magnetic fields. It is fully assembled and portable, costing $10.00.

Pilgrims: We Saw Miracle in the Sky

This article recounts an experience of British pilgrims in Garabandal, Spain, who claimed to have witnessed a miracle in the sky. They described the sun surrounded by auras of colors, spinning, and pulsating. Some reported being able to stare at the sun without sunglasses and seeing the outline of a cross. Psychiatrists offered explanations such as expectation and fatigue of the optic nerve, while the Royal Observatory stated they would have noticed any unusual solar activity.

Goodness Gracious, Great Balls of Fire!

This piece discusses the phenomenon of ball lightning, for which Dr. Martin Uman of Westinghouse Corporation is seeking information. The article describes personal accounts of seeing bright-colored balls of light during thunderstorms, including one instance where a ball of blue light drifted above a track and emitted forked lightning. Other accounts include a yellowish light that exploded a stable and a fire-ball that curved over a woman's head. The article notes that ball lightning has been seen to drop from clouds but not rise from the ground, and some scientists believe it may be responsible for reports of unidentified flying objects.

Ghost Drives Out Couple

Ray and Marie Kelly decided to leave their council flat in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, due to a ghost that allegedly moved furniture and tried to pull Ray out of bed. Police inspected the flat but found nothing.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of QUEST magazine revolve around the unexplained and the fringe. There is a strong focus on UFO sightings and theories, often linking them to historical or religious events. Cult activities, with their darker aspects like sacrifice and alleged mind control, are also prominently featured. The magazine presents accounts of supernatural phenomena, including ghosts and hauntings, and explores the work of mediums and psychics. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, presenting various accounts and theories without necessarily endorsing them, but rather inviting the reader to consider the evidence and draw their own conclusions. The inclusion of advertisements for UFO detectors and related books suggests a target audience interested in these topics.