Magazine Summary
SAGA
Summary
This issue of SAGA magazine from November 1969 delves into various mysterious phenomena and social issues. A central theme is the theory of an 'Underground Network of Saucer Bases,' linking UFO sightings in mountainous, cave-riddled regions to ancient legends of subterranean beings and possible extraterrestrial activity. The magazine also touches upon the controversial topic of 'White Backlash' and the secret mobilization of militant extremists. Other articles explore predictions for the next ten years, the potential banning of 'deadly diet aids,' and the allure of Barbara Eden. The issue also presents evidence of unusual underground discoveries, including ancient artifacts and humanoids, and explores the phenomenon of 'sea saucers' and unidentified submarine objects.
Magazine Overview
This issue of SAGA magazine, dated November 1969, features a striking cover image of a KKK-style hood and a prominent headline about 'WHITE BACKLASH: Secret Mobilization of Militant Extremists.' The magazine also includes a variety of other articles, including predictions from Criswell, a discussion on diet aids, a feature on Barbara Eden, and a special report on UFOs.
Underground Network of Saucer Bases?
The lead article, "UNDERGROUND NETWORK OF SAUCER BASES?" by Otto O. Binder & Joan Whritenour, explores the hypothesis that UFOs are frequently sighted in mountainous, cave-rich regions due to a possible connection with subterranean bases. The article draws parallels between folklore about underground 'little men' (trolls, kobolds, pixies) and descriptions of humanoids emerging from flying saucers. It references Dr. Morris K. Jessup's theories about 'UFOnauts' establishing themselves underground and suggests that ancient legends of dwarfs and pygmies might be related to these beings.
- The article delves into various pieces of evidence, including:
- Folklore: Tales of 'little men' and goblins in mining regions, such as the 'metallic sprites' or kobolds in Germany and the 'little devils' in Hanover.
- Archaeological Discoveries: Chinese archaeologists finding 12,000-year-old stone disks and bones of small humanoids with underdeveloped skeletons; Henri Lotte's discovery of cave frescoes in the Sahara depicting men in space suits; similar discoveries in Japan, the Swiss Alps, Australia, and Soviet Central Asia.
- Pygmy Tribes: The assertion that modern pygmy tribes might be descendants of these original 'little-men' humanoids, noting their consistent height of 4.5 to 5 feet.
- Mummy Find: A 14-inch tall mummified 'humanoid' found in a Wyoming cave in 1932, speculated to be a shrunk version of a taller being.
- Geological Anomalies: The article discusses the Schooner Experiment, an underground nuclear bomb test in Nevada in December 1968, and the subsequent rise in radiation levels in Canada, suggesting the radioactive dust traveled through an interconnected series of caves.
- Project Mohole: The unexplained cancellation of the deep-sea drilling project is questioned, with speculation that underground interference, similar to that reported with kobolds, might be the cause.
- Cave Phenomena: Reports of weird sounds, eerie noises, and voices in caves, such as those heard by speleologists in Floyd Collins Crystal Cave.
- Geographical Locations: Mentions of UFO sightings and legends in various mountainous regions worldwide, including Mt. Shasta, the Andes, Antarctica, Mt. Rainier, Mt. Kilimanjaro, and the Ozark Mountains.
- Sea Saucers and USOs: The article extensively covers sightings of UFOs interacting with water, including craft diving into the sea, appearing in lakes, and unidentified submarine objects (USOs). Examples include the Swedish ship Dorthemaersk, sightings in Lake Maracaibo, Newport, Rhode Island, off Cape Cod, Shag Harbor, Nova Scotia, and the Gulf of Mexico. The phenomenon of 'sea saucers' is linked to underwater or tidal caves potentially providing access to underground domains.
- Sinkholes in Florida: The increasing occurrence of sinkholes in Florida is presented as evidence of a vast underground network, possibly inhabited by saucermen.
- Lava Tubes and Pure Cave Air: The article questions the scientific explanation for the formation of lava tubes and the unusual purity of air in certain caves, suggesting these might be connected to underground humanoids.
The Mafia's Rape of Wall Street
This is a headline on the cover, suggesting an article within the magazine that addresses financial crime or corruption related to Wall Street.
Criswell Predicts Your Next Ten Years
This indicates an article featuring predictions from the noted psychic, Criswell, covering the period from 1969 to 1979.
When Will U.S. Ban Deadly Diet Aids?
This article likely discusses the regulation or prohibition of potentially harmful diet supplements in the United States.
Barbara Eden: TV's Jazzy Jeannie
A feature piece on the actress Barbara Eden, likely focusing on her role as Jeannie in the popular television show 'I Dream of Jeannie.'
Fabulous New Gold Flake Strike
This headline suggests a report on a significant new discovery or development related to gold mining, possibly involving the 'Gold Flake' mine.
Sand Sailing the Vast Sahara
An article exploring the activity of sand sailing or land yachting in the Sahara Desert.
White Backlash: Secret Mobilization of Militant Extremists
This is the main cover story, indicating a serious piece examining a socio-political phenomenon, likely related to racial tensions and the organized activities of extremist groups.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The recurring themes in this issue of SAGA magazine revolve around mysteries, the unexplained, and potential hidden realities. There is a strong focus on UFOs, extraterrestrial life, and ancient civilizations, often linking them to subterranean or hidden locations. The magazine appears to adopt a speculative and investigative stance, presenting theories and evidence that challenge conventional scientific or historical explanations. Alongside these paranormal and speculative topics, the issue also addresses contemporary social and political issues, such as 'White Backlash,' suggesting a broad editorial scope that seeks to engage readers with both the extraordinary and the controversial aspects of the world.
Why was that project abruptly abandoned last year? Was it because of interference from underground, like that "caused" by the kobolds in the German mines?
Key Incidents
An underground nuclear bomb test in Nevada caused radiation levels to rise significantly in Canada, 1,000 miles away, suggesting travel through an interconnected series of caves.
A cigar-shaped UFO and a disk-shaped UFO were observed near a mine dump, with three small men in miner-like caps emerging from one craft.
A Swedish ship observed a cone-shaped craft giving off fiery radiance as it plunged into the sea.
A glowing UFO was observed diving into Lake Maracaibo.
A red sphere was seen bobbing in the bay, floating out to sea, and then flying away.
Workmen aboard a radar missile-spotting station watched a floating object swing a searchlight beam, give off steamy vapors, and then sink abruptly.
A 'flaming' object dove into the harbor waters and vanished, with a subsequent search by frogmen revealing no trace.
Fishermen reported 'holes' in the Gulf where the water boiled in circles, coinciding with sea-saucer sightings.
A marine scientist observed a shape of unusual symmetry moving at 3.5 knots underwater, identified as a machine.
An anonymous report described a submarine vessel, at least 100 feet long, cruising at a depth of 30 feet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theory presented about UFOs and caves?
The magazine proposes a theory that UFOs are sighted in mountainous, cave-riddled regions because these caves may form a vast underground network of bases for flying saucers and their humanoid operators.
What evidence is presented for underground humanoids?
Evidence includes folklore about 'little men,' discoveries of ancient artifacts like stone disks with bones of undersized men, cave frescoes depicting 'spacemen,' and legends of giants and pygmy tribes.
How does the magazine explain the radioactivity reaching Canada after the Schooner Experiment?
The magazine suggests that the radioactive dust traveled through an interconnected series of caves from Nevada to Canada, a theory it posits baffled scientists would not accept.
What is the connection between sinkholes and UFOs in Florida?
The magazine suggests that the increasing appearance of sinkholes in Florida, which reveal a honeycomb of underground pits and caverns, may indicate a large 'colony' of underground saucermen operating in the area.
In This Issue
People Mentioned
- Criswellpredictor
- Barbara EdenTV personality
- Otto O. Binderauthor
- Joan Whritenourauthor
- Gil Cohenillustrator
- Dr. Morris K. Jessupauthor
- Henri Lotteexplorer
- Carmen Cuneowitness
- Lucius Farishwriter
- Harminoussea captain
- Kenneth Arnoldwitness
- George Hunt Williamsonauthor
- +8 more
Organisations
- Atomic Energy Commission
- Fortean Society
- National Cave Association
- Macfadden-Bartell Corporation
- Walt Disney
Locations
- Wall Street, USA
- Sahara, Africa
- Val Comonique, Switzerland
- Soviet Central Asia, Soviet Union
- Wyoming, USA
- Pedro Mountains, USA
- Arctic Circle, Arctic
- China, China
- Tibet, China
- Floyd Collins Crystal Cave, USA
- Tampico, Mexico
- Sombrero Mountain, Mexico
- Europe, Europe
- Mt. Shasta, USA
- +6 more