1973 09 00 SAGA - John Keel - Ancient Astronauts Modern Mysteries

Magazine Overview

This issue of SAGA magazine, titled "Ancient Astronauts Modern Mysteries," explores the profound connections between ancient myths and modern UFO phenomena, arguing that extraterrestrial visitors have influenced human history and culture since its inception. The article posits that many ancient legends and superstitions are rooted in actual encounters with beings from the sky, referred to as 'Sky People.'

Sky Ladders

The article begins by examining the concept of 'Sky Ladders,' linking ancient mythological accounts of beings descending from the sky to modern UFO reports of ladders emerging from disc-shaped objects. It cites examples from mythology, the Bible (Jacob's ladder), and a French cave carving. A significant anecdote involves James Cook of Runcorn, England, who in 1957 claimed to have been invited aboard a flying saucer via a ladder and was warned about atomic bomb tests, even experiencing an electrical shock when he touched the wet ground.

Long Hair and Short Memories

This section focuses on the striking similarities between the descriptions of occupants in early 1950s UFO encounters and figures from ancient myths. Witnesses consistently described these beings as tall, with long, shoulder-length blond hair, unusually long fingers, and an androgynous appearance. The article notes that these descriptions align with depictions of gods and Sky People in myths from Greece, Rome, Africa, and South America. Prominent contactees like Daniel Fry, who founded Understanding, Inc., and George Adamski, known for his controversial claims and photographs, are discussed. Adamski gained significant attention in Europe, even meeting with Queen Juliana of the Netherlands and Pope John. Howard Menger is also mentioned for his 1956 report of UFOs landing on his New Jersey farm, where he claimed to have given haircuts to the 'space people' to help them blend in.

The Coming of the New Age

The UFO contactee phenomenon of the 1950s is presented as a catalyst for the emergence of the New Age movement. The article suggests that many contactees, often from less educated backgrounds, wrote extensively about their experiences, sometimes claiming to be dictated by the 'long-haired entities.' These self-published books often predicted a coming 'new age' characterized by a surge in interest in the occult, Ouija boards, tarot cards, and astrology. Despite initial skepticism from the press and scientific establishment, New Age groups began to form, issuing newsletters with prophecies.

Revolution of the Mind

The 1960s are described as a pivotal decade where the influence of 'mysterious occupants of some other world' became more widespread and subtle, impacting culture and introducing new forms of art and expression, such as the long hair and eccentric dress that became symbols of nonconformity. This period also saw a dramatic increase in UFO sightings globally, with a new type of contactee emerging—professionals like lawyers and doctors. The article highlights the 'dam bursting' in March 1966 when UFOs became a major news item, leading the U.S. Air Force to hand over its investigation to scientists at Colorado University and eventually close down Project Blue Book. The societal impact included a rise in psychic exploration, occult literature, and a rejection of materialism, with Ouija boards outselling Monopoly by 1970.

Pattern Changes

Following the peak of UFO sightings between 1964 and 1968, incidents seemingly declined, though they continued with frequency. The article notes that many individuals involved in these experiences underwent significant personality and lifestyle changes, including divorce and career abandonment. Some even identified as 'space people.' Tragically, there was also an increase in crimes attributed to individuals claiming orders from space beings. This era also coincided with major social movements like the Civil Rights, Women's Lib, and Sexual Revolution, all contributing to a dramatic alteration of the sociological structure and a rise in 'consciousness raising.'

The Winding Down

The article marks the moon landing in July 1969 as a significant event. Concurrently, Colorado University declared UFOs not to be extraterrestrial spaceships, and the U.S. Air Force closed Project Blue Book, leading to a decrease in media coverage. However, the interest in the occult continued to grow, with books on the subject outselling those on sex. The New Age movement had, in effect, arrived. The article notes that millions now believe in visitors from outer space, citing an ambassador's speech at the UN and the shift in perspective of UFO consultant Dr. J. Allen Hynek, who acknowledged the possibility of 'fire' where there is 'smoke.' Even members of the Colorado UFO project, like Dr. David Saunders, began to believe.

Conclusion

The piece concludes by questioning whether these events signify preparation for a new evolutionary phase or a repetition of ancient confrontations between humans and celestial beings. It leaves the ultimate meaning of these phenomena for future generations to ponder, emphasizing the enduring nature of the 'Sky People' compared to human lifespans.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The central theme is the persistent influence of 'Sky People' throughout human history, linking ancient myths and modern UFO phenomena. The magazine adopts a stance that suggests UFOs and related phenomena are not mere delusions but have a tangible, historical basis, potentially shaping human civilization. There's a clear editorial leaning towards validating the experiences of contactees and acknowledging the profound societal shifts that occurred in parallel with the UFO waves, particularly the rise of the New Age movement and counter-cultural trends.