1975 04 00 SAGA - John Keel - Ancient Astronauts Modern Mysteries

Magazine Overview

This issue of SAGA magazine, titled "Ancient Astronauts Modern Mysteries" and authored by John A. Keel, delves into the intriguing possibility of advanced ancient technologies and their connection to extraterrestrial visitation. The publication explores historical accounts, archaeological puzzles, and the mysterious properties of crystals, suggesting that ancient civilizations may have possessed knowledge and devices far beyond our current understanding.

Records of the Past

The article begins by recounting a sensational, though ultimately debunked, archaeological discovery in China. A group of scientists reportedly found large stone discs in a cave, similar to modern phonograph records, which allegedly contained an electrical charge and stored sound. These discs were said to hold ancient records of extraterrestrial visitors, the 'Dropa tribe,' who supposedly crashed to Earth 12,000 years ago and became ancestors to a diminutive race still existing in China. However, researchers like Gordon Creighton found no evidence to support this claim, revealing it to be the invention of Soviet science fiction writer V. Zaitsev.

Despite the hoax, the concept of ancient audio recordings is presented as plausible. The article notes Thomas Edison's first phonograph in 1877 was a simple device, suggesting that similar technology could have existed thousands of years prior, perhaps utilizing different principles. The evolution of recording technology is highlighted, from Edison's cylinder phonograph and Valdemar Poulson's impractical wire recorder (invented in 1898) to modern tape machines and cassettes, illustrating how older technologies become obsolete and unrecognizable over time.

The Perfect Technology

This section posits that as technology advances and becomes more complex, its products paradoxically become simpler and more efficient. The article uses the example of radios and computers, which have drastically reduced in size and complexity over the decades. It speculates that the ultimate product of the 21st century might be a tiny device unrecognizable to future generations, much like ancient artifacts might be to us.

The author suggests that ancient civilizations likely developed their own sophisticated technologies using lost principles. Evidence cited includes gold-plated and silver-plated artifacts found worldwide, which require electrical processes for their creation. A crude electric battery discovered in an old tomb and now displayed in Baghdad museum is mentioned. Furthermore, ancient manuscripts describing medical treatments akin to electric shock therapy and speculation that the Biblical Ark of the Covenant was an electrical device are discussed. The Ark's description, with gold plates, a wooden framework, and 'cherubim' antennae, is compared to a classic electrical condenser. The article also notes the protective clothing worn by priests and the electrocution of Nadab and Abihu, suggesting potential electrical hazards associated with handling the Ark.

Ancient priests' breastplates and headgear, inlaid with crystals and patterned gold strips, are theorized by modern engineers to be technological devices similar to printed circuits found in modern miniature chips. Ancient records claim people 'consulted' these breastplates.

Ancient Astros (Continued)

Drawing parallels between the Israelites' interaction with the gold-plated Ark and modern radio receivers, the article questions if these ancient devices were tuned to a transmitter. Tradition states Moses received instructions for building the Ark from a 'fiery cloud' on Mount Sinai.

The concept of primitive radio receivers, like crystal sets using germanium to rectify radio signals, is presented as a rediscovery of ancient knowledge. The possibility of developing systems to record electrical impulses in crystal fragments, similar to current magnetic tape recordings, is explored. The future phonograph might simply involve a crystal producing sound when stimulated.

Mysterious Crystals

This section focuses on the purported mystical properties of crystals throughout history. Occultists have long believed in their power, with clairvoyants using crystal balls and talismans made of crystals credited with magical abilities. The article suggests that our modern acceptance of birthstones and jewels linking to celestial movements might be a remnant of ancient knowledge.

Religious, occult, and flying saucer lore contain enigmatic references to a 'super crystal' that could record human history and control events. Legends of Atlantis mention a crystalline recording device at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean, while some Eastern religions teach that the human record is preserved in a crystal in the Himalayas. Even artifacts like the Black Stone of Mecca are alleged to possess supernatural properties.

Modern UFO contactees have reported visiting caverns lit by glowing crystals where instruments monitor the world. Ralph Lael of North Carolina claimed to have received quartz crystals from 'space people' as physical proof.

The author suggests that underlying these myths might be a thread of truth – a remnant of ancient knowledge. It is proposed that thousands of years ago, a priesthood or secret cult might have discovered how to record electrical impulses in crystals. Alternatively, an ancient astronaut could have left a crystal on Earth to monitor its changes. Early priests might have communicated with these crystals using primitive radio receivers tuned to specific electromagnetic frequencies. The article speculates that crystals might have been used to produce TV-like pictures of the past and future.

The oracles of Delphi and wizards of Egypt and India are suggested to have had direct radio contact with crystals that transcended earthly boundaries.

In the 1950s, the rediscovery of crystals' magical properties led to the invention of transistors. Advances in the space program spurred the development of printed circuits and miniaturized electronic devices. Scientists are now working to perfect non-mechanical, electronic recording devices using crystals. Simultaneously, scientists are listening to strange, organized radio signals broadcast on extreme frequencies by unknown transmitters, which seem to originate from Earth itself.

The article concludes by envisioning a future where we might 'open a magical door into the past' by accessing voices from history stored in crystals. It suggests we could listen to historical speeches and even hear the voices of prophets and seers. The energy source for such 'super crystals' might exist beyond the normal electromagnetic spectrum, allowing them to view the future as easily as Edison's cylinder recorded the present, potentially enabling us to alter events and control the future.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the concept of lost ancient technologies, the potential for extraterrestrial influence on early human civilization, and the mysterious capabilities of crystals. The editorial stance, as presented by John A. Keel, is one of open-minded inquiry into these possibilities, drawing connections between ancient myths, historical accounts, and modern scientific advancements. The magazine encourages readers to consider that much of what we perceive as modern innovation may have ancient precedents, and that the universe may hold secrets far beyond our current comprehension.