1975 05 00 SAGA - John Keel - Ancient Astronauts Modern Mysteries

Magazine Overview

This issue of "Ancient Astronauts Modern Mysteries" explores the enigmatic origins and construction of ancient megalithic structures, particularly the pyramids of Egypt, and posits a connection to extraterrestrial visitors or 'ancient astronauts'. The magazine questions conventional archaeological explanations and suggests that advanced knowledge or inspiration from non-human sources was responsible for these monumental feats.

The Pyramid Age

The article begins by critiquing the pronouncements of scientists like Dr. Kurt Mendelssohn, who suggested that Egypt's six major pyramids were built by 70,000 unemployed farmers in a single century. The author, John A. Keel, draws on his own experiences in Egypt and expresses frustration with the 'pseudo-scientific rubbish' often published about these ancient structures. He notes the lack of detailed Egyptian records explaining the construction of the pyramids, leading to centuries of speculation by archaeologists.

Keel asserts that pyramid building was a universal practice over 6,000 years ago, with similar structures found across the globe, including Mexico, China, Great Britain, North America, Pacific islands, and Babylonia. He recounts pilot reports of massive pyramids in isolated Himalayan valleys during WWII. The construction of these early mounds, often built in layers over long periods, involved laborious hauling of materials. A common practice was the erection of a special temple on the summit, where a chosen maiden would await a visit from a 'mysterious god' for procreation, a practice linked to the use of gold in sacred objects and chambers.

This practice, according to Keel, suggests that humanity's purpose was to supply gods with gold and female companionship. He questions whether these 'sexy gods' were astronauts from other planets who viewed Earth as a 'celestial Playboy Club'.

Tools of the Gods

The article posits that gold, though worthless for tools, was considered a sacred metal, mined extensively to fashion holy objects for the gods. This system, embedded in legends worldwide, served to provide slave labor for the gods. The Egyptian pyramids, however, are presented as a potential exception, with no record of virgins being left in chambers awaiting astronauts.

The residue of these ancient beliefs persists today in religious practices, such as the use of gold artifacts in churches and the claim of divine descent by rulers. The degeneration of these beliefs led to bloody sacrifices, including the ritualistic cutting out of hearts, a practice seen in various cultures and even alluded to in biblical narratives.

Ancient Astros (Continued)

Keel argues that the building of mounds and pyramids was an act of faith, driven by the fear of gods rather than love. Societies revolved around religious rites, and monuments were primarily religious in nature. Great cities were centers of worship, not commerce, with believers traveling to contribute labor to pyramid projects, possibly witnessing mysterious manifestations that reinforced their faith.

He notes a pattern in modern UFO sightings, which tend to occur around the 21st-24th of the month, a period that also coincided with ancient holidays like the summer and winter solstices. Stonehenge and other ancient monuments were aligned with celestial movements to pinpoint these times, and mysterious lights and objects seen concurrently were likely interpreted as godly activities.

Ancient Observatory

The construction of the Great Pyramid at Giza is described as a slow, layered process. The layout of the Grand Gallery and interior features suggest it served as an astronomical observatory, using aligned stones similar to henges and burrows for computation. The stone sarcophagus in the uppermost chamber might have had a purpose beyond being a coffin. The ventilation shafts align with the Pleiades star group, and other features align with solstice sun positions, indicating its use as an observatory for centuries before completion. It was not used as a tomb but possibly as a storage for religious relics, such as the Ark of the Covenant or the Black Rock of the Moslems.

The Great Pyramid has survived earthquakes and undergone repairs. One theory suggests it was built to house scrolls of ancient knowledge to protect them from a foreseen disaster. Traces of salt in the inner chambers suggest the area might have been underwater at some point.

The article questions the methods used to quarry and transport the enormous stones, noting that while archaeologists believe soft metal tools were used, some pyramids contain chambers carved from tough quartzite, rendering copper tools useless for such work. Blocks weighing over 100 tons, and even 200 tons in the Mortuary Temple of Mycerinus, highlight the lost methods of construction.

Keel concludes that the ancient Egyptians possessed lost methods for transporting and lifting massive stones, similar to those used at Stonehenge and in the Andes Mountains. He suggests a single worldwide culture existed at one point in ancient history and that our ancestors are unjustly singled out for their achievements. He poses the question of whether godly apparitions or astronauts from the cosmos inspired these feats, and if mankind was once enslaved by mysterious gods.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the mystery surrounding ancient construction techniques, the potential involvement of extraterrestrial intelligence ('ancient astronauts'), and the interpretation of ancient myths and religious practices through the lens of UFO phenomena. The editorial stance is critical of conventional archaeology and open to speculative theories that connect ancient civilizations with advanced, non-human visitors. The article emphasizes the global nature of ancient monumental architecture and suggests a common, possibly extraterrestrial, source of inspiration.