1975 07 00 SAGA - John Keel - Ancient Astronauts Modern Mysteries

Magazine Overview

Title: Ancient Astronauts Modern Mysteries
Issue: 1975-07
Volume: 14
Publisher: SAGA
Date: July 1975

This issue of SAGA magazine, dated July 1975, explores the persistent phenomenon of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and their potential connection to ancient history and mythology, under the banner "Ancient Astronauts Modern Mysteries." The cover story, authored by John A. Keel, delves into the concept of 'Watchers'—beings who have allegedly been observing Earth from afar throughout human history.

The Watchers

The article begins by referencing Charles Fort's 1925 observation that "ships from other worlds have been seen by millions of inhabitants of this Earth." Fort's work is presented as an early acknowledgment of a phenomenon that would later become widely discussed, even as official government agencies like the U.S. Air Force eventually ceased their investigations. The author suggests that Fort understood that mysterious machines and aerial craft had been reported throughout history, and that their occupants were often seen, influencing human myths.

The legend of the 'Watchers' is introduced as an offshoot of this mystery. These beings are described as having hovered in Earth's skies, observing humanity's development. Accounts are cited from ancient lamas in Tibet, and from Westerners like artist and explorer Nicholas Roerich, who reported seeing "gleaming metal discs" above the Himalayas in the 1920s. Mountain climber Frank Smythe also recounted seeing a "pulsating tea kettle" hovering nearby on a mountain in Nepal, accompanied by a feeling of being watched benevolently.

During the UFO "flap" years of 1966-68, missionaries reported encounters with "phantom aircraft," and scientists in remote Antarctica allegedly observed "great circular objects" over the South Pole. The phenomenon resurfaced in 1973-74, with sightings described as 'Watchers' making a return, only to disappear again. The article concludes this section by stating that, based on historical patterns, they will likely return, prompting a new generation to observe the skies.

Gods or Spacemen?

This section explores the possibility that ancient myths of gods were actually descriptions of these 'Watchers' or 'spacemen.' It posits a scenario from 40,000 B.C. where a primitive man encountered a "gleaming metallic object" with "tall, silent Watchers" inside. Sketches of this object, found on cave walls across the globe, are presented as evidence. The article questions whether these beings were gods or extraterrestrial visitors, or perhaps even a civilization from a lost continent on Earth.

According to the narrative, these beings offered assistance to early humans, teaching them fundamentals of law, architecture, and mathematics. Humans, in turn, paid tribute by creating art and stories. However, the relationship allegedly turned sinister when the 'gods' began demanding animal and then human sacrifices, claiming credit for natural disasters. Great pyramids were built, and young women were offered in temples. The 'gods' are said to have mated with human women, producing giants who led tribes and nations. This 'god-king' system, where these hybrid rulers maintained subtle control through the 'gods,' persisted in some parts of the world into the 20th century.

Charles Fort's theory that "we are property" is invoked, suggesting that Earth and its inhabitants are owned and controlled. The 'gods' are presented not as myths but as real entities whose directives were calculated to protect Earth itself, often manipulating human events to conform to a predetermined future. This is likened to a "celestial chess game" where humanity is a pawn, attempting to rationalize its predicament through theology and cosmology.

Ancient Astros (Continued)

Continuing from page 14, the article discusses how human history has been rewritten to match ideals, obscuring the true past. Oral histories passed down from those who conversed with the 'Watchers' filled in gaps after the destruction of ancient libraries. The passage through ages of magic and the Dark Ages is mentioned, leading to the "long and painful escape from the god-king system" in 1848 and the dawn of the industrial age. Political ideologies replaced religion, and the old gods became mythical while new 'gods' from outer space appeared.

The article draws parallels between ancient deities like Ashtoreth and figures like Ashtar, the self-appointed chief of the Intergalactic Federation, suggesting a continuity of the 'god' concept.

It's Alive!

This sub-section introduces the concept of collective intelligence, using ants as an example. Individual ants are described as stupid, but a thousand ants together form a "single collective mind" capable of complex strategies and engineering. This collective organism is presented as an integral part of a larger, intelligent entity. Similar examples are given of underwater animals forming larger organisms and African fleas coordinating to bite an animal simultaneously.

Dr. Carl Jung's speculation that mankind's unconscious minds might be collectively joined by "radio-like waves of energy" is discussed, forming a "single massive brain" capable of manipulating reality. Zoologist Ivan Sanderson further proposed that the planet itself is a living organism with its own mind and hidden purposes.

The Biosphere and Planetary Crisis

This section, continuing from page 50, elaborates on the idea of the "biosphere" as a single planetary organism. The Earth's ecological forces, like winds and water currents, are compared to the human body's arteries. The article states that since 1848, humanity has been deliberately destroying these interlocking systems, causing the Earth to "scream in agony." The collective unconscious is seen as desperately trying to communicate this crisis.

For the past 20 years, 'ufonauts' have been conveying two messages to flying saucer contactees: "We are One," and "You are endangering the balance of the universe." They are reportedly alarmed by humanity's atomic experiments, which have involved over 1,000 nuclear bombs, warning that these actions affect "many other worlds."

Thor Heyerdahl's Atlantic crossing in a reed boat is mentioned, highlighting the pollution of the ocean with oil slicks and garbage. The article notes that the planet's oxygen supply, largely produced by oceanic algae, is threatened by this pollution, suggesting the Earth itself is battling for survival.

Mankind is characterized as a "disease" or "billions of germs" destroying interdependent ecosystems. As the planetary crisis escalates, the 'Watchers' increase their surveillance, filling the night skies with "cosmic eyes." People are reportedly being subjected to mind reprogramming by "strange forces." The UFOs are not seen as coming from a distant galactic system but are closely related to mankind and Earth.

Fortean Damon Knight is quoted, noting that UFO appearances, poltergeist activity, and strange falls from the sky show "strong positive correlations," indicating a "rhythmic fluctuation."

The conclusion is that Earth may have once needed man, but now humanity has become a "plague" threatening the entire organism. The "signs and wonders of our present day" are seen as the "subtle beginnings of the global convulsions to come," driven by the planet's urge for self-preservation, which will ultimately destroy humanity.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the ancient astronaut theory, the persistent presence of unidentified aerial phenomena (UFOs) and their potential observers ('Watchers'), and the concept of Earth as a living, conscious entity facing a crisis of humanity's making. The editorial stance appears to be one that views UFO phenomena not as mere curiosities but as integral to a larger, possibly ancient, cosmic drama involving Earth and humanity. There is a strong undercurrent of warning regarding humanity's destructive impact on the planet and the universe, suggesting that current events are precursors to a planetary "self-preservation" response that could be catastrophic for mankind.