1976 03 00 SAGA - John Keel - Ancient Astronauts Modern Mysteries

Magazine Overview

Title: Ancient Astronauts Modern Mysteries
Publisher: SAGA
Document Type: Magazine Issue
Cover Headline: UFOS AND SOUL SHIPS
Author: John A. Keel

UFOS AND SOUL SHIPS

This article explores the ancient belief in 'soul ships' that transported spirits of the deceased to other worlds, drawing parallels with modern UFO phenomena. The author, John A. Keel, posits that UFOs' association with funeral homes and cemeteries suggests a deep connection between these mysterious objects and the human fascination with death and the afterlife.

Ancient Beliefs and Modern Parallels

Ancient cultures, including the Egyptians, believed in celestial vessels that collected souls. This belief is echoed in some modern religions. The phenomenon of UFOs appearing near funeral sites is presented as evidence supporting this ancient lore. The article recounts a case where a New York psychiatrist reported a teenage patient witnessing a UFO from which a deceased father emerged. A more famous incident in England in 1965 involved a witness claiming an encounter with a flying saucer occupant named 'Yamski,' who was implied to be the reincarnation of the deceased UFO contactee George Adamski.

Keel raises the question of whether UFOs are connected to the 'haunted realm of the human psyche,' inhabited by spirits rather than extraterrestrial beings. He notes that while a few 'scientific ufologists' dismiss these connections, millions of people believe UFOs are part of a religious or cosmic system.

The Ultimate Trip and Cult Activities

The article details instances of individuals being drawn into cult-like activities centered around UFOs. One notable event in Eugene, Oregon, involved a lecture by two individuals who claimed to guide people to a 'rendezvous with flying saucers.' This led approximately 20 people to abandon their homes and families, seeking union with 'cosmic forces.' Such incidents, often receiving little publicity, are dismissed by 'scientific ufologists' but highlight a recurring theme of people seeking an escape from materialistic reality.

Similar events occurred with young people in New York City traveling to New England and individuals in Ohio and West Virginia disappearing during the 1966-67 UFO wave. These individuals often left their lives behind, seeking a spiritual or otherworldly connection.

Death, Sacrifice, and Spiritual Transcendence

Keel suggests that for many, the allure of UFOs is tied to the ultimate mystery of death. The belief that dying can lead to spiritual freedom and a journey to other realms, potentially via 'soul ships,' has driven some to embrace death. The article draws a historical parallel to ancient practices of human sacrifice, where victims believed they were joining their gods. This practice, though often replaced by animal sacrifice, is suggested to persist in esoteric cults, sometimes involving children.

The text mentions the mysterious mutilation of thousands of cows, bulls, and horses in the U.S., with blood extracted, linking these modern occurrences to ancient sacrificial rites.

Men Like Gods and Extradimensional Realms

The concept of becoming 'like gods' as the ultimate step of evolution is discussed, but framed as a transition to a nonmaterialistic, bodiless existence. This extradimensional realm is described as being populated by 'monsters and demons' as well as 'gods,' and is illuminated by the 'sweeping energy of the cosmos' rather than a sun. This realm is closely related to the source of UFOs and ghosts.

The Revival of UFO Mystery and New Religions

Since the revival of the flying saucer mystery in the 1960s, there has been an explosion of new religions. Many utilize brainwashing techniques and offer vague spiritual comforts, leading millions to forsake the materialistic world. The article warns that these forces, which once led to ancient sacrifices, are now controlling people's minds and bodies. It suggests that humanity is not evolving into gods but may be 'melting into that other space-time continuum which lies beyond survival, beyond existence, beyond death.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the ancient connection between UFOs and spiritual beliefs, particularly concerning death and the afterlife. The magazine explores the idea that UFOs may be manifestations of spiritual or extradimensional phenomena rather than purely technological craft. The editorial stance appears to be one that questions the materialistic explanations for UFOs and suggests a deeper, perhaps spiritual or psychological, interpretation rooted in ancient human beliefs and the universal mystery of death. There is a cautionary tone regarding the potential dangers of blindly following charismatic leaders or embracing beliefs that lead to the abandonment of one's life or reality.