SAT-urnus - 1979 No 3

Magazine Overview

This issue of SAT-URNUS, Volume 3, Number 3, from 1979, is a journal for UFO-logy, astronomy, and parapsychology, published by Sala Amatörförening för Tvärvetenskap (SAT). The cover features a stylized image of Saturn and the headline "UFO-logi Astronomi Parapsykologi m.m.". The subscription fee is 30.00 Kr for 1979, and the magazine is published six times a year.

Critical Examination of Religion

The issue opens with an article by "Håkan" critically examining the Bible and religious texts. The author notes that previous criticisms of religion have elicited strong reactions. The article defines the Bible as 'the book of books,' the holy scripture of Christians. It questions the historical accuracy of the New Testament, stating that no evangelists were contemporaries of Jesus and that the earliest accounts were based on oral traditions passed down through generations. The author points out numerous errors and contradictions in the translation of ancient texts, citing over 80,000 discrepancies and noting that manuscripts were often altered to suit current needs. The Codex Sinaiticus, a key 'original text,' is mentioned as having 16,000 corrections made by seven 'authors.' The article also criticizes the church fathers for altering gospel texts to maintain church power and wealth. It quotes the Catholic Church's declarations from 1968 and 1965 regarding its sole authority and the divine inspiration of the Bible, suggesting these claims are questionable given the textual issues. The author concludes by posing rhetorical questions about how people can be misled by religious doctrines when the original texts are so altered and how modern clergy base their differing views on such interpretations.

The Seven Shangri-Las

Another significant section of the magazine explores the concept of Shangri-La, a mythical place of peace and eternal youth that has captured the public imagination, partly due to the film 'Lost Horizon.' The article identifies seven known Shangri-Las around the world:

1. Venezuela: Discovered by a lost traveler 19 years prior, this Shangri-La is located high in the mountains, surrounded by deep gorges. Its inhabitants were aware of modern civilization, drawing diagrams of cars and railways, despite having no contact with the outside world since the 1600s. Pilots later sighted the city from the air.
2. Africa: Located south-east of Mid-Africa, this Shangri-La is situated in an icy mountain range 4300 meters above sea level. First sighted in 1869, it is described as a place of happy, fair-haired people living in beautiful palaces and reaching ages over 200.
3. Northwest Tibet: This Shangri-La is described as a real and existing place, similar to the film's depiction. Its mystics reportedly joined the 13th Dalai Lama when he left Lhasa in 1922.
4. Northeast Spain: This Shangri-La is a hidden, amphitheater-like valley surrounded by mountains, resembling a giant crater with lush vegetation. Its temples are built into the mountainside, with only the facades visible. Its inhabitants live in peace and work towards a new era of brotherhood.
5. Guatemala: This Shangri-La has been active for four thousand years, located high in the mountains near a deep lake that reflects the stars. It is described as a giant amphitheater of stars.
6. Caucasus: Inhabited by people with platinum-blonde hair, this Shangri-La is located in a green valley amidst glaciers and snow, near Mount Ararat and Elbrus. The valley is known as the 'Silver Cross Valley' and is difficult to access.
7. Eastern Andes: The seventh Shangri-La is located high in the Andes, accessible only by direct invitation. Modern researchers have observed ancient temples built into sheer cliffs.

The article notes that the inhabitants of these Shangri-Las are wise, practical, and ready to usher in a new consciousness for humanity. It also mentions an encounter with a mysterious naked man in the Tibetan mountains who radiated unknown energy, causing snow to melt around him.

Radar and UFO Detection

The magazine also addresses the question of whether UFOs can be detected by radar. The article explains that while radar is a powerful technology, its limitations and the interpretation of its signals are crucial. It describes how radar works, using transmitters, receivers, and antennas to detect objects by bouncing pulses off them. The primary users of radar are military forces. The article suggests that if ground-based radar systems are not detecting UFOs, as the defense forces claim, then either the operators or the equipment, or both, need to be replaced. It explains that UFOs might be difficult to detect if they move vertically downwards, appearing as stationary ground echoes, but are more easily spotted when moving horizontally. However, if a UFO stops, it can again appear as a ground echo and be missed. The article concludes that while radar can detect unexplained echoes, it cannot distinguish between natural phenomena like electrical vortices or atmospheric conditions and actual flying objects. The operator's judgment is key, but psychological factors can influence their assessment. The article cites UFO-information 4/1975 as a source.

Ancient Flying Technology

A report by Lutz Gentes, a student from Frankfurt, presented at a MUFON-CES meeting, discusses ancient Sanskrit texts that contain instructions for the construction and operation of flying spacecraft. The Indian epics, particularly the Mahabharata and Ramayana, are cited as containing numerous descriptions of flying and landing spacecraft, with their owners identified as gods from other planets. The Samarangana Sutradhara is highlighted as a significant work detailing the principles of 'Vimana' (flying machines). A 1918 discovery in Baroda yielded a Sanskrit text by Hahaschibaradscha, which provides detailed information on Vimana's weaponry, including bomb-dropping, area-covering weapons, smoke screens, knockout gases, and sound weapons. The article notes that the concept of infrasound weapons, which French and US military authorities are currently researching, was known to the ancient Indians.

Tankekraft: The Psychic Abilities of Nelija Michailova

This section details the case of Nelija Michailova, a Russian woman with extraordinary psychic abilities, such as stopping clocks, making compass needles spin, and moving objects with her mind. Russian scientists have studied her for years without fully understanding her powers. An article in 'Moskovskaja Pravda' described experiments where Michailova moved objects like bread and a carafe, stopped a clock without touching it, and made a pen move across a table. Her abilities were not attributed to trickery or hypnosis. She was also reported to have fought and been wounded by tanks as a teenager during World War II. Scientists are divided on the explanation, suggesting 'electrostatic forces' or 'new forces within humans.' They agree that her abilities are genuine and recommend further study, including showing a film of her powers worldwide.

Unsolved Mysteries

Frank Edwards' article series 'Stranger than Science' is referenced, focusing on unexplained phenomena worldwide. The Bermuda Triangle is presented as a prime example, an area where numerous ships and aircraft have vanished without a trace, baffling scientists. The article also touches upon the concept of 'transportation' (teleportation) as described in the Bible and in Edwards' accounts, suggesting it might explain some of these disappearances. The magazine invites readers to a debate on these 'unsolved mysteries.'

UFO Incidents

The magazine lists several UFO sightings, mostly attributed to natural phenomena like meteorites, bolides, and space debris. However, one notable incident is reported by Lieutenant Colonel Åke Somnell of the Swedish Air Force on May 6, 1975, near Strängnäs. He observed several bright objects in a V-formation flying in tight formation, performing rapid flank changes, and moving north. The objects were yellowish with a red tint, and their size and speed were estimated to be comparable to an aircraft at a distance of 250-300 meters, moving at approximately 500 km/h. The total observation time was about 15 seconds.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores phenomena that challenge conventional scientific understanding, including UFOs, parapsychology, ancient mysteries, and religious critiques. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into the unexplained, encouraging critical thinking and investigation of subjects often dismissed by mainstream science. There is a clear skepticism towards established religious doctrines, advocating for a re-examination of their historical and textual foundations. The publication aims to present evidence and theories from various sources, encouraging reader participation in discussions about these 'unsolved mysteries.'

This issue of U.F.O. Report, dated April 1977, delves into a variety of unexplained phenomena, ranging from mysterious disappearances of ships and aircraft to paranormal events and theories about ancient extraterrestrial contact. The magazine presents a broad spectrum of topics, including historical accounts, scientific speculation, and anecdotal evidence.

Unexplained Disappearances

The issue begins by examining numerous cases of ships and aircraft vanishing without a trace. A prominent incident highlighted is the disappearance of five US Navy planes on December 5, 1945, during a routine training flight, followed by the vanishing of a search plane sent to find them. The magazine then lists a series of maritime disappearances, including:

• 1840: Rosalie, a large French freighter, found adrift with sails set and cargo intact, but all crew missing.
• 1880: Atlanta, a British frigate with 290 people aboard, disappeared near Bermuda.
• 1902: Freya, a German bark, found dismasted off Cuba.
• 1918: Cyclops, a US supply ship of 19,000 tons with 309 people aboard, vanished in good weather without distress signals.
• 1924: Raifuku Maru, a Japanese freighter, sent a distress signal between the Bahamas and Cuba before disappearing.
• 1925: Cotopaxi, a steamship, disappeared en route from Charleston to Havana.
• 1931: Stavanger, a freighter with 43 aboard, sent its last message near the Bahamas.
• 1932: John and Mary, a two-masted vessel, found abandoned south of Bermuda.
• 1940: Gloria Colita, a British yacht, found abandoned in perfect condition south of Mobile, Alabama.
• 1944: Rubicon, a Cuban freighter, found abandoned off Florida with only a dog remaining.
• 1950: Sandra, a freighter, disappeared off Florida.
• 1955: Connemara IV, a yacht, found abandoned south of Bermuda.
• 1963: Marine Sulphur Queen, a freighter, vanished without a trace.
• 1967: Witthcraft, a motorboat, owner and passengers missing while the boat was anchored off Miami.
• 1970: Milton Iartides, a freighter, disappeared.
• 1973: Anita, a 20,000-ton freighter with 32 aboard, vanished.
• 1976: Sylvia L Cssa, a 15,000-ton ore carrier with 37 crew, reported a day's delay and then disappeared, leaving only oil slicks.

The article also poses rhetorical questions about other disappearances, such as the steamboat Iron Mountain in 1872 and a marching army that vanished without a trace.

The Case of David Lang

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the perplexing disappearance of David Lang on September 23, 1880, in Gallatin, Tennessee. Lang was last seen by his family and Judge August Feck as he walked towards a fence. In the span of about thirty seconds, he vanished completely, leaving no trace. Extensive searches of the solid ground yielded no clues, and no explanation was ever found. His wife continued to believe he would return. Years later, in April 1881, his children discovered a circle of yellow grass where he disappeared. A faint voice, possibly Lang's, was heard calling for help from a distant place.

The Oregon Vortex

The magazine then shifts focus to the Oregon Vortex, a location in Oregon, USA, known for its strange phenomena. This area is described as a 'witch's cauldron' of magnetic currents, approximately 60 meters in diameter. Within this vortex, trees lean unnaturally, and compasses do not function. Instruments indicate unusual forces at play, causing a sensation of being pulled downwards. Experiments conducted there, such as hanging heavy chains or observing cigarette smoke, reveal the area's peculiar properties. The article notes that electromagnetic effects are suspected, as light meters show different readings inside and outside the vortex.

Levitation and Paranormal Phenomena

The concept of levitation is explored, defining it as a person being lifted by unknown forces. Historical accounts of levitation among saints like Francis of Assisi and Thérèse are mentioned. The article also discusses modern mediums, particularly D.D. Home, who is credited with numerous levitation feats. A detailed account from "The Cornhill Magazine" in August 1860 describes Home levitating from his chair, moving around a room, and even passing through a window.

John Björkhem is cited for his work in parapsychology, suggesting that paranormal phenomena might be constantly active in our lives, influencing our perceptions, emotions, and reactions. He posits that we live within a 'psycho-magnetic field' that transcends classical physics.

Ancient Astronaut Theories: The Dogon People and Sirius

The magazine presents a fascinating theory about ancient astronauts, focusing on the Dogon people of Mali. Their oral traditions speak of fish-like beings, called 'nonner', who came from the vicinity of the star Sirius and imparted knowledge to humanity. The Dogon's detailed understanding of Sirius, including its invisible companion star, Sirius B (known as 'Po'), is presented as astonishingly accurate, predating modern astronomical discoveries.

Robert Temple's book, "The Sirius Mystery," is discussed, which proposes that the Dogon's knowledge originated from extraterrestrial visitors. Temple links this knowledge to ancient Egypt and Sumeria, suggesting that the rapid cultural advancements in these civilizations around 3000 BC could be attributed to contact with these beings. The article highlights the Egyptian reverence for Sirius, whose heliacal rising marked the beginning of their year and coincided with the Nile's flood. The connection is further drawn through Egyptian mythology, where the goddess Isis had an invisible companion, Nefrytis, potentially representing Sirius B.

The Sumerian Connection

The article further explores the hypothesis that the advanced knowledge of the Sumerians, who developed one of the earliest known civilizations in Mesopotamia, also stemmed from extraterrestrial contact. The Babylonian historian Berosus is quoted describing Oannes, a being with a fish's body who emerged from the sea and taught humans various arts and sciences. These 'amphibious' beings, described as 'repulsive', are depicted in Babylonian and Egyptian art, with the fish-tail motif appearing in depictions of the Egyptian goddess Isis.

Temple argues that these ancient images represent beings from another solar system, likely Sirius, who shared their superior knowledge. This theory offers a potential explanation for the sudden and dramatic cultural and technological leaps seen in ancient Sumeria and Egypt, which transformed them from Stone Age societies into advanced civilizations in a remarkably short period.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are mystery, the unexplained, and the search for alternative explanations beyond conventional science. The magazine explores phenomena that challenge our understanding of reality, from physical disappearances to the possibility of extraterrestrial influence on ancient civilizations. The editorial stance appears to be open to speculative theories, particularly those that connect ancient myths and astronomical observations with the idea of alien visitation. The emphasis is on presenting intriguing cases and hypotheses that push the boundaries of accepted knowledge.

Title: HIMLAVALVET
Issue: 2.69 (Volume 53)
Publisher: Brevcirkeln
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
Date: February 1969

This issue of HIMLAVALVET, a Swedish publication, delves into intriguing topics related to ancient mysteries, extraterrestrial encounters, and astronomical principles. The cover prominently features the enigmatic term "OROK ALKOS."

"Fiskens Dag" and the Dogon People

The magazine begins by discussing the "Fiskens Dag" (Fish Day) as remembered in the myths of the Dogon people of Mali. According to their legends, this day marks the arrival of beings from space, described as "fish-tailed" visitors who came in a craft that glowed like fire. These beings reportedly shared knowledge about their home among the stars with the Dogon people. The Dogon myths suggest that these visitors possessed advanced astronomical knowledge, which modern astronomers have only recently begun to understand with the aid of sophisticated instruments and mathematics. The article poses the question of how such a remote and seemingly "primitive" society could possess such detailed astronomical information, highlighting the Sirius mystery as a profound enigma.

Orokalos: The Mysterious Metal

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to "Orokalos," a legendary metal described by Plato in his account of the Egyptian priest's tale about Atlantis. Plato states that Orokalos was commonly found in antediluvian times, particularly on Atlantis, where it was extracted from the earth. It was highly valued, even more so than gold, by the people of that era. Buildings and structures on Atlantis were adorned with Orokalos, with different layers of walls clad in brass, tin, and Orokalos. Poseidon's temple was described as having ceilings inlaid with ivory and decorated with gold, silver, and Orokalos. Flavius Philostratus, in "Life of Apollonius of Tyana," also mentions Apollonius recounting that Orokalos was mined in the Caucasus and used for coins and ornaments in the ancient Orient.

The exact nature of Orokalos remains unknown. Theories suggest it might be an alloy of gold with another metal or a "natural brass." It is believed to have been mined as ore. A remarkable claim is made that a piece of Orokalos is supposedly housed in the British Museum, possessing a specific gravity several times that of hardened steel. It is described as being so hard and tough that it cannot be cut even with a diamond saw. The article speculates that if the secret of Orokalos were rediscovered, it could be a highly desirable and necessary material for constructing spacecraft for future exploration of the solar system.

Himlavalvet (The Celestial Vault) - Chapter 2

The second part of the magazine shifts focus to practical astronomy and celestial navigation. It explains the concept of the celestial vault as a dome-like structure perceived overhead. The article touches upon ancient cosmologies, such as the Egyptian goddess Nut arching over the Earth and the Greek belief in a crystalline sphere. It clarifies that the celestial vault is essentially a conceptual framework representing the visible portion of the universe from Earth.

Determining Direction

The text provides methods for determining cardinal directions using astronomical observations. It explains how to find the north-south line by observing the shadow cast by a vertical rod (gnomon) at midday, noting that the sun's highest point (culmination) varies throughout the year. A more precise method is described using two concentric circles and the shadow's position at different times of the day to bisect the angle and find the north-south line.

Polaris and Celestial Navigation

The article highlights the importance of Polaris (the North Star) in navigation. Polaris is the second brightest star in the Ursa Minor (Little Dipper) constellation and is located near the north celestial pole. It is a crucial reference point for indicating north. The text explains how to locate Polaris by extending a line through the two stars at the end of the Big Dipper's bowl (Karlavagnen). While Polaris is not perfectly aligned with the celestial pole, it is close enough to serve as a reliable indicator of north. The article notes that Polaris's position relative to the north celestial pole causes it to trace a small circle, and its alignment with true north occurs twice daily, during upper and lower culmination.

Culmination and Digression

A table is provided showing the approximate times of upper and lower culmination for Polaris throughout the year, specifically for the 1970s. It also explains the concept of "digression," which refers to the point where a star reaches its maximum eastward or westward angular distance from the north celestial pole. Figure 5 visually illustrates the daily movement of a star near the pole, explaining culmination and digression.

Zenith and Nadir

The article defines zenith as the point directly overhead and nadir as the point directly below. It explains that a star's position can be described by its altitude and azimuth, or by its relation to cardinal directions and its position in the sky relative to the horizon and zenith.

Afterword and Information

An "Efterlysning" (Inquiry) section seeks information about obtaining writings from the "Rosencreutz-Ordens," specifically "FAMA FRATERNITATIS," published in Swedish in 1974. Contact details for S.A.T. are provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores themes of ancient mysteries, unexplained phenomena, and the potential for advanced ancient knowledge, particularly in astronomy and metallurgy. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, presenting historical accounts and scientific concepts side-by-side, encouraging readers to ponder the enigmas of the past and the universe. The focus on "Orokalos" suggests an interest in lost technologies and materials, while the astronomical section reflects a desire to educate readers on fundamental celestial principles and their historical context.