Searchlight - Vol 2 No 09

Magazine Overview

This issue of SEARCHLIGHT, Volume 2, Number 9, edited by Timothy Green Beckley and with John J. Robinson as Assistant Editor, is dated April 7, 1938, with a cover price of $2.00. The main cover headline is "FINGERS OF FIRE". The magazine explores themes of unexplained phenomena, UFOs, ancient cultures, and mysterious events.

Articles

Fingers of Fire

This article by Michael MacDougall recounts three seemingly connected deaths that occurred on April 7, 1938. The first involved John Greeley, the helmsman of the tramp steamer S.S. Ulrich, found cremated in his wheelhouse miles off the coast of Ireland. There was no sign of fire, and his body was consumed by intense heat. The second incident occurred in Upton-by-Chester, England, where George Turner, a truck driver, was found burned to death inside his cab. The heat must have been tremendous, yet there was no sign of fire, and the truck's windows were not cracked. The third fatality was William Ten Bruik, who was burned to death in his Volkswagen in Nijmegen, Holland, at precisely the same time as the other two incidents, adjusted for time zones. The car itself was unharmed, with no sign of fire. MacDougall describes these events as "fantastic" and "unbelievable," suggesting a possible extraterrestrial or unknown force at play.

More on Mel Noel Contactee

This section references a column by Drew Pearson in The Washington Post Times Herald from September 25, 1966, regarding Mel Noel. Noel, a former Air Force pilot, claimed to have been part of a group assigned to hunt and photograph UFOs. He stated he flew 73 missions and encountered UFOs at least twice, capturing motion pictures that were handed over to the Air Force but never released to him. Due to a ten-year statute of limitations, Noel was unable to speak of his experiences until recently. The article notes that Noel's claims are considered believable and have generated significant reader interest.

What Others Are Doing

This segment highlights other UFO researchers and publications. Kenneth Larson is mentioned as editing a bi-monthly publication called UFO SCOPE. It also notes that Flushing, N.Y., reported over 41 UFO reports in October, most of which were later identified by the Air Force as stars. One such "Star" was photographed and appeared in The New York Daily News. Readers are also encouraged to get REAL magazine for December, which features articles by Jim Moseley and others, including over 75 UFO photos.

A Wheel Within a Wheel

Written by Yolanda Pimentel, this is the second in a series of articles exploring the idea that ancient stories of gods and beings from heaven might have been visitations from outer space beings. Pimentel, a housewife and researcher, shares her personal journey of discovery, prompted by her son's conversion to Judaism. Her research into circumcision rites led her to explore ancient customs, civilizations, religious rites, anthropology, archeology, astronomy, and extraterrestrial life.

She discusses circumcision practices among Jews, Moslems, and primitive peoples, detailing the Jewish ritual with the "mohel" and "sawdek." Pimentel then expands her research to include various tribes, such as the Eskimos, who had tailored clothing, named children after deceased relatives, and believed animals had souls. She mentions their belief in Sila, the spirit of the air, and their medicine men's ability to transform into the Sea Woman.

Native American tribes are also discussed, with their beliefs in spirits, demons, and ghosts, and the concept of a supernatural power or aggregate of powers. Names like Huaca (Incas), Wakon (Sioux), Crenda (Iroquois), and Manitou (Algonquins) are mentioned. The "culture hero" concept and totems are also explored. Pimentel notes the Kwakuitt Cannibal Society's unusual rites, including nose piercing and tattooing, and the practice of head flattening among some tribes.

Eastern Woodland Indians are described as having strong tribal bonds, worshipping a "Master of Life," and practicing secret initiations and fasting. Tribes like the Algonquins, Sauks, and Foxes are mentioned. The Midwest and Great Lakes Indians had a priesthood of three men and three women overseeing ceremonies, believing all life was fused spiritually. The Southeastern Indians built flat-topped earthen pyramids and had despotic kings like the Natchez's "Great Sun." The "green corn ceremony" (puskita) is described as an annual event involving fire extinguishing, pottery breaking, and forgiveness, which Pimentel likens to Jewish holidays like Sukkoy and Yom Kippur.

The Cheyennes had a complex legal system, with exile as punishment for harmful acts. The "Dog Society" among the Cheyennes is noted for its age-graded system and secret rites revealed at puberty. The Sun Dance ceremony, seeking supernatural assistance through dancing and fasting, is also discussed, with parallels drawn to similar rites in African tribes.

Pimentel concludes that the various rites she has studied share a common origin, hinting at extraterrestrial influence. She promises to reveal in part two how "Hawk Men" from the sky taught various practices to North and South American Indians.

Saucermen Sblish & Splash

This section, referencing Otto Binder's syndicated column "CUR SPACE AGE" from September 19, 1966, describes an unusual incident from the Spring of 1960. An unidentified engineer from Syracuse, N.Y., fishing at night, heard a strange noise and saw a weird, egg-shaped object with a rotating light skim over the river. The object landed, a hatch opened, and two non-human beings emerged. They used a hose to draw water from the river and splashed each other playfully. The beings then performed incredible leaps, suggesting Earth's gravity was less than their home planet's. They appeared to communicate telepathically with multi-colored glows before re-entering their ship and disappearing. Readers are encouraged to request "CUR SPACE AGE" from their local newspapers and notify Otto C. Binder.

My True Weird Experience

This column invites readers to send in their personal experiences related to UFOs, Shaver Mystery, or the occult. The first submission is from Erich Aggen, Jr., of Liberty, Missouri. Aggen describes an incident from about two years prior while camping in Northwest Missouri near a cave. He and a friend heard a loud, distinct machinery noise and saw a pale blue light emanating from the cave. As they approached, the noise and light ceased. They then heard something moving within the cave, making "unhinging" sounds and animal-like growls. They left the area shaken.

UFOs Around the World Receives Worldwide Raves

This section promotes the book "UFOS AROUND THE WORLD" published by the Interplanetary News Service. It highlights rave reviews from researchers like Brinsley Le Poer Trench, who calls it a "splendid presentation of global evidence." The book is described as being in the hands of every person interested in UFOs and has been presented to the United Nations. C. V. Narasimhan of the U.N. thanked the publisher for the copy and for his "concern for the role which the U.N. should play in the peaceful exploration of outer space." Copies are available for $3.00.

Book News: The Book of George Adamski

This section reviews "THE BOOK OF GEORGE ADAMSKI," edited by Gray Barker, available for $3.95. The review suggests that the book, despite skepticism, makes one reconsider the issue of contactees. George Adamski is remembered for his philosophy of love and harmony. The book includes an analysis of Adamski's photos, proving them to be authentic, and private letters that provide insight into his claims. It also features tributes from other UFOlogists and an investigation of a letter written to Adamski by the U.S. State Dept. The book is recommended for those interested in contact stories, with a special price of $3.00 for SEARCHLIGHT readers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs, with ancient history, mythology, and religious practices. There is a strong undercurrent suggesting that many ancient beliefs and occurrences may have extraterrestrial origins. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded and investigative, encouraging reader participation and highlighting research in the field. The magazine promotes its own publications and those of other like-minded researchers, aiming to connect readers with information on UFOs and related mysteries.