Skywatch - No 19 - 1971 12-19 72 01-02

Magazine Overview

Title: Skywatch
Issue: No.19
Date: December 1971 / January / February 1972
Type: Quarterly Publication of "Contact" (S.A.)

Editorial

The editorial reflects on the state of the world, noting that despite scientific advancements and comfort, true progress lies in liberation from external consciousness and fixed beliefs. It argues that humanity has created rigid external structures of thought and behavior that stifle true reformers. The piece criticizes the self-seeking ways of mankind, leading to economic instability, crime, and political disputes. It references the statement "My Kingdom does not belong to this world" as a teaching of a great reformist, emphasizing spiritual identity over worldly conformity. The editorial calls for a re-birth of consciousness and participation in a "Cosmic brotherhood" to live by divine clarity of thought, concluding with the plea, "Let Light and Love and Power restore the Plan on Earth."

The Spiritual Significance of U.F.O's (Conclusion of a talk by Mr. Kees Beers)

Kees Beers discusses the "cycle of materiality and selfishness" leading to a "great tribulation." He posits that divine intervention is imminent to lift those who follow God's will to safety. This intervention involves a "host of rescue personnel and craft" summoned by "Master Jesus" to help those eligible for a "new dimension of life" on Earth. Beers draws parallels to the parable of the prodigal son, suggesting a loving welcome awaits those ready. He states that the Bible's prophecies are being fulfilled in the current era, with "ships of help" coming from "clouds of glory." The tearing of the temple curtain at Jesus's death symbolizes the merging of inner and outer dimensions. Parables are presented as messages for "Time-Groups," explaining that interplanetary and interdimensional beings are coming to the planet's rescue due to a "very real emergency." These beings, described as "cosmic and etheric brethren," are preparing humanity for a "paradise state of consciousness" and providing a "transit house" for the end times. Beers outlines three types of "people" involved in building a "Cathedral on earth": spiritual, mental, and physical workers. Their primary roles are to accelerate the spiritual awakening of the "Adamic race," monitor scientific developments to aid beneficial ones and retard detrimental ones, and interfere with disastrous accidents. He emphasizes that these beings are extensions of highly evolved entities unable to interact physically without great sacrifice. He urges readers to consider if they are merely asking for attention or actively participating in "inner work and aspiration" to contribute to the "lifting up."

Spiritual Preparation and Universal Citizenship

The text stresses the importance of transcending human nature and earth-level concepts to achieve "manifest" the "at-one-ment of God and man." Becoming a "cosmic citizen" requires study and preparation, akin to becoming a doctor. It urges readers to deepen their spiritual horizons and respond to the "reawakening of our divine nature," shifting focus from man-made phenomena to "Life itself." The goal is to live in poise, ready to meet the "Christ within" and achieve "truly Universal citizenship." The article notes that "People on the Path" often seek communication with like-minded individuals, but true enlightenment comes from deeper understanding and personal experience.

Anecdote of Ladies in a Mental Institution

A story is shared about thirteen ladies in a mental institution who performed a daily ceremony, paying homage to one lady they believed was Queen Victoria. The author uses this to prompt reflection on whether people similarly "pin themselves to people and concepts" and pay homage to their own "bondage."

Concepts of Freedom and At-one-ment

While concepts of freedom can be learned through books and teachers, true freedom is experienced through the "application and manifestation of the great at-one-ment." The current era is seen as an end to "mental-plane homage" to spiritual concepts, with humanity having lived in an externalized mental realm. The path to fulfilling the "at-one-ment of God and man" involves retracing steps to the "kingdom of the one all-pervading Spirit." Progress is accelerated by acting "as if he were one with the Father," rather than waiting for the miracle of at-one-ment.

Identification with Christ and Universal Citizen Role

The text emphasizes that true nature will be shown through identification with "being in Christ," enabling one to rise to the role of a "Universal Citizen." The meaning of "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven" is presented as an unfolding potential within individuals who allow themselves to be "actors on the stage of Christ."

Sightings in South Africa

Sighting at Dargle Rail, Natal (June 22, 1971)

Mrs. Elizabeth Klarer reported a sighting at approximately 6:40 a.m. while watching the sunrise. She observed a "great sphere" moving majestically across the sky between clouds and Venus. She described it as "shining like a pearl and twice the size of the full moon," with a "pearly light" independent of the sunrise colours and no reflection from its smooth diameter.

Sighting near Durban (August 26, 1971)

Mr. "Geordy" Tuck noticed three small clouds and attempted to disperse one using thought power. Instead of dispersing, the cloud enlarged and pulsated light. Later, while on a mountain in the Drakensberg, he took a photograph that, upon development, revealed an oval-shaped object with a light halo in the sky, appearing to travel at speed and leave a light trail. The photographic firm did not believe it to be a flaw.

Vision during Meditation in Durban (July 24, 1971)

Tony and Gloria Falconer-Smith, along with Kees and Lucy Beers, were meditating when Tony received a vision. He saw a large, green sphere arrive from space and land on a hill. The sphere opened like an orange, and a man stepped out. Tony described the man as exceptionally beautiful, with an "unearthly dignity," tall, straight, with golden hair reaching his shoulders. The man pointed in a north-north-easterly direction before the vision faded.

Subsequent Observation by Gloria Falconer-Smith

The following Wednesday, Gloria saw a "pink sphere" appearing in a north-north-easterly direction. She called Tony and their son, Peter, and they watched as it grew larger overhead before disappearing with an upward swoop.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around spiritual evolution, the significance of UFOs as potential divine interventions, and the concept of "at-one-ment" with the divine. The magazine promotes a spiritual perspective on current events, encouraging readers to transcend material concerns and embrace a higher consciousness. The editorial stance is clearly aligned with esoteric and spiritual teachings, viewing UFO phenomena through a lens of spiritual significance rather than purely physical or technological explanations. There is a strong emphasis on personal transformation, spiritual awakening, and the preparation for a new era or "dimension of life."

This issue of Contact magazine, identified as issue number 11 and dated 1972, delves into various aspects of the unexplained, with a particular focus on UFO sightings, psychic phenomena, and space exploration. The content is primarily in English and appears to be published in South Africa, given the correspondence address in Durban.

Article 1: UFO Sighting and Telepathic Contact

The issue begins with an account of a UFO sighting. On a Saturday, during meditation, a space-being named Mor Rifla reportedly confirmed that a pink light observed in the sky was their disc-shaped spacecraft. The being also stated that they were in telepathic contact with the group during the sighting, which occurred at a low altitude.

Article 2: Aquarian Age International Conference

An announcement is made regarding an eight-day conference scheduled to take place in Honolulu, Hawaii, from February 2nd to 9th, 1972. The conference's theme is "Psychic Healing and Awareness Expansion." It will feature lectures and demonstrations by several well-known personalities, including:

• BRAD STEIGER: A popular author known for his books on supernatural subjects.
• Dr. LOUIS GITTNER: A psychic whose work is compared to that of Edgar Cayce.
• Dr. IRENE HICKMAN: A physician and surgeon who treats psychosomatic illnesses.
• Major WAYNE S. AHO: A retired U.S. Army officer and leading authority on UFOs, who is stated to offer proof of UFO existence without posing a threat to national security.

The conference is sponsored by Pan American Airways. Further information can be obtained from the Secretary, "Contact," P. O. Box 743, Durban.

Article 3: Apollo 15 and Light Flashes

This section discusses the completion of the Apollo 15 moonflight, which was primarily focused on scientific objectives. An experiment involving astronauts wearing black sleep shades was conducted to investigate light flashes reported on previous space flights. These flashes are believed by scientists to be caused by high-energy cosmic rays impacting the eye or brain. During a one-hour test, astronauts reported seeing 61 flashes. The article then speculates whether weightlessness and light food might allow for the use of "etheric counterparts" of the human makeup, suggesting that "etheric vision" could be responsible for the astronauts seeing these light flashes. It is noted that further scientific research is needed to prove this idea.

Article 4: Psychic Discoveries Behind the Iron Curtain (Excerpt)

An excerpt from a book titled "Psychic Discoveries Behind the Iron Curtain" by Sheila Ostrander and Lynn Schroeder is presented. It highlights the work of space expert F. E. Tsiolkovsky, who believed in a populated universe, and mentions Soviet scientists who began observing unexplained phenomena.

Soviet UFO Sighting in Latvia

On July 26th, 1965, around 9:30 p.m., three Soviet astronomers—Robert Vitolniek, Esmeralda Vitolniek, and Yan Melderes—observed luminous clouds in Ogre, Latvia. They then noticed a bright star moving westward. Upon closer examination with binoculars and telescopes, they identified the object as a lenslike disc, approximately 325 feet in diameter, with a small sphere in the center. Three other smaller spheres rotated around the large disc. All four spheres were described as lusterless pearly green. The entire system appeared to diminish in size as if moving away from Earth. After about twenty minutes, the outer spheres separated from the disc, and the central sphere also flew off. By 10:00 p.m., all objects were out of sight. The astronomers estimated the objects were about 165 miles above the Earth.

Soviet Radar and UFOs

Dr. Felix Ziegel of the Moscow Institute of Aviation, in an article for "Smena" magazine in April 1967, stated that Soviet radar had been detecting unidentified flying objects for twenty years. Dr. Ziegel, associated with Popov parapsychologists, was permitted to discuss the UFO phenomenon. He focused on well-documented sightings by accredited scientists, suggesting that these observers were unlikely to mistake celestial bodies or atmospheric phenomena for saucers. This work also indicated why parapsychologists were beginning to theorize about communication with extraterrestrial intelligences.

Soviet Pilot's Encounter

A famous Soviet pilot, Valentin Akkuratov, chief navigator of Soviet polar aviation, reported an encounter in 1956. While conducting strategic ice reconnaissance around Greenland, he and his crew observed an unknown craft flying parallel to them. When they attempted to approach it by changing course, the mysterious craft sped ahead and upward until it disappeared.

Conference on Space Civilizations

In 1967, a conference on "Space Civilizations" was held, led by Armenian astronomer Victor Ambartsumyam. The conference concluded that the existence of extraterrestrial civilizations in the galaxy could be taken for granted, and preliminary studies on the scientific and technical challenges of future connections with them should commence.

Dr. Ziegel also stated, "We have well-documented sightings from every corner of the U.S.S.R. It's hard to believe all are optical illusions. Illusions don't register clearly on photographic plates and radar."

Article 5: Parapsychology and Communication with Space

Prior to any public announcement of UFOs, parapsychologists were discussing the phenomenon. They collaborated with physicists for a seminar on "Possible Ways of Communicating with Extra-terrestrial Civilizations." Engineer Yu Dolgin discussed the current scientific search for extraterrestrial civilizations. Dr. Ziegel expressed his belief that parapsychology could be of great service to humanity, referring to psychic research as "a kind of reality still unexplored." He mentioned new cameras being developed to photograph UFOs and the development of communication systems to probe space for intelligent responses.

The article notes the convergence of parapsychologists, astrophysicists, and ufologists at Moscow seminars, driven by a shared urge to explore the deep mysteries of life. This urge is described as fundamental to the Russian character, with a shift from religion to science for understanding humanity's place in the universe. Parapsychology probes inward, while astronautics probes outward into space. The text suggests that the Soviets, having developed telepathic powers and space travel, may have combined or will combine these capabilities.

Meetings for the Next Few Months

Information is provided for upcoming meetings of the "Contact" organization in various South African cities:

• DURBAN: No meeting in December 1972. Meetings scheduled for Wednesday, January 26th, 1972, at 8 p.m., and Wednesday, February 23rd, 1972, at 8 p.m. Meeting Place: The Centre, 3rd Floor, Progress House, Hermitage Street, Durban.
• JOHANNESBURG: Meetings scheduled for Monday, December 6th, 1972, at 8 p.m.; Monday, January 3rd, 1972, at 8 p.m.; and Monday, February 7th, 1972, at 8 p.m. Meeting Place: 17, Westmeath Road, Parkview, Johannesburg. Friends wishing to attend should contact Mrs. Neslie Schmultz.
• EAST LONDON: Interested individuals should contact Mrs. Una Ryder-Clark of 7, Mirbalt Court, Belgrave Road, East London, for information on all meetings.

The correspondence address for the Secretary is P.O. Box 743, Durban.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Contact magazine strongly emphasizes the reality and significance of UFO phenomena, presenting evidence from both alleged direct contact with extraterrestrial beings and scientific observations. There is a clear interest in the intersection of psychic abilities and unexplained aerial phenomena, particularly within the context of Soviet research. The magazine also promotes events and discussions related to psychic healing, awareness expansion, and the broader search for extraterrestrial intelligence. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, presenting reported evidence and expert opinions to a readership interested in the unexplained and the frontiers of human knowledge.