Skywatch

Magazine Overview

Title: Skywatch
Issue: No. 30
Date: September/October/November 1974
Publisher: Contact S.A.
Country: South Africa
Language: English

This issue of Skywatch magazine delves into various aspects of ufology and related phenomena, featuring an editorial, investigative articles, sighting reports, and a critical essay.

Editorial

The editorial highlights the growing interest in unifying parapsychology and ufology, noting that while parapsychology studies psychological phenomena, ufology focuses on unexplained aerial objects. It suggests that figures like Uri Geller are contributing to this unification, making the UFO phenomenon more acceptable to the psychic world. The editorial also references Ivan Sanderson's belief that UFOs are largely biological and mentions Dr. Puharich's work with the 'Hoova group,' who allegedly have control over biological systems. The piece questions whether humanity is being conditioned to study the mind and its possibilities, emphasizing the personal relevance of such research.

Between You and Me (By Brinsley Le Poer Trench)

This section continues a discussion on UFOs dropping 'earthly' substances. It details two incidents in Spain:

• February 6, 1966: A circular object landed briefly near Aluche, Madrid, observed by soldiers and civilians. Upon takeoff, a large symbol-like marking was seen on its underside.
• June 1, 1967: A 'saucer-shaped' object 'bounced' over Aluche and San Jose de Valderas, also displaying a symbol on its underside, which was photographed.

Further investigation near San Jose de Valderas revealed an object landing near a restaurant called 'La Ponderoso.' The landing site showed three rectangular marks in the soil forming an equilateral triangle, approximately 18 feet apart, and scattered small metal tubes. A boy opened one tube, finding a liquid that evaporated quickly and two green plastic strips with a symbol. Analysis of the tube indicated it was made of 'nickel' of extraordinary purity, and the plastic was polyvinyl fluoride, a substance not commercially available at the time and used in small quantities for missile nose-cones by the Dupont Company. The author questions how these materials ended up in Spain.

Initially, the author suggested governments might be manufacturing 'flying saucers,' but now believes this is a trap. He asserts that Earth Governments are not responsible for all UFOs seen since 1897, suggesting something much stranger is happening. The evidence of 'earthly' substances and mysterious beings at landing sites points to the possibility that UFOs are Earth-based or use Earth bases, with their owners having representatives living among us. The article notes that UFO activity is frequently reported from inhabited regions in Brazil, suggesting significance.

UFO Sightings Over S.A.

This section reports several UFO sightings in South Africa:

• June 14, 1974 (Hattingspruit near Dundee): Mr. I. McCallum observed a UFO emitting intense white light, described as the size of a Boeing 737 without wings or tail, moving slowly and snaking across the sky. It had eight bright lights directed downwards, possibly from portholes. The object emitted a reddish light and moved with the flashes. After sunrise, it resembled a huge star. Mrs. McCallum also witnessed the event and experienced 'arc eyes' from the intense light.
• June 14, 1974 (Salisbury): Miss T. Moriarty described a huge, round, spinning UFO with a large light at the bottom and smaller lights around it, which moved off at high speed.
• July 9, 1974 (Port Elizabeth): Dozens of people reported a flashing object leaving a bright trail, appearing ablaze with fire, and seen from the Transkei, East London, Maclear, and Komga. A former R.A.F. pilot, Mr. E. Jones, reported that the electrical wiring in his house vibrated, and the object appeared twice the size of a jumbo-jet.
• July 9, 1974 (Bloemfontein): Residents reported a white ball passing low over the city, emitting red flames from the back.
• July 9, 1974 (Grahamstown): Five men saw a bright object, the size of the moon, with colored tennis balls breaking away, streaking out of the sky like a burning aeroplane with a tail of fire.

In Passing (By Guest Writer Ray Martin)

Ray Martin's article critiques what he terms the "Fourth Dimensional Syndrome" in UFO research. He argues that attributing unexplained phenomena to the 'fourth dimension' is a way to avoid admitting ignorance and hinders legitimate scientific inquiry. Martin emphasizes the importance of circumspection and reliance on empirical evidence. He posits that if a message were truly from a distant planet and received via advanced technology, its mathematical understanding would be sophisticated, not limited to simple geometric shapes like a square. Martin suggests that any such message would likely come from within our own galaxy and three-dimensional universe, from beings similar to us who may not have developed rapid space travel but have had direct contact with others. He estimates such beings would be within 15 light years, possibly near Vega or Alpha Centauri, and that our solar system is not inhabited by other beings.

Martin also discusses the concept of the 'Unified Field' as a potential explanation for materialization-dematerialization phenomena in UFO sightings, suggesting it allows for instantaneous travel across vast distances by making all points in time and space one. He acknowledges the risks involved in such travel but deems them remote. Based on his own experiences since 1936, he estimates that out of 48 sightings, 12 were extraterrestrial in origin, with 10 of those occurring in daylight.

Philipp Human - A Tribute

This section is a tribute to Philipp Human, who passed away on June 11, 1974. In early 1967, he was asked by The Hon. Brinsley Le Poer Trench to start a branch of the International Flying Saucer Organisation, later known as Contact S.A., in South Africa. Branches were established in several South African cities and Rhodesia. Philipp Human was appointed Chairman of the Durban Branch and later continued his work through a global correspondence network. He is described as a quiet, humble, and indefatigable worker for UFOs.

The tribute, written by his daughter Cassandra, notes that Philipp Human died peacefully. It highlights his accomplishments as a musician, pianist, and singer, and as a qualified music teacher. However, his deeper legacy is seen in his search for universal and eternal truths, as evidenced by his 'in depth' study of extra senses, astral travel, telepathy, and various spiritual teachings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of the unexplained, particularly UFO phenomena, with psychological and potentially spiritual or extraterrestrial explanations. There's a strong emphasis on investigating these phenomena with a degree of open-mindedness, as exemplified by the editorial's discussion of Uri Geller and the convergence of ufology and parapsychology. However, the inclusion of Ray Martin's article signals a counterpoint, advocating for a more rigorous, unbiased, and scientific approach, cautioning against speculative theories like the 'Fourth Dimensional Syndrome.' The magazine appears to present a range of perspectives within the UFO community, from those exploring more esoteric or extraterrestrial hypotheses to those calling for stricter adherence to scientific methodology. The overall stance seems to be one of active inquiry into the unknown, while acknowledging the need for critical evaluation of evidence and theories.

This issue of "Contact" (Volume 11, Issue 11), dated August 1974, delves into spiritual exploration, psychic phenomena, and organizational news for "Contact S.A.". The content reflects a blend of personal spiritual journeys, reviews of books on paranormal subjects, and practical information for members.

Spiritual Reflections and Personal Journeys

The issue opens with a personal reflection on spiritual growth, drawing parallels between various Masters and writings. The author expresses a shift away from traditional religious texts like the Bible, finding greater value in other books and a personal understanding of divinity. The core message emphasizes self-discovery and the realization that "man is 'god' in very truth," with the mind capable of reaching "tremendous heights." The importance of finding the "Father within" is highlighted as the ultimate goal, leading to the addition of all things.

A poignant excerpt from the Bhagavad Gita is presented, read at a cremation service. This passage describes the ideal person as one who "hateth nought," is "benign, compassionate, from arrogance exempt," and is "patient, contented, firm in faith." Such an individual is characterized by seeking "Me, heart and soul," and is loved for not troubling others or being troubled by them, living "too high for gladness, grief, or fear."

The author reflects on their father, stating he will be remembered not just for his teachings but for his gift of making people "look within themselves for truth." The father is described as a "gentle man."

Book Review: "Uri" by Dr. Andrija Puharich

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a review of Dr. Andrija Puharich's book "Uri," which chronicles the life of Uri Geller. The review highlights Geller's "mind-over-matter and ESP feats" and describes the book as a result of two years of study into a "transcending reality." Dr. Puharich, a neurologist, established a laboratory for ESP and parapsychology studies, noting that both he and Geller experienced spontaneous phenomena.

The review details Geller's early life, including an alleged childhood encounter with a "bowl-shaped object descending from the sky" and a "huge figure of a man." His abilities reportedly manifested early, such as influencing his watch to respond to his wishes. The book suggests that Geller's powers are "given and in some measure controlled by extra-terrestrials from the planet Hoova," who landed on Earth 20,000 years ago.

According to the review, Dr. Puharich posits that great achievements rest on three unknown sciences: the power to cause objects to disappear and reappear, total control over biological systems, and the ability to travel across time.

The review concludes that Uri Geller is used to "prepare the minds of people" to accept the existence of advanced extraterrestrial civilizations, while Dr. Puharich aims to challenge the scientific establishment.

Book News: "In search of Ancient Gods"

Briefly mentioned is Erich von Däniken's fourth book, "In search of Ancient Gods," described as "pictorial evidence for the impossible," featuring illustrations of past ages.

Quote

A quote from Herbert Spencer is featured: "There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments, and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance; that principle is contempt prior to investigation."

Contact S.A. Conference News

The issue reports on the third National Contact Conference held in August 1974 at the Everglades Hotel, Lions River, Drakensberg. The event was described as enjoyable, with members engaging in outdoor activities. However, "petrol restrictions" limited attendance from Johannesburg, with most of the 22 attendees being from Durban.

The organization expresses hope for future conferences to attract members from all over South Africa, emphasizing the value of promoting "fellow-feeling" and enthusiasm.

Meetings Schedule

Detailed schedules for upcoming meetings of "Contact" branches in Durban, Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Pretoria are provided for September, October, and November 1974. Contact persons and addresses are listed for each city.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are spirituality, personal growth, the exploration of psychic phenomena and extraterrestrial contact, and the dissemination of information through books and conferences. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded and investigative, encouraging readers to question conventional beliefs and explore alternative perspectives on reality, consciousness, and the universe. The emphasis on personal discovery and the "contempt prior to investigation" quote suggests a commitment to open inquiry and a rejection of dogmatic thinking.