Skywatch - No 36 - 1976 09-11

Magazine Overview

Title: AQUARIAN NEWS
Issue: No. 4
Date: September, 1976
Publisher: AQUARIAN ESTATES
Country: South Africa
Language: English

This issue of Aquarian News, published quarterly by Aquarian Estates, incorporates Skywatch. The cover prominently displays the title and the incorporation of Skywatch, with contact details for Aquarian Estates in Thornville Junction.

Our News and Views

The editorial section, 'Our News and Views', notes steady growth and some changes within the community over the past three months. Dan and Eve have left, while Julie and Lucy have joined. The community's activities include large-scale composting, with 2 acres dedicated to vegetables like lettuce, carrots, beetroot, and cabbages. They have also transplanted 250 Pecan Nut trees and completed pruning fruit trees. Their apiary has expanded to 19 hives. A Sunday stall has been initiated, offering vegetables, honey, handicrafts, and dried flower arrangements.

Two members undertook a 'learning tour' to the U.K. in mid-June. They attended the Arcane School Conference in London and met with Sundial Publications in Tunbridge Wells. A visit to the White Eagle Lodge included a healing session. Other historical sites visited were the Wrekin Trust, Stonehenge, and Glastonbury. A significant part of the tour was a two-week visit to Findhorn, which exceeded expectations and was described as having a quality of 'Magic', referencing Paul Hawken's book of the same name.

The community has a new telephone number connected to the Pietermaritzburg Exchange: 0331-27545. The issue includes price lists for Alice A. Bailey books and Sundial Publications, with a note to include 15 cents per book for postage and packing. Future issues will feature price lists for White Eagle books and Findhorn Foundation publications. The editors express thanks to subscribers and remind those who haven't subscribed yet.

From the Age of Leo to the Age of Aquarius (Contd)

This article delves into astrological ages, focusing on the transition from the Age of Pisces (approx. 10,000 B.C. to 2,000 A.D.) to the Age of Aquarius. The Age of Pisces is characterized as a period of spiritual evolution, emotional sensitivity, and personality unfoldment, marked by suffering and a focus on feeling. The teachings of Jesus are presented as embodying the positive qualities of Pisces, such as love and compassion. This era saw the rise of monastic orders and great religions, with devotion and blind faith as key elements. The influence of the Sixth Ray of Devotion was prominent, inspiring cathedrals and mosques. Martyrdom was also a characteristic of this age.

Jupiter, as the ruler of Pisces, granted power to the Church and priesthood. While Venus reaches its highest expression in Pisces, the negative qualities of sentimentality and dissoluteness were more prevalent. The article contrasts Pisces with its opposite sign, Virgo, which emphasizes knowledge and service. The transition from Pisces to Aquarius is marked by the introduction of printing, the Renaissance, the Reformation, and the revival of scientific thought by Copernicus and Galileo. The discovery of the planet Uranus in 1781 heralded the Age of Aquarius, the Age of Science, characterized by mechanical inventions, revolutionary changes, and the dispelling of illusions.

The article notes that the world is currently experiencing tremendous changes due to the receding energies of Pisces and the incoming energies of Aquarius. Master D.K. is quoted describing this as a period of 'great upheaval' and 'stupendous destruction of forms', but also a 'blow of release' paving the way for something better. St. Germain is quoted urging humanity to shed old disciplines and embrace new energies to deal with the future. The choice is presented as either remaining in the old or dynamically moving forward into the New. The article, by A.H., is noted to be concluded in the next issue.

Pointers on the Path

This section offers guidance and inspirational quotes on spiritual living. It advises loving not only fellow humans but also life's conditions, accepting experiences as lessons, and seeking divine light and love. Quotes from White Eagle emphasize embodying love, peace, and harmony, and radiating joy. Gita Keiller's 'Let Life Live' encourages living fully in the present moment, expressing gratitude, and accepting life's gifts. Another quote, attributed to 'God Spoke to Me' from Elixir, Findhorn, stresses living in the 'NOW' and enjoying each moment.

The Challenge

This section issues a challenge to thinkers to abandon sectarianism, nationalism, and partisanship, and to work towards brotherhood as part of a global federation. It calls for recognizing each religion as part of a greater world religion and supporting group activities that serve the general good. The challenge extends to dropping antagonisms, hatreds, and racial differences, and thinking in terms of a single human family. It emphasizes the need for sacrifice – of self, time, money, and interest – to spread ideas of brotherhood and unity. Readers are urged to seal their lips to criticism and hatred, and to speak in terms of brotherhood and group relationships, facing each day as a new opportunity and losing sight of petty concerns. The article, an extract from 'A Treatise on the Seven Rays' by Master D.K., encourages serving connections with groups working for constructive ends, building a new order founded on love and brotherhood, and recognizing all as children of the One Father. It calls for giving time, money, and thought to support the work, especially from those in need, to usher in the Age of Love and Light.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are spiritual evolution, the transition between astrological ages (Pisces to Aquarius), the importance of community and its activities, and the call for universal brotherhood and unity. The editorial stance is one of spiritual guidance, encouraging personal growth, acceptance, and active participation in building a new, more unified world order based on love and cooperation. There is a strong emphasis on esoteric and astrological perspectives, with references to spiritual teachers and texts like those of Alice A. Bailey and Master D.K.

Title: Skywatch
Issue: No 36
Date: September to November 1976
Type: Quarterly publication of "Contact" (South Africa).

This issue of Skywatch delves into themes of environmental consciousness and extraterrestrial contact. It features a piece titled "MOTHER EARTH." which advocates for environmental stewardship and respect for nature, followed by "MAN, THE PARASITE ON EARTH," an extract from 'The Magic of Findhorn' that uses the voice of an elf king to critique humanity's destructive impact on the planet. The magazine also highlights the activities of "THE WORLD GOODWILL MEDITATION GROUP," an international collective focused on promoting goodwill and spiritual energies through meditation, and provides contact information for those interested in their work.

The core of the issue is the "EDITORIAL" and subsequent detailed reports on the "CONFEDERATION TAPES" case, investigated by the Durban Contact group, which has been appointed as the UFO investigation section of the Society for Psychical Research at Natal University. The editorial announces the publication of the investigation's procedure and recounts the story of contact with "George" (later identified as Valdar), one of the beings from other worlds.

Mother Earth & Man the Parasite

The "MOTHER EARTH." section, with thanks to Eric Franck, presents a poetic plea for rejuvenation of the Earth, describing her as a "polluted, exploited old lady." It urges readers to cultivate love for the Earth, keep her streets clean, never burn her grass, and tend to birds and small creatures. It emphasizes beautifying the Earth and showing appreciation for her bounty. The text suggests that Mother Earth is grateful to those who plant trees, grow organically, and respect all life, especially those who "NEVER kill, neither to eat nor for any other reason." The piece concludes by inviting readers to join a growing throng of people who feel the Earth's pulse and the melodies of the skies.

Following this is an extract titled "MAN, THE PARASITE ON EARTH," attributed to 'The Magic of Findhorn.' This section features the harsh words of an "elf king" who confronts humanity with its destructive behavior: upsetting the balance of nature, destroying animals, turning land to desert, cutting and burning trees, maiming landscapes, and polluting everything. The elf king questions humanity's stupidity in failing to realize they are destroying themselves.

The World Goodwill Meditation Group

This section introduces "THE WORLD GOODWILL MEDITATION GROUP," describing it as an active, meditative group working globally. It identifies selfishness, competition, and separativeness as harmful values controlling world affairs. The group believes that the mobilized and focused power of millions of individuals demonstrating service can alter world affairs. They have no formal affiliation but unitedly contribute their meditative abilities to a planetary network of light and goodwill. The work is described as a service activity for those who believe in the power of thought, operating at the mental level to act as a channel for spiritual energies and power to rebuild the world. Interested individuals are invited to write to World Goodwill, P.O. Box 15, Kloof, 3600, S.Africa.

Vera Stanley Alder concludes this section by stating that every human being has an intimate part in and influence on the life of the planet and a share in responsibility for present conditions.

Editorial: The Confederation Tapes

The "EDITORIAL" section announces that the Durban Contact group has been appointed as the UFO investigation section of the Society for Psychical Research, holding meetings at Natal University. The group is investigating the "Confederation Tapes" story. The magazine states it will publish the procedure of investigation and refers back to previous issues (Skywatch No. 31, Dec '74 - May '75) for the story of the contact with "George." This contact involved Edwin's meeting with George and George's subsequent departure. George had requested further communication with the group "Contact," which was to be recorded on tape and edited by Carl van Vlierden. These tapes were intended to be shared with all Contact groups worldwide.

Carl van Vlierden is making these tapes available to interested individuals who send a clean 60-minute Sony tape. The tapes are known as the "Tapes of the Confederation of 12 Planets." Interested parties can write directly to Carl or through the Durban Contact Group.

The Confederation Tapes: The First Report

This section presents "THE FIRST REPORT BY CONTACT SOUTH AFRICA = DURBAN BRANCH" on "THE CONFEDERATION TAPES = THE FIRST REPORT BY CONTACT SOUTH AFRICA = DURBAN BRANCH." The introduction states that Mr. Carl van Vlierden consented to an interview on Sunday, April 11, 1976. He is aware of potential derision and criticism regarding the public distribution of the tape recordings. His first name is used at his request. The report emphasizes that Contact South Africa aimed for an unbiased approach to maintain credibility. While no solid evidence was presented to prove the authenticity of the tapes or the existence of space beings, the report expresses hope for further investigations.

The People Involved

Pseudonyms have been used at Carl's request:

• EDWIN: Born in 1942 in Durban, his father was reportedly connected with the Confederation. Edwin died in his teens. Edwin was married to Elizabeth in 1968 and had two small children. His family was "in the know," while Elizabeth's family was not. He was a Christian Scientist and an electrical technician.
• CARL: Qualified as a mechanical engineer in Germany, with experience in refrigeration design and installation. He later practiced as a Homoeopathic Doctor. Carl has a long-standing interest in UFO phenomena and is a member of MUFON and the S.A. Society for Psychical Research, as well as a radio ham. He finds no other explanation for the phenomena and trusts Edwin, largely accepting the existence of space beings and the tapes' validity. His main concern is spreading their message, acting as their 'spokesman.'
• SPACE BEINGS: They come from the "Confederation of Twelve Planets." Their origin (galaxy, universe, or dimension) is unclear, but Carl believes they are from another dimension of opposite 'polarity' to ours, an "anti-matter universe."
• WYORA: Commander of the 1960 mission to Earth. Lived as a human in Durban during the 1950s. Died in 1974.
• VALDAR: Second-in-Command to Wyora. Known as George. Qualified in electronics. Stayed in a Durban Hotel. Had a human brother who died in an accident. Carl possesses a photograph of Valdar. After Wyora's death, Valdar took over as Commander.
• TAYLANDZ: Second-in-Command to Valdar.
• ATRA: Another Commander.
• VAX NOAH: One of the rulers of the Confederation.

History in Brief

Carl stated the purpose of their visits and communications was to help mankind's evolution. Governments had been approached, and officials taken on "galactic tours," but their offers of assistance were rejected. Direct intervention is not advisable, so they now work through individuals and small groups, such as "Q-bases."

• First Mission (1960): Valdar (George) joined the electronics firm where Edwin (then 18) worked as a foreman. They became friends. Valdar disclosed his identity and demonstrated communication with his spacecraft via a radio instrument. During Easter 1962, a spacecraft picked up Valdar from a beach at Richards Bay, taking his radio equipment.
• First Q-base: Formed in 1962, consisting of UFO enthusiasts including Edwin and his wife. They met Sundays and received messages via radio receiver. Carl produced a photo of what looked like an ordinary radio tuner. The first Q-base was dissolved by the space beings in 1974, the year of Wyora's death. Carl was disappointed.
• Second Mission: Otherwise known as the "New Experiment."

The Tape Recordings

On October 16, 1974, Carl and Edwin experienced a communication from Valdar via the radio tuner. A new method of communication was used, involving "secret sounds" (a slowed-down voice recording) to "hypnotise" Edwin, making him the eyes and mouth of Valdar. Radio messages would still be taped at intervals. Edwin went into a trance and was instructed not to remember anything. This new form of communication was tested and found satisfactory. Carl was tasked with leading a new Q-base, taping messages, and passing them to the Chairman of Contact S.A. (Durban Branch).

In early 1975, a misunderstanding arose between Carl and the Chairman of Contact regarding the tapes' origin, leading the Chairman to dissociate himself. After a new Contact Committee election, further tape recordings were played at Durban Contact meetings, including one by Taylandz.

During these communications, the spacecraft supposedly hovered above Edwin's home. Transmissions came suddenly. Tape recordings were made directly from the tuner. Carl admits that little has been learned, and no new moral code announced, though "Brotherly love" is encouraged in simple terms. The space beings look like humans in their home environment but are more technologically and morally advanced, with an economic system not based on money.

The Postal Deliveries

It was alleged that space beings had a base near Durban and communicated with Edwin and Carl by talking and delivering post to Edwin's post box at night. One letter produced by Carl was sealed with green sealing wax and had a crude "K" scratched on it. It contained amateurish hieroglyphics with an English translation that made little sense and seemed to contain incorrect chemical information.

Conclusions

The report concludes with several points:

1. The enigma of the tapes parallels the erratic behavior of UFOs. Despite supposedly superior intelligence, these beings appear ignorant of human customs.
2. No advancement in science or ethics has been presented on the tapes.
3. The space beings want belief in their existence and the tapes' authenticity based on flimsy evidence, despite the thousands willing to befriend them.
4. Carl showed the letter, though disappointed by its format and contents.
5. A Medical Hypnotist hypnotized Edwin, during which Valdar allegedly communicated; the doctor preferred a psychological explanation.
6. No evidence was presented that couldn't be faked by someone with electronics knowledge.
7. Governments suppress UFO information for security reasons, making a coordinated agreement to withhold information about galactic tours unlikely.
8. The appearance and disappearance of these beings as humans raises concerns for governments, as identity documents would be involved.
9. The question remains why someone would maintain such a hoax for 14 years without apparent financial gain or publicity.

Report on a Visit to Edwin

Frank van Vloten reports on a visit to Edwin on July 21, 1976, with four others. During a 2.5-hour discussion, Edwin explained his contact with Valdar (George), Wyora, and Taylandz. Tapes of these contacts have been played at Durban Contact meetings. Edwin's contact dates back over 14 years, with no suggestion of subterfuge. The message from the Confederation beings may not be new, but the focus was on its dissemination. Philip Human was involved in the original desire to disseminate the messages among interested individuals.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are environmentalism, spiritual consciousness, and UFO/extraterrestrial contact. The magazine promotes a message of respect for nature and global goodwill, juxtaposed with detailed accounts of alleged UFO encounters and communications. The editorial stance appears to be one of open investigation into UFO phenomena, particularly the Confederation Tapes case, while acknowledging the lack of definitive proof and the potential for skepticism. The publication aims to share information and encourage discussion among those interested in these subjects.

This document is issue number 11 of the publication SKYWATCH, published by Contact Int. (S.A.). It details accounts of extraterrestrial contact and communication, focusing on the experiences of an individual named Edwin.

Edwin's Radio Contact Experience

The core of the report revolves around Edwin's interactions with transmissions from an entity referred to as the "Confederation." The author describes examining Edwin's radio tuner, originally made by Gallo under the brand name Eagle. Edwin had added a switch to cut out the radio section when Confederation messages were being received. The setup involved feeding the tuner's output (capable of receiving FM, medium wave, or short wave) into a separate amplifier with two speakers. A telescopic aerial was used for signal reception.

Edwin's original contact by radio occurred about a year after an entity named Valdar had left Edwin in his flying saucer. Initially, the Confederation's transmissions were superimposed on regular radio programs, making them difficult to understand. This led Edwin to install the switch to isolate the transmissions. The author notes that the initial impression that Edwin had modified the tuner under the Confederation's guidance was erroneous; the setup was as it existed.

Peculiar Characteristics of Transmissions

The document outlines four peculiar characteristics of these transmissions:

1. Distance and Position: The transmitting ship had to be at a specific distance from Earth, approximately 360 miles, directly overhead.
2. Volume Control: The loudness of the messages could not be controlled by knobs on the tuner or amplifier; only the transmitters had control over the volume.
3. Reception Radius: The transmissions could only be received within a very small radius of Edwin's living room, and not by neighboring houses. This was demonstrated by Edwin taking a portable radio into the garden, where the transmissions rapidly faded. A similar effect was observed at Philip Human's flat in Amanzimtoti when a portable radio was taken out of the lounge and down the passage.
4. No Power Required: It was not necessary for the tuner or amplifier to be switched on for the transmissions to be received. This had occurred on several occasions when the house was quiet.

The author admits that, in terms of orthodox science, the mechanism of these transmissions cannot be explained. It is suggested that sometimes the radio was not even necessary for reception, although it appeared to help on other occasions.

Q-Bases and Transmission Schedules

People who formed part of the original "Q-base" were usually warned when transmissions would be sent, and they scheduled their activities accordingly. The report suggests there were hundreds of such Q-bases on Earth, and the Confederation had a busy schedule fitting them into their transmission program. The author was told that he was unlucky as a scheduled transmission for the evening could not come through due to a last-minute hitch.

Changes in Modus Operandi

In recent times, the method of receiving transmissions had changed. Edwin himself now acted in place of the radio receiver, after having had certain sounds played to him before transmissions were due, to induce a receptive state. This information was related on tapes made by Carl van Vlierden.

Concluding Comments

The author offers four concluding comments:

1. No Deception: The author received no impression or evidence of deception at any time.
2. Post Office Investigation: One member of the original Q-base alerted the Post Office about Edwin having an illegal transmitter. A Post Office official searched Edwin's house but found nothing incriminating. The author finds it interesting to know what led this member to believe Edwin had a transmitter.
3. Missed Transmission: It was unfortunate that the transmission scheduled for the evening could not come through.
4. Authenticity of Tapes: The person in charge of Philip Human's tapes has misgivings about their authenticity, which will be investigated.

The report concludes by stating that while it contributes little to understanding the phenomenon, it is encouraging that those involved are prepared to cooperate in the investigation.

'Skywatch' Meetings and Correspondence

Information is provided that the venues and times for meetings are the same as in previous issues of 'SKYWATCH'. All correspondence should be addressed to the National Secretary, Contact Int. (S.A.), P.O. Box 743, DURBAN.4000.

The Great Invocation

The issue also includes a spiritual text titled "The Great Invocation," which is a prayer or invocation calling for Light, Love, and Power to restore a divine plan on Earth, originating from the Mind, Heart, and Will of God, and involving the race of men.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are extraterrestrial communication, the nature of consciousness and reception beyond conventional scientific understanding, and spiritual or metaphysical interpretations of these phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, documenting reported experiences, and acknowledging the limitations of current scientific paradigms while encouraging further investigation and cooperation among those involved in the study of these unexplained events. There is an underlying tone of belief in the sincerity of the reported experiences, as indicated by the comment on the lack of deception.