Skywatch - No 37 - 1976 12-19 77 02

Magazine Overview

This document is the December 1976 - February 1977 issue, No. 37, of 'Skywatch', which was jointly published with 'Aquarian News' on a trial basis for the preceding twelve months. The cover prominently displays the title 'AQUARIAN NEWS INCORPORATING SKYWATCH' and indicates it is published quarterly by AQUARIAN ESTATES, with contact details for Thornville Junction, South Africa.

Editorial and Announcements

The "FROM THE EDITOR" section on page 2 announces that this is the last joint issue of 'Aquarian News' and 'Skywatch'. Due to structural changes within Aquarian Estates, 'Aquarian News' has been discontinued, and 'Skywatch' will revert to being published independently, as it was prior to 1976. The editor extends Christmas greetings and wishes for a new dawn.

The "EDITORIAL" on page 10 reiterates this information, stating that 'Aquarian News' will change its form and come out in a new guise later. The 'Contact' group praises the combination of the two magazines. Readers interested in receiving the new magazine that will replace 'Aquarian News' are invited to write in. Readers in Durban are invited to visit Aquarian Estates. 'Skywatch' will continue, and feedback for improvement is welcomed.

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

This lengthy article, spanning pages 2-6, explores the transition into the Age of Aquarius. It begins by referencing a biblical quote (Job 38: 3-4) and Jesus's promise of enlightenment. The Age of Aquarius is defined as the Age of Man and Humanity, characterized by a shift from an adolescent stage to maturity, with a focus on the mind and the development of full mental potential. It is described as a period of "fresh revelation of the divine potencies in the human being," where man will be recognized as the "Son of God."

Aquarius is identified as an Air Sign, influencing the conquest of space, as evidenced by humanity reaching the Moon and Mars. Its characteristics are synthesis, unity, co-operation, brotherhood, and freedom. The article suggests that humanity has been "greedy, fearful, separative, self-centered" but the Age of Aquarius promises a "restoration of what has been broken by the fall," leading to re-unification.

It emphasizes the importance of individual responsibility and a "planetary viewpoint," with the concept of universal Brotherhood, seeded by Christ two thousand years ago, now sprouting. The physical body is seen as a developed instrument for spirit, and humanity is at the "portals of the spiritual or superhuman kingdom."

The keyword for Aquarius is "I know," signifying that hidden truths will be revealed through scientific discoveries. The release of atomic energy and nuclear power are seen as inaugurating this new age. The article stresses "synthesis, inclusiveness and concern only for the good of the whole," calling the present era "dramatic" as humanity consciously faces new evolutionary stages.

The new age involves "active participation in the Divine Plan," establishing a new culture and civilization. Humanity is the "agent of Divine Intention." The article also touches upon the role of the nervous system as a symbol of the soul and the development of "essential divinity."

It posits that enlightenment in this Age of Man will come through "conscious effort," moving away from Piscean dependency on intermediaries. The era of the "occultist" and "active participation in the creative processes of life" is highlighted, leading to the establishment of a "spiritual kingdom - the Kingdom of God on Earth."

Religion in the new age will integrate mind and spirit, becoming the "science of living" and "regeneration of man through self-knowledge." The influence of the Seventh Ray of Ceremonial Order or Magic is noted, utilizing sound, color, perfume, and symbolic action. Leo, as the opposite sign of Aquarius, is linked to the Sun, the outer symbol of the Spiritual Sun, which will play a role in religious ceremonies.

The Aquarian energies will manifest in the West through scientific discoveries revealing unity, motivating action towards a social structure of co-operation and love. This transformation is expected to be inaugurated by the "Reappearance of the Christ" at the turn of the century.

The article includes quotes from Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, Edwin Markham, and Vachel Lindsay, reflecting themes of dawn, hope, transformation, and spiritual rebirth.

Learn to Be

This section, on page 7, offers guidance on inner peace and spiritual connection. It advises "Be at peace. Striving gets you nowhere" and encourages learning to simply "be." It suggests finding comfort and Oneness by "melt[ing] into Me." The simplicity of this truth is contrasted with man's tendency to complicate matters and make direct connection with the Divine inaccessible. The message is "I am within each one of you." It encourages walking and talking with the Divine at all times and emphasizes that the Divine is there to lift burdens and provide answers, enabling individuals to do "My work" when free from self-concern.

It states, "You need no intermediary once you have accepted this Truth. I AM THAT I AM. I am within you direct your whole life." The advice is to "Live fully in the Now," leaving the past behind, and allowing the Divine to use one more fully.

Two extracts are presented: one from 'God Spoke To Me' by Eileen Caddy of Findhorn, and another from 'The Quite Mind' by White Eagle, both emphasizing trust in God and inner calm.

God Knows Your Need

This short piece on page 7, extracted from 'The Quite Mind' by White Eagle, states that God knows every need of body, soul, and spirit. It advises learning to be calm and still, doing one's best with love, and trusting that God will do the rest.

Find Yourself

On page 8, this section encourages individuals to "Refuse to be contented with the emotional effusions of the crowd and claim your heritage of creative thinking." It advocates cultivating "calmness within yourself, of quietude and serenity," where the "real YOU abides" in the "CENTRE OF SILENCE" within the human soul. It suggests that great sorrow, loneliness, inspiration, genius, and love are often silent. Every experience is seen as a "window, opening on the Divine," and grateful acceptance is crucial for wisdom.

It calls for cultivating fearlessness, courage, justice, and forgiveness, noting that resentment is easy but forgiveness signifies strength. Kindness and understanding are promoted, urging readers to see others as "fragments of the One Universal Self" and to "Stand for Principles, not personalities!"

Life is described as a series of awakenings, with each birth into a larger sphere potentially being painful as the "chrysalis of the lower, personal selfhood must be broken through" for the Soul to emerge. The advice is to "Commune with Space; go out and look at the ocean, at the mountains..."

The End of the Year

This poem on page 9 by Helen Steiner Rice reflects on the end of the year with mixed emotions of hope and fear. It contrasts human arrogance and pride with the simplicity of childlike faith in God. It suggests that those who kneel in prayer are closer to God's heart than those who search with their minds. The poem calls for a simple, childlike faith that transcends color, race, and creed, emphasizing that "faith alone can save man's soul" and that victory comes through faith, not force.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the dawning of the Age of Aquarius, spiritual evolution, and the transformation of human consciousness. There is a strong emphasis on the shift towards mental development, universal brotherhood, and the realization of humanity's divine potential. The editorial stance promotes inner peace, self-knowledge, active participation in spiritual growth, and a move away from self-centeredness towards unity and love. The discontinuation of 'Aquarian News' and the continuation of 'Skywatch' indicate a focus on the latter's specific mission. The inclusion of poetry and inspirational extracts reinforces the magazine's spiritual and philosophical orientation.

This document is a transcript of a talk titled "THE CASE FOR A HOLLOW EARTH." given by Frank van Vloten at the National Seminar of Contact S.A. in August 1976, held at the El Mirador Hotel in Drakensberg. The talk is the first in a series of three lectures, presented with a degree of secrecy to encourage serious thought about the world. The speaker aims not to convert, but to stimulate new lines of thought and allow the audience to form their own conclusions.

The Nature of the Planet

The first lecture focuses on the nature of Earth and questions whether current knowledge, taught in schools or published, is accurate. The speaker revisits the conventional school teaching of Earth's formation: a hot gas spinning off the sun, cooling into a liquid ball with a solid crust, forming land and sea, with a liquid core as the origin of volcanoes. This model includes an imaginary axis with North and South geographic poles, distinct from magnetic poles, noting a discrepancy between them. Navigation charts are revised due to changing magnetic pole positions.

Challenging Accepted Scientific Thinking

The talk then contrasts this with accepted scientific thinking, which regards Earth as having a layered structure: crust, liquid mantle, and solid inner core. This information is attributed to the Institute of Geological Sciences in London, derived from how earthquake shock waves bend through the Earth. The Earth's magnetic field is said to be generated by circulation in the liquid mantle. The speaker highlights a Scientific American article noting Russian geomagnetic studies suggesting the North magnetic pole is not a single point but a line approximately 1,000 miles long.

Earth's Shape and Rotation

The conventional view of Earth's shape as spherical with flattening at the poles and a bulge at the equator, attributed to centrifugal force from rotation, is discussed. An experiment with a stone and string is suggested to illustrate centrifugal force. However, the speaker implies this conventional explanation might be incomplete.

The Van Allen Belts and Doughnut Shape

As an example of changing scientific understanding, the discovery of the Van Allen Belts in 1958 during the International Geophysical Year is mentioned. These belts of intense radiation surround Earth but have gaps at the polar regions. An article in Scientific American described their shape as doughnut-like, with holes at the poles. This leads to the question of whether Earth's true shape might tend towards that of a doughnut, implying a hole in the vicinity of the poles.

Historical Parallels and Resistance to New Ideas

The speaker draws a parallel between the current questioning of Earth's shape and the historical view of Earth being flat in the Middle Ages. Just as astronomers and explorers eventually changed the flat-Earth view, the speaker suggests that new evidence may force a similar reluctant acceptance of new ideas about Earth's structure.

Early Theories of a Hollow Earth

The talk introduces two early 20th-century books that proposed a hollow Earth model: William Reed's "Phantom of the Poles" (1906) and Marshall Gardner's "A Journey to the Earth's Interior" (1920). Both authors suggested Earth was a hollow shell with two holes at the polar areas, providing access to the interior. Gardner further proposed a central, glowing ball providing light and heat for the inner surface, likening the concept to a lampshade with a central light bulb.

Gardner's Postulations on Earth's Formation

Gardner's hypothesis is explained: the primordial glowing mass of gas cooled, with heavier particles thrown outward by centrifugal action to form the crust. The remaining central matter formed a nucleus, which would become the central sun. Centrifugal force near the axis of rotation (poles) would be least, allowing particles to drift and form holes in the crust at the polar regions.

Astronomical Evidence and Other Planets

Gardner based his conclusions on astronomical evidence and polar expeditions. The talk mentions a reproduction of Donati's comet (1853) showing a crust and central nucleus, and photographs of a hollow shell nebula and a spiral nebula, suggesting these support his ideas. Gardner also claimed Mercury, Venus, and Mars are hollow with central suns, citing photographs of light projecting beyond Mars's polar snow-cap as evidence of an interior sun, brighter than any reflection from ice. Similar lights were observed on Venus and Mercury by Professor Lowell. The aurora borealis and australis are suggested to be reflections of this interior sun on polar clouds. Gardner believed all planets are hollow with central suns, reflecting the pattern of solar system formation from nebulae.

The Inaccessibility of the Poles

The speaker argues that inaccessible parts of Earth, like the polar areas, can be studied by analogy with other planets. Despite claims that explorers like Cook, Peary, and Nansen reached the North Pole, the talk asserts their accounts were unsubstantiated and their calculations unreliable due to low sun altitude. Nansen himself admitted being lost for a year. The talk contends that none of these explorers indisputably reached the pole.

Navigational Challenges at the Poles

The difficulty in reaching the poles is explained by navigational issues. As one approaches the pole, compass needles dip vertically. The Russian finding that the North magnetic pole is a line, not a point, about 1,000 miles long, combined with the discrepancy between magnetic and geographic poles (hundreds of miles), creates a significant problem for navigation. Even modern gyro-compasses and inertial guidance systems used by atomic submarines (Nautilius and Skate) failed to provide reliable results near the North Pole, as the speed of rotation decreases near the axis. The talk suggests that instruments dependent on terrestrial conditions cannot accurately indicate the North Pole's position, if it even exists on the surface.

Polar Openings and Mid-Air Poles

Marshall Gardner was convinced that the polar openings, each estimated at 1,400 miles in diameter, meant the true geographical poles were not on the surface but in mid-air. The Earth's crust thickness is estimated at 800 miles. This makes reaching the true geographical North Pole physically impossible by land or sea. The talk addresses advertised airline passages over the pole, stating commercial aircraft avoid flying within 150 miles of it due to navigational uncertainty, as they cannot afford to be imprecise about their location.

Entering the Polar Openings

Regarding the question of whether one would realize they were entering a polar opening, the answer is twofold. Firstly, the immense size of the opening (1,400 miles diameter, with an 800-mile thick shell creating a gradual curvature) would make it unnoticeable without sensitive instruments. Secondly, polar areas are often cloud-covered. Even on a clear day, visibility is limited to 50-100 miles, far less than the opening's diameter. To perceive the opening, one would need to be several hundred miles away, possibly from satellite altitude. Photographs from such a perspective are presented, though one showing the North polar opening reportedly lacks evidence of a central sun, contrary to Gardner's theories.

The Piri Re'is Map and Antarctic Evidence

The Piri Re'is Map of Antarctica (1513) is mentioned as predating the discovery of Antarctica and possibly drawn from pre-ice age originals. It allegedly shows a coastline under thick ice, suggesting aerial observation and intelligent beings with flying machines 10,000 or more years ago. The map is said to indicate an opening in the South polar region.

Physical Conditions Experienced by Polar Explorers

The talk then details physical conditions reported by polar explorers around the turn of the century, which Gardner used as evidence. These accounts are presented as consistent.

• Point No. 1: Explorers' compass needles pointed vertically downward near the pole. The Russian finding of the North magnetic pole being a line of 1,000 miles is mentioned, with Raymond Palmer suggesting this line forms a circle on the rim of the polar opening, explaining sustained vertical needle readings even after rounding the lip.
• Point No. 2: Explorers like Nansen and Greely reported warmer weather in the farthest Northern regions, sometimes unbearably hot, requiring them to shed clothing. Reed and Gardner believed the Earth's interior had a sub-tropical temperature of about 76°F, with warmth emanating from the central sun and escaping through polar entrances, accounting for the warm winds.
• Point No. 3: Abundant game and animal life, including seals, foxes, bears, and birds unknown to science, were observed in the Arctic. Some animals migrate north in winter. The talk questions if this life originated from the warm interior of the Earth.
• Point No. 4: The presence of significant black dust in the northernmost Arctic is noted, analyzed as carbon and iron, likely volcanic in origin. Since there are no known volcanoes in the Arctic, the dust is suggested to have come from the Earth's interior, carried by warm winds through polar openings.
• Point No. 5: Colored snow (red, pink, green, blue, yellow) observed in the Arctic was analyzed as vegetable origin, likely pollen from flowers. As no surface flowers produce such effects, it is proposed these flowers grow inside the Earth's interior, with pollen carried out through polar entrances by warm winds.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout the talk is the questioning of established scientific paradigms regarding Earth's structure and formation. The speaker consistently presents anomalies and historical accounts as evidence supporting a hollow Earth model, contrasting them with conventional scientific explanations. The editorial stance, as presented by the speaker, is one of encouraging critical thinking and independent conclusion-forming, rather than asserting definitive proof. The talk emphasizes that evidence, when critically examined, may lead to radically different understandings of our world.

This issue of 'Skywatch' delves into speculative theories regarding the Earth's geography and unexplained phenomena, focusing on iceberg formation, polar observations, and alleged flights beyond the poles. The content presents information that challenges conventional scientific understanding, drawing on historical accounts and explorer testimonies.

Iceberg Formation and Tidal Waves

The article begins by addressing the paradox of icebergs being composed of fresh water while oceans are saline. Point No. 6 proposes an explanation for iceberg formation, suggesting that inland rivers flow towards polar openings, where the water freezes progressively on the outer surface, building up into massive ice formations. These ice mountains then thaw and drift into the ocean. The author speculates that the release of these huge icebergs might be responsible for tidal waves encountered in polar regions, rather than vulcanism.

Nansen's Polar Observations

Point No. 7 discusses observations made by explorer Nansen in the farthest northern regions. Nansen noted that the North-South horizon gradually foreshortened, while the East-West horizon remained constant. The article interprets this phenomenon as evidence that Nansen was traveling around the curved rim of a polar opening and entering a hollow interior. It is suggested that this curvature would consistently cause foreshortening of the horizon from any approach.

Admiral Byrd's Polar Flights and Hidden Lands

The central focus of the issue is the evidence presented regarding Admiral Richard Byrd's polar expeditions, particularly flights that allegedly went beyond the poles. The article cites the Encyclopaedia Britannica, noting Byrd's flights over the North pole in May 1926 and over the South pole in November 1929. It also mentions a second flight over the South pole in 1947 and a third in January 1956. On the latter two occasions, Byrd reportedly flew 1,700 and 2,300 miles beyond the poles, over land, before fuel shortages forced his return. The article emphasizes Byrd's integrity and the advanced instruments at his disposal.

A significant claim is made about a newsreel shown in American theaters in 1929, which documented Byrd's flights and allegedly depicted a land beyond the North pole with mountains, trees, rivers, and a mammoth. The article asserts that this newsreel has since been suppressed and its existence denied, though many people reportedly remember it.

Further evidence is presented from Byrd's 1947 expedition, where he described it as the "most important expedition in the history of the world." On January 13, 1956, Byrd and the U.S. Navy reportedly flew 2,300 miles beyond the South pole over land, a feat that seems to contradict Antarctica's geography as an island surrounded by water. The press at the time announced a flight of 2,700 miles from McMurdo Sound, penetrating 2,300 miles of land beyond the pole.

Russian Pronouncements and the Unknown

To support the idea of unknown regions, the article quotes a Russian pronouncement suggesting that "Exploration and research have shown that an enormous region of the earth's surface, and correspondingly large realms of the unknown, may be brought within the compass of human understanding in a very few years." This is presented as corroborating evidence for the existence of unexplored territories.

Admiral Byrd's final public statement before his death in 1957 is quoted: "I'd like to see that land beyond the pole. That area beyond the pole is the centre of the great unknown." This statement is used to underscore the mystery and potential discoveries awaiting humanity.

The article concludes by posing a rhetorical question to the audience, asking if they believe there is nothing more to learn about the planet, and expresses hope that the presented information will stimulate personal research.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the existence of a hollow Earth, hidden polar lands, and suppressed information by officialdom. The editorial stance appears to be one that questions mainstream scientific consensus and promotes the exploration of alternative theories, particularly those related to polar mysteries and potential discoveries beyond conventional geographical understanding. The issue encourages skepticism towards official narratives and advocates for an open mind towards unconventional ideas about the Earth's structure and hidden realms.

Correspondence and Meetings

Information is provided for correspondence to the National Secretary of Contact Int. (S.A.) at P.O. Box 743, Durban, 4000, and that venues and times for meetings are the same as in previous issues of 'Skywatch'.