SubRosa Issue6-Spread

Magazine Overview

Title: SUB ROSA
Issue: Six
Date: October 2006
Publisher: The Daily Grail Presents
Tagline: Where Science And Magic, Myth And History Meet

This issue of Sub Rosa delves into a diverse range of topics that explore the boundaries between science, spirituality, history, and the unexplained. The editorial highlights a shift in publication schedule from quarterly to half-yearly due to the demands of other projects, expressing a commitment to improving the magazine.

News

Tripping the Enlightenment Fantastic

A study from Johns Hopkins University, led by Roland Griffiths, investigated the effects of psilocybin under rigorous scientific conditions. The research found that, with proper preparation, psilocybin can safely occasion mystical experiences leading to positive changes in individuals. Out of 36 volunteers, 22 described mystical experiences, and two months after the sessions, a significant number reported increased well-being and life satisfaction.

"Warriors of the Clouds"

Archaeologists in Peru discovered an 820-feet deep burial site in a cave, unearthing five mummies, two of which were intact. The site also contained ceramics, textiles, and limestone walls decorated with paintings. The discovery is considered of transcendental importance, potentially belonging to the Chachapoyas culture, known as 'cloud people,' who ruled a kingdom from the Andes to the Amazon rainforest.

16 'New' Planets in Milky Way

NASA scientists, using the Hubble Space Telescope, have discovered 16 new planets near the galactic center. This discovery, adding to over 200 planets found in the past 15 years, increases the chances of finding Earth-like planets. Scientists estimate there could be as many as 6 billion Jupiter-sized planets in our galaxy.

News Briefs

Brief reports cover an 11,000-year-old temple discovered by a French-Syrian archaeological team in Syria, British plans to create hybrid human-rabbit embryos for stem cell research, a private museum owner offering $50,000 for a Bigfoot footprint cast, a witnessed cigar-shaped UFO in Minnesota, and sightings of oval discs performing unusual aerial acrobatics near Invermere, British Columbia.

'Face' on Mars Unmasked

New images from the European Space Agency's Mars Express satellite reveal that the 'Face on Mars' is a natural formation, debunking conspiracy theories. ESA scientist Agustin Chicarro stated the images provide a fresh and detailed view of the Cydonia region. Takeo Watanabe of Boston University suggests that humans' tendency to see faces in natural formations is a result of 'over-learning.' Michael McKay commented on the initial interpretations of the images, including comparisons to Elvis.

News Briefs (Continued)

Further briefs mention new evidence suggesting the Bering Strait flooded about 11,000 years ago, potentially impacting human migration routes. NASA scientists suggest desert dust may be altering monsoon rainfall in Southeast Asia. Proposals for a ring of superconducting magnets to launch satellites are discussed. A witness claims 12 men were present at Princess Diana's death scene, suggesting a staged event. A study by the Nordic Cochrane Centre indicates pharmaceutical companies influence medical journals. Fish in a Hawaiian lagoon reportedly jumped out of the water before a 6.6 magnitude earthquake.

Amazing Aztec Discovery

Mexican archaeologists in Mexico City discovered a 15th-century altar and large stone slab at the ruins of Templo Mayor. The monolith, weighing up to 12 tons, is believed to represent an Aztec deity. The find is significant for its early date, potentially helping trace changes in state-sponsored religious practices.

Chinese Target US Spy Satellite

A US agency claims China beamed a ground-based laser at US spy satellites, exposing their vulnerability. The Pentagon acknowledged the incident but stated no material damage occurred. Experts caution against jumping to conclusions, suggesting China might have been testing equipment.

News Briefs (Continued)

Additional briefs include research suggesting marijuana's active ingredient may help with Alzheimer's, insects being larger in the late Paleozoic due to higher oxygen levels, the US agreeing to wipe 20% of Guatemala's foreign debt in exchange for rainforest protection, Chinese scientists claiming a successful test of a thermonuclear fusion reactor, and researchers at Duke University developing a two-dimensional invisibility cloak for microwaves. The UK Ministry of Defence reported over 700 UFO sightings, with only twelve deemed worth investigating.

SPECIAL REPORT

Pyramid No More

Sphinx geologist Robert Schoch and anomalies researcher Colette Dowell investigated claims of pyramids in Bosnia. They visited Visoko and Herzegovina, meeting with Semir Osmanagic, chairman of the "Archaeological Park: Bosnian Pyramid of the Sun Foundation." Despite Osmanagic's assertions that the hills were clearly man-made pyramids, Schoch and Dowell found no evidence of human construction. Their geological analysis indicated the hills were natural formations composed of Miocene-era sediments. They also examined tunnels claimed to connect the 'pyramids,' suggesting they were natural underground streams enhanced by human excavation. They found no direct connection to the pyramids and noted that markings interpreted as ancient script were likely modern graffiti. The report concludes that while Bosnia has a rich archaeological heritage, the 'Bosnian pyramids' are natural hills, and Osmanagic's project is potentially damaging genuine ancient heritage.

The tunnels appeared to possibly be natural features...

This section details the investigation of tunnels near the alleged Bosnian pyramids. Schoch and Dowell found the tunnels to be composed of loose, unconsolidated materials, not hard bedrock, and suggested they were formed by underground streams, possibly enhanced by recent human activity. They dismissed markings within the tunnels as modern graffiti, noting that local workers reported the 'ancient writing' was not present when the tunnel was first explored.

Columns

The Science Delusion

Greg Taylor critiques Richard Dawkins' book 'The God Delusion,' agreeing with Dawkins' condemnation of religious fundamentalism but arguing that he goes too far by attacking all religion. Taylor posits that science, too, can exhibit fundamentalism, citing the uproar at the British Association for the Advancement of Science conference regarding presentations on telepathy and after-death states. He criticizes organizations like CSICOP as dogmatic and argues that while science is a valuable tool, it should not be the sole way of framing the world, emphasizing the importance of metaphor, art, and emotion.

Quantum Theory: Spiritual Panacea, or Red Herring?

Ian Lawton expresses growing unease about the popular interpretation of quantum theory, particularly as presented in films like 'What the Bleep do we Know?'. He argues that the idea that quantum uncertainty allows individuals to create their own reality is a significant leap of faith and logic. Lawton suggests that while focused intent can influence surroundings, it's a mistake to solely focus on this aspect at the expense of recognizing simultaneous soul individuality. He advocates for consciousness research as a more useful area for confirming a spiritual worldview.

The Battle For The Mind

Michael Grosso reviews the 832-page book 'Irreducible Mind,' which challenges the dominant materialistic view of the mind. The book explores phenomena such as consciousness, memory, dissociation, mysticism, psychokinesis, and out-of-body experiences. Grosso highlights that the book provides a scientific basis for expanded human development, suggesting that the mind has significant power to shape reality through belief and imagination. He concludes that the book opens the door to a psychology more receptive to the richness of human experience and potentially offers evidence for survival beyond bodily death.

Features

666 Steps: Being the Confessions of a Crowley Bibliomaniac

Frater Ilynx (Blair Mackenzie Blake) confesses to being an Aleister Crowley bibliomaniac, addicted to collecting rare first printings of Crowley's works. He states he is on the long path to recovery, having not purchased a Crowley item for over a year.

Unraveling the Egypt Code: An Interview with Robert Bauval

This feature is an interview with Robert Bauval, likely discussing his theories related to ancient Egypt, possibly connecting it to astronomical alignments or hidden knowledge, as suggested by the title.

The Mysterious Life of Manly P. Hall

This profile by Mitch Horowitz explores the life and work of Manly P. Hall, a prominent figure in esoteric and philosophical literature.

A Divine Signal: The Psychics Who Predicted Fatima

This feature by Joaquin Fernandes and Fina d'Armada investigates psychics who allegedly predicted the events at Fatima, Portugal.

Artist Spotlight

Adam Scott Miller

This spotlight focuses on the art of Adam Scott Miller, specifically his work titled 'The Art of Corpus Callosum.'

Reviews

Crystal Ball

This section contains reviews, with 'Crystal Ball' being the title of one of the reviewed items.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Sub Rosa include the exploration of consciousness, the intersection of science and spirituality, the debunking of pseudoscientific claims (such as the Bosnian pyramids and the 'Face on Mars'), and the examination of esoteric figures and phenomena (Aleister Crowley, Manly P. Hall, psychic predictions). The editorial stance, as expressed by Greg Taylor, is one of critical inquiry, valuing evidence-based investigation while remaining open to phenomena that challenge conventional scientific paradigms. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between genuine scientific exploration and what is perceived as dogma or 'delusion' in both religious and scientific circles. The magazine also demonstrates a commitment to presenting diverse perspectives, even those that might be considered fringe by mainstream science.

This issue of Sub Rosa, dated October 2006, delves into the world of esoteric literature, particularly focusing on the rare book collecting of Aleister Crowley's works, and features an interview with Robert Bauval about his theories on ancient Egypt.

The Collector's Quest: Aleister Crowley's First Editions

The magazine opens with a personal narrative detailing the author's journey into bibliomania, specifically the pursuit of first editions by Aleister Crowley. The author recounts finding a first edition of 'Moonchild' (1929) in Las Vegas for $1,650.00, noting its near-fine condition and the striking dust jacket. This acquisition sparked a deeper obsession, leading to further searches in used bookstores.

The narrative continues with the discovery of a first British printing of 'The Diary Of A Drug Fiend' (1922) in Pasadena, though it was in poor condition and lacked its rare dust-wrapper. The author highlights the high prices these rare items can command, noting that the 'Moonchild' copy is now worth three times its purchase price, and a complete 'The Diary of a Drug Fiend' with its dust-wrapper could fetch $3,000.00.

Another significant find discussed is a scarce first American edition of 'Goetia (The Lesser Key Of King Solomon)' (circa 1904), which the author discovered in a Phoenix bookstore. This edition is described as being 'pirated in the U.S.' and was found in poor condition with vandalized pages.

The article 'The Dealer' details encounters with a bookseller specializing in Crowleyana. The author describes purchasing a battered first edition of 'Ambergris' (1910) for $85.00 and later a complete ten-volume set of Crowley's occult magazine 'The Equinox' (1909-1913) for under $3,000.00. The 'Equinox' is described as a significant publication preserving esoteric knowledge.

The pursuit of rare Crowley firsts also led to the discovery of 'Liber XXI', with the author inquiring about galley proofs of this privately published work. The dealer mentioned a rare copy with an original drawing or watercolor by Crowley, of which only 100 were issued.

The text 'When I saw the publisher's imprint, I knew for certain that this was indeed the book “pirated in the U.S. by some thieving scoundrel” as Crowley wrote to a young Kenneth Grant' elaborates on the 'Goetia' find, emphasizing its pirated nature and Crowley's own words about it.

Further collecting adventures include the acquisition of 'The Blue Equinox' (nicknamed for its color) which contains the first appearance of Crowley's portrait of 'LAM'. The author also discusses 'White Stains', a pornographic work clandestinely printed in 1898, with very few copies believed to exist.

The article 'EQUINOX BLUES' details the complexities of collecting 'The Equinox of the Gods' (1936), noting variations in printings and binding issues. The author describes purchasing a copy for $300.00 that was later found to be a re-bound version from the 1950s, prompting the need to acquire a true first printing.

The pursuit of 'The Book of Thoth' is also a major theme. The author recounts a ritual performed to acquire a first edition of 'The Book of Thoth' (1944), considered the 'Holy Grail' of Crowley firsts. Despite a near miss with a poorly rebound 1969 reprint, the author eventually acquired a copy, with a friend, Danny, obtaining another for around $4,000.00.

The issue also touches upon the controversial nature of 'The Book of the Law' (Liber AL vel Legis), mentioning its complex publishing history and the 'California' edition which differed from the 'London' edition.

'IJYNX' and Esoteric Art

The magazine introduces 'IJYNX', the first book by Blair MacKenzie Blake, described as a collection of occult prose-poems exploring hyper-dimensions of consciousness and encounters with trans-mundane entities. The book delves into themes of esoteric cannibalism and a mysterious post-mortem substance known as 'The Residuum of Paradise'.

An article titled 'Art of Illumination' showcases 'Esoteric Art to Illuminate your Heart', featuring a striking image of a rose and highlighting the connection between art and spiritual insight.

Interview with Robert Bauval: 'The Egypt Code'

Robert Bauval is interviewed about his new book, 'The Egypt Code'. Bauval revisits his earlier 'Orion Correlation Theory', which proposed that the Giza pyramids mirrored the stars of Orion's belt. The new book expands on this, suggesting that the sky was of ultimate importance to ancient Egyptians for maintaining cosmic balance. Bauval explains that the Egyptians 'read' the sky as a form of astrology to establish a social order in harmony with cosmic cycles.

Bauval discusses the controversies surrounding his theories within mainstream Egyptology but expresses hope that 'The Egypt Code' will encourage a broader discussion about ancient Egyptian social systems and their connection to the cosmos. He emphasizes the book's aim to show how a society once lived in harmony with Nature and its cycles, fostering respect and responsible rule.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Sub Rosa strongly reflects a fascination with the occult, esotericism, and the pursuit of rare knowledge, particularly through the collection of Aleister Crowley's works. The editorial stance appears to be one that celebrates the dedication and passion of collectors and researchers in these fields. The magazine also engages with alternative historical and archaeological theories, as seen in the interview with Robert Bauval, suggesting an open-minded approach to unconventional ideas. The recurring theme is the exploration of hidden knowledge, mystical practices, and the deeper meanings behind ancient texts and symbols.

This issue of Sub Rosa, dated October 2006, features a collection of articles exploring ancient mysteries, art, and esoteric philosophy. The cover prominently features "Features" and the name Robert Bauval, suggesting a focus on his work.

Features on Robert Bauval

The issue delves into the theories of Robert Bauval, particularly concerning ancient Egypt. One article discusses his hypothesis that the landscape of the Memphite-Heliopolis region mimics the sky, specifically the Orion constellation, at around 11,500 BC. It also touches upon the incorporation of the sun's path from the Pleiades to Leo into this sky-ground scheme. The Sothic Cycle of 1460 years and its relation to dramatic events in Egyptian history, such as those related to Akhenaten and his solar city at Tell El Amarna, are also mentioned as part of Bauval's broader thesis that Egyptians followed celestial changes.

In an interview format, Bauval addresses the "weakness" in the tomb theory of Egyptology regarding the Dashur pyramids, which are attributed to Snefru. He explains that he does not mention Dashur in "The Egypt Code" because he has discarded his previous hypothesis that they represent stars in the Hyades. He clarifies that "The Egypt Code" focuses on pyramids and temples in the Memphite region that mimic constellations, specifically mentioning the Giza pyramid complex's similarity to Orion and the Abu Sir pyramids to the Pleiades. Bauval maintains that the ancient Egyptians were aware of precession, using it as a calendrical "fingerprint" to mark epochs, a concept he links to "Zep Tepi" (circa 11,500 BC).

He defends his approach, stating he does not advocate for a "lost civilization" but rather interprets "Zep Tepi" as the "beginning" or "first time" defined by the celestial landscape. Bauval also discusses redating the Sphinx, mentioning Colin Reader's theory and its agreement with his conclusion of a solar year date of c. 2800 BC, the 'jubilee date'. He acknowledges that visualizing the sky's shift due to precession without computers would have been a challenge for ancient Egyptians, suggesting they either kept long-term records or had simple computation methods.

Bauval expresses a desire for more controversy to push Egyptology towards acknowledging astronomical influences, noting the shift in the field partly due to his work and that of others like Graham Hancock. His interests outside ancient Egypt lie in Hermetic and Gnostic traditions, which he sees being revived in contemporary fiction, citing Dan Brown's "The Da Vinci Code" and Javier Sierra's "The Secret Supper" as examples of how radical ideas can reach the public.

The issue also highlights books by Robert Bauval, including "The Orion Mystery" (with Adrian Gilbert) and "Keeper of Genesis" and "Talisman" (both with Graham Hancock). A review of "The Book of the Soul" by Ian Lawton is also featured.

Artist Spotlight: Adam Scott Miller

The magazine features an "Artist Spotlight" on Adam Scott Miller, showcasing his work "The Art of Corpus Callosum." His biography details his birth in 1984, his upbringing in rural Pennsylvania, and his current residence in Baltimore, Maryland, with his partner and fellow artist Erica DePaolo. Miller holds a BFA in Illustration and was selected for the Fine Art Work Center Master of Fine Arts program. His career includes illustrating for Sub Rosa, winning a Society of Illustrators competition, and working on commissioned paintings and album art.

Miller's influences include authors like Alan Moore, Annie Dillard, Grant Morrison, Terence McKenna, Robert Anton Wilson, Carl Jung, Carlos Castaneda, and Graham Hancock. His visual influences include Susan Waters-Eller, Alex Grey, Paul Laffoley, and the Lady Frieda Harris "Thoth Tarot" deck. Musically, he is influenced by Tool, Shpongle, Tori Amos, and Dead Can Dance.

His work explores themes of gnostic mysticism, quantum physics, the holographic principle, collective consciousness, multidimensionality, mythology, sociopolitics, and sacred geometry. His aim is to unite science with an esoteric understanding of the world, illuminating implicit meaning and pointing to the "numinous" qualities of the sacred.

His artistic mediums include drawing, painting, digital art & design, and video editing. His traditional media repertoire includes charcoal, sumi-ink, watercolor, gouache, acrylic, and oil, while his digital skills encompass Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign, Premiere, After Effects, and Corel Painter. The paintings displayed are traditionally created, while his illustrations are a synthesis of traditional and digital media. His website is http://corpuscallosum.cc.

Profiler: The Mysterious Career of Manly P. Hall

This section profiles Manly P. Hall, examining his life and work, particularly his seminal book "The Secret Teachings of All Ages." Written by Mitch Horowitz, the article notes that Hall, a Canadian-born spiritual scholar, published this complex work at the age of 27. The book is described as an Alexandrian-scale catalog of esoteric wisdom, covering myth, religion, cosmology, and philosophy, including topics like Pythagorean mathematics, alchemy, Hermetic doctrine, Kabala, ancient Egyptian geometry, Native American myths, cryptograms, Tarot, Rosicrucianism, and the esotericism of Shakespeare.

Hall's background is presented as ordinary, with no university education and a brief stint as a banking clerk. His early life was marked by a sickly childhood, limited social interaction, and extensive reading. He was raised by his maternal grandmother in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, after his parents divorced. He briefly attended a military school before being taken in by a Rosicrucian community in California at age sixteen. At nineteen, he moved to Los Angeles and began a public speaking career, eventually becoming a minister at The Church of the People.

Hall's impetus for writing "The Secret Teachings" stemmed from his reaction to the perceived materialism and spiritual superficiality of the Roaring Twenties. He expressed alarm at the era's "gin-and-Charleston giddiness" and the pursuit of money, witnessing firsthand the dark side of commerce. He also criticized the proliferation of phony spiritual guides and the academic dismissal of esoteric traditions as mere "museum pieces." Hall sought to reestablish a connection to the search for meaning found in ancient philosophies, quoting Francis Bacon on the relationship between philosophy and religion.

The article highlights that Hall's work is experiencing a resurgence in popularity, partly due to the affordable "Reader's Edition" of "The Secret Teachings" released in 2003. It also mentions his earlier work, "Initiates of the Flame" (1922), which foreshadowed his later magnum opus. Hall collaborated with artist J. Augustus Knapp on "Initiates of the Flame" and later on a Tarot deck and "The Secret Teachings."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the exploration of hidden knowledge, ancient civilizations, esoteric traditions, and the intersection of science, spirituality, and art. The magazine appears to champion alternative perspectives and unconventional research, particularly in the fields of Egyptology and mysticism, as evidenced by the prominent features on Robert Bauval and Manly P. Hall. The "Artist Spotlight" on Adam Scott Miller further reinforces this by showcasing art that blends scientific and esoteric concepts. The editorial stance seems to be one that encourages critical thinking, challenges orthodox views, and embraces the pursuit of deeper, often hidden, truths across various disciplines.

This issue of Sub Rosa, dated October 2006, features a prominent article on the prolific author and occult philosopher Manly P. Hall, alongside an in-depth investigation into the Fátima apparitions and their alleged psychic predictions.

Manly P. Hall: A Bookshelf and Legacy

The magazine highlights the enduring legacy of Manly P. Hall, focusing on the continued publication of his works by Tarcher/Penguin and the Philosophical Research Society (PRS). It details the availability of newly designed, compact editions of his seminal work, 'The Secret Teachings of All Ages,' noting that while the text is complete, some images are abridged. 'Lectures on Ancient Philosophy,' published in 1929, is presented as a companion volume expanding on themes from 'The Secret Teachings.' 'The Lost Keys of Freemasonry,' a compilation of three of Hall's classic works, is also featured, emphasizing his Masonic background.

The article delves into Hall's life, describing his early access to rare manuscripts at the British Museum and his extensive research at the New York Public Library. It recounts how he amassed a bibliography of nearly 1,000 entries, distilling ancient lore into 'The Great Book,' which was self-published in 1928 and has never been out of print. The book's success led to a letter of praise from the Crown Prince of Sweden and adoption by Masonic lodges. Hall's reputation as a scholar of mythic proportions grew, aiding his fundraising efforts, which led to the establishment of the Philosophical Research Society campus in Los Angeles in 1934.

The PRS, designed with influences from Mayan, Egyptian, and art-deco styles, featured a large library, auditorium, bookstore, and offices. After Hall's death in 1990, PRS faced legal battles and financial difficulties, leading to the sale of some of its valuable manuscripts. Despite these challenges, the organization regained financial health under its current president, Obadiah Harris, and established a distance-learning university.

The article also touches upon Hall's personal life, noting his focus on harnessing inner truths for practical application and his desire to establish a firm ground for personal idealism. It mentions his marriage later in life and his relatively few close friendships. Hall's later years were marked by business and personal affairs that raised questions, including falling victim to a con artist, Daniel Fritz, who exerted undue influence over his estate.

Despite some perceived flaws and anomalies in his extensive work, such as an insensitive essay in his journal 'Horizon,' Hall's ability to synthesize vast amounts of information and present it in an accessible manner is lauded. The article suggests that his knowledge might stem from past lives or a photographic memory, ultimately concluding that his work offers a unique and valuable perspective on ancient wisdom.

A Divine Signal: The Psychics Who Predicted Fatima

This section investigates the Fátima apparitions, focusing on the remarkable fact that they were predicted in Portuguese newspapers prior to their occurrence. The article highlights that on March 10, 1917, two months before the first apparition on May 13th, the Lisbon newspaper Diário de Notícias published a prediction. Similarly, the Porto newspaper O Primeiro de Janeiro, on May 13th, published a front-page story dated two days prior. Other Porto newspapers also carried announcements.

The authors dismiss the idea of a hoax, finding it illogical that such an event would be announced publicly by those perpetrating it. Instead, they propose that these were the work of two different spiritualist groups of psychics in Lisbon and Porto, who documented their premonitions by publishing them in the national news.

The article details an instance of 'automatic writing' by a spiritualist named Madame Keech, who produced a message written backward and inverted, predicting a significant event on May 13th. This message, signed 'Stella Matutina' (Morning Star), is discussed in relation to alchemical and spiritual interpretations, including Fulcanelli's affirmation of 'the Celestial Virgin' as the Morning Star.

Further evidence of precognition is presented from Porto, where psychics also foresaw a 'transcendental' event on May 13th. These predictions appeared in major newspapers, including O Primeiro de Janeiro, Jornal de Notícias, and Liberdade. The article notes that while some journalists treated the predictions with mockery, others, like Guedes de Oliveira, recognized the profound significance of the events.

Oliveira's writings suggest a logic informed by non-human beings, questioning whether the Fátima events were programmed down to the tiniest details. The article concludes that the Fátima apparitions continue to 'strongly impress all the world,' regardless of interpretation, and acknowledges the accuracy of the Lisbon psychics' prediction.

The authors, Joaquim Fernandes and Fina d'Armada, discuss their research methodology, which combines historical analysis with studies of women's history and celestial phenomena. They note that while their book 'Heavenly Lights' explored extraterrestrial explanations, 'Celestial Secrets' focuses more on Lucia's education and the construction of the 'Third Secret.' They also address the Catholic Church's reaction to their research, noting a lack of official response but some emotional reactions. The article briefly touches upon Michael Persinger's theories on luminous phenomena and apparitions, suggesting it as a potential avenue for future research.

Finally, the authors express skepticism about the direct connection of all apparitions to the Catholic image of the Virgin Mary, noting discrepancies between Sister Lucia's initial descriptions and the later presented image of the Virgin Mary of Fátima.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Sub Rosa appears to focus on esoteric knowledge, historical mysteries, and unexplained phenomena. The articles on Manly P. Hall and the Fátima apparitions both delve into subjects that lie outside mainstream academic discourse, exploring spiritualism, occultism, prophecy, and potential extraterrestrial or non-human influences. The magazine's stance seems to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, presenting detailed research and historical accounts while acknowledging the controversial or unconventional nature of the topics discussed. The editorial team appears to favor a rational, document-based approach to investigating these phenomena, even when dealing with subjects like psychic predictions and alleged miracles.

This issue of Sub Rosa, dated October 2006, focuses on reviews of books that explore unconventional theories related to history, religion, consciousness, and ancient civilizations. The magazine presents a collection of critical analyses and summaries of recent publications, offering readers insights into alternative perspectives on well-known phenomena.

Reviews

Heavenly Lights and Celestial Secrets by Joaquim Fernandes & Fina D'Armada

This section reviews two books from a planned trilogy that investigate the 'miracle of Fatima'. The authors, Joaquim Fernandes and Fina D'Armada, propose that the 1917 events in Fatima, Portugal, were an 'alien contact event' rather than solely a religious miracle. They base this thesis on original documents and interviews with witnesses, suggesting that the children described a young girl, 3 to 4 feet in height, carrying a ball or globe that emitted light, and that phenomena like 'angel hair' have parallels in ufological accounts. 'Celestial Secrets' specifically highlights how the Fatima events may have been predicted by Portuguese psychics and critically analyzes the 'Fatima mythology', suggesting later additions by the Catholic Church and Jesuit priests. The books are noted for their thorough research and for challenging the traditional Catholic interpretation.

The Egypt Code by Robert Bauval

This review discusses Robert Bauval's book, 'The Egypt Code', which aims to re-establish his 'Orion Correlation Theory' (OCT). The OCT posits that the pyramids of Giza were built to mirror the stars of the Orion constellation. The review notes that Bauval's work, while still considered fringe by Egyptologists, stays within the bounds of orthodox Egyptology in this book, avoiding direct claims of a lost civilization at the proposed 10,500 BCE date for the alignment. Bauval's research areas include the 'as above, so below' theme, temple sitings aligning with stars, and the influence of calendrical cycles. The book covers the Step Pyramid at Saqqara, the Heb Sed festival, and the Sothic cycle. It also delves into the Giza necropolis, suggesting alignments with other sites like Heliopolis and Letopolis. A key point is Bauval's assertion that a hermetic model matches a date in the 12th millennium BCE. The review finds the book to be a concise summary of diverse theories on Egyptian astronomy, though it concludes that the theories, while interesting, don't always amount to a conclusive explanation. Bauval's quote, "I believe that I have been able to make visible an ancient 'code' that can help Egyptology to shed more light on the greatest and most spiritually enlightened civilisation the world has ever known or is likely to know again in the future. Our present civilisation is in dire need of this ancient model of wisdom," is highlighted as his most 'New Age' statement.

I Have America Surrounded by John Higgs

This review examines John Higgs' biography of Timothy Leary, 'I Have America Surrounded'. The reviewer notes that the book offers a balanced portrayal of Leary's life and legacy, contrasting with other biographies described as 'character assassination'. Higgs had access to Leary's archives and interviewed associates, providing a multi-faceted view of Leary's actions and impact. The book covers Leary's prison break, his early life, and his involvement with psychedelics, the Merry Pranksters, and the Summer of Love. It also touches on Leary's collaboration with the FBI and his eventual conviction. The reviewer praises Higgs' ability to discuss Leary's theories of the mind and psychedelics, as well as his family and associates. Winona Ryder's foreword describes Leary's life as "flat-out epic grandeur." The reviewer's main criticism is that the book is too short (around 250 pages), leaving the last two decades of Leary's life less explored. However, the brevity is also seen as fitting Leary's 'flat-out' life. The book is credited with exploring Leary's complex personality, presenting him as an individual with a huge ego who wanted to save the world.

The Orion Zone by Gary A. David

This review covers Gary David's book, 'The Orion Zone: Ancient Star Cities Of The American Southwest'. Inspired by Robert Bauval's OCT, David applies similar thinking to the Anasazi culture, proposing that their villages and sacred sites were aligned with the stars of the Orion constellation. The book explores archaeology, anthropology, astronomy, and mythology, examining solstice alignments and site patterns connected to the Chakra system. The review highlights David's compelling evidence and his exploration of the Hopi culture, the ancestors of the Anasazi. David is praised for his objective and open-minded approach, avoiding academic compartmentalization. The book also touches on the possibility of extraterrestrial contact, linking it to Hopi cosmology and imagery. The reviewer concludes that the book is an important work that explores Anasazi lands and their connection to Orion.

Other Books and Media Reviewed

• A Beginners Guide to Immortality by Clifford Pickover: This upcoming book by Clifford Pickover, an author of numerous books on diverse topics, will explore new ways of thinking and different worlds, touching on phenomena like creativity, religious implications of mosquito evolution, simulated realities, and the mathematics of the apocalypse. It also examines people who have striven for 'immortality' through science, myths, religion, or dreams.
• Return to Fátima by J Fernandes, et al.: This is the final installment of a trilogy on Fatima, investigating the alleged apparitions and miracles. It subjects the events to modern scientific analysis, exploring the relationship between Marian apparitions, angels, and aliens, and proposing a new paradigm that goes beyond traditional religion, anthropology, and sociology.
• Scott Reeder's 'Tunnel Vision Brilliance': A review of the first solo album by Scott Reeder, former Kyuss and current Butcher Bassist. The album is described as a journey into heavy psychedelics and artistic heaviness, blending personal and worldly wisdom.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around alternative interpretations of historical and religious events, particularly the Fatima apparitions and ancient Egyptian cosmology. There is a strong focus on ufology and its potential connections to these phenomena. The magazine also explores consciousness studies, the legacy of Timothy Leary, and theories about ancient civilizations like the Anasazi. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting controversial theories and research that challenge mainstream academic and religious views, while encouraging critical analysis and further discussion. The reviews generally acknowledge the speculative nature of some of the content but emphasize the value of the research and the stimulating nature of the ideas presented.