Woodrew Update - Vol 6 No 3

Magazine Overview

The Woodrew Update, Volume 6, Number 3, published in March/April 1987, is a S.T.A.R. Foundation publication from Waynesville, N.C., U.S.A. The issue's cover headline, "NOW IS THE TIME," emphasizes the urgency of making important decisions for personal and family preparation for future changes, quoting Marshall McLuhan: "There are no passengers on Spaceship Planet Earth. Everybody is crew."

Preparation for Change

The lead article, "NOW IS THE TIME," outlines a three-step process for preparing for potential societal disruptions. Step 1 involves examining the thesis of change and agreeing with the scenario of impending changes. Step 2 requires assessing one's own situation, identifying dependencies that could break down, and deciding on a "survival period" for which to prepare. Step 3 focuses on storing essential items, prioritizing pure, clean water, and developing a food plan based on personal preferences and habits. The article suggests checking clothing and medical supplies, storing candles, flashlight batteries, and paper goods. It also lists two suppliers for survival food: THE SURVIVAL CENTER in Ravenna, Ohio, and ARROWHEAD MILLS in Hereford, Texas, offering a 10% discount to S.T.A.R. family members.

The S.T.A.R. Foundation has completed a massive storage program for 100 people for one year, viewing it as an "insurance policy" against unforeseen events.

Subjective Sensory Awareness

An article explores the concept of "Subjective Sensory Awareness," drawing parallels between the story of the blind men and the elephant and modern scientific findings. It highlights research by psychologist Diana Deutsch suggesting that perceptions of auditory stimuli, like musical tones, can differ significantly between individuals. This phenomenon is linked to the idea that the mind creates many of the structures we perceive, and ordinary awareness is often dominated by choice. The article extends this concept to other senses, such as smell, and quotes J. Krishnamurti on awareness being dependent on likes and dislikes. It suggests that "choiceless awareness" might be key to heightened sensory awareness for a coming "New Age."

Homeopathy: A Holographic View

This section delves into homeopathy, linking it to holographic thinking. It notes that orthodox medicine and the AMA do not favor homeopathic remedies due to a lack of measurable evidence. However, it cites a report in THE ECONOMIST about a homeopathic remedy for hayfever that produced a better result than a placebo, as published in THE LANCET. The article explains the homeopathic principle of "like cures like" and the process of extreme dilution (e.g., one part in 10^60). It references physicist David Bohm's "Implicate Universe" theory, suggesting that the subtle nature of homeopathic remedies may be powerful healing instruments.

Bach Flower Remedies

The issue introduces Bach Flower Remedies, developed by Dr. Edward Bach in the 1930s. Bach recognized that many patient illnesses were linked to negative mental states like anxiety and lack of self-confidence. He sought natural remedies, free of artificial additives, to restore emotional and psychological equilibrium. The article states that 38 Bach Flower Remedies are recognized by the Homeopathic Pharmacopeia of the United States. John Diamond, M.D., is quoted on the value of these remedies in preventing "dis-ease" and assisting in the integration of emotional, psychological, and physiological patterns.

Bravo, Karen! A Lesson Well Learned

This is a personal account from Karen to Greta, detailing her experience undergoing major surgery. Karen utilized mind-body techniques, including auto-suggestion and relaxation exercises, prior to the surgery. She reports a deeply relaxed state upon entering the operating room and a remarkably smooth recovery, requiring minimal pain medication. She expresses gratitude for the lessons learned from Greta and the S.T.A.R. organization.

Flip-Flops: Earth's Magnetic Field

This article discusses "Flip-Flops," referring to reversals of the Earth's magnetic field. It suggests these reversals have contributed to mass extinctions and driven evolutionary leaps. A scientist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center notes that while sea floor rocks show multiple reversals, humans have never witnessed one. An estimate suggests 171 reversals in the last million years. The article mentions Ruth Montgomery's prediction of a polar flip at the end of the 20th century and reports on Voyager 2's study of Uranus, which suggests its magnetic field might be reversing.

Geology in Transition

This section addresses the increasing occurrence of earthquakes in the Eastern United States, noting that models for their occurrence are still emerging. It explains that intraplate earthquakes, occurring away from obvious plate boundaries, are harder to study than those on the San Andreas fault. While plate tectonics explain most seismic energy, a small percentage remains unexplained. Historical intraplate earthquakes in Boston, Missouri, and Charleston, S.C., are mentioned. The difficulty in explaining these events poses challenges for regulators assessing earthquake hazards.

On E.T. Civilizations

This piece reflects on the concept of extraterrestrial civilizations, referencing the Roman philosopher Lucretius and Giordano Bruno. It laments the loss of historical records, such as those from the Alexandrian Library, which could have provided more information on ancient civilizations and potential ET visits. The article briefly touches upon the idea that "Nothing in the Universe is the only one of its kind."

No Dumbo, This: Elephant Communication

This short segment discusses research from Cornell University on elephant communication. It suggests that elephants use low-frequency sounds (10 Hz to 30 Hz) for communication over distances, especially in dense savannah environments where higher frequencies are muffled. This communication is described as electromagnetic.

The Spector of CHERNOBYL Continues to Haunt

This article revisits the Chernobyl nuclear accident, noting that fallout has been detected in the U.S. in rainwater and milk. It suggests that some U.S. fallout may have originated from a controlled venting of radioactive gas from tunnels at the Nevada test site following the "Mighty Oak" test. The article also raises concerns about the safety of U.S. nuclear reactors, stating that some lack adequate containment features and could experience core melt accidents, potentially releasing radiation comparable to Chernobyl. It reminds readers to keep potassium iodide tablets on hand.

Subscriber Scribings

This section includes "Words that Count," a list of important phrases in English, ranking them by the number of words. It also features a personal story from Updater Suzanne Tannehill about her son Brett and a hornet's nest, illustrating a lesson about fear and harmony. Another piece, "Golden Moments," reflects on profound experiences and the challenges of maintaining private lives while fulfilling requests for the S.T.A.R. organization.

S.T.A.R. Activities

This section details recent and upcoming S.T.A.R. activities. It highlights a positive participant response to an L.A. Workshop, emphasizing expanded consciousness and "rooting techniques." Upcoming events include the "SLIDE II Conference" and a presentation in Naples, Florida. It also mentions the departure of James Roy Moody from his role as S.T.A.R. House Manager.

A Visitor from the Cosmos

This article revisits the topic of asteroids and comets striking Earth, referencing previous Update articles and a Discover magazine piece. It discusses efforts by scientists to divert such celestial objects and the challenges posed by complex orbital calculations involving multiple bodies. The article notes that scientists are gaining a clearer picture of catastrophic events that have shaped the planet.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around preparedness for future uncertainties, alternative healing modalities (homeopathy, Bach Flower Remedies), and the exploration of scientific and geological phenomena (subjective awareness, magnetic field reversals, earthquakes). There is a consistent emphasis on personal responsibility, self-reliance, and expanding consciousness. The editorial stance is proactive, encouraging readers to examine evidence, make informed decisions, and prepare for potential challenges, viewing these actions as a form of "insurance." The publication also promotes the S.T.A.R. Foundation's activities and resources.