CONTENTS

For August, 1961

SURVIVAL CITY   …….             2

Long-Time Dream Unfolds   …………             3

ESSAY CONTEST RESULTS ANNOUNCED   …….             4

THE NEW AGE PICTURE   ………             5

CAN GEMS HELP PLANTS GROW?   ………….             6

A MEEK AND HUMBLE EFFORT TOWARD WORLD PEACE   ………..             8

A PRACTICAL METHOD TO ACHIEVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING                           11

world report   …………..             13

Poet’s corner   ………….             16

UNDERSTANDING SPACECRAFT CONVENTION PLANNED   ………             16

HEADQUARTERS   ………….             18

bulletin board   ………..             19

TAPE DEPARTMENT   …….             20

——— ♦ ———

THE STAFF

EDITOR ……. Dr. DANIEL W. FRY

asst. editor …   cleve twitchell

circulation manager ……..  edna basmajian

staff artist …………..  gus tanasale

——— ♦ ———

 

SUBSCRIPTION RATES

SINGLE COPIES 25c • ONE YEAR (12 ISSUES) $2.50

 

Published monthly by ‘Understanding,’ a non-profit organization

ADDRESS ALL CORRESPONDENCE TO

UNDERSTANDING, P.O. BOX 22, STA. C, PASASDENA, CALIF.

——— ♦ ———

UNDERSTANDING


VOLUME VI                                 AUGUST • 1961                                        NUMBER 8


Dedicated to the propagation of a better understanding among all the peoples of the earth, and of those who are not of earth.

SURVIVAL CITY

About two years ago during the first Berlin crisis we published an article entitled “Playing Chicken.” Today, another “pass” in this game of international “chicken” is underway. Krushchev has given the United States until December to get out of West Berlin, or else! Our State Department and President Kennedy have dispatched a reply to Krushchev which states, in diplomatic language but firmly and unmistakably, that we have no intention of surrendering West Berlin to the tender mercies of the Soviet Union, either in December or at any other time, that we will not leave West Berlin until free elections have united all of Germany or until some other solution acceptable to the West Germans themselves is reached. They have also indicated that if it should become necessary for us to fight for our position in West Berlin, then we will use any necessary weapons including thermonuclear.

The issue has been clearly joined. Each nation in this renewed game of chicken is hurtling toward the other with increasing speed. Will either or both nations turn aside at the last moment so that a head-on collision can be averted? As yet no one knows, least of all the leaders of the two nations themselves.

We sincerely hope and pray that a general holocaust can be avoided. But we must be prepared for any contingency. The following excerpts from the Grants Pass, Oregon Courier tell a part of the story of one phase of

2                                                    UNDERSTANDING

such preparation for the benefit of the members of Understanding and others who may need or desire a survival home.

——— ♦ ———

Long-Time Dream Unfolds

with Merlin (Oregon) Development Company

With a $85,000 investment, purchasing Rogue River Box Co. buildings and acreage Thursday, and Silver Tip Fir Mills property in Merlin Friday, Daniel W. Fry of Merlin Development Co. began implementation of a dream originated 15 years ago.

More than 10 years in planning stages, Merlin Development Co., headed by the California engineering executive, has as its purpose just what its name implies-to develop Merlin into a little city.

The first structure, a cement block building on the main thoroughfare of Merlin, is near completion. This will house the administration offices and serve as headquarters for all the company’s activities.

The overall plan of the development includes many new homes to be built, diversified industries brought into Southern Oregon, to bolster the economic picture and to alleviate the one industry dependency of the area.

Fry, who first came to Southern Oregon in 1946, had the idea of such a development project at that time, but left here in 1949 to accept a post with Aerojet Corp., White Sands Proving Grounds, N. Mexico.

While with that company, Fry designed and developed several major instruments used by the company. Since Aerojet did not want to manufacture the parts, Fry started the Crescent Engineering and Research Co., in El Monte, Calif., where the parts and other projects are manufactured. Currently he is vice president of the plant.

In a 10-year span, the company grew from a “back room” operation to a plant of more than 150 employees. Recently, for the first time, 20 per cent of the company stock was offered to the public, preparatory to further expansion.

Now, with sufficient financial backing, Fry has returned to execute his plans for building a little city at Merlin. For some time, the company has been purchasing property in and adjacent to that community, and this week, at the auction sale of Silver Tip Fir Mills, bought that land for $3,500.

At the Rogue River Box Co. sale Thursday, the Merlin Development Co., was top buyer, purchasing all the real estate, buildings, dry kilns and miscellaneous items for a total of $80,500.

AUGUST • 1961                         3

According to Fry, six acres of the box plant land, already zoned for residence will be subdivided for homes. The balance of nearly 24 acres will be used for industry. Fry said that negotiations were already underway to lease a portion of the property and some of the buildings to a Stockton, Calif., molding mill. He also indicated that there are other outside firms who have expressed an interest in this area.

(It is our hope that Merlin will not have to be used as a survival city. It is also being set up as a planned city, designed to be self-supporting and lead the way for the development of similar planned cities elsewhere.)

——— ♦ ———

ESSAY CONTEST RESULTS ANNOUNCED

Understanding magazine takes great pleasure in announcing that Mrs. Elizabeth Holmes of Millbrook, Mass., has won first prize in Understanding’s essay contest on the subject, “A Practical Means by Which the World Can Be Made a Better Place in Which to Live.” Mrs. Holmes, whose essay appears in this issue, wins a $50 prize.

Second place winner is Jeannette Jerome of Oakland, Calif., who receives a $25 award.

Awards of $5 have been won by: Raquel Marshall, Santa Monica, Calif., third place; Lucia Goldie, Covina, Calif., fourth place; and Emma Martinelli, San Francisco, Calif. and Mrs. Gretchen Gorn, North Tonawanda, New York, who tied for fifth and sixth places.

A final prize of $5 will be shared by William M. Duerst, Los Angeles, Calif.; Mrs. Elizabeth Greinert, Buenos Aires, Argentina and Mrs. Carmen Brand, Encampment, Wyoming, who tied for seventh, eighth and ninth. places.

Recognition is also extended to Ruth Hurtienne, San Marcos, Calif., whose essay tied for second place in the judging but had to be disqualified because of excessive length.

——— ♦ ———

A PRACTICAL MEANS BY WHICH THE WORLD CAN BE MADE A BETTER PLACE IN WHICH TO LIVE

In the clear skies we see millions of gleaming stars. Beyond these we know there are countless millions more, reaching outward into the awesome vastnesses of space.

Let us look at people with somewhat the same appreciation. In each of us there is something greater than what appears on the surface -a

4                                                    UNDERSTANDING

gleaming star, a manifestation of our Creator, a Divine Presence that is like a seed, whose greatest need is to expand, to grow, and to fulfill its destiny.

Let us give love and faith to the star in the people we know. Let us praise it and nourish it with the warmth of our friendly recognition. Let us begin to make the millions of shining stars in humanity as real to our consciousness as are the stars in the sky. And let us not forget the star in our own selves. It is straining to push away the dark soil of its mortal environment and reach the sunshine of a heavenly existence.

There is no greater, more potent medicine for the human body and spirit than that which can flood one’s being when the soul-star breaks its bonds and shines forth its light and energy on its way to outer expression. Faith in ourselves, faith in others, recognition of the Divine, praise, joy, these are like injections of a powerful stimulant.

When we recognize the truth of man’s nature, we can give forth these feelings. This is something which inspires us. It is something for which to work, which can reorganize our lives, and make us happier, stronger and better in every way.

The world needs, and individuals need, a new revelation to awaken the Divine Presence. It is possible that an idea such as this will start us on the way, and help us to put new meaning into our lives.

-MRS. ELIZABETH HOLMES

Box 47 Millbrook, Mass.

——— ♦ ———

THE NEW AGE PICTURE

We who read, study and think, are beginning to get the overall picture. At first we do not comprehend the New Age; the New Age requires a different set of concepts and a New kind of Planning. The Prophecy of old, that the Christ forces would rule the earth, is now in the making. Selfishness, greed, hatred and war must go forever, and in their place the Kingdom of Heaven must be established, which also has been prophesied.

But in the light of all these things, we must not forget that earth’s vibration must be raised tremendously, and by vibration is meant that all things must take on the nature of pure spirit. Heaven is a spiritual world and in it there is no place for material things. Material things may be likened to spirit which is frozen, or rendered partially inert. We must see ourselves as Spiritual Beings and all things in the earth in like manner.

AUGUST • 1961                         5

They must become fluid. Of what use is water to the earth, if it be frozen? When we see ourselves and all things as spiritual, they will be more fully comprehended. Even the very air we breathe will be seen as oceans of spirit. Sunlight will be seen as energy flowing from its source, which source is also energy or a kind of spirit powerhouse. Our connection with the Father and Creator will then also be comprehended, for we shall see His Energy flowing into us, much as the sunlight activates the earth as of now. Jesus has said, imagine if you can a conduit of energy flowing from the Father to yourself, for this is the truth, and in the New Age, now upon us, you will actually see this flow of Life and Energy.

What is to happen to those incapable of comprehending the New Age of Spirit? This has been made plain; they will be removed from the New Earth, for in the raised vibration, they could not endure. The Light would be too great for them. The selfish, the greedy, the falsifiers of Jesus Teachings, the warriors and haters can only be removed to another earth for education, and along this line of thought, the places have already been prepared. They shall not burn in “hell-fire” as many have taught, but will be educated in a lesser school of slower progress, when they have paid their debt for wrong-doing. No one can escape the penalty for wrong-doing and wrong-thinking, not even the just. Yet, turn to truth they may at any time they wish. Suffering may have to be endured first.

Our duty at present should be to educate all we can reach in the knowledge of spirit and the New Age of Spirit. Spirit is simply the same substance we have always known, raised to higher vibration or fluidity; the Spiritual Man and Spiritual things, know no time or space; they come here and go there with complete mobility and yet are completely substantial. “Moth and rust,” do not corrupt spiritual things. Spiritual things are in plentiful supply and will always be. God knows no want of spiritual things and neither will we as His offspring; such a thing is impossible, unless we limit ourselves voluntarily. We are all Gods in the making; we are in absolute freedom as the Master taught. We will all have Freedom in the New Age; that is what the New Age of the earth is. Every man has this freedom and in the New Heaven and Earth, now in the making, we will use it. Because of greater Light from the Father of all Light, we will know within ourselves how, providing of course that we make an intelligent effort. A weak faith is no faith at all; such will be not of the New Order; they will have to give place to others.

-F. R. BROOKS Box 94 Morongo Valley, Calif.

6                                                    UNDERSTANDING

CAN GEMS HELP PLANTS GROW?

In an El Monte, Calif. yard one day a woman placed two prisms in such a way as to focus the sun’s rays through both prisms on the same spot at the same time. She focused the light through an uncut, unpolished amethyst on a normal banana squash plant for two hours. Three days later the plant had grown an amazing three-and-one-half inches.

Working on plants and animals with gems is a hobby with Helen E. H. Greenlaw of El Monte. She has been conducting experiments for two years at her trailer home.

The use of light projected through gems seems to have an effect on plants and animals, Miss Greenlaw explains. She emphasizes the word “seems,” explaining, “I’m just feeling my way along. Nothing has been proven.”

“In my opinion nothing is proven until you have proved it 360 times to the 16th logarithm,” she says.

But Miss Greenlaw has produced some amazing results. Through the use of sunlight through an uncut, unpolished emerald she increased the size of pumpkin, tomato, avocado and bean roots by 10 or 12 times their normal growth.

Emerald sunlight projected on black guinea pigs caused their hair to become lighter and produced the growth of hair on their ears where there had been no hair before.

On another occasion, Miss Greenlaw put sunlight through an emerald on a rose bush and soon little shoots popped out all over the bush. Then she put light through a ruby on some of the shoots and they put out half an inch of growth per day. “And there was no rain!” she adds.

She also has a maple tree that grew four feet in just over four months under the gem treatment.

Not all of Miss Greenlaw’s experiments have produced such positive results, however. “There is very little written reference to this science,” she explains.

One day she put sunlight through a piece of plain cut crystal beads and trained it for 15 minutes on rhubarb, bean and tomato plants. They died within two hours.

Artificial light through gems seems to have a harmful effect also, she

AUGUST • 1961                         7

revealed. Fifteen minutes of artificial light through an emerald proved fatal for a worm. On another occasion she put artificial light through gems on a plant, causing it to put on buds in half an hour. But when she put the plant in the ground, the bottom of the bulb rotted.

The artificial light results are “something I don’t understand,” Miss Greenlaw says. “I think this should be investigated with great caution!” In this connection, Miss Greenlaw believes from research she has made that the science of projecting sunlight through gems was used thousands of years ago. “In ancient Greek times they did not use fertilizer,” she points out, according to a reference in “The Illiad.”

Miss Greenlaw theorizes that man first used sunlight through gems for constructive purposes, then discovered the destructive nature of artificial light through gems and used it for destruction. Both sciences were subsequently outlawed by civilizations at that time, she believes, and are only now being rediscovered.

It is a complicated field. Some results of Miss Greenlaw’s experiments have been just plain weird. A grape vine was put under sunlight through crystal for 15 minutes one time and all its leaves died. Then new smaller leaves began to sprout.

There seems to be a big difference between gems, and the tine of the year appears to have something to do with the results achieved.

“You can’t tell what a gem will do just by its type,” she explains. “There seems to be as much difference in the personality of gems as there is in the personality of people.”

But Miss Greenlaw foresees a bright future for the field in which she is experimenting. “You can have the best of fruits and vegetables through the use of light,” she says. (This writer is in complete agreement with Miss Greenlaw on this point. He sampled an enormous squash she had produced. It was as tender as a baby squash.

“I believe a tree can be made to bear the year around,” Miss Greenlaw adds. “There would be no more shortage of food.”

Helen Greenlaw is certainly one person who is doing more than merely discussing New Age sciences. In her own small way she is attempting to do something with them.

-CLEVE TWITCHELL

8                                                    UNDERSTANDING

A MEEK AND HUMBLE EFFORT TOWARD WORLD PEACE

We love our country, and we wish to be of some service in promoting peace, which we also love. But let’s say we love all humanity, and we have no way of understanding how we could love humanity and yet march forth to kill part of it. And, of course, then, we don’t know why we should wish to take part in preparing or training to do so or to partake in the effort of constructing devices which are designed for such an end. After all, we feel that all humanity is a part of God, and in that sense we all are brothers, for we all have a common origin, and we are really parts of each other, ultimately. We could think of God as being a light, the different rays of which make up the individuals. Each tiny ray may be a little different from the other, but basically they are the same, because they all came from the same source. Likewise they all have the same powers or potentialities. And they do blend in such a way as to be more or less a part of each other. Any lack of compassion on the part of one ray in regard to another ray would be an attempt not to allow the other ray to shine. Of course, no ray has the authority to hinder another, for no ray is the source of another ray. If all rays work together in unison, the purpose of the light will be fulfilled.

If all thoughts and intentions a person expresses radiate outward until they reach the ends of the universe, so to say, as waves radiate outward from the point of entry of a pebble thrown into a lake until they reach the shores and return to the point, so would these thoughts and intentions be expected to return upon us. Then the effect on us would be in accord with whatever we sent out. The return of these thoughts upon us we might call the Day of Judgment. “As ye sow, so shall ye reap.” And if we understand that that is the case, then we automatically would wish to do unto others as we would have them do unto us.

We want to promote peace in this hour of earth’s travail, but our preference of mode of promotion is a constructive and peaceful one. One way might be to find some category of barrier that separates portions of humanity into quarreling groups and undertake to dissolve this barrier.

Some of us might consider language. Therein we might find a constructive endeavor, for differences of language do form a veil separating different portions of humanity into segments which struggle amongst each other. This particular veil in all likelihood consists of a lack of free flowing interchange and friendship. This interchange and friendship would

AUGUST • 1961                         9

contribute toward insight into the fact that all men are basically the same and really do form a part of each other, as the example of the light and its rays illustrated.

Those of us who love other languages, the study of language, people of other lands, and their lands, might be able to work quite effectively for world peace by traveling to other countries. By mixing with the peoples there, learning their languages well, working alongside them and making friends with them, we could show by actions that the common American civilian is a peace-loving person who wishes to be a friend to the whole world, much as the common civilian of each other country, in all likelihood, is also. To most of us, idleness is rather repulsive, and we would feel honored to put in our time in a fascinating adventure which would be a constructive and appropriate effort toward world peace. So working with the language barrier might prove to those of us inclined to do that type of work to be a decent, although meek and humble, effort toward world peace.

However, those of us who are of military age and who wish inwardly to travel independently on the Path Jesus blazed often find that the laws of man as they exist today don’t provide much convenience for us. How many of us are willing to become figuratively a possession of a military organization? Those of us who do not have that wish in all likelihood would refuse to carry any form or fashion of an instrument designed immediately or ultimately to bring death upon another living soul, for we believe that it is definitely not according to God’s laws that any man should ever kill another man. We believe that the same Divine LIFE that animates us also animates ALL OTHER LIVING SOULS, and no man on the face of the earth has the authority to snuff out this LIFE. After all, we also perceive that any such act is recorded indelibly in Eternal Records, and no one escapes this recording. Clear in our minds is the thought that one can not reap the harvest of peace by sowing the seeds of war. It was for this reason that we wished to work constructively and peaceably in a meek and humble effort toward world peace.

On every United States coin is printed the affirmation “In God We Trust.” But it appears that our military actions are a vagrant denial of that very affirmation. Often we pray to God to help our country win the war, but such action might effectively be portrayed in this little story: There is a father, a just and deeply loving man, who has a couple sons, both of whom he loves equally dearly. And these two sons begin quarreling between them-

10                                                  UNDERSTANDING

selves. Then one son goes to the father and pleads with him for aid in slaying the other son.

Throughout the Bible is evidence that certain Natural Laws, or God’s Laws, as they are often called, have been applicable for the protection of certain peoples who needed it. These applications have been called “miracles” because the common people have failed to inform themselves of the existence of the Laws and of the explanations of the workings of the Laws. The answers to many of our problems lie in the understanding of these Laws, but it has been commonplace to forget them and to turn away. So for eons we have chosen to remain ignorant of these Laws. The Bible says that man is made in the image and likeness of God, and it should follow that in every man is the latent ability to execute God’s Laws according to each individual’s spiritual unfoldment and competence. Jesus came to demonstrate this principle by living it. But because of the limited spiritual unfoldment of the people as a whole at that time, He kept His demonstrations relatively elementary. He said, “These things that I do ye shall do also, and greater things shall ye do.”

There is nothing stopping these Laws from applying today as they applied before, except our REFUSAL TO TRUST GOD. We prefer to trust our weapons. The whole military endeavor is based on this latter trust. Precisely this is the reason that some of us will not sign our way into the military. The very formation of this country was based on trust in God. Putting our trust in weapons instead of in God appears to be a betrayal to both God and country, no matter what man’s laws say.

All thru history participation in war for the protection of one’s country and loved ones has been considered to be a noble and heroic effort. For those who went to war, not because they wanted to go but because they felt they must in light of the emergency at hand, this was true. They had nothing to do with planning or preparing the war, and they were not aware of any other means for the protection of their country. Their intent was pure, as far as they knew. Their military actions themselves were definitely contrary to God’s Laws, and every action that is done consciously contrary to God’s Laws has its “punishment,” so to speak, just as every action done consciously in accord with God’s Laws has its reward. (“As ye sow, so shall ye reap.”) However, the actions on the parts of those men were not done in the awareness that they were contrary to God’s Laws; therefore they were not punished (according to karmic law for ignorance of the Law. (But once the Law is learned, if it is then broken the punishment is

AUGUST • 1961                         11

severe. Their actions truly were patriotic, only because their intent was pure and they were unaware of the Law.

-TONY GRIECO

Chico Unit #16

——— ♦ ———

A PRACTICAL METHOD TO ACHIEVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING

Basically the problem presented in this thesis is to propose a practical method that will result in better understanding. To create a method one should be aware of what the problem consists. One of the factors that con tributes to misunderstanding is lack of communication between individuals or groups. This is self-evident. As an example: If John wants to be understood by Mary he must communicate to Mary what he wants understood, and in turn Mary must receive the communication, and also acknowledge what John said to her. However, she must know something about or have an affinity toward what John said, and also agree with and accept what he said as true if she wants to understand John. Conflicts from and between differing viewpoints apparently arise from lack of good communications.

DO IT THE EASY WAY

Impress Your Subconscious With Rhythm And Rhyme

SERMONETTES IN RHYME

By MARTHA BAKER

A very practical book if you desire simple instruction in spiritual truth. 500 Bible references back up the principles given in this work.

You will find the message easy to understand and put into practice in your life right now. Saves hours of reading time.

You will want several copies of this lovely conversation piece at this low price. It makes • a gift to be cherished by anyone who receives it.

Covered in white leatherette, embossed in gold, a beautiful decoration for any desk or coffee table.

MAIL YOUR ORDER TODAY. $3.00 P.P.

ALLISON PRESS

109 S. SCHILLER ST.

LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS

Publications By

RICHARD, DUC de PALATINE

THE GREAT PARABLE …  $1.50

CHRIST OR JESUS …  1.50

THE CHRISTIAN MYSTERIES ………  1.50

YOU AND REINCARNATION ………..  1.50

GOD-MAN, THE MYSTERY

BEYOND THE VEIL …  1.50

THE INNER MEANING OF

THE MYSTERY SCHOOLS …………..  1.50

THE WORD MADE FLESH …………..  1.50

Most astounding books of this age. Students of Occultism, Methaphysics, Theosophy and mystic Christianity will be amply repaid. The Author shows very clearly the path to illumination for all people.

Full set of books $10.00

Individual books, price as quoted.

Order from:

PRE-NICENE FOUNDATION

2450 SUMMIT DRIVE

SANTA ROSA, CALIF.

12                                                  UNDERSTANDING

Understanding may ensue when these viewpoints communicate with one another and some points of agreement are reached between them. Therefore, one of the factors that will promote a better understanding is good communication.

To draft a method to achieve a better understanding using communication as the tool, and for this method to have practical application for “Understanding Incorporated” I suggest an essential foundation from which to begin to be called, “Project Understanding 1961”. This would be an all-out attempt on the part of the corporation to communicate with people all over the world. The project would use these tools of communication: 1) Written material explaining the corporation and it purposes; the corporation’s activities; and the materials and methods the corporation uses. This project would be financed by the corporation with supplements from the units in donations. The written material would be disseminated from Understanding Headquarters and the various units to all groups and individuals that show interest in achieving a better understanding. This procedure could be instigated by mail or by display at stores, lectures, and centers of further dissemination such as mass communication media like television, newspapers, and radio. The form would be that of a public information bulletin advertising “Project Understanding 1961”. 2) Verbal communication by sending experienced representatives from the corporation, representatives-at-large, to present to any interested group through lectures or discussions, or the mass communication media aforementioned, the purposes and views held by the corporation which could serve as the theme of the project: “Dedicated to the propagation of a better understanding among all the peoples of the Earth, and of those who are not of the Earth.” These representatives would be selected by the units.

To recapitulate in conclusion I would like to say the practical method I am proposing to achieve a better understanding is essentially “Project Understanding 1961”, using communication, both verbal and written, as the tool, the “purpose” as a theme, with better understanding the objective.

-WILLIAM HAMILTON

El Monte Unit #1

(Although the preceding essay was not among the winners in Understanding’s essay contest, the editors feel it contains several worthwhile practical ideas, some of which Understanding is already carrying out. You may obtain literature about Understanding to send to your friends. We

AUGUST • 1961                         13

have a small leaflet that tells of Understanding’s history, purpose and future objectives; and also one that gives the essential data concerning un identified flying objects. We’ll be glad to send you a single complimentary copy of either or both leaflets. Should you wish more than one, please enclose 4c per copy. For those interested in forming a unit of Understanding, we can send you an extensive booklet on organizing and conducting a unit.

May we also remind you of our magazines for friendship program, under which you can send Understanding magazines and various publications to other countries. If you write us we will send you some back issues and some names and addresses of people to send them to. We also have names of persons in various nations that would like to correspond with you. Let us know of your interest and we will send a name along to you.)

——— ♦ ———

world report

Expert Thinks Reincarnation Possible

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Are there persons living today who lived another life in another body-perhaps in some bygone century?

An eminent University of Virginia psychiatrist isn’t sure, but he says he has found enough evidence in a 10-year study to warrant further investigation.

For additional proof he is leaving Saturday for India and Ceylon, where several children claim to have memories of another life.

The doctor, Ian Stevenson, is professor of neurology and psychiatry and chairman of that department at the university’s School of Medicine. He will work under a grant from the Parapsychology Foundation in New York.

He says succinctly, “There is some evidence that part of the human organism survives physical death.” He says he is not referring to any organic part of the body, but “to what was called the soul in the 19th century.”

Speaking of case studies of children who claim to have lived before,

14                                                  UNDERSTANDING

Dr. Stevenson says, “apparent memories of this kind are fragmentary, and usually fade as the children get older. Such children usually remember from a dozen to 20 items, and these are usually scenes of strong emotional significance, such as the death of a mother or father.”

Dr. Stevenson said he hopes to release a full report within a year on one such case this one involving a woman in Philadelphia.

He said that under hypnosis the woman undergoes a personality change and switches from English to an early form of Swedish dialect. Out of hypnosis, she speaks no Swedish at all and has no apparent connection with such a background.

If this sounds much like the famous case of the Pueblo, Colo. housewife who believed she was Bridey Murphy in 19th Century Ireland, Dr. Stevenson isn’t worried. He believes in the evidence produced in that study, but adds it is not one of the best examples.

Dr. Stevenson said he is going to India for a seven-week visit because cases suggesting a previous existence are more prevalent there than in Europe or America. He said that perhaps the Buddhist and Hindu beliefs in reincarnation provide a favorable climate for stories of this kind.

In his studies. Dr. Stevenson acknowledges the possibility of a fantasy. It is entirely possible, he said, that the person could have learned the information through such normal channels as a newspaper, a family member or an acquaintance.

He admits, “This aspect of parapsychology is not yet recognized by many as a branch of science. There is slender evidence, nothing like proof. But the evidence of survival that we do have, slight though it is, justifies much more investigation.”

Before coming to the University of Virginia four years ago, Dr. Stevenson, 42, a native of Montreal, Canada, was an associate professor of psychiatry at the Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans, and was a consultant in psychiatry to the Louisiana Department of Public Welfare and the Southeast Louisiana State Hospital.

(From Associated Press, July 13, 1961)

——— ♦ ———

Glowing Light in West Observed

(From June 18, 1961 Humboldt, Calif. Times)

A red, green and blue glowing light was observed in the skies directly

AUGUST • 1961                         13

west of Humboldt Bay by several local residents between three and four a.m. yesterday morning.

The light was observed to weave from side to side and to move in circles. It was reported to Arcata police who sent an observer to fickle Hill. The Federal Aviation Agency at McKinleyville airport has received no notice of the glowing light which was said to be two or three times brighter than recent artificial satellites.

——— ♦ ———

Man Sees Unidentified Object in Sky

(From June 19, 1961 Humboldt, Calif. Times)

Spotting of an unidentified flying object in the sky near Berry Summit was reported Tuesday by Richard Rowland, owner of the Deep Sleep Motel at Hoopa.

Rowland’s story is as follows:

He was driving over Berry Summit on his way to Eureka when he happened to glance up at the sky and saw an object hovering motionless above the trees.

The object looked “exactly like” the familiar artist’s conception of a flying saucer-dome shaped with a somewhat transparent bottom. A hitchhiker who was riding with Rowland claimed he saw the object, too.

Rowland said he drove on for three or four minutes until he came to a group of construction workers. He was about to ask them to identify the object when he looked up and realized it was nowhere in sight. “It had completely disappeared,” he related.

Said Rowland, “I don’t know what it was-it could have been a balloon or something, but I swear I saw something up there.”

——— ♦ ———

Objects in Sky Seen by Couple

(From July 9, 1961 Humboldt, Calif. Times)

For the second time in as many days Mr. and Mrs. Jess Sheppard of Fickle Hill report seeing a mysterious object in the sky over their home. Mrs. Sheppard said she and her husband were watching two jets flying across the sky yesterday morning when they noticed a spherical object high in the sky near the moon.

Using 8-50 binoculars Mrs. Sheppard said the object seemed to turn from time to time and when it did, appeared elongated.

16                                                  UNDERSTANDING

Yesterday the Sheppards saw another object high in the sky near the sun. As they watched it moved across the sun, blotting out the light for several seconds.

Mrs. Sheppard says this is the third such object she has seen in the last few months.

As to what the mystery sphere might be, Mrs. Sheppard said, “A few months back, the Air Force released a huge balloon off the east coast and then lost track of it. Possibly it is one of those or an unretrieved missile nose cone.”

——— ♦ ———

Poet’s corner

Reincarnation

Long ago I must have loved you,

Now, you come again to me,

Awakening long forgotten dreams

So strangely sweet.

Like a haunting strain of music

Drifting through my memory

You come from out the shadows

And again we meet.

-IOLA McREYNOLDS

Chico Unit #16

AUGUST • 1961                         17

UNDERSTANDING SPACECRAFT CONVENTION PLANNED

The 1961 convention sponsored by the units of Understanding in the Northern part of the state of California is being held this month in Berkeley, Calif. It will take place at the Clairemont Hotel on August 26 and 27, Saturday and Sunday.

It is designed to bring to those present many speakers having first hand information on matters pertaining to interplanetary communication and travel. Veteran contactees, persons who have enjoyed contacts with extra terrestrial life, will present data on new sightings, contacts and experiences in this vast and exciting field.

Music and sound vibrations producing colors of the spectrum together with slides and actual photos of spacecraft sightings are scheduled to be shown. Contacts and associations with visitors from other planets will be confirmed by speakers who have had the experience of traveling in spacecraft and of associating with those inhabitants of other planets operating these ships.

Chief among the speakers will be Dr. Daniel W. Fry, founder of Understanding.

Set aside August 26 and 27. Come relax and enjoy the lectures and entertainment. This is a non-profit undertaking, sponsored and conducted by the Northern California Understanding units, which are likewise nonprofit and dedicated to this elevating and challenging movement.

Further information may be obtained by contacting one of the unit leaders listed below:

PHONE

Unit No. 2       John Barnes, 566 Sylvan Ave., San Mateo                        FI 5-5203

Unit No. 3       Walter Rossitt, 215 Blythdale Ave.,                                     S.F. 24

Unit No. 9       Bernard McGuire, 4401 W. Walnut, Soquel                       GR 5-1236

Unit No. 11     R. H. Dachner, 340 Valdez Ave., S.F.                                JU 7-7724

Unit No. 16     J. L. McGury, P.O. Box 313, Chico                                     FI 2-0411

Unit No. 17     Dr. John Hopkins, c/o Williams College,Berkeley L          A 4-3382

Unit No. 18     Dr. Della Meyers, 839-3rd St., Santa Rosa                       LI 5-2500

Unit No. 25     Mrs. Alyce Alexander, 460 N. 1st St., San Jose                CY 4-6670

Unit No. 30     Dr. Margaret McKinnon, 300 A St., Turlock                       LI 5-6498

18                                                  UNDERSTANDING

Unit No. 31     Mary McAlpine, 186 Meerna Ave., Fairfax                         GL 6-4099

Unit No. 32     Harry Bienick, 411 Butte St., Crescent City                       M 4-4622

Unit No. 34     Russell Brown, P.O. Box 119, Carmel

Unit No. 36     Muriel G. Fernandes, 149 Fern St., Willows                      WE 4-3233

Unit No. 46     Steele M. Goodman, 2426 G St., Sacramento                 GI 3-1047

Unit No. 47     Lee Francom, 2215 Wales St., Napa

The annual Giant Rock spacecraft convention will be held this year on Saturday and Sunday, October 14 and 15, at Giant Rock Airport, Calif.

——— ♦ ———

HEADQUARTERS

Headquarters! International Headquarters of Understanding, Inc.! At a distance this may sound rather imposing, perhaps even a little exciting. But, just what is Headquarters?

313 East Orange Grove in Pasadena, California is located in a neighborhood that is partly residential and partly small business. The building itself is a one story concrete structure, wedged between an engineering office and the Dollar TV Repair Shop and from this latter occasionally come some strange bits of programming! The office is long and narrow. The front third has been partitioned off by our book cabinet to form the Reading Room and Rental Library. Unfortunately, it is not as well used as we would like, partly because we are far from the stream of foot traffic.

The balance of the room is our work area. The two walls are lined with work tables, several filing cabinets, and an office desk. The equipment consists of two well used typewriters, and adding machine and of course, our indispensable addressograph without which magazine mailing would be an almost impossible chore. The tremendous amount of mimeographing which is done is being accomplished by the Monterey unit.

What do we do? Mail is received and processed; receipts are written, bills paid and accounts kept; queries are answered, complaints adjusted and information to individuals and units disseminated; the telephone is answered and visitors welcomed; books are purchased, orders filled and inventories maintained; and editorials are written, articles typed, galley sheets proof-read and the magazine mailed to over 1000 subscribers.

And, how are these tasks accomplished? Presently, because too few volunteers are available, the office is open to the public only on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, from 10 to 4. Four women juggle schedules to work days and the men folk come at night to do their share, and some work

AUGUST • 1961                         19

is “farmed out” by mail to those willing workers unable to come to the Office itself. No authority designates our efforts-each works according to his abilities and insights. Perhaps the floor isn’t always swept nor the window display changed-still too few of us when the workload is heavy yet it is amazing, at times, how much is accomplished in the atmosphere of cooperation, understanding and harmony!

This then, in brief, is a word picture of International Headquarters of Understanding, Inc. To see us in action we invite you to drop in at 313 whenever you are in the vicinity of Pasadena.

-ONE OF THE STAFF

Donations to support the many activities that must be accomplished at the Pasadena office are rather urgently needed. Even a dollar or just a few postage stamps will help. Please address your contributions to Under standing, Inc., 313 East Orange Grove Avenue, Pasadena, California. They are tax deductible.

bulletin board

EL MONTE, Unit #1 has a study group which meets twice a month to examine and discuss various borderland sciences and other subjects. Recent topics have included vibrational frequencies of various materials and the use of sunlight projected through gems to stimulate plant growth.

CHICO, Unit #16 is conducting four workshop study groups, on the following subjects: reincarnation, mental telepathy, mind conditioning and diversified subjects. Instead of hosting speakers itself, the unit supports public lectures at nearby Willows Unit #36.

DETROIT (Mich.), Unit #28 recently sponsored a four-day series of

20                                                  UNDERSTANDING

classes and lectures by Roy Eugene Davis on such topics as “How to Have a Spiritual Experience,” “The Body of Light” and “The Mind of Light.”

MAKIN COUNTY, Unit #31 became the first unit to approve proposed Understanding, Inc. bylaws as drawn by a special constitutional committee. The unit voted unanimous approval on June 28.

Wayne S. Aho, member of the board of directors of Understanding, Inc., reports the recent transition of Alfred Franklin, founder of the Toledo, Ohio Aerial Phenomena Society. Understanding now has a unit in Toledo, No. 45, led by Wilbert Eble.

The Los Angeles Examiner of Los Angeles, Calif. is offering readers an opportunity to become a “world neighbor.” Interested persons may write to World Neighbors, Sunday Dept., Los Angeles Examiner, 1111 S. Broadway, Los Angeles 54, Calif., enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope and select three or four countries with which they would like to correspond.

The list of countries from which they may select is as follows, letters to be in English unless otherwise specified:

Australia, Colombia (Spanish, Cyprus, Denmark, England, France (French. German (English or German, Hungary, India; Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Liberia, Luxembourg, Malaya, Malta, Nyasaland, Pakistan, Paraguay (Spanish, Peru (Spanish, Portugal (Portuguese), Spain (Spanish, Sweden, Uganda, Union of South Africa.

——— ♦ ———

TAPE DEPARTMENT

Do you have a tape recorder? If you do, would you like to start “talking” with people around the United States and the rest of the world? Below is a list of individuals who have tape recorders and who would like to hear from you on tape. If you’d like to get into tape “circulation” why don’t you send us your name and address and we’ll list you here too.

Tape respondents:

John F. Maxfield, 2217 Manchester Road, Ann Arbor, Michigan, U.S.A.

Mrs. M. E. Nigl, 230 Desmond St., Sayre, Pa., U.S.A.

M. A. Saxton, 3228 N. Syracuse, Baldwin Park, Calif., U.S.A.

Mrs. Atla Simpson, R. 2, Box 194, Perris, Calif., U.S.A.

Dr. Harrieta P. Steltz, 2450 Summit Drive, Santa Rosa, Calif., U.S.A.

Conny Tanasale, 3094 La Corona Ave., Altadena, Calif., U.S.A.

Cleve Twitchell, 4318 N. Muscatel Ave., Rosemead, Calif., U.S.A.

——— ♦ ———

SPECIAL CONFERENCE NOTICE

THE COSMIC CIRCLE OF FELLOWSHIP INC.

Announces its 6th Annual Interplanetary

SPACE CONFERENCE

SEPTEMBER 22-23-24, 1961

Place: Chicago Room, Palmer House, Chicago, III.

THREE DAYS OF PEACE, JOY AND HAPPINESS

Address inquiries to: MRS. META CHRISTENSEN

4207 N. KEDVALE AVE., CHICAGO 47, ILLINOIS

(Not a Spacecraft Convention)

WATCH THIS PAGE

ANNOUNCING!

———

Northern California

Understanding Units

SPACECRAFT CONVENTION

Saturday and Sunday

August 26 and 27

———

CLAIREMONT HOTEL

Berkeley, California

HAVE YOUR OWN HOROSCOPE

PLUS TABLE OF ASPECTS

Along With Three Character

Problems Answered

SEND BIRTHDATE, YEAR BORN

PLACE AND TIME

(Indicate daylight or standard)

WITH $5.00 (check or money order)

to

HURTIENNE

Rt. 1, Box 1550-1

San Marcos, California

——— ♦ ———

BOOKS RECOMMENDED

AS AN APPROACH TO UNDERSTANDING

atoms, galaxies and understanding, by daniel fry ………….  2.00

White sands incident and

to men of earth, one volume, by Daniel Fry …………  2.00

They sky people, by erinsley lepoer trench ………  4.50

Spacewoman speaks, by rolfe telano ……  2.00

Why we are here, Gloria lee ………..  3.75

council of seven lights, by george van tassel…………. 3.50

my contact with flying saucers, fino kraspedon …….  3.75

My trip to mars moon and venus, by buck nelson ……..  1.00

night has 1000 saucers, by calvin c. girvin (paper, $2.00)….. 3.00

road in the sky, by g.h. williamson ……..  4.00

SECRET OF THE SAUCERS, by Orfeo Angelucci ……… 3.00

Secret forces that changed the world, by frank bowman     3.50

Temple of god, annalee skarin …………..  3.50

Unity in the spirit, by comptesse de pierrefeu ……………  2.50

Wake up the god in you and live, by Martha baker ……  2.00

we of the new dimension, by Will and evelyn miller …………  2.00

wisdom of the universe, by hope troxell… 3.25

These books may be purchased from Understanding. We pay all postage.

Residents of California please add 4% Sales Tax.

——————————————————