Tag: ancient civilizations

The Watchers’ Legacy: Angels, Demons, and UFO Connections

The Book of Enoch, excluded from the King James Bible, features the significant narrative of the Watchers—angels who rebelled and fathered the Nephilim. This story reshaped perceptions of angels and demons, influencing theology, eschatology, and even modern UFO folklore, where ancient accounts prompt speculation on extraterrestrial connections.

The Book of Enoch didn’t make the cut into the modern King James version of the Bible.  Yet, it is among the oldest Abrahamic religious texts known to exist.  It was found among the Dead Sea Scrolls in a cave in 1947.  One often stated reason for its exclusion from the Christian Bible is that it’s an exegesis(an explanation of an existing text) of a story found in Genesis. A story which briefly mentions events unfolding before the flood.

The Nephilim were on the earth in those days—and also afterward—when the sons of God went in to the daughters of humans, who bore children to them. These were the heroes that were of old, warriors of renown

Genesis 6:4

Yet, within the pages of the Book of Enoch a narrative of immense significance unfolds—the tale of the Watchers.

This account, found within the pages of the “Book of the Watchers,” stands as a cornerstone of the text and has reverberated through the corridors of religious thought for centuries. It is a narrative that has captured the imagination of scholars, theologians, and curious minds alike, leaving an indelible mark on the way we perceive celestial beings.

Shaping Perceptions of Angels and Demons

The story of the Watchers transcends the boundaries of a simple narrative. It has played a pivotal role in shaping our perceptions of angels and demons within the Judeo-Christian tradition.

Prior to this narrative, angels were often viewed as divine messengers and servants of God, embodying purity and obedience. However, the Watchers’ rebellion challenged this conventional understanding, introducing a complex dimension to celestial beings. They were no longer confined to a singular role but could also be agents of rebellion and corruption when swayed by earthly desires.

A Connection to UFO Folklore

Beyond its impact on religious thought, the story of the Watchers has found its place in the intriguing realm of UFO folklore. Researchers and enthusiasts have contemplated whether this ancient narrative holds clues to unexplained phenomena.

Some have wondered whether the tale of the Watchers might not be a mere allegory, but a reflection of a human and non-human hybridization program gone awry. This speculation leads to fascinating questions about the possibility of non-human involvement in human history and the idea of a program that was reset by those overseeing it.

An Ongoing Source of Inquiry

The narrative of the Watchers, with its layers of theological significance and its connection to contemporary discussions of UFOs and hybridization, remains a source of ongoing inquiry.

It exemplifies the enduring power of ancient texts to spark curiosity and exploration across diverse domains of knowledge. As we navigate the complex interplay of religious narratives, folklore, and modern interpretations, the story of the Watchers continues to challenge our perceptions and provoke thought-provoking discussions about the mysteries of the universe and our place within it.

The Watchers’ Descent:

The narrative unfolds with the descent of a group of celestial beings known as the Watchers. These angels, seduced by earthly desires, transgress divine boundaries by taking human women as their partners.

This forbidden union results in the birth of the Nephilim, a race of giants. The consequences of this celestial dalliance ripple through the narrative, setting the stage for profound theological exploration.

Influence on Angelology:

The story of the Watchers fundamentally reshaped the way angels were perceived in Judeo-Christian traditions. Prior to this narrative, angels were often seen as messengers of God, serving obediently in the heavenly realm. However, the Watchers’ rebellion portrayed angels in a different light—they could be agents of rebellion and corruption when led astray by their own desires.

This shift in perspective prompted deeper theological reflections on the nature of angels. It led to the development of angelology, a branch of theology dedicated to the study of angels.

Scholars and theologians grappled with questions about the free will of angels, their capacity for sin, and their role in the human experience. The story of the Watchers served as a foundational text for these discussions.

Emergence of Demonology:

Equally significant is the narrative’s influence on the development of demonology. The Watchers, once holy beings, become fallen angels as they succumb to their earthly desires.

This transformation raises questions about the nature of evil and the existence of malevolent entities. As the fallen angels father the Nephilim, they contribute to the corruption and wickedness in the world, further solidifying their association with malevolence.

The concept of fallen angels, driven by their own desires to rebel against the divine order, laid the groundwork for the emergence of demonology. Scholars began to explore the origins and characteristics of these fallen entities, paving the way for a deeper understanding of evil forces in the world.

Impact on Eschatology:

The narrative of the Watchers also left its imprint on eschatological thought—the study of end times and the final destiny of humanity. The Book of Enoch, with its vivid descriptions of the Watchers’ transgressions and divine judgment, contributed to the shaping of eschatological beliefs.

The fate of the Watchers, who are bound and cast into darkness as punishment for their actions, offered a glimpse into the consequences of cosmic disobedience. This imagery played a role in the development of apocalyptic thought, influencing discussions about the end of the world, divine judgment, and the ultimate resolution of good versus evil.

Impact on UFO Lore:

In relation to UAP lore, there are a few points of connection:

  1. Ancient Astronaut Theory: Some proponents of UAP lore and ancient astronaut theories suggest that the Nephilim were, in fact, extraterrestrial beings. They interpret the “sons of God” as aliens who visited Earth and had offspring with human women. This theory is part of a larger set of beliefs that suggest extraterrestrial beings have been involved in human history.
  2. Technological Anomalies: In some interpretations, the abilities or technologies attributed to the Nephilim in ancient texts are seen as evidence of advanced technology, possibly extraterrestrial or non-human in origin. This is analogous to how some modern UAP sightings involve reports of advanced technology.
  3. Cultural and Mythological Patterns: A broader connection is the way in which both Nephilim legends and UAP sightings reflect human culture’s deep interest in and speculation about beings from the sky or from other worlds. Both sets of lore deal with the idea of contact with non-human intelligences.
  4. Government and Religious Documents: Some UAP researchers look into historical religious and government documents for evidence of UAPs or extraterrestrial life, sometimes drawing parallels with stories like that of the Nephilim.

In summary, the story of the Watchers in the Book of Enoch serves as a pivotal narrative that profoundly influenced the development of thought surrounding angels, demons, and eschatology within Judeo-Christian traditions. It challenged conventional views of celestial beings, paving the way for in-depth theological explorations that continue to shape religious discourse to this day.

Five Remarkable Facts Regarding the Baghdad Batteries

The “Baghdad Batteries” remain a historical and ancient enigma. Did our ancient ancestors utilize electricity?

In the realm of archaeological enigmas, few artifacts have captured the imagination quite like the Baghdad Batteries. Discovered near Ctesiphon, Iraq in 1936, these peculiar objects have stirred debates and speculation about the ancient civilization’s mastery of electricity. While some experts dismiss these claims as far-fetched, a closer look at the evidence reveals a fascinating tale that challenges our understanding of the past. Here are five remarkable facts that hint at the possibility that an ancient civilization may have harnessed the power of electricity through the Baghdad Batteries.

1. A Curious Composition: Ceramic Pot, Copper Tube, and Iron Rod The Baghdad Battery consists of three primary components: a ceramic pot, a copper tube, and an iron rod. These seemingly disparate elements have sparked numerous theories about their purpose and function. The intriguing aspect lies in their assembly – the copper tube encases the iron rod, and both are housed within the ceramic pot. This arrangement raises questions about the artifact’s potential to generate electrical currents, akin to a rudimentary battery.

Fourteen Weeks in Physics 1878 – fair use

2. The Electrochemical Potential: Generating Voltage One of the most astonishing aspects of the Baghdad Battery is its alleged capacity to generate a voltage. Tests conducted on replicas of these artifacts have shown that when filled with a weak acid, such as vinegar or lemon juice, they can produce voltages ranging from 0.8 to nearly two volts. While these voltages may seem modest by modern standards, they raise the question of whether this ancient assembly was capable of carrying out electrochemical reactions.

3. An Ancient Age: Dating Back Millennia Dating back to approximately 2,000 years ago, the Baghdad Batteries predate many modern technological marvels. Their age places them in a time when the concept of electricity was virtually unknown to the ancient world. The mere existence of these objects implies a level of scientific understanding that challenges conventional historical narratives.

Olaf Tausch Oct, 2014 – Dendera Lights

4. The Purpose Debate: Electroplating and Beyond The purpose of the Baghdad Batteries has fueled spirited debates among historians, archaeologists, and scientists. While theories range from electroplating to electricity generation, one of the most intriguing possibilities is that these artifacts were used for electroplating precious metals onto objects. The controlled electrical currents generated by these batteries could have facilitated the deposition of metal coatings, an idea supported by the discovery of similar objects with residue consistent with electroplating processes.

5. Threats to Cultural Heritage: The Impact of Conflict The saga of the Baghdad Batteries took a distressing turn when some of these artifacts disappeared during the US-led Iraq invasion in 2003. The implications of this loss extend beyond the mere disappearance of historical objects – it highlights the broader impact of conflicts on cultural heritage. These artifacts, which held the potential to reshape our understanding of the past, were rendered even more elusive due to the turmoil of contemporary events.

In conclusion, the Baghdad Batteries remain an enigma that continues to captivate the imagination of scholars and enthusiasts alike. The combination of the artifact’s unique composition, the evidence of voltage generation, its ancient age, and the debates surrounding its purpose all point towards the tantalizing possibility that an ancient civilization might have harnessed electricity in ways that challenge our conventional understanding. While the skeptics’ arguments cannot be dismissed, the remarkable facts surrounding these artifacts invite us to contemplate the prospect that history might hold even more astonishing secrets than we currently comprehend.

References:

  1. Wikipedia: Baghdad Battery
  2. The Baghdad Battery: An Update
  3. BBC NEWS: Riddle of ‘Baghdad’s batteries’

Göbekli Tepe : Our Oldest Architecture and a Reminder

Göbekli Tepe, a 12,000-year-old archaeological site in Southern Turkey, predates Stonehenge by 6,000 years and may have served as a temple or ancient observatory. Its advanced architecture and artistic reliefs challenge previous beliefs about early human civilization and agriculture, reshaping our understanding of human history before and during the Younger Dryas event.

At 12,000 years old Göbekli Tepe predates Stonehenge by at least 6000 years. That’s a long time. That’s as long ago as Stonehenge was built compared to where we are now.

So, if people from the era of Stonehenge found Göbekli Tepe, it looked to them like Stonehenge does to us today. That’s old. The site sits over 8 hectares on an artificial mound in what is now Southern Turkey and draws in researchers from around the world.

The structures qualify as architecture by any definition:

Architecture: the art or science of building

specifically : the art or practice of designing and building structures and especially habitable ones

Merriam Webster Dictionary

The buildings our ancient ancestors erected were stylized, functional and habitable. That counts as architecture on all fronts. The current thinking around Göbekli Tepe’s function is that it served as a temple (or group of temples) and meeting area.

Goods were likely exchanged and gatherings certainly occurred here for religious purposes. This is all occurring at a time when farming and agriculture is not supposed to exist. Which is the first of many mysteries surrounding Göbekli Tepe.

These buildings were erected during what is considered the “Pre-Pottery Neolithic” era, but that term (and what it indicates) was invented prior to discovering Göbekli Tepe.

Clearly, we see a civilization far ahead of where scientific theory thought early man was prior to understanding the significance of Göbekli Tepe in 1994. The layout of the various buildings show an understanding of geometric shapes and the layout of three main structures follow an equilateral triangle.

Beytullah eles – Wikimedia commons

The art at Göbekli Tepe depicts a variety of animals and events carved in reliefs on massive stone pillars up to 5 meters high. The art shows a style and aesthetic far more advanced than would have been expected in this period (This is supposed to be Pre-Pottery Neolithic era). Of particular interest among the carvings is “The Vulture Stone.”

Sue Fleckney – CC FLikr

The Vulture Stone includes a depiction of a vulture holding an orb, egg or sphere. The significance of the sphere is debated. Some scholars say it points to the existence of a Vulture cult and the structure is a temple to this cult. Yet, further down the rock we see a relief of a scorpion and headless man. The headless man is thought to represent a catastrophe and a team of scientists from the UK think they may understand this special rock.

The Edinbugh team ran computer simulations and found the carvings on the Vulture Stone likely represented constellations. In fact, Göbekli Tepe may not have been a temple. It was likely an ancient observatory. This observatory appears to have predicted and recorded a mini ice age known as “The Younger Dryas” which occurred around 12,900 to 11,700 B.C.E..

The Younger Dryas was an incredibly important event in the history of humanity. It is believed the colder climate forced humanity to switch from nomadic hunter and gatherers to a more sedentary agriculture-based civilization. The rise in agriculture and large societies is what allowed us to create cities and share knowledge. Resulting in the evolution of our technology and science.

Yet, here in Göbekli Tepe we find a civilization which existed prior to (or on the edge of) the Younger Dryas which undoubtedly was able to process wheat. The existence of agriculture during the building and occupation of Göbekli Tepe is still debated.

We at Fortean Winds would guess that a structure of that size was not erected without some form of agriculture to feed its people. We’d go so far as to guess…they grew the #$%@ wheat.

Scientific theory can be slow to change…

Göbekli Tepe was occupied for roughly a thousand years before, for completely unknown reasons, the occupants filled it in and left. Leaving us with yet one more history mystery to uncover, and it is still literally being uncovered. If you were taught history prior to the mid-1990s you never heard of the place, and everything your history teacher was telling you about pre-pottery man…was about to change.

The history books still haven’t caught up, and they can’t. This place changes everything we knew about ancient man. So, if you’re someone who is fascinated with our ancient past. Or, if you just love the fact science is always changing…keep an eye on the discoveries being made at Göbekli Tepe. We’ve given you some good links here to start researching, but the significance of this place is still being uncovered, and there are mysteries here YOU can help uncover. Here’s a good one to start.

In 2003, Researcher Klaus Schmidt found the mound is positioned in a location filled with geomagnetic anomalies.

In 2003 a geomagnetic survey could demonstrate that
the prediction based on the archaeological surface investigations at Göbekli Tepe, that round or oval enclosures
exist all over the site and are not restricted to a specific
part of the mound, was right. More than ten large enclosures could be located in the geomagnetic map

Klaus Schmidt (NEO-LITHICS 2/03)

The connection between the Vulture Rock and the constellations was made in 2019. Our past is constantly changing and with it comes a new understanding of our present. Göbekli Tepe is a reminder to all of we still have much to learn and must continue to learn. To us at Fortean Winds, that is just plain EXCITING.

The Oldest Human Anomalies

This post explores the evolutionary history of humans, tracing back to Australopithecus and the genus Homo, known for early stone tool usage. It discusses fossil preservation challenges and the migration of humans from Africa in waves. Additionally, it raises questions about ancient megalithic sites and their purposes, hinting at future explorations of anomalies.

For our first ancient history post we thought it made sense to start at the beginning. Evolutionary history is interesting, and the competing species of humans, is also an interesting piece of our history which is still being uncovered. In terms of evolutionary history, we’ll just say something resembling humans existed 6 million years ago and one of those species became Australopithecus.

From Australopithecus developed the genus homo somewhere around 2.8 million years ago, and from a data driven anomalists perspective, this is where things start to get interesting. They started making stone tools, and that gives us more to go off of than the fossil record.

First stone tool dated 3.3 million years ago. *fair use

There are certainly many mysteries buried in our deep past, but we simply have no way of knowing what they are unless we find a fossil or remnants of humanity.

Theories abound involving everything from aliens to monsters. Yet, we’re lucky to find bones which predate the homo genus. So, we don’t hold out much hope for discovering links to anomalies we study in the time before civilization.

We’ll just point out the one anomaly we just told you and go back to fossils. The genus of homo is supposed to have coincided with the rise of the making of stone tools. Yet, the picture above shows a stone tool existing 500k years before the homo genus. This is odd. A distant human ancestor was using stone tools.

When the homo genus arrives on the scene (2.8 million years ago), they have bigger brains and more tool making.

A huge barrier in front of our window to the past is created by the fossil record (or lack thereof). Not everything that dies creates a fossil. Bones turn to dust unless something intervenes.

So, in order to preserve bones and DNA we need something to die in a specific way, or under specific circumstances. Something like a dying creature falling into tree sap (a la Jurassic Park) will do it. Many fossils are contained in layers of rock, and these layers give us a good idea of when they existed.

Yet as you can see from the modern record, fossil preservation is somewhat random. Therefore, many creatures have come and gone on this planet, and we have no idea what they were.

From what we currently know, humanity began or was located in Africa. Our ancestors left Africa in two waves. The first wave occurred between 130k to 100k years ago. The second wave came around 70k to 50k years ago.

Here is another area which is ripe for theory and exploration. Why did they end up settling where they did and when? Australia 65k years ago, Eurasia 60k years ago and Americas 15k years ago. Shifting geography and migration patterns account for much of the movement in this time, but we find the specifics of where these groups chose to settle fascinating.

Many ancient dwelling are located near water sources which makes perfect sense, but what about the ones which are not? Why mine granite rocks 500 miles away from the Egyptian pyramids? Seems an awful long way to carry them. We’re just using Egypt as an example of a strange megalithic site. There are many more. Why was Stonehenge built? No one knows. Period. Thus, as humanity begins to build and create art. We find evidence of our first anomalies.

We’ll look forward to exploring some of the ancient sites with you in greater detail. For example, the “Baghdad Batteries” are likely actual batteries which date back to 300 b.c.

Now that’s an anomaly.

Coming Soon:

Industrialization

Modern Era

Information Age