AudioBlog: UFOs and Esotericism

From the days of flying saucers in the 1940s and 1950s, up until
the present where many now prefer the term “unidentified aerial
phenomena” (UAP), investigators and researchers have approached the
mystery using scientific methods. However, this is not the case for
all who have sought answers as to the source and purpose of the
reported encounters with strange things in our skies. Many have
turned to esotericism, in addition to science, as a means of
inquiry. This approach has actually been present from the very
beginning of modern UFOlogy and those interested in the subject
might consider looking into it, even if only from a historical or
sociological perspective. Esoteric is defined by the
Merriam-Webster dictionary as “designed for or understood by the
specially initiated alone.” When one talks of esotericism in
association with UFOs or the paranormal, one is usually referring
to what has become known as “Western Esotericism” which is a term
used to describe a loosely connected group of religious and
philosophical ideas that deviate from Judeo-Christian beliefs and
post-Enlightenment rationalism. By the late 19th century, organized
groups and secret societies had developed around these esoteric
ideas, two of the most prominent being the Hermetic Order of the
Golden Dawn and the Theosophical Society. Both of these adhered to
the belief that there is a group of cosmic beings that can be
contacted by adepts who wish to receive ancient wisdom and advice.
The Theosophical Society still exists today. Arguably, the first
group to investigate claims of a mysterious flying object, was the
Borderland Sciences Research Association. Formed in Southern
California by Meade Layne along with Max Freedom Long, BSRA was an
association dedicated to paranormal research and included
parapsychologists, spiritualists, and Theosophists. Their research
methods included Yoga, Qabalistic technique, and spirit channeling.
Their main spirit channeler was Mark Probert, the “Telegnostic from
San Diego.” The group put out its first newsletter, the Round
Robin, in February 1945. It wasn’t long before they were
investigating what they called, “The Ether Ship Mystery.” Read
more