Seeking UFO contact - in Combe Martin
THEY believe they can help heal the world through spiritual action. They believe there is intelligent life on other planets. And they believe Jesus was from Venus.
Meet the Aetherius Society, a worldwide spiritual organisation whose members include Dave Davies, guitarist with 1960s rock band The Kinks.
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Members of the Aetherius Society pray and chant on Holdstone Down, which they regard as a sacred site
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An Aetherius Society member directs energy into an Operation Prayer Power "Spiritual Energy Battery" while other members chant mantra on Holdstone Down; above, Dr George King, the founder of the Aetherius Society
On July 25, around 100 members of the group will make the annual pilgrimage to Holdstone Down, near Combe Martin on Exmoor, a place which they regard as a holy mountain after their founder said he had met Jesus while praying for peace more than 50 years previously.
This year's event will involve members chanting and saying prayers in order to access spiritual energy from the sacred site, which will be stored in a "spiritual energy battery" to be released at a later date to aid "wherever is in greatest need of healing and spiritual upliftment".
Aetherius Society spokesman Mark Bennett said although the group's ideas were subject to some scepticism, many people kept an open mind. He said: "In today's world I think people are very much of a live and let live belief."
Mr Bennett, who has a first-class degree from Cambridge University, said that Holdstone Down had become an important place for members of the Aetherius Society after its founder, Dr George King, claimed he was instructed to pray there by an extraterrestrial.
He added: "When at the Down, [Dr King] entered a higher state, praying for peace. He then saw a bright blue light, which went out over the Bristol Channel and disappeared. Then the being from Venus appeared. We believe it was Jesus."
According to the words of Dr King, "the being was dressed in a robe" and wore a jewel-studded belt. He was said to be "clean-shaven, had tanned skin and was of tall, athletic build".
Although not a Christian organisation, the Aetherius Society believes in the teachings of Jesus.
Mr Bennett said: "We believe he was a cosmic master from another planet, the same with Buddha and Krishna. What we want and work for is world peace and enlightenment, so we send out spiritual energy. The energy flows out to wherever it is needed."
This year's event will be held on July 25, beginning at midday at the top of Holdstone Down, and comes three days after the 51st anniversary Dr King was said to have been visited by Jesus.
Chanting and prayer will begin soon after, and is expected to last for around two hours.
Anyone wanting to observe or take part in the event is asked to contact the Aetherius Society in advance on 0207 736 4187.
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by Simon, Crediton
Monday, July 13 2009, 6:15PM
“A gentleman called Steve Bassett from an organisation called Paradigm Research Group (a key organisation involved in investigating the UFO issue) is considering a visit to Devon, with an eye to holding a meeting here. If anyone is interested, drop me a mail at simonpople@yahoo.com, as Steve will be visiting from the US, so we're trying to gauge the interest.”
by Justin, Cornwall
Saturday, July 04 2009, 9:14PM
“You REALLY are from another planet me old mucker from Somersetshire. No wonder Charles you talk a different language to the rest of us. You haven't been abducted by aliens recently?. Best Justin”
by Charles Henry 1945-(diuturnity), Somersetshire
Saturday, July 04 2009, 8:00PM
“:| Zoon we have a problem. . I assumed with your frequent ventures in our time zone you would have familiarised yourself with the 'Dog and Duck', 'The Rising Sun', 'The Prince of Orange', 'The Red Lion', 'The White Swan', 'The Crown', 'The Cock and Pheasant' and many other 'Houses'. . These are just a few of the true foundations of power and where our democracy begins. . It is where all the important decisions of State are now taken. . Gone are the days of Tony's sofa and Mandy's toilet. . I feel if you can't accept these moralistic times with more in common with the puritans than the heady days of Bill Clinton in America; there is no future. . If all else fails we will be getting in touch with Sarah Palin. . Best Charles”
by Zoon, Fireball XL5
Saturday, July 04 2009, 7:15PM
“You are indeed a strange race and, I have to day, Charles, you are making things more and more confusing. How can one be in both the dog and the duck simultaneously? And in what way are people "getting over" the bankers?
I am learning new things every 300 leems.
By the way, my offer of ninth refectile is now withdrawn.
Unless I have some support for my campaign, I will have to say 'au revoir'.”
by Charles Henry 1945-(diuturnity), Somersetshire
Saturday, July 04 2009, 6:09PM
“:( Frankly neither do I Zoon. . 'But it takes all sorts'; as they say in the Dog and Duck. . Well we can try it I suppose. . We have got a new Speaker now, and the electorate are still getting over the bankers. . . I said the Bankers.”
by Zoon, Fireball XL5
Saturday, July 04 2009, 5:58PM
“'Female attendants', as you put it, are essential to the wellbeing of male Zargons. And therefore we are expected to claim for them on expenses. It seems opposite sex attendants on your planet are optional, and I do not understand this.
The offer of ninth refectile stands for the next 40.0000.00 leems, otherwise, I'm out of here.
Geddit?”
by Charles Henry 1945-(diuturnity), Somersetshire
Saturday, July 04 2009, 5:45PM
“:( Yes Zoon, you can!. . But a Grace and Favour holiday planet aswel!! . . With female attendants. . Isn't that stretching it a bit? . I read the small print.”
by Zoon, Fireball XL5
Saturday, July 04 2009, 5:23PM
“Was that me you were referring to, Charles?
In my manifesto, I think you will see no reference to the 15,999,999 lloofzones for which I am responsible. And my remaining refectiles are indeed intact.
I thought I could depend on you.”
by Charles Henry 1945-(diuturnity), Somersetshire
Saturday, July 04 2009, 5:19PM
“:( <6^^^666***$,T"--+! . . You couldn't make it up!! . . He thinks he's John Prescott!”
by Zoon, Fireball XL5
Saturday, July 04 2009, 5:13PM
“P.S. I might bring back hanging.”