Just finished Magicians of the Gods. I think the main points are well made, based on good science.
I have some thoughts on Pillar 43 at Gobekli Tepe. I agree that the images on its side quite possibly/probably represent signs of the zodiac - but as imagined during that earlier period. The pictures perhaps describe the progression of the zodiacal signs, from Libra (the 'goose' at the bottom), to Scorpio (the scorpion) to Sagittarius (the bird with outstretched wings). The circle probably represents the sun, and is at the visual centre of the pillar - so it presumably is the focus of the whole scene, i.e. the pillar is giving us a date, or 'age', in the great year. Presumably, this date refers to an important event. However, I don't believe it refers to a date in their future - as I don't believe they were sophisticated enough to make such predictions. Nor do I think they would know about the super massive black hole at the centre of our galaxy. Rather, I suspect it refers to a date in their past worth remembering. Perhaps the most important event in their known history.
Today, we think of the spring equinox as defining the current age. But we have no way of knowing whether they used the spring equinox as well. If, instead, they used the summer solstice to define the 'zodiacal age', as seems quite possible, then the date referred to is roughly 13,000 years ago (since Sagittarius is currently the age defined by the winter solstice). In other words, the event refers to around 11,000 BC. Quite possibly, then, it refers to the catastrophe of the Younger Dryas comet impact, as this is quite probably the most important date in their history.
Regarding the line pictogram on the shard of bone found at Gobelkli Tepe, showing a person between the two pillars, perhaps this is their analogue of a tourist's photograph or perhaps even a user manual. The image is striking in its similarity to the 'Godself' symbols found around the world - indeed, it seems to be the very earliest such Godself or dualist symbol ever. Note the small hole above the person's head - presumably referring to the 'soul hole/third eye of enlightenment' which is also seen in many cultures/civilizations across the world. Perhaps the pictogram is telling the viewer 'stand between the two pillars, and with the aid of the soul hole you will receive enlightenment'.
I have some thoughts on Pillar 43 at Gobekli Tepe. I agree that the images on its side quite possibly/probably represent signs of the zodiac - but as imagined during that earlier period. The pictures perhaps describe the progression of the zodiacal signs, from Libra (the 'goose' at the bottom), to Scorpio (the scorpion) to Sagittarius (the bird with outstretched wings). The circle probably represents the sun, and is at the visual centre of the pillar - so it presumably is the focus of the whole scene, i.e. the pillar is giving us a date, or 'age', in the great year. Presumably, this date refers to an important event. However, I don't believe it refers to a date in their future - as I don't believe they were sophisticated enough to make such predictions. Nor do I think they would know about the super massive black hole at the centre of our galaxy. Rather, I suspect it refers to a date in their past worth remembering. Perhaps the most important event in their known history.
Today, we think of the spring equinox as defining the current age. But we have no way of knowing whether they used the spring equinox as well. If, instead, they used the summer solstice to define the 'zodiacal age', as seems quite possible, then the date referred to is roughly 13,000 years ago (since Sagittarius is currently the age defined by the winter solstice). In other words, the event refers to around 11,000 BC. Quite possibly, then, it refers to the catastrophe of the Younger Dryas comet impact, as this is quite probably the most important date in their history.
Regarding the line pictogram on the shard of bone found at Gobelkli Tepe, showing a person between the two pillars, perhaps this is their analogue of a tourist's photograph or perhaps even a user manual. The image is striking in its similarity to the 'Godself' symbols found around the world - indeed, it seems to be the very earliest such Godself or dualist symbol ever. Note the small hole above the person's head - presumably referring to the 'soul hole/third eye of enlightenment' which is also seen in many cultures/civilizations across the world. Perhaps the pictogram is telling the viewer 'stand between the two pillars, and with the aid of the soul hole you will receive enlightenment'.