Inexplicable Seismic Waves Recorded Globally Baffle Geologists
On Nov. 11, a strange series of seismic waves rocked an area in the Mozambique channel near the French island territory of Mayotte. The waves were picked up by seismic instruments as far as 11,000 miles away in such places as Canada and Chile, reverberating for more than 20 minutes – except, no one actually felt them.
Geologists are at a loss to explain these bizarre wave clusters, which may have gone entirely undetected, had it not been for an amateur earthquake aficionado on Twitter who noticed the anomalies on the U.S. Geological Survey’s real-time seismogram displays.
“I don’t think I’ve seen anything like it,” Göran Ekström, a seismologist who specializes in unusual earthquakes at Columbia University, told National Geographic.
Twitter user @matarikipax, picked up on the epicenter of the tremors off the coast of Madagascar, before noticing subsequent recordings from seismograms in Kenya, Spain, and New Zealand.
According to geologists, one of the most confounding factors observed in these waves was their monotonous, low-frequency ring – possibly the reason they went undetected by anyone in the direct vicinity.
Typically, following an earthquake, there are several types of follow-up reverberations that resonate in varied oscillations. These, on the other hand, are what scientists call monochromatic – a singular zigzag on a 17-second loop.
The epicenter of the waves has seen significant seismic activity in the past, it is after all, a volcanic island in a volcanic archipelago. And typically, one would expect waves of this nature to follow a large earthquake, but scientists say there was no major seismic activity in the area leading to this particular event.
Geologists are still struggling to figure out the cause, with the most agreed upon possibility being that it may have been a magma reservoir below the Earth’s crust shaken by small earthquakes. But the precise intervals of the waves make it difficult to say anything for certain. And as Gizmodo pointed out, this type of regularity is typically caused by artificial means.
Unsurprisingly, this led to wild speculation in the conspiracy world, as well as some far-out responses from scientists themselves, including speculation about mythological monsters such as Cthulhu, or a previously undiscovered prehistoric creature.
“Submarine volcanism sounds most likely. However, isn’t that where the coelacanth was first found to be alive? I’m rooting for the event to be a giant prehistoric sea monster…” said one Twitter user.
But while most of the sea monster theories have been tongue-in-cheek, another interesting conspiracy has resurfaced related to a WikiLeaks article released in 2013, which alleged that a mysterious vortex opened over the Gulf of Aden just off the horn of Africa, creating catastrophic weather in the early aughts.
Now, the Gulf of Aden is in the same area of the world, though it’s not necessarily close to the Mozambique channel. If one were to fly from Djibouti to Madagascar it would be about a seven-hour flight. But we digress.
According to the report, allegedly prepared for Vladimir Putin by Russian Northern Fleet Admiral Nikolay Maksimov, the anomalous disturbance was reported in the Gulf of Aden in late 2000. This was supposedly when the U.S. established a base in the area in response to the report, before it issued a warning to other major powers. The response was reportedly covered up in the media with stories that naval forces were sent to the region to deal with Somali pirates terrorizing important shipping lanes.
The report goes on to claim the mysterious vortex posed an extraterrestrial or inter-dimensional threat to the planet and that opposing superpowers, including Russia and the United States, were set to join forces to defend humanity. Others have speculated that the portal could be the result of machinations at CERN or another particle collider, as a similar vortex was allegedly reported above Norway in 2009.
TL;DR: some conspiracy theorists believe the latest unexplained seismic waves may have something to do with the alleged Gulf of Aden Vortex.
Surely, this sounds absurd and the sources provided in the document to corroborate its claims are equally as sketchy. Many have also pointed out that it could be a piece written by a highly dubious and often fraudulent conspiracy theory site, before being widely disseminated under other aliases. But there are also some questions as to why it was published by WikiLeaks, which wouldn’t normally release something so fantastic.
As it turns out, the documents come from a private American intelligence firm called Stratfor, which provides global intel for large corporations, aerospace contractors, and even certain branches of the U.S. government.
This particular article, once possessed by Stratfor before being published by WikiLeaks, closes with a line that states, “to what is contained in the United States secret ‘Gulf of Aden Vortex’ file WikiLeaks has in its possession and is threatening to release, it is not in our knowing.”
Could WikiLeaks have more on the Gulf of Aden Vortex? Moreover, could there be any relation between the latest seismic waves and the Gulf of Aden Vortex? Or equally as conspiratorial, is the private intelligence firm Stratfor intentionally spreading disinformation? Could this all be explained by natural seismic phenomena? Quite possibly. We’ll need to do more serious digging.
Could Julian Assange and WikiLeaks hold the key to the Gulf of Aden Vortex files? Learn more about his tribulations in the documentary, Digital Dissidents:
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Ancient Symbols of Protection from Cultures Around the World
Throughout human history, people have searched for ways to safeguard themselves from negative energy, evil spirits, and other forces beyond their control. Across different cultures, ancient symbols of protection emerged to provide guidance, comfort, and spiritual protection. These protection symbols often reflect humanity’s close relationship with nature, the divine, and the mysteries of existence. They have appeared across continents, in various belief systems—from the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Celts to Native Americans, Vikings, Pagans, Christians, Jews, and Muslims. Each carries its own story and context, offering not only a symbol of protection against evil forces but also a source of good fortune, positive energy, and well-being in daily life.
If you feel drawn to these powerful protection symbols, it can be overwhelming to understand their origins and meanings. By exploring their cultural contexts and historical significance, you can discover which ancient protection symbols resonate most with you, whether you seek a protective amulet, a talisman, or a sacred sigil to incorporate into your spiritual practice.
Native American Protection Symbols
Native American tribes traditionally embraced ancient symbols of spiritual protection connected to the natural world. Animal totems, for example, represent protective powers derived from the wearer’s guardian spirit. Some of the most common animal symbols include:
- Bear: Represents leadership, physical strength, courage, and the ability to face challenges head-on.
- Crow: Embodies wisdom, intelligence, and keen awareness.
- Eagle: A revered bird symbolizing courage, wisdom, and strength; it also connects the earthly realm to the divine.
- Deer: Offers guidance to safety, gentleness, prosperity, and shelter.
- Gila Monster: Portrays preservation, resilience, and survival.
- Dragonfly: A sign of happiness, speed, and purity, often seen as a symbol of positive transformation.
- Lightning (Thunderbird): Associated with a legendary spirit of power, rain, and renewal.
In addition to animal totems, other Native American symbols provide spiritual protection:
- Arrows: These can signify defense, direction, and the warding off of evil spirits. An arrow pointing to the left often signals protection, while a downward-facing arrow can represent peace. Arrowheads carry protective properties, symbolizing alertness and focus.
- Cacti: Embody warmth, endurance, and maternal love, persisting even in harsh conditions.
- Drums: Used in sacred ceremonies to communicate with the Great Spirit, invoking divine protection.
- Eagle Feathers: Central to rituals and prayer, representing truth and spiritual activation.
- Medicine Bags: Typically made of animal hide and containing items like sage, tobacco, minerals, or a pipe, these bags were believed in ancient times to offer divine protection and good luck, especially in battle.
Ancient Egyptian, Celtic, Christian, and Greek Protection Symbols
Ancient Egypt, Greece, Celtic lands, and early Christian societies also developed significant ancient protection symbols. Within these various cultures, certain motifs recur, bridging continents and belief systems:
- The Cross: While often associated with the Christian faith, the cross also appears in many contexts. The ancient Egyptian symbol known as the ankh signifies eternal life and spiritual reflection. In Greek traditions, a cross represents the four directions and natural balance, much like in Native American symbolism.
- Eyes: In Egyptian culture, the Eye of Horus—an ancient Egyptian symbol resembling the right eye of the falcon god Horus—represents healing, protection, and the harmonizing of masculine and feminine energies. Similarly, the Eye of Ra symbolizes cosmic order and the sun’s protective force. Across cultures, the eye often appears as a symbol of protection—for example, the evil eye, a belief found in the Middle East, the Mediterranean, and beyond. Depictions like the nazar (a blue-eye-shaped amulet) are used to ward off evil forces and bad luck.
- The Hamsa Hand: Originating in the Middle East, North Africa, and regions influenced by Islamic and Jewish mysticism, as well as some Christian sects, the Hamsa hand is a protective amulet. Often used to repel the evil eye, it symbolizes divine guardianship, good fortune, and spiritual resilience. The Hamsa appears prominently in Arabic, Hebrew, and ancient Egyptian contexts, making it a potent emblem of spiritual protection.
- Wreaths: In early Christianity, wreaths represented eternity and the unending circle of life. Some believe displaying a wreath invites the spirit of Christ into the home. In Ancient Rome, wreaths were hung on doors after victorious battles. Today, wreaths can symbolize resilience, continuous growth, and persistent life force amid adversity.
Pagan, Wiccan, Norse, and Occult Protection Symbols
Beyond religious traditions, protection symbols from around the world appear in Pagan, Wiccan, Celtic, and Norse cultures. These symbols often focus on nature, cosmic cycles, and positive energy:
- Labyrinths (Wiccan/Pagan): Walking a labyrinth is a spiritual journey symbolizing wholeness, renewal, and guidance. One cannot get lost in a labyrinth, reflecting the soul’s steady path through life’s challenges.
- Yggdrasil (Norse): This great Viking tree of life connects all realms, symbolizing stability, wisdom, and cosmic order. It serves as an anchor of spiritual protection and unity.
- Powerful Protection Symbols in Norse Traditions:
- The Helm of Awe: A famed Viking symbol for protection, this Icelandic protection symbol (or Icelandic sigil) consists of eight rune-like arms radiating from a center point. It’s believed to protect the wearer from harm and instill fear in enemies.
- Thor’s Hammer (Mjölnir): Another Norse emblem, representing strength, courage, and the safeguarding of humanity. Mjölnir often symbolizes good luck in battles and marriages, as well as blessings for new ventures.
- Wiccan Protection Symbols:
- The Pentagram (Pentacle or Five-Pointed Star): Revered in Wicca, this shape can ward off evil spirits and negative influences. It often reflects the balance of earth, air, fire, water, and spirit.
- Mistletoe: Rooted in Celtic tradition, mistletoe is considered a protector against evil forces, ensuring good luck and prosperity for the community, livestock, and children.
- Runes and Other Amulets: Runes, ancient alphabetic symbols used by Viking and Germanic tribes, can serve as talismans, focusing positive energy and offering guidance. In many belief systems, wearing certain runes or sigils helps ward off negative energies and attract good fortune.
