A Declassified CIA Discovery: The Ark of the Covenant and Project Sun Streak
Recently, a declassified document from the CIA has sparked online interest by asserting that the Ark of the Covenant was located in the Middle East during the 1980s as part of an initiative called Project Sun Streak. This document claims that the Ark, believed to house the Ten Commandments along with other sacred items such as the Tablets of the Law and Aaron’s Rod, was identified by remote viewing techniques.
Understanding Project Sun Streak
Launched in 1978, Project Sun Streak was a joint effort of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) and other intelligence bodies aimed at employing individuals with purported psychic abilities, commonly referred to as “remote viewers.” These operatives attempted to retrieve intelligence by projecting their consciousness to distant locations based on given coordinates.
The report from Project Sun Streak claims that the CIA had long been aware of the Ark’s whereabouts. In a specific instance referenced in the document, a remote viewer—designated as No. 032—was assigned coordinates leading to a coffin-like object thought to be the Ark, reportedly found “somewhere in the Middle East,” in a region where Arabic is the predominant language.
“The target is a container. This container has another container inside of it. The target is fashioned of wood, gold, and silver… and it is decorated with [a six-winged angel],” the document alleges.
This remote viewer, however, did not possess knowledge regarding the historical or religious context of their exploration prior to the task.
A Historical Perspective on the Ark of the Covenant
Historically, many scholars argue that the Ark of the Covenant resided in the Holy of Holies, the innermost section of the Temple in Jerusalem, until it vanished during the Babylonian invasion in 586 BC. Some believe that the Ark was later relocated to Ethiopia, where it was hidden in a sacred church.
The Origins and Evolution of Project Sun Streak
Initiated during the Cold War in response to Soviet advances in psychotronics, Project Sun Streak aimed to explore military and intelligence applications of psychic phenomena. It evolved from earlier projects such as SCANATE and underwent various name changes, including Project Stargate. Declassified documents from 1995 onward began revealing its intriguing yet controversial findings.
The relevance of remote viewing, described by Popular Mechanics as a form of extrasensory perception, became a focal point for various operations that included locating hostages, exploring ancient relics, and even searching for extraterrestrial life.
Files are declassified if a project remains inactive for over 25 years, as established by law. Recent legislative changes, including the Freedom of Information Act, have made it mandatory for the CIA to share its historical documentation with the public, ensuring transparency.
Insights on the Ark’s Alleged Discovery
The controversial CIA document alleging the Ark’s discovery during Project Sun Streak was declassified in 2000, containing claims that the significant finding took place in 1988. Despite the sensational claims, substantial evidence to verify the artifact’s existence still eludes researchers.
Podcast host Josh Hooper brought renewed attention to the Ark’s story, initially skeptical about Project Sun Streak until he reviewed the pertinent documents on the CIA’s website. He described the details as “bone-chilling,” sharing insights from the remote viewer’s account.
“This target is located somewhere in the Middle East as the language spoken by individuals present seemed to be Arabic… The target is hidden — underground, dark, and wet were all aspects of the location of the target. The purpose of the target is to bring people together. It has something to do with ceremony, memory, homage, the resurrection.
“There is an aspect of spirituality, information, lessons, and historical knowledge far beyond what we now know. The target is protected by entities and can only be opened (now) by those who are authorized to do so — this container will not/cannot be opened until the time is deemed correct.”
The Legacy of the Ark of the Covenant
The Ark of the Covenant, described in biblical texts as a gilded chest constructed by the Israelites in the 13th century BC, originally held the Ten Commandments. While some believe it was maintained within the sacred Temple, others point to Ethiopia, where it allegedly rests under the protection of the local church. This narrative has led to countless theories and searches from various groups, including the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and local tribes like the Lemba in Southern Africa.
Over the years, assertions regarding sightings and custody of the Ark have surfaced, including Edward Ullendorff’s claims of having seen the actual artifact during World War II. However, subsequent proof revealed it was a replica, sparking further intrigue and debate among scholars and enthusiasts alike.
With reports of recent discoveries and various claims surrounding this ancient relic, the quest for the Ark of the Covenant continues to capture the imagination of historians, archaeologists, and the public. The enduring mystery of its location, historical significance, and spiritual allure keeps discussions alive, ensuring that this legendary artifact remains a captivating topic of inquiry.