Abduction Watch - No 24

Magazine Overview

Title: ABDUCTION WATCH
Issue: 24
Volume: AW
Date: February 2002 (implied by content)
Publisher: UFO Magazine (UK)

This issue of 'Abduction Watch' provides a critical examination of various phenomena and individuals within the ufology and paranormal communities. The author expresses a desire to move beyond simply reacting to 'crackpots' and engage in more serious research, particularly concerning the 'Nazi UFO' material, which is being made accessible online and is intended to form part of a book debunking claims that glorify Nazis and neo-Nazis with fictional knowledge.

Database Issues and Abduction Credibility

A practical problem encountered was the loss of the 'AW' subscription database due to a computer issue, with a recovered copy potentially leading to subscribers receiving extra issues. The author notes that the 'abduction issue' itself has become increasingly desperate, driven by those with financial interests. Figures like Whitley Strieber are described as having 'vanished,' while others like Jacobs, Hopkins, Leir, Lorgen, and Sims are criticized for presenting events as fact without sufficient proof of their skills or standing. Graham Birdsall is mentioned for bringing 'superchiropodist' Leir to a conference, indicating that 'implant' stories still sell tickets.

Animal Mutilation Claims Critiqued

The article scrutinizes claims made by David Cayton, as published in UFO Magazine, that animals in the UK are being mutilated by aliens. Cayton's evidence, including a scrap of sheep skin examined by a pathologist, is presented as weak, with the pathologist finding only dead skin and bacteria. The author criticizes the pathologist's use of university letterhead and the misrepresentation of Cayton as a 'Physician.' Cayton's speculative 'mink hypothesis' and his later suggestion of alien mutilators using 'pet' animals like 'Chupacabras' are dismissed as irrational and subjective, driven by a belief in alien mutilators rather than evidence. The author questions whether UFO Magazine has learned from past misrepresentations.

Nick Pope and the National Council for Hypnotherapy

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to critiquing Nick Pope's promotion of the 'National Council for Hypnotherapy' (NCH) in UFO Magazine. Pope highlights the NCH's policy statement on alien abductions and recommends hypnotherapist David Howard. The author investigates the NCH, finding that its membership levels do not require formal, accredited qualifications in medicine, nursing, psychiatry, or psychology. Higher levels of membership are based on support and case studies, with 'Registered' status requiring only 12 months of practice. 'Fellowship' is at the Council's discretion.

The article focuses on Dr. Shaun Brookhouse, identified as the Chair and Ethics Officer of the NCH. Brookhouse claims multiple doctoral degrees and certifications, including from the 'American Institute of Hypnotherapy,' 'American Pacific University' (APU), and 'Honolulu University.' An investigation reveals that APU and Honolulu University are non-residential, unaccredited institutions. APU explicitly states it is not accredited by any agency recognized by the US Secretary of Education, and Honolulu University describes itself as a 'University Without Walls' whose programs are not designed to meet licensing or credentialing laws. The author questions why Brookhouse chose these unaccredited routes for his doctorates and his views on ethics regarding such qualifications.

The author expresses concern that Nick Pope recommends the NCH and practitioners like David Howard for 'abductees/experiencers,' questioning Howard's standing and the NCH's policy statement, which deems regression 'essential' for 'Alien Abduction Clients' while instructing amateur therapists to take medical histories. The article suggests Pope may be motivated by financial gain to sustain his publications.

The Cathars and Reincarnation

Another section discusses Arthur Guirdham's work on the Cathars and reincarnation. Initially finding Guirdham's work compelling, the author later realized it lacked coherence. Thanks to Leslie Price, the author recommends a monograph titled 'The Cathars and Arthur Guirdham: an investigation into the past lives of a Bath psychiatrist and his circle' by Lynda Harris, available for purchase.

Knowledge vs. Understanding and 'Grail Bloodline' Material

The article contrasts knowledge with understanding, using Arthur Guirdham as an example of someone with academic achievement who became confused. It also references Patrick Harpur's comments on shape-shifters and the belief in witches flying, questioning the universality of such beliefs.

Finally, the author mentions being involved in researching the 'Grail Bloodline' material, which is based on books by Laurence Gardner and others. This material is described as constructed from hoaxed elements over 50 years, rooted in British Israelitism, and continuing to evolve. The author hopes to present initial findings and questions about the significance of blood, race, and alien genes in this context.

Contact Information

Contact details for Kevin McClure are provided for correspondence, with subscription details to follow in the next issue.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims in ufology, particularly concerning alien abductions and animal mutilations. There is a strong focus on critiquing the credibility of individuals and organizations within the field, highlighting potential financial motivations and the use of unaccredited credentials to gain authority. The editorial stance is critical and investigative, aiming to debunk misinformation and expose what the author perceives as a lack of rigor and intellectual honesty in certain areas of paranormal research. The issue also touches on historical and esoteric topics like the Cathars and the 'Grail Bloodline' material, approached with a similar critical lens.