AFU Newsletter - No 32 - 1988

Magazine Overview

Title: afu newsletter
Issue: 32
Date: July-December 1988
Publisher: Archives for UFO Research (AFU)
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish (with English content)
ISSN: 0283-6378

This issue of the AFU Newsletter, number 32, dated July-December 1988, features a special theme on Whitley Strieber, with the cover headline 'Abduction of an horror author'. The newsletter is published by the Archives for UFO Research (AFU) in Norrköping, Sweden.

The Whitley Strieber Phenomenon by Håkan Blomqvist

Håkan Blomqvist introduces Whitley Strieber, an American horror novelist who gained significant attention with his book 'Communion: A True Story'. Strieber claimed to have been abducted by UFO entities and examined by small, gray creatures. His book was a bestseller in the US, selling over six million copies, and made him a media personality. Strieber himself expressed concern that 'Communion' might have ruined his writing career, leading to him being reviled in the literary community.

The article notes that Strieber's claims are presented with a critical perspective, drawing parallels to figures like George Adamski and Eduard Meier, while questioning the intellectual credibility of such narratives. The author expresses concern that Strieber might become a new cult figure, potentially overshadowing the need for a more critical examination of UFO phenomena.

Critical Stance on UFO Abductions and the Domsten Case

Anders Liljegren emphasizes the need for a skeptical approach to UFO abduction stories. He uses the Domsten case from 1958 as a cautionary example, which after 30 years of speculation was revealed to be a hoax. Liljegren highlights how information can be obscured or misrepresented, and credits Clas Svahn with uncovering the truth behind the Domsten case through persistent investigation.

He warns that widespread media coverage of cases like Strieber's can complicate the investigation of new UFO sightings by introducing 'noise' in the form of fantasies and psychological phenomena. Liljegren hopes that Strieber's book will encourage a greater focus on the behavioral sciences in understanding these experiences.

Government Secrecy, Disinformation, and Submarine Phenomena

Another section, likely authored by Anders Liljegren, discusses the role of intelligence agencies like the CIA and NSA in potentially disseminating disinformation related to UFO phenomena. The author references Bob Woodward's book on William Casey, the former CIA chief, suggesting that intelligence groups may use fabricated stories or disinformation tactics. The article posits that many UFO reports, including those of crashed UFOs, 'KIB' stories, and the MJ-12 documents, could be part of deliberate disinformation campaigns.

The text then shifts to the topic of underwater phenomena, drawing parallels between sightings of 'ghost planes', 'ghost rockets', and 'UFO phenomena' with reports of unidentified submarines in Swedish waters. The AFU is establishing an 'ubåtsarkivet' (submarine archive) to collect and analyze such reports, encouraging readers to contribute by sending in clippings and reports.

There's a discussion about the potential for advanced technology, possibly from the Soviet Union, being used in underwater espionage, referencing the 'Ivy Bells' operation. The article suggests that intensified Soviet submarine incursions in Swedish waters might be linked to the deployment of similar surveillance technology. The author points out that the military's handling of such incidents, including the discovery of a severed Swedish underwater cable, is kept secret from the public.

Book Reviews and Publications

'Uninvited Guests' by Richard H. Hall: Reviewed by Sven-Olov Svensson, this book is described as a comprehensive history of UFO sightings, alien encounters, and cover-ups. Hall is praised for his neutral stance, posing questions rather than promoting specific theories. The book covers a wide range of topics, from crashed UFOs to abduction cases, with detailed descriptions and bibliographies. However, it lacks illustrations.

'UFOer over Danmark' by Willy Wegner: This book, the first of two volumes, chronicles the history of the Danish UFO movement from 1946 to 1964. It details the evolution of UFOlogy in Denmark, including early sightings, contactee phenomena, and the influence of figures like George Adamski. The review notes that Wegner's work documents the more gullible aspects of Danish UFOlogy and criticizes those who elevate obvious hoaxes. The book is described as a readable account of a folk movement with its peculiar elements.

SAF Bulletin: This publication from the Solna Astronomical Association (SAF) is described as a 30-page A4 magazine published five times a year. It contains articles on astronomy, UFOs, mysticism, parapsychology, archaeology, and ancient history. The bulletin primarily consists of copied articles from Swedish media, with some original content and member reports.

'UFO-INFORMATION': This is presented as Sweden's oldest and most dedicated UFO magazine, covering Swedish and international UFO observations. It is an ideological publication with no profit motive, offering 32 pages per issue and a subscription price of 100 SEK per year.

'The Integraton': The newsletter mentions an offer to purchase George van Tassel's 'Integraton' building in California for $150,000. Van Tassel, a contactee, claimed the building had rejuvenating properties. The offer includes the building, land, and water rights.

Other Noteworthy Content

Publishers Weekly Paperback Bestsellers (February 19, 1988): A list of top-selling books, including Whitley Strieber's 'Communion' in the Mass Market category.

Book Reviews: Several international books are reviewed, including 'Colors in the Dark' by Marianne Sheenefield, 'Invasions, they come in silence' by Ellen Crystall, 'Mind Powers, Transmutations and UFOs' by Albert Dardanelli, 'Failure at Science' by Robert D. Boyd (a critique of the Gulf Breeze case), 'Channeling' by Jen Klino, 'Disneyland of the Gods' by John A. Keel, and 'AIDS: Soviet First Strike' by Tom Bearden.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The AFU Newsletter consistently adopts a critical yet open-minded stance towards UFO phenomena. While acknowledging the possibility of genuine unexplained events, the publication emphasizes the importance of skepticism, critical analysis, and the potential for disinformation and psychological factors to influence reports. The newsletter actively encourages reader participation through contributions and the sharing of information. There is a strong focus on documenting UFO-related activities in Sweden and internationally, with a particular interest in government secrecy and the potential for cover-ups. The editorial stance appears to be that of an independent research organization seeking to understand complex phenomena through rigorous investigation and open discussion, while remaining wary of sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims. The inclusion of submarine phenomena suggests a broader interest in unexplained aerial and underwater events.

This issue of UFO Magazine, Volume 11, Issue 11, dated December 1988, focuses on the alleged UFO abduction experiences of author Whitley Strieber, particularly in relation to his books "Communion" and "Transformation, the breakthrough". The magazine is published by AFU in Sweden.

Whitley Strieber's Abduction Experiences

The article details Strieber's personal accounts of encounters with non-human entities. On December 26, 1995, he describes waking to a "whooshing, swirling noise" and seeing a figure in his bedroom, leading to a loss of consciousness and subsequent awakening in a clearing with several entities. He recounts a feeling of paralysis and being lifted, followed by a memory of a small, circular chamber where "tiny people" moved with great speed, causing him to feel his personality dissolving in fear.

He describes a "brain operation" where he was told entities proposed to insert something into his brain, causing him intense terror. He recalls a bang, a flash, and then darkness, followed by a memory of an operation room where entities inserted a triangular object into his rectum, which he describes as a violation.

On the morning of December 27th, Strieber felt unease and experienced physical symptoms including an infection in his right forefinger and pain in his rectum. His wife discovered a small scab behind his right ear.

Budd Hopkins' Research and Strieber's Deterioration

Strieber's personality reportedly deteriorated, becoming oversensitive and confused, making concentration difficult. He sought out information and found the name of Budd Hopkins, a researcher specializing in abduction cases. After meeting Hopkins on February 6, 1986, Strieber felt validated and began to understand his experiences.

Hopkins put Strieber in touch with Dr. Donald Klein of the New York Psychiatric Institute. Five hypnotic sessions revealed several contacts with "visitors", the term Strieber prefers. The first contact was at age twelve. The second hypnosis session provided more details about the December 26th incident, describing the entities with large, black, insect-like eyes. One entity told Strieber, "You are our chosen One." Following these sessions, Strieber felt better and began studying UFO literature.

Second and Third Physical Contacts

A second physical contact occurred on December 23, 1986, where Strieber met an entity described as an "earth woman" and brought his cat. The woman used a brass object to put the cat to sleep and then pressed it against Strieber's neck. His last recollection was waking up normally the next morning. The woman was described as having a northern European facial structure, brown hair, and a pleasant demeanor.

The third and last physical contact took place in January 1988. Awakened by a sound like someone blowing in a shell, Strieber and his wife went outside. Strieber observed a large gray shape in the meadow with three gray figures in front of it. He stopped at a distance, unsure of what to do. He then felt someone behind him and returned to the house.

Other Paranormal Experiences

Beyond these physical contacts, Strieber recounts numerous psychic experiences and paranormal phenomena, including an out-of-body experience in October 1987, where a hand pointed to a box, and he felt a wave of sexual energy. He also describes several instances of "missing time" over the years, where he was gone without any memory of the intervening days.

Fantasy-Prone Personality and Skepticism

The article questions Strieber's credibility by highlighting his "peculiar habit of telling fantastic stories which are not true," labeling him as a "fantasy-prone personality" well-suited for writing horror novels, but perhaps not a reliable witness for UFO contact. It draws parallels to other contactees who present strange stories.

Similarities in "The Wolfen"

Similarities are noted between Strieber's novel "The Wolfen," which features werewolves, and his visitor descriptions in "Communion." Both describe beings acting as a single hive with millions of bodies and functioning with one will. The article suggests Strieber's work is inspired by writers like H.P. Lovecraft and that the visitors might be projections from his subconscious mind.

Psychiatrist Ernest H. Taves and skeptic Philip J. Klass are mentioned, with Klass discussing Strieber's psychological peculiarities and his background in occult groups. Strieber was a member of The Gurdi Jeff Foundation for fifteen years and explored various spiritual practices.

Occult World View

The final chapter of "Communion," "Triad," is described as revealing Strieber's personal world view, a mix of mysticism, occultism, symbolism, and esotericism. He compares his abduction experiences to initiation rites in ancient mystery schools, speaking of a potential for transfiguration and harmony.

Sensitive Points and Confirmations

During a dinner party in Stockholm, Strieber reacted sensitively when a guest, Jan Fjellander, laughed at one of his statements. Strieber later claimed to be touchy on the subject. He also became uncomfortable when the topic of intelligence groups, such as the NSA, and their analysis of UFO pictures was raised.

The article notes that "Communion" is selling well in Sweden, prompting additional print runs. It also mentions that several witnesses have contacted "Forum" with claims of their own abductions, raising concerns about a potential "snow ball effect" where any unusual experience might be interpreted as alien contact.

Paul Kurtz's principle that "extraordinary claims should be supported by extraordinary evidence" is cited. The article mentions that other witnesses have seen visitors at Strieber's cabin, including journalists, and that Ed Conroy was writing a book about "Communion."

"Transformation, the breakthrough"

Håkan Blomqvist's review of Strieber's second book, "Transformation, the breakthrough," suggests it reinforces the idea that Strieber's experiences are internal and visionary. The book is described as mystifying the UFO phenomenon and explaining it in occult terms, likening Strieber to George Adamski. The book was published worldwide, with a secret Soviet edition planned, and was being filmed in the US.

Personal Reflections and Notes

Clas Svahn, an AFU researcher, is quoted stating that Strieber finds it increasingly difficult to separate reality from unreality, making him more aware of his interpretations and cautious about experiences that begin while sleeping.

The article concludes with notes referencing Strieber's eight books and interviews, and citing various sources for his claims and the discussions surrounding them. The author reflects on whether strangers come from out there or if the experiences originate from Strieber's subconscious mind, referencing Strieber's speculation that this might be "the central archetypal and mythological experience of the age."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around Whitley Strieber's alleged UFO abductions, the psychological and personal impact of these experiences, and the intersection of UFO phenomena with occultism and personal belief systems. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical examination, presenting Strieber's accounts in detail while also incorporating skeptical viewpoints and questioning the reliability of his claims due to his background as a fantasy writer and his perceived "fantasy-prone personality."