Alpha - No 02 - 1979 05-06

Magazine Overview

Title: ALPHA
Issue: 2
Date: May/June 1979
Publisher: Pendulum Publishing Co Ltd
Country: UK
Price: 60p

This issue of ALPHA magazine, "Probes the Paranormal," offers a diverse range of articles exploring the unexplained, from UFO sightings and psychic phenomena to hypnotic regression and the controversial claims of psychic surgery. The cover features a striking image of a yellow, cloud-like object against a starry sky, accompanied by a quote from Captain Bill Startup regarding an unusual aerial encounter.

News and Current Affairs

The "News" section covers several intriguing topics. High-flying claims related to Transcendental Meditation (TM) and its expensive flying lessons are discussed, alongside a survey by psychologist Leon Otis highlighting that a minority of TM meditators can develop anxiety and depression. The booming psychic business in New York is also noted, with an increasing acceptance of psychics among various demographics. A challenge to self-proclaimed "Minister of Healing" Brian Williams by the Bishop of Birmingham is mentioned, where Williams' claims were put to the test.

UFO Report

The "UFO Report" section, titled "By Jupiter – was it Venus or a UFO?", examines pictures that have captured global imagination, suggesting a hidden secret yet to be revealed. Another article, "A new problem for the United Nations," discusses the possibility of an international agency to investigate UFOs emerging from a UN debate. "A slip in time or a sinister warning?" features a cartoon and a discussion on sightings, with Hilary Evans offering an objective look at various explanations for UFOs. "Four of the best" presents case histories that are difficult to explain away, and "If you see a UFO" offers guidance.

Psychic Phenomena and Parapsychology

Korchnoi's Complaint: the Soviets' secret weapon
This significant article delves into chess challenger Viktor Korchnoi's belief that psychic forces were used against him by the Soviets during a championship match. It cites two declassified CIA reports, "Controlled Offensive Behaviour - USSR" and "Soviet and Czechoslovakian Parapsychology Research," which detail Soviet research into psychic phenomena and its potential military applications. These reports suggest the Soviets could potentially know secret US documents, influence leaders at a distance, cause death, or disable military equipment. The article traces Korchnoi's accusations, the involvement of Dr Vladimir Zoukhar, and Korchnoi's attempts to counter the alleged psychic influence.

Lyall Watson: the call of strange gods
This feature interviews Lyall Watson, described as one of the foremost investigators in the paranormal field, discussing his fascination and theories about the paranormal.

The ghost of Appuldurcombe House
A story detailing a tragic love story that was resolved over four centuries.

Dreaming your future
Sleep researcher Dr Montague Ullman suggests that dreams can alter the laws of time and space.

Extraordinary powers
Etta Wriedt's broadcasts from beyond are highlighted.

Books
A review section covers "Mysteries" by Colin Wilson, "Lifetide" by Lyall Watson, "Dictionary of the Supernatural" by Peter Underwood, and more.

Alphafile: Hypnotism passes the test
This section briefly mentions that hypnotism has passed a test.

Hypnotic Regression and Past Lives

Delving in the archives of the mind
This extensive article details the experience of Gabrielle Donnelly undergoing hypnotic regression with Leonard Wilder, a dentist and practitioner of the technique. Donnelly discovers a past life as Alice Baines in 17th-century England. The article explores the theories behind regression, including the possibility of reincarnation and the concept of the mind as an iceberg, with psychic memory playing a role. It discusses the compelling nature of these experiences, the potential for cryptomnesia, and the emotional impact on subjects, while emphasizing the control the subject retains.

Feeling of panic
This sub-section within the regression article describes Donnelly's initial panic and struggle to access memories, followed by the vivid re-experiencing of a past life, including sensory details and emotional connections.

Other Features and News Items

Answering the critics
This piece discusses a survey by author Francis Hitching asking parapsychologists for irrefutable proof of psychic powers under controlled conditions. Puthoff and Targ's remote viewing experiments at Stanford Research Institute received the most votes.

The church's view of Spiritualism
This article examines the 1939 report of the Church of England's Committee on Spiritualism. It reveals that while the majority found some evidence compelling, a dissenting minority advised against any ties with Spiritualism, citing its "sub-Christian" nature. The report highlights the perceived gap between the Church's proclamation of faith and the accessibility of spiritual reality offered by Spiritualism.

Twin coincidences
An account of identical twins, separated at birth, who were reunited after 39 years and discovered remarkable similarities in their lives, raising questions about hereditary versus environmental factors in behaviour.

Patients get the point
Details a £2,500 grant for hospital trials of acupuncture for 100 osteo-arthritis patients at Poole General Hospital, comparing it with conventional treatment.

The unkindest cut of all?
Discusses the controversy surrounding psychic surgeon Antonio Agpaoa, who himself underwent conventional surgery for appendicitis, questioning the efficacy of psychic surgery.

Healing or surgery?
Reports on the upcoming visit of psychic healers David and Helen Elizalde to Britain, noting the Spiritualists' National Union's sponsorship and their description of the Elizaldes as "psychic healers" rather than "psychic surgeons." It also mentions the limited access for observers to their healing sessions.

Rosemary Brown concert
Announces an upcoming concert featuring new works by composers channeled through medium Rosemary Brown.

Telepathic influence
This section, part of the Soviet psychic research discussion, explores the potential for telepathic influence on enemies, including hypnotic suggestions for espionage or sabotage.

Behaviour modification
Discusses the potential for telepathy to be amplified by radio waves, becoming a subtle tool for "influencers" and raising concerns about subliminal perception techniques targeting US personnel.

KGB backing
Suggests that the Soviet military and the KGB are major drivers behind the Soviet Union's efforts to harness telepathic communication, telekinetics, and bionics.

Oracle
A diary of probable and improbable events.

Alphafile: Hypnotism passes the test
Brief mention of hypnotism passing a test.

Letters
Reader feedback including moans, groans, and congratulations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of ALPHA magazine revolve around the exploration of the paranormal, the unexplained, and phenomena that challenge conventional scientific understanding. There is a strong focus on UFOs, psychic abilities (telepathy, precognition, psychic surgery), and altered states of consciousness (hypnosis, regression, dreams). The magazine appears to adopt an open-minded yet investigative stance, presenting evidence, theories, and personal experiences from various sources, including scientific research, anecdotal accounts, and declassified reports. The editorial stance seems to be one of curiosity and a desire to probe the boundaries of the known, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond the materialist worldview, while also critically examining claims and presenting different perspectives, as seen in the discussion of the Church's view on Spiritualism and the skepticism surrounding psychic surgery.

This issue of UFO REPORT, dated January 1979, focuses on a diverse range of topics within the UFO and paranormal field. It includes articles on psychotronic weapons, psychic abilities, specific UFO sightings, and a parliamentary debate on the subject.

Psychotronic Weapons and Psychic Abilities

The issue begins by discussing Soviet and Czech efforts to develop "psychotronic weapons," small devices claimed to accumulate biological energy from humans. The inventor, Robert Pavlita, stated these devices could exert favorable or unfavorable effects on living organisms. Experiments with snails and flies are mentioned, along with a test on the inventor's daughter that reportedly altered her EEG. The article speculates on the potential of such weapons as an antipersonnel threat, difficult to detect and defend against.

It then shifts to "Gifted Psychics," detailing Soviet investigations into highly "gifted" psychic individuals since the 1950s. The focus is on understanding their physiological attributes and the nature of the energy fields they produce. Specific mention is made of Russian psychics Kulagina, Vinogradova, and Ermolayev, whose abilities in affecting living tissues, moving objects, and levitation are highlighted for their potential military applications.

The article "The remarkable powers of Nina Kulagina" is accompanied by stills from a film showing her apparently moving objects by psychokinesis. The text notes that while Western researchers might find these claims amusing, the Russians are taking psychic research seriously, potentially leading to breakthroughs in telepathic transmission or psychokinesis.

A significant event discussed is the "Robert Toth affair," where the Moscow correspondent for the Los Angeles Times was arrested in June 1977 after receiving a document from Valery Georgievich Petukhov, which the KGB claimed contained secret political and military information. The document was a scientific paper on ESP reality. Toth was released, and the incident is interpreted as a deliberate "plant" to frame him and intimidate other journalists, possibly using parapsychology as a pretext.

The Man-Made Phantom: Philip

An article titled "Philip: the man-made phantom" details an experiment by the Toronto Society for Psychical Research, which aimed to produce a ghost through collective hallucination. The group invented a history for their phantom, "Philip," an aristocratic Englishman from the 1600s. After a year of meditation techniques yielded no results, they adopted methods from British psychic researchers, leading to table raps and levitations within four weeks. They successfully communicated with "Philip," who answered questions about his invented history. The phenomena, including raps and table movements in bright light, were confirmed by witnesses. Philip reportedly also switched lights off and caused cool breezes. The phantom even accompanied the group to a Toronto TV station. In March 1975, experiments were conducted with Professor Wilbur Franklin at Kent State University. The article notes that other groups have since learned this technique, and in a joint session with a French group investigating a phantom named Axel, Philip and Axel responded in their respective languages. By April 1977, Iris Owen expressed frustration at not being able to advance beyond producing the phenomena, concluding the messages came from the group's subconscious. The group eventually "put Philip to death" and abandoned their sessions.

UFO Sightings and Investigations

"By Jupiter – was it Venus or a visitor from outer space?" examines a film taken by an airborne TV crew over New Zealand on December 31, 1978. The film caused excitement, but the article suggests it was likely the planet Venus, out of focus and appearing to move. Sceptics suggested Jupiter as an alternative. The lack of precise information from the TV crew left the door open for various explanations, including a meteorite. The Daily Telegraph criticized astronomers for their immediate dismissals, but the article points out the vagueness in reports about whether ground radar and the aircraft radar detected the same objects.

"Four of the best early cases" reviews several significant UFO incidents:

• White House UFOs (July 19, 1952): Eight unidentified objects were tracked by radar and visually confirmed over Washington D.C., accelerating at incredible speeds, evading jet interceptors. A repeat performance occurred a week later. The official explanation was temperature inversions.
• Tracked by radar (August 13-14, 1956): A baffling series of radar and visual sightings in eastern England involved a UFO travelling at high speeds, performing erratic movements, and being pursued by a RAF jet interceptor which it evaded.
• Evidence in camera (May 11, 1950): Farmer Paul Trent took two photographs of a bright, silvery, disc-shaped object in McMinnville, Oregon. Photo-analyst William K. Hartmann concluded the photos were consistent with an artificial flying object, though sceptics like Philip Klass questioned their authenticity.
• Followed by a UFO (August 1953): A UFO was tracked by radar near Rapid City, South Dakota, at 16,000 feet. It was pursued by two jets, maintaining a constant distance. Captain Edward Ruppelt described it as the "best UFO report in the Air Force files."

The article also mentions a UFO incident in Iran on September 19, 1976, where two F4 jet fighters experienced communications failure while trying to intercept a glowing UFO that reportedly fired a missile at one jet. Recent reports from Italy include luminous objects over Milan Cathedral and a UFO hovering over a hydro-electric plant.

The Psi Connection and Anomalistic Features

"UFOs: a slip in time?" by Hilary Evans, explores the intangible and complex nature of UFOs, noting that while millions have reported sightings, only about 10% are likely reported. The article highlights the lack of hard evidence for the physical reality of UFOs, with existing photographic evidence being inconclusive. It discusses the shift from "nuts and bolts" theories to "soft" or paraphysical explanations, suggesting a lack of understanding about the true nature of the problem. The author notes the similarity between UFO phenomena and psychical research, including apparitions, telepathy, automatic writing, hypnotic suggestion, and poltergeist activity. The article suggests that ufologists and psychical researchers can contribute to each other's fields.

It also touches upon "Anomalistic features," such as the "teasing" behavior of UFOs and their occupants, and the accounts of "contactees" who claim personal encounters. The article questions the logic of applying human species definitions to potential extraterrestrial entities.

Parliamentary Debate on UFOs

"Peering into the Unknown" reports on a House of Lords debate initiated by the Earl of Clancarty, who demanded an official inquiry into UFOs due to fears of mass landings and public panic. Lord Strabolgi, the Government spokesman, dispelled these anxieties, denied any cover-up, and stated that there was no evidence of alien craft menacing airspace. He explained that Ministry files were inaccessible due to a 30-year rule and contained personal correspondence. While acknowledging the existence of strange phenomena in the sky, the government concluded there was no evidence to suggest they were alien spacecraft, attributing them to natural explanations.

Other Lords expressed varying degrees of skepticism and caution, with some supporting continued voluntary investigation. Lord Trefgarne, a pilot, expressed skepticism based on his own experience, while Lord Kimberley noted Russian interest in the connection between UFOs and paranormal phenomena. The Lord Bishop of Norwich expressed concern about UFOs fostering "20th-century superstition."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the potential military applications of psychic phenomena and advanced technology (psychotronics), the investigation of alleged psychic abilities, and the ongoing debate about the nature and origin of UFOs. The magazine presents a range of perspectives, from those who believe in extraterrestrial visitors and advanced technology to those who attribute sightings to natural phenomena, psychological factors, or even hoaxes. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, presenting evidence and theories from various sources while acknowledging the persistent mystery surrounding many UFO cases. The inclusion of the House of Lords debate suggests an attempt to legitimize the discussion of UFOs within a more formal context, even as the government maintains a skeptical position.

This issue of ALPHA magazine, dated February 1979, features a cover story on Lyall Watson, a biologist and writer known for his work demystifying the supernatural. The issue delves into his latest book, 'Lifetide', and his provocative conclusions about the nature of reality and consciousness.

Lyall Watson: The Call of Strange Gods

ALPHA interviews Lyall Watson, who discusses his journey from a skeptical scientist to an investigator of the inexplicable. His first encounter with psychic surgery in the Philippines shattered his scientific worldview, leading to a period of deep unhappiness. Watson's book 'Lifetide' attempts to provide a framework for understanding paranormal phenomena, suggesting that the unconscious mind plays a crucial role. He emphasizes that while science reveals much, we still know very little about fundamental aspects of human existence, such as dreams and memory. Watson's earlier book, 'Supernature', achieved significant success, selling over a million copies and being translated into 17 languages. It was written in just five weeks while he was on the Greek island of Ios, a hub of counter-culture activity at the time. 'Supernature' was praised for its intelligent and stimulating style, bridging the gap between scientific gloss and the general public's interest in the paranormal. His subsequent books, including 'The Romeo Error' and 'Gifts of Unknown Things', further explored ambiguous twilight worlds and autobiographical accounts of his experiences.

Watson describes 'Lifetide' as a 'position paper' that helps him order his thoughts. He feels this latest work has brought him full circle, enabling him to answer questions rather than just pose them. He credits the ferment of discussion and argument in Ios with sparking the ideas for 'Supernature'. He views his work as a broad, objective survey, but acknowledges the significant feedback he received from readers.

Watson's personal journey began in Southern Africa, where his early interest in marine biology led him to explore the rich sea life of coral reefs. After obtaining higher degrees in South Africa, he studied with Conrad Lorenz in Europe before coming to England. He worked under Desmond Morris and, after completing his Ph.D. in animal biology, traveled the world, developing his interests in biology and anthropology. He admits to not being predisposed to specialize, allowing his interests to guide his path.

He explains that 'Lifetide' was inspired by a Venetian girl who could turn tennis balls inside out, an experience that would have destroyed him five years prior but which he now accepts. Watson is more interested in the person producing the phenomenon than the phenomenon itself. He advocates for starting with the scientific method but abandoning it when it proves insufficient, suggesting an alternative approach that doesn't dismiss the inexplicable out of hand.

Watson believes the human body is the most sensitive instrument for understanding paranormal phenomena. He suggests that the unconscious mind is the key to understanding the paranormal, influenced by Jung's theory of the collective unconscious. He refers to the occasional surfacing of phenomena like spoon-bending as the 'lifetide'. He criticizes current paranormal research for asking the wrong questions in a Newtonian way and dismisses laboratory experiments like dice guessing as 'dull and boring'. He prefers to explore the new physics that allows for greater participation of the mind in shaping reality, suggesting that we can change reality by changing our minds and may even be responsible for materializations in the physical world.

He does not believe these abilities will be industrialized or have practical applications for technology, but sees their exploration as important for understanding ourselves. He views paranormal phenomena as reflex responses tied to the unconscious. He notes the increase in UFO sightings around the New Year, linking it to the culmination of Western technology with the moon landing, which, despite its triumph, did not significantly change lives.

Dreaming Your Future: Dr Montague Ullman

Dr Montague Ullman, a leading American dream researcher, explains why dreams can offer glimpses of the future. He states that most premonitions occur in dreams, citing examples like Abraham Lincoln and Mark Twain. Ullman believes that dreams are a natural psi retrieval system available to everyone due to the altered state of consciousness experienced during sleep.

He recounts a personal anecdote where he dreamed of meeting a colleague with a bleeding lesion on his face, only to encounter a man with the same lesion later that day, who resembled his colleague. Ullman's work at the Maimonides Dream Laboratory, with Stanley Krippner, focused on studying telepathic responses in dreams. They discovered that subjects could dream paranormally in the laboratory, even without conscious psychic powers.

Ullman devised experiments involving transmitting target pictures to sleeping subjects. One experiment with medium Eileen Garrett, funded by the Parapsychology Foundation, resulted in a striking correspondence: Garrett dreamed of a chariot race, and one of the target pictures was a photograph of a chariot race from 'Ben Hur'. This suggested dream clairvoyance rather than direct telepathy.

An 18-month study confirmed that some subjects could dream paranormally. Ullman theorizes that in a dream state, we can 'extrude a psychic satellite' that offers a more penetrating view of the future and a different arrangement with space and time. He suggests that dreams reveal honest information about our relational fields to other human beings, possibly connecting living tissues together. He notes that groups working together can establish a dream rapport, citing an experiment where dreams of 12 out of 15 subjects referenced food after a week of dieting.

The Ghost of Appuldurcombe House

This article details the experience of Margo Williams, a medium from the Isle of Wight, who claims to have communicated with the spirit of Mary Targett at the ruins of Appuldurcombe House. Mary Targett, a dairymaid, was allegedly deflowered by Sir Richard Worsley, and her spirit was tormented for centuries. Margo Williams received eight scripts from Mary Targett, revealing her story and her plea to find Richard. Wally Williams, Margo's husband, verified the story by finding a historical account in 'The Oglander Memoirs' that mentioned a Richard Worsley who had a bastard son, Thomas, with a dairymaid named Mary Targett.

Psychic Warfare

This section references an article in the 'International Journal of Paraphysics' about American involvement in psychic warfare. It mentions a politico-military agency in the USA from 1942-1946, a precursor to the CIA, which allegedly used individuals with parapsychological abilities, such as thieves and safe-breakers, for intelligence purposes.

Other Short Articles

• Researcher Contacts UFO?: Paul Grant, a UFO investigator, found himself experiencing encounters with ghosts, poltergeists, and alien beings, leading him to adopt a pseudonym.
• Disappearing Pilot: New information regarding the disappearance of pilot Frederick Valentich casts doubt on certain aspects of the official account, suggesting a possible elaborate hoax rather than abduction by a UFO.
• Hynek to Lecture in London: Dr. J. Allen Hynek, a UFO expert, is scheduled to participate in the First London International UFO Congress.
• Acclaim for British Healer: Clive Harris, a British healer, has been successfully treating the sick in Poland.
• III-fated?: The American magazine 'Fate' is facing difficulties due to increasing postal charges, with the publisher expressing concern about its survival.
• Old Masters at Work?: The article discusses evidence presented during the trial of artist Tom Keating, where he claimed to channel old masters like Goya when creating his fakes.

Books Reviewed

• Lifetide by Lyall Watson: Reviewed by David Harvey, this book is described as an ambitious synthesis of scientific theories and speculative ideas about the universe and the unconscious. It is praised for its bold approach but noted for its potential for repetition.
• Pathway to the Gods: The Mystery of the Andes Lines by Tony Morrison: Reviewed by David Harvey, this book explores the enigmatic landscape lines in the Andes, particularly in Bolivia, suggesting they may represent a prehistoric system of alignments.
• Dictionary of the Supernatural by George G. Harrap: Reviewed by Peter Underwood, this reference book covers a wide range of subjects categorized as psychic, occult, paranormal, or mysterious, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview.
• A Door to Eternity: Proving the Christos Experience by G. M. Glaskin: Reviewed by David Harvey, this book is the final part of a trilogy exploring the Christos technique for past-life regression. The reviewer finds it repetitive but acknowledges Glaskin's fervent belief.
• Mysteries by Colin Wilson: Reviewed by Denise Winn, this book is described as an attempt to write the 'Principia of psychic science'. The reviewer finds Wilson's writing style overwhelming but acknowledges his ability to synthesize vast amounts of information.

Extraordinary Powers: Broadcasts from Beyond

This article details the experiences of Mrs. Etta Wriedt, an American medium who produced spirit voices under conditions that precluded fraud. Visitors to her home would hear voices speaking through a trumpet, often identifying themselves and providing personal information. Mrs. Wriedt's abilities were documented by Vice-Admiral W. Usborne Moore and Sir William Barrett, who attested to the genuineness of the phenomena, including voices speaking in foreign languages.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of the paranormal, the unexplained, and the limits of scientific understanding. There is a clear interest in personal experiences and anecdotal evidence, alongside more structured research into psychic phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded and investigative, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond conventional scientific paradigms. The magazine also features book reviews and short news items related to these topics, maintaining a focus on the extraordinary and the mysterious.

Title: ALPHA
Issue: 1
Volume: 1
Date: June 25, 1979
Publisher: Pendulum Publishing Company Ltd.
Price: 60p

Editorial Content

This inaugural issue of ALPHA magazine, subtitled "PROBES THE PARANORMAL," aims to explore a wide range of thought-provoking features on subjects that challenge conventional understanding. The magazine positions itself as a scientific and impartial investigation into paranormal events, distinct from sensationalist publications.

Book Reviews and Critiques

"Search for Harry Price" by Trevor H. Hall is critically reviewed by Anita Gregory. Gregory acknowledges Hall's archival expertise but criticizes his "weak scholarship" and "righteous indignation" in portraying Harry Price as a "flamboyant creator of myth." The review questions the lack of proper names and details in Price's alleged paranormal experiences and suggests that Hall missed opportunities to delve deeper into Price's family background, potentially by examining Census Returns. Gregory also notes Hall's reliance on the work of others and his apparent failure to contact Mrs. Harry Price's family. Despite these criticisms, Gregory concedes that Price did concoct much of the dubious phenomena associated with Borley Rectory and other events, but defends him against accusations of theft from the Society for Psychical Research library, highlighting his generosity and the importance of the collection he built.

UFOs and Paranormal Investigations

"What to do if you see a UFO" provides practical advice for witnesses. It suggests contacting the police or military bases, but emphasizes that civilian UFO groups, such as the British UFO Research Association (BUFORA), are most likely to be interested. Witnesses are advised to record detailed information about the sighting, including time, duration, direction, angle, and apparent size, and to provide a drawing. The article notes that BUFORA's statistics indicate that most reported sightings have natural explanations, with only a small percentage classified as genuine UFOs.

Hypnotism

"Hypnotism" by Sheila Hart explores the growing acceptance of hypnotism by doctors, therapists, and the police. The article discusses how hypnotism can release suppressed memories and help individuals overcome complexes. It highlights its use in treating various physical and mental illnesses, as well as habits like smoking and overeating. The piece also touches upon concerns regarding unqualified practitioners and the potential for hypnosis to aggravate unstable patients. Hart shares her personal experience of being hypnotized to help pass a driving test, finding the process effective in promoting relaxation and positive suggestion.

News in Brief

The "News in Brief" section covers several items:

• Centenary celebrations for The National Spiritualist Association of Churches, USA.
• The XI International Meeting of Parapsychology in Milan, Italy, focusing on "Comparative Parapsychology, Psychotronics and Theology."
• The use of acupuncture in hospital trials, as featured on BBC TV.
• The third International SPR Conference on psychical research at the University of Edinburgh.
• The discovery of a temple in Italy through the work of a psychic and archaeologists.
• The signing of a contract by psychic Nella Jones with a Japanese TV company for a program about her crime-solving abilities.
• The case of the Pollock sisters, who were reportedly reincarnated as twins, featured on television and discussed by researcher Professor Ian Stevenson.
• The establishment of a laboratory by the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal at the State University of New York at Buffalo to test paranormal claims.
• Anthropologist Grovor Krantz's belief in Bigfoot and his intention to prove its existence.
• Fortean Times magazine changing its name and format.

Letters to the Editor

Several readers submitted letters:

• Mostyn Gilbert offers a critique of Trevor H. Hall's book on Harry Price, suggesting that Price's legacy is his library, not his fabricated stories.
• Lawrence Edwards discusses the concept of premonitions and the paradox of how an event foretold by a premonition, if averted, loses its predictive power.
• Mrs. E. M. Reece argues that telepathy is an ordinary, everyday phenomenon rooted in human evolution, present in subtle forms of communication like body language and shared thoughts.
• Brian Inglis offers a brief compliment: "Well done!"
• Prof. J. B. Hasted clarifies an experiment involving metal-bending, correcting a potential misinterpretation in a previous article.
• J. C. Trenchard expresses skepticism about a story concerning a pilot who disappeared after encountering a UFO, finding the premise improbable based on his flying experience.
• J. L. Randall congratulates ALPHA on its sensible and well-balanced approach to the paranormal, similar to the Society for Psychical Research.

ALPHA Premonitions Bureau

The magazine announces a one-year pilot study of premonitions, inviting individuals who have experienced glimpses of future events to come forward. The bureau aims to verify premonitions by recording them on a specific date, allowing for later investigation if the event occurs.

Advertising and Subscriptions

Advertisements are included for various books on psychic and occult subjects, UFO books and magazines, biofeedback instruments, and the "Fortean Times" journal. Information is provided on how to subscribe to ALPHA, with an annual subscription costing £4.75 for six issues.

Next Issue Preview

The preview for the next issue highlights features on Britain's ley lines, Dr. Karlis Osis's study of death-bed visions, Rosemary Brown's channeling of music from deceased composers, Margo Williams's ghost hunt, Raja Yoga, and the Loch Ness mystery.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a stance of scientific inquiry into paranormal phenomena. It encourages readers to approach subjects like UFOs, hypnotism, and psychic abilities with a critical yet open mind, distinguishing itself from sensationalist or purely anecdotal accounts. The editorial focus is on providing well-researched information, fostering discussion through letters, and exploring the frontiers of human knowledge and experience. There is a clear emphasis on evidence-based investigation and a rejection of unsubstantiated claims, while still acknowledging the existence and potential significance of paranormal events.