Alpha - No 04 - 1979 09-10

Magazine Overview

Title: ALPHA
Issue: 4
Date: Sept/Oct 1979
Publisher: Pendulum Publishing Co Ltd
Country: UK
Price: £4.75 (incl. post and packaging)

This issue of ALPHA magazine, subtitled 'PROBES THE PARANORMAL', focuses on a diverse range of unexplained phenomena, with a strong emphasis on the intersection of skepticism and belief. The cover prominently features Matthew Manning, described as 'A Mind in a million', alongside articles questioning the nature of psychic abilities and the potential for 'electrifying' photographic evidence.

News Section

The 'News' section covers several brief items:

• Escape for Nessie: The dolphin search project for the Loch Ness Monster has been abandoned due to the death of one of the dolphins.
• Feng-Shui: An influential Eastern tradition concerning the invisible flow of energy over the earth's surface is discussed in the context of modern-day Hong Kong, influencing building siting and urban planning.
• Doubtful Phenomena: A follow-up paper by Professor John Taylor and Eduardo Balinovski in 'Nature' concludes that neither electromagnetic nor any other scientific theory can explain ESP phenomena, suggesting their existence is doubtful.
• Cinema goes psychic: The story of Brazilian psychic surgeon Jose Arigo is being made into a film, directed and starring Alan Arkin.
• Foreseeing success?: Japanese film producer Mitsiharu Ishii is reportedly relying on clairvoyant Jeane Dixon for advice on his film 'Oh, Inchon'.
• TM on trial: A TV investigation into transcendental meditation (TM) proved inconclusive, with concerns raised about its claims and its potential religious underpinnings, despite acknowledging potential benefits.
• Something to meditate on...: A debate in 'New Scientist' discusses whether TM reduces the need for REM sleep, with physicist Brian Josephson suggesting it might satisfy the need for dreaming more efficiently.
• For psychic read CIA?: Author Clive Cussler coined the term 'creative imagery analysts' for psychics assisting in searches, like the one for the shipwreck of the Bonhomme Richard.
• Chance to study UFOs: Morley College, London, is offering a 13-week course titled 'Unidentified Flying Objects - Fact or Fiction?'
• Prehistoric challenge: The Ley Hunter's Moot in Glastonbury discussed earth mysteries, with John Michell pondering why archaeologists are resistant to ley-line theories.
• For amateurs only: A debate in the Bulletin of the British Psychological Society questions whether parapsychology research should be publicly funded, with arguments for and against its scientific validity.

Feature Articles

Seeing through the invisible ship mystery

This article examines the book 'The Philadelphia Experiment' by Charles Berlitz and William Moore. It discusses the alleged 1943 US Navy experiment to make a destroyer invisible and teleport it. The author, Paul Begg, scrutinizes the evidence, including letters from Carlos Miguel Allende (Carl M. Allen), and notes discrepancies with official naval records regarding the USS Eldridge and the SS Andrew Furuseth's movements. Begg questions the depth of Berlitz and Moore's research and suggests that while the background details might be accurate, the experiment itself could be a fabrication. The article also touches upon the mysterious death of Dr. Morris K. Jessup, who had corresponded with Allende and was interested in Einstein's unified-field theory.

Must it be magic?

This feature profiles magician David Berglas, who is known for his convincing displays of paranormal effects achieved through skill rather than psychic ability. Berglas, a vice-president of the Committee for Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICP), is open-minded about psychic phenomena and has investigated numerous cases, often finding rational explanations. He has also been involved in controversies with Uri Geller and has issued challenges for psychics to demonstrate their abilities under controlled conditions. The article highlights the ongoing tension between magicians and psychics, with James Randi also mentioned for his similar challenges and critiques of psychic claims.

Talking sound sense

An interview with Steven Halpern, who discusses his pioneering work on sound and music, likely in relation to its effects on the mind or consciousness.

The old house haunting

Researcher Tony Cornell investigates odd events that have disturbed the inhabitants of a house in Cambridgeshire.

Taking no chance with Einstein

In Einstein's centenary year, Edgar Tooke explores possibilities left open by the physicist's theories, possibly relating to paranormal phenomena.

SPR Conference Report

A summary of findings from this year's Edinburgh event hosted by the Society for Psychical Research.

Review

An examination of what the 'Nationwide' programme revealed about the Elizaldes.

Books

A list of books reviewed, including 'Mindpower', 'World Atlas of Mysteries', and others.

Other Content

• Letters: A section for reader correspondence.
• Cover illustration: By Ron Sandford.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the boundaries between the known and the unknown, presenting a platform for both proponents of paranormal phenomena and skeptical investigators. There is a clear interest in scientific approaches to understanding the unexplained, evidenced by the discussion of scientific papers, the involvement of magicians like Berglas and Randi, and the reporting on research institutions. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging critical examination rather than outright dismissal, while also maintaining a degree of skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims. The magazine aims to provide a balanced perspective, reporting on both the phenomena themselves and the efforts to explain or debunk them.

This issue of Alpha magazine, dated approximately in the 1980s, features a prominent article on James Randi's $10,000 challenge for proof of psychic phenomena. The magazine also delves into the abilities and future plans of psychic subject Matthew Manning, and explores the research and potential applications of electro-photography (EP).

James Randi's $10,000 Psychic Challenge

James Randi, an American magician, offers a personal cheque for US$10,000, awardable under carefully stated conditions for a performance of a paranormal nature. Over the past 15 years, more than 300 people have applied, but only 52 have passed the simple preliminaries and undergone testing under proper scientific protocol. Randi explains that the preliminaries involve ensuring the claimant is not attempting basic tricks and may involve assigning another person for examination if the claimant is at a distance. He notes that many challengers are self-deluded, believing they possess abilities that are quite simple phenomena. A smaller number are outright charlatans who try to avoid rigorous testing. Randi emphasizes that his offer remains in effect and he is willing to discuss rule changes, but strict scientific conditions must apply. He expresses frustration that his offer, which he sees as putting his money where his mouth is, is sometimes denounced as a cheap 'theatrical' stunt. He invites anyone who believes they have psi-powers to come forward and claim the prize, suggesting it could be donated to charity or a 'Home for Failed Psychics'.

Matthew Manning: Surviving as a Psychic

Roy Stemman interviews Matthew Manning, a 24-year-old described as a psychic superstar. Manning claims abilities including metal bending, making seeds grow faster, destroying cancer cells, deflecting infra-red beams, diagnosing disease, drawing like famous artists, influencing living organisms, and healing. He is also launching a new spiritual movement called 'One-ness, a Movement for Holistic Harmony,' which aims to raise awareness about healing people and the Earth from pollution and waste.

Manning's psychic journey began with poltergeist phenomena in his parents' centuries-old house. These effects, which followed him to school, were later transformed into controllable psychic phenomena. He has documented his experiences in books like 'The Link' and 'In The Minds of Millions.' Around May 1971, after a trance-like experience where he heard voices of deceased people, he began automatic writing. He found this a way to prevent uncontrolled poltergeist manifestations. Manning has expressed skepticism about the origin of these messages, questioning if they are from spirits or his subconscious.

He recounts an incident where 'Thomas Penn,' a communicator via automatic writing, provided diagnoses of ill-health. Initially, Manning believed this was his own clairvoyance, but a strange experience at a public meeting where four consecutive diagnoses were wrong led him to reconsider. He realized the messages from 'Penn' consistently applied to the paper he was resting his hand on, not the one he was concentrating on, suggesting something external was involved.

Manning has faced criticism from researchers, noting that many experiments are not written up, leading to a low success rate for published work. He is interested in new research ideas and wants experiments to be conducted under his direction. He hopes to collaborate with Ingo Swann and Hella Hammid, supported by Stanley Krippner, to improve research standards. He also hopes to form a group of psychics to pressure researchers into more imaginative and ethical practices.

Manning's metal-bending feats are compared to Uri Geller's, with experiments involving bending an apartment key and a car journey where a key was curved significantly. He considers experiments promoting seed growth to be of utmost importance and has worked with Professor John Hasted on healing experiments that have shown remarkable odds against chance. He has also interfered with infra-red beams at a distance, a feat not achieved since Rudi Schneider in the 1920s.

Manning's primary concern is that his research should have beneficial applications, particularly in healing. He believes his 'One-ness' movement, though perhaps idealistic, could lead to a better understanding of life and the forces that control destiny. The article notes the irony of a movement for harmony originating from violent poltergeist disturbances.

Images of the Unseen: Electro-photography

This section explores electro-photography (EP), also known as Kirlian photography, a technique that produces images of a corona effect around objects, often fingers or leaves. Researchers hope EP will offer insights into health, psychological states, and energy fields.

EP techniques generally involve placing an object on photographic paper subjected to a high voltage electrical field. This creates a corona effect, which can appear as a dark, hairy growth in black and white images or as incredibly beautiful colour prints. The Russians have pioneered this field, producing impressive colour movies of the EP effect.

The corona effect is considered a real and repeatable phenomenon, but its cause and value are debated. While some see it as a straightforward electrical phenomenon, others believe it reflects a person's physiological or psychological state. Early reports from Russian researchers mentioned 'phantoms' in EP pictures, such as a damaged leaf producing an image of a whole leaf, suggesting a persistent life force or energy field. This led to speculation that EP might be recording an 'aura.'

Skepticism exists regarding the phantom effect, with some scientists suggesting electrostatic charge as an explanation. However, Prof. William A. Tiller of Stanford University has been satisfied with the scientific protocol used by Western researchers, ruling out simple electrostatic theory. He speculates that ionised gas emission from cut leaves might cause streamer discharges contained within the original leaf shape.

EP research faces challenges due to the numerous parameters that need to be controlled and the variety of methods used, leading to a lack of replication. A major controversy surrounds the cause of the corona effect. While sweat has been considered a likely culprit, mental or physical illness might manifest subtly through increased sweating. A stronger criticism suggests that researchers' own inability to maintain constant parameters leads to varying results.

Despite criticisms, some researchers like Robert Wagner are achieving a high rate of phantom production. The corona's ability to reflect mind and body conditions is seen as a promising area, with claims of detecting cystic fibrosis carriers and breast cancer with high accuracy, and identifying psychotics by the lack of corona. However, the research is not yet producing sufficient replication.

Stan Gooch dismisses EP research, calling for a halt until other workers can replicate Tiller and Boyers' results. However, Tiller later stated that his earlier conclusions about EP's poor utility as a physiological state monitor might have been premature. The article notes that Gooch's paperback version of his book does not reflect Tiller's later comments.

Some individuals, like Brian Snellgrove, claim to use EP prints for personal analysis, assessing healing ability, laziness, career suitability, and unused talents. Snellgrove has produced a book, 'The Unseen Self: Your Hidden Potential,' and offers EP readings. The article notes the remarkable nature of his claims, given the ongoing uncertainties in EP research.

A new technique called electrography, developed by the Society of Metaphysicians, is presented as simpler and easier to evaluate than Kirlian photography. It involves spraying an electric charge onto an insulating card, placing an object on it, and then developing the modified charge pattern with a special solution. These pictures reportedly show sac-like globules, fern-like tendrils, and strange images. This method is claimed to allow for 'thought projection' and psychic energy to have effects, with healers able to project energy around their fingers. The Society has begun a new research program in London and Bournemouth.

The article concludes by noting that the EP effect was first discovered 137 years ago and that while its implications are now being vigorously researched, it may not be long before EP machines are standard diagnostic tools, potentially leading to computer analysis of EP pictures by post. Researchers believe EP photography may lead to a profound understanding of life and the deepest processes within it.

Talking Sound Sense

Steven Halpern discusses his research and prescriptions for sound health, focusing on the profound effects of music and noise on well-being. Halpern, a musician and psychologist, emphasizes that noise is an unwelcome part of the sound spectrum that affects us deeply, even when we are not consciously listening. He advocates for becoming aware of harmful effects and utilizing the therapeutic value of certain kinds of music to promote well-being and inner harmony. His music is described as soothingly simple, with a gentle, relaxing flow designed to unwind tension.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to have a strong interest in paranormal phenomena, psychic abilities, and alternative research methods, such as electro-photography. The editorial stance seems to be one of exploring these topics with a degree of skepticism, particularly regarding the scientific validity and replicability of claims, while also acknowledging the potential for genuine discoveries. The inclusion of James Randi's challenge and the detailed examination of Matthew Manning's abilities suggest a focus on testing the boundaries of the unexplained. The exploration of electro-photography highlights the ongoing scientific inquiry into phenomena that challenge conventional understanding. The magazine seems to encourage critical thinking while remaining open to the possibility of extraordinary claims.

This issue of Oracle magazine, identified as No. 4, features a cover story titled 'Taking no chance with Einstein' by Edgar Tooke, exploring the deeper implications of Albert Einstein's theories beyond nuclear power, particularly concerning psychic significance. The magazine also includes articles on music and healing, paranormal investigations, and reviews of books and events.

Steven Halpern: Music, Mind, and Matter

The issue features an interview with composer Steven Halpern, who describes his music, such as the 'Spectrum Suite', as an 'anti-frantic alternative' to modern music, designed to promote calm and peace. Halpern claims his music has a real curative value, with studies being conducted at Symington Cancer Research Centre and California's Kaiser hospitals. He connects his compositions to ancient traditions of using music for altered states of consciousness and meditation, drawing parallels with Zen temple music and the concept of universal vibration. Halpern's work is also linked to 'Cymatics', the study of how sound generates physical forms, and to theories correlating musical notes with colours and the body's Chakra centres. He believes his music works across diverse audiences, enabling meditators to access deeper levels. Halpern's interest in music developed through private lessons and college bands, with a pivotal experience in 1965 leading him to believe music was channeling through him. He has also studied psycho-acoustics, focusing on the physiological and psychological effects of sound, and claims that experiments using his calming music showed positive responses in 95% of participants. Additionally, Halpern raises awareness about the negative effects of sound pollution.

The Old House Haunting

Psychic researcher Tony Cornell investigates a haunting at an old red-bricked house near Cambridge, dating from 1520. The house has reportedly been the site of eight different apparitions and numerous auditory phenomena, including footsteps, horses, a lute, and a sword fight, witnessed by 12 people. The article details experiences from 1952 onwards, including sightings of a Cromwellian soldier, a woman, a roundhead, a girl in white, a priest, and the deceased Mrs H. The case is presented as a significant haunting, potentially rivaling Borley Rectory, with 80% of reported events recorded in a diary by Mrs D. While some previous owners reported phenomena, the most intense period of activity occurred between 1952 and 1958. The article notes that many witnesses were initially skeptical. It also touches on attempts to explain the haunting, including a failed attempt by a medium to link it to buried human remains. The case is considered complex, possibly being place-centered rather than solely person-centered, and raises questions about whether human presence is essential for manifestations.

Einstein, Physics, and the Paranormal

Edgar Tooke's article 'Taking no chance with Einstein' explores the implications of Albert Einstein's theories, particularly the Special Theory of Relativity and Max Planck's Quantum Theory, for psychic phenomena. While Einstein is known for his contributions to nuclear power, Tooke suggests his work has explosive implications for the occult. The quantum theory's concept of energy packets ('Quanta') and 'waves of probability' challenged deterministic views, introducing uncertainty. Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle is discussed, highlighting how intermediate links in causal chains are hidden. The article suggests that the failure to find causation within quantum gaps implies that fundamental causes might be non-physical, aligning with occult beliefs. Einstein's desire for theoretical elegance and his questioning of whether 'God had any choice in the creation of the world' are highlighted. The piece contrasts Einstein's view with that of Max Born, who concluded that scientific knowledge of the objective world is a crude approximation. The article posits that the absence of time in quantum gaps and black holes allows for purpose and teleological impulses, suggesting a universe designed for moral and spiritual struggle, essential for free will. It connects these ideas to concepts like sympathetic magic, astrology, and psychokinesis, citing Francis Thompson's poetry as an example of this interconnectedness.

Reviews and Conference Reports

Psychic Surgery Under Scrutiny

The 'Review' section features an article questioning the authenticity of the husband-and-wife psychic surgery team, the Elizaldes. A BBC TV 'Nationwide' programme investigated their work, filming their 'bloody operations'. American conjurer James Randi examined the footage frame by frame, pointing out suspicious actions and suggesting that concealed items were used. Forensic tests on blood samples from operations, including those on Gordon Higginson (president of the Spiritualists' National Union), indicated the use of pig's blood, not human blood. Despite this evidence, Higginson and Helen Elizalde expressed disbelief or offered alternative explanations. 'Nationwide' branded the Elizaldes as 'frauds and liars', but the couple and the SNU did not take legal action. The article concludes by suggesting that if the SNU invites the Elizaldes back to Britain, their work should be supervised by doctors and conjurers.

Conference Report: Society for Psychical Research

The 'Conference Report' details papers presented at the Society for Psychical Research's third annual conference in Edinburgh. Research on ESP in children by Hilary Henegan and Sue Blackmore yielded no significant results. Michael Thalbourne's analysis of long-distance ESP experiments from Austria to Iceland showed a significant change in scoring rates over time. Serena Roney-Dougal's research using the Ganzfeld technique explored subliminal perception and found a correlation between response to stimuli and attitude/openness. An ESP indicator study by Dr Martin Johnson and Dr Erlandur Haraldsson showed positive results initially but not in a follow-up study, suggesting the DMT test might not be sensitive enough. Blindfold vision research by Kaare Claudewitz and Lucjan Piontkowski questioned claims of dermo-optical perception, suggesting fraud or ESP rather than a specific ability. Findings on Kirlian photography of schizophrenics by a Yugoslavian team indicated specific effects and the removal of energy barriers between loved ones. The report also mentions a fascinating account of ESP work using the Ganzfeld technique by Dr Carl Sargent.

Book Reviews

• The World Atlas of Mysteries by Francis Hitching is described as a fascinating, illustrated book that, despite its title, often discusses topics where location is immaterial. It covers subjects like 'the gravity enigma', spontaneous human combustion, UFOs, and ancient anomalies, but omits ghosts and poltergeists. The style is crisp and cautious.
• The New Soviet Psychic Discoveries by Henry Gris and William Dick is reviewed as providing limited clarity on parapsychology in the Soviet Union due to ideological overtones and fluctuating policies. While acknowledging some parapsychological activity and the potential of researchers like Viktor Inyushin, the book is criticized for not clearly distinguishing between stage performances and genuine paranormal accomplishments.
• Mindpower by Nona Coxhead is presented as discussing the nature of mind and techniques for applying mindpower. It covers scientific implications of parapsychology, altered states of consciousness, and various mind-training techniques.

Other Sections

The magazine also includes a crossword puzzle compiled for Alpha readers, a feature on the Alpha Premonitions Bureau seeking accounts of premonitions, and a 'Family Support' section detailing the healing partnership of George Chapman and the spirit of William Lang, with news of a portrait painted by Lang's great grandson.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Oracle magazine revolve around the exploration of the paranormal, psychic phenomena, and the intersection of science and metaphysics. There is a consistent interest in investigating claims of psychic abilities, hauntings, and unexplained events, often with a critical eye, as seen in the review of the Elizaldes. The magazine appears to bridge the gap between traditional occult beliefs and modern scientific inquiry, particularly in physics, suggesting that scientific discoveries can lend credence to ancient ideas. The editorial stance seems to be one of open-minded investigation, acknowledging both the potential for fraud and the possibility of genuine phenomena, while encouraging rigorous research and critical analysis. The magazine also promotes its own initiatives, such as the Alpha Premonitions Bureau, and features reader-oriented content like crosswords and family support stories.

Title: ALPHA
Issue: 3
Volume: 1
Date: October 25, 1979
Publisher: Pendulum Publishing Company Ltd
Price: 60p

This issue of ALPHA magazine, subtitled "PROBES THE PARANORMAL," offers a wide range of thought-provoking features, news, views, informed comment, interviews, regular features, book reviews, and letters.

Book Reviews

"Mind-games" of Robert Masters and Jean Houston Reviewed by C. Maxwell Cade, this book is described as an attempt to order the vast field of healing and alternative medicine. It covers spiritual healing, aura diagnosis, Edgar Cayce, acupuncture, yoga, and psychic surgery. The review notes the absence of homeopathy, herbalism, or radionics but highlights an interesting account of Kirlian photography. Chapter 4 discusses the intersection of science, parascience, religion, and philosophy concerning the mind, mentioning the work of Marcel Vogel and Cleve Backster on plant-mind effects, scientific hypotheses on consciousness, and Sir Alister Hardy's Religious Experience Research Unit. It also touches upon Eastern spiritual teachings and modern attempts to communicate with extraterrestrial minds via radio telescopes and space probes. The author, Nona Coxhead, believes that healing power will be the greatest discovery of the 20th century, leading to a transformation of the world situation. Cade recommends the book for its bridging of orthodox medicine and science with alternative medicine and parascience, noting its extensive bibliography and list of societies.

A GUIDE TO ANCIENT SITES IN BRITAIN Reviewed by David Harvey, this book by Janet and Colin Bord is presented as a useful adjunct to their previous works. It divides Britain into six sections (excluding Ireland) and focuses on visually exciting monuments dating from prehistoric times. The paperback format is praised for its space for photographs and sketch maps. Harvey expresses concern about the durability of the book for field use. The emphasis is on photographic rather than verbal description, with each site receiving one to two pages. The authors note the vast number of prehistoric sites, including megalithic tombs, round barrows, stone circles, hillforts, and standing stones, many of which are being lost due to modern land use. Harvey encourages readers to experience these sites while they still exist.

GIANTS Reviewed by Denise Winn, this book by Roy Norvill explores the existence, origin, and fate of gargantuan-size humans. Winn finds the book's scope wide but the execution less exciting than the canvas. "Giants" is described as a rapid tour through accounts of giants worldwide, covering biblical lands, Ancient Greece, the Old World, North America, Mexico, Malaysia, Lebanon, Peru, and Britain. The author includes local giant lore, numbers, dates, and measurements of earthworks or ancient sites attributed to giants, weaving in water divining, ley lines, astronomy, and astrology. Winn admits she was lost early on, finding it more of a catalogue than prose. She highlights side issues, such as the story of pituitary giants and the fate of researchers at Mount Pele, Martinique, who experienced abnormal growth due to radiation from volcanic explosions. Winn notes that other researchers confirm high-frequency radiation's role in gigantism. While admiring the author's painstaking work, Winn states her passing interest in giants has passed.

YOU CANNOT DIE Reviewed by Roy Stemman, this book by Ian Currie argues for life after death, supported by a century of research. Currie covers extensive research on after-death phenomena, presenting case histories. His view of the afterlife aligns with Spiritualism's philosophy, aiming to comfort readers with the knowledge of survival. However, Stemman finds the arguments unconvincing and some case histories disturbing, citing the example of a psychic visitor seeing a deceased boy in agony. Stemman suggests a more likely explanation is the psychic picking up a past traumatic event. He criticizes the book for inadequately addressing anomalies and contradictions in ghost reports that don't fit the author's convenient view of the afterlife. Despite these criticisms, Stemman deems the book worthwhile for its scope and the number of recent cases quoted, but cautions readers against being overly impressed by the author's optimism.

Letters to the Editor

The letters section features a variety of reader feedback:

• M. Dymond comments on the 1953 Rapid City UFO sightings, noting that the "no official explanation" claim is inaccurate and congratulates the magazine on its interesting content.
• Susan Keil expresses disappointment with the magazine's portrayal of the Elizaldes as frauds, urging for fairness and mentioning that "Psychic News" reported facts that presented a different picture.
• Robert Collins praises the magazine's sensible and cautious approach to the paranormal but questions the promotion of the 8th Earl of Clancarty's theory about UFOs originating from the North Pole. He also critiques the handling of Philippine psychic surgeons, suggesting their healing might be psychological rather than paranormal.
• Arnold Phelps believes the "Philip" communication phenomenon was caused by a spirit attracted to the experiment, masquerading as a fictional entity, rather than a genuine spirit behind the communications.
• Edward Dade discusses the difficulty of satisfying both scientific and theologically-minded readers, suggesting that the magazine's approach is generally fair.
• J. Simpson warns against the inclusion of "crank advertisements" that could deter serious readers.
• R. Lucas notes a tendency for magazines like ALPHA to "sit on the fence," satisfying sceptics by presenting balanced views.
• Dr Bernard A. Juby provides a detailed critique of the Uri Geller phenomenon, citing reports from The Jerusalem Post and the Birmingham Post & Mail that questioned Geller's abilities, and questioning the setup of a thought projection test. He also references Targ and Puthoff's experiments, noting that Geller passed in a controlled test but that the drawings did not significantly depart from chance.
• Daniel Parry views parapsychology as a science in its infancy, emphasizing the need to question reality and man's relationship to the cosmos, rather than rushing to justify itself.
• John J. Williamson discusses psychological inhibition in scientists, particularly in parapsychology, and shares his personal experience of overcoming it. He also comments on Professor John Taylor's views on electro-magnetism as the root energy for paraphysical phenomena, suggesting that other fundamental energy forms might exist and that scientific perception can be influenced by psychological obstruction.
• F. Rubin expresses skepticism about the stated objectives of Soviet and Czechoslovakian parapsychological research, suggesting a less esoteric, more practical objective.

Advertisements and Features

The magazine includes advertisements for:

• Fossils: Offering unique gifts like ammonite and shark teeth pendants.
• Silva Mind Control (UK): Promoting courses in psychic development, creativity, memory, healing, relaxation, positive thinking, self-confidence, and extra vitality.
• A Revolution in Parapsychology: Featuring Dr Milan Ryzl's Psi Meditation cassettes for acquiring Extra-Sensory Perception at home.
• Classified Advertisements: For various services and items.
• Biofeedback and Holistic Health: Courses in scientific self-control and self-development.
• British UFO Research Association: Information available via SAE.
• Magistra: Offering magical equipment.
• International Journal of Paraphysics: Information on research in psychotronic generators, dowsing, etc.
• UFO Review: A UFO newspaper from the USA.
• Educational Tapes Ltd: Offering cassette recordings on accelerated learning and self-improvement.
• Glastonbury: Accommodation available.
• Capricornus: Offering astrological services and products.
• Wessex Dragon Books: Postal booksellers specializing in earth mysteries, paranormal, occult, and esoteric philosophy.
• Poise and Power: Workshops for inner poise and vitality.

Next Issue Preview

The next issue of ALPHA will feature articles on predicting the future, a revisited look at the Amityville Horror, a theory on electro-magnetism versus other scientific explanations for paranormal phenomena, an examination of TM (Transcendental Meditation), a warning from the Church about dabbling in occult practices, and a look at Hilary Evans' unique photograph library of paranormal-associated events.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

ALPHA positions itself as a magazine that probes the paranormal with a wide range of thought-provoking features, aiming to be "essential reading for believers and sceptics." The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting various viewpoints and research findings while also encouraging critical evaluation, as seen in the book reviews and letters to the editor. The magazine actively solicits reader feedback and aims to provide a balanced perspective on complex and often controversial subjects within the paranormal field. There is a clear effort to bridge the gap between scientific and esoteric viewpoints, and to present information in an accessible yet informative manner.