Alpha - No 05 - 1979 11-12

Magazine Overview

ALPHA, Issue No. 5, published in November/December 1979, is the last issue to be available through newsagents, with future issues distributed via subscription only. The magazine focuses on paranormal phenomena and aspects of reality excluded by orthodox science. The cover story, "Only twenty years to Doomsday?" by Carol Kennedy, examines world predictions from ancient seers like Nostradamus to modern clairvoyants like Jeane Dixon, highlighting a consistent theme of impending disaster around 1995-2000 AD, with descriptions eerily similar to atomic war.

News and Features

Announcement: ALPHA Goes Subscription

The publishers announce a shift to a subscription-only model due to the economics of magazine production, where newsagent sales do not cover costs. They assure readers that the editorial policy will remain unchanged, continuing to provide unbiased and uncommitted coverage of the paranormal. The magazine has gained subscribers from 22 countries and is fulfilling an important need.

Paranormal Protest

Mary Whitehouse has targeted BBC TV's 'The Omega Factor' series, protesting to the corporation's chairman about the 'increasing pre-occupation of broadcasters with the paranormal and occult,' citing acts of violence and objectionable themes.

Pushing Back the Frontiers

The Sherborne Lecture Group in Dorset is highlighted for organizing specialist lectures and events outside of major centers. They have hosted talks by Professor Hasted, Dr. John Wood, and Maurice Grosse, with future events featuring Geoffrey Ashe and Sir George Trevelyan.

New Zealand UFO Support for UFO Congress

The British UFO Research Association (BUFORA) has published a detailed account of a UFO sighting over New Zealand, refuting earlier explanations and suggesting more than one strange light was encountered. The sighting lasted from 12:10 am to 2:59 am on December 31, 1978, with Venus not rising until after the last reported sighting.

International UFO Congress

The First London International UFO Congress, held in August, was a success, attracting 400 delegates. The event included public presentations and behind-the-scenes discussions on UFO classifications and terminology. A documentary film, "UFOs, Past, Present, and Future," premiered in the UK.

French UFO Study

France is noted as the only country out of 133 to have a systematic, government-funded organization, GEPAN (part of CNES), for the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena. GEPAN has received 800 reports and studies French UFO reports, with its first chief being Dr. Claude Poher.

Navy Chief Probes UFOs

Admiral of the Fleet Lord Hill-Norton has taken an interest in UFOs, attending a House of Lords study group meeting. He stated he has an open mind on the subject and will likely attend future meetings.

Loch Ness Theory

A New Scientist article by Drs. D. Power and D. Johnson proposes that the Loch Ness monster might be an elephant with only its trunk visible. This theory drew a response from Y. Franz Daun, who suggested elephants inhabit secluded caves in the area.

Hunting Nessie

An expedition sponsored by the Academy of Applied Science in Boston, USA, to film the Loch Ness monster using dolphins equipped with cameras, had to be abandoned when a trained dolphin died. The Academy is now seeking a new pair of dolphins.

Bequests

Two women from Torquay, Devon, left money to promote psychic study and healing. Ellen Grace Lester left £122,686, including £5,000 to the Churches' Fellowship for Psychical and Spiritual Studies. Mrs. Jeannie Lina Collinson left £72,687, with the residue going to the Harry Edwards Spiritual Healing Sanctuary.

Dr. Douglas Dean

Dr. Douglas Dean, former president of the American Parapsychological Association, spoke in London about the 'incredible story of John Wheeler.' Wheeler had attacked parapsychologists, but Dean found his claims to be the opposite of the truth. Science magazine published a letter from Wheeler apologizing to J. B. Rhine.

Rhine Gets an Apology

Following Dr. Douglas Dean's investigation into John Wheeler's attack on parapsychologists, it was revealed that Wheeler had apologized to J. B. Rhine for his statements, which were found to be inaccurate.

Keeping You in the Picture

Hilary Evans, an SPR member, is creating a central archive of paranormal illustrations at the Mary Evans Picture Library (MEPL). The archive aims to provide a central source for researchers worldwide, preserving elusive material.

Death of Rosa Kuleshova

The International Journal of Paraphysics reports the death of Soviet psychic Rosa Kuleshova, known for her dermo-optic abilities. She died from a brain tumour, which researchers found perplexing given her abilities.

Not So Blind

The International Journal of Paraphysics also reported on Soviet psychic Tophik Dadashev. The article cautions that reports of such abilities should be read with caution, referencing an illusionist who faked similar feats.

Submarine ESP

Douglas Dean has been trying for 12 years to obtain US Navy cooperation for research into ESP under water. He reports that parapsychologists Hal Puthoff and Russell Targ have had success with an experiment using submarines and remote viewing subjects Ingo Swann and Hella Hammid.

Psychics at Princeton

Douglas Dean has long wished to establish a laboratory at Princeton University. Chuck Hornorton has moved his laboratory to the James Forrestal Research Center at Princeton, making parapsychology a legitimate study within the university. Carol, a student, and Dean Jahn conducted successful remote viewing experiments.

Psychotronic Generators

Reports from Czechoslovakia detail the invention of psychotronic generators by Robert Pavlita, devices said to store human psychic energy. British researcher Benson Herbert has been attempting to replicate these effects in his laboratory.

On the Trail of Big Foot

A Soviet expedition is searching for Big Foot in the Pamir mountains of Central Asia. Earlier expeditions reported sightings, and the current searchers intend no harm to the creature.

Predicting the Worst

Scientists monitoring the San Andreas fault believe there is a 50-50 chance of a major earthquake in the next decade, which could devastate San Francisco. The Stanford Research Institute's study of animal behavior suggests unusual animal activity may precede quakes.

Is Magnetism the Answer?

Professor Charles Walcott of New York has discovered a tiny piece of iron-rich tissue in the heads of pigeons, suggesting they may use the earth's magnetic field for navigation.

Ghost Hunting

A Californian company, Take Me Along Travel, organized a trip to investigate haunted locations in London, attracting 200 enthusiasts.

Only twenty years to Doomsday?

This article by Carol Kennedy examines prophecies from Nostradamus, Edgar Cayce, and Jeane Dixon, all pointing to a major disaster around 1995-2000. Nostradamus' quatrains are analyzed, with specific references to a 'great king of terror' in July 1999 and descriptions of war and destruction. Edgar Cayce predicted a devastating war in 1999-2000 and earthquakes devastating US cities. Jeane Dixon also predicted a global war in 1999-2000 and other events, though her accuracy record is noted as spotty.

How Many People Are You?

Colin Wilson reviews 'Eve,' Chris Sizemore's book about her multiple personalities, comparing it to earlier cases like 'The Three Faces of Eve' and 'Sybil.' Wilson discusses theories of multiple personality, including Moreton Prince's 'inner squabble' concept and the idea of possession, questioning the 'tax office' structure of consciousness.

Can Prophecies Save People from Their Own Folly?

This article explores whether prophecies can help avert disaster. It discusses Count Louis Hamon (Cheiro), who accurately predicted World War II and warned individuals about travel dangers. It also mentions the uncanny premonition in Morgan Robertson's novel 'Futility' about the Titanic disaster. The article suggests that while some prophecies can be self-fulfilling, others can serve as warnings to prevent disaster.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores paranormal phenomena, including UFOs, psychic abilities, and historical prophecies. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, presenting research and accounts without necessarily endorsing them, as stated in the disclaimer: "The views, claims and opinions expressed by contributors and advertisers are not necessarily shared or accepted by the editors and publishers of the magazine."

This issue of FATE Magazine, dated May 1978, features a cover story titled "Boosting UFOs' Credibility Rating" and explores various topics related to the paranormal, including multiple personality, psychical research, and the Amityville Horror case. The magazine aims to present factual data and encourage a more professional approach to studying unexplained phenomena.

The Three Faces of Eve

The issue begins with a review of Chris Sizemore's book, "The Three Faces of Eve," which details her experiences with multiple personalities. The review highlights the progression of Eve White's neurosis, the emergence of her alter ego Eve Black, and later, a third personality named Jane. The reviewer expresses skepticism about Eve's claimed cure, noting that the book implies a complete recovery while the underlying issues may persist. The review also touches upon the financial success of the book and the doctors involved, contrasting it with Eve's own ambiguous feelings about the situation.

The narrative of Eve's childhood and early life is described as a long, autobiographical account that some readers might find tedious, but it reveals her capacity for self-pity and fascination with her own problems. The emergence of various alter egos, such as the 'Strawberry girl' and the 'Purple lady,' is mentioned but deemed too briefly described to make a significant impact. The review questions how orthodox medicine can account for phenomena like Eve's allergic reaction to nylon only when Eve Black was dominant, or how a new personality could take over a body without being affected by anesthetics.

Clifford Allen is quoted suggesting that such cases involve 'play acting' and that personality is a response of the body and brain. However, the reviewer posits that the 'ego' might be a 'puppet master' controlling the 'puppet' of the brain and body, suggesting that current mechanical models of personality are insufficient.

Why experimenters upset results

This article by Matthew Manning discusses the 'experimenter effect' in psychical research. Manning recounts his experiences in experiments, noting that his success rates varied significantly depending on the researcher. He found that with some experimenters, like Dr. William Braud, he achieved highly significant results, such as slowing down the decay of blood cells. However, with others, like Professor William Byers-Brown and Professor John Jungerman, his results were unsuccessful, even when replicating conditions under which he had previously succeeded.

Manning categorizes his success rates: 21% with physical targets (like random number generators) and 77% with biological targets (seeds, fish, humans, mould samples). He observes that unsuccessful tests often involved researchers who were new to the field. He also describes 'spin-off effects,' where spontaneous paranormal events occur unrelated to the direct test, suggesting that some experimenters may be unconsciously apprehensive of positive results.

The Amityville Horror: an even stranger story

Melvin Harris critically examines the popular book "The Amityville Horror," questioning its claim of being a strictly accurate account. Harris compares the book's narrative with earlier accounts published in the Long Island Press and Good Housekeeping, revealing significant discrepancies and embellishments. For instance, the priest's warning about a specific bedroom is given much later in the book than in the magazine account. Similarly, the incident with Kathy Lutz's aunt is dramatically reshaped in the book.

Harris highlights how events like levitations and the appearance of a 'gigantic hooded figure' are introduced in the book but were absent or downplayed in earlier reports. He also notes that claims of paranormal damage to the house, such as shattered locks and torn doors, were not mentioned in the Good Housekeeping account, which only referred to stains on fixtures.

The article cites an investigation by Rick Moran and Peter Jordan, who interviewed people mentioned in the book. The police rejected the book's claim of their involvement, and 'Father Mancuso' denied ever entering the house. The article suggests that the real reasons for the Lutzes' departure were prosaic, related to a cash crisis and a near-breakdown, rather than supernatural events. Harris concludes that the book's sensationalism, likely finalized with the help of writer Jay Anson, poses as truth but is essentially fiction.

Boosting UFOs' credibility rating

This section features an interview with Dr. J. Allen Hynek, an astronomer who consulted for Project Blue Book. Hynek believes that the US Air Force has not covered up UFO information but rather engaged in a public-relations-inspired hush-up to avoid alarming the public. He states that governments likely have no more idea than anyone else about the UFO mystery.

To address this, Hynek founded the Centre for UFO Studies in 1973 to professionalize the study of the phenomenon and gain scientific credibility. The Centre has accumulated over 75,000 reports from 133 countries. Hynek acknowledges that many reports are not credible, but promising cases are followed up by Allen Hendry. The Centre also publishes a Journal of UFO Studies. Hynek's current conclusions are tentative, suggesting a 'paranormal aspect' and phenomena involving 'materialisation and dematerialisation.' He likens UFOs to a 'Cheshire Cat effect,' appearing isolated in space and time.

Hynek believes that many individuals, including those at NASA, are poised to support UFO research if adequate data is provided. He notes that fear of ridicule prevents many witnesses from reporting their experiences, estimating that for every reported case, ten go unheard. He also mentions that UFOs seem to have a dual nature, exhibiting both physical evidence (radar blips, burns) and a paranormal aspect.

The mystery of the camera-shy ghost

This article by Hilary Evans discusses the phenomenon of 'camera-shyness' in paranormal events, questioning why apparitions and poltergeists seldom occur when a camera is present. Evans argues that while eye-witness testimony is valuable, photographic evidence offers a more objective confirmation. However, the consistent failure to capture clear photographic evidence of paranormal phenomena is disappointing to believers and gratifying to sceptics.

The article explores various explanations for this lack of photographic evidence, including the idea of 'resistentialism' (things being against us), where cameras malfunction or films are not wound on at critical moments. It also touches upon the doctrine that 'there are some things we are not meant to record.' The author contrasts the lack of clear photographic evidence with detailed verbal descriptions of paranormal events, questioning which is more likely to be at fault.

Evans discusses the historical use of visual documentation in psychical research, citing examples like Schrenck-Notzing's photographs of mediumship and the controversial spirit photography of the 19th century. The article highlights the challenges of documenting spontaneous phenomena like poltergeists, which are erratic and occur when unobserved. It suggests that modern technology, such as infra-red film and video cameras, could improve investigation methods, but acknowledges the possibility of 'resistentialist' effects or interference from external agencies like the CIA.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of FATE Magazine consistently explores the boundaries between the unexplained and conventional understanding, often with a critical eye. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging the professionalization of paranormal research while also scrutinizing claims for evidence of embellishment or misinterpretation. There is a recurring theme of questioning the reliability of anecdotal evidence and seeking more rigorous, scientific approaches, as seen in the discussions on multiple personality, UFOs, and the Amityville case. The magazine also emphasizes the importance of visual documentation in paranormal research, while acknowledging its limitations and the challenges posed by the phenomena themselves.

Title: Alpha
Issue: 5
Issue Date: September 2, 1939
Publisher: Pendulum Publishing Company Ltd.
Country: UK
Language: English

This issue of Alpha magazine, dated September 2, 1939, features a cover story by Leslie Price titled "Are you at risk?" which critically examines the potential dangers and misfortunes associated with Spiritualism and psychical research. The magazine also includes articles on UFOs and transcendental meditation.

Are You at Risk? Fraud, Sexual Deviation and Suicide in Spiritualism

Leslie Price's cover story explores the dark side of Spiritualism and psychical research, questioning the Church's warnings against probing the paranormal. Price notes the constant dispute between Spiritualists and Christians since the Hydesville phenomena of 1848. While Spiritualists may accuse Christians of ignorance and prejudice, Price argues that there is a strong case for steering clear of the psychic field, suggesting that the lack of a "great breakthrough of psychic truths" might be due to the strength of this case, which has not been adequately addressed by the Spiritualist Movement.

Price highlights that no psychic phenomenon is fully understood, and theories abound regarding psi, with claims that it works better in emotional situations or altered states of consciousness, yet the evidence remains inconclusive. Attempts to replicate results under the same conditions often fail, and no researcher can reliably induce ESP at will. Notably, Dr. Soal's work has been posthumously doubted by computer analysis.

Despite believers' claims that they can encourage development, no Spiritualist organization funds scientific study of mediumship. While scientists with Spiritualist views exist, they are not employed by the movement for research. The establishment of a college for psychic science also failed to attract many scientists.

Spiritualist leaders, Price suggests, may fear what research would reveal about the complex nature of mediumship, admitting that the mechanism is a mystery and that "guides" are reluctant to reveal it. This leaves the psychic field, after 130 years, involving unknown forces with unclear effects on mind and body.

The article details the negative impacts on mediums and psychical researchers. Harry Edwards, a healer, is mentioned as having passed away peacefully. However, others faced tragic ends: Frank Podmore, author of "Modern Spiritualism," died by suicide in 1910. Edmund Gurney, who studied apparitions and hypnosis, died in suspicious circumstances in 1888. Dr. W. J. Crawford, who studied physical mediumship, shot himself in 1920. Nora Blackwood, a gifted clairvoyant, committed suicide.

Price notes that while these are individual cases, the tradition of mediumship can involve strain, partly due to societal pressures and the use of vital forces. Several prominent mediums, including Arthur Ford and Margery Crandon, struggled with alcoholism. Stainton Moses and Helen Duncan are also mentioned as having issues with drink, a tradition that continues.

Beyond addiction, the article touches upon the sexual aspects of Spiritualism. Peter Underwood's research into sexual involvement in psi is mentioned, as is Ronald J. Baker's privately published work, "The Sexual Polarity and Mediumship." Baker observed that mediums often have a subjective nature, and noted connections between mediumship and human polarity, including a substantial gay scene within Spiritualism.

For those seeking evidence of spirit identity, the path is not as straightforward as Spiritualist propaganda suggests. The article notes a decline in deep trance mediumship and the unreliability of mediums, even among themselves. D. D. Home was critical of his colleagues, and Eileen Garrett was uncertain about the nature of her "guides." Rosalind Heywood also had difficulty believing.

Fraud is considered a minor problem in Britain due to the lack of financial gain, though fake physical mediums have emerged and disappeared. However, the enquirer can still be deceived. The case of Arthur Ford is cited, where obituaries of famous people were found among his possessions after his death, and a famous test message from Houdini may have been supplied by Houdini's widow, with whom Ford was having an affair.

Geraldine Cummins' "Swan on a Black Sea" scripts are mentioned, with Professor E. R. Dodds expressing skepticism. The article also recounts Bishop James Pike's experiences, including his son's death and his own, with no medium warning him. The exposure of Arthur Ford's work also undermined Pike's survival evidence.

More serious than fraud are inadvertent mistakes. Sir Lawrence Jones recounts cautionary tales, including Frederick Myers, who was predicted to live until February 1902 but died in January 1901. Richard Hodgson also experienced prophecies that led him to postpone writing, and Mrs Piper's predictions were also subject to error.

Price emphasizes that predictions, while sometimes correct, are unreliable, and the subconscious mind can influence pronouncements. The article questions the reliability of information from communicators, noting their differing views on religion and the lack of agreement on historical events like those in Palestine.

Prophecy Was Wrong

This section details how Psychic News of September 2, 1939, highlighted the testimony of spiritualist guides that there would be no war, even as Chamberlain was broadcasting that Britain was at war. The article questions the potential consequences if a Spiritualist in a vital position, like Air Chief Marshal Dowding, had acted on these predictions.

It also discusses attempts to communicate pre-arranged messages after death, with most failing, highlighting the difficulties of communication. Tom Johanson, secretary of the Spiritualist Association, is quoted stating that mediumship has never been reliable and is judged by its weakest link.

The article notes that many Spiritualist thinkers' works are out of print and not reprinted, and that the seven principles of Spiritualism, as stated by the Spiritualists' National Union, do not mention Jesus or reincarnation, despite some modern Spiritualists embracing reincarnation.

Entering the New Space Age: Stan Gooch and the Paranormal

This section introduces Stan Gooch, a thinker who has developed his own line of thought on the paranormal, aiming to demolish suspect claims and focus on real issues. His latest book is "Guardians of the Ancient Wisdom." Gooch believes that mankind must relearn what has been forgotten from the "whole magical side of man's nature." He distinguishes between the "not-yet explained" and the "inexplicable," suggesting that phenomena tied to specific people, like poltergeists, are more likely to be explained objectively, while other powers are only demonstrable subjectively.

Gooch argues that science has not solved all our problems and that we must "turn inwards." He suggests that the paranormal could represent the "real space age," achievable intuitively rather than physically.

The article also touches on UFOs, noting the paradoxical nature of sightings and the need for trained investigators. It mentions Dr. J. Allen Hynek's Center for UFO Studies and his proposal for presidential immunity for reporting UFO encounters.

TM-Something More to Meditate On

This article investigates transcendental meditation (TM), noting its initial widespread support as a relaxation method. However, it highlights concerns raised by psychologists like John Nicholson, who have withdrawn support due to claims of extraordinary powers and negative side effects such as depression and suicidal feelings reported by some practitioners.

Herbert Benson's early research showing TM's effectiveness in reducing stress is mentioned, but the article questions whether TM is uniquely effective compared to other relaxation techniques. Studies comparing TM with Georgei Gurdjieff's meditation system suggest that the latter allows for greater control over brain centers. Researchers like Schwarz and Dr. Michael West express skepticism about TM proponents' claims of TM being the only way to achieve beneficial changes, citing progressive relaxation as an effective alternative.

Concerns are raised about potential harm from TM, with some researchers noting depression and even schizophrenic breakdowns. The article suggests that while TM can be beneficial for those who need a belief system, its claims of extraordinary powers remain unproven. It concludes that while TM is an effective way to relax, other methods can achieve similar results, and the true value of TM may lie in its potential for "opening the mind and expanding the consciousness."

Books and Conferences

Brief reviews of books on UFOs ("UFOs: A British Viewpoint") and poltergeists ("Poltergeists" by Alan Gauld and Tony Cornell) are included. A report on the Parascience Conference in London is also featured, highlighting discussions on metal-bending (psychokinesis) and the evidence for survival of death.

Special Offer and Subscription Information

The magazine offers a special subscription rate until December 21, 1979, and promotes ALPHA as an ideal Christmas gift. Subscription details and contact information for Pendulum Publishing Company Ltd. are provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of paranormal phenomena, particularly Spiritualism, and its potential pitfalls. The magazine adopts a skeptical yet open-minded stance, questioning unsubstantiated claims while acknowledging the existence of unexplained phenomena. There is a strong emphasis on the need for rigorous research, critical thinking, and a balanced perspective when approaching subjects like mediumship, UFOs, and meditation. The editorial stance appears to be one of caution against the uncritical acceptance of paranormal claims, urging readers to be aware of potential fraud, psychological distress, and the limitations of current understanding. The magazine also highlights the ongoing debate between scientific and spiritual perspectives on these topics.

This issue of ALPHA magazine, dated November 1979, features a cover story titled "Does he know too much?" focusing on controversial American psychical researcher Dr Andrija Puharich and his theories about Soviet psychic warfare. The magazine explores a range of paranormal topics, including UFO phenomena, poltergeists, psychic abilities, and ancient practices like geomancy.

Reviews and Features

The Dyfed Enigma: A Valuable Contribution to UFO Literature

The issue reviews a book on the UFO wave in Dyfed, Wales, praising its level-headed approach and detailed account of extraordinary happenings. The authors, Randall Jones Pugh and F. W. Holiday, are commended for their factual reporting, though the review notes a lack of context relating the Dyfed events to similar occurrences elsewhere. The book is recommended for anyone interested in the paranormal.

Poltergeists: A Comprehensive Survey

Alan Gauld and A. D. Cornell's book on poltergeists is reviewed, with Part I by Gauld covering 450 years of documented cases. While praised for its thoroughness and uncovering new material, the review criticizes its academic tone and occasional snobbery. Part II, by both authors, discusses personal investigations and concludes that attributing all poltergeist reports to fraud is bordering on insanity. The review questions the effectiveness of the academic approach to mind-matter interaction.

The Ancient Science of Geomancy

Nigel Pennick's book on geomancy is discussed, defining it as the science of harmonizing human habitats with the environment. The review acknowledges the profound sensitivity to the environment expressed in various cultures and the mathematical precision found in some ancient sites. However, it questions the use of the term 'science' for geomancy, which also involves intuition and divination. The book is seen as conjuring up a lost vision of humanity's relationship with the earth.

The Paranormal by Stan Gooch

Stan Gooch's book aims to remove the study of the paranormal from sensationalism and religious dogma. He offers his own alternatives to scientific and religious theories, drawing on personal experience and anecdotal evidence. The reviewer, Sheila Hart, finds his accounts of psychic experiences and collected evidence particularly fascinating, arguing that such material is crucial for advancing the study of the paranormal.

Dr Andrija Puharich and Soviet Psychic Warfare

The cover story details Dr Andrija Puharich's belief that the Soviets are beaming radiation at the West to cause mental disturbance. His claims have reportedly led the CIA to advise him to leave the country due to him 'confusing the military'. The article notes that Puharich, once respected, lost credibility due to his involvement with Uri Geller but suggests he may regain respect as understanding of these phenomena improves.

Occult Restoration: Led Zeppelin and Aleister Crowley

Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page has restored Aleister Crowley's former home, Boleskin House, incorporating occult themes and murals by satanic artist Charles Pace.

Serena in Wonderland: Research on ESP

Serena Roney-Dougal is conducting research on ESP at London's City University, using Lewis Carroll's 'Alice in Wonderland' as a parable for understanding consciousness. She notes the limited number of terms in Western models for consciousness compared to Eastern traditions.

Kundalini Research

The article discusses Kundalini, the peak of conscious awareness, and mentions Pandit Gopi Khrishna, an authority on the subject. It highlights his experience of Kundalini awakening and the founding of the Central Institute for Kundalini Research. It also notes ongoing research in Toronto and informal meetings in London.

Star Study: Astrology and Personality

A new magazine, View, is collaborating with Professor S. B. G. Eysenck to study the relationship between astrology and personality. The research aims to find significant correspondences between readers' personality traits and their birthdates.

Money for Research

The article contrasts the funding for parapsychology research in the US and USSR. While US labs receive limited funding, the Soviet government reportedly spends around £250 million on psychic research, suggesting a potential ulterior motive.

Vanishing Boy: A Case of Paranormal Ability

Julian Isaacs is studying a young metal-bender whose abilities include making money disappear and reappearing, and even vanishing himself. The boy's family has witnessed these phenomena.

The World's Greatest Psychic?

Roberto Campagni, an Italian surveyor, is described as 'the world's greatest psychic' by the National Enquirer for his ability to materialise objects. His phenomena have reportedly impressed scientists.

Chain Reaction: Past Life Regression?

Dr Ed Maxey recounts a story of a patient in a coma who, after an accident, was believed to be speaking an old-fashioned Spanish, possibly reliving a past life.

Does it have a future? Premonition Times Magazine

A new US magazine, Premonition Times, aims to analyze prophecies by classifying them by prophetic accuracy and quality, applying this to predictions from figures like Nostradamus and Jeane Dixon.

Symposia and Events

Announcements are made for a Public Symposium on PSI by The Incorporated Society for Psychical Research and a 'Happiness Week' symposium featuring mediums and speakers.

Classified Advertisements

A section of classified ads offers UFO books, Chi-Kung and Tai-Chi courses, information on the British UFO Society, past lives research groups, UFO study centers, consciousness courses, and books on psychical research and occult topics. Advertisements also promote Silva Mind Control, Biofeedback instruments, and Dianetics.

Silva Mind Control and Biofeedback

Advertisements detail Silva Mind Control courses for psychic development, creativity, memory, and self-confidence. Another advertisement promotes Audio Limited's biofeedback instruments for understanding the mind-body relationship and a handbook on Electrical Skin Resistance.

Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health

An advertisement for L. Ron Hubbard's book 'Dianetics' presents it as an exploration into the human mind and the modern science of mental health.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the fringes of science and the unexplained, with a particular focus on UFOs, psychic phenomena, and the paranormal. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting various theories and case studies while also offering critical reviews and questioning sensationalism. There's an underlying theme of challenging conventional scientific paradigms and exploring the potential of the human mind and consciousness. The magazine also highlights the growing interest and research in these fields, as evidenced by the symposia and new publications featured.