Anomaly 09 1973 June

Magazine Overview

Title: ANOMALY
Issue Date: November 9, 1972
Editor: John A. Keel

This issue of ANOMALY, a Fortean journal, explores a range of unusual phenomena, from historical accounts of 'devils' and modern flying saucer sightings to cryptid encounters and mysterious disappearances. It also features an obituary for the noted naturalist Ivan Sanderson and discusses the challenges of Fortean research.

Devils Then Saucers Now

The lead article, "Devils Then Saucers Now," draws from Alf Evers' book "The Catskills: From Wilderness to Woodstock" to highlight historical accounts of 'sightings of the Devil' in the Catskills region, suggesting that such phenomena predate and parallel the modern interest in flying saucers. One anecdote recounts a woodsman's encounter with the Devil over a century ago, where a fog descended and the entity vanished after the man prayed.

Introducing Spectrum

This section introduces "Spectrum," a new quarterly publication from PSI ASSOCIATES, co-founded by Joan Whitnour (formerly of SAUCER SCOOPS) and Ramona Clark. It is described as featuring lively articles on UFOs and Forteana and is available for $4.00 a year by joining PSI ASSOCIATES.

Special Enclosures

The issue includes copies of a religious tract explaining the conventional religious view of flying saucers, which the magazine notes has puzzled many ufologists. Sample copies of "FLYING SAUCER REVIEW" (England) and "UFO REPORT" (Canada) are also enclosed, with a suggestion for readers to subscribe directly to these publications.

New Column

SAGA magazine is set to feature a regular monthly column by John A. Keel, focusing on Fortean items and news related to UFOs and monsters.

Ivan Sanderson, Naturalist, Dies

A prominent obituary details the passing of Ivan Sanderson, author of "Animal Treasure" and a well-known figure in radio and television. Sanderson, who died at age 62 from cancer, was recognized for his extensive work in natural history, his expeditions, and his prolific writing on animals and unexplained phenomena. The piece notes his unique perspective and describes him as one of the last great Forteans.

Sasquatch Cave Sealed by Water

This article reports on Paul Griffiths' exploration of a limestone cave in the Cariboo region of British Columbia, which he believes may be inhabited by Sasquatch. Griffiths, an oceanography student, found evidence of a fresh track and described the cave as a 'caver's cave' rather than a tourist attraction. Rising waters and winter conditions have temporarily sealed the cave. The article also includes Griffiths' personal account of an encounter with what he believes was a Sasquatch three years prior, describing a seven-foot-tall creature with cat-like eyes.

Computer is Sought to Find Huge Animal

An organization in Eugene, Oregon, is planning to use advanced computer technology to search for 'bigfoot,' the elusive hair-covered giant reported in Northern California, the Pacific Northwest, and Western Canada. Ronald Olsen of the North American Wildlife Research Organization aims to feed 14 years of data, including 600 reported sightings, into a computer system to pinpoint search locations.

Non-Events

This section discusses the difficulties in Fortean research, particularly the inaccessibility of information and the tendency for myths and rumors to substitute for facts. It highlights the efforts of researchers like Ronald Dobbins in Arizona, who has uncovered substantive information on old cases, contrasting with the less successful efforts of Ted Holiday in England regarding the Loch Ness Monster. The article also touches upon the unreliability of newspaper archives and the challenges of verifying historical accounts, citing examples like the 1897 dirigible sighting in Sistersville and the oft-repeated tale of Oliver Larch's disappearance.

Brazil Reports Giant Indians In Mato Grosso

Agence France-Presse reports that a Brazilian anthropologist, Claudio Villas Boas, has made contact with the Kreen Akarore tribe in the Mato Grosso jungle of eastern Brazil. These giants, many over six feet six inches tall, speak an incomprehensible language. Boas observed a ceremony and noted the tribe's health and intelligence, planning to introduce medicines against epidemics.

Carlos Castaneda

This brief note questions the authenticity of Carlos Castaneda's "Don Juan" books, suggesting they may be a literary hoax. It references an article in TIME magazine and an analysis by Bruce Cook of The National Observer, which points to the academic jargon and syntax in Castaneda's writing as potentially exceeding his capabilities.

Mother's Sixth Child Dies; Each on May 20

A UPI report from Kingston, Oklahoma, details the eerie pattern of Mrs. C. D. McGarr, whose sixth child died on May 20, the same date on which five previous children had died over 35 years. The most recent death was due to an automobile accident, unlike the previous natural causes.

The Tower of Babel--Can the Bible Be Wrong?

By GERARD LOUGHRAN, this article suggests that the biblical story of the Tower of Babel may be a misunderstanding of the nomadic Jews' intentions during their Babylonian captivity. Archaeologists believe the original tower was not a challenge to God but an offering of a 'step-ladder to earth.' The article references historical accounts and archaeological findings at Babylon, including ziggurats, which suggest the structures were built as places of worship and as a means for deities to descend.

Another Disappearance

This brief report details the disappearance of Jerry M. White, 30, from Henderson, N.C., who stepped into his station wagon and vanished. His vehicle was later found immersed in Kerry Lake, and a search for the missing man, who was also a city councilman-elect, was conducted.

Buzzed By A Flying Saucer

This question-and-answer segment addresses a reader's experience of sore eyes after seeing a bright light in the sky, potentially from a spaceship. The answer explains that such phenomena might be 'noctilucent clouds' emitting actinic rays similar to sunlight, which can cause 'eyeburn' or conjunctivitis. While the US Air Force has concluded no real evidence exists for mechanical flying saucers, such lights can be dangerous.

2 Campers Claim Encounter with Hairy 'Bigfoot'

This article recounts the experience of Randy Norton and Steven Gillespie, two campers in Clear Creek, California, who claim to have encountered two 'Bigfoot' specimens. They describe the creatures as ape-like but more erect, intelligent, and capable of moving stealthily. They found indistinct footprints afterward.

Superbear Loose?

A brief report from Fairbanks notes a grizzly bear, nicknamed "Old Raider," that has wrecked 27 cabins along the Salcha River in a month, potentially setting a new record for cabin-wrecking.

Plant Struck By Hysteria

A report from Singapore details how production at a General Electric factory halted for the second time in three days due to unexplained mass hysteria among workers.

Hunt Continues For Monster

This piece from Loch Ness, Scotland, describes the ongoing hunt for the Loch Ness Monster. An investigator, Holly Arnold, discusses sightings, noting that two humps are a common sign. The article mentions the scientific approach to monitoring the area and the belief that 'something is down there.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of ANOMALY include the investigation of unexplained phenomena, the intersection of folklore and modern sightings (UFOs, Bigfoot), the challenges of verifying historical accounts, and the personal experiences of individuals encountering the unusual. The editorial stance, as suggested by the content and John A. Keel's involvement, appears to be one of open inquiry into Forteana, encouraging readers to consider a wide range of possibilities while maintaining a critical perspective, as evidenced by the caution regarding Carlos Castaneda's work and the explanation of potential causes for 'eyeburn' from unknown lights.

This issue of "Books" appears to be a collection of reviews and articles focusing on paranormal phenomena, science fiction, and historical mysteries, with a strong emphasis on UFOs and related subjects. The content spans various topics, from the evolving perspectives on ufology to specific investigations into alleged cryptid sightings and ancient civilizations.

Arthur C. Clarke and the Evolution of Ufology

The issue begins by discussing Arthur C. Clarke, referring to him as "the world's greatest living ufologist," though noting this title sometimes confuses hardcore believers. Clarke, a trained physicist and science fiction writer, is known for his novel "Childhood's End" and the screenplay for "2001." In recent years, Clarke has expressed a more detached view of ufology, which has drawn criticism from enthusiasts. The article highlights a trend of legitimate scientists and academics exploring ufology, moving towards theology and philosophy, with Dr. William Irwin Thompson of M.I.T. being cited as an example. Thompson's book, "At the Edge of History," suggests that accepted history might be fiction, while ancient myths could be remnants of real history. Joseph Chilton Pearce's "The Crack in the Cosmic Egg" is also mentioned as a significant work indicating that ufology is becoming the province of educated thinkers rather than fringe believers.

The Mystery of Planet X and Ancient Structures

Charles Hillinger reports on the debate surrounding "Planet X," a hypothetical 10th planet. Henry L. Giclas, executive director of Lowell Observatory, along with astronomers P. K. Seidelmann and B. G. Marsden, have reviewed the evidence presented by Joseph L. Brady, who based his findings on the erratic behavior of Halley's Comet. Their report denies the existence of Planet X, stating that Brady's hypothesized planet would affect the motions of other planets in a way incompatible with observations. The article also touches upon the work of Peter Tompkins and his book "Secrets of the Great Pyramid," which summarizes theories about the pyramid and suggests a super-civilization may have predated us. John F. Michell's "The View Over Atlantis" is discussed, focusing on "leys" or straight tracks found throughout Britain, which Michell theorizes are ancient records of magnetic force lines. The authors suggest that these ancient constructions worldwide might be the product of a common, lost culture, with only myths like Atlantis and Mu to account for it.

Bigfoot and Other Unexplained Phenomena

James E. Bylin investigates the legend of "Bigfoot" or "Sasquatch" in the Pacific Northwest. The article recounts a sighting by Richard Brown in The Dalles, Oregon, and mentions that John Green has collected hundreds of reports of sightings and humanlike tracks. The phenomenon is compared to the Abominable Snowman and the Loch Ness Monster, with believers finding Bigfoot's existence more likely. The article notes the skepticism of experts like Phyllis Dolhinow, who questions the biological feasibility of such a species remaining undiscovered. It also touches upon the historical roots of the Bigfoot legend in Native American lore and a 1924 incident near Mt. St. Helens. Roger Patterson's controversial 1967 film of a Bigfoot creature is also discussed, along with the efforts of the North American Wildlife Research Association to study it. Brad Steiger's book "Revelation: The Divine Fire" is highlighted as a significant study of the contactee syndrome.

Other Strange Reports

The issue includes several shorter reports on unusual events. A "Ling News" report from August 14, 1972, details a "Zoo Denies Ownership Of Cleveland 'Monster'" after eight residents reported seeing a large, hairy creature. Another "Ling News" report describes a "Hunt Rapist With Fangs" in Lyndhurst, England. A "Hobart, Ind." story recounts how "Girls Tricked Out of Hair" by a man posing as a doctor. A "Key West, Fla." report introduces "Who Is He?" a young man found on a beach with no memory of his identity. A "Norton, Mass." report details a "Thief" who uses a helicopter to steal weathervanes. A "Chicago Daily News" article describes a "Crowd With Guns, Clubs and Knives" storming woods in East Peoria, Ill., looking for a monster, and a "Loveland Ponders 'Monster' Episode" in Ohio, where a patrolman claims to have shot a creature near the Little Miami River.

Flying Saucers and Submarine Hunts

John Sinor's column "Flying Saucers? Uh, huh" reflects on the decline in public reports of flying saucer sightings since the 1960s, recalling personal interviews with individuals who claimed to have seen them and even taken rides in them. He mentions a character named Clyde who described saucers as football-shaped and capable of great speeds. Meanwhile, a "New York Times" report from November 26, 1972, details "Norway Now Says It's Really A Sub," where the Norwegian government is convinced an unidentified object in the Sogne Fjord is a foreign submarine, leading to depth charges being dropped. A separate report from London mentions an investigation into a possible mutiny aboard a Russian submarine in the same area.

Tree-Topping Aircraft and Government Investigations

A "Times-Herald" article from Vallejo, Calif., describes a "Tree-Topping Aircraft Poses Mystery." A twin-engine Navy P-2 plane was observed flying at a very low altitude, causing concern and television interference. Officials were tight-lipped, offering "no comment." The article speculates it might be a specially equipped communication aircraft for radar testing. The final section, "The Last Word," by the authors who previously worked in Washington D.C., discusses their move to Woodstock, N.Y., and their past involvement as consultants to the Department of Health, Education and Welfare. They mention interviewing top officials and discovering many people in Washington have had UFO experiences, though most cannot be named. They also reviewed unreleased documents related to UFO investigations from the 1960s, concluding that Project Bluebook was underfunded and the Colorado University project was launched with low expectations. They suggest that fruitful UFO investigations would be costly and that many past government projects were "boondoggles."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the unexplained, the paranormal, and the fringes of science and history. There is a clear interest in UFOs, alien encounters, cryptids like Bigfoot, and ancient mysteries. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various accounts and theories, while also acknowledging skepticism and the challenges of definitive proof. The articles suggest a shift in the perception of ufology, moving towards more academic and philosophical interpretations, and highlight the ongoing human fascination with the unknown, whether it be in the skies, in remote wilderness, or in the depths of history.

This document appears to be a page from a magazine or newsletter, likely from 1966 or shortly thereafter, focusing on the topic of UFOs. The primary article discusses government involvement in UFO research, the skepticism surrounding such investigations, and a proposed religious interpretation of the phenomenon.

UFO Research and Government Involvement

The article begins by detailing Dr. J. Allen Hynek's 1966 effort to secure government support for a $2 million UFO project. It notes that other scientists had also proposed UFO projects costing varying amounts. The government had indeed spent several million dollars on UFO research in the early 1950s, with some involvement from early NASA research, but the results were consistently negative. Prominent military leaders of the 1950s, including Vandenberg, Doolittle, and Twining, were reportedly interested in psychic phenomena and linked UFO manifestations to them, making investigation seem impractical.

Once it was established that UFOs were intangible and not an immediate threat (they did not bomb Chicago), official interest waned. However, the UFO flap of 1966 generated public pressure, prompting the Air Force to seek a university for an impartial investigation. After several rejections, the project was reluctantly assigned to Colorado. The article quotes a Pentagon officer revealing the project's true purpose: "to get all the nuts off the Air Force's back." The author expresses doubt that any official UFO study project will occur again, suggesting that if another flap happens, the Pentagon will simply refer to the Condon Report.

The text also mentions small, disguised projects focusing on the medical and psychological effects on witnesses, whose results are not published to avoid public outcry regarding agency budgets. It states that no direct CIA involvement was found, but the U.S. Navy was more active in UFO research than the Air Force.

Interpretation of UFO Phenomena

The article asserts that the UFO situation is less real than believers perceive, viewing UFO manipulations as diversions to conceal the true nature of the phenomenon and promote the extraterrestrial concept. It quotes Sir Victor Goddard, who suggested such pursuits indulge a "technological urge towards materialistic progress."

The effectiveness of UFO proponents is highlighted, noting their success in convincing a large portion of the public that every unusual light in the sky is an alien spaceship. These proponents are blamed for pressuring the Air Force into spending $500,000 on the "abortive Colorado project."

Religious and Supernatural Explanations

A significant portion of the document shifts to a religious interpretation of UFO sightings, framed as a series of "DO YOU KNOW" questions. It suggests that the widespread sightings of "flying saucers" worldwide, reported in various shapes and sizes, cannot be explained by known technology or extraterrestrial origins. The article dismisses the possibility of them being secret weapons due to the risk of enemy capture and the physical limitations of such rapid travel. It also rejects the idea of them being spaceships from other planets, citing the lack of life on other planets in our solar system and the vast distances involved.

Consequently, the article concludes that the only remaining explanation is the supernatural. It links these phenomena to biblical prophecies concerning the "end of the Gospel Age" and the "Time of Trouble" preceding Jesus' Second Advent. The "signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars" are interpreted as UFO manifestations. The text further posits that the "sons of God" mentioned in Genesis 6:2 were not human but angelic beings who "kept not their first estate" and were cast down. These fallen angels, referred to as "lying, seducing spirits," are believed to be responsible for spirit phenomena, seances, and modern-day mysteries like UFOs, operating under "the prince of the power of the air."

The article suggests that the increased liberty granted to these fallen angels during this "judgment day" accounts for their bolder and more public manifestations, including "balls of fire, green monsters, 'flying saucers,' etc."

It encourages readers not to fear these signs but to "look up, and lift up their heads with rejoicing, knowing that their deliverance draweth nigh and that the Kingdom of God is nigh at hand."

Promotional Material

Towards the end, the document includes promotional offers from the "LAYMEN'S HOME MISSIONARY MOVEMENT." They offer a 67-page booklet, "Spiritism-Ancient and Modern," for 12 cents, and the Bible key, "The Divine Plan of the Ages," for $1.00, with a money-back guarantee. They also mention providing free literature on various subjects, including "FLYING SAUCER" leaflets, for distribution.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes are UFO phenomena, government secrecy, the limitations of scientific investigation, and a strong emphasis on a religious, supernatural interpretation of UFOs as the work of fallen angels. The editorial stance is highly skeptical of conventional explanations for UFOs, viewing them as diversions or manifestations of spiritual warfare, and promotes a specific biblical prophecy framework for understanding these events. The Laymen's Home Missionary Movement's involvement suggests a perspective that integrates UFO phenomena into an eschatological religious narrative.