Awareness - 1967-68 - Winter

Magazine Overview

AWARENESS, Journal of Contact (United Kingdom), Winter 1967/8 issue.

Reflections

The editorial reflects on the expansion and name change of the organization from International Sky Scouts Association (UK) to CONTACT. This was a significant step, leading to the addition of new member countries and making it a completely independent international organization headquartered in the United Kingdom. Membership in the UK has already reached 700, with aspirations for 1,000. The movement aims to build a renewed world through renewed thinking, scientific study, concentration, and will, fostering universal friendship and truth.

The article notes the existence of an organization called CETI (Communications with Extra Terrestrial Intelligence), based in Belgrade, which shares similar goals. Professor Rudolf Pesek, chairman of CETI, is highlighted.

The organization believes that scientists who believe in extra-terrestrial life can now unite through purely scientific methods to examine the certainties of life on other planets and their potential communication with us.

The core activities of CONTACT are based on scientific findings and research within universities. The concept of "Awareness" is linked to Truth and the discovery of facts, with Wisdom defined as the "Love of Truth." The magazine emphasizes that widening knowledge opposes flights of fancy and encourages members to uphold the principle of Truth, demanding reliability in physical activities and clarity of vision in intellectual pursuits.

CONTACT aims to make contact not only with other planets but also with our "higher selves" and others who share their interests. They strive to adopt well-balanced, mature, and clear-sighted views to discover new territories and gain greater knowledge of the universe and ourselves, aiming for harmony with our natural state.

The study of UFOs is expected to stir interest and bring rewards, lifting consciousness to higher levels. The magazine suggests that instead of writing to the Air Ministry about withheld information, they should consider the reasons for such actions. They also propose inviting "space people" as guests and advisers to build a bridge for communication.

The organization is actively building its membership, with one member in Wiltshire successfully recruiting 17 new members in a week. They encourage members to find others who wish to join, aiming to become one of the finest movements mankind has witnessed. The movement seeks to attract younger generations dissatisfied with the orthodox, offering them a greater reality through group effort and information exchange.

The next issue will feature a full list of UK groups, and the editor invites anyone wishing to form a new group to get in touch. The editorial concludes with a wish for a purposeful and rewarding 1968 from the National Committee and International Chairman, the Hon. Brinsley Le Poer french.

The Birth of CETI

By Michael Jeffries.

This article discusses a major international initiative by leading scientists to determine if civilizations exist beyond Earth. This investigation, the first of its kind, will be conducted by the renowned International Academy of Astronautics. If an "intelligence" is located in space, serious attempts will be made to communicate with them. The search is named CETI (Communications with Extra Terrestrial Intelligence), chosen because CETI is a star believed to have life-bearing planets.

Professor Rudolf Pesek, chairman of the organizing committee, heads the astronautics commission at the Czech Academy of Sciences. His group poses preliminary problems for scientists worldwide:

1. The development of civilizations and the possibility that other intelligences have discovered weapons like the H-Bomb and annihilated themselves.
2. Solving potential messages from outer space using mathematical linguistics.
3. The impact on mankind if another intelligence is discovered, which could revolutionize our understanding of life.
4. Biological questions about how extraterrestrial beings live, their need for air, and their appearance.

The article suggests that if life exists on Mars, there's a high probability of intelligent life elsewhere, confirming that life is not confined to Earth.

Contact People

By Phyllis Marie Wadsworth, author of Overmind.

This article explores the concept of "Contact People" who seek an expansion of consciousness, contrasting their methods with those who use drugs or Westernized Eastern meditation techniques. The author defines "Contact" as having complex ramifications, operating on technical, psychological, and even planetary levels. The article emphasizes that we are constantly making contacts through a complex web of energies.

It delves into the specialized contact of mind to mind, including telepathy and empathy. It also mentions instances where inventors in different parts of the world simultaneously discover the same thing, suggesting a mysterious connection through "etheric thought waves."

The article posits that the brain is a complex mechanical instrument capable of receiving and broadcasting thoughts and pictures. When the pineal gland is activated, the head can appear ringed in light and color, visible to the clairvoyant or through a Kilner Screen. These auric emanations are seen as evidence of highly developed sensitivity.

Through the brain, energies are generated and transformed, leading to a sense of "within" ourselves and others. This is seen as a door to a new state of consciousness necessary for the "new age." This energized sensitivity allows for higher contact with intelligences from other planets and levels of life.

Raising one's vibratory level opens new vistas. The word "contact" is presented as multifaceted, allowing individuals to choose which facets to engage with. The "Contact People" are those who discover and use this facility of expanded consciousness, bringing vastly changed concepts of life into world consciousness.

The article highlights the current era as one of "exciting possibilities" and "tremendous demands," where individual response will determine the ability to make speedy, accurate contact with others, nations, and planets. It emphasizes the importance of "Contact People" across all demographics.

Birmingham Meeting: A meeting at "Dr. Johnson House" on Friday, November 17th, saw a large turnout and several new members. William Herschell gave a talk on the movement. Fortnightly meetings are scheduled at the Friends Meeting House. Peter Coleman is the contact person for more information. The Birmingham group has started a newsletter called Theta.

A Matter of Evolution

By Neil Beverley.

This article challenges the egocentric view that Earth is the only planet supporting intelligent life. It argues that older red stars might host planets with more advanced civilizations, and that intelligence is not necessarily proportional to age. Planets that have avoided war might have evolved in harmony, developing simpler methods of space travel, possibly utilizing natural forces rather than rocket motors.

The author suggests that phenomena like levitation and materialization are not products of imagination but definite scientific facts not yet understood. The lack of understanding is attributed to plain ignorance and a fear of the "supernatural." While wars might hasten some inventions, they also lead to narrow-mindedness and a focus on destruction.

The article posits that a spiritual evolution went wrong in the distant past, possibly the "fall of man," and it is up to humanity to correct this fault and accept help.

Caxton Hall Meeting (August 26th, 1967): A successful lecture meeting was held at Caxton Hall, featuring Arthur Shuttlewood, author of "The Warminster Mystery." Johan Quanjer spoke about welcoming space people. A film on a skywatch at Warminster was shown, and Shuttlewood gave a talk on UFO activity in the area. The meeting was well-attended and thought-provoking.

Outlook for a Turning Point

By Philip Instone.

This article critiques humanity's current state, characterized by continuous warfare, widespread starvation, and self-indulgence. It questions humanity's ability to fulfill its potential and achieve a philosophical attitude in the universe. The author suggests that space craft from other worlds are visiting Earth to help during this time of need, citing their frequent sightings over the past 20 years and their presence in ancient scriptures.

The article links the increased activity of these visitors to humanity's capability of self-destruction through atomic weapons. It notes that UFO sightings sometimes occur after atomic explosions, earthquakes, and hurricanes, suggesting that extra-terrestrial beings are observing humanity closely.

The author believes that if humanity abandons wars and antagonistic behavior, new channels of "Awareness" can be opened, allowing for contact with more spiritually advanced "Space Friends." This would prepare humanity to make contact with people from other worlds.

Before achieving this, individuals must "tune in" to themselves, correct their mistakes, and penetrate the depths of their own minds. CONTACT (U.K.) is presented as a group dedicated to preparing for this future, forging a link between space people and humanity, and fostering a better understanding of mankind's place in the Universe.

"Horatio"

By Anne Patterson.

This article offers an observational perspective on human activities as if viewed from outer space. The author describes a complex and conflicting range of mental vibrations, likening the "receiving apparatus" to a sensitive instrument emitting explosions, crackles, and discordant tones, interspersed with a faint note of melodic balance. This apparatus is imagined as part of a highly evolved being.

The observer discerns centers of enlightenment and wisdom amidst scientific knowledge, greed, and inevitable warfare. The article questions whether an "advanced brother" would be wary of helping such "mixed-up savages," suggesting that suspicion and resistance would be destructive.

The observer notes the "spiritual suffocation" in cities, corresponding to atmospheric pollution, yet also observes alacrity of thought. The article suggests that if cynicism were possible for a fully integrated being, the animal kingdom might be considered more dignified and balanced than the human race.

Moving away from cities, even those working close to the soil or sea seem to possess wisdom and gentle strength. This discovery is seen as heartening, suggesting that initial contact might occur in an agricultural area.

The article highlights that increasing numbers of scientists are accepting phenomena previously labeled "psychical" as facts, forcing a breakthrough in fields like telepathy. It notes that "fringe psychology" is gaining recognition in academic circles, and that "spiritualism" and occult mysteries may hold "wide and worthy possibilities."

This, coupled with the recognition of latent mediumistic faculties, is seen as a significant step towards inter-planetary communications. The dim, unhealthy image of the seance-room is fading as knowledge illuminates dark corners. The article also mentions those who provide consoling messages to the bereaved and small gatherings where people seek contact with mediums.

Reports that "Sky Objects Were Planes Refuelling" Discounted

This section details an investigation into UFO sightings, specifically "flying crosses," reported in the Cambridgeshire area. John Cullum of the "Contact" group obtained an official denial from the American Air Force base at Ruislip, stating that the sightings were not due to refuelling airplanes. Major Westgrove provided this denial, which was reported in the Sunday Express.

The Sunday Express article, under the headline "Those Things In The Sky Were Not Planes Refuelling - Official," revealed that the Ministry of Defence admitted that the refuelling explanation no longer stood. There were no refuelling operations at the time of the sightings, which occurred between midnight and dawn. The Ministry conceded that the refuelling theory could not account for early morning sightings, leaving no rational explanation for the objects reported by patrolling policemen.

Doug Chaundy from Burnham-on-Sea provided further information. An official statement from Mr. Edward Bear, press officer for the USAF base at Ruislip, indicated that mid-air refuelling exercises took place at high altitudes (27,000-28,000 ft).

Questions in Houses of Parliament

Mr Rees, Under-Secretary for Defence (RAF), was questioned about unidentified flying objects over the Okchampton area of Devon. He stated that some objects were aircraft, while most lights were the planet Venus. He asserted that none were "alien objects" but acknowledged that a few lights were not positively identified. Standing instructions exist for Air Force stations to report unusual objects.

Mr P. Mills pointed out that "responsible statements" had been made by police officers and engineers about low-flying objects observed for over an hour. Mr Rees reiterated that investigations in recent years gave no reason to believe in "unidentified flying objects in the sense in which it has been implied."

The Daily Telegraph's science correspondent commented that the Minister's statement was unlikely to satisfy those who had witnessed these phenomena, suggesting "Unidentified but undeniable is still the only correct attitude."

An investigation into phenomena in America is being carried out at the University of Denver with a £107,000 allocation from the USAF. The correspondent suggested that the RAF should set up a similar investigating commission of British scientists.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the concept of "Contact" with extra-terrestrial intelligence, the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, and the idea of spiritual evolution and expanded consciousness. The magazine promotes a worldview that is open to the possibility of non-human intelligence and encourages a rational, scientific, yet open-minded approach to these subjects. The editorial stance is one of advocating for greater awareness, truth-seeking, and a unified global effort towards understanding our place in the universe. There is a clear emphasis on moving beyond "flights of fancy" and "woolly thinking" towards a more grounded, yet expansive, pursuit of knowledge. The organization, CONTACT (U.K.), positions itself as a facilitator of this understanding and a bridge between humanity and potential space visitors. The issue also highlights the challenges and skepticism faced by those who investigate these phenomena, particularly from official sources, while advocating for continued research and open investigation.

This issue of 'Awareness' magazine, dated November 1967, focuses on the burgeoning global interest in Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs), with a particular emphasis on developments in the Soviet Union and a significant wave of sightings in the United Kingdom during October 1967. The publication, produced by Contact (UK), aims to provide a platform for reporting and analyzing UFO phenomena.

UFOS AND RUSSIA

The lead article, "UFOS AND RUSSIA" by Ken Rogers, reports on a significant policy shift by the Soviet Union. It announces the formation of a commission of 18 scientists, led by retired Air Force General Anatoli Stolyerov, to investigate flying saucers. This commission is headquartered at the Aviation and Cosmonautics Museum in Moscow. The article notes this as an unprecedented reversal, recalling that in 1961, Soviet media had denied UFO sightings and attributed them to self-deception. However, recent statements by Feodore Zigel suggest that Soviet radar had been detecting UFOs for about 20 years, and that the speed of sighted objects supported a 'spaceship' theory. Moscow television has also confirmed that UFOs have been seen by many Soviet people, and the Air Force is reviewing cases, with thousands expected to be reviewed in the future. The new commission is expected to have a large full-time staff.

A LETTER FROM OUR INTERNATIONAL CHAIRMAN

Hon. Brinsley Le Poer Trench, International Chairman of Contact, writes to Sir, referencing the announcement of the Russian commission. He also mentions that 18 months prior, American authorities allocated £107,000 for a scientific panel headed by Dr. E. Condon at the University of Colorado for a similar purpose. Trench wholeheartedly agrees with a recent suggestion in the 'Science Correspondent' columns that the RAF should appoint a panel of scientists in the UK to investigate the subject, stating this should have been done long ago.

REPORT ON THE OCTOBER 'FLAP'

This section details a period of intense UFO activity in the UK during October 1967, described as one of the biggest 'Saucer Flaps' in UFO research history. Reports of 'Flying Crosses', 'Cigars', 'Saucers', and coloured lights came from across the country. The article attempts to present an account of the number of sightings and events.

Key incidents reported include:

• October 3rd, 1967: Tourists at Sochi, Russia, witnessed a sickle-shaped object followed by an 'unearthly wave of light'. A scientific observatory in the Caucasian Mountains also reported a 'strange and dazzling light'.
• October 11th: In Okehampton, an object was seen hovering, described as a large silver disc that changed colour and remained stationary for hours. The RAF's initial verdict was the planet Venus, but the Torbay Astronomical Society and others were baffled.
• October 14th: Mrs. Dorothy Wright of Northampton saw a gold, cross-shaped object.
• October 22nd: A round, aluminium object with windows, the size of a small lorry, was reported hovering at tree top level in Leyton before shooting off at high speed.
• October 23rd: Multiple sightings occurred, including a brilliant white light near Knottingly, an opaque silver object moving at great speed at Odley, a ball of light hovering 150 ft. above a field in Devon and shooting away at an estimated 2,000 mph, and another object seen near the Bicester to Oxford Road.
• October 24th: A bright, star-spangled light was seen by police officers near Holsworthy and Okehampton, which accelerated away from their patrol car. A second light joined it. Other sightings included objects over Norfolk and a round silver object with spikes seen by school children at Alford.
• October 25th: Eleven policemen reported UFOs. Sightings included a flying cross, dark coloured objects, and a dazzling object seen by former RSM Mr. Fred Davis. Pupils at Wellingborough School and Wells Cathedral School also reported seeing objects.
• October 26th: A bright light swooped out of the sky near Okehampton, described as a 'classic flying saucer shape'. Other sightings included objects at Trowbridge and Enfield.
• October 27th: Reports included a huge cigar-shaped object hovering over Eacup, a bright cross-shaped object at Stalybridge, white objects at Rotherhithe, and a bright orange light over Chelsea.
• October 28th: Sightings included an object at Sandown, white lights over Westminster, and a bright star-like object over London.
• October 29th: A bright red light was seen and photographed in Hastings. Reports of orange/gold cigar-shaped objects came from Islington, Ealing, and Muswell Hill. A silver cross with red tentacles was seen over Jersey, and an intensely bright white oval object hovered over Portsmouth Harbour. A landing was reported on the Sussex Downs, described as a yellow light, like a rugby ball, which later turned red and slithered away.
• October 30th: A cigar-shaped object was seen over Sandown, a UFO near Lewes, a large white object with two tails shot downwards near Brighton, and a bright cross-shaped object was seen flying over Fienton.
• October 31st: Strange saucer-like objects were seen spinning into the clouds near Yarmouth.

The article notes that the official explanation of the planet Venus was wearing thin, and the Ministry of Defence's explanation of American Air Force refuelling exercises was met with skepticism.

FLYING SAUCER LIBRARY FOR CONGRESS

Miss Lynn E. Catoe of the Library of Congress visited the UK to build a library of UFO literature. This work is in support of the Condon Committee's project and is financed by the Air Force. She has collected 800 titles and read them all.

AN OPEN MINDED APPROACH TO 'CONTACT'

Jeffery Eames discusses his approach to UFOs, categorizing himself as an agnostic. He emphasizes the importance of an open mind and logical investigation, drawing from his experience serving on a destroyer in the British Far East Fleet where he observed strange lights. He believes that it is unlikely humans are alone in the universe and that Contact's theories are feasible and worth investigating.

DOUBTS, BELIEFS AND CERTAINTY

John Henderson, a scientific journalist, analyzes people's attitudes towards UFOs. He stresses the importance of scientific methodology: observing, recording, relating, hypothesizing, rejecting, and researching. He argues that to convince a technologically-based society, one must use its own methods of proof. Henderson also cautions against too much conjecture and highlights the potential negative impact of ufologists on young students pursuing scientific careers.

PSYCHOLOGY AND SPIRITUALITY

Writing as 'Medicus', the author, a former student of psychology and psychiatry, discusses how his skepticism about UFOs has been shaken by accumulating information. He suggests that UFO sightings may indicate the probability of inhabited planets and visitors. He emphasizes the importance of self-knowledge, spiritual realization, and preparing to meet potential visitors with an attitude of love and service to avoid conflict.

CONTACT NETWORK AND EVENTS

This section details the activities of Contact (UK), including a proposed communications network for members to report sightings. It also announces upcoming meetings at Caxton Hall, London, featuring speakers like Desmond Leslie and Hon. Brinsley Le Poer Trench, discussing UFOs and spiritual evolution. Information on membership, recommended books, and a charity dance is also provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a rational, scientific, yet open-minded approach to the UFO phenomenon. It encourages detailed reporting and investigation, challenging official explanations when they seem inadequate. There is a strong emphasis on the need for evidence-based analysis and a belief that UFOs represent a significant, potentially world-altering phenomenon. The publication also touches upon the psychological and spiritual implications of UFOs, suggesting a broader context for understanding humanity's place in the universe. The editorial stance is one of active inquiry and a desire to connect members and enthusiasts to share information and foster a collective understanding.