Awareness - 1978 - Vol 07 No 3 - Autumn

Magazine Overview

AWARENESS, published by Contact (UK) Publication, is a magazine focused on ufology. This issue, Volume 7, Number 3, is dated Autumn 1978. The cover is a simple orange with the title "AWARENESS" and the date.

Editorial

The editorial section, written by "The Editor", critiques the general quality of editorials in ufological publications, finding many to be superficial and lacking substance. The editor expresses concern about the proliferation of "unpardonable and quite unnecessary errors" in some UFO magazines, which can mislead uninformed readers into believing questionable theories, such as those of Von Daniken. The editor also criticizes the tendency towards "unbecoming dogmatism" within ufology, arguing that until universally acceptable proof emerges for any single theory, all possibilities must remain valid. Responsible ufologists, the editor contends, must avoid dogmatism.

The editor also notes that due to various reasons, not all correspondence received by Contact (UK) personnel can be acknowledged, but expresses gratitude for all submissions.

Articles and Content

This issue features a diverse range of articles:

"UFOS OVER EUROPE IN 1720–1721" by V.I.Sanarov

This article presents findings from a rare 18th-century booklet obtained from Glasgow University Library. The booklet, titled "An Account of terrible Apparitions and Prodigies, Which hath been seen both upon Earth and Sea, in the End of Last, and Beginning of this present Year, 1721," details events that Sanarov suggests can be classified as UFO sightings. These include:

• November 1720: The formation of a new island near Tercera, Azores, with five volcanoes, resulting from underwater eruptions.
• November 25, 1720: Great lights appearing over Bristol, England, with streams descending to the houses, creating the illusion of the city being set on fire. Simultaneously, streaming lights of fire and smoke were observed near Ley upon Mendip in Somerset Shire.
• January 14, 1721: A great globe of fire was seen passing over Bern, Switzerland, falling about six miles from the city.
• January 15-17, 1721: A great pillar of fire was observed over the mountains near Bern, which advanced towards the city, burst, and released three globes of fire that moved in different directions.
• February 6, 1721: A similar "terrible apparition" was seen at Frankfort, Germany, progressing northwards.
• February 19, 1721: In Rennes, France, a large, luminous, transparent cloud appeared, with stars visible through it. This was followed by brighter stripes resembling organ pipes that took fire and emitted flames, described as a "luciferous and transparent Cloud" with stars and stripes, which eventually disappeared.

Sanarov notes that these historical accounts share similarities with modern UFO sightings, such as large lights and cylindrical objects. He also mentions that the original author aimed to provide a "bare Narrative" based on public gazettes and news letters, raising hopes of finding contemporary local newspaper accounts.

"THE REAL ISSUES IN THE UFO FIELD" by Allen H.Greenfield

Greenfield challenges the common theory that UFOs are "spaceships" from other planets. He proposes that the UFO phenomenon might be better understood as archetypal and paranormal events within the framework of Jungian psychology. He introduces the concept of a "subjective theory," which views the UFO problem from a different perspective, suggesting that the nature of ufologists themselves provides clues to the nature of UFOs. Greenfield also critiques the limitations of established researchers like Dr. J. Allen Hynek and Dr. Jacques Vallee, suggesting their perspectives are constrained by their socio-cultural frameworks. He argues for a "radical rethink" on ufology, emphasizing the need for bold patterns of thought.

Greenfield also discusses the role of subjective aspects in UFO reports, citing examples from "Ufology Notebook" concerning red, white, and blue UFOs and a 1976 UFO wave in Lebanon Valley, Pennsylvania, which coincided with reports of airship cases from the 1890s. He notes that while hoaxes can occur, they do not necessarily generate widespread UFO waves. He also points out that public awareness of UFOs can be heightened by media events, leading previously silent witnesses to come forward.

"NOTES ON THE FOREGOING PAPER: A PERSONAL EVALUATION" by J.B.Delair

Delair provides a personal evaluation of Allen H.Greenfield's article. He agrees with Greenfield's call for a radical rethink on ufology but critically examines Greenfield's examples. Delair argues that while hoaxes can influence local reports, they are not the sole cause of UFO "flaps" (local events) or "waves" (global events). He contends that interpreting local flaps as purely subjective is unscientific. Delair also refutes the idea that specific colored UFOs in 1977 were solely a reflection of the U.S. Bicentennial Year, noting similar sightings occurred much earlier. He also questions the link between newspaper accounts of airship sightings and subsequent UFO reports, suggesting it's weak evidence for a local subjective reaction. Delair acknowledges that while hoaxes are part of the UFO landscape, they are often a small fraction of the total reports, and that genuine sightings can occur on a widespread scale, sometimes outpacing the detection and dissemination of hoax information.

"SIX DAYS OF SCIENCE" by David Medina

Medina examines biblical texts, particularly the Old Testament, from a material perspective. He suggests that some texts, when interpreted literally, could be seen as evidence of visitations by alien beings, referred to as "elohim" (gods). He discusses the acquisition of the two tablets of stone by Moses, which he believes were written by "the fingers of the gods" and were part of a technologically advanced Ark of the Covenant. Medina posits that the Ark was a "lethal piece of equipment" capable of producing electricity and radiation. He also touches upon the provision of "manna" to the Israelites during their desert wanderings, suggesting it was a mysterious sustenance.

Other Content

• Readers' Letters: A section for reader correspondence.
• Book Reviews and Book News: Reviews and news related to UFO literature by J.B.Delair.
• 1978-1979 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - ADVANCE NOTICE: An announcement for the upcoming annual general meeting.
• Recommended UFO Books: A list of recommended books on the subject.
• Advertisements: Various advertisements are present throughout the issue.
• NEWS FROM BUFORA: A report from BUFORA (British UFO Research Association) by Lionel Beer.
• The Contact (UK) Directory: A directory listing the national chairman, treasurer, secretary, membership secretary, public relations officer, research enquiries contacts, senior research officer, librarian & research programme co-ordinator, and archivist for Contact (UK).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of ufology, including historical analysis of sightings, the psychological and sociological aspects of UFO belief, and the distinction between genuine phenomena and hoaxes. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims and a call for more rigorous, open-minded, and less dogmatic approaches to the study of UFOs. There is an emphasis on critical evaluation of evidence and theories, encouraging a "radical rethink" of the field. The re-examination of biblical texts through a ufological lens is also a notable theme.

This issue of 'Awareness' magazine, identified as issue number 10 and volume 10, published in September 1978, focuses on UFO activity and related mysteries. The cover prominently features the headline "Australian Pilot Disappears After Reporting UFO" and includes a photograph of the pilot, Frederick Valentich. The magazine is published by Contact (UK) and priced at £1.00p.

The Manna-Machine and the Ark of the Covenant

The issue begins with an article discussing the Kabbala and ancient texts, suggesting that a 'Manna-Machine' described in the Kabbala and the Bible was a food-producing device, possibly a gift from 'the gods' or extraterrestrial beings. Engineers George Sassoon and Rodney Dale are credited with describing this device in their book, 'The Manna-Machine'. The article links this to the Ark of the Covenant, suggesting it was built by Israelites and contained tablets given to Moses by 'the gods'. It is noted that the Ark remained with the Hebrews for 400 years and was dangerous to those who did not know how to control it. The Ark was placed in the 'most holy' space of the temple and later hidden by the prophet Jeremiah. The article mentions a 1977 paperback, 'God's Weapon: the deadly Ark of the Covenant', by the writer, available for £1.00p. A cautionary note is added regarding the potential radioactivity of the Ark. The article also references a £1,000,000 prize offered by 'Cutty Sark (UK Scotch Whisky) Ltd' for evidence of an artifact from beyond our Solar System.

Selected UFO Reports

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to "SOME SELECTED UFO REPORTS" compiled by D.N.Mansell, covering sightings from mid-July to late September 1978. The introduction thanks numerous correspondents for submitting reports, highlighting the high level of UFO activity globally and the enthusiasm of the members. The following cases are listed chronologically:

• July 15th, 1978: Old Bexley, Kent, England. A witness saw a white light that changed to orange and split into two objects.
• July 22nd, 1978: Heanor, Derbyshire, England. A witness saw a green light that changed to red, performed a right-angled turn, and reappeared as two lights before changing colours and disappearing.
• July 24th, 1978: Wheatley, Oxfordshire, England. A member of Data Research saw an object resembling a helicopter with rotors and orange lights, emitting no sound. Civil and military authorities confirmed no helicopters were flying in the area.
• July 25th, 1978: Cleethorpes, Humberside, England. Three witnesses saw a star-shaped object that changed colour from white to yellow, orange, and pulsating red, moving in jerks.
• August 3rd, 1978: Darley Park, Derbyshire, England. A witness observed a small round red light that zigzags across the sky, turns yellow, and disappears upwards.
• August 5th, 1978: Putney, London, England. A witness saw an object resembling a plate with a hole in its centre, grey in hue, which abruptly vanished.
• August 19th, 1978: Kimberly, Nottinghamshire, England. A witness saw a bright light, initially egg-shaped, then double egg-shaped, move behind a cloud and not reappear.
• August 20th, 1978: Huron, Ohio, USA. Mrs Vera Perry saw a bright white light that began to revolve, flashing red, green, and blue colours, appearing to recede.
• September 2nd, 1978: Langley Mill, Derbyshire, England. A witness saw a large spherical white object travelling very quickly across the sky, silent and sharply defined.
• September 7th, 1978: Various localities in Derbyshire, England. Numerous reports of a round object sighted in the sky, described with various colours (silver, green, orange, white, red) and movements, including a bright light hovering.
• September 12th, 1978: Paignton, Torbay, Devonshire, England. An amateur astronomer saw a diffuse grey object of a precise cubic shape that split into two separate objects.
• September 13th, 1978: Swalecliffe, Oxfordshire, England. A couple saw a round, emerald-coloured object descend from the sky, moving swiftly and leaving a vapour trail.
• September 22nd, 1978: Whickham, Tyne & Wear, England. A witness saw an intense white light that switched off and on, changed position, and then accelerated towards him, accompanied by flashing and a crackling sensation.
• September 24th, 1978: Wheatley, Oxfordshire, England. D.N.Mansell observed a smallish greyish-white cloud that abruptly materialized into a transparent object or vanished completely.

The magazine notes that these reports are a selection and further reports will be published in the forthcoming Winter issue of 'Awareness'.

Australian Pilot Disappears After Reporting UFO

This section, authored by J.B.Delair, details the remarkable incident of pilot Frederick Valentich, who disappeared on Saturday night, September 23rd, 1978, after reporting a UFO near Cape Otway, Australia. Valentich, a 20-year-old pilot flying a single-engine Cessna 182, radioed Melbourne Flight Service Control at 7:06 p.m. reporting an unidentified flying object with four green lights chasing him at 4,500 feet. He described the object as a 'green light and sort of metallic light on the outside'. Ground control stated there was no air traffic below 5,000 feet. Valentich insisted it was not an aircraft, describing it as a 'long shape' and that it was 'coming for me'. He reported the object seemed stationary while orbiting him. His transmission then cut out with a metallic noise, followed by engine trouble. Valentich's last words indicated he was proceeding to King Island, with the unknown aircraft hovering over him. An air force search found an oil slick, but not the aircraft. Valentich's father stated his son had believed in UFOs. The incident is described as one of the best documented and most reputably backed stories in UFO history. Following his disappearance, hundreds of UFO sightings were reported in the Geelong area.

Coincidence? - Or A New Avenue of Approach

Written by Jenny Randles, this article explores unusual patterns in UFO investigations. It highlights John Keel's observation of a disproportionately high number of UFO cases in America involving individuals with the surname Reeves. The author also points to the events of August 15th, 1955, where multiple witnesses in Betley, Cheshire, observed a UFO similar to one seen by a lone witness in Shropshire, whose surname was also Betley. The article questions whether these duplications are coincidences or indicate new lines of investigation into the social aspects of ufological activity and the 'selectivity' factor in UFO behaviour.

Historical Cases of Pilot Disappearances Linked to UFOs

This section, continuing from the Valentich case, examines earlier episodes where pilots and aircraft disappeared under mysterious circumstances potentially related to UFOs. These include:

• March 1952: Wing-commander J.Baldwin disappeared with his aeroplane over Korea after entering a cloud.
• March 9th, 1955: A silver bell-shaped object was seen to 'swallow' an aeroplane near Paris, Illinois, USA.
• November 23rd, 1953: An F-89 jet from Kinross US Air Force base, Michigan, investigating a UFO, merged with the UFO's blip on radar and both disappeared.
• May 24th, 1971: Two MIG jet-fighters sent up by the Hungarian Air Force to investigate an unknown object merged with the object on radar and disappeared.

The author questions what becomes of airmen abducted in this fashion and wonders if Frederick Valentich has been added to this list.

Readers' Letters

The magazine introduces a new "Readers' Letters" section to involve members more fully. Several letters are published:

• Victor L.Harman congratulates the magazine on its 'Awareness' volume, finding it full of facts and stimulating articles.
• R.O.Ball expresses interest in the 'Bermuda Triangle' and proposes planning an expedition, seeking members with relevant skills.
• Hermoine Scrivenor criticizes the magazine as 'dreadful rubbish' and calls for more scientific facts.
• James P.Frampton is studying UFO activity in the Sheffield area and appeals for details of sightings.
• Gatan Lothimpran from Singapore appreciates 'Awareness' for helping him keep abreast of UFO literature from Europe and wishes Contact (UK) future success.

An editorial note provides contact details for Mr Ball's expedition and for Mr Paul Flatman, the new Public Relations Officer for Contact (UK).

Book Reviews and Book News

J.B.Delair provides a section on "BOOK REVIEWS AND BOOK NEWS", noting that some issues have passed since the last reviews. This section aims to cover significant recent literary efforts, with a selection of titles reviewed due to space limitations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, unexplained disappearances (particularly of pilots and aircraft), and the potential for ancient artifacts or phenomena to be linked to advanced technology or extraterrestrial intelligence. The magazine appears to adopt an open-minded but investigative stance, presenting various reports and theories while also acknowledging the need for scientific inquiry and caution. The inclusion of reader letters shows an effort to engage the membership and gauge their interests and opinions, ranging from enthusiastic support to critical feedback. The editorial stance seems to be one of exploring mysteries and encouraging further research into the UFO phenomenon and its potential implications.

This issue of UFO REVIEW, dated page 20, features a collection of book reviews, event announcements, and a comprehensive list of recommended UFO literature. The content focuses on various aspects of ufology, from scientific and historical analyses to popular culture interpretations.

Book Reviews

"The Cycles of Heaven" by Guy Lyon Playfair and Scott Hill

This 368-page book is described as a major contribution to the literature on human environment and behavioral patterns. The authors are praised for their diligence and fairness. The book is termed "monumental" for its detailed factual information across various disciplines, including "Cosmic Clocks," natural cycles, and the effects of electromagnetic waves and sunspots on human behavior, health, and even voting patterns. It also touches upon ufos and the Sirius mystery, and includes a bibliography and index.

"Close Encounters: The Strange Truth About UFOs" by Alan West and David Jefferis

This 96-page book is seen as a response to the film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." While its layout is considered excellent, its contents are criticized for lacking factual accuracy, coverage, and up-to-datedness. The book adopts a "nuts and bolts" approach, focusing on the extra-terrestrial interpretation of ufos and presenting it as a foregone conclusion. It is recommended for young readers or beginners but is deemed "a non-starter" for revealing the "strange truth" about ufos, looking nice but not being important.

"OVNIS: EL FENMENO ATERRIZAJE" by Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos

This 382-page Spanish-language book is hailed as a significant event in UFO publishing. It is praised for its exceptional standards, presenting important case details of UFO landings in Spain. The book includes chapters on investigative methodology and the spatio-temporal structure of the phenomenon, serving as models for future studies. It features photographs and line drawings, and a substantial bibliography of 550 references. A notable omission is an index, though an English edition is hoped to include one.

"THE JULES VERNE COMPANION" by Peter Haining

This 128-page book explores Jules Verne's career, interests, and achievements, focusing on his prophetic ideas about flying machines, underwater ships, and rockets. Verne's work is presented as a blend of factual research and imagination, influencing rocketry and interplanetary travel. The book includes contemporary illustrations and stills from films based on his stories. It is considered a fascinating read, particularly for its sections on aerial devices, and is recommended as a gift.

Events and Organizations

1978-1979 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (Contact UK)

The Annual General Meeting for Contact (UK) is scheduled for January 20th, 1979, at the Town Hall, Oxford, starting at 2:30 pm. Members require a valid membership card for admission. The event will feature a UFO exhibition, book sales, and lectures by British ufologists, including Norman Oliver on CEIII cases. A panel of experts will host a question and answer session. This year's AGM deviates from the usual London venue to accommodate members living further away.

BUFORA (British UFO Research Association)

BUFORA's 1978 Conference in Nottingham is described as well-attended and successful, with speakers from diverse locations. Proceedings are expected to be published. BUFORA was consulted by "Cutty Sark" (Scotch Whisky) Ltd. regarding a £1 million prize for genuine UFO or alien artifacts, supporting the promotion but preferring a wider range of prizes. BUFORA also hosts a 1978-1979 lecture program in London featuring various experts.

Recommended UFO Books

A comprehensive list of recommended UFO books is provided, including titles such as "Ufology" by J.McCambell, "The UFO Experience" by Dr. J. Allen Hynek, "UFOs: A Scientific Debate" by C. Sagan & T. Page, and "The Mothman Prophecies" by John Keel. The list emphasizes books regarded as reliable or significant for serious ufologists, noting that not all are currently in print and that only English-language books are included.

Books and Tapes for Sale

Several UFO books are listed for sale, including "Investigating UFOs" by Larry Kettelkamp and "The UFO Experience" by Dr. Allen Hynek. Cassette tapes on topics like "Space Visitors from Lanulos" and "The Truth Behind the Flying Saucers" are also available. Orders can be sent to Lionel Beer.

UFOs and Space Age Publications

This section lists books available from stock, such as "Animal Magnetism and the Life Energy" by Jerome Eden, "Planets in Trouble" by Jerome Eden, and "UFOs: Interplanetary Visitors" by W. Fowler. It also includes a list of cassette tapes, such as "Gray Barker on the Air" and "The Shaver Mystery."

LANTERN Journal

A quarterly journal of East Anglian Oddities, "LANTERN," edited by Ivan Bunn, is recommended, with a subscription cost of 85p.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue demonstrates a commitment to providing a broad overview of the UFO field, encompassing serious research, historical accounts, and popular culture. The reviews offer critical assessments, distinguishing between substantial contributions and less rigorous popularizations. The inclusion of recommended reading lists and event information highlights the magazine's role in connecting readers with resources and activities within the ufology community. The editorial stance appears to favor well-researched and comprehensive works while acknowledging the need for introductory material for newcomers to the field.