Awareness - 1982-83 - Vol 11 No 1

Magazine Overview

AWARENESS, the quarterly journal of Contact (UK), Issue 1, 1982, is a publication dedicated to the study of UFOs and related phenomena. The cover is a plain green with the title prominently displayed, along with the subtitle 'The quarterly journal of Contact (UK)' and the issue details 'ISSUE 1 1982'.

Editorial

The editorial welcomes the new season of "AWARENESS" and expresses hope for an eventful year regarding UFO incidents. It notes that the predicted major planetary alignment in 1982, which was expected to cause devastating earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, has not materialized, suggesting the 'doom-mongers' were wrong. The editorial observes an increase in 'hostile activity' among Earth's inhabitants, citing Argentina's invasion of the Falklands as an example, and questions whether astrological factors or extraterrestrial influences might be at play. It mentions a number of recent UFO reports from South America. The editorial criticizes media reports for not serving the cause of ufology, referencing a flippant article in the Daily Star about Lord Clancarty and a segment on the Terry Wogan television show involving the House of Lords Committee and the Aetherius Society. The editor recounts a personal UFO sighting of an irregular shaped object with glowing areas, for which a photograph was taken. The article emphasizes the importance of not taking one's eyes off a UFO unless there are multiple witnesses. It also mentions an exclusive report of a hypnotic regression and the upcoming re-appearance of the International News Bulletin, pending the health improvement of its President, Ruth Rees. The publication schedule for "AWARENESS" is confirmed for four editions up to March 1983, without seasonal headings. The editor encourages members to recruit new members.

Report of the Annual General Meeting 1982

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Contact (UK) took place on Saturday, March 20th, 1982, at Summertown Church Hall, Oxford. A large audience of members and visitors attended. The meeting was chaired by John Sear, and the minutes from the 1981 AGM were accepted without amendments. The Treasurer, Derek Mansell, presented the accounts up to March 31st, 1981, showing a healthy surplus of £166.00 despite rising costs. All committee members seeking re-election were re-elected. Graham Birdsall, an investigator from Leeds, proposed the formation of a new group within Contact, to be known as the Yorkshire UFO Society (YUFOS), due to his success in recruiting members in the Leeds area. Concerns were raised by Terry Mills about potential fragmentation of loyalties, but Birdsall assured that Contact membership would remain the priority. The acceptance of YUFOS was to be discussed by the new committee. Birdsall also suggested organizing a future AGM in the Leeds area. The AGM concluded with the presentation of the 'Best Investigator of the Year' award to Graham Birdsall for his recruitment efforts and reporting on cases like the "Adamski Case".

Following the formal business, two lectures were presented. John Sear discussed local UFO sightings and introduced a new slide collection from the Data Research department, also reviewing significant global sightings. Bernard Delair presented an alternative explanation for UFO origins, postulating that ancient Earth civilizations possessed advanced technology, citing various mythologies. He suggested a catastrophe around 12000 years ago, involving Earth's poles shifting and massive floods, might have prompted these advanced races to build means of escaping Earth, potentially leading to what are now seen as UFOs. He raised the question of whether these ancient humanoid races are returning to survey Earth.

The lectures were accompanied by a Data Research exhibition of UFO material and aerial phenomena, with new photographs. A book stall was also available. The meeting concluded at 6:00 p.m.

UFO'S A REALITY OR NOT

By Derek Mansell

This article argues that UFOs have been present for many years, with records dating back to 2500 BC, and that they did not begin in 1947 with Kenneth Arnold's sighting. The author states that UFOs come in various shapes and sizes, with speeds ranging from 0 to 76,000 mph. He asserts that UFOs are real and likely man-made by humanoid types, possibly from outer space. Mansell shares four major sightings he has personally witnessed, including an object at least 250ft in diameter over New Zealand in 1957, and three sightings in Oxfordshire during the 1970s, one object being at least 300ft long. He notes that official bodies admit that 1-5% of sightings remain unexplained, but he believes this figure could be as high as 35% if 'explained' sightings were re-evaluated. The article details a perceived cover-up in the UK, where reports sent to the Police are forwarded to the Aeronautical Intelligence Services and then to the Ministry of Defence, which reportedly provides no details. However, it is suggested that the MOD has a serious Research Department dealing with UFOs, which might yield concrete results in the future. The article also lists rumored crashed UFOs with occupants, including incidents in Mexico, New Mexico, Heligoland, Britain, Spitzbergen, California, Arizona, Brazil, USSR, Poland, and Spain, suggesting that at least half of these cases are genuine.

Mansell also describes a specific type of craft, a domed object 75ft in diameter, seen in Britain between 1963 and 1980, which moves slowly with a loud droning sound and has been seen landing with humanoids emerging. He emphasizes the need to gain the confidence of the Police and authorities, noting that Data Research has a good relationship with them, unlike some other UFO groups. The author calls for more serious-minded programming on TV and radio about UFOs and criticizes the Terry Wogan Chat Show for making a "complete farce" of the subject. He reiterates that UFOs exist and are likely from outer space, and that landings and crashes continue to occur, despite a perceived disappearance in recent years. He hopes more people will actively work to end the cover-up of UFO material.

Overseas Reports

PHYSICAL EFFECT AT KAMPUNG BEREMBANG

By Ahmad Jamaludin

This report investigates a UFO incident in Kampung Berembang, near Port Klang, Malaysia, in June 1980, which some considered a hoax. The area had a history of UFO sightings in the 1950s. The incident occurred three days after a major port fire and subsequent explosions. Three witnesses reported seeing an Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) shoot a laser beam onto a squatter house, starting a fire that destroyed two houses and a sundry shop. The object was described as luminous, bluish-red, spinning, and about the size of a large beach ball, hovering about 30 feet above oil installations. The witnesses fled due to fear of explosions. Later, they informed the Selangor CPO, Datuk P Alagendra. One witness mentioned that the Subang International Airport's radar control centre detected a UFO around the same time, but this could not be confirmed. Datuk Alagendra suggested the fire might have been caused by a mosquito coil.

STRANGE ENCOUNTERS IN LUMUT

By Ahmad Jamaludin

This article reports on strange manifestations near a school in Lumut, Malaysia, occurring two weeks after the Kampung Beremban case. The author managed to interview one witness. The events involved miniature figures, described as very hairy, monkey-like, about 2 inches tall, dressed in white suits and hats, and carrying packs and weapons. One entity did not appear to touch the ground. Earlier, a schoolgirl encountered a large, hairy, monkey-like creature that suddenly shrunk to a few inches tall. Teachers and students searched the area and claimed to have sighted three entities dressed in white, carrying packs. Some reported that the entities boarded a small UFO and took off. The presence of a UFO at the scene is uncertain, but a small UFO was sighted low over the area three days later.

THE PHAISTOS PUZZLE

By John G. Williams, Abergavenny

This article discusses the Phaistos disc, an ancient clay disc found in Crete, dating back approximately 4,000 years, which features impressed symbols. The author notes that while many people enjoy solving puzzles, the Phaistos disc remains one of the oldest unsolved puzzles. He references an illustration from the "Herakleion Museum, Illustrated Guide to the Museum" by J.A. Sakellarakis, Ph.D. The disc's inscriptions, arranged in a spiral, are described as the earliest known example of printing. There are 45 symbols, possibly representing syllables or ideograms, including human and animal figures. The script and language are believed to be Minoan, with similar script found on an inscribed axe from Arkalochori. Despite numerous attempts, the disc has not been deciphered. The most probable theory suggests the inscriptions form a religious hymn. The author proposes a new approach to solving the puzzle, having discovered a "secret system" he calls the "Pi design," based on the numbers 22 and 7. He found this design on the disc, noting symbols with a dot in the center of a circle of six equally spaced dots, all within a larger circle.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Awareness magazine revolve around UFO phenomena, including sightings, alleged crashes, and potential government cover-ups. There is a strong emphasis on the reality of UFOs and the belief that they are not terrestrial in origin. The magazine also explores connections between UFOs and ancient civilizations, suggesting advanced technologies and possible extraterrestrial influences on Earth's history. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocating for greater transparency and serious investigation into UFOs, criticizing media sensationalism and urging for a cessation of the perceived cover-up of UFO material. The publication aims to provide a platform for detailed reports and alternative theories within the field of ufology.

This issue of "Awareness" magazine, dated 1982, focuses on two primary areas: the interpretation of symbols found on the ancient Phaistos Disc and a detailed account of a UFO close contact case. The magazine also features a section of "Selected UFO Reports" from various global locations.

The Phaistos Disc Symbols

The article begins by discussing a symbol known in the ancient world as a sacred symbol, representing God. This symbol, referred to as the '7 dotted circle symbol', features 7 dots and, when its dots are joined, forms two equilateral triangles, creating a six-pointed star or the Seal of Solomon. The author notes that 15 of these symbols appear on the Phaistos Disc, making it a frequently used symbol on that side. Another prominent symbol is the 'hairy head symbol', representing a man's head with hair standing upright. The article details the frequency and placement of these symbols on the disc, noting that 12 'hairy head' symbols appear before 12 '7 dotted circle' symbols as one moves towards the center. The 'shirt symbol' is also discussed as the third most frequent symbol. The total count of symbols on the disc is estimated at 120, with the numbers 30 and 120 appearing in a clockwise manner, suggesting a connection to time measurements.

The author further explores the connection between these symbols and ancient powers and forces, suggesting that dowsers familiar with these concepts can detect them. A special dowsing technique was used to ascertain that the first 7 dotted circles correspond to 7 'Power Bands' found on prehistoric standing stones, or the lowest 7 divisions of a 'Pi design'. Subsequent groups of dotted circles are linked to higher divisions or spiritual planes. The article suggests that the design on the Phaistos Disc, despite its appearance, contains too many exact alignments to be accidental, hinting at a deliberate and meaningful arrangement.

UFO Close Contact Case

The main feature of this issue is a detailed report of a UFO close contact case investigated by Anthony Dodd. The incident occurred on Thursday, 4th March 1982, near Skipton in North Yorkshire, involving a 36-year-old married woman. The witness, driving alone at night, reported seeing unusual lights, including a royal blue and a red light, positioned side-by-side behind her car. These lights were described as bright but soft. Subsequently, a beam of white light illuminated the road ahead of her vehicle, forming a circle of light. During this encounter, the witness felt unusually cold despite her car heater working, and became aware of an overall silence, with her engine sounding louder.

After the lights suddenly went out, a large lorry appeared. The witness arrived home later than usual, visibly shaken and physically drained, a condition that lasted for about a week. Her husband confirmed her disturbed state and her remarkable memory. A second interview, accompanied by Graham Birdsall, yielded an identical account. To gain further details, the witness agreed to undergo hypnosis.

During a hypnotic session on 4th May 1982, the witness described being followed by two lights (red and blue) and hearing a soft buzzing sound. She felt cold and experienced a tingling sensation. Under hypnosis, she described a bright light coming through a veil, and she began to gyrate her body. She also reported feeling something soft and fluffy holding her legs down, and that she could not move her arms. The session was terminated due to the late hour. A further hypnotic session was scheduled to explore extraordinary possibilities, including the idea that some UFOs might be guardians of the earth.

Selected UFO Reports

This section presents a compilation of UFO sightings from various locations and dates in 1980:

• 17th March 1980, Wardville, USA: A woman saw an unusual object, five or six times larger than a star, descending towards the ground.
• 17th April 1980, Sauk Centre, USA: A man observed an orange-coloured globe rotating erratically, emitting matter, at an altitude of 100 feet.
• 1st May 1980, Kidderminster, UK: Several people witnessed an object the size of a full moon glide, hover, and descend quickly, emitting a large glow.
• 30th May 1980, Mitcham, UK: A witness saw a dark greyish-black, perfectly round cloud that dematerialised after two minutes.
• 7th June 1980, 6 miles N. of Netts, UK: A family observed five egg-shaped objects flying low with flashing red and green lights.
• 12th June 1980, Liverpool, UK: Witnesses saw a silvery-grey object with red and amber lights, which rose vertically and disappeared.
• 14th June 1980, Rafaela, Argentina: Railroad workers reported a fleet of UFOs flying East to West, leaving a trail of lights.
• 14th June 1980, San Jose, Uruguay: A witness encountered two strange humanoids, resulting in burns and scorch marks.
• 14th June 1980, Montevideo, Uruguay: Witnesses saw a white globe-shaped object travelling fast and then dematerialising.
• 17th June 1980, Petosky, USA: Witnesses saw five egg-shaped objects flying very low with flashing red and green lights.
• 21st June 1980, Shelley, USA: A family saw a cigar-shaped object at tree-top level which was glowing.
• June 1980, Port Klang, Malaysia: Three witnesses saw a bluish-red globe-shaped object emitting a laser beam that hit a house.

Observational Calculations For Investigators

This section, by G.E. Ambler, discusses the challenges of estimating the height and speed of UFOs, especially at night. It presents calculations for stationary objects based on the Earth's circumference and trigonometry, providing tables for height estimates based on the distance between observation points. It also includes a table for moving objects, showing estimated travel times between various UK cities for different types of aircraft and re-entry velocity, implying that UFOs could cover vast distances very quickly.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of ancient mysteries, particularly the Phaistos Disc and its potential connection to sacred knowledge and timekeeping, and the investigation of contemporary UFO phenomena. The magazine adopts a stance of open inquiry, presenting detailed accounts of sightings and analyses of symbols, encouraging further research. The inclusion of dowsing techniques and hypnotic regression suggests an interest in unconventional methods of investigation. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting evidence and theories without definitive conclusions, inviting readers to consider the possibilities and contribute to the ongoing search for understanding.

Title: ANOMALY REGISTER
Issue: 21
Date: Undetermined, likely around 1970s based on content.
Publisher: CONTACT INTERNATIONAL (UNITED KINGDOM)

This issue of Anomaly Register, subtitled 'SUNDRY FASCINATING ITEMS RECENTLY ACQUIRED FROM THE OLDER LITERATURE,' presents a diverse collection of articles and reviews curated by William R. Corliss. The content spans UFO phenomena, astronomy, geology, biology, and historical curiosities, drawing from older scientific journals and publications.

Visibility of High-Altitude Objects

The first article, starting on page 20, delves into the theoretical visibility of high-altitude objects, including aircraft and re-entering spacecraft. Using calculations based on the Earth's radius, it posits that a high-flying aircraft at 40,000 ft could be seen up to 500 miles away, particularly at night. Objects at 32 miles altitude could be visible from 1000 miles apart. The article discusses 're-entry velocity' (25,000 mph) and calculates how quickly objects moving at various speeds, such as 600 mph aircraft or re-entering craft, would traverse distances between British cities. It concludes that simultaneous reports of bright objects from widely separated locations within minutes are plausible under ideal atmospheric conditions.

Astronomical Observations

Page 21 features two abstracts from scientific journals:

The Intimate Solar System

1. 'Influence of the Planet Mercury on Sunspots' (Bigg, E.K., Astronomical Journal, 1967): This study of Zurich sunspot numbers from 1850-1960 reveals a periodicity linked to Mercury's sidereal period, with amplitude variations influenced by Venus, Earth, or Jupiter, suggesting extrasolar influences on sunspots.
2. 'Solar Activity and the Rotation of Jupiter' (Krivsky, L., and Pokorny, Z., Astrophysical Letters, 1971): Analysis of Jupiter's surface features between 1880-1968 shows a double-maximum relationship in their rotational periods corresponding to the 11-year solar cycle.

The editor poses the question: 'Do we really know all the forces linking the sun and its planets?'

Sulu Sea Seiches

This section describes 'crazy' tides at Puerto Princessa, Palawan Island, Philippines, characterized by rapid water level oscillations (seiches) of up to 3-4 feet per hour, occurring without much regularity. The period of oscillation is about one-tenth of the lunar tide, but the amplitude varies unpredictably. The cause of these perpetual seiches is a puzzle, though internal waves beneath the ocean's surface are suggested as a possible stimulus.

Ancient Discoveries and Natural Phenomena

Page 22 presents several distinct items:

Ancient Manmade Stable for Giant Ground Sloths

Scientists in Patagonia discovered remains of extinct giant ground sloths, including skins and bones with muscle. Remarkably, evidence suggests primitive man captured, confined, and fed these sloths, with a cave containing a 'stable' area and food supplies.

Natural Geometric Forms

An example from T.G. Bonney's work describes a mass of columnar basalt near Le Puy, France, exhibiting spheroidal structure where spheroids are enclosed in columnar shells, resembling 'Dutch cheeses packed in hexagonal cases.' The article notes that standard explanations like rock contraction and weathering seem inadequate.

Brainy Fish

This piece highlights mormyrid fish from African rivers, which have a high brain-to-body weight ratio (around 1/52), comparable to humans. Biologists hypothesize this is due to enhanced senses of smell, hearing, and lateral organs (possibly for electro-navigation) required to process information in their murky environment.

Evolutionary and Mystery Topics

Page 23 discusses evolutionary theories and reviews:

Are We Descended from King Crabs?

An article based on biologist Gaskell's work presents evidence suggesting vertebrates evolved from arthropods (like crustaceans). Despite prevailing views, Gaskell's table of morphological affinities, including the dorsal heart in Limulus (arthropod) potentially corresponding to a fatty tissue dorsal to the spinal cord in vertebrates, is noted. While other biologists dismissed these as 'coincidences,' the writer admits the number of such affinities was astonishing, raising questions about morphology as a measure of relatedness.

Book Reviews

'MYSTERIOUS HAPPENINGS' by Jeremy Kingston

Published by Aldus Books, this volume is described as sumptuously produced and of interest to ufologists and mystery enthusiasts. It covers topics like 'Riddles of the Air,' 'The Bermuda Triangle,' 'Fire's from Nowhere' (including ball-lightning and spontaneous human combustion), and 'Curious Rain' (sky-falls of various objects). The book is praised for its illustrations and eyewitness accounts, making it a potential standard pictorial reference. It also touches on other mysteries like the Marie Celeste and the Man in the Iron Mask. The reviewer, J. B. Delair, notes that while it doesn't offer new UFO insights, it provides intriguing sidelights and fresh explanations for riddles, recommending it for its index and reasonable price.

'DOOMSDAY 1999 AD' by Charles Berlitz

This review of Berlitz's book warns of prophecies of doom, linking them to scientific predictions. It discusses potential catastrophes like planetary alignment causing polar displacement and increased ice cap weight, leading to floods, or environmental ruin and nuclear holocaust. The book reportedly touches on periodic catastrophes, citing polar displacements within the last 100,000 years, with the last around 12,000 years ago. It also mentions discoveries like the Berezovka Mammoth and a 40,000-year-old horse found in Alaskan permafrost, and drawings of Noah's Ark.

Ria Vernon offers a concluding thought on shaking off gloom by recalling prophecies of spaceships and higher intelligence, suggesting belief and willingness to be 'beamed' are key to survival and a new beginning.

Advertisements and Publications

Pages 25 and 26 contain advertisements for various journals and publications:

• DEVON UFO NEWS: A quarterly journal by PUFOIC, covering UFO sightings in the West Country.
• LOST KNOWLEDGE: Information on reproductions of a 1885 lecture by William Wynn Westcott about 'ever-burning lamps' in tombs, and a monograph by David Medina on 'God's Weapon' (the Ark of the Covenant).
• FORTEAN TIMES: THE JOURNAL OF STRANGE PHENOMENA: Edited by Bob Rickard, described as packed with oddities and anomalies.
• LANTERN: A quarterly journal of East Anglian oddities edited by Ivan Bunn.
• WORLD UFO DIRECTORY: A listing of UFO organizations, groups, publications, and suppliers.
• UFO NEWSCLIPPING SERVICE: A service providing up-to-date reports on UFOs, Bigfoot, and related topics from a worldwide basis.
• BARGAIN LIST: A sale of books and magazines including titles like 'ALIENS ON EARTH!', 'UFOS OVER THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE,' 'GOLD OF THE GODS,' and 'BEYOND THIS HORIZON.'

Contact information is provided for ordering these publications, primarily through Lionel Beer and Contact International (United Kingdom).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the unexplained, the anomalous, and the fringes of scientific understanding. There's a consistent interest in phenomena that challenge conventional explanations, whether it's the visibility of unidentified objects, the interconnectedness of celestial bodies, unusual natural occurrences, or historical mysteries. The editorial stance, as suggested by the publication's title and the curated content, is one of open inquiry into subjects often relegated to the periphery of mainstream science, presenting evidence and theories from older or less conventional sources for the reader's consideration. The inclusion of book reviews and advertisements for specialized journals further reinforces this focus on exploring diverse and often obscure topics.