Awareness - 1982-83 - Vol 11 No 2

Magazine Overview

AWARENESS, the quarterly journal of Contact (UK), Issue 2, 1982, presents a collection of articles and reports related to UFO phenomena and related investigations. The cover is a simple light blue with the title prominently displayed.

Editorial

The editorial reflects on the relative quietness of UFO sightings during the summer of 1982, contrasting it with the media's focus on events like the Falklands war. The editor notes that while activity might remain constant, media reporting varies. The administration of the organization has been modified, with the International Advisory Council merged with the UK Committee to form the CONTACT INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL. The President, Ruth Rees, has explained these changes, and a new Constitution is being prepared. The annual get-together is planned as an informal meeting for investigators. New members are encouraged to order car-stickers. The editor also shares a personal experience of visiting unusual megalithic sites in Brittany, France, and invites members to report similar mysterious locations.

Newsletter from the President

Ruth Rees, President, returns with a newsletter after a hiatus due to personal circumstances, including hospitalization. She highlights the flourishing new branch in Malta and mentions contact with the South African branch. Rees invites overseas readers to form Contact International groups in their regions, emphasizing that only four people are needed. She acknowledges a perceived lull in UFO sightings but stresses that reporting and investigation must continue, as the collected data will be vital in the future. She also announces that Malta has requested an official document for their branch, and steps are being taken to provide such documentation for other overseas branches.

Major Changes in Contact International

This section details significant organizational restructuring. The Advisory Council and the C.I. (U.K.) Committee have merged into a single Contact International Council. This aims to streamline operations and provide more stability. Annual Contact International Conferences will replace AGMs. The Founder President, Lord Clancarty, is mentioned for his work with a UFO committee in the House of Lords. The Data Research Centre in Oxford, headed by Derek Mansell, is highlighted as a unique and crucial resource for the organization. The President emphasizes that Contact International's focus is strictly on UFO research, differentiating it from cults or fringe groups, and membership is open to serious students with an objective and scientific approach.

A new feature, a column for general advertisements, is introduced.

Green Land Beyond the Pole

By R. W. Tibbitts, this article explores the theory that the source of many UFOs lies within the Earth. It discusses the idea of a doughnut-shaped Earth with unexplored land inhabited by a higher intelligence. These beings are suggested to be the source of legends about fairies, demons, and gnomes. The article posits that these beings may deliberately mislead contactees about their origins (e.g., Venus or distant galaxies) and that their messages often concern warnings about the misuse of atomic energy and pollution. The author questions why these beings contact ordinary people and links UFO appearances to catastrophes like earthquakes and atomic bomb tests.

The article then delves into Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd's 1947 expedition to Antarctica. It details the scale of the expedition, its equipment, and its discoveries, including mountain peaks, new islands, and a remarkable 'lake oasis' devoid of ice, with peculiar colored lakes and mounds. The possibility of warm enough conditions for human settlements is raised. Further discoveries included a reddish mountain range and a vast area of new territory photographed beyond the South Pole. The author speculates whether UFOs might originate from this unexplored region beyond the pole, or from other unexplored areas like dense jungles or the oceans.

Direct Tape Reports: No. 1

This section introduces a new feature intended to publish extracts from witness tape recordings of UFO sightings. The first report is from 'Joan,' who lives in an isolated area near Cuddesdon, Oxfordshire. She recounts two incidents. The first involved seeing several lights, described as fog lamps, in a field, one of which detached and approached her before receding. The second, more significant sighting occurred several evenings later. While sitting in her television room, she and her husband witnessed a brilliant white object, glowing intensely, which rose rapidly and disappeared. They described it as wedge-shaped, with reddish-orangy and greenish glows, and noted its incredible speed. They concluded it was a physical UFO.

The report also includes an account from a Pentecostal Evangelist who described a UFO landing on a farm in North Norway and a subsequent contact. He also shared an experience of two Christians who saw a 'clock-like' machine land, which then ascended at tremendous speed. The Evangelist noted that when they got out of their car, the machine had changed color from brown to green, suggesting it had been affected by a magnetic field.

The section concludes with a personal observation from the contributor that whenever they have spoken about sighting a UFO, the person they spoke to has also seen one.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature and origin of UFOs, the importance of diligent reporting and investigation, and the organizational structure of UFO research groups. The editorial stance, as articulated by the editor and president, is one of serious, objective, and scientific inquiry into the UFO phenomenon, explicitly distancing the organization from cults and fringe elements. There is a clear emphasis on collecting and analyzing data, with a forward-looking perspective on its future utility. The issue also touches upon the role of media in reporting such phenomena and explores speculative theories about UFO origins, including extraterrestrial and ultraterrestrial hypotheses, as well as historical expeditions like Byrd's in Antarctica.

This issue of UFO REVIEW, identified as issue number 10 and volume 1, was published in 1982. The cover headline prominently features "EVANESCENT PHENOMENA" by Michael C. Soper. The magazine's price is listed as £1.50 and its ISSN is 0263-1156.

Evanescent Phenomena by Michael C. Soper

Michael C. Soper's article, "EVANESCENT PHENOMENA," explores the nature of brief UFO sightings, which often last less than a second. Soper argues that dismissing these sightings due to their brevity is unfair and based on flawed assumptions. He challenges the idea that such phenomena are purely illusions or delusions, suggesting that the distinction between physical and psychic phenomena is blurred, especially for short-duration events.

Soper draws parallels with quantum physics, referencing the work of John A. Wheeler, Michael Talbot, and Fritjof Capra. He discusses the concept of a "reality-structurer," which he links to the Jungian "collective Unconscious," as the mechanism that selects which reality is perceived from multiple possibilities. This "reality-structurer" might explain how a UFO could be both a psychic projection and a physical object existing in an "evanescent mode."

The article questions our perception of reality, particularly our assumption of living in three dimensions. It references R. Penrose's work on quantum mechanics and dimensionality, suggesting that our perceived three-dimensional space might be related to the use of complex numbers in quantum states. Soper also touches upon the idea of multiple time dimensions, proposing that while memory might only record one path, the potential for other time paths exists.

He further explores the role of the collective unconscious as a "reality-structurer," suggesting that UFO sightings could be glimpses of one possible world. Soper posits that evanescent events are real and that the prejudice against them stems from a persistent, erroneous view of the world. He also references C.J. Jung's work, which considered early UFO reports as evidence of a modern myth. Soper speculates that if other sentient species have a collective unconscious, there might be a common super-collective-unconscious linking all intelligent life, potentially explaining shared archetypes like the "alien."

Soper concludes by urging a re-examination of UFO reports and evanescent phenomena as "meaning" or messages, as the collective unconscious has the power to form events. He hypothesizes that UFOs might exist in dimensions we have lost, appearing as quantum numbers, which could explain their radioactive nature.

UFO Incident at Hydro-Electric Installation by Brian Burden

Brian Burden presents an account of a "UFO INCIDENT AT HYDRO-ELECTRIC INSTALLATION," attributed to the late Willy Ley. Ley, a German rocket pioneer who later worked in America, wrote this account in 1940, predating the Kenneth Arnold sighting by seven years. The story, presented as fiction under the pseudonym "Robert Willey" in an anthology called "The Expert Dreamers," describes a spectacular UFO event.

According to the account, electrical disturbances occurred at a hydro-electric dam, with gauges behaving erratically and warning lights flashing. Simultaneously, telephone bells rang, and radio signals were disrupted by static. Staff observed "three dirigibles" cruising low over the forest towards the dam. These objects were described as large, unsupported hulls resembling airplane fuselages, with no visible motors or wings, and occasionally emitting luminous spirals.

When a searchlight was shone on one of the UFOs, it responded with a "vivid, destructive beam." The ships then settled near the dam and began to drain power from the grid. Aircraft were dispatched, with one reporting that others had "broken to pieces in mid-air," a detail Burden likens to the later fate of Captain Mantell.

Burden notes that Ley's story includes many elements that would become standard in UFO lore, such as the "dirigibles" later being sighted globally and discharging "a bright ball of light." An official investigation, reminiscent of Project Sign, found no evidence that such ships had been built elsewhere. The astronomer Prof. Hasgrave proposed they were "arrivals from another planet."

Ley's decision to present this as fiction is attributed by Burden to the story being a compilation of truths, possibly suppressed by the US government due to wartime anxieties and the public's memory of Orson Welles' "War of the Worlds" broadcast. Burden suggests that while the government might have suppressed information about interplanetary visitation, it couldn't prevent its circulation within the scientific community interested in rocketry. He implies that the US government may have been withholding information about UFOs for years.

UFO Close Contact Case: Part Two by Anthony Dodd

This section details a hypnotic regression session conducted by Investigator Anthony Dodd and hypnotist Graham Birdsall with a subject identified as "Mrs. x" on May 20, 1982. The session lasted from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

During the regression, "Mrs. x" reported seeing "sparkling" lights, described as "wiggly, wiggly, wiggly, dark and light," and "pale green." She initially felt a pressure in her lower back, which she asked to be removed. Later, she described bright lights in her side mirror and little lights scattered about, as if someone was trying to overtake her. She felt a sense of apprehension, with her cheeks and hands feeling hot.

The subject reported the lights were "slowly, slowly going round" and that she was unsure if she was still in her car. She confirmed the lights were above the car and that there was no noise, indicating it was not a helicopter. The road surface was described as smooth, and her car engine was very quiet.

She then experienced a tingling sensation, which she described as "funny, funny feeling, feeling creeping over me." She also felt something rubbing on her back, which she had previously asked to be taken away.

When asked about the lights again, she described a beam coming down and another light flashing in her face, which was "very white, very, very white," overwhelming the headlights. The light was described as coming from the sky, from the right-hand side, and then it was gone. She also mentioned a "big beam came down."

Later in the session, "Mrs. x" reported a pressure in her head, described as "heavy" and "like a band" around the top of her head, which she could not touch. She felt this pressure increase when trying to think about the questions. She stated that "they" were wanting information and that "they" thought it was funny, implying a sense of humor. She felt they did not trust humans and were cautious.

When asked where they were from, the entities reportedly said "Distant Galaxy" or "Zircon." They indicated they were guardians and protected humans, stating they had been doing so for "Centuries." They perceived the human world as "turning evil" and that "evil's winning," but suggested that if humans were careful, this could be averted. They communicated in their own way, not ours, and had many ways of doing so. They had the power to control humans but chose not to, and they were protecting humans from "enemies" from "far away."

"Mrs. x" felt she was sitting up and that the entities were allowing it so she could see them better, though she believed they still didn't fully trust humans. She described the entities as "very gentle people" and that they did not know what religion was. They considered her important because she was a woman, which helped communication. She felt like she was with someone "higher," sitting up "very straight, very proud, with my head up."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO REVIEW strongly emphasizes the elusive and mysterious nature of UFO phenomena, particularly "evanescent" sightings that are difficult to document and analyze. The magazine appears to adopt an open-minded, investigative stance, exploring unconventional theories that bridge the gap between physics, psychology, and the paranormal. The articles suggest that our understanding of reality, consciousness, and even dimensionality may be incomplete, and that UFO phenomena could be manifestations of deeper, perhaps collective, processes. The inclusion of both theoretical discussions and anecdotal accounts, including hypnotic regressions, indicates a commitment to exploring various facets of the UFO mystery. The editorial stance seems to lean towards the idea that these phenomena are significant and warrant serious consideration, moving beyond simple skepticism to explore potential meanings and origins, whether physical, psychic, or a combination thereof.

This issue of "Awareness" magazine, dated October 1982, delves into various aspects of ufology, featuring detailed hypnotic regression transcripts, selected UFO reports, and commentary on the field. The magazine is published by Contact International (United Kingdom).

Hypnotic Regression Sessions

The core of the magazine comprises transcripts of hypnotic regression sessions with a subject identified as 'Mrs. x'. These sessions, conducted by hypnotists Graham Birdsall and Anthony Dodd, explore communication with alleged extraterrestrial entities.

Session Details and Communications

In one session, 'Mrs. x' claims to be communicating with an entity named Zeus, who states they are from a distant galaxy and travel by 'beam of light'. The entity describes their powers and their accountability to a greater force, referred to as 'God'. Questions arise about the nature of these beings, their potential for evil, and their interaction with humanity. The entities suggest they are involved in a conflict with other 'evil' beings who plan to 'take over'. They claim to have visited Earth in the past, mentioning an advanced civilization that was destroyed in an interplanetary war. The entities also suggest that minds have a great influence and that a peaceful world would strengthen them and diminish evil.

In another segment, 'Mrs. x' identifies herself as Christine and then communicates with Zeus. Zeus explains his travel methods and the nature of his 'machine'. The conversation touches upon the concept of gods, worship, and the existence of other divine or powerful beings, including 'Narcias'. A significant part of the discussion involves 'men dressed in black' who warn UFO witnesses, and these beings are described as 'evil' and not from this world. A theory about an advanced race living inside the Earth is also explored, with the entities confirming their existence and hostile nature. They indicate a connection to the Bermuda Triangle as an entry/exit point. When asked about proving their identity, they state 'tonight is not the time'. They recall an advanced civilization on Earth millions of years ago that was destroyed in an interplanetary war.

Physical and Perceptual Aspects

'Mrs. x' reports experiencing physical sensations during these communications, including headaches and a feeling of pressure. She explains that she cannot 'see' the entities directly because her eyes are not accustomed to their light, and they do not show themselves in a way humans typically perceive.

Selected UFO Reports

The magazine includes a section titled "SELECTED UFO REPORTS" by D.N. Mansell, detailing several sightings from 1980:

• July 27, 1980 (N. Wales, UK): A witness fishing with his dog saw a bright pulsating light, an object landed, and a grey-suited figure descended with two others. The dog barked and ran towards the craft, causing the witness to lose consciousness. His dog disappeared.
• September 13, 1980 (Scunthorpe, Lancs): Two brothers saw a bright orange light in the sky that disappeared and reappeared before vanishing.
• September 20, 1980 (Twm Barlwm Mountain, England): Over twenty workers witnessed a UFO resting on the mountain, described as a massive white oblong object like a double-decker bus.
• October 29, 1980 (Newport S. Wales): An aircraft enthusiast observed a triangular mass of white light with colored lights.
• October 11, 1980 (Westbourne, Dorset): A witness heard a bleeping sound and saw a bright star-like object hovering, which then streaked off to sea at high speed.
• October 30, 1980 (Wigan, Lancashire): A woman observed an object with blue and red lights, which appeared to be revolving and was visible for 30 minutes.
• December 3, 1980 (Doncaster, Yorkshire): A witness saw a large brilliant light and a semi-circular object, with other lights joining it before it moved vertically and disappeared.

Letters and Editorials

Letter to the Editor

Margaret Fry, a North Kent Investigator, writes with sadness about the passing of Jean Hingley, a dedicated ufologist. Fry recounts Hingley's persistence in her beliefs despite ridicule and unfair treatment. Hingley's interpretation of her experiences is described as child-like and literal, akin to Catholic acceptance of events at Fatima and Lourdes. Fry also touches on the limited spectrum of human vision and how it might affect UFO perception.

Editor's Response

The editor expresses regret over Jean Hingley's passing and notes that she was the subject of a detailed report in a previous issue of "Awareness". The editor states there are no records of other witnesses succumbing to fatal illnesses shortly after Close Encounters, but considers it grounds for investigation.

Book Review

"The Cosmic Serpent" by V. Clube and B. Napier is reviewed. The book, written by astronomers, proposes that cometary intervention caused the termination of geological ages. It discusses cometary disasters, including the Tunguska event, and is noted for its illustrations but requires concentration to read.

Advertisements and Services

The magazine concludes with several advertisements:

• Small Advertisements: A section for sales and wants, with a 10p per word charge.
• Contact International Stickers: Vinyl car stickers for sale.
• Portable Wind-Up Gramophones and Old Valve Radios: Items for sale by D.N. Mansell.
• Stamps for Collectors: World packs and auction lots offered.
• Devon UFO News: A quarterly journal advertised.
• Lost Knowledge: Reproductions of texts on 'Ever-Burning Lamps' and 'God's Weapon' (the Ark of the Covenant) by William Wynn Westcott and David Medina, respectively.
• Fortean Times: A journal of strange phenomena edited by Bob Rickard.
• Lantern: A quarterly journal of East Anglian oddities.
• World UFO Directory: A directory of UFO organizations and publications.
• Bargain List: Books and magazines for sale, including titles on aliens, UFOs, and science fiction.
• UFO Newsclipping Service: A subscription service providing UFO and Bigfoot reports.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the nature of extraterrestrial intelligence, the methods of communication with such entities (particularly through hypnosis), and the documentation of UFO sightings. The magazine appears to take a serious interest in these phenomena, providing detailed accounts and encouraging further investigation, as seen in the editor's response to Jean Hingley's passing. There is an underlying exploration of cosmic theories and the potential for hidden knowledge, as evidenced by the book review and advertisements for specialized publications. The editorial stance seems open to the possibility of advanced extraterrestrial life and its potential impact on human understanding and history.