Awareness - 1984-85 - Vol 13 No 4

Magazine Overview

AWARENESS, Journal of Contact International, Issue 4, dated 1984-5, is a publication from England focusing on UFO phenomena and related scientific and astronomical topics. The issue features a cover illustration depicting a mountainous landscape with a prominent abstract structure.

Editorial

The editorial notes an increase in UFO sightings reported to Contact headquarters in September 1984, describing a period of intense activity with numerous reports of fast-moving silver discs and slow-moving objects. The editor expresses confidence in the genuineness of these sightings due to the lack of prior media coverage. The editorial also mentions the upcoming publication of statistical results from assessment forms for historical cases (Nos. 15 and 16), with Case 15 (Roswell) being viewed dubiously and Case 16 ('Close Encounters on the Cambrian Coast') impressing respondents. The imminent visibility of Halley's Comet is highlighted, with a monthly observation guide to be published. The editorial also discusses the receipt of declassified US government documents (from the American Freedom of Information Act) related to extensive UFO research in the 1950s, suggesting a deliberate cover-up and questioning whether this research yielded more knowledge than that of private investigators.

Contents

The issue includes the following articles:

• Editorial (Page 1)
• Halleys Comet (Observing Notes) (Pages 2-3)
• Australian Reports (Pages 3-5)
• The Power of the Ring by G.E. Ambler (Pages 5-9)
• North East Encounter by Ann West (Pages 9-17)
• Second Thames Valley UFO Flap by Data Research (Pages 17-20)
• The Mothmen by D. Ridge (Pages 20-22)
• On the Ufonauts and the Skygod by M. Soper (Pages 22-25)
• Advertisements (Page 26)

Contact International Council

The journal lists the key personnel of the Contact International Council, including Founder President Lord Clancarty, President Ruth Rees, Vice President Geoffrey E. Ambler, National Chairman (UK) John Sear, Hon. Treasurer Derek Mansell, Hon. Membership Secretary Mrs. Sandie Robb, Senior Research Officer Derek Mansell, Investigations Co-ordinator David Ridge, and Editor Geoffrey E. Ambler. It also lists cataloguing and typing staff, librarian, and cover design artist.

The publication states that opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Editor or staff, and contributors are responsible for factual accuracy. Material is copyright of CONTACT (UK) 1985.

Advertising Rates

Advertising rates are provided, with prices per page for 4 or 2 issues, and lineage rates.

Halleys Comet (Observing Notes)

This section provides details for observing Halley's Comet, supplied by the Royal Observatory. It notes that while experts do not predict a massive display, the comet should be visible through binoculars. The article explains how the comet's position changes nightly and advises observers to get away from city lights, avoid bright moonlight, and allow eyes to adapt to the dark. A timetable and diagram illustrate the comet's position in the sky from November 1985 to May 1986, as viewed from the British Isles. Key observation periods include:

• August and September 1985: Visible with large amateur telescopes.
• October 1985: Visible through small telescopes and binoculars, possibly with a short tail.
• November 1985: Growing brighter, visible at dusk, mid-month is moon-free.
• December 1985: Potential for naked-eye observations, constant brightness, visible at dusk.
• January 1986: Brighter with a tail, visible at dusk but sets before dark.
• February 1986: Visible in morning twilight, tail lengthening.
• March 1986: Visible in moonless morning sky with a long tail; the Giotto spacecraft encounters the comet on the 13th.
• April 1986: Below the horizon for the first two weeks.
• May 1986: Reappears in the evening sky with a faded tail, visible through telescopes until early August. It will not be seen again until 2061.

Australian Reports

This section details numerous UFO sightings reported to the West Australia UFO Investigation Centre. The objects are often described as bright orange, varying in size from star-like to a large ball, and have been observed pacing cars and aircraft. Several specific incidents are recounted:

• Mollerin, June 22nd: Two farmers observed and video-taped a bright orange object for over four hours. It was seen to move erratically and emit red beams of light. Seventy minutes of video and twelve stills were taken.
• Mt. Barker, May 19th: A bright light lit up a flat, and two large yellowish lights with a smaller blue light above were observed.
• Mt. Newman, June 9th: Two pilots observed a bright orange object approaching at high speed, which then stopped and descended rapidly.
• Mandurah, June 13th: Five witnesses saw a green and orange light stationary in the south.
• Vic. Park, June 14th: A man watched a lemon-shaped object moving over Perth, which shone lights on trees.
• Rocky Gully, June 14th: Two witnesses observed a bright orange object moving across the sky.
• Walpole, June 14th: Witnesses watched a bright orange object hovering and moving across the sky for five minutes.
• Kallamunda, June 14th: A woman saw a red/orange light that split into two.
• Mandurah, June 14th: A farmer was followed by a bright orange light for an hour, during which his car and he became very hot.
• Safety Bay, June 16th: A family observed a bright orange object that split into two.
• Midland, June 26th: A shift worker saw a bright orange object with pale beams of light, traveling from N. to W.
• Kallamunda, June 27th: A son and mother saw a red pulsating object moving slowly over the hills.
• Noranda, June 28th: A witness saw an egg-shaped red and blue object with a black object at the back.

The Power of the Ring?

By G.E. Ambler, this article draws a parallel between the mythical ring of power in Wagner's opera cycle and a potential source of propulsion for UFOs. It suggests that the unusual characteristics of planets like Saturn, particularly their low density and ring systems, might hold clues to advanced propulsion methods. The author postulates that UFOs, often described as discs or spheres, might utilize a gravity-defying ring system. The article includes a table of densities and surface gravities for celestial bodies in the solar system, highlighting Saturn's exceptionally low density and moderate surface gravity. It also discusses the behavior of gyroscopes as a potential analogy for how UFOs might achieve their exceptional maneuvers.

Descriptions of UFOs

This section references a previous Awareness report on "Honolulu Saucers 1950" and quotes a witness describing discs flying vertically with their edge pointing towards Earth, not propelled by jets, and defying gravity. It then delves into the mystery of Saturn's rings, comparing them to a potential UFO propulsion mechanism. The article presents data on the density and surface gravity of planets, noting that Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune have low densities and ring systems, suggesting these might be key to their stability and potentially to UFO propulsion. The behavior of gyroscopes is also explained as a possible analogy for how UFOs achieve their extraordinary flight capabilities.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, particularly in Australia, and the exploration of scientific and astronomical phenomena as potential explanations or parallels for UFO technology. The journal maintains a stance of investigating and reporting on these phenomena, encouraging members to return assessment forms and acknowledging the release of government documents related to UFO research. There is a clear interest in the physical mechanisms behind UFO flight, linking it to planetary physics and gyroscopic principles. The editorial also expresses a seasonal greeting to members.

This issue of Flying Saucer Review, Volume 33, Issue 17, dated 1987, with a cover price of £1.50, delves into several intriguing UFO and encounter cases. The main cover headline is "North East Encounters?" by Anne West, a Contact Investigator for Tyne-Tees.

North East Encounters?

The lead article by Anne West presents the case of 'Mrs. E.', a woman from the North East of England whose life was profoundly changed by an incident that occurred in 1977. Mrs. E. recounts an experience where she found a strange, egg-shaped rock with red lumps after witnessing a bright light descend from the sky and land in a field. Following this, she reported feeling watched, experiencing unease, and noticing men in black following her. Her friends also reported similar experiences, including being invited into a silent, strange car that seemed to move without an engine and disappeared after dropping them off.

Mrs. E. describes increasingly frightening events, including an encounter with a monstrous, fiery entity in a park, which she perceived as having a skull-like face and blazing red sockets. This encounter was accompanied by a strong, suffocating odor and intense heat, leading her to believe she was going to die and to pray. Following this, a brilliant white light enveloped her, and the entity vanished.

Further experiences for Mrs. E. included being taken to an 'inner world' where she met 'The Masters of Light'. She was taught various things, including about the organs of the body, and was told the name 'Kal-Houte' for the monstrous entity, though this information was later suggested to be incorrect. The article emphasizes the psychological toll these experiences took on Mrs. E., highlighting the difficulty of proving such cases and the potential for ridicule from the public and inexperienced investigators.

Analysis of Cases and Psychological Factors

The author, Anne West, stresses the importance of remembering certain details and understanding the psychological state of the witnesses. She notes that Mrs. E. was a young woman, recently separated from her husband, and a single mother, suggesting that stress and nervous tension could play a role in her perceptions. The article also touches upon the idea that the brain rationalizes the unknown, creating logical explanations or names for experiences it cannot comprehend.

West also discusses the concept of 'The Souls of Fire' as a mystical term for apparitions and suggests that Mrs. E.'s experiences might be interpreted as a 'Close Encounter of the Third Kind'. The lack of concrete evidence, such as the missing rock and the absence of corroborating witnesses, is acknowledged, but the case is presented as having similarities to other outstanding cases.

The Olaf Jannson Case

Another significant case detailed is that of Olaf Jannson and his father. They embarked on a journey to find the 'inner world', facing severe weather conditions, icebergs, and a lack of food and water. The narrative suggests that their minds might have created a protective illusion, such as perceiving sand as water, to help them cope with desperation. The case raises questions about the nature of reality, the power of the mind, and the possibility of 'out-of-the-body experiences'. The article notes that Olaf Jannson's father died, and Olaf returned in a state of hyperthermia, later spending his life in religious contemplation.

Other Notable Cases

Admiral Byrd's expedition to the Poles is mentioned as another case with similar characteristics, where extreme conditions were followed by a sudden improvement in the air, hinting at the body's protective systems and the mind's influence. The case of Betty and Barney Hill is also presented, describing their encounter with a craft and a light that seemed to slow down time. The article suggests that racialism and stress may have contributed to their experiences.

Scientific and Mystical Interpretations

The issue explores the idea that the brain operates on waves and that it might be possible to tune into these waves, similar to radio waves, to communicate with higher forms of intelligence or 'Gods'. This is presented as a scientific concept rather than purely religious. Mystics believe that such communication can occur through the 'breaking down of the body, to the rising of the mind'.

Editor's Note and Data Section

An editor's note comments on the 'Mrs. E.' case, noting that the manuscript appeared too tidy to be a day-to-day account and questioning whether the evidence was conveniently disappeared, suggesting the possibility of stress-induced hallucinations. The editor also points out the parallels with the Jannson, Byrd, and Hill cases.

The issue concludes with a section titled "Second Thames Valley Flap" by Data Research, which reports a significant increase in UFO sightings in September 1985. A table shows the monthly calls to Contact International from 1984 to 1985, with a peak in September 1985. Specific reports are detailed for incidents in Swindon, Aberdeen, Oxford, and Wheatley, describing various aerial phenomena including lights and disc-shaped objects.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Recurring themes in this issue include the psychological impact of UFO encounters, the role of the mind in perceiving and rationalizing unusual events, the difficulty of obtaining concrete evidence, and the potential for 'inner world' experiences. The editorial stance appears to be one of open investigation, acknowledging both the psychological and potentially physical aspects of these phenomena, while also highlighting the challenges in verifying such accounts. The magazine encourages a deeper understanding beyond simple explanations and advocates for better support for those who have had these experiences.

QUEST, Issue 19, is a publication focused on UFO investigations and related phenomena. This issue features a collection of UFO sighting reports from September 1985, primarily from the UK, alongside an in-depth exploration of the 'Mothmen' phenomenon and its potential connections to ancient mythology and extraterrestrial contact.

UFO Sightings Reports (September 1985)

The issue meticulously documents numerous UFO sightings, providing dates, locations, and witness testimonies. These reports span various locations across the UK, including Bicester, Northampton, Oxford, Abingdon, Faringdon, Radley College, High Wycombe, and Southampton.

• September 11th, 1985:
• Bicester, Oxon: A man and wife reported seeing two orange-yellow discs flying south towards Oxford between 9:30 pm and 9:45 pm. One disc flew straight, while the other bobbled. The objects were described as very fast and silent, with height difficult to judge due to haze.
• Northampton: A female witness observed a large orange light moving east, then west, east again, and finally south-east. The object was low, silent, and seemed 'lost', appearing larger than an aircraft landing light.

• September 12th, 1985:
• Oxford: Three nurses reported seeing three large silver discs, perfectly round and reflecting light, moving at high speed from west to east for about 10 seconds. A large crowd also witnessed this from the John Radcliffe hospital during mid-morning sunshine.
• Oxford: A single male witness saw one or two round silver objects moving very fast towards London during mid-morning.
• Abingdon, Oxon: Two housewives, using binoculars, viewed a very large object or area of sky reflecting sunlight, appearing huge and metallic. It was very high, with two airliners flying below it. The phenomenon was visible for 35 minutes from 11:05 am.
• Oxford: Several shining, roundish, and distinct objects were seen moving east very quickly around 10:20 am by three astonished witnesses.
• Faringdon, Oxon: At 7:20 pm, a woman and her family in a car saw a huge white light skimming very low across trees, heading towards Oxford. The witnesses stopped their car and were quite shaken.
• Radley College, Oxon: At 10:30 pm, a witness saw an oval pinky blur oscillating and moving fast south-east at an estimated altitude of 10-15,000 feet.
• High Wycombe, Bucks, Junction of M40: Five large, very bright lights, each described as large as a football, streaked across the motorway heading south at 7:45 am. The witnesses, two sales representatives, were shocked.

• September 13th, 1985:
• Southampton: Two sightings occurred of a row of twelve white lights seen at 2 am. The lights remained stationary for 15-20 minutes before extinguishing and not reappearing. The witnesses included a mother and her 18-year-old son, and an unnamed man in a second report.

• September 14th, 1985:
• Oxford - Faringdon Road: At Southmoor village, about 7 miles west of Oxford, witnesses M & F in their car saw a type of craft with powerful lights beaming down. They assessed the lights to be 50 ft apart, but could not make out the craft's shape due to glare. The object was low (about 20 ft above ground) and moving at 5 mph. It dropped over trees, veered south, and disappeared. There was no sound. The sighting occurred around 7:15 pm in dusk with cloudy conditions. An investigation team found nothing at the spot.

• September 17th, 1985:
• Nr. Mansfield, Notts: Two couples in a Ford Granada saw six blue lights, described as like a long fluorescent tube bent around each light and glowing brightly, moving from Newark on Trent to Mansfield. The object was circling low over Mansfield before shooting away fast.

• September 21st, 1985:
• Woodstock, Oxon, A34: Three young women travelling from Charlbury to Oxford saw strange lights on their left. There were two round white lights at the rear, one blue elongated light in the middle, and two more white lights at the front. The object moved at 30-40 mph at a height of 150-200 feet. It made no noise. The object turned north, and its rear lights were not visible. The experience occurred at 9:35 pm on a damp, cloudy night, leaving the girls frightened.

The reports are noted as first-hand accounts received via telephone, with excellent confirmation for sightings on the 6th and 12th September.

The Mothmen

This section, authored by David Ridge, delves into the phenomenon of 'Mothmen'. It begins by recounting historical sightings, starting with an 1877 report from New York of a creature described as having a "winged human form". Another 1880 New York sighting described a man engaged in flying with bat's wings and improved frog's legs, observed at an altitude of about one thousand feet.

The narrative then posits a speculative connection between Mothmen and extraterrestrial origins, questioning if they could have been angels. It cites a 1915 sighting in Portugal by four young shepherdesses who saw a winged, headless figure like a statue made of snow. One of these witnesses, Lucia Abobora, later became a central figure in the Fatima events.

Further historical accounts include a 1922 sighting in Hubbell, Nebraska, where William C. Lamb saw a "magnificent flying creature" with wings, at least eight feet tall, that left tracks in the snow. Sightings then reportedly decreased until 1946, when a wave of phenomena, including "ghost rockets", occurred over Scandinavia and extended to Britain and Greece. The Soviet Union denied involvement.

More recent Mothman sightings are detailed, including a 1953 incident in Houston, Texas, where witnesses saw a "huge shadow" that appeared to be a "figure of a man with wings like a bat", dressed in a grey tight suit, encased in a halo of light, and emitting a loud swooshing noise. A 1963 sighting in Hythe, Kent, involved four young people seeing an unusually bright star that descended and drifted towards them, appearing oval, gold, and imitating their movements.

In 1966, Mrs. J. Ikart of Scott, Mississippi, reported a "man shaped object fluttering about the sky." Reporters noted other witnesses. Later, four people at a wildlife park saw a large manlike winged being, described as taller than a man, grey, with large red eyes that seemed hypnotic. Most Mothmen are estimated to have a wing span of around 10 feet and can fly at speeds up to 100 mph. Some accounts compare them to angels or Jesus.

The article mentions the 1967 Silver Bridge collapse in West Virginia, killing 38 people, which some linked to an ancient Indian legend and Mothmen, though the connection is unclear.

The author concludes that the consistent descriptions of Mothmen across different countries and cultures provide reasonable evidence for their existence and suggests a possible connection with UFOs and cases like Fatima.

On the Ufonauts and the Skygod

Authored by Michael Soper, this section explores the broader scope of ufology and seeks patterns within phenomena. It introduces the case of Donald Shawcross, whose routine was disrupted on March 22nd, 1982, by strange animal behavior and a sighting of descending lights.

Shawcross investigated and encountered a pulsing red light in a field. He then saw a figure, about 5'6", wearing a silver one-piece suit with a helmet and visor, holding a metre-long metal rod. The figure identified itself as a "watch-guard" and stated, "I am not from here."

During their interaction, the figure conveyed messages about the need to stop wasting Earth's resources and to use nuclear physics for power and energy, rather than for domination. Shawcross was told, "I will show you how to dispose of your wastes and your atomic wastes; so that they will not pollute the earth."

Suddenly, Shawcross found himself much closer to a craft emitting a purple light. The craft opened a hatch, and a second purple light appeared. Shawcross's mind was then illuminated by images of pyramids and geometric shapes.

He asked the figure, "What can I do with this, where can I find this?" and received the reply, "Seek Itsamma." When asked about God, the entity conveyed the impression: "Believe that God and Christ were who we were taught to believe they were, because they are truly God of all things."

The figure confirmed it would return ("Yes.") and then vanished. Shawcross described the craft as resembling two bowls joined at the rims with an innertube, lit by alternating red and amber lights, which revolved rapidly and emitted a hum. The craft ascended and disappeared within seconds.

Donald Shawcross connected "Itsamma" to the Mayan God "Itzamna", son of Hunab-ku. He noted the duality in religious systems, comparing it to the Mexican Gods Ometeotl and Quetzalcoatl. Itzamna is credited with introducing maize, cocoa, rubber, writing, and agriculture, and was sometimes depicted as a lizard with an old man's head, associated with healing and the phrase "I am the dew of Heaven, the dew of the clouds." Itzamna is described as a sky God, archetypal and timeless.

Quetzalcoatl is also discussed as a Nahua God who invigorated cultures by introducing maize farming and writing, and promoted harmony with nature. He was known for not demanding sacrifices beyond snails, birds, and butterflies. His name relates to a green bird, snake, and water, and his color was jade. Quetzalcoatl also means "precious twin."

The article notes that while there is much material on Quetzalcoatl, less is available on his twin, Itzamna, possibly due to the Mayan conquest by the Mexicans. It is remarked that these three religious teachers of harmony were active concurrently.

Shawcross also shared observations about pyramids, stating no bodies have been found in them, they are slightly radioactive, and all are built on the 30th parallel, suggesting they could be used for storing radioactive waste.

He plotted UFO sightings within a 30-50 mile radius and found they were associated with high voltage lines, water, and pine trees. He believes UFOs represent a timeless principle of aid from the sky, symbolizing Balance or Peace in motion or evolution, contrasting with humanity's extremes of inaction and excessive dynamism.

Soper concludes that while these early teachers may not have been literal ancient astronauts, they harmonized with profound truths, possibly through the collective unconscious, offering a path to order and harmony.

References

The article lists references including "FLYING SAUCERS" by Jung (RKP), "WEST VIRGINIA ADVOCATE" (April 19th 1982), "THE HYNEK UFO REPORT" (Sphere), "TAOISM" by Blofeld (Unwin), and "MEXICAN MYTHOLOGY" by Nicholson (Hamlyn).

Advertisements

The latter part of the magazine contains advertisements for various UFO-related publications and services:

• QUEST: The Journal of UFO investigation, published by the Yorkshire UFO Society, available by subscription for £6.00 for 6 bi-monthly issues.
• WORLD UFO DIRECTORY: A listing of UFO groups, clubs, publications, photo suppliers, and newsclipping services for £3.00.
• UFO CORRESPONDENCE COURSE: A special course from Contact International covering historical facts, landings, alien contacts, UFO types, and more, for £25.00.
• UFO NEWSCLIPPING SERVICE: A regular service providing up-to-date reports on UFOs and Bigfoot from around the world, with a 20-page monthly report.
• BOOKS AND MAGAZINES FOR SALE: A selection of over 300 titles on UFOs and mysteries from Lionel Beer.
• PHOTOCOPYING SERVICE: Offered by Contact Headquarters for A4 copies.
• CAR STICKERS: Available showing UFO and Contact International logos.
• UFO AND SPACE AGE PUBLICATIONS: A selection of titles, including "George Adamski the Untold Story" and "Skycrash."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, the mysterious "Mothmen" phenomenon, and the exploration of ancient mythology and its potential links to extraterrestrial or divine intervention. The magazine appears to adopt an open-minded but investigative stance, presenting witness accounts and historical data while also engaging in speculative analysis regarding the origins and meanings of these phenomena. There is a clear interest in bridging the gap between historical accounts, modern sightings, and ancient beliefs, suggesting a unified underlying principle or intelligence behind these diverse events. The editorial stance encourages further research and information sharing within the UFO community.