Awareness - 1996-97 - Vol 22 No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: AWARENESS
Issue: 22:1
Date: June 1997
Publisher: Contact International
Theme: Fifty Years of the Modern UFO Era

This issue of *Awareness*, the journal of Contact International UFO Research, commemorates fifty years of the modern UFO era, spanning from June 1947 to June 1997. The cover highlights key topics including 'ANOTHER LOOK AT THE EAST ANGLIA INCIDENT', 'A POSSIBLE ABDUCTION CASE', and 'VIEWS ON CHANNELED MESSAGES', alongside illustrations of UFOs, airships, and balloons.

Editorial

The editorial, titled 'Nostradamus style', reflects on the Hale-Bopp comet and the tragic suicides of the 'Heavens Gate' cult, questioning the human reaction to cosmic events. It references a statement from the Pentagon asserting that the US government cannot substantiate the existence of UFOs and ceased investigations in 1969. The editorial suggests this survey period is too short to exclude later or intermittent alien visitations. It also mentions ongoing paranormal activity being investigated by CIUFOR members in the Oxford area, with evidence to be presented in the issue.

Contact International Council

The issue lists the council members of Contact International, including Founder President Lord Clancarty, President J. Bernard Delair, Vice President Geoffrey Ambler, Chairperson Brian P. James, and Secretary Frances Copeland and Louise Copeland. Other roles such as Treasurer, Editors, Administrator, and Liaison Officers are also detailed.

News in Brief

• Several short reports are featured:
• Midsummer Skywatch Washout: A coordinated skywatch by CIUFOR on June 21st was hampered by severe weather, resulting in no UFO sightings.
• Private Planetarium: John Napper has created a full-blown reflecting telescope and mini planetarium in his garden, offering views of the Hale-Bopp comet and a unique astronomical experience.
• Another Airliner Buzzed by UFO: The captain and first officer of an Aer Lingus BAE 146 jet reported a UFO on descent to Stanstead Airport, described as a red, white, and blue streak on a collision course. Investigations eliminated known aircraft.
• SETI Degree at Oxford: Andrew Clark, a philosophy student, is writing a thesis on the philosophy of extraterrestrial life.
• Internet Clutter: The Contact International website has been updated, but the volume of UFO information online is described as mostly 'drivel', making case retrieval time-consuming.
• 50th Anniversary Razzmatazz: Extensive media coverage marked the 50th anniversaries of the Kenneth Arnold sighting and the Roswell Incident, with many ex-airline pilots reporting startling visual experiences. A TV program revealed that 73% of its audience believed aliens had visited Earth.
• Visiting Speakers: Lionel Beer discussed the history of dirigibles and airships, while John Hanson, a former police officer, presented his investigational work, including collaboration with CIUFOR on unseen images in photographs.

Paranormal Activity Hits Contact International

• This section details three incidents reported by individuals connected to Contact International in the Oxford area:
• (a) A crackling ball of red 'energy' entered a consultant's house, leaving behind a detectable energy field that persists.
• (b) A large, smooth brown pebble, described as 'alive with strong energy', materialized in a member's hallway overnight.
• (c) A member and his wife were awakened by an intense, continuous siren-like wailing sound.

These incidents are considered 'enlightenment' rather than summoning exorcists, with further updates promised.

Sighting Summaries

• This section presents several UFO sighting reports:
• 15 February 1995 - Newent, Gloucs: A witness reported a large, bright object on the M50, followed by a memory lapse and a feeling of abduction.
• 9 March 1996 - Gloucester: A triangular-shaped object with a red/orange glow and blue/yellow circular 'cells' was observed.
• 3 April 1996 - Cheltenham: A 70-year-old witness and neighbors observed a bright red oval object beneath a white light for several hours.
• 4 April 1996 - Cheltenham: The same object reappeared, and footage was recorded.
• 4 April 1996 - Seaton, Cornwall: A large, rough oval-shaped light with a flattened bottom was observed moving slowly.
• 4 April 1996 - Basingstoke: A family reported seeing a 'comet' described as a ball of orange light moving along the horizon.
• 19 June 1996 - Cheltenham: A schoolgirl reported a bright orange glow and a cigar-shaped object.
• 25 July 1996 - Swindon: A diamond formation of 12-16 silver-grey triangles was observed at low altitude.
• 6 October 1996 - Stroud: An oval-shaped object described as 'eight Ping-Pong balls strapped together, shining bright lights' was seen.
• 22 October 1996 - Oxford area: A glowing white cigar-shaped object with flashing lights was seen moving slowly and silently.
• 22 October 1996 - Culham, Oxon: A witness observed a dull-yellow glowing cigar-shaped object, experiencing TV reception interference.
• 22 October 1996 - Bicester, Oxon: Three witnesses observed an illuminated 'powered barrage balloon' with navigation lights and fins.
• 22 October 1996 - Tingewick, Bucks: A white cigar-shaped object with green and red flashing lights was observed.
• 13 January 1997 - Thame, Oxon: Howard Ambler reported seeing an extremely bright white light moving parallel to the road.

Belgian Wave Explained?

This article discusses the 'wave of black triangle sightings' over Belgium, suggesting they might be explained by a high-technology aircraft called Lo-Flyte. However, it argues that the characteristics of Lo-Flyte (delta planform, wave-rider design, capable of hypersonic speeds but not hovering or vertical flight) do not match the reported Belgian objects (hovering, instant supersonic flight, vertical capability, shape-changing). The article concludes that Lo-Flyte does not explain these sightings.

An Encounter in Loughborough

An 81-year-old woman, Winnifred Howard, reported an unusual encounter involving a yellow-coloured patch of light with black 'holes', followed by a 'container' resembling a Zeppelin, and dull red and blue lights. The object appeared to be low in her garden before vanishing. A second object, described as an orange/red box with a halo and yellow lights, was then observed.

Australian "Abduction" or What?

This detailed testimony from 'Viv', a resident of Perth, Western Australia, describes strange red marks appearing on his body, a large red circle, and a 'face mask' shape. Viv also experienced a bald patch on his shin and a red circle on his leg, which he links to possible alien contact. He took photographs of the marks, which were fading rapidly. Viv contacted a local UFO group, UFORUM, and attended a meeting. He describes feeling a burning sensation and increasing concern from his girlfriend, May. The testimony details further incidents, including waking up with marks, feeling sunburned, and experiencing a blocked nose. May also reported seeing V. toss and turn in his sleep, with a strange light on his face.

The testimony continues with Viv waking up screaming from a nightmare about body parts. He also received messages about friendly visitors and a world ecological crisis. He attended a UFORUM meeting where he felt uncomfortable and found little support. He experienced further physical marks and his watch lost 10 minutes. Regression therapy revealed memories of being a young boy, a tall dark figure, and being carried by people in white.

The 'Comment by Editor' section suggests that the marks on Viv's body could be weals from sheets, but acknowledges that one photograph of 'phantom fingers' is harder to explain. It also notes that the physical encounter in the bedroom is unlikely as May would have seen the form.

Signs in the Fields 18th Year

Geoff Ambler reports on the 1997 crop circle season, noting a complex formation at Barbury Castle and other rings in rye-grass. New formations include a 'Tree of Life' mandala and a large hexagon with 'orange' trees. The article contrasts the sophistication of 1997 formations with earlier years and notes the global spread of crop circles, questioning whether they are all hoaxes. It suggests that the circles serve as a yearly reminder to pay attention.

The Heavens Gate Cult Suicides, Were They Induced?

Michael Soper's article explores the 'Heavens Gate' cult suicides, drawing an analogy between humans and ants observing the cosmos. It touches upon pheromones and the VNO organ, suggesting a biological basis for certain behaviors.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of *Awareness* consistently focuses on UFO sightings, alleged alien encounters, and paranormal phenomena. The magazine adopts a stance of serious investigation into these topics, presenting witness testimonies, research findings, and analysis from its council members. There is a clear interest in exploring the 'modern UFO era' and its historical context, as well as contemporary events. The magazine encourages reader participation through subscriptions and offers for sample materials. The editorial tone is generally open-minded but critical, seeking rational explanations while acknowledging the unexplained. The recurring theme is the persistent presence of unexplained aerial phenomena and related experiences, with a particular emphasis on abduction cases and physical evidence. The magazine also touches upon broader implications, such as the potential for extraterrestrial contact and its impact on human society and beliefs.

This issue of "Awareness" magazine, Volume 21, Number 4, from Spring 1997, published by Contact International, delves into the enduring mystery of the Roswell Incident and broader UFO phenomena. The magazine explores themes of government cover-ups, extraterrestrial life, consciousness, and the intersection of technology and spirituality.

Articles and Content

The Roswell Incident: 1947-1997 by Frances Copeland

This article revisits the Roswell Incident, fifty years after the alleged crash. Copeland questions the official narrative, suggesting a deliberate cover-up by the military. The initial press release from First Lieutenant Walter G. Haut, Public Information Officer at the Roswell Army Air Field (RAAF), reported the capture of a flying saucer. However, this was quickly retracted and replaced with a story about a weather balloon. The author highlights the contradictory press releases and the subsequent efforts to debunk the UFO story. The article details Mac Brazel's discovery of wreckage on his ranch, described as foil material with strange hieroglyphics and I-beams. Major Jesse Marcel, the Intelligence Officer, was involved in collecting the debris, which was reportedly ordered to be taken to Wright Field in Dayton, Ohio. The article notes that Stanton Friedman and William Moore have extensively researched the incident, interviewing over 90 people. It also touches upon the Santilli film of an alleged alien autopsy and a GAO report released by Congressman Steven Schiff, which indicated missing documents related to the Roswell case. The author concludes that the 'weather balloon' cover story has worn thin and that the communications surrounding the event may have been dictated rather than factual.

UFOs, No Defence Significance - The Debate Continues by Brian P. James

This piece reviews recent UFO-related events and their implications for national defence. It references the loss of TWA Flight 800, suggesting it may have been hit by an aerial object, and recalls other incidents like the downing of Korean Airlines Flight 007 and the Iranian Airbus. The article details an incident where two US Air National Guard F-16 fighters intercepted a Boeing 727, causing panic and forcing it to dive. The author questions why fighters were not scrambled to investigate UFO sightings in the UK, contrasting this with the proactive stance of US defence forces. The article also examines the East Anglia UFO sightings of October 1996, noting discrepancies and anomalies in the reports. It suggests that the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) may have a better understanding of these objects than publicly admitted, possibly engaging in a disinformation campaign.

East Anglian Sightings - Further Analysis by John Griffith

This article critically examines reports of UFO sightings in East Anglia, questioning the accuracy and coherence of the information presented. Griffith, a freelance writer with interests in aviation and UFOs, points out anomalies in the communication networks described, particularly regarding the interaction between different authorities like the Police, HM Coastguard, and the RAF. He argues that the described communication mix does not fit standard protocols and suggests that the information may have originated from the internet, which is prone to disinformation. Griffith expresses a desire for more concrete details about the tanker's activities and the communication methods used, finding the overall scenario implausible.

The Reading Tapes - Sequel by T.R. Dutton

This section presents an interpretation of a taped extract of a trance message published in 'Awareness' magazine. The message, described as UFO-related with elements of spiritualism and religion, is interpreted as a 'last days' warning. It refers to dying aliens and humans, reincarnation, and the need for spiritual healing. The author connects the message to Biblical prophecies, particularly the Book of Malachi and the concept of the 'Sun of righteousness'. The message suggests that souls have lived for aeons and that this life is merely a part of a larger journey. It warns of a 'localised counterforce' building up against the universal system of life, driven by a desire for energy rather than knowledge. The interpretation emphasizes the importance of rediscovering one's soul and warns against materialistic creeds. The article also includes a footnote from the editor, CIUFOR, confirming contact with the family in Reading and noting the unusual activity and uncomfortable experiences encountered during investigations with spiritualists.

Other Content

The magazine also includes a section on "Induction" and "Deduction," discussing brain frequencies, intelligence, and the effects of repetitive spikes. It touches upon the USSR and USA broadcasting on specific frequencies and mentions the Heaven's Gate suicides. A "Cautions" section warns against misinterpreting steady low frequencies as dangerous, contrasting them with precise, brain-affecting frequencies. A "Comment" section discusses choice and the implications of choosing certain frequencies, linking them to inaction and confusion. The issue also features advertisements for UFO-related books, videos, and publications, as well as listings for upcoming UFO research meetings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent mystery surrounding the Roswell Incident, the potential existence of extraterrestrial life, and the role of governments and military forces in managing information about UFOs. There is a clear skepticism towards official explanations and a leaning towards the idea of a cover-up. The magazine also explores the intersection of UFO phenomena with spiritualism, consciousness, and the impact of technology. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging readers to critically examine evidence and question official narratives, while also acknowledging the possibility of disinformation.