Bolide - Contributions 0079-0087

Magazine Overview

This issue of 'BOLIDE' presents a compilation of contributions, numbered 0079 through 0087, focusing on the topic of luminous phenomena. The primary article, "Observations of Luminous Phenomena Around the Human Body: A Review" by Carlos S. Alvarado, published in the Journal of the Society for Psychical Research (Vol. 54, No. 806), forms the core of this issue's content. The review delves into a variety of historical and contemporary accounts of unexplained lights and glows associated with human beings.

Observations of Luminous Phenomena Around the Human Body: A Review

Carlos S. Alvarado's comprehensive review examines reports of luminous phenomena occurring around the human body. The article categorizes these observations into several groups: mediums, mystics and saints, dying persons, and other cases. Alvarado emphasizes that the paper aims to present the types of cases available in the literature, review proposed explanations, and suggest areas for further research, rather than proving the 'reality' or 'paranormality' of these events.

Mediums

The review highlights numerous accounts of luminous phenomena associated with physical mediums. D. D. Home is described as producing striking luminous manifestations, including his hands becoming luminous and jets of flame proceeding from his head, as well as globes of fire in his hands. Eusapia Palladino is also noted for similar observations, with reports of flames, spark-like emanations, and 'firefly-like bluish gleams' above her head. Scientists like D'Arsonval and Marie Curie observed a 'luminous aureole' around her head. Morselli reported a whitish nebulous form above Eusapia's head. The Austrian medium Maria Silbert is described as becoming 'all luminescent,' radiating a soft, phosphorescent, greenish emanation, with glimmers from her fingertips, elbows, and knees. Rohden noted that manometers detected energy near her luminous radiation, and that her weakness correlated with the dimming of the light.

Mystics and Saints

Luminous phenomena have been recorded around saints and mystics since ancient times. Examples include St. Filippo Neri being described as 'all resplendent' and St. Vicente Ferrer seen 'surrounded with so much divine light.' St. Teresa de Jesús' face was reportedly illuminated, with glimmers like golden rays emanating from it. The Curé d'Ars was observed to have a face that seemed to project 'two fiery rays.' The review also mentions accounts from non-Christian traditions, including Persian hagiographic documents and writings about Islamic mystics. A notable account concerns the Indian mystic Sathya Sai Baba, who allegedly produced a bright, powerful light emanating blinding sunrays from his head.

Dying Persons

Numerous reports document bystanders observing emanations such as clouds and lights around dying persons. Marsh (1842) described a dying woman with a luminous appearance that was silvery and danced about. Tweedale (1921) reported an unexplained cloud over the bed of his mother-in-law, which turned into a rich purple light and formed a halo around her head. Similar observations of unexplained blue lights were seen around another dying woman. Elizabeth McAdams investigated a hospice case where luminous effects were observed around a dying man.

Other Cases

This section covers cases occurring under various conditions. The case of Anna Monaro, an Italian woman, is presented as well-investigated. She showed an unexplained light from her chest, appearing as a fan-like form or a globe, typically blue and green. Protti, an Italian physician, investigated this case and found the light appeared around the cardiac region, was more frequent during fasting, and could be filmed. Féré (1905) reported observations of anomalous luminous phenomena in patients with nervous disorders, including an orange-colored light encircling a woman's head and hands. Rocha de Azevedo reported a case where 'luminous rays' of a blue-green color were seen coming from a man's hands.

Evidential Aspects of the Cases Discussed

Alvarado addresses the issue of fraud, particularly concerning mediums, noting that many techniques exist to produce luminous effects fraudulently. While some argue that certain phenomena cannot be faked, the case of medium Pasquale Erto suggests complexity, with circumstantial evidence pointing towards trickery despite his not being discovered in fraud. Suspicious circumstances included a hole in his leotard and the discovery of ferrocerium, which can produce luminous effects.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the exploration of unexplained luminous phenomena associated with the human body, spanning historical periods and diverse cultural and spiritual contexts. The editorial stance, as reflected in Alvarado's review, is one of critical inquiry, acknowledging the existence of numerous reports while emphasizing the need for rigorous scientific investigation and caution regarding unsupported explanations. The publication appears to be dedicated to presenting and analyzing anomalous phenomena within the field of psychical research, encouraging further study into the psychological, physiological, and physical aspects of these occurrences.

This issue of the *Journal of the Society for Psychical Research*, dated January 1987, is titled "Observations of Luminous Phenomena." It presents a comprehensive review of anomalous luminous effects observed around the human body, drawing from historical and contemporary reports.

Analysis of Reported Phenomena

The article begins by discussing the difficulties in investigating luminous phenomena, citing cases involving mediums like Harry Price's findings of ferrocerium and metallic particles, and Servadio's defense of medium Erto. The case of Anna Burton (Ada Bessinct) is presented, where unconscious fraud was suspected, and her saliva was found to be phosphorescent, though the luminous lights themselves remained puzzling.

Several other mediums, including Ladislas Lasslo, Guzik, and Margery, are mentioned in the context of fraud or unexplained luminous effects. The report highlights the problem of insufficient details in many case reports, such as the number and position of observers, and the color, shape, and duration of the lights, which hinders thorough analysis.

Problems with Reporting Style

A significant issue identified is the inefficient reporting style, where collective perceptions are often summarized by one person, obscuring individual differences or contradictory testimonies. This lack of detailed, independent testimony makes it difficult to assess the reliability of the observations.

Objective, Hallucinatory, and Psychic Perceptions

The article discusses Tart's categorization of perceptions into physical, psychological/hallucinatory, and psychic auras. It notes the difficulty in classifying reports due to lack of information. The case of Anna Monaro, where a luminous effect was photographed, is presented as an example of physical perception. Collective deathbed observation cases are discussed as potentially suggesting psychic perception, though selective perception in normal processes is also considered.

Circumstances of Occurrence

Cases are classified based on the type of person involved: special or gifted individuals (mediums, mystics, saints), dying persons, and those with physical or mental problems. Psychological aspects indicate that altered states of consciousness (ASC) were common, including trance, prayer, meditation, ecstasy, or falling asleep. Some subjects also exhibited psychological issues or crises.

Physiological aspects are less detailed, but some cases of luminous phenomena in individuals with nervous conditions and severe headaches are noted. The Monaro case and others showed correlations with physiological measures like pulse rate and respiration, though these observations are often anecdotal.

Relationship with Other Phenomena and Different Types of Luminous Effects

Luminous effects are linked to ectoplasmic materializations, with some theories suggesting they are 'focuses of condensation' or early stages of materialization. The same energy proposed for ectoplasmic formations is thought to produce light. Luminous phenomena have also coincided with other reported paranormal occurrences like elongation, levitation, stigmatization, and automatic writing.

The distinction between luminous phenomena close to the body and those seen far away is considered artificial. Reports of luminous phenomena in religious contexts (saints, mystics) are argued to be more intense, often illuminating entire rooms, compared to non-religious contexts.

Theoretical Concepts to Explain Luminous Phenomena

Several theoretical explanations are presented:

• Perceptual Distortions, Illusions, Hallucinations: These include expectations, beliefs, demand characteristics of situations (séances, religious activities), temporal lobe disturbances, entoptic phenomena, illusions, afterimages, retinal fatigue, and contrast effects.
• Biophysical Concepts: These involve normally invisible physical fields around the body (magnetic, ultraviolet, thermal emanations) that might be visible to some or have special properties. Electrical explanations are also suggested.
• Physiological Processes: These propose a relationship between nervous tension and light production, or the interaction of intense nervous excitation, electrical tension, and phosphorescent substances. Analogies to animal bioluminescence are discussed, though human luminescence via chemiluminescence is not supported by evidence. Harvey's suggestion of bacterial infections is mentioned.
• Paranormal Concepts: These are divided into:
• Paranormal manipulation of bodily processes or substances: Suggesting paranormal action causing the exteriorization and oxygenation of bodily phosphates.
• Action of paranormal energies: Concepts of 'human radiations' or 'fluids' as vital energy that can produce various phenomena, or 'non-physical' energy perceived through paranormal means ('metetherial luminescence').
• Religious explanations: Luminosity seen around mystics and saints is attributed to gifts of the Holy Spirit or spiritual quality.

Suggestions for Further Research

Further research is recommended from multiple perspectives:

• Psychological Aspects: Exploring the role of mental imagery, cognitive variables, absorption, fantasy-proneness, and state of consciousness in observers.
• Medical and Physiological Aspects: Studying the person exhibiting the effect for abnormal conditions or diseases, and examining physiological changes. Also, considering the observer's visual problems or temporal lobe symptomatology.
• Physical Aspects: Attempting to photograph and film lights, and analyzing their electrical or chemical properties, intensity, and duration using spectrographic and photometric devices.
• Other Aspects: Gathering more information on the phenomenology of lights (color, duration, shape) and paying special attention to cases with collective percipience, improving the quality of reports with independent testimony.

Concluding Remarks

The review aims to present available material on anomalous luminous effects, highlight possible explanations, and suggest research directions. The author emphasizes that a variety of phenomena may be involved, each potentially requiring a different explanation. The case of Anna Monaro is presented as a model for single-case studies integrating psychological, psychiatric, medical, and physical aspects. The author cautions that the review is not a representative sample and may suffer from incomplete or biased reporting, especially for older cases involving mystics and saints. The hope is that this review will stimulate further interest in these neglected phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the exploration of anomalous luminous phenomena associated with the human body, examining both reported cases and theoretical explanations. The journal's stance appears to be one of objective inquiry into psychical research, presenting various viewpoints and methodologies without definitively endorsing any single explanation. The emphasis is on the need for rigorous research, detailed reporting, and interdisciplinary approaches to understand these complex phenomena.

This issue of the *Journal of the Society for Psychical Research*, dated January 1987, focuses on the topic of 'Observations of Luminous Phenomena.' It presents a comprehensive bibliography of works related to various unexplained lights, including ball lightning, ghost lights, UFOs, and other related phenomena. The issue also includes articles and excerpts discussing specific cases and theories.

Ball Lightning in Aircraft

The article 'Subjective Aspects of Ball Lightning Seen Inside Aircraft' by E. W. Crew proposes that sightings of ball lightning inside aircraft might be influenced by an optical illusion, similar to techniques used by film animators. Crew discusses a case where a luminous ball appeared to drift inside an aircraft and exit through a door, suggesting that the perception of the ball's movement could be due to the aircraft passing through a zone of high electrical charge, causing ionization. When the aircraft leaves this zone, the internal charge dissipates, potentially leading to a discharge that mimics ball lightning. The author notes that the absence of explosion or audible noise supports this illusionary explanation.

Historical Accounts of Luminous Phenomena

Several sections detail historical sightings and folklore related to luminous phenomena:

Unusual Weather: Ball Lightning in a February Thunderstorm Down East in Maine

This excerpt from the *Ellsworth Herald* (February 18 & 25, 1853) describes a severe winter thunderstorm in Maine that produced vivid purple lightning and balls of fire. These phenomena entered homes through windows and chimneys, causing shaking and cracking noises. While no one was killed or seriously injured, and no buildings were damaged, a cluster of trees was uprooted, with some left hanging by their roots. The lightning also created a chasm in the ground, throwing out large masses of frozen earth and stones.

The Storm at Mount Desert

Another excerpt from the *Ellsworth Herald* (February 25, 1853) details the violent storm at Mount Desert, Maine, where lightning struck four people, shivered a large spruce tree into splinters, and damaged vessels. The description emphasizes the unusual nature of the lightning, which appeared as balls of fire and caused significant localized destruction.

A Thunder and Lightning Story

This account, also from the *Ellsworth Herald* (March 4, 1855), recounts a reminiscence of the 1853 storm. It describes a purple ball lightning that entered a house through a window, setting fire to matches. Another person was rendered unconscious by a shock, and a man was left speechless. The phenomenon was observed in multiple houses, and while many were paralyzed, no one was fatally injured. The report also details the erratic behavior of a ball of fire that struck a flagpole, plowed a trench in the frozen ground, and hurled debris.

Curious Lightning

This section, likely from *Cassells Family Magazine* (1892), discusses the phenomenon of ball lightning, acknowledging its electrical nature despite earlier denials. It describes a photograph believed to be of ball lightning, taken on July 17th of the previous summer near Newcastle-on-Tyne. The photograph shows a luminous globe with streaks and patches, and the object was observed to move rapidly over the river before stopping and vanishing.

Brazilian Spooklights

The article 'Brazilian Spooklights' by Cynthia Newby Luce describes the 'Mae de Ouro' (mother of gold) phenomenon observed in a remote Brazilian mountain village. This light, usually a yellow-orange glowing ball, has been seen for at least 150 years and is associated with finding gold. Luce recounts her own sighting and those of her servants, noting the light's intelligence and preference for colder, drier months, though it has also appeared in rain. The article mentions an increase in sightings during a UFO flap in 1986 and discusses potential geological influences.

Mysterious Lights: Ghosts Lights and UFO's

This section compiles reports and inquiries related to 'Ghost Lights' and UFOs:

Manchester Union Leader (August 24, 1976)

This letter to the editor, from Joe Haas, a member of the Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained (SITU), seeks information about ghost light phenomena, described as soft glows from rotting stumps or flashing lights on water. Haas notes that these lights do not burn vegetation and have no scientific explanation.

Manchester Union Leader (November 6, 1976)

This letter follows up on Haas's previous inquiry, reporting responses about glowing red balls of fire. It details two historic cases from Hopkinton and Derry, New Hampshire, involving lights seen over pine forests and near a mountain. It also mentions two recent cases from Londonderry and Manchester, where red dots of light were observed, one penetrating walls.

References and Contact Information

Throughout the issue, extensive bibliographies are provided for various articles, citing numerous works on parapsychology, psychical research, and related phenomena. The *Journal of the Society for Psychical Research* is published by the Society for Psychical Research, with a division of Parapsychology located at the University of Virginia.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the diverse manifestations of luminous phenomena, the ongoing scientific and parapsychological investigation into these unexplained events, and the historical documentation of such occurrences. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various accounts and theories without definitively concluding on the nature of these phenomena, while also exploring potential rational explanations such as optical illusions and electrical origins.

This issue of 'Philosophy of Mysterious Agents' by E.C. Rogers, published in Boston in 1853, focuses on Chapter IX, an inquiry into local mundane emanations and their relation to 'haunted houses.' The text aims to demystify superstitious beliefs by presenting scientific investigations into mysterious phenomena.

Local Mundane Emanations and Haunted Houses

The author begins by referencing William Howitt's accounts of strange phenomena in a miller's dwelling, suggesting that these are not supernatural but rather the result of local influences. The concept of 'Odyle,' as described by Reichenbach, is introduced as a potential explanation for these occurrences. The text posits that this 'mundane agent' has a peculiar influence on the nervous system and can establish sympathetic relations between organisms and the environment.

Several case studies are presented, primarily from Boston, where reputable citizens have reported mysterious occurrences in their homes that they could not explain. These include 'rappings' and voices, which the author suggests are manifestations of 'Odyle.'

The Miller's House in Willington

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to the miller's house in Willington, England, which had been subject to strange phenomena for a long period. These included unusual sounds, ghostly appearances, and bluish lights that caused distress. Dr. Edward Drury investigated these phenomena in 1840, experiencing ghostly sounds and witnessing a female apparition, which profoundly frightened him.

Further investigations at the same house involved four credible witnesses who observed a luminous, semi-transparent body gliding and appearing to enter the walls. Another account describes a gentleman who heard heavy sounds and knockings but was too fearful to investigate. Two young ladies reported their bed being shaken and saw a misty, bluish-gray substance emerge from the wall.

Reichenbach's Odyle Theory

The text extensively discusses Reichenbach's theories on 'Odyle,' suggesting that chemical actions, metallic substances, and friction can emit this force, which has a specific influence on the nervous system. The author argues that these local influences, particularly in areas with metallic lodes or unusual geological formations, can cause the observed phenomena. The author emphasizes that these are physical agents, not spiritual, and challenges spiritualists to provide proof for their claims.

Phenomena in Other Localities

The issue also touches upon phenomena in other locations, such as the Blocksberg in Germany, known for magnetic rocks that emit odic flames, leading susceptible individuals into trances. The text connects these occurrences to the concept of 'witchcraft' and 'superstition,' suggesting that a scientific understanding of 'Odyle' can explain them.

Unusual Atmospheric Phenomena

Beyond haunted houses, the text includes discussions on unusual atmospheric phenomena, particularly ball lightning. Two specific instances from 1907 are detailed:

1. Bleiberg, Austria: Ball lightning struck a property, following a tree and a bush before entering a hearth and causing an explosion when the fire was lit. A fire ball was observed passing through the chimney.
2. Sappey, France: A powerful thunderstorm produced a vertical lightning strike followed by a 'beaded' lightning strike, described as a series of luminous traits separated by dark intervals, spanning approximately one kilometer.

Ball Lightning in Wasselonne, France

Another detailed account describes a phenomenon observed in a classroom in Wasselonne, France, in 1849. A ball of fire, described as a mixture of condensed vapors, appeared in the corridor, moved vibratorily, made a hissing sound, and disappeared, leaving a slight odor and a small piece of torn floor where a nail had previously protruded. The author suggests this was a manifestation of electrical fluid that condensed due to a lack of conductivity.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the attempt to explain mysterious and seemingly supernatural phenomena through scientific principles, primarily Reichenbach's theory of 'Odyle' and the concept of mundane emanations. The author consistently advocates for a rational, scientific approach, dismissing superstition and spiritualist interpretations as unfounded. The editorial stance is one of critical inquiry, seeking empirical evidence and logical deductions to understand the natural world, even its most unusual aspects. The text challenges readers to set aside preconceived notions and consider the presented facts and theories with an open mind.