British UFO Society Journal - Vol 2 No 1

Magazine Overview

This issue of THE BRITISH U.F.O. SOCIETY Journal, Volume 2, Number 1, published by THE BRITISH UFO SOCIETY, features a cover headline of 'PSYCHIC PROJECTIONS?'. The journal is produced for the benefit of its members and is not intended for sale, though arrangements can be made for interested parties. The editor reserves the right to shorten or refuse material, and views expressed are not necessarily those of the Society. The issue date is indicated as 'Vol.2 No.1', with an inferred publication year of 1985, and a subscription rate of £6.

Contents

The journal includes articles on 'BEYOND THE EARTHLIGHTS', a book review of 'A STAR IS BORN', a progress report on the '"ALIEN MESSAGE" STUDY GROUP', 'NEWS FROM ITALY', an 'INTERNATIONAL CHARITIES PROJECT FUND', a report on 'A Cell IN NORTH DERBYSHIRE', 'LEY LINES', and '3 POEMS BY IRENE FLEMING'. It also contains a report on a November Committee Meeting and the lead article '"PSYCHIC PROJECTIONS - A TENABLE THEORY"'.

Beyond the Earthlights

This article discusses the 'Earthlights' theory as a plausible explanation for UFO origins, suggesting it is a natural development of recent study. The theory posits that in areas of geological faulting, quartz rock emits piezo-electricity, producing sensitive energy in the form of lights that can be manipulated psychokinetically by the human mind. There is a noted correlation between such faulting areas and high levels of UFO sightings. The author suggests that these lights are emitted from the ground rather than descending from above, and that they may operate outside the known laws of nature. The article recommends Paul Devereux's book 'EARTHLIGHTS' for further study, noting its development of work by Persinger and Lafreniere in America. It questions whether older theories, such as E.T. visitation, might need to be revisited if the Earthlights theory proves falsifiable, and explores the potential connection between Earth Mysteries and UFOs, noting that individuals may seek and find evidence to support their pre-existing beliefs.

Book Review: A Star Is Born

This review discusses the book 'THE STAR PEOPLE' by Brad and Frances Steiger. The book poses the question of whether the reader is one of the thousands of 'Star People' walking among us. 'Star People' are described as having greater sensitivity to sound, light, electricity, and electromagnetic fields, and are more prone to chronic sinus trouble, subnormal blood pressure, and possess unusual blood types. A 'Star Person' is considered complete upon discovering an extra vertebra and high psychic abilities. The review mentions Bonnie Davis, a reborn 'Star Person', who claims 'The Golden Age is coming' with no poverty or illness. The reviewer expresses surprise at the book's sub-heading, 'Imagine the joy of finding out that you are one of the Star People', suggesting that discovering one is an alien being might cause worry. The reviewer humorously advises checking for signs of being at a 'funny age' or due for a nervous breakdown. The Earl of Clancarty is quoted remarking that people may discover their alien descent through a message, leading to a humorous imagined message from a 'bug-eyed monster' requesting £2,000 for the arrival of the Golden Age.

"Alien Message" Study Group - A Progress Report

Authored by Alan Crowe, this report details the progress of the BUFOS 'Alien Message' Study Group. Volume One of the study group file is complete, containing fifty 'message' cases from 1823 to 1983, and is being circulated to members. Volume Two has commenced, aiming for another fifty cases. The author is seeking information on contactees such as Derek Sampson, Albert Lancaster, the Nightingale family, and Ruth Norman. Part One of the study group tape cassette is also circulating, featuring contactees like Claude Vorilhon, Herb Schirmer, Helen 'X', Sir John Whitmore, and Bernard Byron (who claims to speak Plutonian). It also includes sections on the C.I.A. and alien messages, and U.S. researcher Wendell Steves. Side two of the cassette contains Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP) recordings by French researcher Claude Tholin. Part Two of the cassette is expected soon, featuring Arthur Bryant, Arthur Shuttlewood, and George King. The group has eight members, two from Sweden. The report categorizes the first fifty cases into three main types: forced abduction with implanted information, telepathic contact without UFO encounter, and voluntary boarding of a grounded UFO. Abduction cases often involve regression hypnosis to recover 'missing time'. Technical information from 'ufonauts' is minimal, with messages primarily consisting of warnings about atomic energy misuse or calls to 'put our own house in order'. Ufonauts are often vague when asked specific questions, and information sometimes aligns with the witness's belief system. Three cases involve contact with 'space people' via telepathy without UFO encounters. A common observation in UFO encounters and abductions is a bright flash of white or coloured light.

News from Italy

Deirdre O'Neill reports on the Third National UFO Congress held in Genova, Italy, titled 'UFOs and the Mass Media'. Guests of honour included Dr Hynck and Antonio Ribera. The conference received significant newspaper coverage, with articles described as unbiased and informative. Although many attended, few were considered serious researchers, but the aim of interesting the media was achieved.

International Charities Project Fund

Mr Walter Reid of the Leeds UFO Research Group has established a new fund-raising project to assist UFO research. With the help of the Junior UFO Club, Walter aims to raise money for four charities: PHAB, NSFCC, KIDNEY MACHINES, and CHILDRENS HOSPICE. 25% of the funds will be allocated to JUFOC and UFO Research. Walter estimates the fund could raise over £10,000 within a year and is seeking to register it as a charity. Interested individuals can contact Mr Walter Reid at 11 The Green, Moortown, Leeds 17 6ql.

Sighting Report: A CE 11 in North Derbyshire

Elsie Lee, Investigator and Chesterfield Branch Secretary, contributes an account of a Close Encounter of the Second Kind (CE 11) that occurred on Sunday, July 8th, 1984, at 10 pm in North Derbyshire. Geoff was visiting relatives when he, along with Mr. W and Miss W, observed a red glowing disc approaching the ridge of a farm building. The object was estimated to be twelve to fifteen feet in diameter, glowing from within in shades of red, and made no sound. Its rim was silver. Initially appearing like a small dome-fronted helicopter, it was later seen to have no obtrusions. Its estimated height was forty feet above ground level. The object turned 180 degrees anti-clockwise, becoming almost stationary, then travelled East, then North by North East, skirting the courtyard. It passed behind a tree, at which point its estimated speed was 50 mph. It was within twenty-five feet of the ground when travelling North by North East. Geoff lost sight of it as it disappeared over a hill 150 yards away at an even faster rate of acceleration. The object was in view for approximately three minutes. Diagrams are provided showing side and front views of the object, with dimensions of 4 to 5 feet thick and 12 to 15 feet in diameter, and a schematic of the sighting location.

Ley Lines

Authored by Eileen Perry, this article details the discovery and concept of Ley Lines. Alfred Watkins, a businessman and photographer, discovered Ley Lines in June 1921 while driving in Herefordshire. He perceived an underlying pattern in the countryside, drawing straight lines on maps connecting old churches, ancient sites, mounds, tumuli, castles, wells, and crosses. These nodes often formed ancient tracks older than Roman roads. Groups of trees and standing stones also appeared on these lines. The accepted criteria for Ley Lines involve about five such nodes within a distance of twenty-five miles. Ley hunters believe these are alignments of sites surveyed and marked in pre-history. Dowsers define them as straight lines of magnetic energy between sites. Crossing stones mark where two ley lines intersect. Moats, ponds, and fords were convenient sighting points. The article notes that the old English name for islands in ponds was 'LEYS', and that Watkins used folklore to support his theories, published in 1925, but was ridiculed by archaeologists. French ufologist Aime Michel observed UFO sightings falling in straight lines, and some believe UFOs use Ley Lines for navigation. The article references Alexander Thom's theories on megalithic monuments, suggesting early Britons had knowledge of geometry, mathematics, surveying, and astronomy. Thom's survey revealed stone circles were laid out using a unit of measurement called the 'megalithic yard' (2.72 feet) and its multiples. He proposed that stone circles, often egg-shaped rather than perfectly circular, served astronomical functions, used for observing heavenly bodies. The article also mentions the 'dodman' (snail) as an ancient surveyor and 'The Long Man' of Wilmington, Sussex, carrying two staves.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the exploration of alternative explanations for UFO phenomena, moving beyond traditional 'little green men' narratives to consider psychic, geological, and ancient terrestrial influences. The journal actively promotes research and discussion within the ufological community, encouraging members to share information and contribute to ongoing studies. The editorial stance appears open-minded and investigative, presenting various theories and reports for consideration, while also acknowledging the need for rigorous study and evidence. The society also engages in charitable activities, demonstrating a broader community involvement.

This issue of UFO DATA, identified by page number 12, delves into a variety of topics related to unexplained phenomena, history, and speculative theories. It features articles on ancient mysteries, modern UFO sightings, and psychological interpretations of these events. The content is presented in a magazine format with distinct sections and reports.

Content Breakdown

Ancient Mysteries and Ley Lines

The issue begins by discussing the tomb of King Arthur, reportedly found in Glastonbury Tor, linking him to a pagan cult and St. Christopher, the patron saint of travelers. It explores the concept of 'ley lines,' suggesting they often follow ancient Roman roads and were used as tracks. Excavations have uncovered paving stones of earlier, well-drained roads beneath Roman surfaces. The article also references the geometric shapes discovered on the Nazca plateau in Peru, with John Michell's claim that a group of beings created a universal power system across the world.

New Book Announcement

An announcement highlights a new book by New Zealand author Bruce Cathie titled "BRIDGE TO INFINITY." It is described as his best work yet on grid harmonics and is available from Quark Enterprises.

Kenneth Arnold Sighting

The issue reports on the death of Kenneth Arnold, who, on June 24, 1947, while piloting his plane near Mount Rainier, sighted nine disc-shaped objects. He described them as flying "like a saucer would if you skipped it across the water," a description that led newspaper headline writers to coin the term "flying saucers." This event is noted as the first widely reported UFO sighting of the modern era.

Poetry Section

Three poems by Irene Fleming are included: "THE SPACEMAN," "THE PRESENCE," and "THE MARTIANS." These poems explore themes of cosmic contact, alien visitation, and humanity's place in the universe, often with a spiritual or prophetic tone.

Committee Meeting Report

A report details a committee meeting held on November 3rd. Key members present included Deirdre O'Neill (Chairman), Ken Major, Alan Crowe, Ray Cox (Journal Editor), Elsie Lee (Secretary Chesterfield Branch), Mark Sampson, Andrew Simpson, and David Taylor. Apologies were received from Len Harling, Stuart Schofield, and Eileen Perry. The meeting covered investigations, including the appointment of new investigators and the development of an Investigator's Authority Card. The Chesterfield Branch reported on their activities, including a 'travelling road-show' with the Yorkshire UFO Society. Publicity efforts were also discussed, focusing on expanding BUFOS.

'Psychic Projections' - A Tenable Theory?

This extensive article by Alan Crowe examines the theory of 'psychic projections' as a potential explanation for UFO cases, particularly close encounters and abductions. The author, while not a firm believer in any single theory, posits that psychic projections, involving the subconscious mind generating audio and visual effects, may be as valid as other theories.

• Recurrent Spontaneous Psychokinesis (RSPK): The article explains RSPK as the production of 'energy' by the percipient, which seems external. This energy is thought to be a byproduct of normal brain function, possibly occurring in an 'altered state of consciousness' where normal perceptions of time and space are distorted.
• Causes and Manifestations: High excitement or repressed emotional tension can induce this altered state. Serious scientific research into PK phenomena is ongoing in the US and Soviet Union, with significant funding due to counter-espionage implications.
• Connection to Poltergeists: The article notes that many close encounter witnesses report poltergeist-type phenomena afterward, and some claim enhanced psychic abilities. It questions if poltergeist activity, psychic happenings, and UFO encounters are different outlets for repressed emotion.
• Jung's Theory: Professor C.G. Jung's theory of UFOs as 'psychic projections' from the subconscious mind is discussed, suggesting repressed emotion might trigger UFO events and that encounters could be metaphorical messages.
• Physical Traces and Evidence: The article addresses the challenge of physical traces in UFO cases. It mentions stigmatism (marks of the cross) appearing on sufferers, linked to emotional upheaval, and ground markings or crushed grass in CE II cases. However, it notes that reliable CE II cases with physical traces are rare, and analysis of soil samples has been inconclusive.
• Multiple Witness Cases: Jenny Randles' theory suggests that in multiple witness cases, individuals in the vicinity might be 'tuned' to the main percipient's mind, experiencing the same manifestations.
• External Stimuli vs. Internal Projection: The author considers the possibility of external stimuli, such as unknown electrical or meteorological phenomena, or even external intelligence, but leans towards the subconscious mind as the primary source of details in UFO encounters.
• Electromagnetic Radiation: The article highlights the planet's pollution with electro-magnetic radiations and recent research showing their effect on the central nervous system. It questions if this radiation could be a 'trigger' for UFO events, referencing a powerful Soviet radio signal that bombards the Western world.
• Conclusion on Psychic Theories: Despite the author's apparent preference for psychic theories, the conclusion is that a definitive answer remains elusive, and the truth might lie somewhere between internal and external explanations.

References

A list of 15 references is provided, citing various books, articles, and broadcasts related to ESP, poltergeists, flying saucers, and psychic phenomena.

Report of Committee Meeting Continued

This section continues the report from page 3, emphasizing the need for more active members. Stuart Schofield's proposal for a year's free subscription as an incentive for members who attract four new members was approved. David Taylor reported receiving inquiries and new members through an advertisement in 'Prediction' magazine. The next committee meeting was scheduled for February 23rd.

Closing Remarks

Deirdre O'Neill extends holiday wishes for Christmas and the New Year.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs, and the attempt to reconcile anecdotal evidence with scientific and psychological theories. There is a clear interest in historical mysteries and their potential connection to modern UFO reports. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting various theories, including the controversial 'psychic projection' hypothesis, without definitively endorsing any single one. The magazine encourages readers to consider all available evidence and maintain open minds, acknowledging the complexity and elusiveness of definitive answers to the UFO enigma. The inclusion of committee reports suggests an organizational aspect, likely related to a UFO research group, aiming to recruit members and share findings.