UFO Times - No 16 - Winter 1991

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO TIMES
Issue: Number 16
Date: Winter 1991
Publisher: A BUFORA PUBLICATION
Country: UK
ISSN: 0958-4846

This issue of UFO Times, published in Winter 1991, features a prominent cover story titled "The Pineal Connection," exploring the intricate links between the pineal gland, consciousness, and psi phenomena. The magazine delves into various aspects of ufology, research methodologies, and intriguing cases.

Editorial: Answers

The editorial section addresses the confusion within ufology, highlighting two main camps: those who adhere to the extraterrestrial hypothesis (ETH) and those who attribute phenomena to psychological delusions. The author argues that neither explanation fully accounts for the facts, pointing out the lack of confirmation for most close encounter cases and the anecdotal nature of abduction reports. While acknowledging physical evidence like ground traces and radar tracks, the editorial questions whether this definitively points to alien visitation. It also critiques the psychological explanation, noting that many proponents lack the credentials to make such pronouncements. The editorial concludes that ufology is currently toying with "half-cocked explanations" and that a deeper understanding requires exploring the complexities of the human mind and its interaction with external natural forces.

Tools of the Trade

This section emphasizes the importance of seeking reasonable explanations first. It suggests that as our understanding of the human mind and its complexities grows, researchers may need new tools to fully grasp the UFO phenomenon. The article posits that if the phenomenon is rooted in the brain's functions and interactions with natural forces, researchers must equip themselves to tackle this complex job. It notes that while some specialists have been consulted, ufology must strive harder to find a "Full and Final Answer." The piece concludes by stating that after forty years, many questions remain unanswered.

News

Faulkner Photo: A Fake?

This news item reports on controversy surrounding the authenticity of a photograph that has been a key part of the Warminster mystery for over 27 years. New information suggests that the Gordon Faulkner photograph, taken on August 29, 1965, might be part of an elaborate hoax. BUFORA researchers are currently evaluating these claims.

UFO Packs for School Kids

The BUFORA Publications Department is developing a "Schools UFO Project Pack" to meet the demand for UFO-related information from schoolchildren. This ten-page pack will cover the history of the phenomenon, significant cases, current theories, and how investigations are conducted.

Weather by Fax

Investigators will soon be able to obtain fast weather details via fax through the Met Office's Weatherfax service. This service, initially aimed at aviation and marine communities, is expected to be extended to the general public.

Contact Corner

This section highlights a request from new member Kevin Welsh, who is seeking to connect with other BUFORA members in his local area for meetings. Contact details for Kevin are provided.

UFOs, States of Mind and the Pineal Connection (Part 1)

By Dr Serena Roney-Dougal

This is the first part of a two-part paper exploring the scientific investigation of psychic abilities (parapsychology) and the psychological states conducive to them. The article posits that psi phenomena often operate through the subliminal mind, which is distinct from the conscious, thinking mind. The subliminal mind is described as the emotional, primary process, and instinctive level, and it can emerge into consciousness through dreams, feelings, emotions, intuitions, or body sensations. The author suggests that the subliminal mind governs our behavior, moods, and thoughts, acting as a filter for information. These filters, shaped by societal norms, can become warped, limiting our perception to what we can conceive.

The article outlines several psychological aspects that are conducive to psi events:

1. Attitude and Expectation: Believing in something makes it more likely to happen, while disbelief can lead to denial. Expectation creates the right atmosphere for the impossible to become possible.
2. Relaxation: Achieving physical and mental relaxation is crucial.
3. Concentration: A holistic engrossment in a task, similar to a child playing.
4. Visualisation or Imagination: Essential for magical science.
5. Emotion: Emotional energy is considered a powerful force.
6. Experimenter Effect: The social dynamics and beliefs within a group ritual can influence outcomes.
7. Working in Groups: Reduces personal psi responsibility and anxiety associated with witnessing psi abilities.

The paper discusses techniques for accessing the subliminal mind, such as dream states, hypnosis, meditation, and trance, which can increase psi ability. It also touches upon the concept of the "old brain" controlling basic body functions and the neocortex being involved in conscious thought.

The Holographic Principle and Quantum Reality

This section explores how psi might work by examining the quantum world view. It suggests that in altered states, the brain's connections increase significantly, making it more susceptible to quantum reality. The work of Karl Pribram on memory is cited, proposing that the brain uses a holographic principle for information storage, where each part contains information about the whole. This principle is seen as characteristic of both brain processing and physical reality, suggesting that organisms and the universe are interconnected.

The article introduces the EPR paradox and Bell's Theorem, illustrating how two entangled photons can affect each other regardless of distance, implying an interconnected world. It links this to the Big Bang theory, suggesting that everything originated from one source and is thus interconnected. The concept of the "Implicate Order" by David Bohm is discussed, proposing a primary reality from which our observable reality arises. This Implicate Order is described as having many characteristics in common with old, magical, and spiritual world-views, where elements have direct connections with each other.

The implications of Bohm's ideas suggest that consciousness is part of a larger subconscious, world-mind, or collective unconscious, from which telepathy, clairvoyance, and precognition arise. This is why psi is believed to have no known energy transmission, as it originates from a realm that is everywhere and timeless. The brain is noted to operate at a quantum threshold of sensitivity, which increases in altered states.

The Pineal Gland – Our Third Eye: The Link between Psi and the Earth

This section delves into the connection between the pineal gland, psi, and the Earth. It discusses animism, the belief in a spiritual aspect to all living beings, and how shamanism and magic offer techniques to access visionary sources. The use of ayahuasca by Amazonian peoples is mentioned as a way to enter a consciousness state that links with spirit guides for healing and clairvoyance. Ayahuasca contains hermaline, chemically similar to beta-carbolines found in the pineal gland.

The pineal gland is considered by some to be the "Ajna Chakra" or psychic center, and by Descartes to be the seat of the soul. It is suggested to produce an hallucinogen that induces an altered state, or dream state, which is seen as a psychic state where one is at one with archetypal reality, the world-mind, and quantum reality.

The pineal gland is linked to two chemicals: serotonin and melatonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter affecting synapses and is associated with imagination, creativity, hallucination, and psychosis. Melatonin is linked to drowsiness and sleep, and its production is affected by light-dark cycles, regulating the biological clock. Melatonin production is also connected to moon cycles, and the pineal gland is sensitive to the Earth's magnetic field, potentially causing a 25-hour rhythm.

The article suggests that we naturally have a constant sun-moon tension within our bodies. Melatonin also affects other endocrine glands. The section concludes by noting that the pineal gland is controlling.

Reviews

This section is not detailed in the provided text.

Observations at Flemalle-Grande

By Stany Box

This article recounts an interesting case from Belgium.

Skywatcher

Edited by Gary Anthony

This section likely contains observations or reports related to sky phenomena.

Readers Write

This section features correspondence from readers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Recurring themes in this issue include the exploration of consciousness, the role of the pineal gland in psychic phenomena, and the scientific investigation of UFOs and psi abilities. The editorial stance, as expressed in the "Answers" section, is critical of simplistic explanations for ufology, advocating for a more nuanced and evidence-based approach that considers the complexities of the human mind and its interaction with reality. There is a clear emphasis on scientific research, witness confidentiality, and the need for rigorous investigation, as promoted by BUFORA.

Title: UFO Times
Issue: 11
Date: Winter - Spring 1992
Publisher: BUFORA (British UFO Research Association)
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Content Summary

This issue of UFO Times delves into various aspects of UFO research and related phenomena. A significant portion is dedicated to the "New BUFORA Sighting Questionnaire," designed by Ken Phillips and Alex Keul, with graphic design by Mike Wootten. This revised questionnaire aims to update the existing R1 form to better reflect current developments in the field. It includes enhanced demographic details, such as date of birth, to determine witness age more precisely. Physical considerations have been modified to include the mode of appearance/disappearance of objects. The object description section now prompts for olfactory sensations, clarity, and brightness, with a comparison scale for brightness. Meteorological details are also addressed with easier-to-use comparison scales for wind-strength, cloud cover, and temperature. A more controversial section deals with "life and 'inner world' experiences of the witness," intended to reveal background information beyond demographic data.

The magazine also features "Investigations Diary," edited by Jenny Randles, which compiles reports from various investigators. Several cases are detailed, including:

• Case 3401 (Margaret Fry): An account of a woman in South Wales who has had numerous encounters with an alien named 'Khan' since 1934, including family kidnappings and abductions.
• Case 74-164 (Ken Phillips): A sighting in North Crawley, Bedfordshire, in October 1974, of a reddish light on clouds that brightened before disappearing.
• Case 87-028 (John Copsey): Two teenage girls in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, shared dreams of a bone-shaped UFO, but the investigation stalled due to lack of cooperation.
• Case 88-031 (Pat Delaney and Anne Griffin): A man in Ranelagh, Dublin, Eire, experienced strange jet-like noise and muscle paralysis in July/August 1988, with recurring effects.
• Case 90-024 (Michael Lewis): A witness in Woodford Green, Essex, saw a 'muslin' sheet in the sky with numerous cross-like points of light in July 1990.
• Case 90-025 (Gordon Perkins and Clive Potter): A crop circle formation appeared in Eye Kettleby, Leicestershire, in August 1990, where the farmer caught youths faking the patterns.
• Case 90-026 (Michael Lewis): A hiker in North Yorkshire observed a rectangular 'post'-like object sticking out of the ground in August 1990, which vanished.

The "Investigations Diary" section also includes a list of the National Investigation Committee (NIC) Investigation Team members with their contact details across the UK.

Human Consciousness and the Pineal Gland

An article explores the connection between hormones, chakras, and the pineal gland. It explains that the pineal gland acts as an "off-switch" for hormones, working in synchrony with the pituitary gland. The Vishuddi chakra in the throat is linked to the thyroid gland and thyroxine production, which regulates metabolic rate. Excessive thyroxine can lead to stress and over-nervousness. The pineal gland's role in turning off thyroxine supply is discussed, along with its sensitivity to Earth's magnetic field and potential impact from artificial electromagnetic fields. The Manipura chakra is linked to the adrenals, which produce stress hormones like adrenaline and corticosterone. The article suggests that the pineal gland is connected to "second sight" and emotional centers.

Media and Events

The BUFORA congress in August received significant publicity, with rising membership noted. The magazine mentions TV and radio appearances, as well as coverage from German and Austrian film crews, BBC Children's TV, and a Radio 3 documentary crew. The article touches on crop circles and interviews, including a baffling German interview. Press coverage, including an editorial in The Times, is discussed. The Independent on Sunday is praised for its sober presentation of crop circle revelations and the differences between investigators and believers.

A documentary on Channel 4 called "EQUINOX" is mentioned for its discussion of crop circles. The article also references a four-week series on the paranormal hosted by Derek Jameson on Radio 2, where Jenny Randles spoke about circles and UFOs. Jenny Randles also recounts an appearance on the James Whale TV show, discussing "urban folklore," crop circles, and UFOs.

PSI Research Centre

The PSI Research Centre in Glastonbury offers courses, workshops, and seminars. These include weekly classes on parapsychology, dream groups, and advanced parapsychology. Weekend workshops cover topics such as "Opening the Third Eye," "The Pineal Gland, Third Eye and Psychic Chakra," and "Exploring the Subliminal Mind." The center also offers books and tapes, including "Where Science and Magic Meet" and relaxation/meditation tapes. Contact information for Dr. Serena Roney-Dougal is provided.

Video Promotion

A promotional advertisement for "Circlevision presents: Cropcircle Communique," a new video investigating crop circles from hoax to hi-tec phenomena, including pictograms and plasma vortices. It features aerial sequences and interviews with experts. The video is available to BUFORA members at a reduced price.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena through BUFORA and its NIC. There is a strong emphasis on detailed reporting and data collection, as evidenced by the new questionnaire. The publication also explores the intersection of UFOs with consciousness, psychic phenomena, and the human body's energetic systems (chakras, pineal gland). The editorial stance appears to be open-minded yet rigorous, encouraging contributions from investigators while also acknowledging the role of media and public interest in the subject. The magazine aims to educate and inform its readership about ongoing research, case studies, and related events within the UFO community.

Title: UFO Times
Issue: 21
Date: November 1991 (implied by content)
Content: This issue of UFO Times features a significant report on the state of ufology in Ireland, titled 'Ufology in Eire: A Status Report by Pat Delaney and Anne Griffin'. It details their journey into UFO investigation, the establishment of BUFORA Ireland, and their experiences dealing with public and media skepticism. The magazine also includes a section on astronomical observations ('Skywatcher'), news about the EURECA satellite, reviews of UFO-related media, and reader correspondence.

Ufology in Eire: A Status Report

Pat Delaney and Anne Griffin recount their involvement with BUFORA, starting in July 1989, driven by a shared interest in UFOs. They note the lack of an officially recognized UFO organization in Ireland at the time. Inspired by Jenny Randles' book 'UFOS THE FIRST FORTY YEARS', they joined BUFORA and were later invited to become provisional BUFORA Accredited Investigators for Ireland. Their first case involved a UFO sighting in Dublin from a year prior to their joining, which they investigated thoroughly, leading to their full accreditation.

Over two years, they investigated three UFO cases in Ireland. They highlight that witnesses often fear reporting sightings due to potential ridicule from unsympathetic individuals. BUFORA Ireland aimed to provide a responsible platform for such individuals. They describe an 'open' case from November 1990, where the witnesses were interviewed via a postal form, indicating a desire for more information to be revealed.

Delaney and Griffin discuss the prevalent skepticism in Ireland regarding UFOs, where witnesses are often labeled as 'crazy' or 'imbeciles'. They emphasize the need for investigators to maintain a responsible attitude and avoid intimidating witnesses. To promote BUFORA Ireland, they utilized local advertising, including a Cable TV 'Community Noticeboard' ad, which led to increased public awareness and queries via a post office box.

Their efforts gained further traction when they were invited for a three-minute slot on Radio 2 FM's nighttime discussion show. The DJ was so impressed that the slot was extended to 20 minutes, significantly raising BUFORA Ireland's profile across the country.

UFOs over Dublin

This section details a story about Jorge Alberto Zulkouski, an Argentinian former athletics champion living in Dublin, who photographed UFOs over Pearse Street in February 1987. He described the objects as being in a 'symmetrically perfect formation' and a 'typical UFO pattern'. Zulkouski, a UFO enthusiast since childhood, has a large file of UFO sightings from around the world and his native land. He believes UFO visitations have spiritual significance and is willing to share his information with interested Irish people.

The article notes that the subject of UFOs was not taken seriously by the Irish government or media. A recent newspaper story, 'UFOS Over Dublin', about a Polish immigrant who claimed to have seen UFOs over Dublin in 1986, was investigated by BUFORA Ireland. Despite the man possessing cuttings of UFO sightings and being willing to talk, the newspaper failed to provide his contact details, citing that they were 'too busy printing rubbish'. This led BUFORA Ireland to express a lack of faith in the media.

From the Case Files of BUFORA Ireland: A Message from God!

This case file describes an incident on November 10, 1990, involving three teenagers in Mulhuddart, Dublin, who witnessed a strange pink mass in the sky, described as cloud-like and distinctive. The object hovered, was fuzzy in outline, and then descended out of sight. One girl saw a black mass near the ground, possibly a landing, and referred to it as 'a message from God'.

However, investigation revealed a likely explanation: the objects were parachute flares used by Dublin Airport for emergency exercises. These flares, red in color, can appear pink from a distance and drift down on a parachute. The 'black mass' could have been the flare expelling its parachute. The investigators found the witnesses sincere.

Observation at Flemalle-Grande

This report by Stany Box details three sightings in Flemalle-Grande, Belgium, in February 1990.

• First Sighting (February 8, 1990, 20:30): The observer noticed a luminous point-source near the full moon, which seemed static but then moved left. A 30-second video sequence captured the object's motion.
• Second Sighting (February 15, 1990, 20:30): A white-orange light-source approached, identified as three lights, two of which were pulsating. A triangular object with rounded corners and a ring of small white lights underneath was observed. It emitted no sound and appeared to hover.
• Third Sighting (February 20, 1990, 18:50): The same suspicious luminous light source was seen approaching. The observer filmed it, and neighbours were also witnesses. The object was identified as a UFO, not a plane. It ascended, passed behind a cloud, and then reappeared before extinguishing itself. A smaller light source was also noted to the right of the main object. Military aircraft (AWACS and F16s) were seen taking off.

All sequences were reportedly visible on the video tape.

Skywatcher

This section provides astronomical information for November and December 1991.

• Mars: In conjunction with the sun on November 8th, unobservable.
• Venus: In November, reaches greatest western elongation on the 2nd, with a magnitude of -4.2. In December, it is a difficult morning object to observe.
• Jupiter: In November, rising before midnight. In December, east of Leo, reaching a stationary point.
• Saturn: In November, low in the south-west, setting by 20 hrs. In December, in Capricorn, setting by 18 hrs.
• SkydATA: Provides lunar phases (New Moon, First Quarter, Full Moon, Last Quarter) for November and December 1991, and coordinates for Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn.
• Meteor Showers: Lists Leonids (November 14-17) and Geminids (December 7-24), with maximum ZHR for Geminids noted as 50+.

SPACE NEWS

EURECA Awaits Launch: The European Space Agency's satellite, EURECA, is in the USA awaiting launch on the shuttle Atlantis. It is designed for micro-gravity experiments and is retrievable and reusable. Its first mission will carry a 1000kg payload. Refurbishment is planned for early 1993 for a second mission.

Reviews

Cropcircle Communique: A 75-minute VHS video produced by John Mc Nish, reviewed by Mike Wootten. The video covers various theories on crop circles, including Plasma Vortex, unknown intelligence, and hoaxing. Contributors include Colin Andrews, Terrence Meaden, Pat Delgado, and others. The review praises the video's spectacular aerial sequences and visual beauty, calling it a 'definite must' for those interested in crop circles.

Readers Write

• Witnessing a Circle Forming? A letter from a reader questions the accuracy of a previously published account of witnessing a corn circle formation. The writer found no local knowledge of the event or the witnesses mentioned, suggesting it might have been a hoax. They compare it to another alleged hoax circle at Vernham Dean.
• UFOIN Files - Take Two: Norman Oliver comments on the correspondence regarding Andy Collins' reports published by UFOIN in the late 70s and early 80s. He confirms that BUFORA likely has a complete set of these extensive reports, some of which were nearly book-length. He discusses the copyright issue, stating that while case facts cannot be copyrighted, individual accounts with opinions and experiences can be, and many of Andy's reports were marked as such.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently highlights the challenges faced by UFO investigators, particularly the pervasive skepticism from the public and media in Ireland. There's a strong emphasis on the importance of responsible investigation and documentation, as seen in the detailed case reports and the discussion on copyright. The editorial stance appears supportive of UFO research and aims to provide a platform for sharing information and experiences, despite the prevailing disbelief. The inclusion of astronomical news and space exploration updates suggests a broader interest in unexplained phenomena and scientific advancements.

Title: UFO Times
Issue: Winter 1991
Volume: 31
Date: Winter 1991 (estimated December 1, 1991)
Publisher: UFO Times
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of UFO Times provides a mix of ufological content, including skeptical viewpoints, book and merchandise sales, and information on upcoming events and services.

Skeptics Corner

The 'Skeptics Corner' features a contribution from Steuart Campbell of Edinburgh, who defines sceptics as individuals who prefer simple explanations for phenomena, often employing Occam's Razor. Campbell argues that UFO reports are merely curiosities and do not represent frontiers of scientific knowledge. He states that while scientific models of the universe are questioned, this does not imply that anomalies can only be explained by the paranormal. He also critiques the idea that science has limits, calling it unscientific to place boundaries on knowledge and mystical to believe anomalies are paranormal. Campbell also addresses a map dowser's performance on a programme, stating it was no more than chance and did not achieve 100% accuracy.

An editor's comment from Andy Roberts is mentioned, and John Copsey from BUFORA AI East Anglia writes about a network formed with others to exchange UFO cases, hoping these files will be made accessible. He mentions the Norfolk UFO Investigators Network (NUFOIN) and the UFOIN network.

Books For Sale

Lionel Beer of SPACELINK BOOKS offers a selection of paperback and hardback UFO-related books. Notable titles include "Above Top Secret" by Timothy Good, "Amazing UFOs and Aliens" by R. Matthews, "Sky Crash" by Jenny Randles, D. Street & B. Butler, and "Alien Liaison - The Ultimate Secret" by Timothy Good. Also available are magazines such as "The Cerealogist" and "UFOAFRINEWS".

UFORIA, located in Batley, West Yorkshire, advertises UFO models, kits, entity figures, busts, rare UFO books, posters, badges, and memorabilia. They offer a free catalogue upon request.

Diary of Events

The 'DIARY' section lists upcoming BUFORA (British UFO Research Association) events:

• 18th Jan: BUFORA Regional Lecture in Northampton, featuring speaker John Spencer.
• 1st Feb: BUFORA London Lecture on 'Esoteric UFO Story' with speaker Geoff Freed.
• 7th Mar: BUFORA London Lecture with an unannounced speaker.
• 4th Apr: BUFORA London Lecture and AGM, including a talk on 'The Monuments of Cidonia' by Ananda Sirisina.

Details are provided for the regular BUFORA London lectures held at the London Business School, Sussex Place, Regents Park. These lectures start at 6:30 pm, with entrance fees of £1.50 for members and £3.00 for non-members. Wheelchair access is available. Full lecture programmes can be obtained from BUFORA (LP) in Harpenden, Hertfordshire.

Publications and Services

Several publications are available for purchase:

• Congress 1991 Proceedings: Limited copies available for £3.00.
• UFO World 1989: An international review of global ufology for £2.25.
• Fire in the Sky: BUFORA Case History Number 2, related to the Peter Day Movie Film, for £1.50.
• UFO Lexicon: A multi-language phrase book for UFO research, priced at £5.60.

Orders for these publications should be made payable to BUFORA Ltd. and sent to their address in Burgess Hill, Sussex.

UFOCALL is advertised as a telephone service for the strangest close encounters, edited and presented by Jenny Randles. It provides the latest cases, research news, and event details. Calls cost 34p per minute (cheap rate) and 45p per minute at other times.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine presents a balanced, though perhaps slightly leaning towards the skeptical, view of ufology. The inclusion of a 'Skeptics Corner' alongside book sales and event listings suggests an effort to engage with a broad audience interested in UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on various aspects of the field, from skeptical analysis to the promotion of UFO research organizations and services like BUFORA and UFOCALL. The emphasis on accessibility through events and a telephone hotline indicates a desire to connect with the UFO community.