New BUFORA Journal - No 02 - Jun 2002

Magazine Overview

The New Bufora Journal, Issue No. 2, dated June 2002, is published by Bufora Ltd. with ISSN 1476-5314. The cover features a striking graphic of a coat hanger with 'UFO' printed on it, accompanied by the headline 'Clothes Encounters to Close Encounters - a Photo special'. Below this, a photograph depicts a luminous object in the sky, hinting at the issue's visual content.

Editorial: Approaching the UFO Enigma

In the editorial, Norman Oliver discusses the broad and interconnected nature of UFO research. He argues against isolating the UFO phenomenon, suggesting that it must be considered alongside other investigational activities such as remote viewing, psychic experiences, and channelling. Oliver posits that while many reports can be explained by ordinary means, some unexplained cases suggest craft of unknown origin. He emphasizes the importance of considering the occupants of these craft, not just the craft themselves, and touches upon the philosophical implications of seeking the reason for life. He also notes the increasing prevalence of reports involving aliens, abductions, and time-lapses, which may be outstripping simple sighting reports.

What's Your Opinion? - The 1897 Airship Flap

This section delves into a historical case from the 1897 'Airship Flap' in the USA, focusing on an account from Springfield, Missouri, published in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch on April 19th, 1897. The witness, W.H. Hopkins, a travelling agent, describes seeing a vessel similar to an airship resting in a clearing. He encounters two beings, a woman described as having golden hair and exquisite features, and a man with auburn hair and a beard. The vessel is described as approximately twenty feet long and eight feet in diameter, with propellers and various balls of metal that emitted intense lights when vibrated. The beings are described as examining his clothing and watch with curiosity. The account details the vessel's ascent and departure. The article includes commentary from the Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Co. manager, C.C. Gardner, who vouches for Hopkins' veracity, and Hopkins' wife, who confirms the account. The section concludes by posing questions to the reader about the nature of the event, suggesting possibilities ranging from hallucination to interdimensional contact.

UFO Power Cell or Hoax? Physical Evidence of an Abduction?

This article by Alan Hilton recounts an experience from April 4th, 1992, involving his friend John. John reported that his car had inexplicably travelled 300 miles instead of 150, with an empty fuel tank. Hilton suggests abduction, and through regressive hypnosis, John recounts being taken aboard a UFO. He describes being medically examined and having dome-shaped objects placed over his head. The beings were particularly interested in a baby. The highlight of the experience for John was bringing back a 'power cell' from the UFO. This object is described as a small, roughcut pyrite cube, about 25mm square, which was placed in a green cylinder and subjected to a beam of light from a crystal. The article notes that there have been no similar cases of retained items and that laboratory tests were not conducted, though psychometrists had impressions of a UFO and alien beings.

Talking to the Alien - Glimpses of Another Reality

Brian Allan discusses an alleged communication with an alien entity via channelling. While open to such phenomena, Allan is not entirely convinced that the communications are necessarily extra-terrestrial, suggesting they might originate from the clairvoyant's subconscious mind, similar to 'cryptomnesia' in past life regression. He notes that channelled entities, while often altruistic, offer little practical advice for achieving peace. The article mentions the 'Council of Nine' as a frequently channelled entity, with some inferring they are ancient Egyptian gods. Allan also discusses the concept of 'discarnate entities' and the potential risks of psychic trance, where malignant entities could latch onto a vulnerable medium. He then details an experiment conducted with psychics Jim Lochhead and Anne-Marie Sneddon, where Anne-Marie entered a trance state and communicated with an entity identifying itself as 'Golida' from 'Level two', described as a 'state of being' rather than a physical location or dimension.

UFO Weekend

This section provides information about an annual 'UFO Weekend' held at Hourne Farm, East Sussex/Kent border, offering workshops on esoteric and holistic themes. The 2002 event is scheduled for October 19th-21st, with details available from Alan Hilton. Speakers at the event include Norman Oliver and Max Burns.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently explores a wide range of UFO-related phenomena, including historical sightings, alleged alien encounters, and the use of psychic methods like channelling and regressive hypnosis. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, acknowledging the complexities and potential interconnectedness of these subjects, while also maintaining a critical perspective on the evidence and interpretations presented. There is a clear emphasis on encouraging reader participation and discussion, as seen in the 'What's Your Opinion?' section and the invitation for comments on future articles.

Title: New Bufora Journal
Issue: 2
Date: June 2002
Publisher: BUFORA Ltd

This issue of the New Bufora Journal, dated June 2002, explores the intersection of UFO phenomena and psychic (PSI) experiences, alongside a significant feature on the enigmatic Brown Mountain Lights. The journal includes interviews, witness accounts, scientific speculation, and organizational news.

Channeled Interview: Golida and Consciousness Elevation

The issue opens with a transcribed conversation involving AM/G (Anne-Marie/Golida), BA, and BD. Anne-Marie, acting as a channel for an entity named Golida, discusses concepts of souls, consciousness, and extraterrestrial existence. Golida explains that souls are 'created and despatched' and that achieving 'Level Nine' in Astral Travel is difficult and dangerous. Golida clarifies that they do not 'travel' in a physical sense but 'ARE', appearing when needed. They describe their purpose as helping to 'raise consciousness' globally, suggesting that once enough individuals are elevated, the rest of the population will follow automatically. Golida mentions that many of their kind are present in Tibet, where elevation is easier. When asked if they are part of a divine plan, Golida confirms their involvement and the need for universal participation.

Anne-Marie describes a physical sensation of cold and tingling when Golida is present. Golida states they can adapt and change form, being 'whatever we need to be,' and not necessarily human. They can be 'any shape or any creature depending on need.'

Later, Anne-Marie's physical appearance changes subtly during the trance, described as 'morphing, changing' with 'plasticity about her features.' This phenomenon is noted as significant for later discussion.

Regarding abduction phenomena and UFOs, Golida states that abductees 'have their part they are...programmed to help,' performing specific tasks without being harmed.

Concerning the millennium, Golida dismisses 'The Rapture' and 'Ascension' as mistaken beliefs, stating there are 'no surprises.'

Anne-Marie's trance ends with her appearing groggy and tired, explaining that she had used a lot of energy. The session is concluded by Jim, who thanks Golida.

The discussion then touches upon Rupert Sheldrake's concept of 'Morphogenetic Fields,' suggesting a parallel to Golida's ideas of collective consciousness elevation. The 'Hundredth Monkey Syndrome,' a phenomenon observed in macaque monkeys where a new behavior spread rapidly after a critical number of individuals learned it, is presented as an example of this collective consciousness shift.

An anecdote from researcher Andrija Puharich testing Uri Geller is recounted, where Geller channeled ET entities and appeared to have a hawk-like head, equated to the Egyptian god Horus. Puharich's association with Geller and the 'Council of Nine' was reportedly fraught with difficulty, with the Nine allegedly calling themselves 'clowns playing practical jokes.'

The article concludes by noting that while the experiment detected no anomalies, subjective impressions suggest something significant occurred, leaving open the question of whether 'Golida' could be interpreted as an 'angel.' The concept of angels is broadened beyond religious belief, referencing 'New Age mythmakers.'

The Brown Mountain Lights

This section, authored by Norman Oliver and drawing information from Lucius Farish, details the persistent mystery of the Brown Mountain Lights in North Carolina. These lights have been reported for over two hundred years and are described as balls of fire or other forms that roam the mountain, often appearing to move intelligently.

Historical Accounts and Legends:

• Cherokee Legend: The lights are associated with a battle between the Cherokee and Catawba Indians, believed to be the spirits of Indian maidens searching for lost husbands and sweethearts.
• 1771: German engineer Gerhardt Wilhelm Brahn suggested the lights might be caused by nitrous vapor emitted by the mountain.
• 1913: A U.S. Geological Survey declared the lights to be locomotive headlights from the Catawba Valley, though the railway and locomotives later disappeared.
• 1919: The lights were brought to the attention of the Smithsonian Institute and the U.S. Weather Bureau. Dr. W.J. Humphries reported similarities to lights seen in the Andes.
• 1941: Dr. Herbert Lyman of the American Meteorological Society also linked them to Andes lights, without explaining the Andes phenomenon.
• Later Geological Survey: Suggested Marsh Gas, but this was discounted due to the absence of marshes on the mountain.
• St. Elmo's Fire: Discounted by the Smithsonian Institute due to unsuitable conditions.
• Mirage Effect: Discounted as the lights were recorded before nearby towns existed.
• American Civil War: Lights were recorded during this period.

Witness Experiences:

• 1962: A man near Jonas Ridge reported seeing two 'white balls of fire' descending the mountain, lighting up the area before disappearing.
• Climbing Experience: A man resting under a rock saw a large ball of light descend, move intelligently, and follow him briefly, after which he suffered a severe cough and burning lungs.
• 1964 Expedition: Paul Ross and two others ascended the mountain with a geiger counter, detecting increased radio-activity near the lights. They observed lights 'butting' against each other and moving at high speeds, suggesting 'some form of intelligence.'

Ralph Lael's Account:

Ralph Lael, a furniture manufacturer and former Congressional candidate, provides a detailed and extraordinary account of his experiences with the Brown Mountain Lights between 1962 and 1965.

• Initial Sightings: Lael saw lights on numerous occasions, noting their intelligent movement.
• June 1962 Expedition: Lael spent days finding a route to Wild Cat Knob. He observed lights forming, growing, and moving intelligently. One light, described as a circle with a 'brown patch' and 'hands or feelers,' approached him, causing a vibration effect.
• Subsequent Visits: Lael returned multiple times. On one occasion, he followed a light into a rock face, discovering underground chambers made of crystal-like substance. He heard a voice explaining that 'Light-Beings' from Venus, who do not eat or drink and subsist on 'Pethine,' inhabit these chambers. They are on Earth to prevent humanity from destroying the planet, as they allegedly did to their home planet 'Pewam.'
• August 1962: Lael was asked to discourage further exploration of the area. He was promised a visit to Venus and shown the craft for the journey.
• October 1962: Lael claims he traveled to Venus in a craft that moved at the speed of light, experiencing 'breathtaking views' and visiting a human colony.
• 1965: Lael released details of his experiences after a three-year period. He later opened an 'Outer Space Rock Shop Museum' on Highway 181.

The article notes that while Lael's account is fantastical, the 'intelligent' movement of the lights has been corroborated by other witnesses. The existence of the museum is uncertain, and Lael's current status is unknown.

Photo Feature: The Evora Microbe

This section presents photographs of an 'Evora Microbe' discovered after a UFO sighting in Evora, Portugal. The microbe was found to exist without a head physically connected to its body. Photo 1 shows the central nucleus and a small corpuscle body, while Photo 2 details the trifurcation of its tentacles. A subsequent photo (not shown) was taken six months after capture.

Notice Board

This section contains calls for assistance for the New Bufora Journal editorial team and for running the 'ufocall' service, which involves updating recordings and sourcing short stories. Contact details for the Secretary are provided.

Publication Offer

Copies of 'UFOs and the PSI Interface,' a publication by Manfred Cassirer, Stephen Gamble, Elsie Oakensen, and John Spencer, are available for purchase at £7.50. This publication explores the interaction between UFO reports and PSI experiences from various perspectives.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently explores the fringes of unexplained phenomena, with a particular focus on UFOs, psychic abilities, and consciousness. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting witness accounts, speculative theories, and scientific investigations without necessarily endorsing any single explanation. There is a clear interest in the potential for extraterrestrial contact and the expansion of human consciousness, as evidenced by the detailed coverage of the Golida interview and the Brown Mountain Lights. The inclusion of historical accounts, scientific perspectives, and personal testimonies suggests an effort to provide a comprehensive, albeit sometimes controversial, overview of these subjects.

Title: New Bufora Journal
Issue: 2
Date: June 2002
Publisher: BUFORA
Country: United Kingdom

This issue of the New Bufora Journal, dated June 2002, presents a collection of articles and reports focusing on UFO sightings, paranormal experiences, and related phenomena. The cover headline, "Time to close the X-Files, say UFO watchers," along with the sub-heading "Points from the press...", indicates a focus on recent and historical accounts from various media sources.

Photographic Evidence and Sightings

The journal features several photographic examples of alleged UFOs. Photo 4 shows an aspect of a bubble against a microscope preparation, related to a mysterious life form captured six months prior. Photo 3 illustrates tentacle extremities with shredding, magnified X120. Photo 4, magnified X240, is also presented. A photo courtesy of SOBEPS, Belgium, taken on July 19, 1972, depicts an object seen by multiple witnesses, one of whom had a camera. This sighting occurred in Faymonville, Liege Province, Belgium. Another set of photos, taken by Jarmo Nykanen in Finland on March 16, 1979, shows 12 images of a "mini Ufo" near his lakeside cottage. The issue also includes a "sixties classic" photo by Paul Villa from Albuquerque, New Mexico, and a controversial photo by Billy Meier taken at Oberzelg, Switzerland, on March 3, 1975. A description of an object with a delta shape, rounded nose, "cut-outs," and symmetrical holes is provided, noting visible lettering on its body and its motionless state in mid-air. This photo was first published in The Bufora Journal Vol 9 No.3.

Historical and Press Reports

The "Points from the press..." section compiles various reports. An article from The Derby Evening Telegraph references a 1906 publication detailing a sky "dog-fight" witnessed on October 14, 1253, involving a large star and two smaller stars. The Aberdeen Evening Express reports on a website logging UFO sightings in the Muchalls area, referencing BUFORA's input on numerous reports including an "oval, luminous object" in June 1968, a "glowing figure" in November 1968, a "large saucer-shaped craft" in May 1969, pulsing white lights in June 1992, and a "glowing triangle" in September 1994.

An eight-year-old, Thomas Gerbicz, reported seeing a mysterious object with "red lights and a yellow plate" in Walkden, Salford, which disappeared after flashing. The Cannock Chase Post and Staffordshire Newsletter featured a plea from Graham Allen of the Staffordshire UFO Group for witnesses to a May 1988 incident where "scores of people" reported seeing two triangular objects tumbling over each other above Cannock Chase, an event raised in the House of Commons.

'Angel Hair' Phenomenon

The journal dedicates significant attention to the "Angel Hair" phenomenon. An analysis from the AFU Newsletter reviews an article by Brian Boldman, "An analysis of Angel Hair 1947-2000," which examines cases from 1947 to 2000. Boldman's conclusions suggest a strong correlation between "waves" in 1954 and 1973 and angel hair, indicating it might be a constituent of the UFO phenomenon. The article also mentions cases from Oloron, Gaillac, and Qurindi involving "cobwebs" and "silver spheres" performing acrobatic maneuvers.

Two references to "Angel Hair" in Italian UFO publications are highlighted. An incident on October 11, 2001, in Subbiano (Arezzo) involved children seeing strange whitish filaments descending from the sky, which became entangled in a tree. A subsequent occurrence on October 12, 2001, in Rome, involved witnesses observing a whitish, filament-like substance falling, accompanied by luminous pinpoints of light. Biologist Giorgio Pattera's observations under a stereomicroscope suggested polyfracting filaments of a "plastic material." Further investigation in the Arezzo province confirmed the phenomenon involved up to 10 witnesses, with filaments up to 5-6 meters long. Analyses revealed a polysaccharide and irregular structure, leading to speculation of a natural, not artificial, origin.

Personal Experiences and Sleep Paralysis

Norman Oliver contributes a personal account of an unusual experience in the early 1950s, which he later identified as potentially "sleep paralysis." He describes waking up at 2 am on his daughter's first birthday, unable to move any part of his body for what felt like an immense, though confirmed by a clock to be less than two minutes. This incident occurred in his upstairs flat in Brixton, South London. He notes that while sleep paralysis can recur, he has not experienced it since, and medical books at the time of writing offered no reference to it. He also recounts an earlier experience around age nine or ten involving a reversed spatial perception upon waking.

Oliver connects this to his later interest in UFOs, triggered by checking the Moon's phase on the night of his paralysis and finding it was a "New" Moon, contrary to his recollection of a Full Moon. He discusses the UFO climate of the time, with numerous sighting claims and vehicle interference reports, but notes that "abductions and 'lost time' experiences" had not yet become prominent.

Skepticism and Alternative History

An article by Malcolm Robinson details his attendance at a British Sceptic Society meeting. He notes the need for sceptics to keep UFO researchers grounded. The meeting featured Scott Campbell and Nick Puller, who discussed current events, including a palindromic time (8:02 pm on February 20, 2002). The main speaker, John Wall, a professional engineer, presented a talk titled "Alternative History and the Ma'ations From Cyberspace." Wall critically evaluated the work of Graham Hancock and Erich Von Daniken, questioning their methodologies and conclusions. He discussed the "face on Mars," showing how recent NASA images differed from earlier ones, and presented information on the pyramids of Egypt. Wall also critiqued Zechariah Sitchin, calling him an "out and out fraud." The talk included slides of "Natural Formations" related to ancient civilizations.

Other Reports

Other reports include an article in The Daily Post about a "gash" in the Snowdonia mountainside, initially questioned as a meteor strike, but later attributed by geologists and astronomers to a spectacular lightning strike. However, a witness reported seeing a bright flash above Moel Eilio on December 12th. The Australian UFO Bulletin documented an incident in 1997 where a teacher and his mother observed a yellow object pacing their car. The Evening News and Star of Cumbria reported multiple sightings in November, including a "white light," a "bright red light," a "white manoeuvering object" chased by jets, and a "cigar-shaped UFO." The Daily Mail featured an article on the possibilities of extraterrestrial contact, while a companion article discussed animal dreams. The Bolton Evening News reported on a UFO sighting above the Daisy Hill Hotel, with video footage confirmed as untampered but too small to identify. The Amateur Photographer documented a "green saucer-shaped object" hovering over Glasgow.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently features eyewitness accounts, photographic evidence, and press clippings related to UFOs and paranormal phenomena. There is an emphasis on investigating and presenting diverse cases, from historical reports to contemporary sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging readers to share their experiences and opinions, while also acknowledging skepticism and the need for critical analysis, as exemplified by John Wall's presentation. The recurring theme is the exploration of unexplained aerial phenomena and unusual experiences, with a particular interest in physical evidence and witness testimony.

Title: New Bufora Journal
Issue: 2
Volume: 2002
Date: June 2002
Publisher: BUFORA (British UFO Research Association)
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English
ISSN: 1476-5314

This issue of the New Bufora Journal provides a comprehensive look at UFO research, skepticism, and related phenomena, reflecting the ongoing debates and investigations within the field.

Sceptical Examination of Ancient Civilizations Theories

The journal opens with an account of a skeptical meeting where guest speaker John Wall critically examined theories presented by Graham Hancock, particularly regarding the alleged precision and alignment of the Egyptian pyramids to the stars. Wall argued that Hancock's work was flawed and based on 'shoddy assumptions,' presenting an alternative explanation that showed no correlation between the pyramids and the stars. He also dismissed astrology. The speaker's critique extended to books by Adrian Gilbert, Graham Hancock, and Robert Bauval, with Hancock's 'Underworld' being sarcastically referred to as 'Blunderworld.' The speaker's attendance at this skeptical meeting was framed as a lesson in understanding different perspectives and the importance of thorough research.

Elsie Oakensen's UFO Experience and Witness Support

A significant portion of the journal is dedicated to a letter from Elsie Oakensen, who shares her UFO experiences, initially documented in 1995. She highlights how her life and skills have developed since her encounter. Oakensen emphasizes the challenges UFO witnesses face in having their experiences understood, even by close family members, and the difficulties investigators encounter when their contact with witnesses is limited. She stresses the importance of the Witness Support Group (WSG) in connecting experiencers and the need for cooperation between witnesses and investigators, stating that 'without the witness there would be nothing for investigators to investigate!' She also notes that some investigations lack follow-up and updates, leading to incomplete accounts.

Hypnosis and False Memories

Another contributor, writing under 'Dear Sirs,' discusses the potential for hypnosis to implant false memories, drawing from personal experience with past life recall and self-hypnosis. The author recounts a personal experience where hypnosis, used to overcome grief after his wife's death, led to the creation of two contradictory memories of a childhood event, one of which involved a fabricated sexual assault. The author warns that individuals in an anxious state, particularly after a 'strange occurrence,' can be easily induced to form false and disturbing memories, and that the unconscious mind will readily supply them if prompted.

Reflections on the Evolution of Ufology

Heather Dixon provides an 'Investigations Diary' reflecting on the evolution of ufology from the 1990s to the present day. She notes a downward trend in reported UFO sightings in 2001, with many remaining as reports of unusual lights. The internet has changed reporting methods, but continuity in investigations is lacking due to witness disinterest or the mundane nature of follow-up questions. Dixon also touches upon the rise of alien abduction narratives, fueled by media and popular culture like 'The X Files,' and the role of regression hypnosis in eliciting 'truth' about these experiences, despite its known inaccuracies. She contrasts UK and American approaches to abduction research, with the latter often focusing on the physical reality of the experiences.

BUFORA's Role and Future

The journal details BUFORA's history, aims, and activities. Founded in 1962, BUFORA aims to promote scientific research into UFO phenomena, collect evidence, and co-ordinate research efforts. Members receive the 'New Bufora Journal' and have access to the 'UFOCALL' information service. The journal highlights the challenges in obtaining accurate national statistics due to the internet and the diverse reporting channels. It also discusses the potential for a revival of interest in the UFO subject, partly due to upcoming films and BUFORA's planned lecture program. The publication emphasizes the need for in-depth research into the witness experience, encompassing their physicality, mentality, and spirituality, and suggests that some high strangeness cases may defy rational explanation, possibly involving unknown natural phenomena or links to 'otherworld realities.' BUFORA is organizing a training day to illustrate the diverse areas of investigation.

Upcoming Events and Publications

The journal lists several upcoming events, including lectures and the BUFORA AGM. It also promotes new publications, such as 'WITHOUT CONSENT,' a book of true-life stories of extraterrestrial contact and alien abduction in the UK.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the critical examination of UFO theories, the challenges of witness testimony and investigation, the role of hypnosis, the evolution of ufology, and the importance of rigorous research. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging open-minded yet critical investigation, valuing both skeptical and experiencer perspectives, and promoting a comprehensive approach to understanding UFO phenomena. There is a clear emphasis on the need for evidence-based research and a balanced perspective, even when dealing with extraordinary claims.