Abduction short info sheets

Magazine Overview

Title: bufora INFO
Issue: BM BUFORA, London, WC1N 3XX
Date: September 1961 (raw date from cover headline)
Publisher: BUFORA
Country: UK
Language: English

This issue of BUFORA INFO focuses on the phenomenon of alien abduction, presenting it as a significant aspect of UFO research. It begins by detailing the foundational case of Betty and Barney Hill, whose 1961 experience set a precedent for subsequent abduction narratives.

The Starting Point: Betty and Barney Hill Case

The article recounts the experience of Betty and Barney Hill on September 19, 1961, as they drove home to New Hampshire from a holiday in Canada. They noticed a bright light in the sky that paced their car. The object eventually came closer, and Barney Hill approached it, observing humanoid entities through the windows. Fearful, they drove away, arriving home two hours later than expected, a phenomenon later recognized as 'missing time'.

Two years later, under regression hypnosis with psychiatrist Dr. Benjamin Simon, the couple recounted being taken from their car to an alien craft, subjected to medical examinations, and communicated with by the aliens before being released. The article notes the ongoing debate about whether these were real memories or false memories influenced by speculation. The case was popularized by journalist John G. Fuller in his book "The Interrupted Journey," which significantly advanced the study of abductions.

The article clarifies that while the Hill's case is widely known, the first reported abduction was that of Brazilian Antonio Villas Boas, though his account was released later. The Hill's story, however, established a pattern that has continued in style and detail to the present day.

Missing Time

'Missing time' is identified as a common element in abduction accounts. The article cites the case of Hélène Giuliana in June 1976, who experienced missing time after seeing a large orange glow in the sky while driving in Romans, France. Regression hypnosis revealed she had been abducted by small figures, tied to a table, and examined.

Another instance mentioned is Alan Fallows' experience in August 1975, where he experienced paralysis and missing time, finding himself clutching a screwdriver upon regaining consciousness, with no memory of picking it up.

Screen Memories

Several UFO researchers hypothesize that abductees may not recognize their experiences due to 'screen memories' or substitute images. Whitley Strieber, in his book "Communion," recounts a memory of an owl that obscured his immediate recollection of an experience on December 26, 1985.

Reports from abductees often contain images of mundane objects like cars, houses, or shops with 'strange shopkeepers,' which are interpreted as screen memories masking images of UFOs. Researchers suggest these memories are either imposed by aliens to prevent witnesses from remembering the experience or are a natural self-protection mechanism of the mind dealing with trauma.

Out of Body?

A radical perspective suggests that abductions occur not in the physical world but in the 'astral world,' with the abductee's 'astral' body being examined rather than their physical one. Hauni-Leena Luukanen-Kilde, a medical professional from Finland, experienced out-of-body visions during surgery and recalled an abduction. She believes her physical body remained in bed while her astral body was on the spacecraft, and the marks on her legs might be stigmata related to her beliefs.

The abductions of Betty Andreasson Luca, detailed in Raymond Fowler's "The Watchers," also include OOBE (Out-Of-Body Experience) accounts, where she describes coming out of herself.

Spiritual Dimension

Stirs Elsie Oakensen from Northamptonshire, England, who was abducted in November 1978, underwent what she described as a 'scanning' during a period of vehicle stoppage. She interpreted this not as a medical examination but possibly a spiritual one, noting that she has since become a healer and developed psychic abilities.

The Genetic Study Theory

Researchers are investigating the purpose of extraterrestrial UFOs. A prominent theory, particularly among American researchers, is that aliens are engaged in a genetic study program of examination and manipulation. This theory posits that humans might be part of a biological experimental program being monitored and updated by aliens, or that aliens require something from humans that is absent in their own genetic makeup.

British abductee Maria Ward recalled being examined during a 'bedroom visitation' abduction. Professor John E. Mack of Harvard Medical School suggests that the physical aspect of abductions relates to genetic or quasi-genetic engineering.

Artistic Effects

The article notes that some individuals who have had UFO experiences have subsequently developed artistic talents. Peter Holding, after UFO experiences, became an accomplished artist whose work often carries religious themes. Bryan and Mark James also pursued artistic careers, with James acknowledging that his frightening encounters educated and developed him. Researcher John Spencer concludes that while these artistic developments are common, they are likely a 'side-effect' of dealing with the experiences, rather than the primary purpose of abductions.

BUFORA's Stance on Hypnosis

BUFORA, through its Code of Practice, strictly prohibits the use of hypnotic regressive techniques in research. The organization believes that subjects are susceptible to suggestion under hypnosis, and therapists can implant false memories. Despite the widespread use of hypnotic regression in abduction research, BUFORA considers the process too dangerous, especially when results may be inconclusive.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the phenomenon of alien abduction, presenting various cases and theories. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into UFO-related phenomena, particularly abductions, while maintaining a cautious approach to research methodologies like hypnosis. Key themes include the detailed recounting of abduction experiences, the psychological aspects such as screen memories, and scientific or speculative theories like the genetic study hypothesis. The publication aims to inform readers about the complexities and ongoing research within the field of ufology.