BAE 3.4

Magazine Overview

This issue of the "Bulletin of Anomalous Experience" (Volume 3, Number 4, August 1992) focuses on the complex and often controversial aspects of UFO encounters and related phenomena. It features a spirited debate on the nature of extraterrestrial contact, research into a peculiar physical response to magnets, and discussions on the methodologies and ethical considerations within ufology.

Reader Reaction: Ann Druffel's "Can Unwanted UFO Contact Be Resisted?"

The lead article is a reaction from Richard J. Boylan to Ann Druffel's previous article, "Can Unwanted UFO Contact Be Resisted?" Boylan challenges Druffel's assumptions that extraterrestrial (ET) contact is inherently negative and warrants resistance. He argues that Druffel's assumption that ET contact is "bad or ill-mannered or gratuitously intrusive" is based on a limited, anthropocentric perspective. Boylan uses an allegory of an anthropologist studying the Yanomamo Indians to illustrate how a superior technological culture might interact with a less advanced one without malicious intent. He contends that resistance to ET contact is "chauvinistic, anthropocentric, strategically useless, possibly dangerous... psychologically risky, ill-mannered" and assumes a dark purpose where none may exist.

Boylan also questions Druffel's second assumption, that "very little is known for certain about the source, purpose and motives of UFO abduction." He argues that while complete information may be lacking, assuming the worst is not a reasonable course of action. He criticizes the idea of "righteous anger, rage, and physical struggle" as a response, suggesting it stems from exaggerated fear. He asserts that much is known about ET motives, citing reports of concerns about planetary ecology, war, and pollution. Furthermore, he refutes Druffel's third assumption that ETs have been "persistently deceptive." Boylan suggests that long intervals between contacts, which Druffel cites as evidence of deception, are common and that ETs often provide medical assistance and use post-hypnotic suggestion to minimize psychological impact.

Boylan concludes by advocating for a more open and acknowledging stance towards extraterrestrial contact, suggesting that embracing this reality will allow humanity to rise to its full potential and become part of a larger interstellar community. He believes this is crucial for humanity's mental health.

Reaction to "Some Thoughts About the UFO Problem"

Hilary Evans responds to an anonymous contributor's article, questioning the premise of a "UFO problem." Evans suggests that the vast "UFO anomaly-cluster" might be reduced to a core of actual sightings of unidentified flying objects, around which a complex structure of myth has been built, fueled by psychological and sociological processes. He expresses skepticism about claims that abduction evidence is stronger than evidence for the moon landing, stating he was unaware of any such evidence.

More Thoughts on Same...

Ann Druffel clarifies a factual error in a previous issue, stating that "missing pregnancies" have not been documented in relation to UFO problems, contrary to a previous mention.

And Still More Mail...

Kevin McClure, editor of The Wild Places newsletter, shares his impressions of the abduction scene. Working in social security, he claims to be rarely shocked but finds the abduction phenomenon particularly interesting due to its connection to religious phenomena and historical precedents. He identifies three key factors that concern him about abduction reports:

1. Internal Nature: The evidence supporting abduction reports is primarily subjective and "thin," making it difficult to verify.
2. Finite Time: The relatively recent emergence and evolution of abduction narratives, similar to the development of Marian apparitions, raise questions about their long-term reality.
3. Religious Experience Context: When viewed within the broader context of religious experience, the "specialness" of abductions diminishes, suggesting a common human need for belief in external, superior forces.

McClure worries that by encouraging people to recount their experiences, the reliability of the core account is not enhanced. He suggests that the current focus on abduction may lead to future resentment from those labeled as abductees.

Virtual Conference Results

The results of a virtual conference asking for suggestions for a "Reading List for Experiencers" are presented. Contributors like Richard Boylan, Keith Basterfield, and Hilary Evans recommend various books and articles related to UFOs, abductions, and anomalous experiences.

BUFORA's Five-Year Moratorium on Hypnotic Regression

Jenny Randles provides background on BUFORA's five-year ban on hypnotic regression, implemented in January 1988. BUFORA, Britain's oldest UFO group, has investigated numerous abductions. Due to the skeptical nature of ufology in Britain and the minimal association between mental health specialists and the UFO movement, BUFORA concluded that they could not risk jeopardizing abductees' psychological well-being by practicing amateur psychiatry. An incident where a psychologist performed hypnosis on an epileptic abductee, leading to a seizure, prompted BUFORA to tighten its code, making it mandatory for regressions to be conducted by medically qualified people. When this code was not adopted by other organizations, BUFORA decided to impose a five-year moratorium on the technique itself, exploring other methods like creative visualization. The moratorium was due for review in November 1992. Randles emphasizes that while they are not psychologists, their primary concern is helping witnesses, even if it means admitting their limitations and not treading into areas where they lack adequate medical support.

Book Excerpts: "Hidden Memories: Voices and Visions From Within" by Robert Baker

An excerpt from Robert Baker's book critiques the attempt to create a new psychiatric category called "Experienced Anomalous Trauma" for alien abduction claims. Baker argues this is unnecessary and driven by a desire for fame and fortune. He posits that such claims are likely rooted in cryptomnesia (hidden memories) or are confabulations resulting from traumatic experiences, rather than actual alien encounters. He criticizes therapists who naively accept the reality of UFOs and "satanists," preventing them from addressing the deeper, true causes of trauma.

Book Excerpts: "The Omega Project: Near-Death Experiences, UFO Encounters and Mind at Large" by Kenneth Ring

This excerpt from Kenneth Ring's book discusses the concept of an "encounter-prone personality." Ring suggests that individuals with a history of child abuse and trauma are more likely to report extraordinary encounters like Near-Death Experiences (NDEs) and UFO Encounters (UFOEs). He proposes that dissociation and psychological absorption, developed as coping mechanisms for trauma, facilitate access to non-ordinary realities. Ring views these encounters as a form of "cosmic koan" that challenges conventional understanding and requires humanity to open itself to transcendent energies for its future evolution.

Newsletters of Interest

Brief descriptions are provided for two British newsletters:

• Northern UFO News: Focuses on UFO news in England, presenting current cases and commentary, including frustrations with media interviews and news on Crop Circles.
• The Wild Places: A quarterly newsletter described as a "crossover point" for various ufologists, Fortean researchers, and spiritualists, featuring articles on alien worlds, spirituality, and the "Prison Earth Theory."

Feature Article: Magnetism, UFO Abductions and the Anomalous by Nicholas Reiter

Nicholas Reiter presents his research on the Magnetic Implant Response (MIR), an effect observed in individuals, particularly UFO abductees, when a strong magnet is brought near their heads. The research, initially conducted in Dallas, Texas, and later expanded in northwest Ohio, involved testing volunteers for this response. Reiter notes that the MIR appears to be a distinct, "quantum" effect, affecting about one in 3.6 individuals, with consistent locations and symptoms. Interestingly, none of the volunteers over 61 years old tested positive for the MR.

Reiter explores the connection between the MR and anomalous experiences, finding that MR-positive individuals reported more ghostly encounters, poltergeist activity, and UFO sightings compared to MR-negative individuals. He also details experiments with the Tesla Coil (TCSE), which appeared to temporarily nullify or deaden the MR sensations, suggesting a potential defensive application against abduction-related events.

Further experiments investigated the nature of the MR, including its potential link to RF-EM radiation and its behavior with different magnet types. Reiter also notes that the MR sometimes elicited disturbing memories, and that no evidence of the MR was found in animals. The research suggests that while a natural sensitivity to magnetic fields is a plausible explanation, certain inconsistencies, such as the "go/no go" appearance of the MR and its absence in older individuals, warrant further investigation into the possibility of external imposition.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the psychological and experiential aspects of UFO encounters, moving beyond simple sightings to delve into the subjective experiences of witnesses. There's a clear tension between those who view extraterrestrial contact as potentially positive or neutral (Boylan, Ring) and those who emphasize caution and resistance (Druffel). The role of psychology, memory, and trauma in shaping these experiences is a recurring theme, as seen in the critiques of abduction research and the discussion of the "encounter-prone personality." The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous, objective research while acknowledging the profound and often unsettling nature of the phenomena discussed, encouraging a balanced approach that considers both the subjective and objective dimensions of anomalous experiences.

Title: Bulletin of Anomalous Experience
Issue: Volume 3, No. 4
Date: August, 1992
Publisher: Bulletin of Anomalous Experience
Country: Canada
Language: English

This issue of the Bulletin of Anomalous Experience (BAE) is a networking newsletter focused on the UFO abduction phenomenon and related issues, serving mental health professionals, interested scientists, and recently, experiencers. The publication aims to explore these topics in a balanced manner, bridging academic inquiry with practical observation.

SE-8: The Animal Experiments

This section details experiments conducted during the summer, autumn, and winter of 1991 to determine if farm and domestic animals exhibit MR-like sensations when exposed to a powerful DC electromagnet. The researcher's hypothesis was that if MR is a naturally occurring phenomenon, animals should react to its effects, especially given anecdotal accounts of animals acting strangely during alleged UFO encounters.

A total of 13 animals were tested: 7 dogs, 4 cats, 1 pig, and 1 horse. The protocol involved positioning the 2000-5000 gauss test magnet near the animal's head while petting it to gain its confidence, and observing any changes in mood or stance. The results indicated that no animal showed any indication of a response or foreign sensation. The only noted response in a few dogs was idle curiosity about the object in the researcher's hand.

SE-9: The "Shield"

In June 1991, a device was constructed with the aim of acting as a "UFO abduction shield." This concept was based on observations from Texas experiments where a Tesla Coil appeared to mitigate the feeling of an impending abduction. The shield utilized a 555 timer IC to drive an automotive ignition coil via a 2N3055 power transistor. The high voltage output from the coil was fed to an argon-filled vacuum tube (884), powered by 110VAC and connected to a timed relay. When activated, the circuit produced a high-voltage discharge through the argon gas, creating a broadband RF burst approximately once per second.

The device was given to a UFO abductee in Indiana who was experiencing "anomalies" and apparent intrusions in her life. Definitive results are pending, as the shield was used sparingly and the abductee's experiences began to stabilize. A complication noted was that the abductee's husband, also a repeat abductee, experienced dizziness and nausea whenever the shield was turned on. Exact schematics are available upon request.

The researcher encourages other abduction researchers exploring "resistance" options to contact them. Furthermore, a new circuit has been developed that emits broad-band RF radiation similar to a Tesla Coil but without high voltage or a noisy spark gap. Testing of this new circuit with volunteers from the Random Series is underway, and this circuit is also available upon request.

PART IV: Other Researchers

This section highlights the work of other researchers in the field. Despite a generally slim response to the initial report on MR, the researcher has received inquiries from as far as Belgium, partly due to a campaign of mailing free copies of the first report.

Two other researchers have successfully duplicated the MR findings:

• Ms. Deb Tomey (Indianapolis): In the summer of 1991, she conducted an informal series of MR tests using the Random Series protocol on twenty-seven individuals. MR-like responses were observed in 16 tests, with several being extraordinarily vivid. A notable observation was that a high percentage of volunteers in this series were previous abductees or experiencers.
• Dr. Brian Thompson (Cincinnati, Ohio): This researcher has also confirmed the MR in at least two cases.

PART V: Conclusion

N.A. Reiter concludes that the MR research, even if it has not yielded other positive results, has at least prompted some medical and psychiatric professionals to reconsider their existing knowledge. The MR is described as a real entity and a key to understanding the connection between physics, mind, and brain. It is considered one of the few solid handles for grasping the complex nature of anomalous phenomena.

Over a year has passed since the first volunteer of the Random Series was tested. The researcher expresses regret at not being able to definitively state whether the MR relates to the abduction implant subphenomenon. However, certain observed aspects are subtly disturbing, suggesting that magnetic, geo-magnetic, or RF manipulation of human senses and thoughts could be frighteningly real, making our realities subject to external forces and potentially intelligent manipulation.

The author encourages readers to "try it yourself," noting that the necessary equipment is simple and inexpensive. Consultation is available.

Special thanks are extended to Barb, Debbie Tomey, Brian, the author's wife Deb, and all the volunteers who participated in the MR tests and experiments.

The contact information for N.A. Reiter is provided: 541 W. Stone St., Gibsonburg, Ohio 43431, (419) 637-2659. The date of the conclusion is April 21, 1992.

Footnotes:
1. Copies of the survey are available upon request.
2. Spark gap was approximately 2mm. Power source: 8kv static eliminator transformer operating off 110VAC 60cy. No other circuit elements were used.

• Sources:
• Becker, Robert O. and Seldon, Gary (1985). *The Body Electric—Electromagnetism and the Foundation of Life*. New York, New York: William Morrow and Co., Inc.

About the Bulletin of Anomalous Experience

Copyright Information: The contents of BAE are copyright (C) 1992 and remain the property of the AUTHORS. Reproduction in whole or in part requires express written permission from the author. All contributions to BAE remain the property of the AUTHORS, serving as a medium for discussion. Editorial comments are italicized. Contact information for authors is available through the editor.

Contributions: The Spirit of BAE: The publication welcomes contributions and correspondence. Unless specified otherwise, correspondence is assumed to grant permission for printing. Confidential or personal letters should be clearly marked as such. Lengthy contributions can be submitted on IBM-compatible diskettes (5.25 or 3.5 inch) in Word for Windows 2.0, WordPerfect 5.0, or ASCII text files.

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Mailing Address Change: As of August 31, the mailing address will change to: 2 St. Clair Avenue West, Suite 607, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M4V 1L5. Telephone and fax numbers remain the same.

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Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Bulletin of Anomalous Experience consistently explores the UFO abduction phenomenon and related anomalies, with a particular focus on the intersection of physics, electromagnetism, and human consciousness. The editorial stance, as articulated by Hilary Evans, is to "comfortably tread the narrow path between the groves of academia and the dust and heat of the marketplace, inquiring and suggesting, not asserting or insisting." This approach allows for the presentation of research and personal experiences without definitive pronouncements, fostering open discussion and further investigation within the community.