BAE 5.6

Magazine Overview

Title: Bulletin of Anomalous Experience
Issue: Volume 5, Number 6
Date: December 1994

This issue of the Bulletin of Anomalous Experience, a publication focused on anomalous phenomena, delves deeply into the abduction experience, its study, and its implications. The magazine features a variety of content, including reader mail, feature articles, reviews of scientific literature, and discussions on related topics.

Mail Section

The 'Mail' section opens with a letter from Bruce Maccabee, who emphasizes the importance of physical evidence in the study of UFOs and abductions, contrasting this with a psycho-social approach. He asserts that aliens are not human and possess advanced knowledge. Following this, John A. Keel responds to Ann Druffel, critiquing what he terms the 'cultist stance' and 'revisionist nonsense' in ufology. Keel traces the history of abduction narratives back to science fiction and early ufology publications, highlighting figures like Ray Palmer and Arthur Koestler. He also discusses the founding and early activities of NICAP, suggesting its collapse was due to internal issues. Keel argues that the study of UFO buffs themselves is more fruitful than endless speculation, and that abduction material is a variation of earlier 'possession' studies.

R.E. Sawchuk replies to Stuart Appelle, discussing the philosophical implications of causal views of reality and 'cosmological relativism.' He references a case report from the British Journal of Psychiatry and the concept of being conditioned to see and experience things in a particular way.

Readers' Observations on Abductions

This section presents reader feedback on changes in the study of abduction experiences over the past five years and predictions for the next five. Filip Coppens notes the shift from 'anomalous' to 'ever-present' abduction events, driven by works like those of Mack and Strieber, and anticipates a culmination around 1997-2000, followed by a potential loss of interest unless genuine research emerges.

Ann Druffel expresses concern over the 'will to believe' in abduction stories, citing genetic tampering and hybrid babies, and lamenting the apparent abandonment of the scientific method. She hopes for objective researchers to obtain videos of abduction scenarios.

John Robert Colombo shares three predictions from a 'séance' with the spirit of Nostradamus concerning Budd Hopkins and John Mack's future work, and a potential link between Matthew Hopkins (17th-century witchhunter) and Budd Hopkins. He also predicts the cessation of the Bulletin of Anomalous Experience and a future where all human experience is seen as anomalous.

Michel Granger, a French engineer, observes the increased level of researchers entering the abduction field, lending it credibility. He notes that France lags in this area, with aliens being more discreet. He awaits a general consensus and believes the scientific establishment's attitude needs to change.

Denise N. Massey, an entering law student, highlights the recognition of abductions by mental health professionals as a significant change. She anticipates the abduction experience becoming relevant in the legal profession, potentially in class-action suits, defense pleas, or not-guilty pleas.

Jean-Luc Rivera comments on the hiatus of BAE, expressing his enjoyment of the publication. He notes the established link between abduction experiences and other phenomena like apparitions and NDEs, suggesting a common psychological background. He predicts the 'muddied waters' of researchers becoming experiencers as a significant future trend.

Leo Sprinkle, Ph.D., identifies the study of the process and procedures of ET abductions as the most significant change, and anticipates an emphasis on abductions as 'going toward the stars' or a merger of Heaven and Earth in the next five years.

More Mail

John Rimmer, editor of Magonia, expresses disappointment about BAE's hiatus and offers Magonia as a platform for continuing dialogues. Lindy Tucker of PURE Research laments the loss of BAE as a 'basion of free speech' and a meeting ground for intellectual discussions, wishing the publication well and hoping for its return.

Editor's Thanks

David Gotlib, the editor, expresses deep gratitude to numerous individuals for their encouragement, editorial advice, contributions, and financial support over the past five years. He lists many individuals who played a special role in nurturing BAE and keeping him motivated.

Networking

The 'Networking' section includes additions to the directory. (Edward) Carlos, Ph.D., describes his background as an artist and professor, and his interest in ufology stemming from a personal experience involving lost time and photographs. Chris A. Rutkowski, an astronomer, shares his view that while extraterrestrial life may exist, he sees no incontrovertible evidence of UFO visitation. He believes UFOs are either physical or sociological/psychological phenomena, both worthy of study. He advocates for bridging the gap between believers and debunkers and is critical of misinformation in the field. His philosophy is to "Don't always believe the believers, but also be skeptical of skeptics."

The 'RIAP Update' announces a cheaper subscription option for the RIAP Bulletin, the newsletter of the Research Institute on Anomalous Phenomena.

Feature Articles & Other Sections

'Alien Discussions: Proceedings of the Abduction Study Conference' is advertised, detailing a large hardcover volume of conference proceedings held at MIT, covering various aspects of the abduction phenomenon from multiple perspectives. The advertisement highlights its role as an introduction to the entire abduction phenomenon and its comprehensive editing with a glossary and index.

'Promises and Disappointments' is reviewed as a quarterly study of the paranormal, succeeding previous publications. The review praises its 'hard investigative edge' and its aim to challenge those who profit from sensational claims in the paranormal field.

'The Excluded Middle,' an esoteric journal, is described as offering entertaining and thought-provoking reading with photos, artwork, and humor, featuring interviews and articles on topics like NDEs and transpersonal experiences.

'Treat VII,' a conference on 'Consciousness At the Edge: Shifting Scientific and Personal Paradigms,' is announced, with Dr. Karl H. Pribram as the keynote speaker.

'Cabaret St. John on the Internet' announces a new project by Michael Grosso planning a website for discussing 'Information Singularities' (IS) that challenge existing paradigms.

'Charles Tart's papers on the Internet' provides instructions on how to access Professor Emeritus Charles T. Tart's published journal articles and papers via anonymous FTP, noting that over 100 articles are available or will be posted.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the abduction phenomenon, its study, and the debate between physical evidence and psycho-social interpretations. There is a strong emphasis on the historical development of ufology and abduction narratives, with critiques of certain researchers and organizations. The issue also touches upon the role of science fiction, the potential for future scientific or legal recognition of abductions, and the broader implications for human consciousness and understanding of reality. The editorial stance, as suggested by the content and the editor's thanks, is one of fostering open, thoughtful debate on anomalous experiences, even as the publication faces a temporary hiatus.

This issue of the Bulletin of Anomalous Experience, Volume 5 Number 6, dated December 1994, features articles exploring the nature of consciousness, perception, and potential extraterrestrial influences. The main cover article is "Elephantology -- The Science of Limiting Perception to a Single Aspect of a Large Object Parts II & III" by David Ritchey.

Article: Elephantology -- The Science of Limiting Perception to a Single Aspect of a Large Object (Parts II & III) by David Ritchey

This paper, a continuation of a previous installment, introduces the concept of "Psychologically Sensitive Individuals" (PSI) as a value-neutral term for individuals who experience "transpersonal experiences." Ritchey argues that traditional labels like "multiples" or "psychotics" (from pathologizers) and "shamans" or "gurus" (from new-agers) are too biased. He proposes PSI as an alternative, noting its potential for both positive and negative connotations.

Part II, "The Number of the Beast," delves into the characteristics of PSI. These individuals are not only sensitive mentally and emotionally but also likely to be sensitive immunologically, physiologically, and environmentally, exhibiting allergies, autoimmune disorders, and sensitivity to fluorescent lights or weather changes. Ritchey's research involves analyzing various psychological factors such as temperament, fantasy-proneness, absorption, dissociation, and learning styles. His initial sample of 14 subjects, composed of friends and clients, is not random but provides a starting point for analysis.

The core hypotheses are that PSI is characterized by the facility to enter alternate states of consciousness (spontaneous or volitional), that innate neurological differences influence this facility, and that defining these states theoretically leads to a "terminological quagmire." Ritchey discusses "Other-than-Beta Consciousness" (OTB Consciousness) as states differing from the normal Beta pattern, encompassing meditative, inspirational, hypnotic, hypnagogic, dissociative, and seizure-like states. He notes that while many manifestations of OTB Consciousness involve learned behaviors, there are distinct "approach" (absorption/involvement) and "avoidance" (dissociation/checking out) pathways.

Ritchey extensively details his use of Ernest Hartmann's "Boundary Questionnaire" as a central instrument, along with Ring's "Omega Psychological Inventory (of Dissociation)" and "Omega Home Environment Questionnaire." He presents data comparing his sample to Hartmann's larger research group, noting that higher "Sumbound" scores (derived from the Boundary Questionnaire) tend toward "thinness" (less boundaried) and lower scores toward "thickness" (more boundaried).

Further analysis of the data reveals that "Personal Subscale" scores on the Boundary Questionnaire are closely associated with "Sumbound" scores, while "World Subscale" scores show less relevance. The "Experiential Subscale" is highlighted as a strong indicator of psychological sensitivity, closely associated with both "Sumbound" and "Personal Subscale" scores. Females, on average, scored higher than males on most instruments, leading to the hypothesis that females may be more psychologically sensitive and more prone to "transpersonal experiences."

Ritchey also lists other instruments used and those he wishes to investigate, including tests for "attention deficit disorder" and "creativity." He concludes by reflecting on the nature of the "beast" he is studying, suggesting it is "thinner" than initially perceived and that the research is ongoing.

Article: Gurdjieff, Sirius and Possible Sources of Some UFO Intelligences by Robert Filocco

Robert Filocco, a psychotherapist, explores the UFO phenomenon through the lens of consciousness, mythology, and ancient traditions. He posits that UFOs are part of an "Exo-Ecology," a larger environment cohabited by various intelligent beings. Filocco references his earlier work, "The Monitors," which suggested that superior intelligences have been observing Earth since antiquity, interacting through psychological manipulation, religious phenomena, and "secret societies."

Filocco draws parallels between Julian Jaynes' theory of the "bicameral mind," George Gurdjieff's accounts of periodic visits by extraterrestrial beings involved in human development, and Robert Temple's theories about Sirian visitations. He notes Gurdjieff's description of a "kundabuffer" organ that controlled human consciousness and its subsequent "removal," which allegedly led to the unbalancing of the human psyche and internecine warfare. This is compared to Jaynes' conclusion that hypnosis in modern man stems from the breakdown of the bicameral paradigm.

The article highlights Gurdjieff's emphasis on the solar plexus and peripheral nerves, connecting it to Candace Pert's research on neuropeptides and the role of peripheral nerves in mental activity. Filocco also notes the frequent mention of the solar plexus in UFO literature and Castaneda's works.

Filocco finds clear allusions to Sirius and the Pleiades in Gurdjieff's "All and Everything," suggesting Gurdjieff may have been struggling for secret knowledge culminating in contact with Sirius. He groups Gurdjieff among "contactees" who believed in demiurgic intelligences guiding human evolution and describes Gurdjieff's "black-box" technologies as reminiscent of UFO close encounter cases. Gurdjieff's goal was the integration of Western and Eastern thought as part of a coming spiritual transition.

The "Sirius connection" is further explored through R.A. Wilson, Aleister Crowley, and older UFO lore, suggesting significant connections between Earth and Sirius that extend beyond intellectual history. Filocco speculates that these intelligences, described as "watchers," "monitors," or "demiurges," may be involved in spurring evolutionary development.

Filocco also examines the "removal" of the kundabuffer organ and its link to Yogic mind control and genetic manipulation, referencing S.H. Hooke's work on the "tablets of destiny." He suggests that alien intervention may be aimed at psychological and spiritual transformation rather than mere genetic sampling.

Further connections are drawn from Yogic traditions, which posit Sirius as the "Ajna" (brain center) of a galactic being, and American Indian myths of beings from Sirius inhabiting Earth. The concept of Earth as a "testing ground" for evolution is discussed, along with fairy-lore references to ascendance to "higher planes."

The theme of "lost gods" and the resumption of contact is explored through the Egyptian myth of Osiris and the Sumerian myth of a "future star," suggesting a cosmic reconnection of "head" and "heart." The article mentions predictions of a "solar event" or "ball of redemption" from various sources, including Veronica Lueken and the Fatima prophecy.

Filocco concludes by questioning the purpose of alien intervention, suggesting it is not merely for genetic material but for a deeper involvement in human evolution. He acknowledges that his synthesis of information from diverse sources does not "prove" anything but is driven by intrigue at the commonalities that might point to a "unified field theory" of UFO encounters.

Article: Time to Fly (Part Eight: Consciousness and Consequence) by Edward Carlos

Edward Carlos's essay explores consciousness as a reflection of itself through shamanic journeys and encounter experiences. He defines consciousness as acting like a relationship, where the given of the other is received and evaluated, leading to intimacy and the discovery of a cosmos.

Carlos describes the initial experience of consciousness as unconscious but resonant, leading to disorientation that is the felt experience of the body. This disorientation is paradoxically implied in the wholeness of the experience. Knowing, in this context, is described as "unknowing" at the conscious level.

The essay details the feeling of "loss of soul" that can occur when an individual experiences zero tolerance due to toxic chemicals or materials. This leads to panic, disorientation, and a sense of helplessness. Emotion manifests strongly but is not empowering, resulting in an "empty 'spaciness' or mental vacuousness."

Carlos contrasts this "terrible experience" with transcendental experiences, noting the absence of images and the feeling of the soul having temporarily left the body. He distinguishes it from the "Great Void" in Eastern doctrines, describing it as a "terrible, horrendous, physical experience" resulting from environmental toxicities. He notes that while injections can counteract insect bites, there is no such remedy for chemical exposure or smoke.

Diseases are presented as reflections of absorbed "dis-eases" of the spirit and body, with national compounds breaking into larger scale dis-eases. The separation of spirit and body is seen as unnatural, leading to "dis-ease" and "disembodiment." The modern world's political and economic disingenuousness, coupled with industrial and scientific practices, results in widespread "allergic" symptoms and a form of denial.

The article discusses how shamans and "encontrants" (those who have close encounters) often acutely feel these improprieties as a body consciousness, experiencing successive illnesses and "momentary 'deaths'" that are imagistically representative of a world gone awry. These sensitivities are part of the shamanic initiation process.

Carlos argues that the "anomalous" experiences—the uncanny, spiritual, visionary, ecstatic, resonant, and poetic—are not necessarily indicative of a positive tendency for humankind, citing the fear and hostility often directed at the arts. He critiques the notion of shamanism or encounters being "new age" or mere entertainment, emphasizing that true change involves incarnation and transformation.

He asserts that the cosmic and universal spirit is stronger than the human physical body and its deterioration. The deterioration of physical sensitivities can paradoxically enhance awareness, leading to a "renewing body-spirit." This process, though shamanically initiatory and sometimes frightening, strengthens self-empowerment and allows for the possibility of healing.

The essay concludes by suggesting that recognizing "spiritual warriorship" involves fighting one's own defenses and seeing oneself as part of a greater ecological environment where relationship is meaningful. Ego management is key to retaining this perspective.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of the Bulletin of Anomalous Experience consistently explores the intersection of consciousness, perception, and anomalous phenomena. The articles by Ritchey and Filocco, in particular, delve into the psychological and mythological underpinnings of experiences often labeled as "paranormal" or "UFO-related." There is a clear editorial stance favoring a more nuanced and less pathologizing approach to these experiences, as exemplified by Ritchey's proposal of "Psychologically Sensitive Individuals." The magazine also demonstrates an interest in historical and cross-cultural perspectives, linking modern UFO lore with ancient myths and philosophical traditions. The exploration of consciousness as a fundamental aspect of reality, capable of profound transformation and potentially influenced by external intelligences, is a recurring theme. The publication appears to encourage further research and open-minded inquiry into these complex subjects.

Title: Bulletin of Anomalous Experience
Issue: Volume 5 Number 6
Date: December 1994

This issue of the Bulletin of Anomalous Experience delves into the complex interplay between anomalous experiences, psychology, and consciousness. It features research on UFO abductions, near-death experiences, hypnosis, and the nature of reality, drawing from scientific literature and philosophical considerations.

Part Nine: Images in the Bardo

This section explores the relationship between the animal and demonic worlds within the context of Bardo experiences, as described in the Bardo Thodol. It posits that the deceased retrogrades into lower states of consciousness, with the threshold of this descent often experienced as a dizzying, primal experience. Consciousness appears to retrogress, with the mind confused in searching backwards. The descent is characterized by a compounding of images that are revelatory, mystifying, and often frightening, yet are believed to originate from higher, spiritually enlightened elements of consciousness. The Bardo Thodol is presented as relevant to Tibetan shamanic rituals and Buddhist doctrines, detailing the six Bardo experiences. The text highlights the dual nature of these experiences, involving both joy facing radiant beings and horror facing demonic aspects, which are seen as manifestations of personal psychology and karmic issues. The concept of 'karmic death' is discussed in relation to the potential for returning to a 'paradisal cosmic realm' or 'Nirvana,' free from error and obscuration. The journey through the Bardo ultimately leads back to the physical world for further experience and resolution.

Spiritual Elevation and Death

Spiritual elevation is presented as freedom, and death as a door to this transport. The text draws parallels with poems from Anguttara-N'kaya, suggesting that passion can lead individuals down certain paths, but in the Bardo, messengers guide the way, challenging individuals to face their fears. The concept of 'passion' is explored as a driving force in life, involving risk and karma. The possibility of ultimate freedom is linked to the 'other world' and parallel universes. However, lingering compulsions, such as obsessive love, can continue in the Bardo, leading to a longing for the beloved's flesh or life's accomplishments. This possession is seen as an ordeal, from which one may ultimately find relief by letting go.

The Egyptian equivalent, The Book of the Emerging Into The Light of Day, is also mentioned as a funerary and karmically reincarnative text.

The Matrix of Rebirth and Consciousness

This section discusses the spiritual growth of the soul through rising embodiments of spiritual ecstasy, using the metaphor of a butterfly's transformation. It suggests that death is a momentary passage, and light acts as a catalyst. The journey through hazy mazes and misty plateaus represents rebirth and reincarnation into an ultimate resonance of relationship. Human beingness is viewed as larval, with the potential for spiritual flight. The 'mist' surrounding light is described as a pulsating haze that imparts knowledge through lessons employing 'crystalline-light' technology, sharing wisdom through metaphoric experience that is later enacted on a physical level.

Each mystical text is seen as echoing the encounter experience, with the text suggesting that fear can transform into awe, which then enables inspiration and creative expression. Creativity is described as the transporting of presence, essence, and image, shifting shamanic horrors into artistic forms. Communication is rendered toward a higher validation through this process.

Connections Between Shamanism and Encounters

The connections between shamanism and encounters include facing the demonic, the other, the unknown, and those who differ. Shape-shifting is identified as an aspect of energy in these experiences. Metamorphosis is presented as a means to light, both metaphorically and energetically, with healing being resonant of light. The experience of light is described as a myriadic pulsation of the color spectrum, including physical energy, process, and methodology, experienced as waves of color spectra and invisibilities.

Earth is presented as the initial world concept, a holy sacred ground from which individuals depart for spiritual ingestion and to which they return. Earth is also viewed as a form of consciousness, and commongrounds include a cosmic consciousness originating within us. The necessity for healing strategies is emphasized, particularly in the context of contemporary global dangers. The concept of 'healing wounds' is explored as a call to action for raising consciousness and enacting 'rightness' through loving and caring for home, neighborhood, and ultimately the world.

The text suggests that the encontrant and the shaman realize the importance of what is consequential and what implies limitations, recognizing that one is transcendental by essence of nature. Illusions lead to a dissolution of time, space, and object, yet these objectivities are the very lessons life presents.

From the Scientific Literature: Alien Abduction: The Inside Story

This article by Susan Blackmore, published in New Scientist, discusses the growing mainstream attention to alien abductions, noting that while researchers once sought serious discussion, the focus has shifted towards psychological explanations. The Harvard Mental Health Newsletter featured articles suggesting that abduction reports are illusions resulting from misinterpretation or hypnagogic imagery, or are useful for learning about fantasy-proneness and false memories. Blackmore's article proposes that alien abduction may be a modern equivalent of a sleep paralysis myth, possibly influenced by abnormal temporal lobe activity. She recounts her own experience in Michael Persinger's laboratory, where exposure to magnetic fields induced sensations of swaying, being pulled, and intense emotions of anger and fear. Blackmore questions whether people experiencing such phenomena spontaneously would seek explanations, potentially leading them to embrace alien abduction narratives to reassure themselves they are not 'going mad.' She concludes by pondering the implications of magnetic mind control, suggesting it might be more concerning than imaginary alien abductions.

Recent Abstracts

This section provides summaries of recent scientific articles related to anomalous experiences:

• Dissociation in Alleged Extraterrestrial Abductees by Susan Marie Powers: Assesses dissociative symptoms in individuals claiming extraterrestrial abduction, comparing them to 'sightees' and sexually abused individuals. Findings indicate higher PTSD and dissociation symptoms in abductees and sexually abused subjects, suggesting therapeutic benefits for dissociation and PTSD.
• Chronic Claims of Alien Abduction and Some Other Traumas as Self-Victimization Syndromes by Jim Schnabel: Discusses a case of an alleged alien abduction victim, suggesting that aspects of her history might be better understood as manifestations of manipulative self-victimization syndromes rather than solely exogenous trauma.
• Misidentified Flying Objects? An Integrated Psychodynamic Perspective on Near-Death Experiences and UFO Abductions by Stuart W. Twemlow: Proposes a psychodynamic perspective to explain similarities between near-death experiences (NDEs) and UFO abductions, suggesting their 'realness' is primarily psychological rather than external reality.
• Keith Basterfield comments, noting the complexity of the question of reality and the presence of claimed physical evidence for abductions, unlike NDEs.
• David Gotlib critiques Twemlow's argument, pointing out the omission of physical evidence in UFO sightings and the potential difficulty for experiencers to accept a purely psychodynamic approach.
• Fowler C. Jones presents evidence for UFOs and discusses the psychological and social characteristics of abductees and NDErs, suggesting NDEs can be accounted for by a defense mechanism.
• Alvin H. Lawson strengthens Twemlow's discussion with the 'birth memories hypothesis,' viewing abduction claims as fantasies originating in perinatal experiences and linking them to NDEs and other anomalous experiences.

• Hypnosis articles:
• Brain dynamics and hypnosis: Attentional and Disattentional Processes by Helen J. Crawford: Reviews research supporting a model where highly hypnotizable individuals have stronger attentional filtering abilities, reflected in underlying brain dynamics.
• The protection of the professional use of hypnosis: the need for legal controls by Robb O. Stanley: Reviews adverse effects of hypnosis and highlights the need for legal controls over its practice.
• Hypnosis and the dream hidden observer: primary process and demand characteristics by C Mare, SJ Lynn, S Kvaal, D Segal, H Sivec: Explores hypnotic dreams and the 'dream hidden observer,' finding that hypnotizable subjects' dreams contained more primary process.
• Pseudomemory in Hypnotized and Simulating Subjects by SJ Lynn, JW Rhue, BP Myers and JR Weekes: Investigates pseudomemory suggestions in hypnotized and simulating subjects, finding comparable rates.

• Hypnosis, Delayed Recall, and the Principles of Memory by John F. Kihlstrom: Reviews memory function principles that limit the recovery of long-forgotten memories, cautioning clinicians about using hypnosis for delayed recall due to the unreliability of distinguishing true from false memories.

• Flashbacks: The Concept of Flashbacks in Historical Perspective by Fred H. Frankel: Reviews literature on flashbacks, noting variability in their use and the lack of clear demonstration of their unidimensional nature or neurophysiological correlates.

• Dissociation: Proneness to Dissociation and Traumatic Childhood Events by Harvey J. Irwin: Links proneness to dissociation in adulthood to childhood trauma, identifying familiar loss, intrafamilial sexual abuse, and extrafamilial sexual abuse as predictors.

• Dreams: Waking Life, Dream Life, and the Construction of Reality by Stanley Krippner: Argues that anomalous dream reports challenge Western philosophy and need reconsideration, citing parapsychological data and shamanic models of reality.

• Some Philosophical Implications of Dream Existence by Gordon G. Globus: Suggests dreams are de novo constructions of actual perceptual worlds, not memory scraps.

• Persinger's Corner: The sensed presence as right hemispheric intrusions into the left hemispheric awareness of self: an illustrative case study by MA Persinger et al.: Presents a case study supporting the hypothesis that right hemispheric intrusions are associated with the experience of a 'presence.'

• Older Articles of Interest: Telepathy in mental illness: Deluge or delusion? by Bruce Greyson: Discusses reports of veridical telepathy despite its association with psychosis.

• 'Psychic sensitivity', mystical experience, head injury and brain pathology by Peter Fenwick et al.: Compares students with 'psychic' experiences to controls, finding associations with head injury, illness, and non-dominant hemisphere dysfunction.

The Last Word: The Last Report: The Final Impressions of a Psychical Researcher

This section features an excerpt from William James's reflections on psychical research. James expresses that after twenty-five years of engagement with the literature and witnessing phenomena, he remains theoretically no 'further' than at the beginning. He confesses to being tempted to believe that the Creator intended this field to remain baffling, prompting curiosity and hope, as phenomena like ghosts and clairvoyances, while seeming to exist, can never be fully explained away or fully corroborated. He notes the peculiarity of having numerous sources of possible deception, making the entire lot potentially worthless, yet few cases can be definitively disproven. James believes that science requires more than bare possibilities and that genuine scientific inquirers remain unsatisfied. He expresses a deeper belief that psychical researchers must expect progress not in quarter-centuries, but in half-centuries or whole centuries. He also touches upon the motto 'Falsus in uno, falsus in omnibus' (False in one thing, false in all things) used by English psychical researchers when dealing with mediums, suggesting that a policy of believing too little rather than too much has been wise tactically. He commends the S.P.R.'s Proceedings for their slow and deliberate approach.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the psychological and neurological underpinnings of anomalous experiences, particularly UFO abductions and near-death experiences. There is a strong emphasis on exploring these phenomena through scientific and psychological lenses, with a critical examination of their potential origins in memory, perception, and altered states of consciousness. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, acknowledging the complexity and often baffling nature of these experiences, while advocating for rigorous research and a cautious approach to interpretation. The issue highlights the ongoing debate between purely psychological explanations and the possibility of external realities, and it encourages a deeper understanding of consciousness and its various manifestations.