Busqueda Boletin - No 49

Magazine Overview

Title: BÚSQUEDA
Issue: 49
Date: August 1992

This issue of BÚSQUEDA, a bulletin for research and investigation into UFOs and parapsychology, delves into the complex interplay between these two fields, particularly focusing on theories and hypotheses that link UFO phenomena with psychic abilities.

Teorías e Hipótesis: The Paranormal Connection

The lead article, "Teorías e Hipótesis," addresses the confusion surrounding UFOs, arguing that many phenomena attributed to the paranormal are not necessarily so. It highlights the work of Trench in "Mysterious Visitors," which lists powers like teleportation, levitation, and telepathy associated with UFOs. The article examines specific cases, such as a UFO allegedly lifting a horse, a sudden disappearance suggesting dematerialization, and instances of telepathic messages or animal reactions to UFOs. It questions whether these are truly paranormal or simply physical phenomena that are not yet understood.

The Role of ESP in UFO Encounters

Several articles explore the connection between Extra-Sensory Perception (ESP) and UFO sightings. It is noted that many UFO witnesses feel they were psychically drawn to the location or time of the sighting. The issue presents the case of D.P. Daish, who felt an inexplicable urge to look out his back door, leading him to witness a strange red light in the sky. Another report details a witness who awoke suddenly, drawn to her kitchen window, where she observed a bright light. The common thread is an inexplicable premonition or urge that precedes the sighting, suggesting a psychic component.

Research by parapsychologists like Dr. Rhine and G. Sannwald is cited, indicating that spontaneous ESP experiences often occur during sleep. This suggests that individuals might be more receptive to psychic signals when their minds are less distracted by daily life. The article posits that telepathically induced UFO sightings are more likely to occur when the subject is asleep.

Critiques and Debates in Ufology

The issue features a "Carta Abierta" (Open Letter) from Josep Quijarro, who critiques the direction of ufology, particularly the work of Sr. Cardeñosa. Quijarro argues that the focus has shifted too much to the negative and fraudulent aspects of UFO cases, potentially overshadowing genuine phenomena. He criticizes some researchers for their sensationalism and for not taking a rigorous, objective approach. He also touches upon the financial interests involved in ufology and the importance of distinguishing between genuine investigators and those who seek personal gain.

Another section discusses the ongoing debate between field investigators and those who analyze cases through more processed methods. Quijarro emphasizes the importance of objectivity and warns against letting emotion cloud judgment when investigating UFO phenomena. He also touches upon the idea that extraterrestrials might be interested in humanity for reasons beyond simple visitation.

Parapsychology Conference in Madrid

The magazine reports on the III Jornadas sobre el Fenómeno Paranormal held in Madrid on June 12-13, 1992. The event, organized by the Colegio Mayor Universitario "Nuestra Señora de África" and the Instituto de Parapsicología de la Comunidad de Madrid (INSPACOM), featured lectures and roundtables on topics such as the philosophy of parapsychology, clairvoyance, and paranormal phenomena. Speakers included Germán de Argumosa, Federico Sánchez, and Javier Sierra. The report highlights a debate between D. José Mª Casas Huguet and D. Javier Sierra regarding the necessity of investigating both the facts and causes of paranormal events. Practical seminars on cartomancy and numerology were also conducted.

Scientific Search for Extraterrestrial Life

An article by Moisés Garrido, "La Ciencia y los extraterrestres," discusses the scientific community's ongoing efforts to find evidence of extraterrestrial life. It mentions projects like Frank Drake's OZMA and the Arecibo message, which aimed to detect signals from other civilizations. The article notes the scientific interest in exobiology and bioastronomy and the cataloging of stars that could potentially host life. It also touches upon the idea of messages being sent to the cosmos, referencing early attempts by Tesla and Marconi.

Other Contributions

Eduardo Pons Prades contributes a piece about pilots and their experiences, including a story about French racing driver Patrick Depailler, who claimed to have encountered extraterrestrials. The article describes Depailler's alleged encounter with a UFO and a message he was asked to convey to humanity.

The "Consultorio Semi-Ufológico" (Semi-Ufological Consultation) section includes reader questions and responses, covering topics like insurance against alien abduction and the interpretation of strange messages.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the multifaceted nature of UFO phenomena, the potential link between UFOs and psychic abilities, the challenges and debates within the field of ufology, and the scientific pursuit of extraterrestrial life. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, encouraging a balanced approach that considers both the psychological and potentially physical aspects of reported phenomena, while also acknowledging the limitations of current understanding and the importance of rigorous investigation. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between genuine research and sensationalism or fraud within the ufological community.

Title: BÚSQUEDA
Issue: Nº 49
Date: August 1992
Publisher: BÚSQUEDA
Country: Spain
Language: Spanish

This issue of BÚSQUEDA magazine delves into a variety of intriguing topics, ranging from the search for extraterrestrial intelligence and the mysteries of the cosmos to ancient legends and modern-day phenomena.

Contacting the Cosmos: SETI and the Voyager Probes

The magazine opens with an exploration of humanity's efforts to communicate with potential extraterrestrial civilizations. It highlights NASA's ambitious projects, SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) and CETI (Communication with Extraterrestrial Intelligence), which involve significant investment in sophisticated technology like the MSCA (Mega Spectrum Channel Analyzer). This device is capable of scanning vast areas of space for signals. Spain is noted as participating in these efforts, coinciding with the V Centenary of the Discovery of America.

Beyond radio waves, the issue discusses the use of space probes for contact. The Pioneer 10 probe, launched in 1972, carried a plaque with engraved figures and information about Earth, including its location relative to pulsars. The design of the figures sparked debate regarding nudity and the portrayal of the human couple. Similarly, the Voyager I and II probes, launched in 1977, were equipped with messages in 60 languages, oral greetings from the UN Secretary-General Kurt Waldheim, photographs of Earth, and diagrams of scientific knowledge, all intended for potential extraterrestrial recipients.

Theories on the Origin of Life

The magazine presents several theories concerning the origin of life on Earth. The 'panspermia' hypothesis, originally proposed by Svante Arrhenius, suggests that micro-spores from space could have been transported to Earth via comets. This theory is supported by the discovery of microorganisms in meteorites and comets. An example cited is the meteorite that fell in Turo de la Peira, Barcelona, in 1969, where crystallized micro-spores were found.

Further speculation is introduced through the ideas of Nobel laureate Francis Crick, who suggested that humanity might have been created by an advanced extraterrestrial civilization that programmed our evolution. The article also mentions Professor George Mark's assertion that a developed civilization might have sent a genetically engineered message into space to initiate biological evolution.

These scientific postulations are linked to ancient religious beliefs about creation by a supreme intelligence or gods, referencing biblical texts like Genesis 1:27 and the Popol Vuhmaya. The text notes that ancient legends and sacred texts speak of 'superior beings' from the stars who seeded life on our planet.

The Legend of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

A new section, 'CRÓNICAS ARTÚRICAS' (Arthurian Chronicles), begins with an introduction by Lorenzo Díaz. He discusses the enduring and varied nature of the King Arthur legends, noting that while Sir Thomas Mallory's 'The Death of Arthur' (1485) established a popular narrative, it was a fictionalized account set in a fantastical 12th century. Díaz highlights the poem 'Sir Gawain and the Green Knight' as a significant work, originating from the 14th century and preserved in the British Library. The poem was later edited and updated by J.R. Tolkien and E.V. Gordon.

The narrative of 'Sir Gawain and the Green Knight' involves a challenge from a green-clad knight who enters Camelot and proposes a game: a knight may strike him with an axe, but in return, the knight must receive a blow a year and a day later. Sir Gawain accepts, beheads the knight, who then calmly picks up his head and departs, setting the date for Gawain's return. The poem explores Gawain's journey, his encounters, and his eventual confrontation with the Green Knight, who tests his virtue and loyalty.

Interpretations of the legend suggest the Green Knight represents spring and the Earth's prosperity, contrasting with periods of desolation. Sir Gawain is portrayed as the ideal knight, embodying courtesy, skill, and perfection, who purifies himself through his adventure.

The Apparition at Monte La Corona, Tenerife

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to an event that occurred on June 6, 1992, at Monte La Corona in Tenerife, where thousands reported witnessing an apparition of the Virgin Mary. The report details the experience of investigators who observed the scene, noting the complex factors contributing to the event, including religious fervor, collective suggestion, and potential psychological phenomena.

The account describes the atmosphere of anticipation, the prayers, and the varied individual perceptions of the apparition. Some saw the Virgin in blue and white, others in green, some with a child, and others with angels. The investigators, unable to see the apparition themselves, attribute the collective experience to optical effects caused by a red candle and the power of suggestion within a large, fervent crowd. The report concludes that while the phenomenon is serious enough for rigorous study, the exact cause remains open to interpretation, whether it be divine manifestation, psychological projection, or parapsychological events.

Introduction to Parapsychology

The magazine also features an introductory article on parapsychology, defining extrasensory phenomena and introducing terms like 'Paragnostas' and 'Metagnomos'. It suggests that primitive peoples may possess a more developed extrasensory perception than civilized humans, citing research on Australian aborigines and African tribes. The article touches upon the concept of 'Bioconcordancia' (primary perception) and 'Telepathy of Perception' or 'Visceral Telepathy' in the West.

Experiments are described to illustrate telepathy, including a Russian study with rabbits where the mothers reacted to the death of their offspring miles away, and an American experiment with dolphins. Another experiment involved monitoring the brainwaves of couples, showing a connection even when separated. The article posits that these phenomena might explain feelings of anxiety or premonitions, linking them to events happening to close relatives or friends. It also briefly touches upon the influence of witchcraft and sorcery.

Oxygen and Life

In a separate article, Rubén A. Dalby emphasizes the vital importance of oxygen for life, stating that while humans can survive weeks without food and days without water, they can only last minutes without oxygen. The article explains that oxygen is crucial for vitalizing the blood and maintaining the body's energy cycle, enabling cells to utilize energy from food. It highlights the brain's particular sensitivity to oxygen deprivation. The author calls for efforts to keep the environment free of impurities, linking the need for clean air to a sense of universal connection and peace.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of BÚSQUEDA consistently explores the intersection of science, mystery, and the unexplained. It showcases a blend of scientific inquiry (SETI, parapsychology research) with ancient myths and modern phenomena (Arthurian legends, alleged apparitions). The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, presenting various theories and accounts without necessarily endorsing one over others, encouraging readers to consider different perspectives on the nature of reality, consciousness, and humanity's place in the universe. The magazine promotes a sense of wonder and a desire to understand the less-known aspects of existence.