CENAP Report - No 107

Magazine Overview

This issue of CENAP-REPORT, titled "CENAP-REPORT Nr. 107", dated "10./1/85" (January 10, 1985), focuses on the historical "Airship Riddle" of 1896/97 in the USA. It features articles by Werner Walter and contributions from various researchers and publications.

The Airship Riddle of 1896/97

The main article, "AIRSHIP-RÄTSEL 1896/97", by Werner Walter, explores the wave of sightings of unidentified flying objects, described as airships, that occurred in the United States around 1896-1897. The report draws from various sources, including a study by Robert G. Neeley Jr. on the Illinois sightings, and references to historical newspapers like the San Francisco "The Call" and the "Chicago TIMES-HERALD".

Analysis of Sightings

Neeley's study of Illinois newspapers from March to May 1897 identified 207 reports, with the majority (184) classified as "moving lights." These sightings often occurred between 9-16 April, primarily between 19:30 and 21:00. Estimated speeds ranged up to 150 mph, and altitudes up to half a mile. The report notes that many of these lights could be explained by astronomical phenomena like Venus or Betelgeuse, with 15 out of 184 lights being identified as such.

The "described" sightings category involved more object-like descriptions, but often contained contradictions and lacked credibility. The "landing and occupant" cases were largely dismissed as hoaxes, including a reported crash in Lanark, Illinois, and a "music-radiating airship" in Peoria, which was linked to a staged event by reporters.

A notable case from April 11th in Chicago involved Walter McCann reportedly photographing an airship. While the "Chicago TIMES-HERALD" published the photo, other experts from the "TRIBUNE" and "EVENING POST" declared it a double exposure or a forgery, stating the depicted airship was too large.

Explanations and Theories

Several theories are discussed for the 1897 wave. One suggests it was a form of advertising, possibly for the Ringling Brothers Circus or tobacco companies. Another theory posits an "earthly inventor" behind the phenomena. The influence of science fiction writers like Jules Verne and H.G. Wells is also considered, with the possibility that readers of their works might have misinterpreted ordinary events or projected their imaginations.

Some researchers, like Coral Lorenzen, believe a portion of the wave was a hoax, while another part was due to misinterpretations of what witnesses saw. J. Allen Hynek's attempt to solicit witnesses from that era reportedly yielded no response.

The "New Age" Connection

The article also touches upon the "New Age" movement and its connection to UFOlogy. It critiques the "DUIST" group, suggesting their focus on "ethical consciousness expansion" and "cosmic age" is more akin to a new religiosity than scientific UFO research. The report contrasts the "being mode" of the "new human" as described by Erich Fromm with the perceived unhappiness and anxieties of modern society, suggesting that the "New Age" offers a form of spiritual fulfillment rather than empirical investigation.

Abductees in Hypnosis

Another section by Werner Walter, "'ABDUCTEES' IN HYPNOSE - NEUIGKEITEN," examines the phenomenon of alleged alien abductions. It discusses the work of Alvin H. Lawson, who conducted experiments using hypnosis to explore imagined UFO "abductions." The findings suggested that participants' descriptions of imagined abductions showed no substantial differences from those of "real" abduction reports, indicating that many such accounts might be products of imagination or suggestion rather than actual events.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of CENAP-REPORT strongly emphasizes a critical and skeptical approach to UFO phenomena, particularly historical cases. The editorial stance leans towards explaining sightings through misinterpretation, hoaxes, psychological factors, and media influence, rather than extraterrestrial origins. The article on "New Age" beliefs further reinforces this perspective by questioning the scientific validity of certain UFOlogy groups and their claims. The focus on the 1896/97 airship wave highlights the enduring mystery of unexplained aerial phenomena but frames it within a context of human perception and societal influences.

This issue of "UFO" (Issue 12) delves into the complex relationship between reported UFO abductions and psychological phenomena, particularly focusing on imaginary abduction experiences induced through hypnosis. The magazine explores whether these imaginary accounts share significant parallels with documented 'real' abduction cases, and what this might imply about the nature of such experiences.

The Dualistic UFO Hypothesis

The author of the primary article favors a dualistic UFO hypothesis. While acknowledging the lack of tangible physical evidence for UFO abductions, the study concludes that UFOs are undeniably real in psychological terms, making non-physical research promising. The core argument is that the patterns observed in abduction narratives, whether perceived as 'real' or imaginary, are significant and warrant further investigation.

Experimental Study of Imaginary Abductions

Beginning in Spring 1977, a study involved 16 volunteers who were hypnotized to recount imaginary UFO 'abductions.' This research was conducted in collaboration with a clinical hypnotist and UFO researchers from Southern California, including Dr. W. C. McCall and John De Herrera. Earlier versions of this paper were presented at the MUFON UFO-SYMPOSIUM in Scottsdale, Arizona, and the 1978 meeting of the American Psychological Association in Toronto. The study aimed to describe the experiments and their implications for UFO research, especially in light of analogous abduction experiences and drug-induced hallucinations.

The volunteer group comprised ten women and six men, aged 12 to 65. The researchers initiated the study due to dissatisfaction with the results of 'real' abduction case investigations, initially assuming imaginary abductions would clearly differ from 'real' ones. However, the findings were both surprising and unsettling, revealing complex interconnections that required considerable effort to untangle.

The Structure of Abduction Narratives

The article outlines a typical sequence for abduction experiences as found in the literature, comprising five stages:

I. Witness in a normal physical and mental state.
II. Witness in a 'pre-abduction condition.'
III. Beginning of the experience, including loss of control, sighting the UFO, being taken aboard, experiencing the UFO interior, encountering UFO beings, undergoing an examination, receiving a 'message,' and returning to normal surroundings.
IV. End of the abduction experience.
V. Aftermath of the abduction experience.

Experimental Methodology

A series of eight situational questions, based on this abduction sequence, were formulated into a questionnaire. The experiment involved:

I. Preliminary explanation of the experiment's general nature.
II. Hypnosis.
III. Inducing an imaginary UFO encounter and prompting the participant to describe all details.
IV. Asking questions about the segments of the imaginary UFO encounter/abduction, such as describing the UFO, boarding it, its interior, the beings, examinations, receiving messages, and the return.

Participants were asked to imagine specific scenarios, like seeing a UFO, boarding it, being inside, encountering beings, undergoing examination, receiving a message, and returning, as well as reflecting on any personality or functional changes afterward.

Data Quantification and Comparison

To gain perspective, data from 'real' and imaginary abductions were quantified. Transcripts from four 'real' and four imaginary cases were analyzed line by line and compared across eight categories: patterns (clear parallels), possible patterns, no discernible patterns, data strangeness, witness objectivity, witness attitude (prejudices), possibility of paranormal data (e.g., ESP), and emotional components.

The four 'real' abduction cases selected were those with credible accounts involving multiple witnesses and available documentation, such as the Betty Hill case (1961), Judy Kendall (1971), Sandy Larson (1975), and Elaine Thomas (1976).

Results: Recurring Patterns

Some of the most interesting patterns from the first eight imaginary sessions are categorized as 'frequent' and 'rare' patterns:

• Frequent Patterns:
• Sighting a UFO.
• UFO being too bright to see colors.
• Disk-shaped UFO (mentioned 3 times).
• UFO surrounded by haze.
• Random movement.
• Witness thinking the UFO is 'watching' them.
• Being taken aboard the UFO.
• Witness becoming unconscious, no recollection.
• UFO interior: consoles, systems (5x), bright lights (6x), cold interior (3x), loud humming.
• Entities: human-like (2x), missing details about structures (6x), robot, swim-fingered/toed.
• Telepathic communication with entities (3x).
• 'Examination': head-to-toe examination (3x), paralysis during examination (4x), witness being calmed by entities (3x).
• 'Message': telepathic (4x), content: ecological, scientific, 'will return,' 'you will forget' (2x).
• 'Return': feeling tired, disoriented, 'no one will believe me.'
• 'Aftermath': feeling 'good' after the experience.

• Rare Patterns:
• UFO too bright to see details.
• Saturn-shaped UFO (3x).
• 'Saturn rings' circling the UFO.
• UFO becoming 'larger and smaller.'
• Being brought aboard via a 'tunnel of light' (3x).
• The boarding process being a 'long affair.'
• UFO interior: no consoles/systems, presence of smoke and mist (2x), alternating warm and cold, 'hypnotic' humming, TV-screen-like windows, feeling like being in a 'bubble.'
• Entities: animalistic, exotic, two types of beings (2x), spiritual/ghostly, beam from eyes.
• 'Examination': blood sample 'sucked,' 'thought extraction,' bleeding stopped with rapid healing, witness sleeping long after.
• 'Message': verbal (2x), other (2x), no message (3x), entities moving mouths but no sound.
• 'Return': itching skin, dry throat, skin 'burning.'
• 'Aftermath': feeling 'unbelievable' afterward.

Discussion: The Nature of the Patterns

The article argues that the patterns observed in imaginary and 'real' abductions are too complex and specific to originate solely from popular culture (TV, film, magazines). It suggests that a comprehensive knowledge of UFO literature would be necessary to reproduce such detailed patterns, like retracting light beams, UFO size changes, and unusual entity types. The protocol indicates significant UFO knowledge among participants.

It is questioned whether these patterns originate from a free space of fantasy or are influenced by cultural narratives. The absence of bizarre, far-fetched descriptions (like seaweed-like entities) suggests that the patterns are shaped by the participants' imagination within a limited scope, influenced by the existing UFO abduction literature.

Potential Explanations for the Patterns

Several hypotheses are proposed to explain the origin of these non-everyday patterns:

A. The Hypnosis Procedure: The article questions whether hypnotic regression, increasingly used to elicit abduction information, might inadvertently create or shape these patterns. It warns that hypnotists must be cautious, as witnesses can lie or believe their own fantasies, making regression potentially dangerous. While hypnotic regression is used in a minority of UFO reports, many unusual details are reported without hypnosis.

B. Leading Questions: It's suggested that leading questions in the experimental setup might steer participants' narratives. However, the study notes that one participant provided 35 observational details in response to a single question, suggesting the details were not solely a result of leading questions.

C. Are 'Real' Abductions Imaginary? The existence of detailed, non-everyday patterns in both imaginary and 'real' accounts raises the question of whether 'real' abductions are also imaginary. A comparison highlights key differences: 'real' abductions are involuntary, often involve emotional distress and 'time loss,' and may include physical effects and amnesia, whereas imaginary ones are voluntary, controlled, and lack these specific elements.

D. The ETH (Extraterrestrial Hypothesis) Influence: The popular notion of UFOs implying extraterrestrial visitors with superior technology might unconsciously orient participants' responses. The study suggests that participants may interpret their experiences through the lens of the ETH, leading to standard imaginary patterns shaped by this cultural awareness.

E. Cultural Influence: The patterns might be influenced by cultural narratives, and if they were free from such influence, they might manifest differently, possibly supporting other theories.

F. Brain Limitations: The patterns could be explained by the brain's response to stimuli, where different phenomena can produce identical mental effects. Under psychological pressure, it's difficult to ascertain if a witness's statement reflects reality.

G. The Brain's Response: The article posits that the brain reacts to a variety of stimuli similarly, producing identical effects. When a witness is under psychological pressure, it's hard to know if their statement is reality.

Overlap with Other Phenomena

The article points to significant overlaps between UFO abduction sequences and phenomena like drug-induced hallucinations (R. K. Siegel) and accounts of 'deceased' individuals (Raymond Moody). These overlaps include descriptions of lights, tunnels, colors, geometric patterns, random movement, and the integration of personal memories into the experience. The similarity between these patterns and those found in hallucinations suggests a potential common origin or underlying psychological mechanism.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the psychological dimension of UFO experiences. The magazine seems to lean towards exploring the subjective reality of these encounters and the potential for psychological factors, cultural influences, and even the limitations of memory and perception to shape witness testimony. The research presented suggests that while the experiences are deeply felt by those who report them, the consistent patterns observed may not necessarily point to an external, physical phenomenon but rather to complex internal psychological processes and shared cultural narratives.

This issue, identified as issue number 22 and dated 1977, is published by CENAP and written in German. The cover headline is "DIE UFO-ZIGARRE" (The UFO Cigar), with a sub-headline "WENN DER ZEPPELIN AUF WERBETOUR IST...." (When the Zeppelin is on a promotional tour...). The issue explores the nature of UFO experiences, drawing parallels between reported abductions, hallucinations, and near-death experiences, and also features an article on Zeppelin advertising.

Key Articles and Content

Parallels Between Experiential Phenomena

The core of the magazine delves into the striking similarities between various types of profound human experiences. The article highlights how UFO abduction reports, imaginary abduction scenarios, hallucinations, and near-death narratives share common elements. These include intense or pulsating lights, geometric patterns and shapes, tunnels or tubes, spirals, rotating images, humming sounds, a sense of floating, and encounters with beings described as being made of light.

Visual representations are provided through figures depicting these phenomena. Figure 7 illustrates "Big Rooms" from recent "real" abductions, including cases like Travis Walton (1975), Garden Grove (CA) (1971), and Mojave Desert (CA) (1974). Figure 8 shows similar tube images from imaginary and "real" abductions, and a hallucination. Figure 9 details tunnel/tube imagery in UFO reports, with illustrations of passageways, needlelike tubes, and cylindrical rooms. Figure 10 presents tube-shaped UFOs, while Figure 11 depicts a typical retracting light beam from a UFO with a flat, "cut-off" end, used for levitation.

Figures 12 through 18 further explore these parallels. Figure 12 shows reported levitation by a beam of light. Figure 13 presents geometric patterns and "complex" or recognizable imagery from hallucinations. Figure 14 displays geometric patterns reported on UFO surfaces. Figure 15 illustrates parallels between UFOs and hallucinations, showing lights, lighted tunnels, colors, rotation images, geometric patterns, and random movement. Figure 16 offers similar UFO/hallucination images, including entities in "windows" of UFOs, geometric patterns, and figures within rotating tunnels. Figure 17 compares figures from a UFO case and a hallucination experience, and Figure 18 shows an "abductee" with "TV screens" bearing personal data, suggesting similar phenomena are reported during hallucinations.

Figure 19 provides a comparative table of "REAL" Abductions, Imaginary Abductions, Hallucinations, and "DEATH" Narratives, listing common features such as intense light, pulsating light, colored lights, geometric patterns, geometric shapes, tunnels/tubes, spirals, rotating images, shape changes, size changes, humming sound, sense of floating, "big room," approaches "door," encounters "being," telepathic communication, "TV screen" review, moral examination, physical examination, fog/mist, message, return, aftermath, and ineffability of experience. All these phenomena appear across the different categories.

The article discusses the "Begegnungs-Matrix" (Encounter Matrix) theory, which posits that these diverse experiences might stem from a common underlying structure or archetypal matrix within the human psyche. It suggests that memories, imagination, and perception of UFOs (ETH-oriented) all contribute to constructing these narratives. The author, drawing on research by Stanislav Grof and others, explores the idea that birth trauma might play a role, with the "tunnel" or "tube" experience in UFO encounters mirroring the birth canal.

Psychological and Experiential Aspects

Researchers like Siegel and Grof are cited for their work on the underlying mechanics of hallucinations and archetypal matrices. The influence of trauma, particularly birth trauma, is examined as a potential source for these recurring themes. The article questions whether UFO experiences are purely illusions, presenting four reasons why they might not be: multiple witnesses, reported physiological and psychological effects, the conviction of reality by witnesses, and the unknown stimulus for "real" abduction experiences.

Psychologist Richard Haines' study is mentioned, which found no substantial difference between sketches of UFOs by witnesses and non-witnesses, raising questions about the accuracy of UFO accounts. The article also touches upon the idea that these experiences might be influenced by the subconscious, and that the details reported could be a blend of external stimuli and internal psychological processes.

Hypnosis and Imaginary Abductions

An appendix details an experiment involving imaginary abductions conducted under hypnosis. Volunteers, who had some prior interest or experience with UFOs, were hypnotized by Dr. William C. McCall. The sessions, held in 1977 before the release of films like "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," aimed to explore the psychological aspects of abduction phenomena. The participants vividly recounted imaginary abduction experiences, often integrating elements that mirrored reported UFO encounters.

"UFO-Zigarre": Zeppelin Advertising

Another section of the magazine features an article titled "DIE UFO-ZIGARRE" by Hansjürgen Köhler. This article discusses the use of Zeppelins for advertising purposes in Germany. These large, cigar-shaped airships, powered by Rolls-Royce engines, are described as projecting colorful images into the night sky, thus earning them the nickname "UFO-Cigars." The article notes that these are not for public transport but are used for promotional events, carrying a limited number of passengers, often prize winners. The majestic appearance of these airships is highlighted as a key factor in their effectiveness as advertising tools.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature of UFO experiences, particularly abductions, and their potential connection to psychological states like hallucinations and near-death experiences. The magazine seems to adopt an investigative stance, exploring various theories and research findings to understand these phenomena. There is a clear interest in identifying patterns and parallels across different types of unusual experiences, suggesting a belief that there might be underlying commonalities, whether psychological, archetypal, or even related to unknown stimuli. The inclusion of the Zeppelin article, while seemingly unrelated, uses the "UFO" moniker to highlight a modern advertising phenomenon, perhaps drawing a parallel between the awe-inspiring nature of UFO sightings and the impressive spectacle of a Zeppelin in flight.

The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting research and anecdotal evidence without definitively concluding that UFO abductions are solely illusions. Instead, it emphasizes the complexity and the need for further psychological and experiential analysis. The magazine aims to bridge the gap between UFOlogy and psychology, suggesting that insights from one field can inform the other.

This issue of INFO-CEPS, published by CENAP (Centrales Erforschungsnetz außergewöhnlicher Phänomene), features an editorial titled "LIEBE CR-LESER, GESCHÄTZTE KOLLEGEN« (Dear CR Readers, Esteemed Colleagues) by Gilbert Schmitz. The magazine is entering its 10th year, having celebrated its 100th issue half a year prior. The editorial reflects on the ups and downs of UFO research and congratulates pioneers Werner Walter and Hansjürgen Köhler for their dedication and financial contributions.

The editorial criticizes the tendency towards a 'Glaubenslehre' (doctrine of belief) within UFO research, particularly among younger researchers who adopt existing speculations without critical examination. It highlights that even seemingly inexplicable phenomena are often resolved through scientific investigation, citing an example of a family mistaking car headlights for UFOs. The magazine emphasizes that the core activity of UFO researchers is to collect reports, attempt identification, and store unexplained cases for systematic analysis.

Key Articles and Content

Zeppelins as Flying Billboards:
The issue features an article discussing the use of large blimps, specifically the Stuttgarter Hofbräu and Goodyear blimps, as exclusive advertising platforms. These airships are equipped with thousands of colored light bulbs controlled by computers to display images and advertisements, effectively acting as 'giant screens' in the sky. The article notes that only three such blimps exist in Europe, two of which are in Germany.

The 'Ideal' UFO:
It is explained that the quiet operation and visual appearance of these blimps at night can easily lead to them being mistaken for UFOs by the public, especially when they appear suddenly and emit colorful lights. For UFO researchers, these blimps are considered a potential explanation for some sightings and must be included in investigations.

The 'Neo-UFOlogy' Approach:
A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to explaining CENAP's 'Neo-UFOlogy' approach. This methodology aims to counter what is termed 'Volksverdummung' (public deception) and superstition by grounding research in the latest scientific knowledge from psychology, psychiatry, and socio-psychology. The approach emphasizes that anyone, regardless of academic background, can be a self-taught researcher ('Autodidakt').

Neo-UFOlogy involves analyzing four key factors: the witness, the witness testimony, the physical environment, and the socio-psychological environment. The goal is to set aside personal beliefs and conduct purely scientific work to eventually debunk myths and misconceptions with evidence.

Debate Among US Scientists:
An article titled "US-Wissenschaftler streiten über die Deutung von UFO's" (US Scientists Argue About the Interpretation of UFOs) reports on a debate between Philip Klass, an electronics engineer, and Bruce Maccabee, a physicist. Klass argues that government agencies like the CIA and FBI showed only brief interest in UFOs in the 1950s and that most sightings are explainable. Maccabee counters that the US government likely withholds information about the phenomenon. The article mentions that the US Air Force officially concluded its UFO investigations in 1969, but enthusiasts suspect ongoing secret studies. Worldwide, 15,000 UFO sightings have been reported over 37 years.

The Nature of UFO Research:
Another article, "Fast alle Ufos sind nach kurzer Zeit keine „unbekannten Phänomene