CENAP Report - No 165

Magazine Overview

This issue of CENAP REPORT, dated March 21, 1990, is published by CENAP-MANNHEIM and is identified as Nr.165. The cover headline, 'Folkloreforschung und die Realität der Ufo's' (Folklore Research and the Reality of UFOs), sets the tone for the content. The magazine is a German publication focusing on UFO phenomena and related topics.

CENAP: Central Research Network for Extraordinary Aerial Phenomena

The introductory pages detail CENAP's mission as a private, independent institution investigating UFO phenomena since 1976. They emphasize their self-funded research, aiming to find natural explanations for reported sightings, labeling such instances as 'UFO stimuli.' CENAP engages in scientific and psychological analysis of these phenomena, even being invited for confidential discussions at the German Ministry of Defense. They serve as a public point of contact for UFO reports, providing a dedicated telephone number and acting as a central resource for media seeking information. CENAP maintains an extensive archive, including Europe's largest UFO video archive, and has gained national recognition through press, radio, and television. They are also associated with international UFO organizations and are members of the GWUP (Society for the Scientific Investigation of the Paranormal), aiming to combat occultism and modern superstition, and to expose manipulations by popular authors and mass media.

The UFO Fachjournal CENAP REPORT

CENAP publishes a monthly specialized journal, CENAP REPORT, which is available via an annual subscription. The issue also promotes a new documentation titled 'Frankreich 1954: Invasion vom Mars?' (France 1954: Invasion from Mars?), a 78-page DIN-A4 document produced in collaboration with GWUP, translating a French UFO classic and providing historical context for the 1954 French UFO wave.

Article: Folklore Research and the Reality of UFOs

This extensive article, translated from an IUR publication by Thomas E. Bullard, explores the deep connections between folklore and UFO narratives. It argues that UFOs are increasingly recognized as a significant part of modern supernatural belief systems. The author highlights that both folklore and UFO reports rely heavily on anecdotal evidence and witness testimony, with textual comparison being a primary method of analysis. Bullard discusses how folklorists and ufologists find numerous similarities in their respective reports, leading some ufologists to conclude that these similarities prove the objective reality of UFOs. However, he suggests that the reasons for these similarities are complex and that folklore research can offer valuable insights and a cautionary approach to understanding UFO reports.

Interpreting Similarities: Beyond the Obvious

The article contrasts two main interpretations for the similarities: the 'objective' approach, suggesting an independent, possibly non-physical, source influencing human consciousness (as proposed by Vallee and Keel), and the 'subjective' approach, which links UFO myths to C.G. Jung's archetypes of the collective unconscious and individual psychological needs (as explored by Clark and Coleman). Hilary Evans also looks at personal needs of witnesses. The psychsociological interpretation suggests that the interplay between cultural expectations and individual needs produces a subjective UFO experience, where an ordinary stimulus can lead to an extraordinary narrative based on the witness's psychology and cultural background.

Folklore as a Framework for Understanding UFOs

Bullard draws parallels between UFO phenomena and historical folklore, such as the 'Old Hag' phenomenon studied by David J. Hufford, where similar experiences are reported across cultures despite a lack of shared tradition. He notes that urban legends, like the 'phantomanhalter' or the 'man with the meat cleaver,' are widespread, suggesting either transmission or polygenesis (independent creation). The article emphasizes that folklore research has long grappled with the problem of similarities in tales, leading to theories of transmission (stories spreading and evolving) and polygenesis (similar stories arising independently).

UFOs and the 'Ancient Astronaut' Hypothesis

Ufologists have used folklore to support the extraterrestrial hypothesis, reinterpreting historical myths and legends as evidence of alien visitation. Authors like Erich von Däniken are mentioned for their theories that ancient peoples saw the same aliens but interpreted them within their own cultural frameworks. The comparative method, a tool of folklore research, is also applied by ufologists to find patterns in UFO data, such as in Richard Hall's work.

The 'Passport to Magonia' and the 'Old Hag' Phenomenon

Jacques Vallee's 'Passport to Magonia' is cited for comparing the characteristics of UFO pilots with those of folkloric goblins, revealing striking similarities. Hilary Evans extends these comparisons to religious apparitions, poltergeists, and ghosts, finding common threads that link UFO stories to folklore. The article discusses how these similarities suggest a common source, whether it's a physical or psychological one.

Explaining the Similarities: Transmission vs. Polygenesis

The article revisits the debate between transmission and polygenesis in explaining the similarities in folklore and UFO accounts. While transmission suggests stories spread and evolve, polygenesis posits independent creation. The author notes that folklore researchers have struggled to definitively solve this puzzle, and the same applies to UFO reports.

The Role of Expectation and Cultural Conditioning

Folklore teaches the power of expectation. People see ghosts and goblins that their folklore dictates, with descriptions varying culturally. Similarly, the Ufology narrative has evolved, from 'ghost airships' in the 1890s to 'flying saucers' post-1947, reflecting what people expected to see. The article argues that contemporary UFO narratives are shaped by cultural conditioning, including comics, newspapers, and films, which instill expectations about UFOs and alien encounters.

The 'Alien Abduction' Phenomenon and Folklore Parallels

Alien abductions are presented as a rich area for folkloric comparison, with parallels drawn to tales of abduction by goblins, initiation rites, and journeys to the underworld, particularly shamanic initiation visions. The article details how elements like time loss, medical examinations, the insertion of crystals, and lifestyle changes in abduction accounts mirror these ancient narratives. The 'wise baby' and hybrid children described in abduction accounts are linked to the folklore motif of changelings and human-goblin relationships.

Scientific Skepticism and Reductionism

The article critiques the scientific tendency towards reductionism, which often dismisses paranormal claims as natural or psychological without thorough investigation. It argues that scientists, like folklorists, can be bound by their own traditions and belief systems, leading to a 'scientific disbelief' that mirrors the witness's belief system. The author questions who is the true scientist and who is the dogmatist when established scientific dogma clashes with reported phenomena.

The Limits of Scientific Methodology

Hufford's arguments about the limitations of scientific explanations are highlighted. The article suggests that folklore reveals these limitations, showing how new phenomena are often forced into existing theoretical frameworks, leading to problems when facts don't fit. The author criticizes the tendency of both skeptics and ufologists to isolate aspects of a phenomenon to fit their preferred theories, thus oversimplifying the issue.

The Ambiguity of UFO Reports

Psychological explanations for UFO reports are discussed, noting the ambiguity of narratives. While psychologists might see emotions as leading to hallucinations, realists might view emotions as a consequence of an extraordinary experience. The article concludes that analyzing reports can only lead to conclusions about the reports themselves, not definitively resolve the origin of the phenomenon. It suggests that both ufologists and folklorists must tolerate the complexity of the phenomenon and accept that multiple causes can influence a report.

Article: Going Forever Around on Circles

This section focuses on the phenomenon of crop circles, particularly in southern England. It notes that since 1980, over 600 circles have been reported in Britain, with nearly 250 appearing in the current year (1989). The circles are described as geometric formations with a swirling pattern, and researchers have largely ruled out man-made hoaxes. The article mentions two books on the subject: 'The Circles Effect and Its Mysteries' by physicist Dr. Terence Meaden, who speculates about a 'plasma vortex phenomenon,' and 'Circular Evidence' by Pat Delgado and Colin Andrews, who link the circles to paranormal events like UFOs.

Theories on Crop Circle Origins

Dr. Meaden dismisses extraterrestrial explanations, suggesting that the circles are caused by a 'spinning ball of air' charged with electricity. Delgado and Andrews, however, speculate about an intelligent force. The article also notes that some circles appear near prehistoric sites like Stonehenge and Avebury, and that English folklore mentions rings of flattened grass associated with fairies, suggesting an ancient origin for the phenomenon. The author proposes three possible causes: natural (like whirlwinds and ground disturbances), human (hoaxes), and unidentified (UAPs, possibly Meadens' 'vortices' or ball lightning).

Media Coverage and Skepticism

The crop circle phenomenon has garnered significant media attention, with reports in major publications like TIME and the Daily Telegraph. The article mentions that the British Ministry of Defense is also showing interest. While some reports suggest hoaxes, the sheer number and complexity of the circles make a complete explanation challenging. The article also touches upon the idea that some circles might be a prank, referencing a formation with the words 'We are not alone' found in a field.

The 'Mystery Circles' Puzzle

Further discussion on crop circles is presented, with reference to a Quest International article. It suggests that the Daily Express newspaper may have initiated the sensational reporting linking circles to UFO landings. Dr. Meaden's theory of 'fair-weather, stationary whirlwinds' is revisited. The article also notes the involvement of the RAF and the use of remotely piloted vehicles (RPVs) and military helicopters, hinting at possible terrestrial explanations for the phenomenon, though a Wessex helicopter's attempt to replicate the effect was not entirely convincing.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of CENAP REPORT strongly advocates for a critical and scientific approach to UFO phenomena, while acknowledging the complex interplay between subjective experience, cultural conditioning, and potential objective reality. The magazine positions itself as a resource for debunking pseudoscience and superstition, promoting rational investigation. The recurring theme is the need to distinguish between genuine phenomena and their interpretations, and to understand how folklore, psychology, and societal expectations shape our perception of the unexplained. The editorial stance is one of skepticism towards sensationalism and a commitment to rigorous, evidence-based research, even when dealing with phenomena that challenge conventional understanding.

This issue of Quest International, dated October 1989, delves into a variety of UFO-related topics, with a particular focus on investigations, skepticism, and the controversial MJ-12 documents. The cover prominently features a dramatic image of an exploding UFO with the headline "UFO explodiert Vier Außerirdische tot" (UFO Explodes Four Aliens Dead).

Crop Circles and Natural Explanations

The magazine begins by discussing the phenomenon of crop circles, referencing a study by BUFORA and TORRO that surveyed 381 farmers. The findings indicated that while some attributed the circles to hoaxes (41%), others pointed to weather phenomena like whirlwinds (31%), and a smaller percentage to UFOs (20%). The study noted that new types of formations appeared each year and that complex patterns were first observed in 1981. It also highlighted that many farmers preferred mundane explanations for the circles, and there were no reports of witnesses seeing UFOs create them. A specific case is mentioned of Melvyn Bell from Keevil, Wiltshire, who recalled seeing a whirlwind press down wheat in a circle in 1984. The article suggests that whirlwinds, hoaxes, and occasionally military equipment are the likely causes of crop circles in England, making an ufological interpretation difficult.

The MJ-12 Controversy and William Moore

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the MJ-12 story and the role of William Moore. The article "NEHMEN SIE IHREN HUT!" by Werner Walter of CENAP-Mannheim critically examines Moore's involvement and claims. It references information from "Just CAUSE" and the MUFON-UFO-Journal, which questioned Moore's activities and statements regarding the MJ-12 saga. Dennis Stacy of MUFON-UFO-Journal is quoted, expressing skepticism about Moore's claims and his association with John Lear. The article suggests that Moore may have been involved in spreading disinformation, possibly influenced by intelligence sources aiming to alter the US government's UFO policy. It details how Moore allegedly received disinformation material to mislead ufologists and discusses his admission of this. The role of Richard Doty, also known as "Falcon," is highlighted as a potential intermediary or source of disinformation.

Bennewitz and the "Philadelphia Experiment"

The magazine also touches upon the case of Paul Bennewitz, a physicist in Albuquerque, New Mexico, who was involved with the UFO-related "Philadelphia Experiment." Bennewitz, who worked in electronics and lived near Kirtland AFB, claimed to have observed UFOs and possessed a collection of related images and films. His theories, particularly concerning alien implants and low-frequency electromagnetic waves, are discussed. The article notes that Bennewitz's claims led to scrutiny from the Air Force, and he eventually went public with his concerns about a UFO invasion.

Skepticism and Debunking Efforts

Several articles emphasize a skeptical approach to UFO phenomena. Werner Walter, a prominent figure in CENAP and GWUP (Gesellschaft zur wissenschaftlichen Untersuchung von Parawissenschaften), is featured in multiple sections. He is presented as an "anti-UFO pope" who has investigated over 400 UFO reports, often finding explanations such as hot air balloons, Venus, or helicopters. Walter advocates for scientific investigation and the debunking of paranormal claims, criticizing the commercialization of ufology and the spread of pseudoscientific ideas. He argues that many UFO sightings are misinterpretations of natural phenomena or deliberate hoaxes.

One article titled "Flucht vor der Realität" (Escape from Reality) quotes astronomers who dismiss astrology as a pseudoscience and a "flight from reality." They emphasize that celestial bodies do not influence individual human lives and criticize the tendency to attribute personal destinies to stars.

Another piece, "Das gesichtete UFO ist oft nur eine Pappscheibe" (The Sighted UFO is Often Just a Cardboard Disc), highlights Adolf Schneider, a self-proclaimed UFO expert who admitted never having seen a real UFO during his ten years of research. The article criticizes his lecture, which relied on movie posters and quotes from his books rather than actual UFO evidence. It suggests that true UFO research requires knowledge beyond just sightings, encompassing astronomy, astrophysics, and chemistry.

CENAP and GWUP Activities

The magazine details the activities of CENAP and GWUP, including lectures and public outreach efforts. Werner Walter's lecture "UFOs über Deutschland" is mentioned, noting varying levels of public interest. The organization's goal is to critically examine reports of unusual aerial phenomena and provide rational explanations. They aim to demystify UFOs and counter sensationalist reporting. The article also mentions a planned UFO conference in Frankfurt that faced organizational issues.

International UFO Reports

Reports from other countries are also included. A French farmer reportedly discovered a flying saucer on his roof, which then silently took off. The incident was investigated by scientists. A TASS report from October 1989 is cited, detailing the alleged landing of a spaceship with giant aliens in Woronesch, Russia, and the discovery of unusual soil samples. The article questions the credibility of such reports, especially when sensationalized by media outlets.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO claims, the emphasis on scientific investigation, and the debunking of paranormal phenomena. The editorial stance leans heavily towards skepticism, highlighting the prevalence of hoaxes, misidentifications, and media manipulation within the UFO community. The magazine actively promotes rational explanations and criticizes those who profit from sensationalism or spread unsubstantiated theories. There is a clear effort to distinguish between genuine scientific inquiry and what is perceived as pseudoscientific or commercially driven ufology.