Common Ground - No 04 1982

Magazine Overview

'Common Ground' is a magazine dedicated to studies at the fringe of human experience. This issue, No. 4, dated February 1982, marks the publication's first year. It is published by Kevin & Sue McClure and serves as The ASSAP Journal of Record.

Contents

The issue features a diverse range of articles and reviews:

CREDO - A consideration of survival, Super-ESP, and other theories of anomalous knowledge

By Vernon Harrison, this article delves into the nature of psychical research, questioning the certainty of science and exploring the concept of survival of human personality. Harrison posits that life might be more than a single page in a larger volume, and that science, while based on faith, offers a constantly changing system of thought. He critiques the scientific method's reliance on repeatable experiments, drawing parallels with astronomy and geology where experimentation is impossible. The article also touches upon the concept of 'earth memories' and the potential for communication from discarnate entities, while expressing skepticism towards the 'Super-ESP' theory as an explanation for paranormal phenomena.

NOTES ON THE BIGFOOT/UFO INTERFACE

Janet & Colin Bord explore the intriguing parallels between Bigfoot and UFO phenomena. They note similarities in witness beliefs, the potential for non-physical aspects, physical traces, poor photographic evidence, wide geographical distribution, elusiveness, and the tendency for researchers to be divided by their beliefs. The authors conclude that despite the challenges and doubts surrounding the evidence, an unknown phenomenon likely exists.

ABSTRACTS

This section provides summaries of various paranormal and ufology journals, including:

• Christian Parapsychologist (Winter 1981): A 'reincarnation' issue featuring David Christie-Murray and reviews.
• EVP News (November 1981): Highlights Alan Cleaver's new research program into the Voice Phenomenon and a profile of Philip Rodgers.
• Flying Saucer Review (Vol. 27, No. 4): Critiqued for lacking originality, with most material being foreign. It includes M.I.B. reports and a speculative article on dinosaurs and humanoids.
• Journal of the Australian Centre for UFO Studies (Vol. 2, No. 5): Features Mark Moravec on UFO cults and John Prytz on UFO prediction.
• Junior UFO Club Newsletter (November 1981): Aimed at young readers, focusing on the 'nuts and bolts' scene, but criticized for inconsistency regarding the Adamski case.
• The Ley Hunter (No. 91): Praised for its content despite financial difficulties, featuring articles on Carnac, Nasca, and the 'Oregon Vortex'.
• Magonia (No.8): Includes Roger Sandell on 'From Conspirators to Contactees', Jenny Randles on making a living from UFO writing, and pieces by Hilary Evans.
• NUFON Case Histories (No. 1): A new venture detailing a complex CEIII case involving alleged cover-ups by the RAF and USAAF.
• Pegasus (Late 1981): Reproduces a paper on the Fatima Miracle/Vision experience, suggesting historical phenomena can be linked to UFO contexts.
• The Probe Report (December 1981): Hailed as one of the best UFO journals for its serious approach and skepticism, featuring 'case closed' sections and investigations of IFOs.
• Sangreal (Vol. 5, No. 1): Described as a mature and complete journal focusing on British mysteries and lost knowledge.
• Scottish UFO Bulletin (No. 4): Nicely laid out, with an announcement of a large UFO conference in 1984 and an article on obtaining CIA data.
• UFO Insight (No. 10) & MAPIT Skywatch 41: These journals are merging to form the 'Organisation for Scientific Evaluation of Aerial Phenomena'. Insight features Mark Tyrrell on 'Rumours and Publicity'.
• JFO Research Australia Newsletter (Vol. 2, No. 6): Includes reviews of Aboriginal mythology and UFO prediction, and computer enhancement of UFO photographs.
• Zetetic Scholar (No. 8): A dense publication covering topics like the schism within parapsychology, psychic surgery, and the Sirius mystery, facing potential funding issues.

LOOK AT ME!

By John Rimmer, this article examines the role of media in publicizing personal experiences, particularly in the context of UFO reports and other traumatic events. Rimmer questions the assumption that witnesses are motivated solely by a desire for publicity or financial gain, suggesting that media exposure can serve to legitimize struggles and personal narratives. He advises investigators to consider a witness's history of media engagement and public profile when assessing the sincerity of their accounts.

THINGS THAT GO CRANK IN THE NIGHT - reviews.

By John Grant, this section reviews two significant books:

• THE OCCULT ESTABLISHMENT by James Webb: Described as a companion volume to Webb's earlier 'The Flight from Reason', this book is seen as a definitive history of 'alternative knowledge' and theoretical structures that oppose orthodox science. Despite its misleading title, it covers a wide range of topics from crank theories to spiritual evolution. Grant notes the book's extensive research and intriguing ideas but points out minor issues with the edition, such as an idiosyncratic index and retained American spelling.
• POLTERGEIST by Colin Wilson: Wilson's book is praised for its gripping narrative style. Grant contrasts Wilson's approach with Webb's, noting that Wilson appears to work harder to accept paranormal phenomena. Grant raises doubts about the reliability of historical poltergeist cases and questions some of Wilson's interpretations, such as linking poltergeist activity to the Church and the explanation for the 'phantom nun' at Borley.

NEWSLETTER; THE DOSSIER.

By Sid Birchby, this section likely contains updates and information relevant to the ASSAP community.

OUIJA BOARDS - YES, YES! NO, NO!

By Alun & Margaret Virgin, this article presumably discusses the use and validity of Ouija boards.

LETTERS

This section features correspondence from readers, including Alan Cleaver, Crystal Hogben, Peter Rogerson, Ivor Snook, and Jenny Randles, offering diverse perspectives and feedback.

SANS TEETH . . . SANS TASTE, SANS EVERYTHING - a review.

By Robert Gilbert, this is a review of a work that appears to be critical or dismissive of certain phenomena, as suggested by its title.

CLOSING REMARKS

An editorial piece, likely by the Editor, summarizing the issue and offering final thoughts.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores anomalous phenomena, psychical research, and the intersection of these topics with science and society. There is a clear emphasis on critical investigation, with a healthy skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims, as evidenced in the reviews and the 'Abstracts' section. The editorial stance appears to encourage open-minded inquiry while maintaining rigorous standards, as seen in John Rimmer's article on witness credibility and John Grant's critical reviews of paranormal literature. The publication also highlights the importance of understanding the social and historical context of these phenomena. The magazine is published by individuals associated with ASSAP, suggesting a connection to the scientific study of anomalous phenomena.

The Newsletter: The Dossier

This issue of "The Newsletter" (issue number 62) is a compilation of articles and letters discussing various aspects of the paranormal, occult, and ufology, framed by the context of the publication itself and its editorial stance.

Editorial Context and Publication History

The "Newsletter" is presented as an "informal postal exchange for studies in paraphysics and the esoteric arts," founded in 1944. The current editor, Sid Birchby, recalls its origins possibly stemming from Arthur C. Clarke's "The Chain Letter" in the early 1940s. The Newsletter's central purpose was to create a meeting ground for individuals interested in paraphysics, fringe science, and those with an open-minded attitude. It has operated on a free membership basis for 25 years, with the sole requirement being a wish to participate. The final issue compiled by the founder, Harold Chibbett, was No. 62, issued the day before his death in 1978. Birchby took over the editorship, maintaining the original spirit of "experiment in synergy" with a dedicated band of members.

The publication's operational model involves quarterly circulation of parallel copies, with members adding comments to articles. This system, while seemingly clumsy, is designed to ensure that contributions are read and that the loss of one member does not halt the entire issue. Membership is by "mutual agreement," with trial issues offered before commitment. The number of members is limited, and currently, there are no vacancies, though a waiting list is maintained.

Article: "Mrs. Fielding identified it as her own..."

This section critically examines a book, likely by Wilson, concerning paranormal phenomena. The reviewer notes that while the book discusses cases like the 'Black Monk of Pontefract' and the Enfield Poltergeist, it is marred by Wilson's attempts to make the explicable mysterious. The reviewer finds some points interesting, such as the idea that poltergeists might use electrical energy, and speculates on the direction of movement in poltergeist-shifted objects in relation to the Coriolis Effect. A fundamental disagreement is raised regarding Wilson's shift in hypothesis from the 'right brain' theory to the involvement of spirits of the dead, a conversion attributed to Guy Lyon Playfair. The reviewer finds Wilson's arguments for this shift unconvincing, particularly his interpretation of the Pontefract case, and suggests that conscious mind capabilities and even 'possession by the Devil' could account for such events. The reviewer concludes that while the book is a "cracking good read," it should not be taken as more than that, and expresses a preference for Wilson's own ideas over Playfair's when presented second-hand.

Article: "The occult itself?"

This piece, likely by Kevin McClure, discusses the broad and often misunderstood term "occult." It critiques the Christian apologist tendency to treat "occult" as a monolithic entity. The author offers a tentative analysis of the occult, categorizing it into:

• (a) Anomalous facts: Induced weightlessness, Fortean phenomena.
• (b) Archaic survivals: Primitive mediumship, possibly telepathy.
• (c) Officially discarded science: Astrology, alchemy.
• (d) Little recognised powers of the mind: Psi factors, lateral thinking.
• (e) Superstition: Phenomena explainable scientifically or psychologically.
• (f) Destructive factors: Satanism, psychic manipulation, black magic.

The author argues that a broadside against all these diverse topics is ineffective and that, like the human unconscious, the occult contains both valuable insights and rubbish.

The Ouija Board

This section focuses on the Ouija board, tracing its invention to Isaac Fould in 1892. It notes that dislike of the Ouija board is not limited to Christians but is also shared by many Spiritualists. The author describes the Ouija board as a simple device providing a shortcut from the subconscious to the conscious mind, powerful because it often involves multiple people. Unlike automatic writing, it lacks an inbuilt system of symbolic interpretation, allowing raw material to be taken literally. The author compares fumbling with the unconscious mind to attempting self-surgery without skill, highlighting the need for judgment and knowledge. While three trained researchers might be safe, many users lack mental, scientific, or spiritual discipline, especially teenagers with unresolved emotional problems. The atmosphere surrounding Ouija board use is often not detached, leading to potential risks like hysterical paralysis or raw fear.

The article addresses the Christian concern that the 'spirit of the board' might spell out 'S-A-N-T-A-N', suggesting this often reflects the participants' fears rather than an actual evil entity. However, it acknowledges cases where the intrusion of evil seems a reasonable hypothesis. The author emphasizes that psychiatric categories and religious explanations should not be used as intellectual end-stoppers, and that while reason is important, fringe experiences raise ultimate questions that require careful evaluation. The Ouija board is ultimately described as a "blunt psychic instrument" that risks releasing powerful destructive forces within the human psyche.

Article: "The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail"

This lengthy review, contributed by Bob Gilbert, CFPSS journal editor, antiquarian bookseller, and expert on mystical traditions, critically examines Michael Baigent, Richard Leigh, and Henry Lincoln's book "The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail." Gilbert expresses disappointment, finding the book to be a "dismal fantasy" built on unoriginal claims about Jesus Christ's survival of the crucifixion, marriage to Mary Magdalene, and a surviving bloodline protected by the Prieure de Sion. The book purports to offer solid documentary evidence, but Gilbert criticizes the authors' methodology, stating they treat all documentary evidence as of equal value and judge its validity by its support for their conclusions, without reproducing documents or using standard historical critical methods. He points out factual inaccuracies and selective use of evidence, such as the interpretation of Isaac Newton's associations and the treatment of Grail Romances and the Cathars.

Gilbert highlights the book's flawed treatment of biblical criticism, portraying Jesus as a political Messiah and ignoring his pacific teachings. He also criticizes the interpretation of the Crucifixion as a mock-crucifixion and fake resurrection, and the use of Gnostic Gospels to support the thesis of Jesus' marriage to Mary, despite the sects' repudiation of marriage. The review concludes that while Berenger Sauniere may have found something of value at Rennes-le-Chateau, this book is too foolish to reveal it, and that Christians need not fear for eternity nor historians for rational progress from such works.

Letters to the Editor

Several letters offer diverse perspectives:

• Alan Cleaver praises Paul Screeton's article on ghost trains and provides details about the Crystal Palace ghost train, a Victorian attraction that was allegedly bricked up with its carriage inside.
• Caroline Mead confirms the existence of a tunnel near the old Crystal Palace site through an electronic survey.
• Crystal Hogben (Editor, 'Magic Saucer') responds to a query about "Infantile Hypercalcaemia (IHC)," explaining that her publication reported on the existence of 'Pixie Children' and related questions, without intending to cause offense. She also suggests that UFO investigators should try to find out what the intelligence behind UFOs wants, proposing that a medium be interviewed.
• Ivor Snook questions G.W. Lambert's article on "The Geography of English Ghosts," finding the catchment area hypothesis unconvincing and requesting positive evidence for the link between floods and hauntings.
• Jenny Randles expresses skepticism about the proposition that the mind survives bodily death, finding the evidence scanty and suggesting that dream fantasies, hallucinations, and crisis telepathic impressions are more likely explanations. She notes that death-bed visions seem more akin to hypnagogic hallucinations.
• Kevin McClure discusses the limitations of the Ouija board and other communication instruments, emphasizing the need for a coherent cosmology to accommodate such phenomena. He also touches on the challenges of UFO investigation, urging researchers to defend their theories and avoid attributing benevolence or malificence to unknown entities.

Closing Remarks

Sid Birchby provides an update on ASSAP (Association for the Scientific Study of Anomalous Phenomena) activities, noting a slower period due to organizational efforts but anticipating increased activity. He mentions upcoming events, including a 'Practical Workshop Day' and a talk on 'Seeing and Believing; Religious Responses to UFO Experience.' He also notes that the current issue of CG (likely referring to another publication) has focused on responses to phenomena, philosophical implications of belief, and the impact of these on understanding existence, rather than raw research material. He observes that authors like Bob Gilbert and Alun and Margaret Virgin argue for assessing phenomena from a traditional Christian belief basis, while Vernon Harrison makes a case for personality survival that seems to challenge Christian concepts. Colin Wilson is also mentioned as having reached a similar conclusion from different premises.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the nature and interpretation of paranormal phenomena (poltergeists, ghosts, UFOs), the intersection of religion (particularly Christianity) with these topics, and the philosophical implications of belief in the anomalous. The editorial stance, as represented by Sid Birchby and the contributors, favors a reasoned, critical, yet open-minded approach to investigating unexplained experiences, encouraging thoughtful analysis and discussion within the framework of paraphysics and esoteric arts. There is a clear emphasis on the need for evidence-based evaluation and a caution against simplistic or dogmatic conclusions, whether from a scientific or religious perspective. The publication itself is positioned as a platform for such in-depth exploration and exchange of ideas among its members.