Common Ground - No 05 1982

Magazine Overview

Title: Common Ground
Issue: No. 5
Date: May 1982
Subtitle: Studies at the Fringe of Human Experience.

This issue of 'Common Ground' presents a diverse collection of articles exploring various fringe topics, from divination and paranormal phenomena to political analysis and occultism. The magazine aims to provide a platform for a wide range of material, welcoming contributions from both members and non-members of the Association for the Scientific Study of Anomalous Phenomena (ASSAP).

Articles

WHAT IS DIVINATION? By Rod Sorrell

Rod Sorrell, a lay psychotherapist and writer, explores the nature and importance of divination. He posits that while some individuals possess direct perception of the future, most require techniques to augment this ability. Sorrell discusses the historical use of casting lots and dice, dating back to 40,000 B.C. He outlines three categories of explanations for how divination works: spiritual (divine intervention), psychological (archetypes and complexes, referencing Carl Jung's 'Synchronicity'), and physical (the universe in a grain of sand, referencing holographic principles). Sorrell views these as interconnected aspects of a larger patterned connectedness. He introduces the I Ching (Book of Changes) and the Tarot as symbolic code-books of the universe, emphasizing that a complete system must contain all possible answers. He details the I Ching's structure, its sixty-four chapters, and the binary system represented by Yin and Yang lines, noting its connection to other patterns like the genetic code and the table of elements. Sorrell also touches upon the Dakini oracle and its relationship to the I Ching.

He discusses the interpretation of I Ching readings, stressing the importance of the questioner's state of mind and the need for right-brain lateral thinking. Sorrell presents a case study asking the I Ching about Britain replacing Polaris with Trident, receiving Kua 26 ('The Taming Power of the Great') and Kua 14 ('Possession in Great Measure'), which he interprets as advising against the purchase due to the need for restraint and potential adversity. He also explains how to judge the accuracy of a reading through cross-referencing with other readings and by actual results, citing examples related to political figures like Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher.

Analysis of the Falkland Islands Crisis By Rod Sorrell

Sorrell applies the I Ching to the Falkland Islands crisis, which had just erupted. The 'Overall situation' is Kua 24 ('Return, or The Turning Point'), indicating the end of the old and the beginning of the new, suggesting Argentina's success in taking over the islands. The 'British Situation' is Kua 23 ('Deterioration, or Splitting Apart'), predicting Britain's loss of the islands and potential fall of the government. The 'Argentinian Situation' is Kua 38 ('Contradiction, or Opposition'), signifying actual or latent conflict and a stalemate, but also success in small matters for Argentina. The 'Falkland Islanders Situation' is Kua 27 ('Nourishment, or the Corners of the Mouth'), advising compromise and warning that impulsive action will lead to failure, with resistance to the new regime being disastrous and attempts to regain the islands leading to repercussions for at least ten years. Sorrell emphasizes that divination is a tool for decision-making and understanding, not a substitute for logical processes, and that it can help avert crises by providing early signs.

PSIUFO PHENOMENA By Mark Moravec

Mark Moravec addresses the controversial intersection of UFO and paranormal phenomena, termed 'Psiufo phenomena.' He defines these as cases where alleged mental communications, poltergeists, apparitions, healings, ghostlights, and time lapses/abductions overlap with UFO sightings. Moravec presents findings from his research, published by the Australian Centre for UFO Studies, covering 88 Australian cases. He notes that ghostlights, mental communications, and apparitions are common, while paranormal healing is rare. The frequency of psiufo cases has increased since the early 1960s, attributed to the development of UFO investigator networks. While many cases have limited documentation or supportive evidence, over a quarter are considered of high merit. Moravec provides case examples, including an 1838 ghostlight incident and a 1974 case of alleged ESP powers after meeting UFO occupants. He also discusses a 1975 Norah Head case involving three boys and a girl who witnessed UFOs, with selective perception noted, and a 1979 'time lapse' case in Tasmania where a driver experienced amnesia and vehicle malfunction, suggesting that psychological interpretations alone may not suffice, and that paranormal or physical factors might be involved. Moravec highlights the complexity of investigating psiufo cases, requiring knowledge of psychology and parapsychology, and ethical considerations regarding percipients' rights.

DO DEAD MEN TELL TALES? By Alan Cleaver

Alan Cleaver discusses the 'Spiricom,' a device claimed by American scientists to allow conversations with the dead. He expresses 90% conviction in its authenticity, drawing parallels to the initial skepticism surrounding the telephone. Cleaver notes unique characteristics of the Spiricom communications: hostile voices, technical information on building the device, and a slave/master relationship with the dead as the master. He suggests that British researchers went wrong by debating *who* they were contacting rather than *how* to make contact, and by not seeking help from the entities themselves. Cleaver proposes that building a British Spiricom is the next step and that ASSAP is seeking interested electronic experts. He believes that the Spiricom's demonstration of where British EVP researchers erred is significant. He advocates for a working hypothesis that contact with the dead is possible and that this approach has enabled American advances. He warns against using the device solely for personal reasons, like contacting deceased relatives.

TODAY'S OCCULT IS TOMORROW'S SCIENCE By Magda Graham

Magda Graham, editor of 'Nine Worlds,' introduces the concept of 'Pagan parapsychology,' exploring the relationship between humanity, abilities, and anomalous experiences. She posits that what is currently considered supernatural or paranormal is essentially natural and normal, utilizing powers not yet understood. Occultism is defined as the quest to attain and use these powers, encompassing various religions like Witchcraft, Odinism, and Voodoo, as well as individual practices. Graham discusses clairvoyance, its aids (Tarot, tea-leaves, palmistry), and its historical methods. She touches upon healing arts, particularly herbalism and homeopathy, noting their increasing acceptance as science. She also addresses the concept of reincarnation and the potential influence of Atlantean teachings. Graham defines Magick, as described by Aleister Crowley, as the 'Science and Art of causing change to occur in conformity with Will,' emphasizing the role of electro-magnetic energy and positive thinking. She distinguishes Magick from ritual, suggesting that true Adepts may not require ritualistic amplification. Graham stresses the importance of discovering one's 'True Will' and acting in accordance with it, cautioning against illusory goals and ambitions.

Graham further explores phenomena such as telepathy, psychokinesis, and psychometry, noting the inconclusive results of scientific investigation under laboratory conditions. She acknowledges the contributions of science while suggesting that occult theory has also aided scientific development. Graham advises a balanced approach to occult study, avoiding both credulous acceptance and outright refusal to believe. She debunks popular myths, including vampires, werewolves, the Bermuda Triangle, King Arthur, Stonehenge, and the idea of 'astronaut-gods.' She critiques blood sacrifice and drug abuse as counterproductive to mystical experience. The article also briefly mentions various cryptids and phenomena like time slips and materialised thought-forms.

Reviews

The issue includes a section of reviews of other journals and publications, providing brief summaries and opinions on their content and relevance. These include:

• Bufora Bulletin: Noted for its new investigation system and code of practice.
• Christian Parapsychologist: Praised for its consistent high standard and coverage of psychic research and religion.
• Flying Saucer Review: Questioned for its increasing international scope potentially sacrificing objectivity, and criticized for its reporting on 'mystery' circles.
• Fortean Times: Highlighted for an article on the 'Christ in the Clouds' photos and other earth mysteries topics.
• Lamp of Thoth: Described as a packed, esoteric pot-pourri of magic, divination, and ritual.
• Lantern: A local journal praised for its coverage of earth mysteries.
• Magic Saucer: An intriguing magazine that includes UFOs as part of its broader content, with letters and personal reports being a strong feature.
• Meeting the Third Millennium: A Steiner-based journal with an article on 'Flying Conspiracy Review.'
• MUFON UFO Journal: Considered one of the best U.S. UFO journals, covering abduction cases, vehicle effects, and more.
• Northern UFO News: Praised for its legibility and editorial content on retrieving government 'secret' material.
• Probe Report: Hailed as indispensable, featuring articles on whirlwinds, 'saucer nests,' and unexplained phenomena.
• Psychic News: Noted for its improved quality and journalistic approach, despite its Spiritualist base.
• Quicksilver Messenger: A professionally produced Earth Mysteries journal.
• Society for Psychical Research Journal: Commended for its readability and a major article on human problems in paranormal events.
• UFO Research Review: Criticized for apparent psychological imbalance and poor physical presentation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of 'Common Ground' revolve around the exploration of anomalous phenomena, the nature of consciousness, and the potential for unconventional methods of inquiry, such as divination and occult practices, to provide insights into reality. The editorial stance, as implied by the selection of articles and the publisher's note, is one of open-minded investigation into subjects often dismissed by mainstream science. There is a clear emphasis on the value of 'freethinking' and a willingness to consider evidence from diverse sources, including personal testimony and esoteric traditions. The magazine champions the idea that 'Today's Occult is Tomorrow's Science,' suggesting a belief in the eventual validation of many fringe concepts. The editorial also highlights the importance of ethical considerations in research, particularly concerning the well-being of individuals involved in anomalous experiences.

Title: Common Ground
Issue Date: August 1981
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Content Summary

Editorial and Thematic Exploration

The issue opens with an exploration of the question of "good" and "evil" from an occult perspective, challenging the traditional Christian dichotomy and highlighting the independence and diversity within occult practices like Witchcraft. It notes the rise of pseudo-occultism and the negative portrayal of occultists in the media. The article emphasizes the occult principle of "Know Thyself" and the importance of personal responsibility.

Back Issues and Reprints

A significant feature is the reprinting of the first issue of 'Common Ground' from August 1981, due to public demand. This original issue contained an investigation by Hilary Evans into the "Dyfed Enigma," Jenny Randles on "Alien Contact," Sue Blackmore on "Hallucinations and Illusions," and Alan Cleaver on "Electronic Voice Phenomenon."

Reviews Section

The "Reviews" section is presented as a serious method for evaluating books, aiming for original thought and imagination rather than mere summaries. Bad books by unknown authors are unlikely to be reviewed to save space.

• "INTRUSIONS; Society and the Paranormal" by Hilary Evans: Reviewed by Hugh Pincott. This book examines how ordinary people have regarded the paranormal and society's reaction to these phenomena. Pincott notes that the book focuses on society's response to the *report* of facts, finding the public's belief in them to be of great interest. The review discusses how scientists, particularly in the Victorian era, were often reluctant to investigate paranormal claims, possibly due to a fear of losing respectability. The reviewer suggests that this reluctance persists, hindering scientific engagement with anomalous phenomena.
• "CEROS TALKS FROM BEYOND" tape: Reviewed by Kevin McClure. This is described as an hour of intelligent communication from a purported spirit guide. While the communication is considered coherent, the reviewer expresses skepticism about the existence of 'Ceros' as a separate entity from the medium, Paul McElhoney, suggesting it might be a form of psychological support.
• "ALIEN CONTACT: WINDOW ON ANOTHER WORLD" by Jenny Randles and Paul Whetnall: Reviewed by Hilary Evans. Evans acknowledges the widespread occurrence of experiences associated with UFOs. He notes that while the media is less dismissive than before, there is no official body to explain these phenomena, leaving it to concerned amateurs. The review praises Randles for her awareness of the UFO problem's social relevance but laments the British publishing climate, which favors sensationalism over serious works. The book is described as a compromise, better than much sensationalist material but not fully satisfying.
• "A DICTIONARY OF GHOSTS" by Peter Haining: Reviewed by Kevin McClure. This book is praised for its attractive illustrations and its alphabetical approach to spontaneous visual phenomena, distinguishing between genuine and fake accounts. The reviewer highlights its usefulness for explaining paranormal topics to non-experts and recommends it for local libraries.
• "MIRACLES. A PARASCIENTIFIC INQUIRY INTO WONDROUS PHENOMENA" by D. Scott Rogo: Reviewed by Kevin McClure. This book is highly praised for its thoroughness and clarity, covering various personal and physical phenomena, including levitation, stigmata, bilocation, and miraculous healing. The reviewer notes its comprehensive referencing and its balanced approach, though he criticizes Rogo's tendency to force conclusions, particularly in the final chapters, suggesting a more inconclusive approach might be more appropriate for the complex material.

Research Project: Coincidence

Jenny Randles presents an update on her research project investigating coincidences. She has identified six categories:

1. Type One (Synchronistic): Simple juxtapositions of events in time and space with no obvious causality. An example involves the author and a UFO investigator experiencing similar dog-related emergencies simultaneously.
2. Type Two (Idea Reinforcements): Situations where an idea is reinforced into the collective consciousness by multiple individuals expressing it concurrently. The author notes this often happens when an idea is 'ready' to emerge.
3. Type Three (Manipulative): Phenomena where something seemingly beyond personal consciousness leads individuals to find a person or place they wish to find. An example involves friends mentioning a visitor from America, whom Stephanie Bishop later met coincidentally.
4. Type Four (Telepathic Coincidences): Situations where later events coincide with dreamed events, suggesting dream precognition. The author notes these are common in dream states and cannot be explained by conventional science.
5. Type Five (Time Loops): A fascinating category where an event appears to create its own cause. An example involves a dream of a scar on an arm, which later prompts a psychoanalyst to reveal a matching scar.
6. Type Six (Precognition Clearly Has a Role): This section discusses the author's research into disaster premonitions, urging readers to record vivid dreams of potential disasters and send them in for analysis.

The author also shares a personal dream that might offer a subtle hint about finding answers within oneself rather than externally.

Book Reviews and Theories

• "The Reversing Earth" by Peter Warlow: Reviewed by the author. This neo-Velikovskian book proposes that Earth has flipped on its axis five times in the last 13,000 years. The reviewer acknowledges Warlow's use of conventional Velikovskian techniques but criticizes the lack of a plausible mechanism for Earth-flipping in space, contrasting it with the tippe-top toy analogy. The review also points out flaws in Warlow's arguments regarding quasars, novae, glaciation, sedimentary rocks, and the Piri Re'is map, suggesting that some of his evidence is exaggerated or misinterpreted. Despite criticisms, the reviewer finds the book intellectually stimulating and a good exercise in critical thinking.
• "Science, Philosophy and the Psychic" by John Best, Ph.D.: An abstract is provided, outlining the argument that recent developments in quantum physics undermine the negative intellectual attitude toward the psychic. The abstract suggests that mind and matter are related fundamental entities, and that science, rather than negating human survival, provides clues to understanding it.

Letters to the Editor

• Peter Rogerson questions the claims of "drop-in communicators," arguing that historical records are accessible and that fraudulent mediums have an easier task than genuine researchers. He points to potential errors and the use of printed sources in the case of Harry Stockbridge.
• John Best commends Dr. Harrison's article "Credo," agreeing that a purely materialistic view of man's existence is insufficient. He supports Harrison's assertion that restarting psychic discovery requires enlisting the aid of communicators and embarking on a quest for ultimate truths. Best also critiques materialistic thinking for inventing hypotheses to explain psychic facts and praises Harrison's review of these hypotheses.
• Cynthia Bach responds to previous articles, suggesting that evidence for survival after death might be found on other levels than the everyday mind. She shares personal experiences of clairvoyance and precognition, highlighting the accuracy of information received during meditation and dreams, and questioning the dismissal of ESP as merely sporadic.

Closing Remarks

The editor reflects on the magazine's focus on the individual's role in initiating paranormal experiences. He acknowledges a personal preference for general skepticism but admits to believing in phenomena like survival and PK. The editor notes the financial struggles of paranormal organizations and the emergence of a "paranormal recession." He contrasts the success of 'The Unexplained' magazine with the lower membership of ASSAP, urging members to help publicize the organization and improve its outreach. The editor concludes by asking for members' first impressions and suggestions for improvement.

End Times Bulletin

An announcement for a new journal, "End Times Bulletin," dedicated to analyzing "last days" and millennial movements, edited by Kevin McClure.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores anomalous phenomena, ufology, and psychic research, often with a critical yet open-minded approach. There's a strong emphasis on the importance of rigorous research, intellectual honesty, and the challenges faced by those investigating the paranormal, both from the scientific establishment and within the field itself. The editorial stance appears to favor a nuanced perspective, acknowledging the limitations of conventional science while remaining skeptical of unsubstantiated claims. The role of the individual's consciousness and experience in shaping reality and paranormal events is a recurring theme. There's also a concern for the public perception and acceptance of paranormal research, with efforts to improve communication and organization within the field.

This document is a preview of the "NEXT ISSUE" of Psychic News. It outlines the articles and topics that will be featured in the upcoming publication.

Featured Articles and Topics

Researchers Tony Ortzen, the Editor of Psychic News, will contribute an article focusing on the topic of researchers.

Arthur Guirdham, the Cathars, and Reincarnation Robert Gilbert is set to write about Arthur Guirdham, the Cathars, and the concept of reincarnation.

Demonic Haunting and Exorcism The issue will present a "remarkable case of demonic haunting and exorcism."

Peace Prophecies from Spirit Guides Kevin McClure will discuss "remarkable Peace Prophecies" that were reportedly made by Spirit Guides in the years 1938 and 1939.

Additional Content The preview also teases "much more that we haven't even heard of yet," indicating a variety of other unannounced content.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The preview suggests a focus on paranormal phenomena, historical mysteries, and spiritual insights, consistent with the typical content of a publication like Psychic News. The mention of specific historical figures (Arthur Guirdham), groups (Cathars), and events (1938-1939 prophecies) indicates an interest in exploring documented or reported cases within these fields.