Common Ground - No 06

Magazine Overview

'Common Ground' No.6, subtitled 'The ASSAP Journal of Record', is an issue from August 1982, published by Kevin & Sue McClure. The magazine covers a diverse range of topics within ufology and the paranormal, including ghost investigations, UFO phenomena, prophecies, and psychical research. The issue is noted for its substantial material, leading to a squeeze on layout and graphics, with some promised content deferred to future issues.

Contents and Key Articles

The View from the Gaisberg: Notes on the 1982 Salzburg Colloquium on Human Sciences and UFO Phenomena

This article by Hilary Evans reports on the 1982 Salzburg Colloquium, which, despite foggy weather, offered participants a stimulating exchange of ideas. The emphasis was on the psychological aspects of ufology, with discussions on witness evaluation techniques, including Rorschach testing and signal detection theory. Dr. Alex Keul and Ken Phillips presented work on witness assessment, while Paolo Toselli analyzed factors influencing witness reports. Dr. Don Donderi of McGill University suggested signal detection theory as an objective measure of witness reliability. Professor Alvin Lawson presented his testable birth-trauma theory for UFO abduction accounts, which, though controversial, was supported by evidence. Claude Mauge considered the psychiatrist's role in the UFO phenomenon and the question of witnesses' psychological predispositions. The article also touches upon Malcolm Soutt's controversial paper suggesting 'protection' as a motivation for UFO reports and Hilary Evans's model of 'mimetic projection' for abduction scenarios, drawing on the work of Bertrand Meheust, who correlates UFO reports with pulp science-fiction and folklore. The colloquium is described as harmonious and lively, with delegates sharing knowledge and experience across national boundaries.

Children and the Paranormal

Written by Michael Goss, this article explores children's fascination with the paranormal, particularly ghost stories. Goss notes that children respond to the idea of the supernatural rather than the artifice of storytelling, often holding a strong belief in survival after death. He observes that children's 'experiments' with contacting spirits are ritualistic rather than scientific, driven by pre-existing beliefs. The article contrasts this with the approach of psychical researchers, who seek empirical evidence. Goss recounts his experience as a supply teacher, where his reputation as a parapsychologist led to requests for ghost stories. He presented scientifically-aligned accounts and theories, such as ghosts being mental pictures or hallucinations, but found that children often preferred traditional interpretations and were skeptical of rationalist explanations. He stresses the 'normality' of paranormal research, aiming to dispel the image of the occult researcher. The article also discusses the challenges of incorporating parapsychology into school curricula due to its lack of solid, universally agreed-upon facts and its subjective nature. It touches upon the use of Ouija boards and playground hypnosis among children, noting that while often seen as harmless fun, they can sometimes lead to negative outcomes. Goss concludes that children's engagement with the paranormal is a sign of curiosity and an anti-rationalist statement, an exercise in imagination rather than a dry scientific pursuit.

The 1939 No-War Prophecies

This article by Kevin McClure examines the numerous prophecies made by spirit guides and mediums in the lead-up to World War II, particularly in 1939, which confidently predicted the absence of a major conflict. The article cites pronouncements from guides like Silver Birch and White Hank, as well as Spiritualist National Union President Frank T. Blake and Red Cloud, all assuring peace. It highlights the role of Spiritualism during the inter-war period, when physical mediumship was more common and publications like 'Psychic News' and 'Two Worlds' prominently featured such prophecies. The article details how these predictions, often specific and political, were made with great confidence, even as international tensions rose. It contrasts these assurances with the signing of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact and the eventual invasion of Poland. The author suggests that the widespread belief in peace prophecies, fueled by thousands of messages and the media's interest, may have contributed to a decline in Spiritualism's focus on verifiable phenomena and predictions, as the dramatic failure of these prophecies likely had a profound effect on the movement.

A Peaceful Poltergeist

This short piece, taken from the Church Times of July 30, 1982, describes a 'humble symbol of peace' – a souvenir medal of the Virgin Mary – that was placed on the altar of St. Paul's Cathedral. The Dean, Alan Webster, recounted the story of an unknown woman who had given him the medal, which she had worn as a prayer for peace during the Falklands conflict. After the cease-fire was announced, she found the medal behind her bed, interpreting this as a sign that her prayer had been accepted. She offered the medal to the Dean as a link between nations and religious expressions.

Abstracts

This section reviews several publications related to ufology and the paranormal:

• AFU Newsletter (April 1982): Praised for its English content and coverage of Scandinavian ufology, including an expose of a hoaxed American UFO story and an interview with Juri Lina, who faced KGB persecution.
• Ancient Skills & Wisdom Review (No.15): Described as an intelligent collection of reviews and abstracts, covering similar fields to 'Common Ground'.
• Broad Spectrum (No.1): A collection of reviews, articles, letters, and ads, with a mild new age/pagan bias.
• Bunkers Under London by Nigel Pennick: A detailed, illustrated study of historical and contemporary aspects of London's underground structures.
• Christian Parapsychologist (June 1982): Features a well-argued article by Renee Haynes questioning whether unusual phenomena are signs of holiness, concluding negatively.
• Flying Saucer Review (Vol.27, No.6): Noted for a comprehensive report on the Rendlesham Forest case, though criticized for dwelling on older sightings.
• International UFO Reporter (May/June 1982): Described as a new regular outlet for CUFOS, offering well-laid-out factual data, maps, and photos for UFO case histories.
• Lamp of Thoth (Vol.2, No.4): A controversial issue discussing the 'News of the World's' investigation into the occult and the alleged lies and fraud used by reporters. It highlights the negative treatment of 'believers' by some media outlets.
• Magonia (No.9): Features articles on ufology and romanticism, belief systems, and 'Close Encounters and Dream States'.
• Ley Hunter (No.93): A well-regarded issue with regular features, commentaries, and reviews, including articles on Earth Mysteries and a forthcoming book on UFOs and earth mysteries.
• Malaysian UFO Bulletin (No.4): Provides insights into UFO happenings in Malaysia, including case reports, abductions, and physical trace evidence.
• MUFON UFO Journal (April 1982): Considered a top US UFO magazine, featuring articles on birth trauma, abduction, and ufology in Italy.
• New Times (No.4): A London-based, optimistic, healing-oriented New Age journal.
• OSEAP Journal & Centre Update (Nos.1): Products of a merger, these publications are seen as having a disappointing start, with thin content in the OSEAP Journal and a basic abstract list in Centre Update.
• Probe Report (Vol.3, No.1): An issue fundamental to serious research, containing Hilary Evans's essay 'Balls of Light' and reviews.
• Psychic News: Discusses the trend of proving physical mediumship, with a report on a spirit child named Ceros involved in an apport case. The magazine is considered essential reading despite questionable stories.
• Sangreal (Vol.5, No.3): Focuses on the concept of magic in Western society, analytical psychology, and palmistry.
• Society for Psychical Research Journal (June 1982): Praised for its intelligible features, including precognition, lucid dreams, and Eusapia Palladino, along with excellent reviews and a letter from the author.
• UFO Research Review: Criticized for its editor's lengthy discussions on ASSAP and skepticism, with little actual reviewing of UFO research.
• 'BUZZ' magazine (August 1982): Reports on a dangerous cult in the USA known as 'The Garbage Eaters'.
• End Times Bulletin (August 1982): A new magazine covering subjects like Nostradamus's prophecies, the Rapture, and the Mark of the Beast.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue reflects a strong interest in the scientific investigation of paranormal phenomena, while also acknowledging the intuitive beliefs and experiences of individuals, particularly children. There is a critical examination of media sensationalism and the challenges of establishing parapsychology as a legitimate scientific field. The editorial stance, as expressed in the introductory notes and the handling of the '1939 No-War Prophecies' article, suggests a commitment to presenting diverse viewpoints and historical analyses within the paranormal and ufological communities. The publisher expresses a desire to improve the magazine's production quality and expand its scope, contingent on reader support and subscription renewals. The recurring theme of the gap between scientific inquiry and popular belief, especially concerning UFOs and ghosts, is evident throughout the issue. The magazine also highlights the importance of international collaboration and information sharing among researchers in the field.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue demonstrates a consistent focus on the intersection of ufology, psychical research, and the paranormal. A key theme is the exploration of witness testimony and the psychological factors influencing perceptions of anomalous phenomena, as seen in the Salzburg Colloquium coverage. The article on children and the paranormal highlights the contrast between intuitive belief systems and scientific methodology. The historical analysis of the '1939 No-War Prophecies' serves as a cautionary tale about the fallibility of prophecy and its impact on belief systems, particularly within Spiritualism. The extensive 'Abstracts' section indicates a commitment to keeping readers informed about a wide range of publications and ongoing research in related fields. The editorial notes express a desire for the magazine's growth and improvement, aiming for a more professional presentation and broader coverage, contingent on reader engagement and subscription renewals. The overall stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, open to diverse perspectives while striving for a more rigorous understanding of paranormal and ufological subjects.

Common Ground, Issue 6, dated May 1982, is a magazine focused on paranormal research, ufology, and esoteric subjects. This issue features articles and reviews that delve into spiritualism, prophecy, psychic phenomena, UFO encounters, and shamanism.

Spiritualism and Failed Prophecies

The issue opens with a reflection on the failure of Spiritualist prophecies concerning the outbreak of World War II. The article highlights how prominent Spiritualist publications like 'Psychic News' and 'Two Worlds' initially downplayed the possibility of war, with guides making definite predictions of peace that were shattered by events. The editor of 'Psychic News', Tony Ortzen, is quoted acknowledging the crisis of faith and the need for Spiritualists to remain steadfast while acknowledging the fallibility of spirit guides.

Proof! by Tony Ortzen

Tony Ortzen examines the value of psychical research, addressing the criticism that psychic phenomena are not repeatable. He argues that while they may not appear on demand, they have occurred throughout history. Ortzen discusses the work of Sir William Crookes and the medium Florence Cook concerning spirit materialisation, particularly the entity Katie King. He recounts instances of phantom forms and faces, and the appearance of hands and fingers during seances, noting their sometimes nebulous appearance.

Reviews

Kevin McClure reviews two books: Susan Blackmore's 'Beyond the Body: An Investigation of Out-of-the-Body Experiences' and Andrew Mackenzie's 'Hauntings and Apparitions'. Both are praised as excellent contributions to the Society for Psychical Research's centenary celebrations. Mackenzie's book is noted for its up-to-date knowledge of cases, while Blackmore's is described as the best overview of the tantalizing subject of OOBEs, maintaining a balance between personal enthusiasm and professional skepticism.

Jenny Randles reviews Imanuel Velikovsky's posthumous book 'Mankind in Amnesia'. She discusses Velikovsky's theory that modern social trauma stems from 'shock amnesia' on a global scale, repressing memories of ancient cataclysms. Randles finds a parallel between this and the current apathy towards nuclear war, noting Velikovsky's discussion of war cycles and the precise date of 1992 for Armageddon, which aligns with other prophecies.

Alan Garner and the Shamanistic Process by Paul Screeton

This extensive article explores the work and experiences of writer Alan Garner through the lens of shamanism. Screeton posits that Garner, through his writings and personal experiences, embodies the characteristics of a 'suburban shaman'. The article details Garner's psychological breakdown during the filming of 'The Owl Service', which he intellectualised as a form of 'neo-dissociation' and a 'primitive catastrophic process'. Garner's analyst, 'Mr. Smith', helped him release 'engrams' and navigate 'Dreamtime'. The article discusses the concept of engrams, their potential transmission, and how they can manifest as illusions or trigger psychological crises. It touches upon Garner's early life, his academic achievements, and his development as a writer who translates myth into contemporary contexts. Screeton argues that Garner's ability to integrate his traumas and spiritual experiences makes him a significant figure in understanding shamanism.

Locating Ghosts by Tony Booth

Tony Booth, an experienced paranormal researcher, discusses the inherent difficulties in investigating ghost phenomena. He highlights that unlike other paranormal subjects, ghosts cannot be produced at will, making preparation challenging. Booth notes that media reports often exaggerate phenomena, serving as promotion for locations. He advises investigators to be cautious of highly publicized reports, as they may originate from individuals seeking to gain from them, such as council housing transfers or publicity. Booth suggests that while ghost compilation books offer leads, word-of-mouth reports, when carefully investigated, can be more reliable. He also emphasizes the challenge of gaining the trust of property owners to allow investigations.

Breakthrough! Again? Alexander MacRae

Alexander MacRae, Director of the GEN Research Institute, critically examines the claims surrounding the 'Spiricom' device for Electronic Voice Phenomenon (EVP). He questions the high cost of the device, estimating the basic components to be much cheaper. MacRae analyzes the technical aspects of Spiricom, including its amplitude modulation process and the use of 13 tones. He expresses skepticism about the 'occult significance' of these tones, suggesting they are part of a glottal pulse spectrum. MacRae also points out linguistic anomalies in alleged communications, such as the use of the word 'robot' by an entity claiming to have died in 1830. He discusses the possibility of lower astral pranksters and the role of the operator and the 'other side' in EVP, suggesting that physical mediumship might influence the device and that the placebo effect could be a factor.

Ideal Solutions?

This section features two letters from 'Ideal's UFO Magazine'. Paul Angelo from Berkeley, California, writes about UFOs and cattle mutilations, proposing that UFOs are subterrestrial and use negative energy, and that occupants are studying human weaknesses. Norman Hamilton from Quebec, Canada, suggests that 'Men in Black' exist in the subconscious mind and links them to pyramids and psychic experiences, proposing an underlying connection within the mind.

Closing Remarks

The concluding section reflects on the differences between the approach of ASSAP (Association for the Scientific Study of Anomalous Phenomena) and the SPR (Society for Psychical Research), particularly regarding spontaneous phenomena. The author praises the open lines of communication with the SPR but notes past unpleasantness. The importance of spontaneous phenomena research is emphasized, arguing it is more crucial than laboratory psi research for understanding life's meaning. The article stresses the need for rigorous scientific methods, credibility of investigators, and the value of repeated, similar phenomena. It highlights two examples of intelligent investigation: an article on 'Balls Of Light' and the work of Dr. Alvin Lawson on imaginary abductees and the 'birth trauma' theory.

Letters

Kevin McClure responds to a letter from Dr. Vernon Harrison regarding the Harry Stockbridge case, refuting claims about the source of information and the accuracy of local papers versus official records. McClure also writes about his personal experiences with the 'Dyfed Enigma' and the media's portrayal of ufology, advocating for a more serious and evidence-based presentation of research.

Back Issues and Announcements

The magazine lists available back issues of 'Common Ground' and announces an upcoming seminar on 'The Witness and the Investigator' organized by ASSAP and BUFORA.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes rigorous, evidence-based investigation into paranormal phenomena, while acknowledging the subjective and often elusive nature of these subjects. There is a clear emphasis on critical thinking, distinguishing between genuine research and sensationalism or fraud. The editorial stance appears to favor a scientific approach to the paranormal, encouraging researchers to maintain objectivity and high standards. Themes of consciousness, the subconscious mind, ancient history, and the potential for hidden truths in myths and legends are recurrent. The magazine also highlights the importance of personal experience and intuition in guiding research, while cautioning against gullibility and uncritical acceptance of claims.