Common Ground - No 07

Magazine Overview

Title: Common Ground
Issue: 7
Publisher: Kevin & Sue McClure
Country: United Kingdom
Focus: Studies at the Fringe of Human Experience

Articles and Content

Physical Mediumship Makes Its Spirit Return by Alan Cleaver

Alan Cleaver announces the return of physical mediumship in Britain, with two mediums identified capable of materializing and dematerializing objects, levitation, and demonstrating survival evidence. He notes that this phenomenon previously declined in the 1950s due to public and researcher mishandling, citing the case of Helen Duncan, who was imprisoned and died shortly after. Cleaver expresses confidence that more mediums will emerge and discusses two current practitioners: Paul McElhoney, who enters trance and allows a spirit guide named 'Ceros' to materialize objects like flowers, and Rita Goold, who has rapidly developed her abilities and sits with her husband Stephen, Barry Jeffery (an ex-policeman), and his wife Pat. Cleaver emphasizes the need for sensible reactions from researchers and society, contrasting the current situation with the past. He also touches upon the possibility of UFO encounters preceding psychic development, referencing the 'Bunnyman' and 'Man in Black' encounters.

AND AN UNEXPECTED SEQUEL... by Alan Cleaver

This section discusses recent allegations of fraud against physical mediums. Gordon Higginson, once a prominent materialization medium, is mentioned as having been caught in deliberate fraud. Paul McElhoney is also facing accusations, with an article in the 'News of the World' detailing alleged fraud involving a tape recorder. Cleaver notes McElhoney's response of running away from a seance and failing to appear for a scheduled sitting. He raises questions about the potential involvement of 'Two Worlds' magazine and the 'Spiritualist of the Year' award, and ponders the existence of McElhoney's 'United World' movement with 40,000 members. The author urges readers to distinguish between phenomena and wisdom.

SERIOUS FAULTS: EARTH LIGHTS by Paul Devereux - An extended review by Kevin McClure

Kevin McClure reviews Paul Devereux's book 'Earth Lights', describing it as an important work by a leading paranormal writer. The book is praised for its clear writing, attractive presentation, and breathtaking range of material, blending personal quests with UFO experiences and earth mysteries. Devereux's central argument is that UFOs are 'planetary ectoplasm' produced in areas of geological faulting, responsive to mental cues. McClure notes the book's use of concepts like piezo-electricity, the Dragon Project, and Neolithic wisdom. However, McClure identifies several shortcomings, particularly in the seventh chapter, 'UFO's as Earth Phenomena'. He criticizes the selective use of data, focusing on specific years and locations (Warminster, Dyfed, Barmouth, Leicestershire) that support the theory, while ignoring contradictory evidence. McClure specifically challenges the claims regarding Leicestershire, stating that geological surveys show no faults in the areas cited, contrary to Devereux's assertions. He also critiques the reliance on less reliable sources and the misinterpretation of certain phenomena, such as the Barmouth 'flap' and the 'proto-entity phenomenon' related to apparitions.

The Falklands War - Why weren't we told? by Sid Birchby

Sid Birchby examines the lack of paranormal warnings prior to the Argentinian invasion of the Falkland Islands in April 1982. He notes that while some readers of the 'Newsletter' agreed with this observation, seers and divination methods seemed to miss the event. Birchby discusses a prediction from 'Old Moore's Almanack' and an I-Ching reading by Rod Sorrell that predicted a British loss, but finds these to be generally inaccurate or poorly timed. He contrasts the rapid mobilization of the Task Force with the perceived lack of foresight, suggesting that computer simulations might have played a role. However, he also points out that computer predictions were not infallible and that serious defects in naval defenses (like flammable alloys and inadequate anti-Exocet systems) contributed to losses. Birchby draws parallels to the pre-World War periods, noting a similar pattern of non-predictable influences and a reluctance of the media to admit error in forecasting national crises.

LETTERS

From Robert Anton Wilson:
Wilson suggests that research into 'out of body experience' (OBE) should consider that consciousness might not be 'in' the body, but rather the body appears to be the center due to a misperception, similar to how the earth appears flat. He references Hindu and Buddhist philosophies that view consciousness in the body as an illusion (Maya) and Zen teachings aimed at breaking this conditioning. He also notes that modern physics, particularly the work of Schrodinger and Bohm, supports the idea of a universal consciousness. Wilson posits that OBEs are a transitional stage between the illusion of a localized ego and the realization of universal consciousness, with the tunnel image being a metaphor for the birth process and the imprinting of the social ego.

From Donald Brooks:
Brooks writes about Sai Baba, highlighting that he does not seek money from followers and provides free seminars. He mentions Baba's teachings on living in love, righteousness, and truth, and service to others. Brooks notes Baba's extensive network of colleges worldwide and his ability to materialize money. He also discusses the use of sacred ash, which is claimed to remove 'bad vibrations', and shares an anecdote about its peaceful effect. Brooks recounts a friend's experience of Sai Baba knowing intimate details about her life and communicating in different languages. He suggests Sai Baba might be a teacher for the Aquarian Age and mentions authenticated miracles, including materializing a ring that saved a life and bringing a man back from the dead.

The Bright Idea from Nowhere by Francis Mitchell

Francis Mitchell explores the phenomenon of sudden, creative insights, citing examples from Bertrand Russell, Henri Poincare, and Arthur Koestler. He discusses historical theories about ideas, including Plato's belief in eternal, pre-existing forms and Aristotle's view that ideas are derived from observation and interpreted by 'common sense' or 'Nous'. Mitchell traces the development of these ideas through Neoplatonism and Western mystical traditions, suggesting that modern occultism may be an attempt to recover lost aspects of Christian belief. He also touches upon the idea of summoning intermediary spirits or 'geniuses' to gain insights, relating it to the modern concept of the unconscious mind.

Author Seeks Material

The editor invites readers to submit details of any research or writing they are involved in, particularly concerning possession and exorcism cases linked to dabbling in the occult, or encounters with 'Satan', 'the Devil', or similar figures since 1900. Material will be treated in confidence.

BACK ISSUES

This section lists available back issues of 'Common Ground' from 1 to 6, detailing the major articles in each. It also offers 'End Times Bulletin' and 'Stars and Rumours of Stars' by Kevin & Sue McClure. Contact details for ordering are provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores topics at the "Fringe of Human Experience," including physical mediumship, UFO phenomena, paranormal claims, divination, and philosophical concepts related to consciousness. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, encouraging investigation while also being wary of potential fraud and misinterpretation. There is a clear emphasis on presenting diverse viewpoints and fostering discussion within the paranormal research community. The magazine also seems to value historical perspectives and theoretical explorations alongside empirical reporting.

This issue of Fortean Times, number 38, features a cover story titled 'A Bright Idea from Sheffield' by Michele Clare, which explores the perplexing problem of the lack of repeatability in paranormal research and speculates on possible reasons for this elusiveness.

Articles and Features

A Bright Idea from Sheffield by Michele Clare

Michele Clare discusses the difficulty in confirming paranormal phenomena, suggesting that it might be due to the nature of psychic powers themselves, fraud, or a universal psychic ability that people suppress to gain an advantage. She posits that if everyone had psychic powers, it could lead to a 'psychic stalemate' where individuals would suppress each other's abilities. Clare also touches upon how emotions can influence the interpretation of facts and how we might be missing profound phenomena due to a literal interpretation of symbolism.

Reviews

The issue includes several book reviews:

• PSYCHICAL RESEARCH: a Guide to its History, Principles and Practices, edited by Ivor Grattan-Guiness and reviewed by Dr. E.J. Dingwall. The review notes the book's division into five parts covering historical sketches, types of phenomena, methods of investigation, and connections to other subjects. It highlights a critique of the SPR's founding myth and mentions the omission of Latin American research.
• SOUL SEARCH: Spiritual Growth through a Knowledge of Past Lifetimes by Glenn Williston and Judith Johnstone, reviewed by KM. This book is described as a literate and complete guide from the 'welfare through regression' camp, offering historical and religious context.
• LIVING WONDERS: Mysteries and Curiosities of the Animal Kingdom by John Michell and Robert J.M. Rickard, reviewed by Kevin McClure. This Fortean book is praised for its collection of 'Cryptobiology' wonders and is seen as suggesting that extraordinary natural phenomena might make paranormal events more plausible.
• THE MAGIC TAROT: Vehicle of Eternal Wisdom by Frederic Lionel, reviewed by Dr. Susan Blackmore. The reviewer finds the book frustratingly confusing and not suitable for beginners, preferring traditional tarot interpretations.
• A GUIDEBOOK TO ARTHURIAN BRITAIN by Geoffrey Ashe, reviewed by KM. This book is described as a delightful and encouraging alphabetical guide to places associated with Arthurian legends.
• The Actor's Dog by Hilary Evans. This piece discusses Bertrand Meheust's book 'Science Fiction et Soucoupes Volantes,' which explores the parallels between science fiction narratives and UFO witness accounts, suggesting a shared underlying source.

The Warminster History by Ian Mrzyglod

This article examines the history of UFO sightings in Warminster, England, which gained prominence in the mid-1960s. It attributes much of the legend to reporter Arthur Shuttlewood and the subsequent cult movements that interpreted ordinary events as UFO phenomena. The article suggests that while some genuine sightings might have been lost in the noise, the Warminster phenomenon was largely perpetuated by a desire for mystery and publicity.

Closing Remarks by Kevin McClure

Kevin McClure's editorial reflects on the significant decline in UFO reports since 1977, citing figures from 'Northern UFO News.' He expresses concern that researchers, having achieved high standards of investigation, may be shifting their focus to 'creating phenomena' or 'making up history' rather than pursuing genuine anomalous events. McClure criticizes books that present historical non-facts and pseudo-clairvoyance as research and warns against the conflation of 'New Age' beliefs with the scientific study of paranormal phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the challenges of investigating and confirming paranormal phenomena, the historical context of UFO sightings, the relationship between fiction and alleged reality, and the critical evaluation of research methods within ufology and psychical research. The editorial stance, particularly in Kevin McClure's closing remarks, emphasizes the importance of rigorous scientific investigation and expresses concern over trends that may lead to the fabrication of evidence or a departure from empirical study in favor of speculative or historical narratives.