Deguforum - Issue 03 - 1994

Magazine Overview

This is the September 1994 issue, Volume 1, Number 3, of DEGUFO, the journal of the German-speaking Society for UFO Research. The cover features an illustration of two flying saucers over water, with the main headline announcing a "Special: Omnec Onec." Other prominent cover stories include "The Consideration of the UFO Phenomenon and Pre-Astronautics - Part 1," "UFO Photos Exposed as Fakes!," "UFO Sightings in Kassel and at Lake Constance," and "Travel Impressions: A Day in Roswell."

Editorial

The editorial by Reinhard Nühlen marks the first anniversary of DEGUFO, noting its growing recognition both domestically and internationally, with inquiries and press coverage from various countries. The organization has seen an increase in reported cases and sightings. Nühlen thanks supporters and regional leaders, announcing plans for a nationwide member meeting in the first quarter of the upcoming year. He also addresses a correction regarding the cover image artist, Gabriele L. Berndt, clarifying that the artwork is a painting and not a photograph. The editorial highlights the decision to dedicate a special section to Omnec Onec due to the significant interest and diverse reactions to the topic, acknowledging its controversial nature. The issue promises a broad spectrum of informative articles.

Series: The Consideration of the UFO Phenomenon and Pre-Astronautics - Part 1

Frank Oschatz, head of the PROTEG Project Team for fringe sciences, presents a hypothetical view on the psychological factors influencing UFO sightings and witness testimonies. He emphasizes that his opinions are personal and that interdisciplinary research is crucial for understanding these phenomena. The article touches upon the fascination with space and speculates on future possibilities like flying cities and moon colonization, referencing authors like Adrian Berry and Arthur C. Clarke. It also discusses Carl Sagan's proposal for making Venus habitable by splitting its carbon dioxide into carbon and oxygen, using algae as a catalyst. The section on "Contact with Extraterrestrials" delves into the ongoing debates and differing opinions among experts regarding the existence and nature of extraterrestrial visits, referencing Sagan's statistical calculations that suggest contact is unlikely.

Theme: New Consciousness

This section explores the nature of consciousness and reality. The first article, "Lucid Dreaming," by an unnamed author, describes a personal experience of lucid dreaming where the dreamer could interact with and manipulate the dream environment, questioning the distinction between dream reality and waking reality. The author ponders the possibility of a collective dream shared by humanity. The second article, "Visit by Extraterrestrials" by Hans-Joachim Heyer, discusses how an encounter with beings not part of our consensus reality might manifest, including physical transformations of the visitor and sensory phenomena experienced by humans, such as visions and auditory messages. Heyer cautions against uncritical acceptance of channeled material, emphasizing the importance of evaluating the content rather than the method of transmission.

Omnec Onec Special - "I Came from Venus!"

This special section is dedicated to Omnec Onec, who claims to be an extraterrestrial from Venus. The introduction acknowledges the controversial nature of the topic and the difficulty of providing definitive proof, inviting readers to form their own judgments. It presents six contributions from different perspectives.

Book Review: Omnec Onec - "I Came from Venus - Autobiography"

This review by Gisela Bongart describes Omnec Onec's autobiography, where she recounts being brought to Earth as a child from Venus by a master for a spiritual mission. The reviewer notes that while the story sounds fantastic, especially given the known conditions on Venus, it aligns with various ancient spiritual teachings. The book presents a complex model of spiritual realities and a vision of a utopian society free from money and conflict. Omnec Onec advocates for individual spiritual development and warns against imposing dogmas on others.

Book Review: Omnec Onec - "I Came from Venus" (Alternative Perspective)

This review offers a more critical perspective, acknowledging the intellectual stimulation but also expressing strong doubts. The reviewer finds Omnec Onec's story to be highly plausible, almost "water-tight," and notes that she comes from the astral Venus, not the material one, where life has long since vanished. The Venusians are said to have ascended to a higher plane of consciousness. The reviewer suggests that the story is well-researched and aligns with the 'alibis of the 'honorable society' of politics and economics.'

Personal Accounts of Omnec Onec's Teachings

Three contributions from visitors to Omnec Onec's seminars and lectures are included, detailing their experiences and impressions. One account describes a "meeting with Omnec Onec" and another recounts "a day in Roswell, New Mexico," suggesting a connection between Omnec's teachings and the Roswell incident.

Evaluation from a Different Perspective

This section likely provides a further analysis or critique of Omnec Onec's claims, offering a distinct viewpoint on her narrative.

International

UFO Photos Exposed as Fakes!

This article investigates and debunks UFO photographs, presenting three specific cases: the Warminster UFO, the Willamette Pass photo, and the Puerto Rico photo, indicating that these images are not genuine evidence of extraterrestrial craft.

Discussion Theme

Discussion of the article "UFOs and Science" from DEGUFORUM 2/94

This section features a discussion and reactions to a previous article titled "UFOs and Science." It includes a response from Walter Prokopp, a brief reply from H.J. Heyer, and a further contribution from Michael Führer, followed by another response from H.J. Heyer, indicating an ongoing debate within the society.

Sightings

This section details various UFO sightings reported to DEGUFO:

• A heart-shaped object sighted in the Kassel area.
• Observations of aircraft and other flying devices.
• A UFO sighting over a cemetery.
• A UFO sighting over Lake Constance (Bodensee).
• A silver-colored triangular object sighted over a bullfighting arena.

Experiences

UFO Dreams

This subsection includes personal accounts of dreams related to UFOs, such as "Encounter in the Early Morning" and "A Day in Roswell, New Mexico."

Letters to the Editor

This section is dedicated to reader correspondence.

Press Review

This section likely summarizes or comments on media coverage related to UFOs or DEGUFO.

Imprint

The imprint provides publication details, including the title of the cover image: 'Object over the Sea,' by Gabriele L. Berndt.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the UFO phenomenon, consciousness, and the intersection of science and parapsychology. DEGUFO appears to foster open discussion and debate, encouraging readers to question and form their own conclusions, as evidenced by the editorial's invitation for contradiction and the multi-faceted approach to controversial topics like Omnec Onec. The society emphasizes interdisciplinary research and critical analysis, while also acknowledging the subjective and belief-based aspects of UFO investigation. There's a clear stance against presenting unverified claims as fact, as seen in the article debunking UFO photos, but an openness to exploring speculative and unconventional ideas.

This issue of Deguforum, titled 'Omnec Onec Special,' delves into the phenomenon of Omnec Onec, a self-proclaimed extraterrestrial from Venus, and critically examines several well-known UFO cases. The magazine features articles by Hans-Joachim Heyer, Julia Zimmermann, Christa Reyher, Karin Kessner, and Dr. Peter Hattwig, offering diverse perspectives on Omnec Onec's claims and the broader implications of UFO phenomena.

Omnec Onec: A Venusian's Journey

Hans-Joachim Heyer's article, 'Omnec Onec Special,' explores Omnec Onec's autobiography, which describes her life on Venus as a realm of pure fantasy and spiritual freedom, free from material constraints. He draws parallels between her descriptions of Venus and his own lucid dreaming experiences, suggesting that 'conscious dreaming' might be a way to create similar realities. Heyer questions the authenticity of Omnec's story, posing whether it's a collective myth or a personal one, and admits to being both intrigued and skeptical.

Julia Zimmermann's piece, 'Julia Zimmermann zum Phänomen Omnec Onec. Eine Außerirdische-lebt sie unter uns? Oder wieder ein Sommerloch-Gag?', expresses initial skepticism towards Omnec Onec, despite being familiar with her through 'Magazin 2000.' Zimmermann recounts attending a lecture by Omnec Onec in Bonn, describing her as a small, striking figure with blonde hair and large eyes. While impressed by Omnec's spiritual knowledge and calm demeanor, Zimmermann maintains a degree of doubt about her Venusian origin, noting the stark contrast between Omnec's descriptions and scientific understanding of Venus.

Christa Reyher's contribution, 'Phantastisch oder nur eine Phantastin?', reflects on her personal encounters with Omnec Onec. She acknowledges the scientific implausibility of life on Venus as currently understood but is drawn to Omnec's message of spiritual connection. Reyher recounts attending a weekend seminar with Omnec, finding her to be a complex individual who embodies various life stages, from a young girl to an ancient wise woman. She concludes that while Omnec's origin might be questionable, her message of universal brotherhood and spiritual awareness is profound.

Karin Kessner's 'Eindrücke von Omnec Onec' offers a positive impression of Omnec Onec, describing her as humble and unassuming. Kessner emphasizes Omnec's lack of ego and her dedication to delivering her message, which she sees as a spiritual mission. Kessner finds Omnec's presence radiating positive energy and believes her wisdom transcends rational understanding, quoting Shakespeare to suggest that there is more to reality than what science can explain.

Dr. Peter Hattwig's 'Omnec Onec aus einem etwas anderen Blickwinkel' provides a more critical analysis. While acknowledging Omnec Onec's impressive personality and spiritual knowledge, Hattwig expresses difficulty in accepting her account of her Venusian origins. He notes that Omnec claims to have been brought to Earth in 1955 and that her world exists on a higher astral plane with a different vibrational frequency. Hattwig finds her descriptions incompatible with our physical-mechanical worldview and scientific understanding of Venus, particularly its extreme surface temperature and atmosphere.

Critical Analysis of Omnec Onec's Claims

Dr. Hattwig further elaborates on his skepticism in 'Omnec Onec Special.' He questions the scientific plausibility of Omnec's descriptions of Venus, citing its high surface temperature (over 400 degrees Celsius) and dense carbon dioxide atmosphere, which he deems unsuitable for any life form, including extraterrestrials. He also questions her assertion that a city named Retz exists on Venus under a 80 km climate dome, finding the thermal problems insurmountable. Hattwig suggests that Omnec's claims about the astral Venus are beyond scientific verification, but her accounts of the physical Venus are demonstrably at odds with current scientific data. He concludes that either Omnec has misled her audience, or that humans understand only a fraction of reality, as Karin suggests.

UFO Case Investigations: Debunking and Analysis

The magazine dedicates significant space to debunking several famous UFO photographs. Reinhard Nühlen's article, 'Fotos als Fälschungen entlarvt!', details the exposure of the 'Warminster-Ufo' and the 'Willamette Pass Photo.' The Warminster-Ufo, photographed by Gordon Faulkner in 1965, was revealed to be a hoax created by Roger Hooton using a milk can lid, a cotton spindle, and a button. The Willamette Pass Photo, taken in 1966, was similarly debunked by Irwin Wieder, who demonstrated that the object in the photograph was likely a road sign.

Nühlen also discusses the 'Puerto Rico Photo' case, involving Amauri Rivera's alleged abduction and encounter with an F-14 Tomcat. He reveals that Rivera used a model airplane and hubcaps to create the photo and fabricated his abduction story. Nühlen criticizes the uncritical acceptance of such cases by some UFO researchers, emphasizing the importance of thorough investigation and skepticism, especially when commercial interests are involved.

Philosophical and Scientific Discussions

Walter Prokop's contribution, 'Diskussion Thema,' engages with H.J. Heyer's previous article on UFOs and science. Prokop argues that science operates with models of reality, not reality itself, drawing parallels with Nils Bohr's quantum theory and the concept of models versus originals. He uses the analogy of a model train to illustrate how models simplify reality by omitting certain aspects. Prokop contends that scientific models, while useful, have limitations and do not fully represent the original reality.

H.J. Heyer responds in 'Und hier gleich anschließend eine kurze Antwort zu diesem Beitrag von H.J.Heyer,' agreeing with Prokop's point about scientific models but asserting that his own work aligns with this perspective. Heyer clarifies that his use of terms like 'representation,' 'secondary system,' or 'appearance' is analogous to Prokop's 'model.' He defends his 'spiritual' insights as the 'quantum leap' that Prokop suggests science needs, and reiterates his belief that the limitations of our perception prevent us from fully grasping reality.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the tension between belief and skepticism, particularly concerning UFO phenomena and extraterrestrial claims. The magazine promotes a critical yet open-minded approach, encouraging readers to question and investigate rather than blindly accept. There's a recurring theme of spiritual growth and a critique of materialism, aligning with some of Omnec Onec's teachings. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous analysis and a cautious approach to sensational claims, while remaining open to the possibility of phenomena beyond current scientific understanding. The magazine also highlights the importance of distinguishing between scientific models and objective reality, and the potential for 'commercial absorbers' to distort the pursuit of truth in ufology.

This issue of Deguforum, Volume 1, Issue 3, dated September 1994, is primarily focused on discussions surrounding UFO phenomena, consciousness, and related topics. The cover headline is 'Diskussion Thema' (Discussion Topic), indicating a focus on debate and differing viewpoints.

Key Articles and Discussions

Consciousness and Reality Models

The issue opens with a contribution from Hans-Joachim Heyer, who posits that a form of consciousness exists without requiring a model, contrasting it with empirical ego-consciousness. He suggests that true spiritual figures, magicians, and alchemists possess a consciousness that, unburdened by limited models, can achieve feats only imagined by technological creators. Heyer aims to shift scientific focus from models to truth.

Michael Führer responds to Heyer's ideas, acknowledging the DEGUFORUM and expressing skepticism about sensationalized UFO reporting, including claims of fake photos used for profit. Führer admits he has not personally encountered a UFO and therefore cannot offer an objective judgment. He notes that Herr Heyer attempts to unify world religions and sciences, including fringe sciences, under the umbrella of truth-seeking, having 'opted out' of conventional life. However, Führer critiques Heyer's understanding of relativity, stating he 'doesn't know the multiplication table,' while acknowledging his good people skills and ability to engage in debate. Führer also views Heyer's extensive reading of 'useless books' as a hobby.

Führer then presents his reaction to Herr Prokop's views:

1. Why must humans make everything into science and research?
2. What do ufologists hope to gain from contact with extraterrestrials? Führer states that if he were an advanced extraterrestrial, he would have no interest in humans. He points to human history where advanced cultures have destroyed or displaced less developed ones, questioning if extraterrestrials would be more considerate. He reminds readers that curiosity, not error, drove humans from paradise.

Führer expresses a desire to witness a debate between Heyer and Prokop, referencing the 'thesis-antithesis-synthesis' concept.

Hans-Joachim Heyer offers a brief reply to Michael Führer. He agrees that some in UFO research may be fraudsters using fake photos and fabricated stories, validating Führer's skepticism. However, he argues that skepticism should not prevent engagement with the topic. Regarding the historical pattern of advanced cultures displacing less developed ones, Heyer suggests that if extraterrestrials are 'inhuman,' they might be more humane than humans. He humorously concedes Führer's point about potential human helplessness if confronted by extraterrestrials, presenting two possibilities: they are good or evil. Receiving them with fear would limit contact to a hostile one. Heyer disagrees that curiosity drove humans from paradise, attributing it instead to errors made in their 'research.' He clarifies his 'opting out' status, stating it's not about worldview but about wealth; he is considered an 'outsider' because he doesn't earn money for his work, not due to his lifestyle.

UFO Sightings Reports

The magazine features several detailed UFO sighting reports:

• Heart-shaped object near Kassel, Germany (October 10, 1986): A witness cycling at dusk observed a silent, heart-shaped object, approximately 40 cm in diameter, with a red light in the center, hovering and descending slowly. The object was described as dark gray underneath and silver-gray on top, with a pulsating red light like 'glowing embers.'
• Observations from Kiel, Germany (Summer 1993): Gabriele L. Berndt, the magazine's cover artist, reports several observations. One involved an unusually loud aircraft flying low with a triangular formation of white lights and a red blinking light, which the local airport had no record of. Another sighting involved two large, round, dimly lit objects flying in a non-standard direction, emitting a faint engine noise unlike typical aircraft. The witness speculated these might be 'secret new developments.'
• UFO over the cemetery near Munich, Germany (June 24, 1994): Two individuals observed a round, red-orange, pulsating light moving unstably and silently at an altitude of about 300 meters. The object moved from southeast to southwest and disappeared behind trees. The witness described it as having a strong 'consciousness' and being unlike any known aircraft or balloon.
• UFO over Lake Constance (Bodensee), Switzerland (August 1, 1994): A witness and their friend observed an object emerging from clouds, moving from east to northwest. It was difficult to discern due to cloud cover but appeared triangular. Shortly after, a second object, described as having a 'classic' saucer shape with a dome, emerged and followed the same course. The witness noted the object's speed and purposeful movement, comparing it to being 'pulled by a string.'
• Silver triangular object near Figueras, Spain (October 1968): A witness observed a silver, triangular object hovering silently for about 30 minutes while waiting for a train. The object was seen by approximately 50 people and appeared to be illuminated by the sun, with straight sides.
• Madrid Incident (September 5, 1968): This section references an event described in Timothy Good's book 'Jenseits von Top Secret.' The Spanish Air Force reported an unidentified flying object evading an F-104 jet and appearing on radar at 27,000 meters. The object was described as emitting a 'blinding light' and was photographed as a triangular shape, partly transparent. The official explanation was inconclusive, with a meteorological balloon or a satellite being suggested.

Personal Experiences and Dreams

• 'UFO Dreams': A contributor shares several UFO-related dreams. In one, they were inside a UFO controlled by extraterrestrials (Al), where they met beings who looked human and claimed to be 'UFO abductees' who had learned to pilot UFOs. In another dream, they were on a vast space station created by the Al, where inhabitants believed it was Earth. They also recount a dream of visiting another planet.
• Lucid Dream and Light Experience: Following a UFO dream, the contributor experienced a bright white and purple light focused on their head while lying in bed, indicating a state of lucidity. They later learned from a channeling session that this was when they were 'brought down' from their UFO.
• Encounter in Mühlhausen, former GDR (1988-1989): The witness describes waking up in a state of intense fear and feeling observed. They saw four or five small, gray beings standing by their door. This experience led to a 'film rip' where the witness has no memory of what happened during that time.

Technical and Skeptical Perspectives

• Meteorological Balloons: The issue discusses the theory that some UFO sightings, particularly triangular ones, could be advanced meteorological balloons capable of hovering for extended periods due to remote ballast control. However, the article questions if this fully explains all sightings, especially those involving rapid maneuvers or unique light emissions.
• Critique of Skeptic Werner Walter: A lengthy 'open letter' by Luc Bürgin criticizes Werner Walter, a prominent skeptic, for perceived inaccuracies and personal attacks. Bürgin accuses Walter of misrepresenting locations, lacking understanding of multilingualism (referencing 'Delmont' vs. 'Delsberg'), and having a primitive writing style. He also questions Walter's claims about his 'Central Research Network for Extraordinary Phenomena' (CENAP) and his criticism of Erich von Däniken.
• Response to Hesemann: Julia Zimmermann responds to a letter from Herr Hesemann, clarifying points about his book on crop circles and addressing his criticism of her work.

Reader Letters and Feedback

Several readers express their appreciation for Deguforum, praising its diverse content, clear layout, and the inclusion of various perspectives, including those of H.J. Heyer. Some readers offer suggestions, such as a tiered membership fee structure to accommodate students and those with lower incomes. One reader inquires about the origin of the cover photo, questioning if it was a photograph or an artistic montage.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a balanced approach, presenting both conventional and unconventional viewpoints on UFO phenomena. It encourages open discussion and critical thinking, while also acknowledging the possibility of genuine unexplained events and advanced intelligences. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, seeking truth beyond established paradigms, and fostering a community of interested individuals.

Title: Deguforum
Issue: 31
Volume: 7
Date: June 24, 1994
Publisher: DEGUFO e.V. (German-speaking Society for UFO Research)
ISSN: 0946-1531
Price: DM 7.- (single issue)

This issue of Deguforum, a publication of the German-speaking Society for UFO Research, features a collection of reader letters and a press review section, covering a range of topics from UFO sightings and astronomical phenomena to spiritual claims and critiques of pseudoscientific authors.

Reader Letters

Two reader letters offer perspectives on the UFO phenomenon. Wilhelm Bischoff proposes a theory that UFOs and the patterns they create, such as crop circles, are designed by benevolent deceased individuals attempting to communicate with the living. He suggests these 'intelligent beings' create 'luminous signs' to make people think. Marco Strohmeier observes a generational shift in public perception towards the UFO phenomenon, noting increased acceptance and less ridicule compared to past decades, attributing this partly to media coverage and the portrayal of extraterrestrials in science fiction as friends rather than foes. He commends organizations like DEGUFO and DEGUFORUM for their role in promoting this idea for future generations.

Press Review

The press review section covers several distinct topics:

Wandering Stars

Astronomer Bohdan Paczynski of Princeton University has identified thousands of middle-aged stars in a spiral arm of the Milky Way, specifically in the Sagittarius Arm, approximately 6000 light-years away. This finding contradicts the conventional theory that spiral arms are dense regions of gas and dust where new stars are born, as these stars are too old and appear to be unusually long-lived for such structures. An alternative explanation suggests these stars may have skipped their 'childhood' phase, appearing orange or yellow like the Sun instead of the typical blue of young stars.

In the Stars

The Russian Mars 94 project, an international endeavor to send a probe to Mars, has been postponed by two years due to a lack of funding. This delay affects the German platform ARGUS, which includes a camera from the DLR and the Ostberliner Institute for Space Research. Roald Sagdeev, former director of the Soviet planetary program, views this postponement as a significant setback for Russian science.

Measles in Red Dwarfs

Dr. Edward Weis from Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut, has observed brightness fluctuations in red dwarf stars that cannot be explained by normal gas eruptions. These 'protuberances' are weaker than solar ones but occur over years and seem to repeat regularly. Weis interprets these as signs of 'starspots' – relatively cool zones that move across the surface of these stars. Red dwarfs, which constitute seventy percent of stars in the Milky Way, are often used as a standard for measuring luminosity due to their seemingly stable brightness. However, Weis's research revealed that eight of these 'stable' comparison stars are among the red dwarfs exhibiting these fluctuations, posing a problem for astronomers.

Spirit Splits Its Followers

A legal dispute is underway at the Linz Regional Court in Upper Austria concerning a 35,000-year-old spirit named 'Ramtha'. An American woman claims to have been in contact with this entity for years and is seeking copyright protection for her 'spiritual experiences,' which she markets globally. She is suing a group of Austrian and German 'Ramtha disciples' who allegedly also communicate with the spirit, demanding they cease their claims. The American alleges 'Ramtha' has appeared to a select group in the USA since 1976. Recently, members of the 'Licht Oase' group claim to have perceived its 'spherical currents' in the Mühlviertel region of Austria. These groups have monetized their spiritual beliefs through lectures and seminars. The legal action stems from the American's insistence on her 'exclusive rights' to the spirit.

Author Critique: Johannes Freiherr Treusch von Buttlar-Brandenfeld

An article by Fritz Rumler from Spiegel magazine critically examines the author Johannes Freiherr Treusch von Buttlar-Brandenfeld. Buttlar, who presents himself as a successful author and holds various academic and honorary titles (including 'Fellow' of the Royal Astronomical Society and a doctorate from an unspecified 'University of Prague'), is accused of plagiarism and presenting old material as new. The article highlights his book on immortality, 'Der Menschheitstraum' (The Dream of Humanity), suggesting it is a rehashed version of earlier works. Buttlar's claims of a life-extending elixir called 'Duravital' being tested in America and his purported journey to the Himalayas to meet a 600-year-old Indian yogi are also presented with skepticism. The article notes that Buttlar's 'Dr.rer.nat.' title was obtained through a legal process for 'misuse of titles,' and that he resides in rented accommodation at 'Schloß Bartenstein.' The author's transformation from Johannes Busacker to Johannes Freiherr Treusch von Buttlar-Brandenfels through adoption in 1969 is also mentioned.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Deguforum demonstrates a consistent focus on phenomena that lie outside mainstream scientific understanding, including UFOs, alleged spiritual communications, and unconventional theories about life extension. The magazine appears to provide a platform for both personal accounts and critical analysis of such topics. The editorial stance, as indicated by the inclusion of critical articles and the press review format, seems to be one of open inquiry, presenting information and allowing readers to draw their own conclusions, while also engaging in investigative journalism to scrutinize extraordinary claims. The publication actively promotes the DEGUFO organization and its research into UFO phenomena.