Deguforum - Issue 40 - 2003

Magazine Overview

This is the December 2003 issue, number 40, of the 10th volume of DEGUFORUM, a journal published by the German-speaking Society for UFO Research (DEGUFO e.V.). The journal focuses on philosophy, natural sciences, and borderline sciences. The cover prominently features a portrait of Walter von Lucadou, with the main topic being 'Spuk' (hauntings). Other highlighted articles include a review of the DEGUFO Congress and a piece on time anomalies.

Editorial

The editorial, titled 'Das DEGUFORUM vor dem 11. Jahr' (DEGUFORUM on the Eve of its 11th Year), reflects on the magazine's consistent pricing over the past decade, noting that the cover price has remained nearly unchanged since its inception in 1994. The price was 7.00 DM, later increased to 7.50 DM, and has been maintained even after the conversion to the Euro. The editorial announces a price increase to 5 Euros starting with issue 41 in March 2004, emphasizing that this will not affect DEGUFO members as the magazine is included in their membership fee. The editorial also discusses the recent introduction of color printing with this issue, explaining that while color printing has become more affordable, it necessitates the price adjustment. The editors state their intention to focus on content quality rather than competing with magazines that rely heavily on large, colorful images.

The editorial also addresses the inclusion of 'Spuk' and broader fringe science topics in a UFO research magazine, posing the question of their relevance. It suggests that phenomena like psychic abilities (clairvoyance, channeling) can be problematic if not approached critically, citing self-proclaimed psychics and channelers whose claims often lack substance. The editorial proposes that by clearing away such 'vulgar esotericism', UFO researchers can find value in the methods of parapsychological research, citing the work of researchers like Walter von Lucadou as a potential path to new approaches in UFO research.

Key Articles and Features

Unser Top-Thema: Spuk (Our Top Topic: Hauntings)

• Spuk by Walter von Lucadou (Page 6-10): This in-depth article explores the phenomenon of 'Spuk' (hauntings) from an anomalistic perspective. It begins by contrasting two viewpoints: one describing 'Spuk' as a violation of common sense and good taste, and another viewing it as a 'via regia' or a royal road to understanding humans and their place in nature. The article discusses the challenges in observing and documenting 'Spuk' phenomena, noting their elusive nature and tendency to disappear when directly observed or recorded. It examines the role of the observer and the potential for manipulation and fraud, while also acknowledging credible witness accounts that defy easy explanation. The author introduces a system-theoretic model, the Pragmatic Information (MPI) model, to describe the dynamics of 'Spuk' events. This model posits that 'Spuk' can be understood as a system involving a 'Spuk agent' who communicates a message to their social environment. The model outlines four phases of 'Spuk' development: surprise, displacement, subsidence, and suppression. The article also touches upon the 'Schabernack' (prankster) character of many 'Spuk' events and the psychological aspects of the 'Spuk agent', suggesting that these phenomena can be interpreted as unconscious cries for help. The article concludes by discussing the 'metamorphoses' and systemic aspects of 'Spuk', emphasizing the interplay between structure and behavior, and how 'pragmatic information' influences these dynamics. It suggests that 'Spuk' is inherently social and can be influenced by the observer's expectations and the broader societal context.

• Die pragmatische Information des Außergewöhnlichen (The Pragmatic Information of the Extraordinary) by Christoph Krüger (Page 12): This is a review of Dr. Dr. Walter von Lucadou's presentation at the DEGUFO Jubilee Congress 2003. The article likely discusses how the concept of 'pragmatic information' can be applied to understand extraordinary or anomalous phenomena.

• Zeitanomalien im Alltag (Time Anomalies in Everyday Life) by Jens Waldeck (Page 16): This article, presented as a talk at the DEGUFO Jubilee Congress 2003 in Bad Kreuznach, explores the presence and nature of time anomalies in everyday life.

UFO-Forschung (UFO Research)

• Nächtliche Belagerung – die Hudson-Valley-UFO-Sichtungen (Nightly Siege – The Hudson Valley UFO Sightings) by Hans-Ulrich Neumann (Page 26): This article details the famous Hudson Valley UFO sightings, likely examining the events, witness testimonies, and potential explanations.

Kornkreisforschung (Crop Circle Research)

• Mit Mikrowellen und Flammenwerfern ins Getreide (With Microwaves and Flamethrowers into the Grain) by Peter Hattwig (Page 28): This piece likely investigates crop circle formation, possibly exploring theories involving microwave technology or other unusual methods.

• Mysteriöse Lichter über Kornkreisen (Mysterious Lights over Crop Circles) by Hans-Ulrich Neumann (Page 32): This article focuses on reports of mysterious lights observed in conjunction with crop circle phenomena.

Sichtungen und Erlebnisse (Sightings and Experiences) (Page 4-5)

This section compiles several eyewitness accounts of unusual aerial phenomena:

• Ein Ballon? (A Balloon?) (Page 4): A witness in Klingenberg am Main describes observing a bright, bluish object moving like a star, then rapidly across the sky. Peter Hattwig suggests it might have been a balloon illuminated by the setting sun.

• Im Zickzack über den Himmel (In a Zigzag Across the Sky) (Page 4): A report from the Aegean coast of Turkey describes two objects moving in a zigzag pattern at high speed, followed by another object with similar characteristics. The witness ruled out conventional aircraft or lasers.

• Ein durchscheinendes Objekt (A Transparent Object) (Page 4): A sighting in Lübeck describes a transparent, orange-glowing spherical object that changed color to blue-grey as it approached the moon, appearing to be larger than a balloon but smaller than an aircraft.

• Ein ringförmiges Objekt (A Ring-Shaped Object) (Page 5): A report from near Oldenburg describes a UFO that flew back and forth, was oval-shaped with luminous white outlines, and had large luminous discs at the bottom. The witness also reported seeing a smaller object moving rapidly.

• Ein grollendes Geräusch (A Rumbling Noise) (Page 5): A witness in Erkelenz describes hearing a loud, rumbling noise from the sky, followed by a very large, bright flying object that ascended rapidly and disappeared. The noise is attributed to the object's propulsion, and the event is considered unexplained.

Kurzberichte aus Wissenschaft und Technik (Short Reports from Science and Technology) (Page 25)

• Liegt der Ursprung des Lebens in ionisierten Gaswolken? (Does the Origin of Life Lie in Ionized Gas Clouds?): This short report likely discusses scientific theories about the origins of life in space.

• Außerirdisches Leben zu intelligent für den Menschen? (Extraterrestrial Life Too Intelligent for Humans?): This report speculates on the intelligence level of potential extraterrestrial life forms.

• Lichtblitze im Astronautenauge (Flashes of Light in the Astronaut's Eye): This report might discuss phenomena experienced by astronauts in space.

Nachrichten / Veranstaltungen (News / Events) (Page 30-31)

• Rupert Sheldrake und "Der siebte Sinn" (Rupert Sheldrake and "The Seventh Sense"): This likely covers the work of biologist Rupert Sheldrake, possibly related to his theories on morphic resonance or intuition.

• X-Conference in Washington: A report on the X-Conference, a known event for researchers of unexplained phenomena.

• Jahrestagung der Gesellschaft für Anomalistik 2004 (Annual Meeting of the Society for Anomalistics 2004): An announcement for an upcoming conference.

• Die DEGUFO bei der FGK in Zierenberg: A report on DEGUFO's participation in an event organized by the FGK (Forschungsgemeinschaft für Grenzwissenschaften).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of DEGUFORUM revolve around anomalous phenomena, particularly 'Spuk' (hauntings) and UFO sightings. The editorial stance is one of critical inquiry, encouraging a scientific and parapsychological approach to these subjects while cautioning against unsubstantiated claims and 'vulgar esotericism'. The magazine aims to provide a platform for detailed reports, research, and theoretical discussions on the unexplained, maintaining a focus on content quality and intellectual rigor. The introduction of color printing signifies a step towards modernization, balanced with a commitment to affordability for its readership. The issue emphasizes the importance of understanding the psychological and social dynamics surrounding anomalous events, as well as the challenges and methodologies involved in their study.

This issue of 'Anomalistik' (Nr. 40, December 2003) focuses on the concept of 'pragmatic information' and its relation to extraordinary phenomena, particularly poltergeists and time anomalies. The main articles feature contributions and reflections on the work of Dr. Dr. Walter von Lucadou, a prominent figure in parapsychology.

The Pragmatic Information of the Extraordinary

This section, a reflection by Christoph Krüger on a lecture by Dr. Dr. von Lucadou, introduces the core theme: 'pragmatic information' as a framework for understanding anomalous phenomena. Von Lucadou's approach is presented as a general model for communication between hierarchical systems, applicable to phenomena like 'Spuk' (haunting/poltergeist activity).

Von Lucadou posits that terms like 'devil' and 'ghosts' are model-like explanations for phenomena not fitting within a standard material worldview. He emphasizes that these terms can be helpful for those affected, allowing them to distance themselves from the events. He also suggests that anthropomorphic descriptions can be more effective for coping strategies than purely scientific explanations, as they better capture the unpredictable nature of such events.

A key finding from von Lucadou's team is the consistent presence of a 'focus person' in poltergeist events. These individuals, often adolescents (13-15 years old, slightly earlier for girls), feel like victims themselves. The issue links this phase of life to unresolved psychological and social problems, suggesting that the 'focus person' might unconsciously fabricate or attract these events.

Von Lucadou's theoretical framework draws from chaos theory and quantum physics. He proposes a connection between quantum physics and psychology, citing P. Jordan's idea that the separation between the mental inner world and the physical outer world is a construct of our waking consciousness. This leads to the concept of a 'Heisenberg cut,' distinguishing between the measured (individual, waking consciousness) and unmeasured (collective subconscious) worlds.

He introduces two 'laws of parapsychology' analogous to thermodynamics:

1. First Law: Psi phenomena arise from non-local correlations in closed psycho-physical systems, generated by pragmatic information.
2. Second Law: Any attempt to use non-local correlations for signal transmission causes them to disappear, change, or reappear outside the system.

These laws suggest that psi phenomena are essentially emergency signals or 'not-signals' from the unmeasured world, which cease once the problems are addressed by the waking consciousness.

The article notes that the parapsychological service in Freiburg offers practical help, including psychological counseling and advice on dealing with hauntings. They use surveillance cameras to document phenomena, as they often cease under direct observation. The therapeutic approach aims to help individuals confront and resolve underlying psychological or social conflicts.

However, the author expresses a slight disappointment that the discussion, while offering a 'liberal-humanistic' alternative to exorcism, ultimately reintegrates individuals into the existing societal order, emphasizing the 'here and now' rather than exploring deeper spiritual or 'otherworldly' dimensions.

The article also briefly considers whether UFO sightings and alien encounters could be related to these parapsychological phenomena, suggesting that their non-availability might be a common factor. It speculates that collective anxieties like nuclear war or environmental pollution could be contributing to these phenomena, and that positive engagement for peace and environmental protection might reduce them.

Glossary: Building Blocks for the Borderlands of Science

This section, by Jens Waldeck and Peter Hattwig, provides definitions for key terms used in the articles, particularly those related to quantum physics and anomalous phenomena:

• Anomalistics: The scientific study of anomalous phenomena, defined as observations that contradict existing theoretical models. It is distinct from 'paranormal' as it focuses on the anomaly within a specific theoretical system.
• Acausality: Events that occur without a discernible cause-and-effect relationship, similar to genuinely random events in quantum physics.
• Non-locality: The concept that events or correlations can exist between spatially separated entities without any apparent causal link, drawing parallels to quantum entanglement.
• Complementarity: A principle from quantum physics where two complementary properties (like position and momentum) cannot be simultaneously measured with precision but together provide a complete description of a system. Von Lucadou applies this to 'pragmatic information' as a holistic entity.
• Psychokinesis: Psychically induced effects on material systems, described as movements or changes in objects without a known physical cause. Rhine's research is mentioned, as well as the link to poltergeist research.
• Entanglement: A quantum mechanical phenomenon where particles remain connected, regardless of distance, such that the state of one instantaneously influences the state of the other. This is used to illustrate how seemingly disconnected elements can be linked in a higher-level system.

Time Anomalies in Everyday Life

This extensive section, presented as a lecture by Jens Waldeck (DEGUFO), explores various experiences of time anomalies and their potential implications. It begins by acknowledging that while dramatic time travel events are rare, subtle deviations in our perception or experience of time might be more common.

Part A: Experiences

• Motivation: The section questions why UFO researchers might be interested in time anomalies, linking it to the possibility of advanced spacecraft overcoming vast distances. It highlights the limitations of Einstein's theory of relativity for interstellar travel and suggests that influencing the space-time continuum might be necessary.
• Defining the Problem: The article poses questions about how to focus on time anomalies and what types might be significant. It categorizes potential anomalies:
• Time acceleration: The environment appears to move faster.
• Time deceleration: The environment appears to move slower.
• Time freeze: An extreme form of time deceleration.
• Time loop: Repeated events.
• Time jumps: Sudden shifts forward or backward in time, from seconds to hours.
• Timeline alteration: The past appears to have changed.

It stresses the importance of corroboration by other witnesses to distinguish genuine anomalies from memory illusions. The potential link to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is mentioned as a possible indicator of a physical cause for an experience.

Examples of Time Anomalies in Everyday Life:

1. A 'short hop' confusing car journey: A driver recounts an experience where, despite significant delays due to traffic and weather, they arrived at their destination precisely on time, suggesting a possible time jump. This experience was corroborated by another person.
2. 'Cold coffee' story: A brief anecdote from the DEGUFO hotline where a cup of coffee, initially hot, became cold almost instantly, prompting speculation about abduction or a temporal anomaly.
3. 'Mirror fighting' - A special car journey: In Frankfurt, a driver and passenger experienced a panoramic mirror detaching twice from the car's interior, suggesting a time loop or anomaly, corroborated by two witnesses.
4. 'Auto hopping' - beam me up: A driver in Frankfurt experienced an 'auto hopping' event where their car suddenly found itself in the middle of an intersection, implying a jump forward in time, possibly related to a red light.
5. 'Bed stories' - an unusual variant: This section details an experience where a bed leg, previously damaged and causing a perceived out-of-body experience, was found to be perfectly repaired when the bed was moved, suggesting a timeline alteration.

Part B: Explanation and Understanding

• Preliminary: The author questions whether scientific calculations can be applied to time anomalies and emphasizes the need for preliminary clarification of the phenomenon itself.
• What does 'time anomalies in everyday life' mean? This section explores the language needed to describe these phenomena, questioning whether physics, psychology, or classical logic is sufficient. It critiques the common assumption that 'logical thinking' encompasses all essential aspects.
• Formulation and Analysis of Essential Understanding Problems: The core difficulty is identified as 'time paradoxes,' particularly the 'grandfather paradox.' This paradox illustrates the logical contradictions that arise if one can travel to the past and alter events that would prevent one's own existence.
• Walter von Lucadou's 'Intervention Paradox': This concept is introduced as a way to frame the paradoxes arising from time travel, suggesting that if time jumps to the past are possible, they might inherently involve self-correcting mechanisms or paradoxes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of anomalous phenomena through the lens of 'pragmatic information,' the detailed examination of time anomalies with personal case studies, and the theoretical underpinnings from quantum physics and chaos theory. The editorial stance, as represented by the DEGUFO publication, is to investigate and document these phenomena, seeking scientific explanations while acknowledging the subjective experiences of individuals. There is a clear interest in bridging the gap between conventional science and the study of the extraordinary, particularly in the realm of parapsychology and UFO research.

This issue of 'Zeit' (Issue 40, December 2003) is a German-language magazine published by DEGUFORUM, focusing on scientific and fringe topics. It features in-depth articles on time travel paradoxes, UFO phenomena, and crop circle research, alongside shorter reports on scientific discoveries.

Time Travel Paradoxes and Causality

The magazine explores the complexities of time travel, particularly the 'intervention paradox' and the 'grandfather paradox'. It questions the fundamental principles of causality and determinism, suggesting that our everyday understanding of cause and effect might be insufficient when dealing with temporal anomalies. The article discusses how preventing a past cause might logically negate the effect, leading to contradictions. It introduces the concept of 'paracausality' as a way to describe non-causal relationships that might be relevant in these contexts. The limitations of classical logic and the assumption that every event must have a cause are examined. The concept of transitivity in causality is explained, where event X causing Y, and Y causing Z, implies X causing Z. However, in the context of paradoxes, this chain can break down, leading to contradictions.

Hudson Valley UFO Sightings

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the Hudson Valley UFO sightings, which occurred between 1982 and 1995, involving around 7,000 witnesses. The article details the characteristics of the observed objects, including their silent hovering, flashing lights, various shapes (triangular, boomerang, V-shaped), and estimated sizes ranging from 30 meters to over 90 meters. The report dismisses conventional explanations such as aircraft or stunt planes, citing numerous reasons, including simultaneous sightings of aircraft and UFOs, prolonged direct observation, and the objects' speed and maneuverability. The article notes the lack of official explanations and the skepticism of some researchers, while acknowledging the consistency of witness reports.

Crop Circle Research

The magazine presents a critical analysis of a ZDF documentary titled "Geheimnisvolle Zeichen – Kornkreise in England" (Mysterious Signs – Crop Circles in England). The analysis, authored by Peter Hattwig with background information from Andreas Müller, argues that the documentary failed to prove that complex crop circle formations are man-made. It details an experiment conducted by five MIT engineering students who attempted to replicate the characteristics of 'authentic' crop circles, including specific time constraints, the presence of burst growth nodes, and magnetic iron particles. The students used a portable microwave emitter and a flamethrower to create the effect. However, the analysis points out methodological flaws in the experiment and the documentary's presentation, suggesting that the students' attempt was unsuccessful in meeting the criteria and that the documentary attempted to mask this failure. The article also touches upon the dangers of using such equipment in the field.

Other Scientific Reports

Brief reports cover other scientific topics:

• Origin of Life in Ionized Gas Clouds: Romanian scientists have observed plasma clouds exhibiting properties similar to living cells, suggesting a new perspective on the origin of life on Earth, potentially in extraterrestrial forms.
• Intelligent Extraterrestrial Life: Astronomer Charles Lineweaver proposes that intelligent extraterrestrial life might be so advanced that humans appear as mere bacteria, and that they may have moved beyond radio waves for communication.
• Asteroid Safety: A computer simulation suggests that the probability of catastrophic asteroid impacts is lower than previously thought, as smaller asteroids tend to disintegrate before reaching Earth's surface.

Rupert Sheldrake and the 'Seventh Sense'

An account of Rupert Sheldrake's lecture tour in Germany is included, focusing on his theories of morphogenetic fields and telepathy. Sheldrake argues that the mind extends beyond the brain and that humans possess a 'seventh sense' related to telepathic abilities, supported by experiments on the feeling of being stared at and animal telepathy.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores phenomena that challenge conventional scientific understanding, including time travel, UFOs, and parapsychology. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, presenting detailed analyses of scientific experiments and witness accounts while also acknowledging the limitations of current scientific paradigms and the existence of unexplained phenomena. There is a clear interest in exploring alternative explanations and pushing the boundaries of accepted scientific thought, particularly in areas where paradoxes and anomalies arise.

Title: DEGUFORUM
Issue: Nr. 40
Date: December 2003
Publisher: DEGUFO e. V. Deutschsprachige Gesellschaft für UFO-Forschung
Country: Germany
Language: German
ISSN: 0946-1531
Price: EURO 3.75 (Inland single issue)

This issue of DEGUFORUM, a publication of the German-speaking UFO research society, delves into various paranormal and anomalous phenomena, featuring a book review, reports on sightings, and announcements of upcoming conferences.

Article: Rupert Sheldrake's "Der siebte Sinn des Menschen"

The issue begins with a review of Rupert Sheldrake's book, "Der siebte Sinn des Menschen" (The Seventh Sense of Humans). The reviewer highlights Sheldrake's arguments for telepathy, drawing parallels with quantum physics where particles can communicate instantaneously and across distances. Sheldrake's experiments, particularly the "telephone telepathy" studies, are presented as evidence. In these experiments, individuals were asked to predict who would call them from a selection of four familiar people. The results showed a statistically significant success rate (average 52%) compared to the expected chance rate of 25%. Control experiments with unfamiliar callers yielded only chance results, leading Sheldrake to conclude that emotional bonds are essential for telepathy. The reviewer notes Sheldrake's critique of scientists who dismiss telepathy as irrational, arguing that denying such phenomena is more irrational. Sheldrake's presentation style is described as engaging, with clear statistical data and video evidence, making it difficult for skeptics to counter his points.

Event Announcement: X-Conference in Washington

The issue announces the "X-Conference" on "Alien Politics," scheduled for April 17-18, 2004, in Washington D.C. This conference aims to bring together researchers who believe that the 50-year history of alleged UFO cover-ups needs to be ended immediately. Prominent speakers listed include Richard Hoagland, Philip Corso Jr., Richard Dolan, Stanton Friedman, Dr. Steven Greer, Dr. Bruce Maccabee, Jim Marrs, Linda Moulton Howe, and Nick Pope. More information is available at www.paradigmclock.com/X-Conference.

Event Announcement: Tagung der Gesellschaft für Anomalistik 2004

Another announced event is the annual conference of the Society for Anomalistics (Gesellschaft für Anomalistik), taking place on June 19-20, 2004, at the University of Saarland in Saarbrücken. The conference theme is "How effective is Astrology? - On the chances and risks of astrological consultations from a psychotherapeutic perspective." Further details can be found on the society's homepage: www.anomalistik.de.

Report: DEGUFO at FGK in Zierenberg

The DEGUFO participated with a booth at the general meeting of the Crop Circle research society (FGK) in Zierenberg. A photo shows Peter Hattwig, Anja Volb, and Martin Kronwitter at the DEGUFO stand.

Article: Mysteriöse Lichter über Kornkreisen (Mysterious Lights over Crop Circles)

This article discusses the enduring interest in crop circles, particularly in England, noting their aesthetic grandeur and accompanying phenomena. It reports on lights filmed on June 15, 2003, near 19 to 37 circles at Ogbourne St. George, Wiltshire. These lights appeared to emanate from the formations. The formation itself is described as majestic, measuring 150-180 meters in diameter and located in a remote area. The wheat was laid down gently, with no signs of forgery. From the formation, about 20 mysterious lights, similar to those observed for years, emerged. These lights were described as golfball-sized, white spheres. The article compares these observations to similar footage from August 7, 1999, at Barbury Castle. In the current case, two or three lights reached golfball size, while others were smaller. They disappeared quickly against the bright sky. One light was observed shooting out of the formation and narrowly avoiding another, then returning to its position. The lights seemed to have a connection to the formation, and the observer felt they behaved intelligently, like a show for cameras. These lights were only visible from a neighboring hill, not when inside the formation. The article concludes by stating that DEGUFO will endeavor to learn more about these mysterious lights.

Future Topic Preview

The next issue (Nr. 41) will feature a top topic titled "The UFO Sightings of the Last 10 Years - An Analysis," which is an expanded version of a lecture given at the DEGUFO anniversary congress in Bad Kreuznach by Peter Hattwig.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the exploration of paranormal phenomena, including telepathy, UFOs, and crop circles. The magazine serves as a platform for reporting on research, personal experiences, and upcoming events in the field of anomalous research. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, encouraging discussion and investigation, as evidenced by the reporting of Sheldrake's work and the coverage of UFO-related conferences and sightings. The publication actively promotes its own society (DEGUFO) and its activities, positioning itself as a central hub for German-speaking UFO and anomaly enthusiasts.