Earthlink - No 06 - Vol 3 No 3

Magazine Overview

Title: EARTHLINK
Issue: No. 3
Volume: 3
Date: SUMMER 1979
Publisher: EARTHLINK magazine
Country: England
Price: 50p

This issue of EARTHLINK, a publication dedicated to the UFO phenomenon and related subjects, is dated Summer 1979. It presents a collection of articles, reports, and personal accounts, aiming to explore the complexities and implications of UFO experiences. The magazine acknowledges that it is produced by dedicated individuals in their spare time and aims to catch up on its publication schedule.

Editor's Notes

The editorial section addresses the magazine's recent delays, attributing them to the dissolution of the Essex UFO Study Group, under which Earthlink was previously published. The magazine now operates independently, produced by the remaining members. The editors express their commitment to catching up on future editions. They also note an improvement in UFO activity in late 1979 after a lull in 1978, speculating about a new phase coinciding with the start of a new decade.

Articles and Features

'What are the Implications of UFO Experiences?' by R. Leo Sprinkle, Ph.D.

Dr. Sprinkle, a professor at the University of Wyoming, argues that UFO investigators should adopt a 'half-sure' but 'whole-hearted' approach, assuming the sincerity of witnesses. He likens the dilemma to a medical diagnosis where the curable disease should be prioritized. He discusses the 'psychosis hypothesis' (that only 'kooks' see UFOs) and suggests his research, involving questionnaires and interviews, has found little evidence to support it. He also explores the implications of hypnotic time regression procedures in investigating UFO experiences, noting that approximately half of the interviewees reported 'abduction' experiences, including 'loss of time' periods.

Personal Implications

Sprinkle recounts his own early skepticism and a personal sighting in 1950 of a round, metallic object. He later describes a 1956 sighting with his wife of a strange aerial phenomenon over Boulder, Colorado, which he could not identify, leading him to become an 'unwilling believer'. His personal question was about the type of people who identify as UFO observers, and his professional question was whether the 'psychosis hypothesis' was valid.

Professional Implications

Sprinkle details his research from 1962-63, which involved surveys of UFO observers. He found their vocational interests and personality profiles to be similar to those of general professional individuals, not indicative of psychosis. He also mentions his involvement as a consultant to the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (APRO).

Implications of Hypnotic Procedures

Sprinkle discusses the use of hypnotic procedures to explore UFO experiences, noting their potential for releasing emotional reactions. He references the Betty and Barney Hill case and acknowledges skepticism about hypnotic recall accuracy but asserts that hypnosis remains a useful tool for investigation. He encourages psychologists to investigate UFO experiences, warning of controversy but highlighting the potential for discovery.

Speculations

One investigator's speculations are presented regarding the 'contact' experiences with UFO intelligences. The 'Purpose of Contacts' is described as filtering knowledge to Earth. The 'Method of Operation' involves implanting information through abduction, controlled by 'keys' and 'cues'. The 'Motivation of the Method' is to filter information to the common people and avoid exploitation. The 'Relationship Dynamics' are likened to a counselling paradigm, involving psychological guidance and scientific knowledge. The 'Body of Knowledge' imparted includes archaeology, geology, meteorology, genetics, biology, space travel, and spiritual knowledge. The tentative conclusion is that if this outline is correct, then UFO investigators should shift their focus from sightings to the knowledge presented by contactees.

The UFO That Came from the Sea

This article explores the possibility of oceans serving as launching centers for UFOs. It recounts a specific incident on November 24, 1972, where newspapers reported a strange UFO on the bottom of the deep Norwegian Sogne fjord. The object, initially mistaken for a submarine, was later confirmed as a mystery. The article also mentions related phenomena, such as a torchlight with a yellow-green glow and a dark object surfacing. It notes numerous other sightings of objects diving into and emerging from the sea, particularly in South America in 1967, and speculates on the ease with which advanced beings could operate in deep-sea environments.

A Message from the Space People?

This section references a 'space message' broadcast illegally over ITV in 1977, attributed to 'Gramaha' of the 'Asta Galactic Command'. It then presents a similar message received by a reader, also from 'Asta Command', which appeared after the split of the Essex UFO Study Group. The message, possibly received through automatic writing or telepathy, warns of impending disasters and urges people to listen to their inner voice. The message emphasizes that machinery cannot detect their presence and that only the 'awakened ones' will understand. It concludes by stating that their craft will soon appear in Earth's skies.

An Unusual Contactee - Part II

This article continues the account of a young man named 'Bob', who claims to have had contact with extraterrestrial intelligences since childhood. It details a significant UFO sighting in April 1976 near Saffron Walden, Essex, of a large, silent craft with unusual features. Bob also reports receiving mental images and 'voices' that guided him through a spacecraft, showing him its interior and instruments. He recalls seeing planets with specific colors and descriptions of alien beings who wear sun visors due to their sun's brightness.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation of UFO phenomena, the nature of UFO experiences, and the potential implications for humanity. There is a strong emphasis on the sincerity of witnesses and the value of exploring these experiences, particularly through methods like hypnotic regression. The magazine also explores the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence and their communication with humans, as evidenced by the 'space message' and the contactee accounts. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging serious investigation into UFO reports while acknowledging the controversial and often absurd nature of the subject.

Title: Earthlink
Issue: No. 86 (referred to as 'Smr'79' which likely indicates March 1979)
Volume: Vol. 1, No. 4
Publisher: Earthlink
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of Earthlink, dated March 1979, presents a diverse range of articles focusing on UFO phenomena, alien encounters, and historical mysteries. The cover prominently features the headline 'THE ALIEN ENCOUNTERS' and a quote from Leonard Nimoy regarding the new Star Trek series.

Bob's Experiences: UFOs, Numbers, and Dreams

The issue begins with an account from a witness named Bob, detailing his experiences in 1976 and late 1977. In 1976, Bob reported seeing a 'saucer-shaped spacecraft' with an indent and three white domes, which ascended at great speed. Later, in late 1977, he began experiencing the appearance of 'numbers' as white light on a dark grey background, which he compared to a digital clock or computer display. These numbers, along with letters, mathematical symbols, and equations, would fall into place and then recede, being replaced by new sequences. Bob felt these were projected from his own mind, not visible to outsiders, and hinted at extraterrestrial knowledge. He also shared some of his 'dreams,' which he felt might have an astral or extra-terrestrial origin, including a dream of Jesus on the Cross and an aerial view of the Egyptian pyramids, all in colour.

Bob speculates about pre-Ice Age civilizations, sudden earth changes, and people being taken from Earth or nearby planets. He believes spacecraft have been visiting to gather information on human recovery and current thought processes. He also posits that man might be a cosmic experiment and that vast constructions like the pyramids are out of place.

First London International UFO Congress Report

The magazine provides a detailed report on the First London International UFO Congress held on August 26th and 27th, 1979. Organized by BUFORA and Contact International (UK), the event attracted hundreds of attendees. The report reviews several lectures:

• Larry Dale (BUFORA): Gave a review of BUFORA investigators' work across the country, though the presentation was hampered by a 'tipsy' projectionist.
• Dr. R. Leo Sprinkle (USA): Spoke on 'Models of UFO Evidence,' categorizing UFOs into physical (natural objects, human technology), biological, psychosocial (dreams, neurosis), and spiritual aspects. He suggested UFOs might be involved in modifying social beliefs and performing cultural transformation.
• Peter Hill (BUFORA): Presented on 'From Data to Information' from a scientific perspective.
• Edoardo Russo (Italy): Discussed the 'Italian UFO Wave - 1978,' highlighting humanoid cases and an abduction case ('The Zanfretta Case').
• Dr. Riberto Pinnoti: Spoke after Russo, also on Italian UFOs.
• Antonio Ribera (Spain): Presented on UFO sightings in Spain, including landing cases.
• Dr. Erol Faruk: Presented on 'Soil Analysis - The Delphos Case.'
• Vicente-Juan Ballester-Olmos: Discussed Spanish UFO sightings, particularly landing cases.
• Mr. J.B. Delair (Contact UK): Gave a talk on 'Processing UFO Data,' attempting to fit facts into a pattern or theory.
• Dr. J. Allen Hynek (USA): Presented on 'Towards a Working Classification of UFO Phenomena.' The report notes that while Hynek's work is important, his presentation was considered a 'flop' by some, particularly novices, and that he might know more than he reveals due to alleged secret government ties.
• Tim O'Brien (BUFORA President): Introduced Dr. Hynek.

The report mentions a documentary film, 'UFOs: Past, Present & Future,' which featured Dr. Hynek and Lonnie Zamora.

Local UFO Reports

The issue includes several local UFO reports:

• Balloon over Harold Wood, Romford, Essex (December 12, 1979): An object resembling Venus was observed, initially thought to be moving, then dispersing and appearing parachute-shaped. It was later identified as a weather balloon released from Larkshill, Salisbury.
• Essex Sighting (June 1, 1979): The Elkinson family reported seeing a large object with multiple flashing colored lights, moving at high speed and performing a sudden dive. They described it as having dull greyish metal and no identifiable aircraft features. Their son, David, showed knowledge of aircraft spotting.

Historical and Scientific Articles

• The Green Children of Wulpit: This article recounts a historical event from the 1130s where two green-skinned children appeared in the fields near Wulpit. They spoke an unknown language, ate only raw beans, and eventually lost their green color after being baptized and taught English. Their origin and transport remain a mystery.
• Black Holes: An extract from Novosti Press Agency discusses Soviet scientists' findings on black holes, describing them as stars condensed to extreme density with immense gravity. They may act as 'cosmic projectors' sending gravitational rays into space. The article also mentions the development of sapphire monocrystals for detecting these beams.
• The Alien Encounters: This section discusses the new Star Trek series and quotes Leonard Nimoy on its use for political and social statements. It also references suggestions made at the American Association for the Advancement of Science meeting in New York, including Dr. Robert Jastrow's belief in alien contact within 15 years and Carl Sagan's views on advanced extraterrestrial civilizations potentially sharing technology and knowledge.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings and encounters, the analysis of UFO data, the potential for extraterrestrial contact, and the exploration of historical mysteries. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these phenomena, presenting witness accounts, expert opinions, and historical narratives without necessarily endorsing any single explanation. The report on the UFO Congress, while acknowledging the importance of the event, is critical of some speakers, particularly Dr. Hynek, suggesting a desire for more direct and unbiased information. The magazine also emphasizes the importance of social interaction among like-minded individuals at such events. The author expresses a belief in a 'great conspiracy' surrounding man's affairs and urges individuals with knowledge to share it.

This issue of 'Earthlink' magazine, dated Spring Edition 1979 with a specific letter dated November 12th, 1979, delves into various aspects of the UFO phenomenon, spiritualism, and societal changes. The content includes an excerpt from Elizabeth Van Buren's book 'Rainbow Around the Sun,' a letter to the editor defending The Aetherius Society, numerous reports of UFO sightings and incidents from around the world, and a book review of 'The Mundo UFO Report.'

Survival and Societal Change

The issue opens with an excerpt from Elizabeth Van Buren's 'Rainbow Around the Sun,' which discusses the impending changes to the civilized world. It emphasizes survival, advising readers to move from big cities, form rural communities, grow their own food, and harness natural energies. The core message revolves around the importance of love, sharing, and consideration for survival, contrasting this with greed and selfishness.

Defense of The Aetherius Society

A letter from Richard H. Lawrence, European Headquarters Secretary of The Aetherius Society, addresses comments made in a previous 'Earthlink' article. Lawrence refutes the notion that the Society is held in disrepute, citing its invitations to participate in a United Nations delegation and advise during a House of Lords debate on UFOs. He also highlights the Society's media presence and invitations to public events and educational institutes. Lawrence argues that criticisms of 'egoism and false ideas' are subjective opinions and that those who find the Society's message disturbing may be reacting to the truth.

UFO Sightings and Incidents Around the World

The magazine presents a collection of UFO-related news and events:

• US Government Cover-up Claims: Reports suggest the U.S. Government is hiding bodies of extra-terrestrial creatures from UFO crashes.
• Hampshire Encounter: Two flying instructors reported a UFO just nine inches long, described as having hexagonal panels and a mercury-like shine.
• Spanish Plane Incident: A Caravelle plane carrying 119 passengers was reportedly followed for over four hours by four unidentified flying objects, forcing it to land at Valencia. The objects disappeared when Phantom fighters arrived.
• Madrid Sighting: Hundreds of people in Madrid witnessed a UFO hovering for several hours, prompting an investigation by the Spanish Air Force.
• Chilean Encounter: A Justice of the Peace and an architect in Santiago reported seeing a 'humanoid' being next to a beige flying saucer on a hill.
• French Disappearance: A young man went missing near Paris after witnessing a luminous cloud descend, with a similar phenomenon reported in Madrid.
• Scottish Forestry Worker's Claim: A forestry worker in Livingston, Scotland, claimed he was attacked by creatures from space, leaving indentations on the ground.
• UFOs Near the Moon: Claims backed by Soviet experts suggest UFOs were present on the Moon during the Apollo landings, with NASA allegedly censoring reports.
• Villacalabuey Black-out: Street lights in a Spanish village went out inexplicably while mysterious flying objects were observed.

Book Reviews and Publications

The issue features advertisements and mentions of various UFO-related publications and organizations, including:

• SKYWATCH: A magazine covering UFO sightings, reader letters, and news.
• THE TRUTH THERAPY MAGAZINE: Offers spiritual truth and enlightenment, including UFO topics.
• VIEWPOINT AQUARIUS: A newsletter on UFO news, Theosophy, and meditation.
• FORESIGHT: A bi-monthly magazine on spiritual aspects, psychic phenomena, and UFOs.
• PAZ (Peace): A magazine on spirit, Earth, UFOs, and non-violence.
• UFO RESEARCH REVIEW: A quarterly journal from the Nottingham UFO Investigation Society.
• UFO INSIGHT: A magazine from Federation UFO Research.
• LANTERN: A magazine of East Anglian mysteries, including UFO research.
• MAGIC SAUCER: A UFO magazine for children.
• HELIOS NEWS: A magazine on UFOs and extra-terrestrial communications.
• Southern UFO Network Newsletter: Reports UFO sightings over Southern England.
• UFO DIRECTORY: A listing of UFO societies, groups, and publications.
• UFO NEWSCLIPPING SERVICE: Provides UFO reports from around the world.

Book Review: 'The Mundo UFO Report' by Laura Mundo

This review discusses Laura Mundo's book, which is based on her column in the Broadsider Newspaper. The book contains UFO reports, 'close encounter' cases, and personal anecdotes about UFO pioneers like George Adamski. Ms. Mundo expresses concern about the increasing sunspot bombardment of Earth, linking it to climatic changes and earthquakes, and suggests this will culminate in a disastrous sunspot peak. The review quotes an excerpt discussing advanced space people and a 'Universal Honor System.'

Film and Occult Experiences

The magazine touches upon two films:

• 'Star Trek The Motion Picture': Mentioned as a highly anticipated film with a potential message in its finale.
• 'Alien': Criticized for being damaging to the UFO phenomenon and potentially promoting 'negative' forces.

Occult Experiences Terrify Cast of Spectacular New UFO Movie

This section details alleged paranormal events during the filming of 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind,' including a ghostly presence, mysterious storms, and a real UFO sighting over the set. It suggests the film's themes of meeting God-like beings in spaceships led to a profound spiritual experience for the cast and crew.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of 'Earthlink' maintains a consistent focus on UFO phenomena, extraterrestrial intelligence, and related spiritual or societal implications. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various reports and perspectives while encouraging readers to investigate further. There's a clear interest in government transparency regarding UFOs and a belief in the significance of the UFO phenomenon. The magazine also promotes a New Age perspective, emphasizing spiritual growth, consciousness, and the interconnectedness of humanity with potential cosmic forces. The inclusion of diverse publications and reports suggests an aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the UFO field and related esoteric subjects.

This issue of UFO Magazine, dated March 1979, focuses heavily on the film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" and its perceived connection to real-world UFO phenomena. The magazine explores the spiritual and psychological impact the film had on its creators and actors, suggesting a deeper, perhaps guided, experience during its production.

'Close Encounters' and the Paranormal

The production of "Close Encounters" by Columbia Pictures and FMI Filme, Inc. is presented not just as filmmaking, but as an event that seemed to attract and manifest paranormal occurrences. Actress Teri Garr described a feeling of being guided during the filming, stating, "It was kind of hard not to think that there was something up there guiding the whole project." This sentiment was echoed by others, who felt an "awe-inspiring religious spirit" that fostered unusual cooperation among the cast and crew. Casting director Shari Rhodes noted that everyone seemed to "become full of joy and gentleness and concern." Father Michael Dyer, who played a priest, observed that many people involved were "thinking about religion again for the first time in a long while."

Eerie Events During Production

Strange events began even in the planning stages. Director Steven Spielberg recounted an experience in a Jefferson, Texas hotel where he and his associates felt a presence and sensed the place was "haunted," leading them to leave abruptly. During the scriptwriting process, Spielberg visualized a specific mountain for a UFO landing and was astonished to find an exact match, known as Devils Tower in Wyoming. Furthermore, an artist commissioned to draw a UFO for the film reportedly had a dream that depicted the same craft, which matched Spielberg's sketch.

The filming of the climax in Alamama was plagued by severe, "horrendous hurricane-type winds, lightning and rain" that repeatedly tore apart a large tent covering the set. Special effects genius Douglas Trumbull described the storms as having "explosive might." Teri Garr interpreted these events as a sign that "bigger forces" were at play, directing the production.

Even the cloud formations sometimes eerily resembled UFO shapes seen in the movie. During the filming of the climactic meeting with extraterrestrials in Mobile, Alabama, a formation of four lights was observed in the night sky. Awestruck actors, crew, and director Spielberg watched as the lights moved "quite fast," blinking and glowing with red and white or yellow and white lights, before splitting up and vanishing. Columbia executive Veitch speculated that the film's subject matter might have attracted these phenomena.

Changed Perspectives

Many individuals involved in "Close Encounters" reported a profound shift in their worldview. Veitch stated, "After being involved in this picture, I've changed my thinking toward UFOs and life in general... You realize we're not just in our own little world, but we're very small beings which should be humble in the face of God or whatever it is out there." Director J. Allen Hynek, who served as a technical consultant, believed that the film would lead people to take a "new, more serious view of the UFO phenomenon."

Other UFO Sightings and Phenomena

Lost UFO Pilot 'Talks' at Seance

The magazine reports on a psychic group in Dunedin, New Zealand, led by Mr. Colin Amery, who claimed to have made contact with the spirit of Australian pilot Fredrick Valentich. Valentich had disappeared six months prior while piloting a light plane over Bass Strait. The group alleged that Valentich provided five pieces of information, including that he was safe, his plane was in another dimension, and that the Melbourne air traffic control tape of his final moments was inaccurate, missing one and a half minutes.

Errata: 'The Winged Beings of Bluestone Walk'

An errata section addresses inaccuracies in a previously published story. Mrs. J. Hingley, the witness to three small winged beings, corrected details about the beings' movements and the number of buttons on their tunics. She clarified that only their hands moved to activate the buttons, and the accompanying picture and text on pages 15 and 34 were to be disregarded.

Obituaries

The issue includes obituaries for two notable figures: Dr. Christopher Evans, who passed away on October 10th, 1979, and was known for his interest in psychic events and UFOs, and Immanuel Velikovsky, author of "Worlds in Collision" and "Ages in Chaos," who died on November 17th, 1979. Velikovsky was known for his theory of near planetary collisions causing ancient cataclysms.

A Last Thought: Prophecy

This section presents two prophecies from Michel de Nostredame (Nostradamus), with interpretations by the editor, Daniel J. Goring. The first, from Century X, No. 74, suggests that "the year of the great seventh number accomplished (1979/80)" will see the "Games of Slaughter" (possibly the 1980 Moscow Olympics) and the dead rising from graves near the year 2000. The second, from Century X, No. 72, predicts that "In the year 1999 and seven months, from the sky will come the great King of Terror" (interpreted as the Second Coming or the Asian antichrist) and that after a war, a king of the Mongols will reign.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly links cinematic portrayals of UFOs, like "Close Encounters," to genuine paranormal experiences and a broader spiritual awakening. The editorial stance appears to be one that validates and explores the mysterious aspects of UFO phenomena, suggesting that these events can profoundly alter one's perception of reality and humanity's place in the universe. The inclusion of Nostradamus's prophecies further reinforces a theme of foreboding and significant future events, encouraging readers to maintain an "open mind."