EYE Magazine Vol 3 No 2

Magazine Overview

EYE MAGAZINE, Volume 3, Issue 2, published in Summer 2004, presents itself as a publication dedicated to examining phenomena with an "analytical EYE!!". The cover features a striking collage of images, including a close-up of an eye, a shadowy, possibly alien figure, a woman's face, and a leopard's eyes, hinting at the diverse topics within. The main cover headline highlights "Counselling The Abductee", with supporting articles on "Anomalous Phenomena & Sleep Paralysis", "David Bowie Loving The Alien!", and "Big Cats The Truth Is Out There!".

Inside this issue

The issue opens with an editorial emphasizing the magazine's reliance on subscriber contributions and its role in preserving paper-based publications in the wake of UFO magazine's closure. Contact information for submissions and orders is provided, including an email address and postal address in Hull, England.

Editorial

The editorial stresses the importance of reader input for keeping the magazine informative and up-to-date. It highlights EYE Magazine's willingness to publish articles, anecdotes, and theories, especially given the decline of other UFO-focused publications.

Articles and Features

"What is and what should never Be. Part 2." by David Colman: This is presented as a lengthy article, to be published over several issues, with the first three parts having appeared in Volume 3, Issue 1. Colman offers a personal appraisal of UK ufology, reflecting on his experiences with UFOs and paranormal researchers. He expresses a belief in the validity of the ETH (Extraterrestrial Hypothesis) as a study but is critical of the "pseudo science of ufology, its charlatanism and its manufactured dogma." He advocates for research conducted by "regular" but reasoned and intelligent people. Colman discusses his extensive research in "catholic mysticism" and his realization that he has barely begun to "depress the door bell of perception." He critiques the "fragile 'egos' of the 'experts', professional sceptics and misanthropic debunkers" for leading the field into "speciousness and indolence," citing the "alien autopsy footage" as an example of ufology's gullibility. He argues that UK ufology is in "a downward spiral of mediocrity" due to its "choosing' to disregard the ever tolling bell ufology's inability to face facts." He also touches upon government-sponsored media manipulation and covert campaigns to discredit the ETH.

"Lilith, Eve and Me!" by David Colman: This personal reflection by Colman details his encounters with UFOs and extraterrestrial life, which led him to realize the ETH was a valid study. He contrasts the biblical narrative of Adam choosing Eve over Lilith as a starting point for "mystical events." He criticizes the current state of ufology, finding it lacking in "golden principles" and characterized by "overly inflated and immature ranks." He calls for honest study groups to be accountable to their values, contrasting this with ufology's perceived tendency to "conceal itself on the outskirts of research society."

"UFOLOGY: sell by date; (August the 20th. 1995)" by David Colman: Colman recounts his personal involvement in ufology, which began with anomalous paranormal events. He discovered that many "'UFO experts'" were "self serving aggrandisers" promoting the "ufological status quo." He criticizes the "infamous alien autopsy footage" and the British UFO Research Association's involvement, noting that ufology "failed miserably to rid itself of its fakirs and rope trick experts." He describes the UFO lecture circuit as a "tired, washed out and unproductive financial enterprise" run by "self aggrandizing ufological gurus."

"Without Contraries is no progression" by David Colman: This section continues Colman's critique, suggesting that the UFO lecture circuit is a lucrative arena for self-styled experts. He recounts attending lectures where he learned little of significance, finding many ufologists to be "echolalian lecturers" and the audience "intellectually and mentally idle." He questions the value and content of current lectures and stage-managed events.

"Shamatuerism" by David Colman: Colman argues that the growth of UFO groups, partly fueled by media like "The X Files," has attracted "wannabe paranormalists 'agents'." He describes UFO group meetings as potentially "a breeding cesspit for the immature, fools, fantasists, fakirs and government spies." He criticizes the "uncontrolled and unregulated growth of UFO groups" for attracting individuals with "little appreciation of the inherent dangers" and those who are "emotionally disturbed." He suggests that owning "The X Files" on DVD can lead some to believe they are paranormal experts. He notes the lack of legislation or accreditation for UFO groups, making them "laws unto themselves" and potentially leading to litigious situations. He concludes that ufologists have failed to offer substantial arguments convincing rational skeptics of the ET hypothesis, contributing to public scoffing.

"Counselling The Abductee" by Mary Rodwell RN: This article addresses the challenges faced by individuals who acknowledge abduction/contact experiences as reality. Rodwell describes the diverse backgrounds of abductees and the range of physical and emotional symptoms they experience, from scars and panic attacks to unexplained fears. She notes that these experiences challenge conventional scientific, spiritual, and anthropological history. Rodwell highlights the difficulties faced by the scientific and therapeutic communities in evaluating and explaining these subjective experiences, lacking conventional language for them. She mentions Professor John Mack of Harvard University, who believes 5% of the American population may have experienced aspects of this phenomenon and founded the Program for Extraordinary Experience Research (PEER). Rodwell emphasizes the importance of person-centred counseling, congruence, empathy, and unconditional regard in supporting abductees, noting that individuals often cannot share their experiences due to fear of derision.

"Anomalous Phenomena And Sleep Paralysis" by C. Anscomb: This paper explores sleep paralysis as a potential source of beliefs concerning alien abductions and other alternative realities. Anscomb explains sleep paralysis as a condition occurring during REM sleep where the body's motor functions are inhibited, leading to a feeling of being unable to move or speak. It is often accompanied by a sense of a "presence" that can be perceived as malevolent or threatening. Auditory hallucinations and out-of-body sensations are also reported. The article states that 25-30% of the population has experienced mild sleep paralysis, with 20-30% having had it multiple times. It discusses the physiological mechanisms, including the role of the neurotransmitter glycine and the pons' activation of the medullary inhibitory area. The concept of "tonic immobility" or feigning death as a defense mechanism in animals is also explored as a potential parallel. The article notes that "scoop marks" sometimes associated with abductions may be explained by spider bites, but acknowledges that some deep, unexplained indentations remain a mystery. It also discusses the onset of sleep paralysis, which is most common in adolescence, and the possibility of it being a "false memory" formed during sleep paralysis, as suggested by Richard McNally, though Budd Hopkins counters this by noting that not all abductions occur at night.

"The Mexican Military UFO Footage": This section reports on the release of officially filmed footage by the Mexican authorities showing 11 unidentified objects following a Mexican Air Force aircraft on patrol. The incident occurred on March 5, 2004, near Ciudad del Carmen, Campeche. The objects were detected on radar and infrared equipment at an elevation of 3500 meters. The military personnel involved reported never having seen a similar phenomenon, as the objects' speed and movements confirmed they were not conventional aircraft.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of ufology, the personal experiences of individuals claiming abduction or contact, and the scientific and psychological aspects of anomalous phenomena like sleep paralysis. The magazine appears to adopt a stance that is open to exploring these topics but is also highly critical of the established ufological community, particularly its methodologies and perceived lack of rigor. There is a strong emphasis on personal experience as a valid starting point for investigation, but also a call for more reasoned, scientific, and ethical approaches to research. The inclusion of the Mexican military UFO footage suggests an interest in official or credible evidence, while the critique of ufology implies a desire to separate genuine phenomena from what the authors perceive as charlatanism and self-serving agendas. The magazine seems to position itself as a platform for more analytical and discerning inquiry into the paranormal and UFO-related subjects. The editorial stance is one of critical engagement, encouraging readers to question established narratives and seek evidence-based understanding, while acknowledging the profound impact of personal experiences on individuals.

This issue of EYE MAGAZINE, published by EYE (East Yorkshire Encounters) Magazine, delves into two primary subjects: the alleged lifelong fascination of musician David Bowie with UFOs and extraterrestrial life, and the ongoing investigation into the presence of big cats in the UK countryside.

David Bowie: Loving The Alien!

The article "Loving The Alien!" explores David Bowie's (born David Robert Jones) purported interest in UFOs and aliens. It begins by noting his birth date and a midwife's comment about him having been 'on this earth before.' Bowie's own statements and the influence of his personas, such as Ziggy Stardust and Aladdin Sane, are examined as potential evidence of an alien connection. His early experiments with telepathy at Bromley Tech with George Underwood are highlighted, along with the claim that their thoughts were uncannily similar.

The piece references Howard Menger's 1959 book 'From Outer Space To You,' which described aliens as human-like beings communicating love and compassion. It questions whether the young Bowie might have read this. The cultural context of the 1950s, with sci-fi TV shows like 'The Quartermass Experiment' and comics like 'Dan Dare,' is noted as part of Bowie's intake. Christopher Sandford recalls Bowie fantasizing about aliens visiting him as a child.

The article traces Bowie's musical career through the early to mid-1960s, mentioning bands like 'The King Bees' and 'Manish Boys,' and his appearance on TV with the 'Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Long-haired Men.' It also notes an essay written by Angie Barnett (later Angie Bowie) titled 'The Light People,' which suggested historical figures were aliens. Bowie's name change to David Bowie in September 1965 is mentioned, along with his alleged meetings with Vince Taylor, who reportedly showed Bowie maps of alien 'bases.'

Further details emerge about Bowie's life in the late 1960s, including his move to London, his backing band 'The Buzz,' and his acting roles in short films like 'The Image.' His brief stint at the Legastat printing firm and auditions for the musical 'Hair' are covered. The lyrics of a song from 'Hair' are compared to the message of Space People to Paul Villa. The article also touches on Bowie's interest in Tibet and his 'hard convictions' about Western life.

In 1968, Bowie moved in with Hermione Farthingale, and the article quotes John Hutchinson and Jerry Hopkins on their observations of Bowie. The filming of 'Love You Till Tuesday' and the inclusion of the song 'Space Oddity' are discussed. Marc Bolan recalls Bowie's mime act. The introduction to Mary Angela Barnett (Angie Bowie) and her essay 'The Light People' is detailed, leading to their marriage in 1969. Angie Bowie's conviction that David was one of the 'Light People' is cited, as are discussions with Paul Buckmaster about 'pop science-fiction mysticism,' metaphysics, and UFOs.

The article then focuses on the song 'The Jean Genie,' analyzing its lyrics and suggesting it describes an alien being. It explores the etymology of 'genie' and 'jinnee' from Muslim mythology, linking them to spirits with supernatural powers and the ability to assume human or animal forms. The connection to 'Little Green Man' and Chuck Berry's 'Little Queenie' is proposed. The lyrics are interpreted in the context of alien encounters, with references to 'Poor Little Greenie' and descriptions of beings small in size.

Bowie's alleged sightings are mentioned, including interviews with George Tremlett and Bruno Stein. His mother reportedly witnessed a 'first flying saucer' in 1973. Biographies and UFO publications featuring Bowie are noted, indicating a long-standing interest.

Rick Wakeman's connection to Bowie is also explored. Wakeman, a keyboard genius, played on numerous Bowie tracks, including 'Space Oddity' and 'Life On Mars?' NASA's transmission of Wakeman's music into space to communicate with aliens is mentioned. Wakeman's own UFO experience in Florida and his album 'No Earthly Connection' are discussed.

Big Cats - The Truth Is Out There

This section, authored by Ron Toft, investigates the phenomenon of 'big cats' sightings in Britain. It highlights the shift from public skepticism to a more serious consideration of these reports, largely due to the work of the Dartmoor-based British Big Cats Society (BBCS). In 2002, the BBCS recorded 1,077 sightings, with Scotland, Devon, and Kent being hotspots. The society estimates that for every reported sighting, three or four go unreported.

Danny Bamping, founder of the BBCS, expresses satisfaction with Defra's invitation to present on big cats and the NFU's pledge of support. Farmers are considered reliable sources of information. The BBCS aims to secure long-term funding for a study of big cats in Britain and actively investigates reports, sometimes staking out hotspots. Evidence includes photos, video footage, animal kills, and ground and tree marks.

Several specific incidents are detailed: a captured female puma in Scotland (1980), a jungle cat found dead in Shropshire (1989), a northern lynx shot in Suffolk (1991), and a leopard cat shot on the Isle of Wight (1993). A horse attack in West Wales (1999) is also recounted, along with a journalist's encounter with a 'very large, dark cat.'

Further incidents include a horse attack in Port Rush, Ireland (2002), and a puma killing livestock. Local vet Steve Grills confirms that a big cat could have caused the damage to an injured horse. The article suggests that exotic felines may be breeding in the UK and that many were released from captivity since 1976. The stigma attached to sightings is diminishing, and the public is encouraged to report encounters.

Other Content

The magazine includes contact information for ordering the magazine and a section on how to submit contributions. It also features a piece by Mary Rodwell RN, discussing her work with ACERN and the psychological and spiritual aspects of alien contact and abduction experiences. She emphasizes the value of support groups and viewing experiences as a spiritual journey.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

EYE MAGAZINE positions itself as a platform for diverse viewpoints within the UFO community, welcoming both skeptical and pro-ETH contributions. The editorial stance is to present both sides of arguments and encourage readers to share their views. The magazine covers a range of paranormal and unexplained phenomena, with a particular focus on UFOs, aliens, and cryptozoology, as exemplified by the articles on David Bowie and big cats. The recurring theme is the exploration of the unexplained and the challenging of conventional understanding of reality.