Folklore Frontiers - No 009

Magazine Overview

Title: FOLKLORE FRONTIERS
Issue: No. 9
Publisher: Paul Screeton
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English
Cover Headline: Hi-tech, M.I.B., contactees, mistaken identity and life's rich tapestry

This issue of Folklore Frontiers, edited by Paul Screeton, is an independent, non-profit magazine focused on urban belief tales and modern legends. The cover features a striking image of a woman dressed as a witch, accompanied by a list of the issue's key topics.

Contributors

The issue features contributions from several notable individuals in the fields of folklore and ufology:

• Jan Harold Brunvand: An acclaimed urban belief tale chronicler, author of "The Vanishing Hitchhiker" and "The Choking Doberman."
• Nigel Watson: A writer published in UK UFO magazines, knowledgeable on phantom airship scares and the psychological aspects of close encounters.
• Bob Skinner: Known for his work on the entombed toad phenomenon, he contributes a study of two mistaken identity cases.
• David Taylor: A member of the Association for the Scientific Study of Anomalous Phenomena and the Society for Psychical Research, interested in paranormal experiences.
• Paul Screeton: The editor, journalist, and author, with a background in folklore and small magazine publishing.
• Karl Shuker: A professional zoologist and guest reviewer, specializing in independent cryptozoological research.

Double Mysteries: Two Remarkable Stories of Mistaken Identity

This section, authored by Bob Skinner, presents two compelling cases of mistaken identity that blur the lines between urban legend and documented fact.

The Drowned Double: Two Months After Burial Albert Steer Returns

This case, originally reported in a 1907 newspaper, details the baffling disappearance and reappearance of Albert Steer. Steer left his family with vague plans for a journey, and shortly after, a drowned man's body was recovered from the Thames near Chelsea Bridge. The body was identified as Steer by his son and daughter, and even by accidental marks such as a missing eye, a crushed toe, and a dent over the eyebrow from a past injury. A coroner's inquest confirmed the death by drowning, and a memorial stone was placed. However, two months later, Albert Steer reappeared, having spent the time working for a gardener. The Registrar-General had to cancel the death entry, and the family had to erase the cemetery inscription. The police were left to recover Steer's photograph and advertise for friends of the 'drowned' man.

1904: The John Gobbett Case

This case, reported in local papers in 1904, shares striking similarities with the Steer incident. John Gobbett, a lighterman, left his barge due to weather and a body was found in the Thames near the Royal Naval College. The body was identified as Gobbett by his wife, father, and others. The resemblance was extraordinary, with a long scar on the leg, a scar on the nose, and a peculiar birthmark all matching Gobbett. Despite these identifying marks, a police constable and Gobbett's brother expressed doubts, noting the corpse was taller than Gobbett. Later, Gobbett reappeared, having been delayed. The newspaper reports mentioned the identifying marks, including a scar on the nose and leg, and a scar behind the left ear. An inquest concluded Gobbett had not left at all but met his death by river misadventure. However, items found in the corpse's pockets later confirmed the body's identity as Arthur Jackson, an inmate of a local workhouse.

1907: The Arthur Albert Steer Case

This section revisits the Arthur Albert Steer case from 1907. Steer, a 56-year-old gardener, was last seen by his sons before heading to Surrey. A body found in the Thames near Chelsea Bridge was identified by his sons, John and Charles Steer, and other acquaintances. The body bore remarkable resemblances, including a missing eye, a crushed toe, a broken nose, and a dent above the eyebrow. Charles Steer confirmed the identifying marks, stating, "The marks were the most extraordinary thing about it." The inquest was held, and the body was buried. However, a later Times report revealed that Steer was alive. John Steer later clarified that his father had lost his right eye, while the drowned man's left eye was missing. The case also notes a curious coincidence: while Steer was away, another Steer was reported to be living nearby, also a gardener with one eye.

Conclusion on Mistaken Identity Cases

Bob Skinner concludes that both the Gobbett and Steer cases had a factual foundation, supported by newspaper reports and amended death certificates. He notes the uncanny similarity of these cases happening on the same river within three years. While Professor Glaister suggests mistaken identity often arises from bodies being in the water for extended periods or the desire of relatives to satisfy grief, Skinner points out that in these cases, the bodies had not been in the water long. The fate of Gobbett and Steer after their reappearances remains unknown, prompting Skinner to be more cautious about classifying such tales as mere urban legends.

Some Similar Accounts of Mistaken Identity

This section compiles several other historical accounts of mistaken identity involving bodies found and identified, only for the supposed deceased to be found alive:

• River Dee: An old man's body was identified by two young women as their father, who had deformities and a tendency to wander. He later returned home.
• Dublin, December 1897: A woman's body found in a canal was identified by a man and neighbours, but the sons doubted the identification due to hair color. The mother later returned home.
• Glasgow, 1904: A body found in the Forth and Clyde Canal was identified by ten people, including a daughter-in-law and police officers. The supposed deceased man was later seen alive in the street, astonished and amused.
• Milwaukee, 1855: The head and trunk of a murdered man were found, identified as John Dwire based on numerous marks, including a scar, missing teeth, and a bald head. However, witnesses believed Dwire was alive, and he later arrived at the inquest.

Men in Black

By David Taylor, this article explores the history and significance of "Men in Black" (MIB) figures.

Taylor traces the concept of MIB back to the Elizabethan era, where they were associated with Satan or his attendants, and later appeared in witchcraft lore. He cites examples from the 17th century involving figures who offered to buy souls or were associated with dark carriages. The article then connects MIB to modern UFO reports from the 1950s and 1970s, noting that MIB are not exclusive to ufology or demonology. The case of Luis Castillo in the Philippines, who claimed his mind was controlled by a mysterious agency and was involved in tasks including a potential assassination attempt, is presented. The author also recounts the experience of Mrs. Joyce Bowles and Ted Pratt, who were abducted by a UFO and subsequently received a phone call from a man in London advising them to remain silent, which UFO researchers associated with MIB. Taylor emphasizes that MIB figures represent a powerful mythology, often perceived as authoritarian figures who warn against upsetting society, and that their presence has become a distinct area of study.

Green Monsters

By Nigel Watson, this section discusses the broader implications of sightings of UFOs, alien beings, lake monsters, yetis, and ghosts.

Watson suggests that these phenomena indicate something is wrong with human existence. He notes that in the 1950s, messages from alleged alien pilots often warned of humanity destroying Earth, atomic threats, and the Cold War. These messages have evolved to include warnings about pollution, drugs, and sex. The article contrasts "positive aliens" who aim to help the planet with "negative" influences. It also draws parallels between modern contactee experiences and older folklore, suggesting that beliefs about planet Earth's care and respect are common across various ideologies, including paganism, wicca, and earth mystery beliefs. The author cites an example from 1931 where an experience, described in Christian terms, can be reinterpreted as a contactee encounter. The article also touches upon the idea that monsters are often seen as guardians of secret natural areas.

Gags About Gadgets

By Jan Harold Brunvand, this section explores the emergence of urban legends associated with modern gadgets, particularly those found in catalogs like Sharper Image.

Brunvand presents several examples, including a story about a deep-fryer where a person supposedly stuck their hand in to test the oil temperature and ended up deep-frying it. He also mentions legends about credit cards, automatic teller machines (ATMs), and wonders if similar legends will arise for other appliances like crepe cookers, pasta makers, and food processors. The article highlights how these stories reflect contemporary anxieties and technological advancements.

Book Reviews

Lake Monster Traditions: A Cross-Cultural Analysis

This review by Dr. Karl P.N. Shuker discusses the book "Lake Monster Traditions" by Michel Meurger and Claude Gagnon. Shuker praises the book's presentation, illustrations, bibliography, and index. He describes it as an impressive and definitive work on comparative, cross-cultural folkloristics, covering a vast scope of myths and folktales. The review emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between folklorised fact and factual fact, urging cryptozoologists not to solely rely on folklore evidence but to incorporate objective scientific evidence. It highlights the potential for significant zoological discoveries based on legends of creatures once thought to be mythical.

Ghost trains

This section, by William Barry Herbert, discusses his second volume on ghosts and railway encounters. It notes that the book's contributors explore various aspects of paranormal phenomena related to trains, including phantom encounters and unexplained occurrences.

News Lines

This section presents a collection of short news items and anecdotes, often with a folkloric or legendary bent:

• Romeo's Souvenir: A story about a British girl who received a wooden coffin from a holiday lover, inscribed with "Welcome to the death club," raising concerns about AIDS transmission.
• Dust the Job: A claim by Stan Bacon that he can watch SKY TV using a dustbin lid.
• Flash in the Pan: An anecdote about an aerosol igniting and causing burns.
• Dodd Man: A brief mention of Ken Dodd's trial and a voice heard from him.
• Buried Alive: A report of a man buried in error who was released, causing his mother and sister to drop dead.
• Cot Deaths: Discusses theories linking cot deaths to sheep dip waste and airbase radar.
• Squeezed Naughty Bits: A familiar cautionary tale about a woman mistaking a stranger for her husband.
• Congratulations: A story about a West German student who used his diabetic girlfriend's urine sample to pass a National Service test.
• Ion Lady: A media report about Margaret Thatcher being zapped with low-level electricity.
• Voggles: A cautionary tale about drinking and its effects on men's bodies, referencing a magazine called Guiding.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Folklore Frontiers include the nature of belief, the intersection of folklore and reality, and the critical examination of unexplained phenomena. The magazine appears to adopt a stance that encourages rigorous investigation, urging readers and researchers to differentiate between folklore and verifiable fact, particularly in the context of UFOs, MIB, and mistaken identity cases. There is a clear emphasis on historical research and the analysis of evidence, while also acknowledging the power of mythology and human imagination in shaping our understanding of the unknown.

This issue of Northern Lights (Issue 27) is a compilation of reviews and articles focusing on esoteric subjects, ufology, mythology, and ancient mysteries. The magazine appears to be a UK-based publication with a strong interest in the paranormal and fringe topics.

Book Reviews

John Michell's "Poetical Dictionary of Sounds"

The issue begins with a review of a book by John Michell, described as a "poetical dictionary of sounds." The reviewer highlights Michell's exploration of the alchemy of sound, its influence on language, and its significance for poets, orators, magicians, and advertisers. The book also touches upon the importance of names and includes humorous observations and illustrations by Merrily Harpur. The reviewer notes Michell's adherence to the Ancients' practice of leaving space for reader additions, making the dictionary non-definitive and authoritative.

Gothic Image Books Catalogue

A review of the "All-new second edition" of the Gothic Image Books catalogue is presented. This catalogue, inspired by Cris Popenoe's "Yes! Bookshop" guide, divides books into sections covering inner development. It features mini book reviews and is organized by contributors known in their fields, such as John Michell, Geoffrey Ashe, and John May. The guide aims to help readers find literature on their chosen subjects and includes updates on prices and available formats.

Nigel Pennick's "Traditional Board Games of Northern Europe"

This booklet by Nigel Pennick is reviewed, focusing on traditional board games. The review notes Pennick's exploration of the origins of games like Tic Tac Toe, linking them to the Bronze Age and prehistoric practices such as merels. It highlights Pennick's scholarly investigation into the psychology of games and their connection to ancient traditions.

Nigel Pennick's "Games of the Gods"

Another book by Nigel Pennick, "Games of the Gods," is discussed. The review emphasizes the book's exploration of the ancient and eternal fascinations associated with board games, viewing them as a response to older ways of life. Pennick connects gameboards to sacred origins and divination, suggesting that familiarity with these patterns has a wider application in the world. The book also examines divination's place in established religions and science, and touches upon various divination methods like plumbomancy, omphalomancy, and the study of ears. It discusses the roles of augurs and haruspices and the concept of oracles associated with specific places.

John Michell's "Rushdie's Insult"

This is a brief mention of John Michell's work, "Rushdie's Insult," a slim publication that engages with the controversy surrounding Salman Rushdie's "The Satanic Verses." The reviewer notes Michell's perspective, favoring uniculturalism, and suggests that Rushdie, as a copywriter, should have foreseen the consequences of his work.

Karl P.N. Shuker's "Mystery Cats of the World"

Karl P.N. Shuker's book is reviewed as an "Observer's Guide to Fabulous Felids." The book covers worldwide mystery cat sightings and provides resumes of their basic history, analysis of zoological identity, and a comprehensive list of sources. It discusses cat genetics and makes speculations about morphological features, such as pronounced gracility in new cat forms. The review notes Shuker's largely dismissive stance on paranormal activity associated with mystery cat sightings, focusing on a grounded, scientific approach.

Nerys Dee's "The Dreamer's Workbook"

Nerys Dee's book is presented as a practical guide to exploring, understanding, and influencing dreams. It covers common dreams, precognition, death, signs, symbols, archetypes, and the language of dreams, offering advice on keeping a dream diary and providing a dream meanings index.

Books on Consciousness and Psychology

• Several books related to consciousness, dreams, and psychology are reviewed:
• "Kontague Ullman and Nan Zimmerman": Focuses on solving problems, recognizing creative and warning dreams, and coping with modern life.
• Robin Shohet's "Dream Sharing": Explores sharing dreams for personal growth, though the reviewer finds others' dreams generally boring.
• Vivianne Crowley's "Wicca": A guide to Wicca as a non-dogmatic New Age religion, covering witchcraft, magic, the God and Goddess, sex, and the life-cycle.
• Jasper's "On the Death of a Son": A personal account of the author's reaction to his son's death, detailing an extraordinary relationship transcending death and communication with spiritual worlds.
• Michael Stanley's "Essential Readings": Makes Emanuel Swedenborg's work accessible, focusing on visionary insights and theology.
• Terry Clifford's "The Diamond Healing": An account of Tibetan Buddhist medicine and psychology.
• Sheila Farrant's "Symbols for Women": Challenges patriarchal bias in astrology and redefines popular symbols.
• Liz Greene and Howard Sasportas' "Dynamics of The Unconscious": Details astrology and depth-psychology to reveal one's true potential.

Books on Divination and Esotericism

• "The Fortune Teller's Workbook": Discusses 18 methods of prophecy, including palmistry, dominoes, cards, tea leaf reading, crystal ball, tarot, Chinese astrology, I Ching, and numerology.
• "The Variety of Dream Experience": Features 14 experts in group dream work showing how dreams can aid emotional healing and self-fulfillment.
• Mellie Uyldert's "The Magic of Precious Stones": Explores the use of minerals for meditation, psychic perception, love, and healing, tracing their use in religion, magic, and astrology.

Astrology Books

• Sheila Geddes' "The Art of Astrology": A textbook of practical techniques.
• Nicholas Campion's "The Book of World Horoscopes": Presents annotated charts for predicting the future of collective entities like nations.
• Bernard Fitzwalter and Raymond Henry's "Dark Stars": Examines obscure planetary entities and their effects on mankind.
• Derek Appleby and Maurice McCann's "Eclipses": Explains the astronomical background of eclipses and their importance in history and natural disasters.

Other Esoteric Works

• Richard Wilhelm's translation of "I Ching": Praised as a subtle, mature, and accurate method of divination.
• T.C. Lethbridge's "The Power of the Pendulum": Explores man's higher powers and abilities.
• E.A. Wallis Budge's "The Book of the Dead" and "Egyptian Magic": Reprints fueling interest in Egyptology and ancient societies.
• J.H. Brennan's "The Reincarnation Workbook": A guide on how past lives affect the present, with step-by-step lessons.
• Alexandra David-Neel and Lama Yongden's "The Superhuman Life of Gesar of Ling": A tale of an ideal warrior's adventures.
• Peter Kelder's "Tibetan Secrets of Youth and Vitality": Offers secret rites for maintaining youth.
• Louis Proto's "Take Change of Your Life": Focuses on relaxation, diet, and exercise.
• M.H. Tester's "How to be Healthy, Wealthy and Wise": Provides a design for living.
• Maurice Barbanell's "Where There's a Will": Focuses on positive thinking.
• Jon Klimo's "Channeling": Explains who Michael, the Space Brothers, and Seth are.
• Dion Fortune's works: Several titles are reprinted, including "Sane Occultism" and "The Cosmic Doctrine."
• Israel Regardie's "Foundations of Practical Magic": A classic on Qabalistic, magical, and meditative techniques.
• Cesare Lombroso's "After Death - What?": Traces a sceptic's conversion to spiritualism.
• Richard Seddon's "Rudolf Steiner": Charts Steiner's philosophy of man's struggle for spiritual stature.
• Geoffrey Ashe's "The Virgin": A study of Marianism.
• Cyril Permutt's "Photography in the Spirit World": Presents images as evidence of the afterlife.
• John and Caitlin Matthews' "The Aquarian Guide to British and Irish Mythology": Criticized as factually untrustworthy.

Magazine Reviews

Magonia

Magonia is reviewed for its coverage of ufology themes, including flying saucer happenings, British Government UFO files, rites of passage speculation, and the mangling of ufology by TV documentaries. It also features articles on Michael Goss's tales of Elvis Presley sightings and the dubious vortex theory for mystery circles. Later issues cover Martin Kottmeyer's theory on abductees, Patrick Harpur's view of UFOs as imaginative phenomena, and Ralph Noyes' definition of superstition.

Northern UFO News

This publication is described as explaining the purpose of its editors' work, addressing critics and debunkers, and reporting on UFOs in the media. It also covers case reports and general information, noted for being intelligent yet chatty.

Nnidnid

Described as a "departure," Nnidnid is presented as a surrealist audio cassette featuring Tony "Doc" Shiels and his son Gareth. It includes short stories, monologues, and music, with a "Holy ghost town" theme and caterwauling reminiscent of felids mating.

Anaskaya

This newsletter features articles on Philip Rodgers, an early UFO "contactee," and reprints from Philip Heselton on alternative technology and the STAR Fellowship. It also includes an article by Tony Wedd on cancer.

Northern Earth Mysteries

This journal covers reports on Northern Moot, field trips, Lothian sites, witchcraft, maypoles, and ancient stones. It also includes book reviews and meeting reports.

Touchstone

This newsletter features articles on allotechnology, a nostalgic journey to Chiddingstone, and reprints of Hurt Wood Track. It also includes notes, book reviews, and letters.

Terrestrial Zodiacs Journal

This magazine is devoted to landscape figures, with an article on a morphological approach to zodiacs, a facsimile reprint of an itinerary around Glastonbury's Temple of the Stars, and information on UK zodiacs.

Pendragon

This journal features an "edition" on Morgan le Fay, with articles on the Turin Shroud and other miraculous portraits. Later issues cover Stonehenge themes, solstice battles, Armenian circles, and bleeding yews.

Stonehenge Viewpoint

This magazine covers archaeology, astronomy, and related arts and sciences. It includes articles on the folk history of Stonehenge, debates on canopy theory, tree ogam, ancient metrology, and discussions on megalithic structures in Quebec, dragons, and berserkers.

Challenge

This publication researches paranormal and E.M. studies with a skeptical stance, criticizing "faith" and "belief systems." It includes articles on psychic questing, anomaly, and the psychology of belief systems, as well as critiques of Velikovsky and Creationists.

Fertean Times

This journal covers a wide range of phenomena, including devil encounters, Loch Ness, unburied dead, UFO encounters, and various other strange happenings like sea serpents and crocodile hoaxes.

The Ley Hunter

This magazine covers German Earth mysteries, radiation at Cumbrian megalithic sites, Stonehenge, ley indicators, and modern sites with Celtic influences. It also includes articles on Chinese geomancy and landscape features.

Walrus

This publication features an anti-fundamentalist essay by Nigel Pennick and a piece on turn-of-the-century Belgian concentration camps.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Northern Lights are ufology, ancient mysteries, mythology, divination, and the exploration of esoteric knowledge. The magazine appears to have a broad interest in the paranormal and fringe subjects, with a particular focus on books and magazines that delve into these areas. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry, presenting various perspectives and reviews without necessarily endorsing them, though there is a clear appreciation for scholarly and well-researched works in these fields. The inclusion of book reviews from various publishers and the coverage of diverse magazines suggest an aim to provide readers with a comprehensive overview of current publications and research in the realm of earth mysteries and the paranormal.