Gemini - Vol 1 No 4 - 1972

Magazine Overview

GEMINI, Vol 1 No 4, published quarterly from October-December 1972 by Oliver Stenhoff and Oakley-Hill Ltd, is subtitled 'The twin UFO journal' and incorporates COS-MOS/SIRIUS/UFO Chronicle. The issue features a cover headline asking 'Did a UFO rip up a tennis court?' and directs readers to 'The South African flap'. The price for individual copies was 30p plus 5p postage.

The South African Flap

This extensive section, authored by C David Oakley-Hill, details a significant wave of UFO reports from South Africa, primarily in 1972. The author notes that while some reports had appeared in Flying Saucer Review (FSR), this article provides additional details and a chronological overview. The 'flap' is described as more than a 'mini-wave', with reports continuing through August and recommencing in November.

Chronological Report of Sightings:

• June 17, Fort Beaufort: Mr. Fraser Moss heard drumming noise from the sky.
• June 22, Pietermaritzburg: Colin Vary and Carole Mitchell saw a bright greenish-blue light.
• June 25, Port Elizabeth: Mr. & Mrs. Brian Hibbert saw a "bright incandescent white" flying object and a "ball of fire" near Fort Beaufort.
• June 26, Fort Beaufort: The Bennie Smit incident involved a UFO sighting and shooting at Fordyce Bush, Braeside Farm. Smit described a fiery ball that changed colour and disappeared. Warrant Officer P. R. van Rensburg and Sgt. P. Kitching also witnessed a round, black shiny object. Smit believed the object was man-made, possibly from the United States, remote-controlled, and peaceful. He vowed to catch it. The object was described as about two-and-a-half feet across, with flames shooting out, and later as greyish-white. It was heard crashing through undergrowth but left no visible trace. Smit estimated its speed as slow while he fired shots, but its course was unaffected. The object was described as nearly 2m high and barrel-shaped.
• June 28, Fort Beaufort: Police combed a 4 sq.km area around the "landing site", taking photographs and samples were taken of "fist-like" soil imprints. A parcel of plaster casts sent to CSIR was lost in a train crash.
• July 1, Wellington: Witnesses saw a bright light hovering silently.
• July 1, Constantiaberg: Witnesses saw a bright light.
• July 5, King Williams Town: Two witnesses saw two bright objects.
• July 5, Cape Town: A UFO passed a Boeing 727.
• July 6, Johannesburg: Hundreds of witnesses reported a UFO that "dived and soared" for 30 minutes, described as a red object "like a feather duster on fire", moving vertically and disappearing. Its speed was estimated at 1000 m/h. A spokesman for the Pretoria Weather Bureau ruled out weather balloons.
• July 6, Port Elizabeth: Geoffrey Allen took a photograph of a UFO.
• July 7, Fort Beaufort: A UFO was reported hovering over Mr. Smit's farm.
• July 5-7 (date unconfirmed): Captain Chester Chandler and crew reported a UFO pacing their Boeing 727, described as having an intensity of a medium-sized star, unlike satellites or meteorites.
• July 7, Honeydew, nr Jo'burg: Neil Wright and others saw a "brilliant ball of fire, about half the size of a full moon", blinding white with three tails, moving very fast.
• July 7, Port Elizabeth/Uitenhage: Witnesses saw a UFO of indefinable shape emitting red, white, and green light. Radar failed to pick it up.
• July 8, Fort Beaufort: Strange noises and flashing lights were seen, followed by two explosions. A water reservoir collapsed, attributed to ordinary wear and tear.
• July 9, Fort Beaufort: Dennis Gordon saw a bright light.
• July 10, Adelaide: Mike Benade saw a bright light hovering.
• July 10, Wellington: Mr. Ernst Koen saw a shell-shaped object going S-N.
• July 10, Welkom: Over 25 witnesses saw a "semi-circular" object flashing coloured lights.
• July 10, Pretoria: Mrs. J. P. Davenport and Mr. J. W. Rademeyer saw a "huge green light" that hovered and disappeared suddenly.
• July 11, Kensington, Johannesburg: The Dr. Edward Blumberg report.
• July 13, Franschoek: Three witnesses saw a "brilliant ball of light".
• July 13, Craighall & Parkmore, N. Johannesburg: Mrs. M. J. Lay and Mrs. R. E. Hunter saw a bright orange light that stood still, then ascended vertically, described as bright and flare-like.
• July 16, Florida, Johannesburg: Many witnesses saw a fast-moving UFO.
• July 16, Malmesbury: Ten witnesses watched a UFO going up and down at great speed.
• July 16, Odendaalsrus: Constable J. P. Myburgh and others saw a glowing UFO dive at a patrol van.
• July 17, Bloemfontein: Brigadier G. C. Bester and others reported seeing a UFO.
• July 20, Durban & Tongaat: A colour-changing UFO was seen over Durban harbour for over an hour, moving off at "incredible speed".
• July 20, Pietermaritzburg: Miss Thelma Odell saw a circular "pinky" object with a slight vapour trail.
• July 21, Pietermaritzburg: Witnesses, including Professor Owen Williams, saw a conical UFO with a constant red light beneath.
• July 21, Pinelands, Cape Province: Witnesses saw a red-orange object complete a large circle and shoot off towards Paarl.
• July 23, Umkomaas: Eridianio di Marco and his wife saw a bright light travelling N-S.
• Aug 16, Roosboom: "Spectres" seen.
• Aug 19, Mayville, Durban: "Spectres" seen.
• Aug 20, Port Alfred: Witnesses saw a UFO "parked" on the coastal road, described as a "big silver bubble".
• Aug 27, Schmidtsdrif, Kimberley: Mr. Koos Harmse and Miss Daphne Vertue were followed by a light like a big star, changing colours, for about 12 hours, at times appearing to change shape.
• Aug 28, Boshof, Kimberley: Mr. L. James and farm labourers saw a glowing light with a long red tail.

Did UFO rip up a tennis court?

• Nov 12, Middelburg, Cape: Policemen observed a brightly-glowing object that changed colours and shape, hovering over Rosmead High School. The next morning, the school's tar-surfaced tennis courts were found severely damaged, with huge chunks of tar gouged out. Lumps of tar were found in the fence, and large chunks were found on a nearby hill. Theories of gas explosions were discounted. Military trainees guarding nearby petrol dumps reported seeing red lights on the courts, followed by the whole petrol dump being illuminated with a strange incandescent light.

Little red men

• Nov 17, Middelburg: Witnesses reported seeing a bright light and two "little red men" disembarking from a "landed flying saucer". Air traffic controllers reported no night flying in the area.

Flying Volkswagens

• Nov 19, Richmond: Two UFOs were seen in broad daylight, described as "flying Volkswagens".

Other Sections

• BUFORA MEETINGS: A brief mention of meetings.
• NORTH-KENT "MINI-FLAP": Reports from Faversham and Whitstable in late November 1972. Shipyard workers described objects changing shape from circular to cigar-like, with red lights, and moving vertically. Mr. Joe Taylor reported an object changing from white to red and back to white.
• THE UFO EXPERIENCE (Book review): A review by Mark Stenhoff of J. Allen Hynek's book, published by Abelard-Schuman (UK) and Henry Regnery Co (US). The book is described as general, not for specialists, but offers useful "tips" for researchers, including definitions and a procedure for scientific investigation. It categorizes reports into Nocturnal Lights, Daylight Discs, Radar-visual UFO Reports, and Close Encounters.
• AUSTRALIAN SAUCERAMA: A brief mention.
• NO MOORE PLEASE (Book review): A book review by Colin Bord.
• MYSTERIOUS BRITAIN (Book review): A book review by Norman Oliver.
• DISCUSSIONS WITH PHILEMON: An article by Mollie Thompson.
• THEMES OF CONTACT: SAUCERS AND SORCERY: An article by Norman Oliver.
• EXPOSED THE GREAT FLYING SAUCER HOAX: An article.
• CROSSWORD: A crossword puzzle.
• NEW MAILBAG: Reader correspondence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine presents a wide range of UFO reports, emphasizing chronological order and detailed witness accounts. A recurring theme is the variety in object descriptions, behaviours, and reported effects, including physical traces and potential electromagnetic interference. The editorial stance, as stated, is that contributions are included without bias and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editorial staff. The magazine aims to provide information on UFO phenomena, including book reviews and discussions on related topics.

GEMINI, Issue 1, Volume 1, dated October 1972, is a UK-published magazine focusing on UFO phenomena, with a particular emphasis on Australian sightings. The issue features a cover headline of "AUSTRALIAN SAUCERAMA" and includes articles by Norman Oliver, Michael Hervey, and Mollie Thompson, alongside book reviews and letters.

Australian Saucerama

Norman Oliver introduces a section highlighting Australia's reputation for UFO consciousness and high-caliber research. He notes the constant stream of reports and cuttings received from representatives Eric Livingstone and Colin Norris, suggesting the Australian UFO scene deserves greater worldwide prominence. The article details several incidents:

Traralgon Incident

The RAAF is reportedly baffled by 579 UFO sightings over nine years. One notable case is a UFO sighted in Traralgon, Australia, three times in one week. Wing-Commander Ilton of the RAAF stated, "We have been unable to eliminate it as an explainable phenomenon." While other sightings in Taree, New South Wales, were attributed to Venus, the Traralgon case was not easily explained.

South Gippsland Sighting

An issue of the same paper reported a "strange brilliantly-coloured object in the South Gippsland sky" that was terrifying animals and scaring local people. The object was described as blue and silver with a red rim.

Traralgon UFO Details

Senior Sergeant Ron Tanion of Traralgon police reported seeing the object as a silver ball in the sky. Constable Neil Davey noted the object changed from blue and red to a silver circular shape. Residents observed it hovering and then shooting away at frightening speed. The RAAF classified it as inexplicable.

Lush Circles in the Lawn

From the Adelaide Advertiser, an account describes "rings of lush green grass" mysteriously appearing in the backyard lawn of Mr Bill Sanders in Seaview Downs. The grass in the rings was taller and greener. Mr Sanders had no explanation, and his wife heard "some strange buzzing noises" the night before the circles appeared. The circles were described as three in number, with the middle one being the largest (about six feet in diameter), and the other two smaller and equidistant.

Lights Over Sydney

• The Sydney Daily Mirror received reports of strange lights on September 13, 1972, including:
• Three orange lights in formation over the sea seen by a Warriewood woman.
• A lone bright light seen travelling north by a Waterfall woman.
• Four reddish lights speeding north over the sea, shaped like a sword, seen by a Terrey Hills woman.
• A single orange-red light cruising low across the horizon by a Wooloware man.

Taree's UFO

Reports from Taree, 220 miles north of Sydney, described a UFO seen over several days in September. While some suggested it was Venus, the reporting was puzzling, with one account stating it was visible at 7:10 am but not at 7:09 am. The RAAF's statements on the Taree UFO were contradictory, with one report stating it was Venus, and another ruling out Venus, weather balloons, or satellites.

Melbourne UFO

On September 22, 1972, Melbourne photographer Ron Jamieson sighted a UFO for about 20 minutes. He described the sky turning white and seeing a fast-moving, light-coloured object with a purplish fringe. It performed "five to seven loops in less than three seconds." The RAAF officer in charge of UFO sightings, Squadron-Leader Roddy, stated there was "no explanation." Mr A K Hannay of the Bureau of Meteorology also stated, "We can't put forward any logical explanation." Officers of the Department of Civil Aviation noted it was "not possible for aircraft to have created the lighting effects claimed."

UFOs Over S.A.

An investigation by the Australian magazine PIX/PEOPLE revealed numerous reports from South Australia dating from the 1940s to the present, including one from 1890. One report from July 19, 1959, described a "cone-shaped UFO with a shiny metallic surface surrounded by small lights" seen near Clare. Another story involved Gary Pink, aged 12, who saw a cigar-shaped object on the ground, about 18 ft long and 4 ft high, partly transparent, with a white middle and yellowy-white sides.

"Saucer nests" (mystery rings) were also mentioned, with an illustration of a ring in a Tooligie Hill wheat paddock. Farmers in the 1890s reported "ghost lights." A couple reportedly sold their farm due to continued spacecraft landings, and another family found a ring of scorched stones, about 40 feet in diameter, with rocks turned gunmetal colour.

People in Clare in February 1964 heard a loud whirring noise, and others on the outskirts heard an intense whirring. The next morning, their clocks were found stopped at 2:30 am.

Mrs Puddy and the Saucer

This article details an extraordinary encounter by Mrs Maureen Puddy on July 5, 1972, on the Mooraduc road, south-east of Melbourne. Driving home, her car's surroundings lit up with a "blue iridescent light." She saw an "enormous flying saucer much wider than the road," hovering about 100 feet high, emitting a hum. She described it as "almost perfectly round and some 20 feet in height," with a shape like "a snail's shell." The object followed her car for about 8 miles before disappearing.

On July 25, 1972, Mrs Puddy had a second encounter on the same stretch of road. Her car's engine cut out, and the vehicle was guided to a stop by an unseen force. During this time, she received three "telepathic messages": "ALL YOUR TESTS WILL BE NEGATIVE", "TELL THE MEDIA DO NOT PANIC, WE MEAN NO HARM", and "YOU NOW HAVE CONTROL." The entire event lasted about five minutes.

The article notes that Mrs Puddy had no previous psychic experiences. The report also mentions that the "voice" incident on the night before the second encounter, where she heard her name called repeatedly, might be related to psychic or telepathic contact.

No Moore, Please!

This is a review by Colin Bord of Patrick Moore's book "Can You Speak Venusian? A Guide to the Independent Thinkers." Bord criticizes Moore for lumping together unconventional thinkers with flat-earthers and palmists, giving them "tongue-in-cheek treatment." He argues that Moore's reports are abbreviated and inaccurate, providing "Aunt Sallys" for his arguments. Bord points out Moore's ignorance of Ted Serios and Jules Eisenbud's work with Polaroid cameras. While Moore's treatment of flying saucers is less critical, Bord notes his focus on Adamski, Allingham, the Charlton crater, and Arthur Shuttlewood, whom Moore considers the "high water mark of British Saucery." Bord suggests Moore's attitude towards Ufology warrants watching. He concludes that the book is poor value at £2.75, with only 160 pages and one plate.

Mysterious Britain Book Review

This section reviews "Mysterious Britain" by Janet and Colin Bord. It is described as a "panorama of questions and answers in words and pictures" covering British places, facts, and beliefs throughout the ages. The book includes sections on wells, hill-figures, church carvings, burial mounds, leys, UFOs, and other unusual facets of Britain. The review praises the book as "fascinating" and a "must" for connoisseurs, noting its magnificent illustrations (243 in all) and its price of £5.90.

Discussions with Philemon

This is Part 5 of a series of telepathic contact experiences with an entity named 'Philemon'. The Q&A format explores the nature of UFO propulsion, suggesting it involves externalizing inner power rather than overcoming resistance. Philemon explains that matter's state depends on subtle differences in energy vibration. The conversation touches upon the limitations of human perception and the concept of UFOs being real and tangible to themselves but not always to observers. The discussion also delves into the idea of consciousness as a vehicle and the four basic thresholds of evolution: dawning awareness, self-awareness, perfecting the physical vehicle, and the fuller development of consciousness. Philemon states that humanity is midway through the third threshold. Disease is linked to conflict and the results registered through the physical vehicle. The conversation concludes with Philemon advising the 'Self' to feel respect and admiration for the body as a vehicle of expression, hinting at a future book and a great leap in comprehension regarding 'Love'.

Themes of Contact: Saucers & Sorcery

Norman Oliver discusses the perceived link between UFOs and witchcraft, referencing QUEST UFO REPORT No 2, which featured an article by Ramona Clark. Clark's article suggests that mind-expanding drugs, telepathy, and hallucinations are part of witchcraft rituals, and that black masses are held near places where UFOs have been sighted. Oliver notes that the average person's misconception of witchcraft is due to centuries of "indoctrination" and sensationalist media treatment. He contrasts "black" and "white" magic, drawing parallels to "goodies" and "baddies" in other spheres of activity. The article includes quotes from occultist E A St George, who describes a reporter's simplistic and kinky view of witchcraft. Oliver concludes that while the actual events of witchcraft are clouded by sensationalism, there are incidents "almost too weird to accept happening." He suggests that UFOs and witchcraft are related to a "complicated intelligence" that humanity must understand.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the unexplained, with a strong focus on UFO sightings and encounters, particularly those occurring in Australia. There is an open-minded yet critical approach, presenting witness accounts and official statements, often highlighting the lack of conventional explanations. The inclusion of the "Discussions with Philemon" series suggests an interest in consciousness, telepathy, and alternative explanations for phenomena. The review of Patrick Moore's book indicates a critical stance towards skeptical or dismissive attitudes towards unconventional ideas. The "Saucers & Sorcery" article explores the intersection of UFOs with occult practices, suggesting a shared underlying intelligence or phenomenon. The editorial stance appears to be one of investigation and open inquiry into subjects often dismissed by mainstream science.

GEMINI, Issue 41, dated July/August 1972, is a UK-based magazine focused on UFOs and related phenomena. This issue prominently features an interview with 'Lady Helen', a self-proclaimed witch, and a critical examination of the famous Alex Birch UFO photograph, which is exposed as a hoax.

Interview with Lady Helen

The magazine presents an extensive Q&A with 'Lady Helen', who discusses her background in witchcraft and her connections to Ufology. She explains her reasons for using a pseudonym, citing the emotive nature of witchcraft and the need to protect children from persecution. Lady Helen leads a coven of 37 members, practicing a 'Wise' religion that is 'for good and against evil.' She believes in the existence of 'The Elders' and associate members who assist in their aims.

When asked to define 'black' and 'white' witchcraft, she equates 'black' with 'evil' and 'white' with 'good,' though she dislikes the terms. Lady Helen became a witch at age seven, guided by her father in learning about nature, plants, and lore. She notes that many Christian feast days are based on 'The Old Religion.'

She suggests that the origins of witchcraft could be connected with extra-terrestrials, explaining that in the past, intelligent natives were taught secrets of nature by beings arriving in 'Iron Birds' or 'Angels' Chariots.' These individuals became known as the 'Wise.' Regarding powers, she states witches cultivate latent abilities within everyone, not possessing anything supernatural. She has used the power to 'curse' only once, on someone cruel to animals.

Lady Helen confirms telepathy within her coven and the ability to 'read the future.' She maintains a connection between members of the Old Religion and 'The Old Ones' (extraterrestrials), though not all witches are connected to them. She identifies herself as an extra-terrestrial but declines to elaborate further. She has travelled with people not originating from Earth but has not entered a 'flying saucer' herself. She has lived in various places but hopes to settle in the Lancs-Cheshire area.

She agrees that 'white' witchcraft is about love and becoming one with nature, but also a path to secret knowledge of worlds beyond dreams, encompassing both good and deep evil. For those wishing to join a coven, she advises caution and preparation for study, distinguishing genuine Wicca from 'imitators.' She suggests that UFOs are present in great numbers and advises ufologists to be careful, lest they entertain 'Angels' unaware. She believes that when humanity shows more love and respect for its world, open contact with extraterrestrials might be possible. She warns that while some beings are mischievous, others are intent on evil and could destroy a mind. She concludes by wishing the interviewer and readers well.

The Alex Birch Hoax

The issue critically examines the 'great flying saucer hoax' involving photographs taken by Alex Birch in February 1962. The DAILY EXPRESS reported on this, and the photographs were prominently featured in a book by Rex Dutta. Alex Birch later confirmed on the BBC's NATIONWIDE programme that he had painted the 'saucers' on a pane of glass and photographed them. The article notes that Norman Oliver had previously been instrumental in disposing of the negative of these photos. Oliver wrote to Alex Birch seeking clarification on why he revealed the hoax after ten years, whether his father was aware, if the pane of glass was original, and if Oliver still believed in flying saucers despite the fake.

San Jose de Valderas Sighting

The article discusses the 'Saucer of San Jose de Valderas,' a sighting from June 1, 1969, in Spain. Several people witnessed a strange disc-shaped object over a castle for twelve minutes, flying very low. The object was described as round, about 12-13 meters wide, with a curious design on its underpart. While witness descriptions of the design varied, photographs developed later clarified the appearance. The article notes that the corroborative evidence is strong and the sighting is considered well-authenticated. The association of the design with a Tarot Trump symbol, representing cosmic ideas and the structure of the universe, is highlighted. This symbol is also identified as the astrological sign for Uranus. A letter to the Italian magazine CLYPEUS mentioned a similar symbol on notepaper from inhabitants of the planet UMMO.

Rituals and Symbolism

Stewart Farrar's book 'WHAT WITCHES DO' is cited regarding the origins of esoteric teachings in Atlantis and the concept of Akashic Records. William Gray's 'SEASONAL OCCULT RITUALS' is mentioned for its analogy of a rocket launch for the Rite of Commencement. The article notes that Wiccan festival rituals may involve a phallic wand, possibly representing the Caduceus or Mercurian staff. George Hunt Williamson's 'OTHER TONGUES, OTHER FLESH' is referenced concerning the caduceus symbol being used by lecturers on 'Space People' and its association with healing and dispute settlement. The article links this to Lady Helen's earlier comments and the idea of space visitors.

Further discussion revolves around Tarot cards, with the black and white ribbons on a ritual wand symbolizing the pillars of Solomon's temple, Boaz and Jakin (duality). The High Priestess card is also discussed, with speculation that Isis, often considered a space entity, might be represented. The article suggests a possible substitution of AVB for Boaz, a woman in a craft for Jakin, and the craft's origin for the High Priestess in a Brazilian contact case.

Other Sections

Reference Sources: A list of publications and books is provided, including 'QUEST UFO REPORT No. 2,' 'WHAT WITCHES DO,' 'SEASONAL OCCULT RITUALS,' 'MAGICAL RITUAL METHODS,' 'OTHER TONGUES, OTHER FLESH,' 'THE WHITE SANDS INCIDENT,' 'FLYING SAUCER REVIEW,' and 'CLYPEUS.'

Puma Spotters Ahoy!: A letter from THE PUMA RESEARCH GROUP in Southampton inquires if GEMINI has encountered similar findings regarding a mysterious Puma-type creature in the South of England, linking it to ASC (Anomalous Sensory Contact) research and UFOs.

New Mail Bag: This section contains letters from readers. Mary Long from East Grinstead praises the previous GEMINI edition and discusses her own mental contacts and exploration in the Blue John area. Dr G G Doel from Lymington suggests that the scarcity of cars during UFO sightings might be due to mental restraint or interference with electric circuits. Roy Jak Bagenha from Dagenham thanks GEMINI for its interesting content. L.S. from London SW 1 comments on the 'Sex and Saucers' article, suggesting a study of UFO phenomena through the lens of mythology and sex. Lou Zinstag from Basel, Switzerland, congratulates GEMINI on its publication quality and connections in Norway. John Keel from New York expresses his appreciation for GEMINI and discusses his shift from the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH) to medical and psychiatric studies, and his view of Arthur C. Clarke as a leading ufologist.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the overlap between the occult, witchcraft, and ufology, suggesting that these fields are not mutually exclusive but rather interconnected. There's a strong emphasis on questioning conventional explanations and exploring alternative theories, including the possibility of extraterrestrial influence on ancient beliefs and modern phenomena. The magazine appears to take a critical yet open-minded stance, exposing hoaxes like the Alex Birch photos while simultaneously investigating intriguing sightings and esoteric concepts. The editorial stance encourages readers to think critically and consider a wider range of possibilities beyond simplistic explanations.