Journal of the Fortean Research Center - Vol 5 No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: UNIDENTIFIED
Issue: Vol. V No. 1
Date: June 1991
Publisher: The Fortean Research Center
Country: USA
Price: $3.95

This issue of UNIDENTIFIED, the Journal of the Fortean Research Center, focuses heavily on the phenomenon of UFO abductions, exploring their nature, evidence, and implications. The cover features a stark illustration of two silhouetted figures in front of a bright light, hinting at the mysterious encounters discussed within.

From The Director: UFO Abductions: Fact & Fantasy

Scott H. Colborn introduces a two-part overview of UFO abduction issues, beginning with an introductory article defining what constitutes a UFO abduction. He references Joseph Nyman's 'Latent Encounter Experience' model, which describes the process of an individual coming to terms with an abduction experience through stages of puzzlement, attempted resolution, and eventual action to understand the event. Colborn highlights the significant challenges percipients face in recalling these experiences, citing reasons such as fear of being perceived as insane, societal judgment, the desire to repress trauma, and the inherent difficulty in remembering events from altered states of consciousness. He also notes the possibility of abductors actively blocking memory.

Colborn presents Nyman's 'Latent Encounter Cycle,' detailing seven stages from anxious anticipation and transition of consciousness to rapid forgetfulness and a 'marker stage' of incongruous memories and repetitive dreams. He also mentions the phenomenon of cycle repetition at specific ages.

Objections to the Abduction Experience

John Carpenter, a hypnotherapist, is discussed for his work addressing objections to the reality of UFO abduction reports, such as dreaming, confabulation, lying, and imagination. Carpenter dismisses these as inadequate explanations. The article briefly mentions Phillip Klass as a skeptic and lists Carpenter, Thomas Bullard, Budd Hopkins, Dr. Leo Sprinkle, Dr. Edith Fiore, Ida M. Kannenberg, and Joseph Nyman as proponents of informed reporting on abduction experiences.

Abductions Are "Real"

Carpenter argues that abductions are "real" because they are physical events. Evidence includes witnesses observing abductees in unusual positions, physical effects like cuts, scoop marks, infections, and scars, and re-occurring health problems. Anecdotal examples include abductees waking up in reversed positions in bed, on different furniture, or even in their yard, suggesting a lack of meticulousness by the abductors in returning them. Another account describes a Lincoln abductee finding damp sand on her legs, linked to encounters at a lake, leading her to attempt to prevent nocturnal drives.

The article touches upon the controversial topic of alleged alien implants, noting that information on their retrieval by medical authorities is currently sketchy but expresses hope for progress through a network of researchers and medical professionals. Trace elements found on or around abductees, landing areas, and missing items like nightgowns are also cited as potential physical evidence.

Carpenter shared a story of a young boy who identified a Nun during an abduction, and another account of a young woman who experienced a pregnancy that later disappeared, with medical exams confirming no trace of the pregnancy. Carpenter concludes that the physical nature of these events indicates they are real phenomena.

Examples of UFO Abductions

Several examples illustrate the abduction phenomenon:

1. Car Trip Anomaly: A woman recounted a car trip where her father stopped the car due to a bright light surrounding their farmstead. The family sat in the car for an undetermined amount of time, observing the farmstead bathed in light. The experience was strange and never discussed by family members.
2. Lincoln Sighting: Two young women driving near Cortland, Nebraska, reported seeing two large white and red lights in the sky, resembling headlights and taillights but airborne. The lights moved erratically and seemed to be following their car.
3. Rectangular Object: A driver reported a rectangular object with thousands of lights appearing suddenly beside her car, estimated to be one block long. The car's speed dropped to 5 mph, and the driver lost consciousness for a period.
4. Bedroom Visitation: In Columbus, Nebraska, a young girl experienced a hazy dream of a face in her window. Hypnosis revealed she was taken through her wall into a disc-shaped craft next door, where she underwent a medical exam by the abductors.
5. Daytime Visitation: A middle-aged woman in Lincoln experienced multiple abductions. As a child, she was found in the rear of a closet after being coaxed by a being into the garage, where she lost consciousness and later found herself back in the closet.

The article promises to cover partial symptoms, post-abduction syndrome, UFO abduction myths, and theories in the next part.

Guest Editorial: Unidentified Objects Or Living Beings?

John Foster reflects on the term "UFO" and suggests it may be obsolete, as investigators and abductees increasingly accept the presence of "beings" involved in the phenomenon. He posits that the craft are used publicly to provoke thought about reality, while private encounters reveal the beings' alleged preplanned activities and characteristics. Foster proposes "Universal Feeling Organisms" as a more fitting descriptive title, acknowledging that the beings seem to endure a variety of feelings.

Foster shares his personal experiences, noting that many of his UFO encounters were initially forgotten due to mental programming. A flood of recollection at age 49 revealed two abstract types of experiences: initial level and deeper level. He identifies thirteen types of craft and enclosures and three types of alien beings, finding the beings the most difficult aspect to accept. He describes initial level craft as reacting like living things, while deeper levels involved more direct interaction with the beings. Foster believes these interactions reveal the beings' connection to metaphysics, spirituality, and human history, and suggests he has preassigned tasks for the future. He concludes that "Unidentified Flying Object" does not adequately describe the complex reality of the phenomenon and advocates for a more descriptive nomenclature.

Possible UFO Landings In Southern Iowa

Dr. John C. Kasher details two separate incidents on a farm in southern Iowa that involved physical evidence potentially related to UFOs, along with other reported sightings in the area.

Case One: September 25, 1989: A farmer discovered nine circular burn marks in a field. The previous night, his daughter-in-law witnessed a large, spherical white light surrounded by eight smaller lights hovering over the field. The next morning, one large circular burn (70 feet in diameter) and two smaller ones (40 and 20 feet) were found. A segment was missing from the whole circular pattern of the main burns. The area between the smallest burn and haystacks was trampled, and an 8-inch diameter by 6-inch deep elliptical cut was found in a haystack. Soil and plant samples were analyzed, with gamma radiation slightly above background but not significantly so, and no evidence of plant disease found. The farmer reported finding circular burns on this land three times previously, with intervals of 16-17 years. Meteorologists confirmed no lightning activity in the area at the time.

Case Two: April 6, 1990: The farmer's daughter and husband observed a red light in the sky that moved horizontally. The light stopped and hovered above treetops, blinked out, and reappeared on the ground. This occurred several times as they approached the area. The next day, three oval-shaped marks (14"x36") were found in the grass, with specific measurements between them, forming a triangle.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature of UFO abductions, the evidence supporting their reality, and the potential existence of non-human intelligences. The Fortean Research Center, as a non-profit organization, aims to investigate all aspects of unexplained phenomena, including UFOs, and serves as a source of reliable information. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these phenomena, presenting evidence and theories for consideration by the reader, while acknowledging the complexities and subjective nature of many of the experiences discussed.

This issue of the JOURNAL of the FORTEAN RESEARCH CENTER, Vol. V No. 1, published in 1990, focuses on the intersection of theoretical physics, paranormal phenomena, and extraterrestrial intelligence. The cover story, "The Fourth Dimension And Alien Technology" by Erich A. Aggen, Jr., explores the concept of time travel and its potential connection to alien technology, referencing scientific theories and science fiction.

The Fourth Dimension And Alien Technology by Erich A. Aggen, Jr.

This article delves into the concept of the fourth dimension, primarily time, and its implications for physical travel through time. It discusses how astronomers use the speed of light to measure vast distances, illustrating time as a dimension. The author touches upon H.G. Wells' "The Time Machine" and Einstein's theories of relativity, noting that a machine generating an intense gravitational field could theoretically transcend time and space. The article also explores the paradoxes of time travel and the idea that observing past events could alter them. Physicist David Bohm's theory of the "implicate order" and the concept of a simultaneous existence of past, present, and future are introduced. The behavior of sub-atomic particles, such as tachyons that travel faster than light, and the constant creation and annihilation of virtual particle-antiparticle pairs are mentioned. The author references Gary Zukav's "The Dancing Wu Li Masters" and the idea that matter is a curvature of spacetime. Friedrich Nietzsche's skepticism about absolute truths and the limitations of human sensations of space and time are also noted. A significant portion of the article is dedicated to the controversial claims of Robert Lazar regarding his work with purported alien propulsion systems at "Area S-4" in Nevada. Lazar's work suggests that UFOs utilize anti-matter reactors and gravity waves to create spacetime "warps" for propulsion, potentially enabling instantaneous travel and even backward movement in time. The article posits that if Lazar's data is true, current physics theories may be inadequate. The "Philadelphia Experiment" is discussed as a possible instance of utilizing alien technology, involving the alleged teleportation of the USS Eldridge in 1943. The author speculates that Albert Einstein may have been involved in this project. The article concludes by suggesting that advancements in technology over the past 47 years may have progressed beyond crude experiments, and if alien spacecraft are being test-flown, time travel might be included in these explorations.

Personal Testimony about Further Incidents in the Area

This section presents anecdotal accounts related to UFO sightings and strange occurrences. A farmer's friend, a helicopter pilot, estimated an object that landed in a field weighed at least 10 tons, noting no tracks leading to three oval marks. Geiger counters showed no radiation. A plaster cast of one mark was made but was not useful. The field was sharply sloped, potentially explaining why a couple couldn't see the object. Two teenage boys reported seeing a large, white spherical ball of light that emitted a humming sound and sparks. A farmer found an equilateral triangle carved out of his field, with the excavated dirt intact and the ground inside smooth as glass. A neighbor reported seeing a glowing red light that landed in a field. Another neighbor and his wife saw two glowing white lights that reversed direction. The farmer notes that similar sightings have been occurring several times per week.

UFO Activity As An Educational Program by Dr. R. Leo Sprinkle

Dr. R. Leo Sprinkle, a counseling psychologist, presents a paper originally published in "Paranormal Research." He shares his personal experiences with UFO research, including sightings in 1949 and 1956. He joined APRO and NICAP in 1962 and began investigating UFO literature and the psychological aspects of UFO experiences. Sprinkle has conducted studies on UFO abductees and contactees, including hypnotic sessions. He believes that UFOs exist and that UFO research is frustrating but sometimes fun. He hypothesizes that UFO activity is a vast educational program for humankind from extraterrestrial civilizations.

Minor Hypotheses:

• Thesis I: UFO witnesses have experienced encounters with intelligently controlled spacecraft.
• Thesis II: Many UFO witnesses have experienced abductions and examinations by UFO occupants.
• Thesis III: Most UFO witnesses are psychologically normal.

Supporting Thesis III, the article cites a dissertation by June O. Parnell, which found that participants reporting UFO experiences exhibited high psychic energy, a tendency to question authority, and were self-sufficient, resourceful, and preferring their own decisions. They were also described as above-average intelligence, assertive, experimenting thinkers, reserved, and possibly having schizoid tendencies, but no overt psychopathology was indicated. Studies by Bloecher, Clamar, and Hopkins on UFO abductees also found participants to be intelligent, creative, competent, but also "tender" or vulnerable.

• Thesis IV: Psychic phenomena, including "channeled" communications, are associated with UFO encounters, and contactees view themselves as changing from "planetary persons" to "cosmic citizens."

Supporting Thesis IV, the article mentions Ida M. Kannenberg's experience and her mentor Hweig. The author notes that while psychic phenomena and channeled communications can be difficult to evaluate, they are often experienced before, during, and after UFO encounters.

A Model Of UFO Experiences (PACTS Model):

The PACTS Model (Preparation, Abduction, Contact, Training, Service) is presented as a tentative framework for understanding UFO experiences. It suggests a progression from family/cultural traditions of ESP to UFO sightings, abductions, adult visitations, training for a mission, and finally, service to others. This model is based on the claims of many UFO abductees/contactees and participants at the Rocky Mountain Conference on UFO Investigation.

Implications For UFO Research:

• The article suggests several implications for UFO research:
• Physical scientists should study UFO photographs, radar reports, landing traces, and electromagnetic effects.
• Biological scientists should study mutilated animals and abducted persons.
• Behavioral and social scientists should study reports of crashed discs, alien bodies, and the psychological characteristics of abductees and contactees.
• Parapsychologists and consciousness researchers should study channeled messages, "walk-ins," OBEs, NDEs, and UFO contactees' experiences with telepathy, clairvoyance, psychokinesis, reincarnation, and healing.

The author concludes that by studying these phenomena, we may learn more about alien beings or, at the very least, more about human nature and our "Planetary Plight."

A Model Of Experiential Science:

This section introduces the idea of an "experiential science" that complements empirical science. It draws on holographic models of the universe and mind, and suggests that consciousness plays a significant role in our perception of physical reality. This approach promotes partnership between experimenter and participant and allows for the study of spirit or psychic phenomena.

On Mind And The Physics Of Paranormal Phenomena by John White

This excerpt from John White's book "The Meeting of Science and Spirit" discusses the prevailing materialistic worldview of science, often termed physicalism, which posits that life and consciousness are reducible to physical matter and its properties. The author argues that if mind is not found within recognized forces of nature, it must be sought elsewhere, leading to parapsychology and psychical research.

I. The Occult Forces of Life:

The article defines "energy" from its Greek root meaning "active" and "vital activity." It introduces the concept of a fundamental "life force" that was recognized in ancient traditions but not fully understood. In recent years, there has been a reawakening of interest in a "psychic factor" or a "fifth force" that is weak, unpredictable, but can be refracted, polarized, and focused. This force is believed to be involved in various aspects of supersensory proclivities (psychic abilities) and can explain phenomena like mental telepathy, psychokinesis, and clairvoyance. Ivan Sanderson, founder of the Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained, is quoted as saying this fifth force is observable and measurable only in the biological field, requiring a living thing to manifest. It is suggested that this force could explain phenomena that have puzzled psychologists, such as the subconscious and hypnotism.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature of reality, the limitations of current scientific understanding, and the exploration of phenomena that fall outside conventional scientific paradigms. The articles collectively suggest a shift from a purely empirical, materialistic view of the universe towards an acceptance of more subjective, experiential, and potentially spiritual dimensions. There is a clear interest in UFO phenomena, time travel, and the possibility of advanced alien technology as catalysts for expanding human understanding. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these often-controversial subjects, encouraging the integration of scientific and experiential approaches to research.

This issue of the "JOURNAL of the FORTEAN RESEARCH CENTER" (Vol. V No. 1) is dated October 1972 and focuses on a variety of anomalous phenomena, including a hypothesized "fifth force" in nature, archaeological discoveries, and unexplained aerial events. The magazine features articles, book reviews, and letters, reflecting a deep interest in topics that lie beyond conventional scientific understanding.

The Fifth Force and Vital Energies

The lead article, "The Fifth Force," explores the concept of a fundamental energy underlying paranormal phenomena. It draws parallels between modern scientific hypotheses and ancient traditions that describe a vital life force. The article references the work of researchers like Andrija Puharich, Uri Geller, Harold Puthoff, Russell Targ, and Leonid Vasiliev, who have investigated telepathy and other psychic abilities. It highlights the idea that this force, referred to as 'X-energy,' is pervasive and distinct from known forces, potentially explaining phenomena like orgone energy and bioplasma.

Several ancient and contemporary traditions are cited as recognizing this energy, including the Chinese concept of 'qi' or 'chi,' the Indian 'prana,' Polynesian 'mana,' Sufi 'baraka,' Jewish 'yesod,' Iroquois 'orenda,' and the Ituri Pygmies' 'megbe.' The article also mentions Wilhelm Reich's discovery of 'orgone energy' and its parallels with Franz Anton Mesmer's animal magnetism and Karl von Reichenbach's odic force.

Lawrence Beynam's examination of this 'X-energy' is detailed, listing its characteristics: its observation in various physical phenomena, its pervasive nature, its negentropic and organizing effect, its role in preceding physical changes, its opposition to entropy, its concentration at geometrical points in organized structures, and its flow between objects. The article also notes that this energy is subject to exponential decay and its density varies inversely with distance.

Further exploration of related concepts includes Dr. Harold Saxton Burr's electrodynamic theory of life and the 'L-field,' which suggests a guiding field influencing physical structures. The concept of morphogenetic fields proposed by Rupert Sheldrake is also discussed, with Sheldrake agreeing that further research might bridge the gap between his hypothesis and the idea of a new force.

Archaeological Discoveries

Several articles highlight significant archaeological findings that challenge existing timelines for human presence in North America.

One report details the discovery of mammoth bones in Frontier County, Nebraska, dating back 18,000 years. Archaeologist Steve Holen believes bone flakes found at the site were intentionally chipped by humans, suggesting a much earlier arrival of humans on the continent than the previously accepted date of 11,500 years ago. This claim is met with some skepticism, with other experts suggesting the flakes could be naturally made.

Another major discovery is reported from an army base in southeastern New Mexico, where excavations have provided evidence of human habitation dating back at least 36,000 years. This site, uncovered by Richard MacNeish, includes artifacts and evidence of human activity, pushing back the timeline for human colonization of the Americas significantly.

Additionally, the discovery of large underground chambers in Arizona, identified as American Indian catacombs dating back up to 800 years, is reported. These chambers, described as "mind-numbing," suggest a more advanced and elaborate culture than previously understood.

Unexplained Phenomena and Sightings

The issue includes reports of various unexplained phenomena.

A loud "boom" heard in Omaha, Nebraska, is discussed, with the FAA suggesting it was possibly a sonic boom, though no supersonic aircraft were identified. Residents reported hearing the noise and seeing a jet contrail.

Several sightings of bright lights in the sky are documented. In Nebraska, a bright light was seen west of Omaha, with no definitive explanation from weather services or astronomy professors. Another report details a colorful fireball seen across four states, including Nebraska, which was likely a meteor.

Miscellaneous Reports

Other miscellaneous reports include:

• "Carhenge" Project: James Reinders is completing a replica of Stonehenge made from old cars in Alliance, Nebraska. The project has generated significant public interest.
• Blood of Saint Reportedly Liquefies: In Naples, Italy, the dried blood of San Januarius reportedly liquefied again, a phenomenon that occurs twice a year and is seen as significant by superstitious locals.
• Whistling, Screaming Just Tiny Meteorite: A man in Glatton, England, reported a loud whistling and screaming noise caused by a tiny meteorite that landed in his garden.
• Burglar hits piggy banks, refrigerators: A burglar in Omaha targeted refrigerators and piggy banks in a series of recent burglaries.
• Tasmanian tiger allegedly sighted: A search was conducted in Australia after a taxi driver claimed to have seen a Tasmanian tiger.

Book Reviews

Two book reviews are featured:

• "The Sanctified Body" by Patricia Treece: This book explores physical manifestations of holiness such as levitation and inedia, drawing on various religious traditions, particularly Catholicism.
• "The Sacred Journey of the Peaceful Warrior" by Dan Millman: This review discusses the third book in the Peaceful Warrior series, focusing on the protagonist's journey to India and his encounters with new teachers, exploring themes of self-discovery and the nature of time.

Letters to the Editor

A letter from John R. Heapes, a Professor of Sociology, requests information on societies found on other planets for a project on the "Sociology of Other Worlds." He is interested in the demographic and social structures of extraterrestrial beings, focusing on content analysis of books related to contact and abduction experiences.

Another letter, from an anonymous source, expresses a desire to share information about UFOs and aliens, citing personal experiences and a belief that governments are controlled by "evil" alien visitors. The writer warns of potential elimination and discusses the corruption in military, business, legal, religious, and political systems.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the exploration of phenomena that challenge conventional scientific paradigms. There is a strong emphasis on the existence of unknown forces, ancient wisdom traditions, and the potential for a deeper understanding of reality beyond the purely physical. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into the paranormal, archaeological anomalies, and unexplained events, encouraging readers to share information and contribute to the ongoing investigation of these subjects. The magazine positions itself as a platform for discussing topics that are often overlooked or dismissed by mainstream science.

This document is a collection of announcements, events, and requests, likely from a publication associated with the Fortean Research Center. It serves as a bulletin board for the unexplained phenomena community, detailing upcoming conferences, symposiums, talks, and calls for information.

Thanks...

The publication expresses gratitude to individuals and organizations who contributed to the event "Exploring Unexplained Phenomena III," which is to be covered in the next issue. Specific thanks are extended to guests for speaking at the conference and to James D. Birkel and Ron McKenzie for library contributions. August Dreier and Lon Nansel are thanked for shelving materials.

Events...

A list of upcoming events is provided:

• June 27-29: The 12th Rocky Mountain Conference on UFO Investigation will be held at the University of Wyoming in Laramie. Guests include Professor John R. Salter, Merry Lyon Noble, and James G. Gordon. Contact Dr. June Parnel for details.
• July 5-7: The 1991 MUFON International Symposium will take place at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare in Chicago, Illinois. Notable guests listed are Colin Andrews, John Carpenter, Michael Chorost, Stanton Friedman, Linda Moulton Howe, David Jacobs, Bruce Maccabee, Jean-Pierre Petit, Gene Phillips, Zechariah Sitchin, and Michael Swords.
• July 14: Isabella Quigley will give a talk on reincarnation and Atlantis at the Oakcrest Center in Elkhorn, Nebraska, at 3:00 p.m. Contact Quay Fitch for more information.
• August 11: UFO Investigator Bill Caulfield will give a talk at the Unity Church in Omaha, Nebraska. Contact Quay Fitch.
• August 23-25: The Great UFO/ET/Alien & Abduction Congress will be held at Disneyworld, The Grosvenor Resort, Orlando, Florida. Inquiries should be directed to Pat J. Marcattilio c/o Bret Regal.
• October 6: The 1991 Annual Scientific Meeting of The American College of Orgonomy will be held at the Henry Chauncey Conference Center in Princeton, New Jersey. It is open to the public. Correspondence should be sent to A.C.O., P.O. Box 490, Princeton, New Jersey 08542.
• November 9-10: FortFest 1991 is scheduled for the Washington DC Area and is recommended by the editor. Information can be obtained from the International Fortean Organization (INFO).

Requests...

Researchers are invited to submit their requests for information to be published. The Fortean Research Center is actively collecting data on unusual occurrences in Nebraska, aiming to map these events and identify patterns. They are interested in news clippings, personal experiences, folklore, and reports of large metallic objects. A specific request is made for accounts of out-of-place animal sightings for a future journal article. The publication also humorously inquires about information regarding "garden hoses squirming or being pulled underground."

Help Our Friends

Page two lists numerous organizations dealing with the unexplained, encouraging readers to become members to provide financial and spiritual support. These organizations include:

• Arcturus Book Service
• Citizens Against UFO Secrecy
• Ghost Research Society
• International UFO Reporter
• KZUM-FM 89.3
• Mutual UFO Network
• PASU
• Spectra, Inc.
• UFO
• UFO Contact Center International
• Stigmata
• U.F.O. Newsclipping Service
• The Temporal Anomaly Research Association
• Island Skywatch
• International Fortean Organization (INFO)
• Italian Center for UFO Studies (CISU)
• Archives for UFO Research
• Crux Publications
• New York Fortean Society

Additionally, two businesses are listed as carrying the Journal of the Fortean Research Center: The Pegasus Book Store in Omaha, NE, and The Way Home Music and Books in Lincoln, NE.

The Fortean Research Center's mailing address is P.O. Box 94627, Lincoln, NE 68509. It is identified as a non-profit corporation for the study of unexplained phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes are UFOs, unexplained phenomena, and fortean research. The editorial stance appears to be one of active investigation and information gathering, encouraging community participation and support for related organizations. The tone is informative and inviting, with a touch of curiosity and a willingness to explore even unusual topics, as indicated by the request for information on garden hoses.