Journal of the Fortean Research Center - Vol 5 No 4

Magazine Overview

This issue of the JOURNAL OF THE FORTEAN RESEARCH CENTER, Volume 5, Number 4, dated August 1994, with a cover price of $3.95, focuses on "Exploring Unexplained Phenomena." The cover prominently features an "Interview With an Abductee," posing the question, "Is there a secret underground base near Artesia, New Mexico?" The issue includes a map of New Mexico highlighting the Artesia region.

Letter from the Director

R. W. Boeche, the new Director of the Fortean Research Center (FRC), extends a warm welcome to members. He acknowledges the work of Scott Colborn and the Board of Directors. Boeche, the founder of the FRC in 1982, expresses his return as a homecoming. He announces the resumption of regular publication of the Journal, aiming for four issues per year, and encourages manuscript submissions. He also highlights that Linda Moulton Howe will provide a regular column starting in the next issue. The FRC plans to offer courses and seminars on various Fortean topics, including animal mutilations, high-strangeness monster sightings, the Men-in-Black enigma, and OOPARTS. The letter concludes with a plea for financial support, emphasizing that the FRC is a tax-exempt, non-profit organization funded by memberships and contributions.

Contents

• The table of contents lists the following sections:
• Introduction (Page 2)
• The Interview (Page 5)
• A Psychologist's Statement (Page 23)
• Letters (Page 24)
• Afterwords (Page 26)
• Books (Page 31)

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors includes Director Ray W. Boeche, Assistant Director Steve Johnson, Treasurer Ed Rumbaugh, Secretary Lee Debus, Editor Gary Carey, Contributing Editor Frank Dreier, Director/Investigations Tom Keith, and Director-at-Large Lon Nansel.

About the Fortean Research Center

The FRC is described as a non-profit corporation investigating unexplained phenomena such as UFOs, cryptozoological mysteries, and paranormal events. It is exempt from Federal Income Tax under Section 501(c)(3). Membership is $20.00 per year and includes the Journal and an occasional Newsletter. Contributions are tax-deductible.

Introduction: Interview with an Abductee

Scott Colborn introduces the interview with Vicki Stadler, whom he met in late 1987. Stadler had experienced "highly strange, personal experiences" that she felt couldn't be explained prosaically. Her initial attempt to seek answers involved a psychologist in Lincoln who, after a hypnosis session, abruptly dismissed her, suggesting a potential discomfort with the subject matter. Colborn then referred her to a second psychologist, who offered a more supportive approach. This led to working with Dr. Julia Christoffersen, a clinical psychologist trained in hypnosis, in early 1989.

Colborn explains his role as a researcher in the process, involving tape-recording sessions and providing a location for hypnosis. He emphasizes his priority of putting the abductee's interests first, even if it means deviating from conventional researcher practices, such as discouraging reading about UFOs. He believes that understanding the subject matter can help individuals contextualize their experiences. The FRC published a newsletter piece about Stadler's experiences, which prompted responses from other Ufological organizations. In July 1992, Colborn traveled to New Mexico and contacted the Artesia Daily Press, seeking information about local mysteries, which resulted in two letters from the area.

Colborn describes the process of preparing for the article by assembling notes and talking about Vicki's experiences. He notes that the following interview is a transcribed tape recording, with minor edits for grammar and continuity, aiming to retain the original candor. Dr. Christoffersen's statement, focusing on Vicki's credibility, follows the interview.

Colborn expresses his belief in Vicki's honesty and bravery, encouraging readers to approach her story with an open mind. He suggests that her willingness to share her experiences may make it easier for others. The interview itself originally took place on August 14, 1993, in a private classroom.

The Interview

Scott Colborn begins the interview by asking Vicki Stadler about her perspectives in 1993 regarding her experiences, which began to surface in late 1987. Vicki recalls feeling comfortable talking to Scott about her unusual experiences, including ghost-type encounters and, notably, "missing time." She recounts an incident in 1984 where she lost over 30 hours, waking up a day and a half later. She admits to suppressing these experiences due to fear of being perceived as strange or abnormal.

Vicki explains that as these experiences, including missing time and unexplained scars, became more frequent, she felt a need to access the buried memories. Scott suggested working with a psychologist and hypnosis. Her initial work with a psychologist in 1988 focused on imagery, which helped release emotional residue but did not retrieve specific details of events. This process, however, prepared her for more intensive work with hypnosis and regression in early 1989 with Dr. Christoffersen.

Scott clarifies that some of Vicki's experiences were ongoing during the period of investigation (1987-1989). Vicki recalls the first psychologist asking her to complete a questionnaire, which she did, but when the psychologist reviewed it, it was blank, despite Vicki's clear memory of filling it out. This was a strange occurrence.

Vicki then recounts early childhood memories, starting with an incident around age seven in Lincoln, Nebraska. While playing in her backyard, she saw a "funny little man" beckoning her into a garage. Inside, she encountered a bright light, and her conscious memory ended. She woke up hours later in a coat closet, with no explanation for how she got there. Her father had been called home from work due to the extensive search for her. She also mentions a 1964 experience at age 13, where she saw a cigar-shaped craft over north Lincoln performing unusual maneuvers, which led to a loss of conscious memory.

Vicki confirms that most of her experiences discussed took place in the Lincoln area, with some exceptions at remote locations. She reiterates that the childhood memory was the extent of her recollection before hypnosis. She describes the little man incident as feeling "out of the ordinary" and something she told her mother about, who initially dismissed it as imagination.

She then recounts an experience in 1984, during her first marriage, which occurred between marriages. While single, she had a recurring dream about a lake and certain events. Driven by the intensity of the dream, she visited Branched Oak Lake. There, the events from her dreams unfolded. She remembers being dragged into a beam of light and waking up in her car two days later, having lost consciousness. She describes a strange ritual of disposing of her clothes, washing her outer garments immediately and wrapping her underclothes in plastic and a paper bag before discarding them. She notes the unusualness of this behavior. She also points out the strangeness of her car being left unattended for two days in a patrolled state park area without any report or ticket being issued.

Scott asks about her motivation for going to the lake, which Vicki states was "just because of the dreams" and a need for "verification for myself that there was more to it than just a dream." She describes the dream as haunting and repetitive.

Vicki then discusses her first marriage, during which she had two children. She recounts a "missing time" experience around 1980 at home. While outside tending to the family dog, she felt a presence behind her and saw an extremely bright light. Her conscious memory ended, and she woke up lying on the back step, feeling very nauseous. Both she and the dog were sick for three days. Within weeks of this incident, she discovered she was pregnant. About five months into the pregnancy, she had a "dream experience" where the fetus was removed. She realized the pregnancy was gone within 24 hours. Her doctor attributed it to a miscarriage, but Vicki, having had previous miscarriages, knew this was different. She describes this event as a "highly unusual and a kind of emotional turning point" that led to the breakdown of her marriage and a divorce within two years.

She confirms that she remarried after this period.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around personal accounts of unexplained phenomena, particularly UFO abductions and missing time experiences. The editorial stance, as expressed by Scott Colborn and the FRC, is one of open-minded investigation and prioritizing the well-being and experiences of individuals who come forward with their stories. There is a clear emphasis on the validity of subjective experiences and the importance of providing support and resources for those seeking to understand them. The FRC positions itself as a research and educational organization dedicated to exploring these phenomena without immediate dismissal or debunking, encouraging a balanced approach that considers all data, even if it challenges conventional understanding.

This issue of the Journal of the Fortean Research Center, Volume 5, No. 4, features an in-depth interview with an individual named Vicki, conducted by Scott. The content primarily revolves around Vicki's personal experiences with UFOs, alien contact, and related phenomena, explored through hypnosis sessions with Dr. Julia Christoffersen.

Vicki's Abduction and Contact Experiences

Vicki recounts a recurring dream of being drawn up into a beam of light and taken away, which she experienced at Branched Oak Lake. She describes this as a repeated event, over and over.

The 'Others' and the 'Protector'

Vicki explains that her regressive hypnosis sessions, which began in early 1989, revealed information about her contacts with beings she calls 'the Others.' A significant aspect of these experiences is her relationship with one of these beings, a hybrid whom she calls 'the Protector.' She describes him as being in control during experiences and providing comfort and protection.

Vicki feels that her connection with the Protector is strong and predates her current life, suggesting a relationship that has spanned multiple lifetimes. She perceives the Protector as male, based on signals she receives from him.

Physical Descriptions

Vicki describes the 'Others' as smaller than the Protector, around 4 to 4 1/2 feet tall, with slender, sloping shoulders and long arms. They have hands with five fingers, appearing similar to human hands but lacking a little finger, with a thumb on each side, giving the impression of two thumbs and three fingers. Their heads are slightly oversized, with vacant, teardrop-shaped eyes and a prominent brow ridge. They have a very small slit of a mouth, which Vicki has not seen used for communication or eating.

The Protector, while also a hybrid, is described as being closer to Vicki's height (around 5'1" for him, 5'2" for her). He has a more slender face with delicate features, a less pronounced brow ridge, and eyes with an elongated vertical pupil, not quite like a cat's eye. His shoulders are pronounced, and he has thin lips. He indicated he is part of both humans and 'them,' suggesting a hybrid nature.

The Artesia Location

During a hypnosis session on April 26, 1990, Vicki received information about a place called 'Artesia' in North America, described as having hot conditions, a desert-like environment with some trees, and rolling ground. The Protector was reportedly held captive there, possibly underground or in a building without sun. He was seen with three individuals (one female, two males) wearing white, one-piece outfits with clear shields over their faces, whom Vicki assumes were humans. The Protector expressed a desire to die rather than be held captive and tested. Vicki also mentioned a connection to children at this location.

Scott's research identified several places named Artesia in the US, focusing on Artesia, New Mexico, due to its proximity to the Pecos River, which could be the water source the Protector mentioned. He also noted potential underground tunnel systems and former government/military installations in the area. Vicki confirmed that New Mexico is the correct location.

Experiments with Children

Vicki describes incidents involving both hybrid and human children at the Artesia location, undergoing physical and psychological testing. She felt she was taken there to help these children develop communication skills and emotions, though she doesn't fully understand her role. She believes some of these children may have a physical connection to her, possibly being her own children conceived or developed through this species. The information received suggests that the 'Others' use this process for racial renewal due to their age and lack of other reproduction means.

Vicki also recounts an experience where the Protector was laid out on a table, and she and six children touched him, which turned out to be a healing process. She believes the children were to be taken to another world, not remain at the facility.

Warnings and Intimidation

Vicki received warnings, including phone calls and a letter, to cease her investigation into the Protector and Artesia. One phone call, possibly from a 'Man in Black' individual she had seen previously, warned her to forget about the Protector and that she 'couldn't help.' This intimidation was perceived as an attempt to deter her investigation.

Poltergeist Activity and Men in Black

Vicki experienced poltergeist-like phenomena, including furniture rearrangement and missing journal pages, which she believes were related to her UFO experiences and an attempt by the 'Others' to control her and the Protector. She also reported encounters with individuals she identifies as 'Men in Black' (MIBs), dressed in black, who seemed to be following her. When she attempted to approach them, they evasively moved away.

The Bob Collins Episode and Radio Signal Interruption

Scott recounts a phone call from Bob Collins, an assistant director for MUFON, who inquired about Vicki's experiences. Later, during a radio interview with Bill Hamilton on KZUM-FM on May 26, 1990, discussing alien presence and underground bases, the station's transmitter went off the air for approximately 22 minutes. This event is explored as a potential deliberate interruption.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO contact, alien abduction, the nature of hybrid beings, government/alien interaction, and the challenges of investigating such phenomena. The journal appears to present these accounts with a serious, investigative stance, exploring the details of Vicki's experiences and Scott's research into the claims. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry into unexplained phenomena, providing a platform for detailed personal testimonies and subsequent investigation.

This issue of the Journal of the Fortean Research Center, Volume 5, Number 4, delves into alleged non-human interaction and underground facilities, primarily focusing on the area around Artesia, New Mexico. The content is based on interviews with an experiencer named Vicki, letters from local residents, and analysis by researchers Scott Colborn and psychologist Dr. Julia Christoffersen.

Vicki's Experiences and Testimony

Vicki recounts her experiences, which she believes are highly unusual and defy logic. She describes interactions with beings, including one she calls the 'Protector,' and suggests that Artesia, New Mexico, is or was the site of an underground school used for monitoring children and studying their psychological and emotional development, possibly involving alien or hybrid presence. She is certain that there is ongoing interaction and research, potentially focusing on the development of hybrid beings and their interaction with humans. Vicki expresses concern about children and suggests this could explain some missing children cases.

She details instances of her notes being lost or stolen, which she interprets as attempts at manipulation or intimidation. However, she has resolved to speak out and share her experiences. Vicki also discusses ongoing health problems that she feels may be connected to her encounters. She recounts a specific hypnosis session in early 1991 where she was taken to a 'dark place' with the Protector and saw children being tested by scientists at Artesia. She also mentions a miscarriage that she believes was caused by the aliens not knowing she was pregnant.

Vicki describes encounters with another type of being, 'Tall Beings,' who are physically different and seem to lack the same mental or psychic abilities as the 'Others' (presumably the Protector's group). She feels these beings treat her like a 'laboratory animal.'

Regarding the information provided by the Protector, Vicki believes he has been honest about his intentions, which she interprets as an attempt to preserve their own race, possibly with human help. She feels they resorted to underhanded methods because they anticipated human fear and resistance. Vicki advocates for open communication with influential individuals to release information without causing fear.

Scott Colborn's Investigation and Analysis

Scott Colborn, the interviewer and researcher, frames the issue as an alert to readers about potential non-human interaction and unusual activity in the Artesia area. He emphasizes the importance of sharing experiences to make it easier for others to investigate. Colborn acknowledges the complexity and depth of Vicki's experiences, suggesting they are either very real and accurately reported or the result of a concerted effort to make people believe this information.

Colborn discusses the possibility of a 'real-time' link between Vicki and the Protector during hypnosis, though he also considers the possibility of it being a hypnotically recalled event. He notes that Vicki was warned to cease and desist her investigation into 'Artesia,' and his radio program was interrupted when he attempted to discuss underground alien bases, suggesting an effort to deter their research or to increase their curiosity.

Colborn explores various possibilities for the events, including: the accuracy of Vicki's accounts of joint alien-human operations at Artesia; that the events were orchestrated for unknown reasons; that the relationship between Vicki and the Protector developed unexpectedly, leading to orchestrated events to study human behavior; that this is an attempt to sidetrack researchers; and the potential connection to Ed Dames' predictions about alien activity in the Four Corners area, possibly as a misdirection from Artesia.

He also investigates the physical locations mentioned, including the underground school in Artesia (Abo Elementary School) and the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP), considering if these could be fronts for alien-human facilities. Colborn notes that the topography of Artesia, New Mexico, fits Vicki's description, and the Pecos River could be the water source mentioned.

Dr. Julia Christoffersen's Psychological Assessment

Dr. Julia Christoffersen, a psychologist, provides a statement detailing her involvement with Vicki starting in March 1989. She describes Vicki as an excellent hypnotic subject who consistently attains a deep trance. Christoffersen conducted standardized psychological tests and an in-depth clinical interview, finding Vicki to be within the normal range of psychological functioning. She notes that Vicki tends to downplay her experiences and is unwilling to draw attention to herself.

Christoffersen highlights a specific hypnosis session on May 24, 1990, where Vicki unexpectedly shifted to describing an examination scene, identifying Artesia and the 'Protector.' She notes that Vicki experienced involuntary amnesia of this session, which was unusual as she typically regains at least partial memory. After deliberation, Christoffersen found no likely psychological explanation or ulterior motive for Vicki's reports under hypnosis.

Letters from Artesia Residents

The issue includes letters from Artesia residents, corroborating aspects of the alleged activity.

One letter, from two sisters, describes seeing strange objects in the sky in May or June 1987, following them to an underground school, and witnessing a large object land with smaller objects emerging. They also reported seeing lights and shadows and a hovering object.

Another letter, dated August 22, 1992, from an unnamed writer, responds to an article about a UFO abduction and underground facility. The writer confirms the existence of several underground facilities within a 200-mile radius of Artesia, including the Abo Elementary School and abandoned missile silos. The writer also recounts a personal sighting of two 'banana' type helicopters and an object with a blue flame over the Pecos River in 1989.

A follow-up note from Scott Colborn mentions that the same writer recalled reports of cattle mutilations and observed low-flying aircraft, possibly B-1 bombers, over Artesia, which were attributed to National Guard training but did not match the description of C-130s.

Afterwords

I. By Vicki Stadler: Vicki reflects on how her experiences have profoundly changed her life. She expresses gratitude to Scott Colborn for his guidance and to Dr. Christoffersen for her help. She reiterates her belief that the facility near Artesia is used for studying human and hybrid interaction, with both physical and psychological testing on children and adults. She is most concerned about the exploitation of children and the involvement of the government/military/scientific community. She states that the information presented is true to the best of their knowledge and only the 'tip of the iceberg.'

II. By Scott Colborn: Colborn summarizes the issue's purpose: to alert readers to potential non-human interaction and unusual activity in the Artesia area. He hopes that sharing Vicki's story will empower others to investigate their own experiences. He reiterates his belief in the validity of Vicki's accounts but maintains an open mind about potential deception. He discusses the possibility of the 'Artesia' reference being metaphorical or a deliberate misdirection.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the existence of underground alien/human facilities, the study and potential exploitation of hybrid children, the role of government factions in these activities, and the use of misdirection or intimidation to conceal information. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging readers to investigate and draw their own conclusions, as they believe official channels are unlikely to provide answers. There is a strong emphasis on the reality of Vicki's experiences and the need for transparency regarding these phenomena.

This issue of The Fortean Research Center journal, Volume 5, Number 4, published in 1991, focuses on UFO abductions and contactee trauma. The cover features illustrations by Vicki Stadler, including an alien head titled 'The Protector' and a drawing of a hand.

Article: The Artesia Connection

The main article discusses the paranormal experiences of an individual named Vicki, who believes she has had contact with a hybrid species and has been at a secret facility on multiple occasions. The report highlights the repugnant idea of children and hybrid children being held and tested at such a facility, noting that the evidence presented is circumstantial. The author, along with Vicki, suggests that various bits of circumstantial evidence point towards a convergence linking her experiences with Artesia, New Mexico. They pose the question of whether to take more than casual interest when such evidence aligns.

The article suggests that monitoring reports of missing children in the Southwest, particularly school-age children from the Artesia area or greater southeastern New Mexico experiencing psychological trauma, nighttime visitors, strange dreams, or abductions, might be helpful, as the children Vicki saw 'came from somewhere.'

The author admits that the report has 'a lot of holes,' is 'full of conjecture, assumptions, and circumstantial evidence,' and that the existence of a secret facility in the Artesia area and Vicki's experiences there remain unproven. However, they point to a series of coincidences, including harassing phone calls, an anonymous letter, poltergeist-like experiences, and a radio program being cut off when the 'alien presence and alleged underground bases' were mentioned. These elements, they argue, collectively point towards the Lincoln/Artesia connection.

The authors state their decision to publish the information to let the reader decide, rather than withholding it while awaiting further concrete proof. They express that with 'what may be at stake,' they will sleep better having shared it. They welcome any relevant information, observations, and constructive criticism, urging readers to 'watch this area of New Mexico' with open eyes and minds.

An illustration of an alien labeled 'The Protector' and a drawing of a hand labeled 'Protector's Hand (Palm)' are included.

Anonymous Letter

A reproduction of an anonymous 'cease and desist' letter received by Scott Colborn on May 14, 1990, is included. The letter, addressed to 'S.C.', states: 'Please NO More questions about Artesia. This project does not concern you. V. cannot alter the course of events. Her involvement is regrettable. He is alive.' The letter is signed 'B.C.' and includes a return address for 'S.Colborn, 4203 S. 48th, Lincoln, NE 68506.'

Book Review: Healing Shattered Reality: Understanding Contactee Trauma

This section recommends the book 'Healing Shattered Reality: Understanding Contactee Trauma' by Alice and Linda Seeback, published by Windflower Press in 1991. The reviewer, Lon J. Nansel, Investigator/Researcher at the Fortean Research Center in Lincoln, Nebraska, describes the book as offering a unique approach to contactee trauma and the healing process. Nansel found the book helpful in processing past encounters and present problems, valuing its index and bibliography. He considers it a 'must have' for those in Ufology and contactee processes, beneficial for professionals working with contactees experiencing awareness of 'Dimensions Travelers' and resultant trauma. Nansel highly recommends it as a welcome addition to the library.

The book is available on loan to members of Lincoln's Fortean Research Center.

Back Issues and Services

The journal lists available back issues for purchase, with prices for current and early issues, as well as Canadian and overseas shipping costs. Sample issues are also available.

Audio and Video Tapes from conferences are also available. Information on ordering these tapes can be obtained by sending a S.A.S.E. to the Fortean Research Center.

The Fortean Research Center hosts an annual international UFO conference in Lincoln, Nebraska, and smaller events on topics like Parapsychology. Membership offers event announcements.

A 'Back Issue Order Form' is provided, detailing prices and postage for various volumes and issues of the journal.

Other Organizations

The issue lists numerous other organizations dealing with the unexplained, encouraging readers to become members to support them financially and spiritually. These include Arcturus Book Service, Citizens Against UFO Secrecy, Ghost Research Society, Center for UFO Studies, KZUM-FM, Mutual UFO Network, Spectra, Inc., UFO Contact Center International, Stigmata, UFO Newscipping Service, Michigan MUFON, UFO Potpourri, International Fortean Organization (INFO), Italian Center for UFO Studies (CISU), Archives for UFO Research, Crux Publications, and New York Fortean Society. Bookstores like The Way Home Music and Books and The Pegasus Book Center are also listed.

Conference Announcement

An announcement for the 3rd Annual Midwest Conference on UFO Research, held September 9-11, 1994, in Springfield, Missouri, is included. Speakers listed are John Carpenter, Cecilia Dean, Robert Dean, Skye Ambrose, Dr. Arthur Horn, Jeff Sainio, Sam Uptegrove, and G. C. Shellhorn.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly emphasizes the investigation of UFO-related phenomena, particularly abductions and the potential existence of secret facilities. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging the collection and dissemination of information, even if it is circumstantial. There is a clear focus on the potential psychological impact of these experiences on individuals and the importance of exploring connections between seemingly disparate events, such as missing children and paranormal claims. The publication also serves as a resource hub, listing related organizations, books, and back issues, fostering a community of researchers and enthusiasts in the field of the unexplained.