JUFOF - Issue 076 - 1991 04

Magazine Overview

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), published by the Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens e.V. (GEP), is dated July-August 1991 and is the 76th issue of the 12th year of publication. It features a cover headline focusing on "UFO-ENTFÜHRUNGEN" (UFO Abductions) and includes articles on various UFO-related topics.

UFO Abductions: An Investigation of Existing Hypotheses

Dr. Johannes Fiebag's article delves into the phenomenon of UFO abductions, often referred to as the "abduction syndrome." He notes that while many scientists are reluctant to accept such reports, the number of individuals claiming to have been abducted is growing. The article references the well-known Betty and Barney Hill case and suggests that similar abduction scenarios occur globally. Fiebag examines several hypotheses attempting to explain these experiences:

1. The Imitation Hypothesis: Phil Klass suggests that the UFO abduction phenomenon is a result of collective memory, particularly influenced by media like the Steven Spielberg film "E.T.". However, this hypothesis is challenged by the occurrence of similar abduction accounts in regions where the film was not widely known.
2. The Sexual Hypothesis: This theory posits that the focus on sexual organs during alleged abductions reflects repressed sexual fantasies. However, this is presented as a less prominent or widely accepted explanation.
3. The Illness Hypothesis: This section questions whether abduction victims suffer from mental disorders or neurological issues. A study by Ted Bloecher, Budd Hopkins, and Dr. Aphrodite Clamar, involving psychological testing of nine individuals who reported abductions, found them to be psychologically normal, suggesting their experiences were not confabulated fantasies.
4. The Birth Trauma Hypothesis: Proposed by Dr. Alvin Lawson, this theory suggests that abduction experiences are repressed memories of the individual's own birth. Lawson's research, involving hypnosis, indicated parallels between abduction accounts and the birthing process, including sensory experiences and the presence of small beings. However, critics like D. Scott Rogo and Prof. James Harder point out methodological flaws in Lawson's studies, such as the lack of independent verification and the selective choice of comparison cases. They also highlight discrepancies in the descriptions of the beings involved and the lack of communication abilities in newborns.
5. The SadU Hypothesis (Creation from the Unconscious): Authors like Jenny Randles and Ulrich Magin propose that abductions are psychological creations of the individual's subconscious, used to express inner problems or needs. This is compared to dream symbolism and fairy tales. While acknowledging a psychological component, critics argue this hypothesis fails to explain physical evidence like scars or the consistent patterns observed across different cultures and individuals.

The article concludes that while the exact cause remains elusive, UFO abductions likely possess a significant psychological or possibly paranormal component, intertwined with a real physical origin. The distinction between reality and fantasy is often impossible for the experiencer.

Animal Mutilations in the USA

Wladislaw Raab's article investigates the phenomenon of animal mutilations, particularly in the USA. He references the film "A Strange Harvest" and the book "An Alien Harvest" by Linda Moulton Howe, which brought attention to a series of mysterious animal mutilations. Raab details several cases:

• A three-year-old mare found in Almosa, USA, in 1967, was precisely dissected, with no blood found. Radioactive radiation was detected near the carcass.
• In 1974, a calf in Meeker County, USA, was found mutilated, with its snout, tongue, and reproductive organs removed, and no tracks indicating the perpetrator.
• In 1975, two animals in InHuerfano County, Colorado, USA, were found dismembered, with their hearts removed through a large hole.

Raab also discusses the possibility of vampire bats causing some of these mutilations, noting their blood-feeding habits and the small bite marks they leave. However, he acknowledges that the scale and precision of some mutilations, along with the lack of clear bite marks and the presence of UFO sightings in affected areas, suggest other factors may be involved. The article mentions a case where Mrs. Judy Dorativ observed a calf being sucked into a UFO, and was subsequently abducted herself.

Short Notes (Kurz Notiert)

This section contains several brief reports:

• Goethe Observed a UFO: An account of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's 1768 observation of a strange light phenomenon, which some interpret as an early UFO sighting.
• Riddle of the ET Photo Solved: The article debunks a famous "alien" photo, revealing it to be a 'Lattex-dummy' (a doll) displayed at a 1967 exhibition in Montreal.
• UFOs over Mainz: Reports of UFO sightings near Mainz were attributed to laser beams from a street festival in Wiesbaden.
• UFOs on Ibiza: Mentions claims of frequent UFO sightings and potential underwater bases near the Spanish island of Ibiza.
• Cosmonauts and UFOs: Discusses reports of Soviet cosmonauts observing unidentified objects, with explanations ranging from space debris to pranks on new crew members.
• UFO Landing in Cologne?: Reports of strange symbols found in a garden at an elderly care home in Cologne, interpreted by residents as evidence of a UFO landing.
• Crop Circles near Wiesbaden Found: A crop circle in a rapeseed field near Wiesbaden was investigated and found to be a prank by students.
• Sensational Find in the Bermuda Triangle?: Reports of the discovery of wreckage from five TBM Avengers that disappeared in 1945, though the identification and circumstances remain debated.
• Autumn Conference of German UFO Researchers: Announces the upcoming conference in Viernheim on September 28-29, 1991.

Literature Reviews

• "Es war ganz anders" (It Was Quite Different) by Wolfgang Volkrodt: This review discusses Volkrodt's book, which proposes that ancient civilizations possessed advanced technology, including flying machines, possibly influenced by extraterrestrials. The reviewer expresses skepticism about some of Volkrodt's interpretations, particularly regarding the Raimondi Stele, but praises his objective approach.
• "DA TAT SICH DER HIMMEL AUF" and "KASSKARA UND DIE SIEBEN WELTEN" by Josef F. Blumrich: These books are sought by a reader interested in UFO research and pre-astronautics.
• "MEINE FERNSEH-, RADIO- UND DIREKTKONTAKTE HIT AUSSERIRDISCHEN, Band II" by Renaud: This book is also sought by a reader.
• "UFOS FOR THE MILLIONS" by H. V. Chambers: This book is for sale.
• "PARAPSYCHOLOGY AND THE UFO" by M. Cassirer: This book is for sale.
• "FLYING SAUCERS ARE HOSTILE" by B. Steiger and J. Whritenour: This book is for sale.
• "FLYING SAUCERS: HOAX OR REALITY?" by J. Stanton: This book is for sale.

Other Sections

• GEP Membership: Information for GEP members, including benefits like receiving the journal, requesting questionnaires, and discounts on special publications.
• Impressum: Details about the journal's publication, including responsibility, copyright, and subscription prices.
• UFO-Hotline: Contact information for reporting UFO sightings.
• Right of Scientology Church Revoked: A brief report on Hamburg revoking the legal status of the Scientology Church due to its profit-making intentions.
• Documentary Cassette: UFO Debate: An advertisement for a 108-minute documentary cassette featuring a debate between ufologists and skeptics.
• Advertisements: Various advertisements for UFO-related books, models, and memorabilia.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the multifaceted nature of UFO phenomena, with a strong emphasis on abduction experiences and the various psychological and physical explanations proposed. The journal also addresses the controversial topic of animal mutilations, exploring potential links to UFOs while also considering natural explanations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting different theories and evidence, while maintaining a critical perspective, as seen in the debunking of the ET photo and the questioning of certain hypotheses. The GEP positions itself as a scientific organization dedicated to researching the UFO phenomenon.

This issue of the German-language magazine "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), issue number 75 from 1991, delves into various aspects of the UFO phenomenon. The cover prominently features the title "CYBERBIOLOGICAL STUDIES OF THE IMAGINAL COMPONENT IN THE UFO CONTACT EXPERIENCE," indicating a focus on the psychological and consciousness-related dimensions of UFO encounters.

Hermann Oberth: A Pioneer Beyond Rocketry

The issue begins with an homage to Hermann Oberth, the "Founder of Space Travel." Hans Barth, an expert on Oberth, highlights that Oberth's significance extends far beyond his contributions to rocketry, describing him as a prophet and teacher of scientific astronautics and a titan of space travel. The text emphasizes Oberth's role in inspiring young minds and the importance of character for genius. A review of the book "HERMANN OBERTH UND DIE UFO-FORSCHUNG" by Dieter von Reeken is included, praising it as a definitive biography authorized by Oberth himself.

Cyberbiology and UFO Contact Experience

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the book "CYBERBIOLOGICAL STUDIES OF THE IMAGINAL COMPONENT IN THE UFO CONTACT EXPERIENCE," edited by Dennis Stillings. This volume compiles essays by academic psychologists analyzing UFO contact experiences. Key contributors include Michael Persinger, who explores the reduction of contact experiences to external brain stimulation and chemical processes; Dennis Stillings, who refutes "cover-up" theories; Hilary Evans, who discusses myths; Martin Kottmeyer, who compares UFO obsessions with paranoid delusions; Tony Nugent, who analyzes abduction narratives through biblical and archetypal lenses; and M. Grosso, who posits UFOs as symbols of transition in the Aquarian Age. Particularly highlighted are Lawson's findings on "imaginary abductions" and the "birth trauma" theory, suggesting that details in hypnotic abduction accounts mirror birth experiences. Peter M. Rojcewicz compares UFO contacts to traditional supernatural encounters, viewing them as half-real, paranormally generated archetypal visions. The general consensus among these authors is that UFO phenomena are paranormal realities, with the cyberbiological approach allowing for holistic study without needing to definitively prove the existence of UFOs.

Review of "The History of Horten Aircraft 1933-1960"

The issue features a review of the book "NURFLÜGEL: DIE GESCHICHTE DER HORTEN-FLUGZEUGE 1933-1960" by Reimar Horten and Peter F. Selinger. The review notes the recent surge of information about novel aircraft designs, particularly "flying wings," which have caused "UFO alarms" in the USA. It points out that Horten's innovative flying wing designs, developed before and during WWII, achieved aerodynamic and structural maturity comparable to modern aircraft. The book covers Horten's gliders, motor aircraft, and even early jet-powered flying wings. The reviewer suggests that the distinctive shapes of these aircraft, which resemble those reported in UFO sightings, might explain some historical UFO reports, including Kenneth Arnold's famous 1947 sighting.

"Crop Circles: A Mystery Solved" - A Critical Review

A review of Jenny Randles and Paul Fuller's book "KREISE IM KORNFELD" (Crop Circles: A Mystery Solved) is presented. The review acknowledges the book's critical stance, attributing crop circles to natural phenomena rather than UFO landings. It highlights the authors' argument that UFOs are unrelated to crop circles and debunks the alien spacecraft theory, blaming sensationalist media for perpetuating such myths. Randles and Fuller support the Plasma Vortex Theory proposed by meteorologist Terence Meaden, which suggests that vortices can become luminous and ionize the air, creating unusual appearances. The review suggests that if this theory is correct, UFO research could undergo significant changes.

Letters to the Editor and Debates

The "LESERBRIEFE" (Letters to the Editor) section features several exchanges:

• Ertelt-Briegel Sighting: A letter by Walter L. Kelch proposes that a sighting might have been a Soviet "dump-flare decoy" (Dümpel-Leuchtkörper) fired from a transport plane to counter incoming missiles, rather than a SCUD missile or a conventional aircraft.
• "Blickpunkt Szene 90" Article: A reader congratulates the author on the article and emphasizes the importance of on-site investigations, citing Josef Garcia's work.
• Sicily Photo Case: A letter questions the premature classification of a Sicilian UFO photo as "Problematic UFO," suggesting the possibility of a trick model and urging caution with photographic evidence.
• Werner Raab's "No Proof?" Article: A letter criticizes Raab's selective use of literature and argues for the importance of self-verified original material, noting that much UFO literature is second-hand.
• Skepticism Debate: A reader responds to a letter by Herr Theobald, clarifying that skepticism does not mean outright rejection but a critical, unbiased approach to UFO phenomena, and that a UFO is simply an unexplained sighting.
• Michael Hesemann's Letter: Hesemann defends his views on UFO research, criticizing professional UFO researchers for prioritizing profit over truth and truth-seeking. He also defends his financial situation and the value of his books.
• Gerald Mosbleck's Response: Mosbleck responds to Hesemann, defending the GEP's practice of offering free meetings as a sign of difference from commercial UFO research. He also addresses criticism regarding his own financial status and the quality of the JUFOF magazine.
• Luc Bürgin's Letter: Bürgin defends himself and others (like Erich von Däniken, Johannes von Buttlar, Michael Hesemann, and MUFON-CES) who believe in the UFO phenomenon, criticizing Mosbleck's constant attacks on MUFON-CES and Herr von Ludwiger, whom Bürgin considers a serious researcher.
• Mosbleck's Rebuttal: Mosbleck clarifies his criticism of MUFON-CES and its leader, stating it's due to arrogance and personal attacks, not just professional disagreement. He also defends his own publications and international research activities.

Howard Blum's "Out There" and UFO Cover-Ups

The magazine includes a section discussing Howard Blum's book "OUT THERE," which investigates alleged US government involvement and secrecy regarding UFOs. The text touches upon the CIA's "Project Sign," "Project Grudge," and the "Robertson Panel" (1953), which concluded that most UFO sightings were misinterpretations or hoaxes. It also mentions "Project Bluebook" and its eventual termination. The article questions the official conclusions, suggesting continued, albeit secret, investigations by US agencies like the USAF and CIA, particularly concerning potential threats to national security from unidentified aerial objects, including possible extraterrestrial spacecraft or advanced foreign technology. The article also discusses the CIA's involvement in "special activities" and mentions the "Moon Dust" and "Blue Fly" projects, aimed at recovering unidentified aerial vehicles.

GEP Publications and UFO Research

Several GEP publications are advertised, including:

• GEP-SONDERHEFT 10: "BIBLIOGRAPHIE DER SELBSTÄNDIGEN DEUTSCHSPRACHIGEN LITERATUR ÜBER AUSSERIRDISCHES LEBEN, UFOS UND PRA-ASTRONAUTIK, Zeitraum 1703-1990" by Dieter von Reeken, a comprehensive bibliography.
• Ulrich Magin's "KONTAKTE MIT 'AUSSERIRDISCHEN' IM DEUTSCHEN SPRACHRAUM": A catalog of over 120 entries on alleged contacts with extraterrestrials.
• A list of other GEP special issues and photomechanical reprints covering various UFO-related topics.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue reflects a strong emphasis on critical analysis and scientific rigor in UFO research. There's a clear distinction made between serious, academic investigation and sensationalist reporting or commercialized UFOlogy. The magazine promotes the idea that UFO phenomena should be studied through empirical evidence and psychological analysis, rather than relying on anecdotal accounts or unsubstantiated theories. The editorial stance appears to favor a skeptical yet open-minded approach, encouraging readers to verify information and question official narratives, while also cautioning against unfounded speculation. The debates in the letters section highlight the internal discussions and disagreements within the UFO research community regarding methodology, evidence, and interpretation.