JUFOF - Issue 138 - 2001 06

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), issue 138 from June 2001, delves into the complex and often controversial topic of UFO abductions. The cover prominently features the headline "Von Ufos entführt" (Abducted by UFOs), suggesting a deep dive into "Unheimliche Begegnungen der vierten Art" (Uncanny Encounters of the Fourth Kind). The magazine, published by GEP e.V. in Germany, offers a critical and analytical approach to UFO phenomena, often questioning conventional explanations and exploring psychological dimensions.

Analysis of Abduction Cases

The issue presents detailed analyses of several alleged UFO abduction cases, often with a critical eye towards the interpretations of researcher Mack.

Sheila N.

Mack's analysis of Sheila N.'s case is presented, noting her seven years of psychiatric treatment and her experiences of seeing UFOs after her mother's death. The article highlights her developing 'missionary zeal' and her desire to write a book about her experiences. While Mack suggests her experiences are linked to her grief, the author of the article questions this, suggesting depression and possibly delusions, and notes that Mack interprets her experiences as abductions.

Scott

The case of 'Scott' is detailed, who was undergoing psychotherapy due to severe anxiety about being abducted. He secured his house with alarms and cameras. The article suggests Scott suffers from persecution mania, citing his childhood experiences of neurological issues, anxiety attacks, and feelings of having multiple personalities. He also reported visual hallucinations and believed aliens could read his mind. Mack dismisses conventional psychiatric diagnoses as "false diagnoses."

Catherine

Catherine's case is briefly mentioned as a "more difficult phenomenon" involving a constant flow of sensory stimuli, including flashes of light and colored patterns, accompanied by humming and buzzing sounds.

Jerry

Jerry's case is extensively discussed, detailing her difficult childhood with divorced parents, frequent moves, and early departure from school. She experienced issues with her ex-husband, who allegedly engaged in sexual 'games' with her, and she claimed to have an "anxiety about sex." The article highlights contradictions in her statements regarding her sexual experiences and fears. Mack does not address these contradictions, focusing instead on her claims of alien encounters. Jerry reported experiencing physical marks, writing poetry, and having vivid dreams and 'nightmares' involving aliens. The article suggests her experiences might be projections of her own psychological issues and possibly influenced by her religious background and trauma, such as a past abortion.

Joe

Joe's case is presented under the heading "Liberation from the Psychiatric Hospital." He fantasized about alien 'substitute parents' providing emotional support he lacked from his own parents. He felt isolated and like an outsider. His experiences are described as suggestive, with him experiencing 'contractions' when his wife went into labor and developing a rash after a therapist touched his neck. He joined a sect and reportedly experimented with LSD. His ET fantasies are intertwined with religious elements, and he describes himself as a "contactee." Joe also experienced 'gigantism fantasies,' believing he was a social critic in a past life. The article suggests his feelings of isolation and desire for 'liberation' are reflected in his fantasies.

Sarah

Sarah felt called to something greater than a "conventional, stupid, ... short-sighted life." Raised by an abusive father, she found solace in books and stories about ghosts. She claims to have had constant encounters with "spirits" in her childhood and experienced an out-of-body experience as a student. After a serious illness and intense headaches, she began seeing "figures" in her head that spoke to her, offering a sense of family and warmth. A car accident apparently intensified these perceptions. Initially skeptical, Sarah became convinced of alien involvement after discussions with Mack.

Book Reviews and Features

The journal also includes several book reviews and features:

Andreas Müller: Kornkreise (Crop Circles)

This review discusses Andreas Müller's book on crop circles, detailing his research since 1993 and his work with the International Crop Circle Archive. The book covers the history of crop circles, their evolution in England, and potential explanations, including non-human intelligence. Müller suggests that the geometric secrets within crop circles point to an underlying order and a complex mathematical language. The review notes his exploration of biophysical research and anomalies in plant growth related to crop circles.

Paul Devereux: Schamanische Traumpfade (Shamanic Dream Paths)

This review highlights Paul Devereux's book, described as a classic in geomancy. It explores the parallels between shamanic practices, trance experiences, and modern UFO abduction accounts, suggesting that the "true core" of abduction experiences might be understood through shamanism. The book examines ley lines, shamanism's neurological and botanical foundations, and its manifestations worldwide, linking it to ancient cultures and potential extraterrestrial influence.

Donald R. Burleson: The Golden Age of UFOs

Donald R. Burleson, a mathematician and researcher, analyzes UFO cases from the 1940s and 1950s. The review mentions his use of computer analysis on photographic and filmic classics like the Great Falls lights and the Tremonton film. Burleson critically examines the Roswell incident, using modern image processing to analyze a photograph of General Ramey, suggesting that while a cover-up may have occurred, it was likely related to a Project MOGUL balloon, not an alien craft.

Angela Thompson Smith: Diary of an Abduction

This review discusses a book by Angela Thompson Smith, a therapist, detailing her childhood abduction experiences and subsequent diary entries. The review expresses skepticism about the book's New Age-American style and the author's interpretations, particularly her reliance on ESP and remote viewing. The reviewer finds the book's content to be "unbearable nonsense."

Hans Jelitto: Pyramiden und Planeten (Pyramids and Planets)

This review covers Hans Jelitto's work on the pyramids of Giza, which challenges conventional Egyptological views. Jelitto argues that the deviations in the Great Pyramid's symmetry are intentional, not measurement errors, and that the arrangement of structures in Giza had specific motives. The review notes that Jelitto's arguments, supported by calculations and on-site investigations, suggest a sophisticated construction technique and potentially an astronomical purpose, possibly involving extraterrestrial technology.

Other Features

The issue also includes information on a "Zeitungsausschnittdienst" (Newspaper Clipping Service) for UFO-related articles, a GEP-CD-ROM containing bibliographies and indexes, and details on ordering GEP special publications and subscriptions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

A recurring theme throughout the issue is the critical examination of UFO abduction claims, particularly the psychological underpinnings and the potential for misinterpretation or projection. The journal often contrasts the interpretations of UFO researchers like Mack with conventional psychological explanations, suggesting that many abduction experiences may stem from psychological distress, trauma, or suggestibility. However, the journal also presents research that supports the existence of genuine UFO phenomena and ancient mysteries, indicating a balanced, albeit critical, approach to the subject matter. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous investigation and a questioning of unsubstantiated claims, while remaining open to the possibility of extraordinary explanations for certain phenomena.