Magonia - No 01 - 1979

Magazine Overview

MAGONIA, Number One, Autumn 1979, is the inaugural issue of this independently published magazine, which serves as the successor to MUFOB (The Metempirical UFO Bulletin), incorporating its 50th issue. The magazine is devoted to a broad examination of the UFO phenomenon, with views expressed by contributors not necessarily shared by the editors. The cover features an illustration titled "LO HE COMES IN CLOUDS DESCENDING" by John Fletcher, subtitled "Religious and secular millenarianism."

Editorial

The editorial welcomes readers, emphasizing the continuity of MUFOB's approach while signaling a broadening perspective. It highlights that MAGONIA remains a UFO-oriented journal, continuing examinations of high-strangeness close-encounter and 'psychic-contactee' events, with a major investigation by Nigel Watson planned for the next issue. The editorial also briefly mentions the predictable outrage from ufologists regarding James Oberg's winning essay in the Cutty Sark Essay Competition.

Lo! He Comes in Clouds Descending

This main article by John Fletcher explores the concept of millenarianism, defined as the active looking forward and expectation of the imminent end of the world. Fletcher argues that this outlook is not solely Christian but a constant in human nature, present in various political and social ideologies. He traces the historical roots of this expectation, linking it to ancient methods of forecasting cosmic events and the significance of comets and eclipses. The article discusses how scientific observations, such as sunspot activity correlating with poor weather and political upheaval, have reinforced these beliefs. Fletcher notes that in tribal societies, rulers were seen as representatives of heavenly powers, and signs like comets or earthquakes signaled the overthrow of the mighty. He quotes Shakespeare's "Richard III" to illustrate the association of celestial phenomena with political change and the fall of kings. The article posits that even in modern secular societies, the desire for a complete break with the past and a miraculous transformation persists.

The Ohio Airship Flap of 1897

Fletcher examines the Ohio Airship flap of 1897 in the context of societal expectations and the influence of mass media. He references an article by Andrew E. Rothovius that draws parallels between the spread of UFO reports and the "Great Fear" in France during the Revolution. Fletcher questions the idea that the Ohio sightings were prophetic, suggesting precognition is not demonstrated. He also challenges the notion that Ohio residents were "tranquil" at the time, highlighting the era's scientific and technological revolutions, the rise of mass-circulation newspapers, and the public's hunger for science fiction. He cites examples like the "Great Lunar Hoax" and Edgar Allan Poe's fictitious balloon crossing as evidence of this public appetite for the extraordinary. Fletcher argues that science fiction, while providing explanations for new technologies, also nourished basic human myths, such as the idea of subterranean civilizations. He notes that the 1860s and 70s, a period of imperial expansion and social Darwinism, saw science fiction used to promote nationalistic agendas and militarization, citing Chesney's "The Battle of Dorking" as an example of a scare story designed to promote conscription.

The 'Law of Times'

This section, by Peter Rogerson and Anders Liljgren, investigates the "Law of Times" in UFO literature, which suggests a peak in UFO sightings during the evening. The study analyzes UFO records from Gordon Emery's summary of the 1967 wave, showing that the evening peak shifts earlier as daylight hours decrease. The authors conclude that this pattern is likely a function of daylight hours rather than a physical constant. They also present data from Sweden, divided into three macro-provinces (Gotaland, Svealand, and Norrland), examining seasonal variations in UFO sightings. The results indicate that the Arctic regions experience more sightings during winter darkness and fewer during the 'midnight sun' periods, supporting the hypothesis that daylight significantly influences UFO activity patterns.

Books

The "Books" section reviews several publications:

• Extraterrestrial Encounter: a personal perspective by Chris Boyce: Praised for its refreshing departure from typical 'life on other worlds' accounts, Boyce emphasizes the dangers of anthropomorphism in UFO research and questions the extraterrestrial hypothesis.
• More UFOs over Warminster by Arthur Shuttlewood: Criticized for presenting UFO reports without critical analysis or evaluation, and for interspersed "undisciplined and ill-informed pseudoscientific speculations."
• UFO Magic in Motion by Arthur Shuttlewood: Also criticized for a lack of critical analysis and the introduction of unsubstantiated ideas.
• The UFO Guidebook by Norman Briazack and Simon Mennick: Deemed "wholly valueless" due to the authors' apparent lack of knowledge of the subject and a heavy reliance on ancient astronaut theories.
• The Dyfed Enigma: UFOs in West Wales by Randall Jones Pugh and FW Holiday: Reviewed as a more sober account of the Welsh UFO wave, fitting the traditional "UFO report" style. It explores possible links between ley-lines and UFO reports, and traditional Welsh legends. The review notes a contrast in emphasis with Clive Harold's book, suggesting that the latter provides a more dramatic and traumatic picture of the Ripperston Farm experiences.
• The Second Coming: popular millenarianism, 1780-1850 by J.F.C. Harrison: This study of industrial revolution millenarian cults is presented as offering valuable insights into current beliefs and historical context, focusing on figures like Richard Brothers and Joanna Southcott.

The Ethical Ufologist

Dr. Berthold E. Schwarz addresses the ethical considerations in UFO research, particularly concerning hypnotic regression techniques and the investigation of percipients. He raises questions about how researchers can be responsive to variegated data, protect witness anonymity, handle the issue of prior media exposure, and adhere to the principle of "first do no harm." Schwarz also discusses the challenge of obtaining informed consent, minimizing omissions of significant detail, and reconciling subjective experiences with objective data. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the witness's psychodynamic makeup and handling potential fraud or deception responsibly to avoid damaging the witness's self-esteem and societal function.

Letters

Jenny Randles responds to a review of her book "UFOs: a British Viewpoint," clarifying points about the book's conclusions and emphasizing the authors' continued skepticism regarding exotic UFO theories. She notes that their ideas have evolved since the book's writing. Peter Williams writes in response to a review, defending the book "The Uninvited" and arguing that the phenomena described cannot be easily dismissed. He criticizes the review for its biassed view and for defending an inadequate theory. He also approves the change of title to MAGONIA.

Back Issues

This section provides a list of available back issues of MUFOB, with prices and ordering information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the intersection of belief systems, societal anxieties, and the interpretation of unusual phenomena. Millenarianism, the expectation of radical societal change, is presented as a recurring theme that manifests in both religious and secular contexts. The magazine demonstrates a commitment to examining UFO phenomena not just as isolated events but within broader historical, sociological, and psychological frameworks. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging a wider perspective while maintaining a focus on UFOs, and valuing critical analysis and ethical research practices. The inclusion of book reviews and letters to the editor suggests an engagement with the wider ufological community and a desire to foster discussion and debate.

This issue of "Magonia" (issue 11/12) explores the enduring nature of millenarian traditions, prophecy, and shamanism, drawing parallels between historical figures and contemporary phenomena. The content suggests a focus on the psychological and social underpinnings of these movements.

Millenarianism and Prophecy

The article discusses Joanna Southcott, a country woman who, in 1792, began 'automatic writing' and claimed to be the expectant mother of a new redeemer. Her story is presented not as individual psychopathology, but as an aspect of a broader social tradition rooted in working-class culture, where omens, signs, and prophecies were common, and radical religious ideas were widespread. This millenarianism served as an ideology to help people interpret rapid social change.

Shamanism vs. Prophecy

Clear parallels are drawn between the call of the prophet and that of the shaman. The text describes Joanna Southcott's successor, John Wroe, who experienced trances or visions, during which he would become blind and dumb, with his tongue fastened in his mouth. These fits could last for two or three days, echoing the shaman's initiation illness. The key distinction highlighted is that while the shaman preserves the cultural universe of a largely static society, the prophet proclaims a fundamental change. However, if the existing society changes rapidly, the shaman may be forced into a prophetic role, a dynamic observed in figures like Joanna Southcott and the Mormon leader Joseph Smith.

Cultural Perceptions of Madness and Sanity

The author, Harrison, compares English millenarians with American cults such as the Shakers and the Millerites. The examination of the American scene is noted as somewhat superficial. The book rounds off with an examination of the cultural bases of madness and sanity. Harrison points out that the condemnation of 'prophets' as insane by the 'respectable classes' had little impact on folk culture, where the dividing line between madness and inspiration was very thin.

Enduring Phenomena

Although the author's work concludes around 1850, the phenomena discussed are presented as still very much alive. Prophets continue to be inspired to automatic writing, speaking in tongues, and delivering messages, often warning of doom. These may manifest in more secular settings, interpreted as messages from 'space brothers,' but the essential phenomenological character remains remarkably unchanged.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue appears to maintain a stance that views phenomena like prophecy and visionary experiences through a lens of social and cultural history, rather than solely as individual psychological aberrations. It emphasizes the continuity of these experiences across different eras and cultural contexts, suggesting that the underlying human need to interpret and respond to social change through spiritual or visionary means persists. The magazine's focus on UFOs and related phenomena is subtly linked to these broader themes of belief, interpretation, and the search for meaning in a changing world.