Magonia - No 04 - 1980

Magazine Overview

MAGONIA, Number Four, published in Summer 1980, is an independently published magazine devoted to a broad examination of the UFO phenomenon and its interaction with society and the individual. It is the successor to MUFOB (The Metempirical UFO Bulletin). The issue features a cover illustration of an armillary sphere and the prominent title 'THE PLURALITY OF WORLDS'.

Editorial: The Plurality of Worlds

The editorial, written by John Rimmer, discusses the need for interdisciplinary approaches in ufology, lamenting the lack of connection between fields like anthropology, history of religion, psychology, sociology, and parapsychology. It highlights the tendency for those with 'closed metaphysical systems' to have little to contribute and criticizes the sidetracking of investigations into sterile issues, such as defining 'UFO'. The editor also notes that ufologists often make unwarranted generalizations about percipients' experiences and suggests a need for greater toleration and 'distancing' from surrounding culture.

Part One: From Antiquity to the Eighteenth Century

This section, authored by John Harney, traces the historical development of the idea of life on other worlds. It begins with the Aristotelian model of the universe, where Earth was central and unchanging, leaving no room for other worlds. The influence of Christian theology, which introduced a historical view of creation and an end, is discussed. The rise of modern science and its fusion with Graeco-Roman and Hebrew ideas led to a complex world view. The text explores how Hermetic beliefs, which viewed the universe as alive and suggested life on other worlds, influenced thinkers like Giordano Bruno. The shift to the Copernican system, supported by Galileo, changed the perception of Earth as one planet among many, fostering analogical arguments for life elsewhere. The influence of theological considerations, such as the need to understand God's purpose, is also examined, with thinkers like Christiaan Huygens arguing that the vastness of the universe implied life elsewhere.

The article then discusses the mechanistic philosophy of René Descartes, who separated the physical from the spiritual, and the subsequent opposition from natural theology, which used arguments from design to prove God's existence. The empirical approach of natural philosophers like Robert Boyle, Isaac Newton, and Pascal is contrasted with Cartesian rationalism. Newton's ideas of particles in empty space created mysteries, like gravity, which he attributed to divine agency. The rejection of Descartes's view that animals were soulless automata was seen by some as a step towards atheism.

A Second Look: Passport to Magonia

This section, by John Hind, offers a critical review of Jacques Vallee's book 'Passport to Magonia'. Hind strongly dislikes the book, calling it appealing only to 'sick minds' and suggesting it requires a 'Government health warning'. He criticizes Vallee's methodology, which he likens to that of a spy, leading to paranoia and the assumption of manipulation by 'sinister forces'. Hind identifies three aspects of the UFO phenomenon according to Vallee: physical, psychological, and sociological, and notes Vallee's conclusion that the phenomenon is manipulated for authoritarian social control. The review points out that Vallee never identifies these 'manipulators', leaving the reader to project their own fears. The author also critiques Vallee's use of a taxi receipt signed 'M Melchezedek' as evidence for a grand conspiracy. The review concludes that Vallee is deceived by his own methodology, which assumes an enemy and devious techniques.

Shadowland of Ufology: Part Two

Nigel Watson's contribution discusses UFO contactees, focusing on Mrs Trench, who claims precognitive insights and connections between UFOs and biblical prophecies. Watson notes that the Bible's archetypal themes are often repeated in new frameworks, and the UFO phenomenon can create a Christian dilemma. He mentions the formation of an unofficial Christian UFO Research Association to discuss these matters. Watson contrasts Mrs Trench's view with that of Eric Inglesby, who interprets UFOs as demons. He also references Padre Domenico Grasso, a Jesuit priest who believes in extraterrestrial creatures created by God, distinct from humanity. The section touches upon a survey by Larry Karkas indicating a correlation between religious beliefs and belief in extraterrestrial life.

Editorial Continued

This continuation of the editorial discusses the interpretation of UFO sightings and biblical passages. It highlights the confusion arising from the multi-faceted nature of the UFO phenomenon and the tendency for people to interpret events through existing mythologies. The author suggests that UFO investigators should be aware of social dynamics, rumors, folklore, and contemporary mythologies when analyzing reports.

INT CAT: An International Catalogue of Type I UFO Records

This section, compiled by Peter Rogerson, presents a catalog of UFO records. It includes numerous dated entries from various locations worldwide (South Africa, USA, Australia, Germany, Argentina, France, Canada, UK, Italy, Brazil, Spain, Romania) detailing sightings of disc-shaped objects, lights, and humanoid encounters, often with descriptions of the objects' characteristics and the witnesses' experiences. Each entry provides a case number, date, time, location, and a brief description of the event, with references to sources like FSR, APRO Bulletin, and Vallee's works.

Philately Will Get You Nowhere!

Kevin McClure's article discusses the ethics of UFO investigation. He emphasizes the importance of discretion, confidentiality, and respecting the percipient's decision regarding publicity. McClure addresses witness trauma, suggesting investigators act as 'counsellors and healers' to provide comfort and explanations. He also touches upon the challenges of dealing with witnesses experiencing poor physical or mental health, and the need to be cautious when investigating cases involving children. The author questions the fundamental premise that UFO reports require investigation and suggests that individuals, rather than groups, are responsible for breakthroughs in ufology.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the historical, philosophical, and sociological dimensions of the UFO phenomenon. It emphasizes critical analysis, interdisciplinary approaches, and ethical considerations in investigation. The magazine appears to adopt a stance that encourages rigorous examination of evidence and a nuanced understanding of the phenomenon, moving beyond simplistic explanations or purely speculative theories. There is a clear interest in the historical evolution of ideas related to extraterrestrial life and their connection to contemporary UFO reports. The critique of Vallee's work and the discussion on investigation ethics suggest a commitment to a more grounded and responsible approach to the subject.

This issue of Magonia, identified as Issue 11, focuses heavily on letters and reviews, with a strong emphasis on the ethical dimensions of UFO investigation and the psychological aspects of witness experiences. The content delves into the complexities of the field, critiquing current methodologies and advocating for a more nuanced and responsible approach.

Letters to the Editor

The letters section features contributions from Jenny Randles and Nigel Watson, both addressing the ethical considerations in ufology. Randles critiques the approach to witness testimony, particularly concerning elderly witnesses, and suggests that investigators need a deeper understanding of the reasons behind such experiences, rather than relying on simplistic explanations like a 'subconscious cry for contact'. She advocates for investigators to acquire knowledge in psychology and sociology to better understand percipients and avoid sensationalizing stories.

Nigel Watson echoes these concerns, referencing his own work and other publications that highlight the ethical responsibilities of ufologists towards witnesses, the subject, and the study itself. He emphasizes the importance of not imposing one's own interpretations on witnesses and ensuring their well-being after an encounter. Watson proposes a broad definition of ufology that accommodates subjective experiences and avoids fitting phenomena into arbitrary categories, suggesting that an investigator's role is to be an intermediary for the witness.

Book Reviews

The 'Books' section, reviewed by Peter Rogerson, covers several titles:

• The Etherian Invasion by John De Herra: This book is described as an interesting but oddly titled study of contactee Brian Scott. The review highlights how Scott's story, initially a classic abduction report, became entangled with paranormal events like automatic writing and alleged possession. The reviewer notes that De Herra's investigation into Scott's claims, alongside 'imaginary abductee' experiments by Lawson and McCall, ultimately revealed Scott's story to be largely fabricated, with elements traced to TV shows and commercial tattoos. However, the book also points to the significance of 'balls of light' as a potentially genuine phenomenon that transcends cultural boundaries.
• Sasquatch Apparitions: a critique of the Pacific North-West hominid by Barbara Wasson: This book is critiqued as a polemical piece deeply involved in the internal politics of Bigfoot research, particularly concerning figures like Rene Dahinden and Peter Byrne. The review suggests that for those tired of personality battles, this book offers little beyond more of the same.
• Proceedings, MUFON UFO Symposium, San Francisco, July 7-8th, 1979: This collection of papers is noted as a significant improvement over previous proceedings. It includes a study of a UFO cult called the 'Institute for Cosmic Research,' which is engaged in building a model flying saucer. The authors suggest a tripartite division within the cult: Religious, Technical, and Occult, mirroring aspects of Western Cargo-Cults and nineteenth-century spiritualism.
• Alvin Lawson's study of six basic entity groups: This study is mentioned as comparing entity types in UFO records with myth, folklore, and fictional sources, and relating them to drawings provided by 'imaginary abductee' subjects. The reviewer finds some comparisons forced but notes the impressive connection between science fiction, comic book characters, children's drawings, and imaginary abductee sketches, suggesting they represent basic patterns in human imagination.
• Richard Haines's comparison of aircraft sightings (1973-1978): Haines concludes that these sightings refer to the same phenomena.
• Ted Peters's survey of the UFO belief system as a religious expression: The reviewer finds Peters's work to be uneven, struggling to decide between commentary and preaching.
• Denis Reagan and William Allen's examination of alleged UFO sounds from Bragg Creek, Alberta: These sounds are noted as similar to, but not identical with, those produced by certain owls, illustrating a good physical effects investigation.
• Other familiar material: The review briefly mentions recurring themes such as government cover-ups (Bill Spaulding), contact with Ufonauts (James McCampbell), ufology in newspapers (Walter Greenwood), and standard presentations by Stanton Friedman and Allen Hynek.

• Mystery of the Skymen by Alvin E. Moore: This book is described as a thrilling tale of the Virginia Skystone, which is presented as falling from a 'dreaded sky-island' and causing pollution. The reviewer notes that while Commander Moore expresses concern about pollution, he attributes it to extra-terrestrials, suggesting it is not serious ufology but has a certain charm due to its lack of scientific pretense.
• BUFORA Vehicle Interference Project: Compiled by Geoffrey Falla, this project is noted for its catalogue of 420 vehicle interference cases. While praised for its abstracts and references, the reviewer points out that Falla sometimes relies on poor secondary sources and lacks references to other significant catalogues. The review also highlights that only two actual BUFORA case studies are presented, both from 1969, and notes issues with the investigation and reporting of these cases, suggesting a lack of truly probative EM cases in the UK.

Other Items

• Notes & Quotes: This section includes a humorous observation about a steel band at the Notting Hill Carnival and a note about Magonia's editorial team member Roger Sandell appearing on the BBC program 'Mastermind' to answer questions on H.P. Lovecraft.
• Swami to ride elephant in Neasden: A brief mention of an item from the Daily Telegraph regarding the Neasden UFO controversy.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO investigation methodologies, the ethical responsibilities of ufologists, and the psychological complexities of witness experiences. There is a clear call for greater professionalism, a deeper understanding of human perception, and a move away from sensationalism and superficial analysis. The editorial stance appears to favor a more rigorous, scientifically informed, and ethically grounded approach to the study of anomalous phenomena, emphasizing the importance of witness welfare and the integrity of the research process. The reviews suggest a critical engagement with the literature, distinguishing between well-researched works and those that are polemical or rely on questionable sources.