Magonia - No 05 - 1980

Magazine Overview

MAGONIA, Number Five, published in 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 edited by John Rimmer, with an editorial panel consisting of John Harney, Roger Sandell, and Peter Rogerson. The magazine is available by exchange or subscription, with rates provided for the UK, US, and other countries. This issue marks five years since MUFOB reappeared and the INTCAT catalogue passes its thousandth entry.

Editorial

The editorial highlights two milestones: five years of MUFOB under the current editorship and the INTCAT catalogue reaching its thousandth entry. Peter Rogerson's work on INTCAT is praised as an unsung triumph, providing essential data for ufological study. The editorial also announces plans for a series of booklets containing longer monographs or collections of articles, inviting reader suggestions. Financial concerns due to rising postage costs are mentioned, with potential increases in subscription rates and a proposal to revert to surface mail for overseas subscriptions. A fundraising idea involving collecting used postage stamps is also introduced.

From Conspirators... To Contactees: The World of Conspiracy Theories (Part One)

This extensive article by Roger Sandell explores the history and evolution of conspiracy theories, beginning with their roots in the late 18th century following the French Revolution. It discusses how figures like Augustin du Barruel and John Robison blamed the revolution on secret societies like the Freemasons and the Illuminati. The article traces the development of these ideas through the 19th century, noting the increasing association with anti-semitism, exemplified by the novel 'Biarritz' and the later forgery 'The Protocols of the Elders of Zion'. It highlights how conspiracy theories provided explanations for social and political upheaval, becoming a tool for reactionary forces. The influence of writers like Nesta H. Webster, who synthesized various conspiracy themes, is discussed, along with the role of figures like Winston Churchill in popularizing these ideas. The article notes the resurgence of conspiracy theorizing in recent times, particularly in the USA, fueled by political assassinations and scandals, and the rise of groups like the John Birch Society and the Trilateral Commission.

A Lifetime of Curses: Summary of an Investigation by Les Maisey

This section details a case investigated by Les Maisey for the UFOIN Network, focusing on the experiences of Edward Gardner, a 68-year-old man. The article suggests that Gardner's experiences, while potentially stemming from a psychological syndrome, are important for understanding the 'flying saucer syndrome' and its familiar trappings. Gardner's reported experiences include vivid childhood visions, 'out of the body' experiences, and unusual physical feats. The case study highlights several specific incidents, including a childhood encounter with a large eye, a precognitive dream of paratroopers, and a later encounter with a humanoid figure in his bedroom. The article also touches upon Gardner's lifelong history of accidents and unusual physical resilience, suggesting a possible connection between his experiences and his physical state.

INTCAT: An International Catalogue of Type I UFO Records

This section presents a catalogue of UFO records compiled by Peter Rogerson. It lists numerous sightings from September 1961 to April 1962, detailing dates, locations, times, descriptions of objects, and witness accounts. The entries include a variety of phenomena, such as metallic grey objects, luminous spheres, elliptical craft, disc-shaped objects, and humanoid encounters. Notable cases include sightings in Penmaenmawr (Wales), Riis Park (New York), Beckley (West Virginia), Lena (Poland), and Lancaster (New Hampshire), the latter involving the famous Barney and Betty Hill abduction case.

Books

This section reviews two books:

• Les Apparitions d'Humanoides by Eric Zurcher: Reviewed by P.R., this book is praised for its detailed analysis of 202 French cases of alleged humanoid encounters. It examines various aspects of these encounters, comparing them to religious visions and folklore. The reviewer notes that Zurcher's work provides a solid factual basis for model-building in ufology and contrasts the rigorous approach of French ufologists with that of some British counterparts.
• Observing UFOs: An Investigative Handbook by Richard F. Haines: Reviewed by P.R., this book is described as one of the first detailed textbooks on the perception of anomalous aerial phenomena. The reviewer finds the early chapters on techniques for obtaining and evaluating eyewitness testimony particularly interesting, though he critiques Haines' definition of 'UFO' as unsatisfactory. The technical nature of later chapters makes them less applicable to a UK audience.
• Exploring the Unknown: Great Mysteries Re-examined by Charles J. Cazeau and Stuart D. Scott: Reviewed by P.R., this book critically examines modern beliefs such as ancient astronauts, Atlantis, and UFOs. The reviewer notes that while the authors attempt to correct misstatements, they exhibit a limited knowledge of some subjects and present an idealized view of 'real' science.

Letters

Two letters are published:

• Robert Morrell comments on John Harney's article on 'The Plurality of Worlds', suggesting that the extraterrestrial hypothesis is favored because it 'makes the best sense or the least nonsense'. He criticizes the article for delving into theological and literary minefields and suggests that the focus should be on the evidence itself.
• Hilary Evans also responds to John Harney's article, agreeing that the extraterrestrial hypothesis is often chosen for its simplicity. He argues that while 'nuts and bolts' ufology focuses on natural explanations, the possibility of life elsewhere is not the primary concern for those who prioritize rigorous analysis of cases.

Notes & Quotes

This section provides a positive review of the recent UFOIN/NUFON Conference in Birmingham, praising its organization, short papers, adequate Q&A time, and opportunities for informal exchanges. Specific papers by Kevin McClure, Jenny Randles, and Andy Collins are highlighted. The account of 'abductee' John Day is described as calm and convincing. However, Frank Johnson's account of the 'Janos People' is criticized as naive, though the audience's hostile questions are noted positively. The section concludes by hoping the message of the conference spreads.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of MAGONIA are the historical development and pervasive nature of conspiracy theories, their intersection with anti-semitism, and the examination of the UFO phenomenon through case studies and cataloging. The editorial stance appears to be one of rigorous investigation and data collection, valuing detailed analysis and a scientific approach to ufology, as exemplified by the INTCAT catalogue and the review of Eric Zurcher's book. The magazine also shows an interest in the psychological and societal aspects of UFO experiences, as seen in the case study of Edward Gardner and the discussion of conspiracy beliefs. There is a clear effort to provide a comprehensive and critical examination of these topics, distinguishing itself from sensationalist approaches.

This document is page 20 of the magazine "Magonia", issue number 20, dated January 1981. It contains a review of Roy Wallis's book "Salvation and Protect: Studies of Social and Religious Movements", published in 1977 by Francis Pinter Ltd. The review discusses the book's examination of various social movements.

Book Review: Salvation and Protect by Roy Wallis

The review, written by an unnamed author, details Roy Wallis's analysis of contemporary social movements. Wallis categorizes these movements into two main types: 'totalistic' religious cults, such as Scientology and the 'Children of God', which demand exclusive allegiance, and 'restorative' groups like the 'Nationwide Festival of Light', the 'National Viewers and Listeners Association', 'Civil Assistance', and 'GB '75'. These latter groups aim to combat perceived societal dangers and restore a traditional way of life.

Wallis's commentary is described as perceptive, offering useful information on these organizations. The review notes that many of these movements, with the possible exception of Scientology, are concerned with the 'problems of freedom' and attract individuals who find a pluralistic society too complex. The British groups mentioned (GB '75, Civil Assistance, Festival of Light, and NVALA) are said to draw from similar constituencies, people worried about issues like pornography, rapid social change, and the erosion of state religious prestige.

A key aspect of Wallis's thesis, as presented in the review, is his rejection of the standard sociological view that these groups are merely defending their social status ('status defence'). Instead, he argues for 'cultural defence' as the primary motivation, suggesting these groups see themselves as guardians of order and decency against perceived threats, often viewing history through a conspiratorial lens.

The review also briefly touches upon Leon Festinger's study "When Prophecy Fails" and its relation to the 'cultic milieu'. It suggests that Festinger's portrayal of participants as isolated 'freaks' does not accurately reflect the diffusion of their beliefs.

Finally, the review highlights that the book's final chapter addresses the moral dilemmas Wallis encountered while conducting social research within Scientology.

Reader Correspondence

Below the book review, there is a section of handwritten correspondence addressed to "Willy Wegnar" at "Saltumvej 43, DK-9220 Aalborg Ø, Denmark". There is also a note indicating "If undelivered, please return to: 'Magonia', 64 Alric Avenue, New Malden, Surrey, KT3 4AW, UK."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this page is the sociological analysis of social and religious movements, particularly cults and their motivations. The review of Wallis's work suggests an editorial stance that is critical of simplistic explanations for these movements and values in-depth sociological research, even when it involves sensitive topics like Scientology. The magazine appears to engage with academic and research-oriented perspectives on phenomena often associated with the paranormal or fringe beliefs.