Magonia - No 07 - 1981

Magazine Overview

MAGONIA, Number Seven, 1981, is an independently published magazine focusing on the UFO phenomenon and its societal interactions. It is edited by John Rimmer and features an editorial panel including John Harney, Peter Rogerson, Roger Sandell, and Nigel Watson. The cover poses the question, "WHY HAVE ALL THE UFO'S GONE?", illustrated with a silhouette of Rodin's 'The Thinker' statue, humorously labeled 'RODIN'S UFOLOGIST'. The issue is priced at 45p.

Editorial

The editorial addresses a letter from Nigel Watson and a response from Jenny Randles, discussing the relationship between UFO research and UFO writers. It highlights the commercial pressures on UFO authors, who must often compromise their work to be readable and marketable to a wider audience. Jenny Randles, described as possibly the only full-time 'UFO author' in the UK, analyzes the dilemmas faced by such individuals. The editorial questions the function of a 'full-time UFO author' if their work requires substantial re-writing to satisfy commercial demands, potentially compromising 'pure research'. It suggests that most UFO writers earn a living through other professions, supplementing their income with UFO writing.

Why have all the UFOs gone?

This main article by Peter Rogerson explores the decline in UFO interest since the distribution of the film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' in 1978. Rogerson argues that this decline is more than a temporary dip, suggesting a profound change in the social climate. He contrasts the "good times" when people had leisure to worry about ultimate concerns with times of crisis when UFOs seem irrelevant. Rogerson examines the sources of UFO belief, distinguishing between 'flying saucer mythology' (contactees, space-brothers) and 'UFO mythology' (military, scientific, hostile). He analyzes how these myths evolved in relation to the social climate, particularly in the United States and Britain.

In the early years, British support for the 'flying saucer mythology' came from traditional, humanistic figures who felt threatened by the rise of scientists and technologists. Arthur Constance saw flying saucers as an antidote to over-rapid social change and materialism. In the US, the 'UFO myth' predominated, often fueled by authors like Donal Keyhoe, whose books blended war and spy story elements, portraying UFOs as potentially hostile.

Rogerson notes that the 'saucer' myth did not heavily engage in scientist-baiting, while the 'UFO' myth's grass-roots appeal is less documented, possibly driven by interest in a good yarn. He observes a merging of the 'UFO' and 'saucer' myths with a third, the 'space people' myth, promising health and happiness but opposed by 'powers that be'.

The article discusses how major crises like the Berlin and Cuba crises did not significantly boost UFO interest, possibly due to their suddenness and subsequent treaties. Rogerson suggests that by the early 1960s, UFO myths were no longer capable of addressing acute crises.

The assassination of President Kennedy in 1963 marked a period of instability and social change in the US, influencing other Western nations. The return of UFO interest in 1964 coincided with the space race and speculation about extraterrestrial life. The 'scientific ETH' (Extraterrestrial Hypothesis) gained prominence, mirroring the values of the 'planner' and the 'Great Society', emphasizing the engineer's limitless potential.

However, by the late 1960s, disillusionment with this technological dream set in, leading to a resurgence of the 'hostile UFO' image, often portrayed as a threat to civilian communities, as seen in incidents like Exeter and Point Pleasant. John Keel's work is cited for its themes of mysterious conspiracies and a malevolent, supernatural force.

Rogerson links the rise of the 'New Age' movement, the popularization of 'extraterrestrial euhemism' (e.g., von Däniken), and ecological concerns to the re-emergence of the UFO myth in 1973. The abduction phenomenon, emerging around this time, symbolized the feeling of being 'seized' by an alien world and reflected public anxieties about medical procedures and technological manipulation.

The article also touches on the 'demonic UFO' theory, which views UFOs as forces of evil, often linked to millenarian beliefs and fears of social change. This perspective is seen as a way to reject secular technological progress and express middle-class anxieties.

Rogerson critiques the 'encyclopedia of UFOs' by Ronald D. Story, noting its US bias, lack of comprehensive UK coverage, and questionable selection criteria for entries and cases. He also reviews 'UFO Abductions: true cases of alien kidnappings' by D. Scott Rogo, highlighting its focus on abduction cases and Rogo's tendency to invoke 'psychic nuts and bolts' and 'The Phenomenon'.

Notes & Quotes

This section includes several smaller items:

• Congratulations to John Harney BA: Acknowledging his Open University degree.
• MAGONIA at the 'Festival of Creative Living': Announcing the magazine's presence at a festival in Hove, with a stand and a talk by editor John Rimmer.
• Australian Centre for UFO Studies: Recommending a catalogue of Australian UFO reports for 1979.
• The Flying Saucer Conspiracy: Discussing Major Donald Keyhoe's theories about government suppression of UFO information and the motives behind it, including the idea of 'International Banking' conspiracies.
• FROM CONSPIRATORS TO CONTACTEES (Part 2): Roger Sandell's article continues his examination of the links between conspiracy theorizing, ufology, and occultism. It discusses the Mankind United organization and its belief in 'Hidden Rulers', as well as the 'Dero' and 'Men in Black' concepts from Richard Shaver and Ray Palmer. The article explores how UFO lore has been used to express political anxieties and fears of social change, citing Morris K Jessup and Gordon Creighton.

Books Extra

This section provides reviews of several books:

• Future Man by Chris Morgan: Reviewed as an interesting example of futureology, but dated, with a section demolishing the idea of the 'Mekon' superman.
• A helicopter UFO encounter over Ohio by Jennie Zeitman: A detailed study of the Coyne helicopter case, which seems to lay to rest the meteorite explanation but includes elements of 'new ufology' such as out-of-body experiences and strange motifs.
• The UFO Connection by Arthur Bray: Reviewed as old-fashioned and uninteresting, but noting that Wilbert Smith's Project Magnet likely received Canadian Government backing.
• MUFON UFO SYMPOSIUM PROCEEDINGS 1980: Critiqued for its focus on 'nuts and bolts' ufology, with papers by David Kissinger and John Schuessler taking abduction stories at face value and attempting to reconstruct engineering data. Other papers by Montieth and Bearden are described as remote from general scientific consensus.
• UFO Abductions: true cases of alien kidnappings edited by D. Scott Rogo: A selection of abduction cases with commentaries. Rogo's comments are noted as being above 'nuts and bolts' level but he is willing to invoke 'psychic nuts and bolts' and 'The Phenomenon'. The review highlights Rogo's idea that abduction experiences often occur during life crises.
• PROCEEDINGS OF THE FIRST INTERNATIONAL UFO CONGRESS: Praised for providing an excellent introduction to the subject, with strong sections on psychological and sociological aspects of ufology.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of MAGONIA revolve around the sociology of UFO belief, the evolution of UFO mythology, and the interplay between UFO phenomena and broader cultural, social, and political contexts. The magazine appears to adopt a critical yet open-minded stance, questioning simplistic explanations and commercial pressures within the UFO field. There is a clear emphasis on analyzing UFO beliefs not just as isolated events but as reflections of societal anxieties and transformations. The editorial stance seems to favor rigorous research and a nuanced understanding of the phenomenon's cultural significance, while also acknowledging the economic realities faced by writers in the field. The magazine also engages with the broader 'New Age' movement and its relationship to ufology and conspiracy theories. The book reviews consistently apply critical judgment, evaluating works based on their comprehensiveness, authoritativeness, bias, and contribution to serious research.

This issue of "MAGONIA" MAGAZINE, identified as issue number 20 and dated August 1980, appears to be a UK publication, as indicated by the return address on the envelope. The content focuses on reviews of two publications related to paranormal and fringe beliefs.

Review of Reincarnation Claims

The first part of the magazine discusses reincarnation cases, specifically those investigated by a figure named Keeton. It is noted that Keeton's cases, which were featured on a regional BBC TV series presented by Bill Grandy and Alf Bates, were ultimately proven to be incorrect or unverifiable. A key criticism highlighted is that information presented as 'obscure' facts from past lives, such as those claimed by Anne Dowling, a Liverpool housewife who reportedly had a 'previous life' as a nineteenth-century orphan in Everton, were in fact readily available in popular local history books or well-researched historical novels. The article suggests that some academic 'experts' may underestimate the accessibility of such information. The only evidence for reincarnation considered genuinely thought-provoking is that collected by Dr. Ian Stevenson, which is given significant attention in one of the reviewed books.

The review also touches upon a book that surveys world reincarnation beliefs, drawing information from secondary, potentially unreliable sources. It mentions an attempt within this book to reconcile reincarnation with Christian theology.

Review of "The UFO Cults" Pamphlet

The second major review focuses on "The UFO Cults" pamphlet by Weldon Burge, published by Pamphlet Publications in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1979. While acknowledging that the pamphlet contains some interesting information on 'cults', the reviewer identifies a clear 'covert Christian Fundamentalist polemic' within its pages. The reviewer criticizes the pamphlet for failing to place such cults in perspective or trace the historical development of their ideas. For instance, it is suggested that Allen Noonan's 'One World Family' likely derives its theology from historical English Civil War sects such as 'My One Flesh', which advocated for radical pantheism and social revolution based on Joachim of Fiore's 'Everlasting Gospel'. The reviewer expresses skepticism about claims that the Aetherius Society intends to eliminate its opponents, especially without extensive documentation. The reviewer concludes by stating a personal aversion to 'cults' but questions the hysterical attacks often made against them, drawing a parallel to the 'anti-convent' riots of the 1850s.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are reincarnation and the examination of UFO-related 'cults'. The editorial stance appears to be critical of unsubstantiated claims in both areas, emphasizing the need for verifiable evidence and historical context. There is a clear skepticism towards sensationalism and a preference for well-researched, documented information. The magazine seems to adopt a cautious and analytical approach to paranormal phenomena and religious/social fringe groups, questioning both the proponents of unverified claims and the often hysterical reactions against them.