Magonia - No 16 - 1984 07

Magazine Overview

Title: Magonia
Issue: 16
Date: July 1984
Publisher: John Rimmer

This issue of Magonia, an independent journal examining the UFO phenomenon and its societal interaction, focuses on the subjective and mythological aspects of UFO experiences. The editorial highlights a recurring theme of 'myth' emerging from the contributions, with a particular emphasis on the psychological dimensions of close encounters and the concept of the 'authorised myth'. The journal solicits reader input on the current standing of the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH).

Articles and Contributions

What Dreams Might Come by Ian Cresswell

Ian Cresswell explores the subjective nature of close encounters (CEs), drawing parallels to dream and trance states. He argues that while the phenomenon may appear objective, inconsistencies and distortions within accounts suggest a significant subjective component. Cresswell posits that these experiences are not pathological hallucinations but rather a distortion of objective reality, where subjective images are superimposed. He likens CEs to hypnagogic and hypnopompic states, and even 'waking dreams,' where unconscious imagery breaks through into consciousness. The author suggests that the perceived reality of CEs, especially abduction scenarios, can be fully recalled under hypnosis, leading to a misinterpretation of a subjective dream as an objective event.

CRASH! by Peter Rogerson

Peter Rogerson examines the psychology of radical misperception and the fears underlying the power of myth. He critiques 'neo-romanticist' attitudes in ufology that confuse reality with fantasy, suggesting that the desire for immediate experience leads some to view UFO sightings as access to an alternative reality. Rogerson introduces the concept of 'Magonia' (borrowed from Fort), representing the 'Wilderness' – aspects of reality beyond rational control. He argues that the 'crashing' of Magonia into the 'Habitat' of human reason and culture can be disruptive, leading to chaos when unchecked. Rogerson connects this to the power of myths, both for good and ill, and suggests that human beings are not merely puppets but inheritors of a shared heritage, bound for the stars.

Tracing the Traces by Maurizio Verga

Maurizio Verga presents preliminary notes on a study of physical traces associated with UFO events. He argues that traces (imprints, marks, residues) ought to provide physical proof of a tangible phenomenon, refuting purely psychological interpretations. However, Verga notes that traces can be contradictory, suggesting multiple origins or specific conditions. He questions the 'extraterrestrialist' reliance on physical traces, noting that many UFO cases lack them, while others have them. Verga points out that natural phenomena (fungi, lightning, weather) and human activities can produce ambiguous traces. He concludes that the 'trace phenomenon' is a small residue of well-investigated reports, with many cases being hoaxes or misidentifications. He believes that most trace reports are explainable by natural or artificial origins, and that scientific evaluation of such data is often compromised by investigator subjectivity.

The Myth of the Authorised Myth by Hilary Evans

Hilary Evans queries the role of the UFO as an 'authorised myth' of the age of science. He defines an 'authorised myth' as a widely accepted belief system, even with inadequate scientific evidence, that gains sanction within a prevailing culture. Evans suggests that the idea of extraterrestrial intervention is a contemporary myth, supported by space ventures and the failure of orthodox religion. He discusses Michel Monnerie's hypothesis that UFO sightings trigger waking dreams, where the witness constructs a fantasy modified by the prevailing myth. Evans questions whether this 'authorised myth' truly explains the diverse and often illogical forms UFO reports take, suggesting that the concept is inadequate for understanding the full range of sighting experiences.

Editorial and Letters

The editorial section discusses the emerging theme of 'myth' in the current issue and announces that the next issue will focus on the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH). It invites readers to share their views on the ETH's current standing. Several letters are included:

• Hilary Evans responds to a critique of his article on Norwegian sightings, clarifying his intentions and acknowledging the complexity of the cases.
• Manfred Cassirer comments on a review of a book compilation, defending his position and mentioning the difficulty of proving certain phenomena.
• Ian Mrzyglod expresses strong agreement with the editorial's concern over the 'paranoid direction' of FSR, criticizing its focus on conspiracies and cover-ups, and asserting Magonia's role as Britain's leading independent UFO journal. He also notes the poor print quality of a previous Magonia issue.
• John Rimmer acknowledges the printing quality issues and explains they were due to printer problems.
• A reader (unnamed) congratulates Hilary Evans on his balanced report on Hessdalen and discusses the importance of the psychic element in UFO phenomena, suggesting a symbiosis between mind and aerial light forms.
• Paul Devereux responds to criticism regarding his views on sociological ufology, defending the need for both physical and sociological approaches to UFO research and emphasizing the importance of the 'earth lights' theory.

Books Reviewed

Several books are reviewed:

• John J. Cerullo's 'The Secularization of the Soul: psychical research in modern Britain': Reviewed by P.R., it discusses the development of spiritualism and psychic research as attempts to preserve the 'soul' in a secular society, focusing on the SPR's shift towards a more 'this-worldly' ideology.
• Raymond E. Fowler's 'Casebook of a UFO investigator': Reviewed by P.R., it is described as a middle-of-the-road book with well-worn material, criticized for rehashing old cases and wasting space on government cover-ups.
• Philip J. Klass's 'UFOs; the public deceived': Reviewed by P.R., it critiques Klass's debunking of UFO cases, noting his effectiveness in demolishing some stories but also his tendency to cry 'hoax' too often and his evangelistic approach to rationalism.
• Howard Kerr and Charles L. Crow's (Editors) 'The Occult in America: New Historical Perspectives': Reviewed by P.R., it covers a wide range of topics from witchcraft to flying saucers, highlighting academic interest in previously dismissed areas. Specific chapters discuss the critique of 'flight-from-reason' explanations, the literary rules of ghost stories, and the historical search for scientific legitimacy in ufology.
• Peter Underwood's 'No Common Task; the autobiography of a ghost-hunter': Reviewed by P.R., it is dismissed as being more concerned with name-dropping than ghosts.
• Grant Evans's 'The Yellow Rain Makers; are chemical weapons being used in South East Asia?': Reviewed by P.R., it critiques reports of chemical weapons use, arguing they stem partly from belief in witchcraft and secret poisons, drawing an analogy to UFO reports as social panics.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the subjective nature of UFO experiences, the influence of myth and psychology on perception, and the critique of purely rationalist or sociological explanations for the phenomenon. The journal positions itself as a platform for serious, open-minded inquiry into UFOs, encouraging critical thinking and a balanced approach. The editorial stance appears to be one of exploring diverse theories while maintaining a critical perspective, particularly regarding the limitations of established hypotheses like the ETH and the potential for psychological and mythological factors to shape UFO reports. There is a clear emphasis on the need for rigorous research and a willingness to challenge deeply held beliefs within the ufological community.

This document is page 20 of issue 84 of the magazine "Mankind," published in 1984. It contains reviews of two books related to paranormal and esoteric subjects: "Elliptical Navigations through the Multitudinous Aethyrs of Avalon" by Robert Coon and "The Evidence for Alien Abductions" by John Rimmer.

Book Review: Elliptical Navigations through the Multitudinous Aethyrs of Avalon

The review, attributed to E.L.W., describes Robert Coon's book as the work of a "Master" who has harnessed the "phoenix power of the Hierarchy." It highlights the book's exploration of esoteric traditions, the symbolism of the phoenix, and the connection between Polynesian metaphysical concepts like 'tepu' and advanced geomantic/zodiacal magican techniques. The review suggests that these techniques echo the "deep ocean mysticism of the protean Atlantan tradition of stellar evocation." It also touches upon a "buried tradition of geo-mythic wisdom" and its influence on certain esoteric groups, as well as the impact of English landscape on the American and French revolutions. The reviewer notes the influence of "North-Western Masonic initiates" and mentions Hugh Brewer and A. G. Bennet as "Great Gatekeepers of Brigantia." The book is presented as a potent evocation of "Proto-Druidic mystery."

Book Review: The Evidence for Alien Abductions

This review, written by Philip Gross, discusses John Rimmer's book, "The Evidence for Alien Abductions," published by Aquarian Press for £2.50. Gross begins by acknowledging the possibility of a "hoax" but dismisses it as a "paranoid idea" and "cranky." He accepts that "hundreds of people who truly believe that they have been kidnapped by things from space" and that this phenomenon itself is significant. Rimmer is praised for his sensible approach, described as being like a "detective story" without being a "wet blanket." He meticulously examines evidence and witness testimonies, finding them "pretty ordinary" and not suspiciously so. Rimmer presents the pros and cons of the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH) for alien abductions.

Personal Reflections and Alternative Theories

Philip Gross expresses his own prejudice: if superior intelligences exist, why aren't they doing something "important?" He likens the aliens' messages to guests to the unexciting nature of bending a teaspoon with unknown forces. He finds the book's most compelling aspects emerge when it moves away from the ETH and points to folk tales of children stolen by fairies to a land where time stands still. This parallels the story without the "space-age props."

Gross further draws parallels to "shamans of primitive tribes" and explores psychological interpretations, particularly the "Birth Trauma Hypothesis (BTH)." He questions if it's a coincidence that aliens often have features of the foetus and if the spaceship symbolizes a womb. He notes that this theory aligns with therapeutic "re-birthing" techniques that use regression to uncover "memories" that are strongly physical and difficult to articulate, suggesting these might be an adult's eye-view of the womb.

Conclusion on Abductions

Despite finding the Birth Trauma Hypothesis seductive, Gross concludes that it seems "too neat" and he dislikes the idea of a simple answer, whether ETH or BTH. He ultimately views these abductions as a "fairy story." However, he emphasizes that "Real fairy stories are important, rich and never quite explicable. They come from somewhere in as as mysterious as Alpha Centauri."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to engage with a range of paranormal, esoteric, and psychological topics, as evidenced by the book reviews. The editorial stance, as reflected in the reviews, is one of critical inquiry. While acknowledging the existence and significance of phenomena like alien abductions and esoteric traditions, the reviewers maintain a skeptical yet open-minded approach, exploring alternative explanations and psychological interpretations. There is a clear interest in the historical and mythological roots of these phenomena, suggesting a belief that modern claims may echo ancient narratives and archetypes.