Magonia - No 18 - 1985 01

Magazine Overview

Magonia Issue 18 / January 1985

This issue of Magonia, number 18, dated January 1985, marks a new phase for the independent journal devoted to the examination of anomalous phenomena and their societal impact. The magazine has expanded to 28 pages, incorporating literary and financial input from Kevin McClure and the former 'Common Ground' publication. The editors aim to combine the strengths of both magazines while forging a distinct character, featuring regular columns and popular features.

Articles and Features

Apocalypse When? by Roger Sandell

Roger Sandell critically analyzes the contemporary interest in Nostradamus, particularly focusing on Jean Charles de Fontbrune's book. Sandell argues that Fontbrune's interpretations often misrepresent Nostradamus's original verses, taking them out of their sixteenth-century context and applying them to modern events without sufficient justification. He points out instances where prophecies are twisted to fit desired outcomes, such as the interpretation of a riding accident as a royal death or the claim that a prophecy foretells the Jewish settlement of Palestine. Sandell emphasizes the importance of understanding Nostradamus within his own time, considering references to contemporary political and religious conflicts, and notes that many prophecies were likely intended for his immediate audience rather than distant future events.

Down to Basics by Kevin McClure

Kevin McClure reflects on his decade-long experience editing 'Common Ground' and his transition to Magonia. He expresses a desire to move beyond persistent criticism and focus on independent research, suggesting that the time for debunking is over and that the efforts of others deserve better than constant carping. McClure proposes exploring a theory or model that addresses anomalous phenomena, inviting Magonia readers to contribute. He outlines a crucial choice in investigating these phenomena: whether to consider human abilities alone or an external intelligence. McClure leans towards the former, believing that assuming uncomprehended human abilities is more reasonable than assuming unknown non-human ones, despite the vast human experience of encounters with the apparently non-human.

The Case of the Liverpool Leprechauns by Nigel Watson, Ian Cresswell, and Granville Oldroyd

This article investigates the peculiar incident in Liverpool during July 1964, where a rumour of leprechauns spread rapidly among children, leading to searches in local parks and causing minor damage. The authors explore the rapid spread of the rumour, its association with UFO sightings, and the potential psychological and sociological factors at play, including the children's Roman Catholic and Irish backgrounds. They also discuss Brian Jones's claim to have initiated the scare, but find inconsistencies with newspaper reports. The article concludes that the leprechaun hunts may have been a manifestation of collective behavior, possibly fueled by a desire for excitement or a rejection of adult reality, and notes the connection to the 'Merseybeat' phenomenon of the era.

Letters

Steuart Campbell writes in response to an article on the 'Extraterrestrial Hypothesis' (ETH), dismissing the idea that aliens are using the asteroid belt for resources as specious and unsound. He argues that there is no evidence for alien visitation and that most UFO reports are identifiable flying objects (IFOs), with the remainder due to insufficient investigation. Campbell asserts that the UFO movement lacks scientific respectability until it acknowledges the absence of UFOs as alien craft.

The Peter Rogerson Column

Peter Rogerson addresses the perception that Magonia's review column is overly critical, presenting a survey of reviews that shows a more balanced approach. He discusses the nature of folklore and its transmission, drawing parallels between historical witchcraft beliefs and modern UFO experiences, particularly 'participative folklore' where individuals become actors in a narrative. Rogerson also touches upon the psychological aspects of misperception and how cultural expectations can shape interpretations of events, citing examples from historical events and contemporary media.

Final Last Words by John Rimmer

John Rimmer offers his perspective on the Liverpool leprechaun incident, suggesting that the emphasis on the children's religious background might be overstated. He acknowledges the significant social change occurring in Liverpool at the time, influenced by the 'Merseybeat' phenomenon, and posits that this cultural backdrop may have played a role in the collective behavior observed.

Down in the Forest Something Stirred... by Roger Sandell

Roger Sandell examines the book 'Sky Crash,' which alleges a conspiracy surrounding the Rendlesham incident of December 1980. Sandell critiques the book's central theme of conspiracy, suggesting that the authors may be too quick to attribute sinister motives to government actions and cover-ups. He points out that the authors' investigations coincided with public controversy over Cruise missiles, which could explain some of the security measures encountered. Sandell also questions the reliability of some witnesses, including 'Art Wallace,' and criticizes the book's media attitudes and the handling of evidence, such as radiation readings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Magonia demonstrates a commitment to critical analysis of anomalous phenomena, encouraging readers to engage with evidence and context. The editorial stance appears to favor rational investigation, questioning sensational claims, and exploring the psychological and sociological factors that contribute to belief in the unexplained. There is a clear emphasis on historical context, particularly in the analysis of Nostradamus, and a cautious approach to extraordinary claims, such as alien visitation. The magazine also highlights the role of media and collective psychology in shaping perceptions of anomalous events.

This issue of UFO DATA, dated October 1984, is the 20th issue in Volume 2, priced at £1.00. The magazine focuses on UFOs and related paranormal phenomena, featuring a prominent column by Nigel Watson and several book reviews.

Editorial Content

Review of 'Sky Crash'

The issue begins with a critical commentary on a book titled 'Sky Crash,' which appears to detail the Rendlesham Forest incident. The reviewer expresses strong reservations about the book's accuracy and methodology. Specific criticisms include the imprecise description of an object's size, comparing it to a football without providing a reference point for distance, which renders the comparison meaningless. The reviewer also notes the authors' failure to substantiate serious accusations, such as James Randi deliberately falsifying evidence, and suggests these charges should either be documented in detail or withdrawn. The commentary references a recent expose of Fleet Street journalism that highlighted the 'News of the World's' coverage of Rendlesham as an example of sensationalism, implying 'Sky Crash' does not refute this assessment.

Nigel Watson Column: The Philadelphia Experiment

Nigel Watson's column, a regular feature, delves into the 'Philadelphia Experiment,' a story involving the alleged invisibility and teleportation of the USS Eldridge (DE 173) in 1943 and 1946. Watson traces the story's origins to Morris Jessup and letters from a person named Carlos Miguel Allende. He notes that the most recent account is by Charles Berlitz and William Moore. Watson expresses skepticism, suggesting the story might be a hoax that has grown complex over time. He raises the intriguing possibility that science fiction writers like Isaac Asimov, Robert Heinlein, and L. Sprague de Camp, who were working at the Philadelphia Naval Yard at the time, might have invented or encouraged the rumour for amusement or as an experiment. Watson also touches upon Asimov's mock-scientific thesis, 'The Endochronic Properties of Resublimated Thiotimoline,' published in 1948, and speculates if it was inspired by the Philadelphia rumour.

Book Reviews

The magazine features several book reviews, offering insights into various paranormal and esoteric topics:

• 'A New Model of the Universe' by Peter D. Ouspensky: Reviewed by Kevin McClure, this book is described as a comprehensive account of evidence suggesting human dealings with non-human entities. Ouspensky's work, written before he met Gurdjieff, is seen as a summation of his philosophy, exploring concepts like the fourth dimension and Eternal Recurrence. While the reviewer notes the physics and psychology are dated, the book is considered thought-provoking and invaluable for understanding Ouspensky's mind prior to his association with Gurdjieff.

• 'Views from the Real World' by G. I. Gurdjieff: Also reviewed by Kevin McClure, this is presented as a collection of Gurdjieff's teachings, compiled by his pupils. It is recommended as a good introduction to Gurdjieff's thought for beginners, though 'In Search of the Miraculous' by Ouspensky is suggested for a more structural approach.

• 'The Power of the Pendulum' by T. C. Lethbridge: This review praises Lethbridge as an author of ideas and theories, whose work cannot be easily summarized. The book is described as a cornucopia of insights into parascience subjects, including ancient astronauts and the nature of time. It is considered a summation of his thought and a good introduction for new readers.

• 'The Evidence for the Bermuda Triangle' by David Group: This book is intended for the general reader and summarizes notable Triangle 'mysteries,' re-examining individual circumstances and attempting non-sensational explanations. It reviews natural mishaps and disasters, dismissing more bizarre theories, and suggests an unknown factor may be involved in some disappearances.

• 'The Secret of the Golden Flower' by Richard Wilhelm: This review discusses the book as a prime text on Chinese yoga, featuring commentary by Carl Jung. It is described as earnest in its discussion of 'setting currents in motion' and is seen as potentially confusing to the non-initiate, though Jung attempts to equate the texts to Western psychological concepts.

• 'Einstein's Space and Van Gogh's Sky' by Lawrence Le Shan and Henry Margenau: This book is a critique of reductionism, arguing that different domains of experience inhabit different 'realities' that cannot be reduced to one another. The reviewer finds the argument persuasive but ultimately unconvinced, questioning the authors' definition of 'realities.'

• 'Mysterious America' by Loren Coleman: This review describes the book as a straightforward account of mystery animals and related anomalies, lacking critical analysis but also avoiding a bludgeoning tone. It notes the connection between settlements expanding into wilderness and Forteana experiences.

• 'Parapsychology, science or magic' by James E. Alcock: This is a skeptical critique of parapsychology. The reviewer notes that while Alcock makes cogent criticisms, his approach sometimes dismisses anomalous experiences too readily and falls into old-fashioned rationalism.

• 'The Loch Ness Mystery Solved' by Ronald Binns: This book is compared to Larry Kusche's work on the Bermuda Triangle, showing many fictional elements in the Loch Ness Monster legend. It examines the history of sightings, photographic evidence, and emphasizes the role of expectation and preconception in eyewitness testimony.

• 'Visions: Apparitions: Alien Visitors' by Hilary Evans: This book is lauded as the finest and most comprehensive survey of entity experience published in English. It is considered a classic, organizing accounts into a 'field survey' and accepting that these experiences are generally real to the percipient. The author's approach is contrasted with others who tend to frame experiences within pre-existing theories.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a critical yet open-minded stance towards paranormal phenomena. While acknowledging the need for rigorous investigation and evidence, it also explores unconventional ideas and theories. The reviews often highlight the importance of source material, methodology, and the psychological aspects of belief and experience. There is a clear interest in the history of ufology and paranormal research, with references to classic works and figures in the field. The editorial stance appears to favor detailed analysis and reasoned argument, as evidenced by the critical review of 'Sky Crash' and the nuanced exploration of the 'Philadelphia Experiment' by Nigel Watson. The inclusion of book reviews across a spectrum of esoteric and paranormal topics suggests a broad scope of interest within the magazine's readership.