Magonia - No 19 - 1985 05

Magazine Overview

Magonia 19 / May 1985

This issue of Magonia, priced at 75p, is a journal devoted to the examination of anomalous phenomena and their interaction with society and the individual. It is published independently by its editors and features a cover story titled "The Maniac on the Platform" by Michael Goss. Other key articles include "Investigating the Researcher" by Maurizio Verga & Shirley McIver, "Reincarnation and Personal Identity" by John Harney, and "Continuing the Rendlesham Debate" by Willy Smith & Roger Sandell. The issue also includes sections for Letters, Reviews, and Columns.

The Maniac on the Platform

Michael Goss presents an analysis of the "Maniac on the Platform" urban legend, which he first encountered as a story told by a middle-aged woman on the London Underground. The legend describes a homicidal individual who pushes unsuspecting women onto the tracks as trains arrive. Goss suggests that this is not a literal account but rather a modern myth, a 'foaflore' motif that plays on common fears of insanity, subway travel, and assault. He notes that the story's effectiveness lies in its anonymity, the victim's vulnerability, and the implication of a police cover-up to prevent copycat crimes. The legend is compared to other urban myths and cautionary tales, with its origins possibly rooted in 19th-century stories or even modern thriller tropes. Goss posits that the Maniac is a symbol of the fears associated with the Underground, a place taken for granted yet potentially dangerous.

Investigating the Researcher

Maurizio Verga and Shirley McIver discuss the crucial role of the investigator in UFO and paranormal research. Verga highlights the irresistible call of the unknown, which can lead individuals to become 'protagonists' in their search for mystery, offering a means of revaluing themselves and feeling superior. However, this passion can become an unhealthy attachment, with the primary goal being the solution of the mystery. McIver contrasts this with the scientific approach, arguing that ufology's social basis in popular culture, rather than elite scientific culture, hinders its attempts to become scientific. She outlines several challenges facing ufology: limited finance, the need for researchers to conduct research in their spare time, a lack of clearly defined roles and training, a fragmented body of knowledge often overlapping with the 'cultic milieu,' poor media representation, and limited access to scientific journals. McIver suggests that for ufology to become more scientific, it must detach itself from the social movement, gain control of its media portrayal, establish clear spokespersons, and gain access to scientific journals by connecting UFOs to existing scientific problems and recruiting scientists.

Reincarnation and Personal Identity

John Harney explores the concept of reincarnation and its relationship to personal identity. He begins by acknowledging the common understanding of reincarnation as living multiple lives in different bodies. Harney discusses how memories of past lives are typically obtained through hypnotic regression, but raises the issue of false memories and the potential for subjects to invent stories. He introduces John Locke's theory of personal identity, which emphasizes psychological continuity, particularly memory, as the criterion for a person remaining the same over time. Harney presents a thought experiment involving multiple individuals claiming to be reincarnations of the same past person, highlighting the philosophical difficulties in definitively establishing identity, especially when evidence for multiple claims exists. He concludes that the concept of personal identity is complex and that arguments about reincarnation are unlikely to be settled by mere facts alone, emphasizing the need for clear definitions of what is meant by 'personal identity'.

Continuing the Rendlesham Debate

Willy Smith and Roger Sandell respond to a review of their book "Sky Crash," defending their work against criticisms regarding their analysis of the Rendlesham Forest incident. They argue that the reviewer failed to read the book thoroughly and misrepresented their findings. Smith and Sandell clarify that their book explores the possibility of a high-level conspiracy but does not force conclusions on the reader, emphasizing their aim to present evidence for the reader to decide. They address specific points raised by the reviewer, such as the conduct of Colonel Charles Halt and the testimony of 'Art Wallace,' arguing that Wallace's speech patterns are not indicative of dishonesty and that his military service is confirmed. They also defend the promotion of officers involved in the incident as potentially being linked to their silence or adherence to policy, rather than a reward for a cover-up. The authors assert that Occam's Razor, concerning simplicity of explanation, supports their interpretation of witness testimony and the evidence presented in the Halt memorandum regarding radiation readings.

Letters

The letters section features several correspondents. Anthony Roberts critiques Magonia's reliance on Jacques Vallee's work, suggesting that the magazine overlooks earlier researchers like Brinsley le Poer Trench, W. Raymond Drake, and John Michell, whose work laid the groundwork for mythico-ufology. Willy Smith criticizes book reviews that appear biased, arguing that they should offer balanced critiques rather than focusing solely on flaws. Mr. Rimmer receives a letter from a reader who recalls a similar case to the 'Liverpool Leprechauns' from the mid-1920s involving a phantom soldier. Brian Burgess expresses enjoyment of Magonia's diverse subject matter. Ian Ridpath shares his personal UFO sighting experience, emphasizing its considerable size and distance. Steuart Campbell engages in a debate regarding the existence of UFOs and psychic phenomena, advocating for the null hypothesis and questioning the assumptions made by other contributors. Hilary Evans defends his critique of Steuart Campbell's views. Finally, a letter discusses the 'Brentford Gryphon,' a mythical creature, and the potential for its capture.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Magonia demonstrates a consistent editorial stance favoring in-depth, critical analysis of anomalous phenomena, often challenging conventional explanations and exploring the psychological and sociological aspects of belief. The magazine encourages rigorous investigation while acknowledging the limitations of current scientific understanding in these fields. Recurring themes include the nature of evidence, the definition of science, the interpretation of eyewitness testimony, and the role of folklore and urban legends in shaping our understanding of the unexplained. The editors appear open to exploring controversial topics and providing a platform for diverse viewpoints, even when they diverge from mainstream scientific consensus. The emphasis is on reasoned debate and the pursuit of truth, however elusive it may be.

Title: NORTHERN E-CHO-S
Issue: 112
Date: March 1985
Document Type: Magazine Issue

The Nigel Watson Column

Nigel Watson's column focuses on Steven Spielberg's 1977 film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind', highlighting its impact on popular culture and its use of real-life UFO experiences as a foundation for its script. Watson notes Spielberg's debt to UFO literature and consultants like Dr. J. Allen Hynek and Jacques Vallee. The film's realism is emphasized as a tool to make the audience feel closer to a potentially momentous event. Watson contrasts Spielberg's approach with Stanley Kubrick's '2001: A Space Odyssey', noting that Spielberg brings the first contact scenario to Earth and involves ordinary people. The film's realism is further enhanced by its documentary-like opening scenes, including the tracking of a UFO in an air traffic control center and the mysterious disappearance of Flight 19, linking it to Charles Berlitz's 'The Bermuda Triangle'.

Watson discusses Spielberg's use of human fears and fantasies, referencing his earlier films 'Duel', 'Sugarland Express', and 'Jaws' to illustrate themes of overcoming adversity, societal control, and humanity's tenuous mastery over nature. He points out that 'Close Encounters' portrays the consequences of transcending conventional reality, as the protagonist Roy Neary loses his family due to his obsession with UFOs.

The column draws parallels between Spielberg's film and H.G. Wells's 'War of the Worlds', suggesting 'Close Encounters' is a response where aliens aim to help rather than harm humanity. It also references 'The Day the Earth Stood Still' in the context of aliens seeking truth from ordinary citizens due to government deception. Watson notes visual similarities between the film's UFOs and elements from fairy tales and literature, such as Jonathan Swift's 'Gulliver's Travels' and Hugo Gernsback's aerial cities. The mischievous behavior of the aliens, like causing power cuts and sending police on chases, is linked to folklore figures like the 'will-o'-the-wisp'. The influence of Jacques Vallee's 'Passport to Magonia' is also suggested.

Inspiration from Walt Disney's 'Pinocchio' is noted through the use of the song 'When You Wish Upon a Star'. Watson interprets the aliens as a galactic 'super ego' guiding humanity towards peaceful behavior, contrasting with the 'war of the worlds' mentality towards alien invaders. The film's global scope is illustrated by scenes shot in India, though the landing zone is in America, suggesting American dominance. The aliens' ability to manipulate minds and history is presented as god-like, reinforced by the starship's cathedral-like appearance.

Journal Reviews

The issue includes reviews of several UFO and fortean publications:

• AFU Newsletter (No. 27, 1984): Praised as an excellent, though sporadically published, Swedish UFO newsletter that is temporarily closing for research. It covered Scandinavian ghost rockets, the 'Helge' contact case, Russian ufology, and future directions.
• Anomaly (Undated): The first experimental issue of ASSAP's new journal, featuring articles on earthlights by Paul Devereux, a summary of ASSAP's investigations, and comments from officials. It is described as a promising, well-produced, investigation-based journal.
• Fortean Times (No. 43): The first issue under acting editor Paul Sieveking is noted for its improvement, featuring articles on Cottingly Fairies, horned humans, Columbus, and a piece on the York Minster conflagration. It aims to move away from the 'sick, paranoid conspiracy/mutilation syndrome'.
• MUFON UFO Journal (January 1985): Criticized for its erratic path and a mix of routine reports and boring material, reflecting the state of American ufology. However, it is deemed essential for keeping up with the US UFO scene.
• Northern UFO News (No. 112, March 1985): Features case summaries and personal comments from editor Jenny Randles, including reactions to 'Sky Crash' and 'Magonia'.
• Pogonip (No. 1): A new French fortean magazine focusing on phantom animals, 'whale tumour' stories, and modern mythologies. It covers sensational stories, visions of the Virgin Mary, phantom hitch-hikers, and mystery felines.
• S.P.R. Journal (October 1984, No. 798): Includes a letter about 'sentient lights' over Papa Stour, a poltergeist case in Kern City, and articles on ESP, magicians' attitudes to psi, and occultists.
• The Shaman (No. 9, January 1985): Continues its eclectic content, with articles on sun page three girls, contemporary shamans, and reviews. Paul Screeton's writing is described as entertaining.
• UFO Research Australia Newsletter (September-October 1984): Features an account of Australia's first abduction case, car-stoppage cases, hypnogogic imagery, and a sympathetic review of 'Sky Crash'.

Books Reviews

Several books are reviewed:

• 'The Flight From Reason' by James Webb: Recommended for those interested in the topic.
• 'The Ghost Hunters' by Peter Underwood: A critical review of a book about psychic researchers, described as an amiable but uncritical reminiscence. The reviewer finds it lightweight and overpriced.
• 'Nostradamus: into the Twenty-first Century' by Jean-Charles de Fontbrune: Criticized for its author's audacity in defending previous predictions and for misrepresenting Nostradamus's work to fit a narrative.
• 'Skyways and Landmarks Revisited' by Philip Heselton, Jimmy Goddard, and Paul Baines: A re-evaluation of Tony Wedd's work on leys and flying saucers. The reviewer finds leys more convincing as art than science and highlights the booklet's insight into the origins of UFO/ley connections.
• 'Superforce; the search for a Grand Unified Field Theory of Nature' by Paul Davies: Examines the fringes of cosmology and physics, suggesting that a single 'super-force' leaves little room for paranormal forces. The reviewer notes its resemblance to old-fashioned natural theology.
• 'Eccentric Lives and Peculiar Notions' by John Michell: Praised for avoiding the pitfalls of other books on fringe theorists, offering original material and treating subjects with respect. It highlights figures like Comyns Beaumont and Ignatius Donnelly, and discusses the intersection of fringe theories with mainstream ideas.
• 'God and the New Physics' by Paul Davies: A survey of the philosophical and theological implications of modern physics. Davies argues that science offers a clearer route to God than religion and explores concepts like consciousness and the possibility of extraterrestrial agents.
• 'UFOs: a history. Vol. 2, 1949' by Loren E. Gross: The reviewer finds the book's format and presentation lacking for casual readers or social historians, but notes its inclusion of fascinating sidelines like a doctor's suggested correlation between 'flying discs' and polio outbreaks.
• 'Occult/Paranormal Bibliography: an annotated list of books published in English, 1976 through 1981' by Thomas C. Clarie: Described as a massive compilation but criticized for its high price and the inclusion of a wide range of material, from scholarly works to juvenile books. The reviewer notes its tendency to link parapsychology with occult theologies and its questionable grading of entries.
• 'The Origins of Man and the Universe: the Myth that came to life' by Barry Long: The reviewer finds the book difficult to understand, suggesting it requires a 'consciousness-raising experience' and that the author's advice to 'let the words wash through you' is the only way to approach it.
• 'From Newton to ESP; Parapsychology and the Challenge of Modern Science' by Lawrence Le Shan: Le Shan attempts to reconcile alleged psi phenomena with modern scientific theories by dividing perceptions into normal (Type A) and paranormal (Type B). The reviewer finds the argument about consciousness not occupying space unconvincing and questions the book's approach to information transfer.

The Peter Rogerson Column

Peter Rogerson's column discusses the issue of neologisms in the field of ufology and the complexities of defining terms like 'true', 'real', 'pre', and 'exotic' UFOs. He argues that focusing on 'enchantment' or 'starstruck' experiences, which can lead to perceptions of the moon or stars as spaceships, shifts the focus towards art and literature, referencing Van Gogh and Einstein. Rogerson includes two quotations about the moon as a literal dwelling place, one from George MacDonald's 'At the Back of the North Wind' (1871) and another from a 17-year-old girl describing a powerful, melancholic experience with moonlight.

Rogerson then shifts to John Keel's writing, particularly 'The Mothman Prophecies', which he considers a masterpiece of understated terror rooted in folklore. He interprets the fall of the Silver Bridge as a symbol of failed communication and understanding, and notes the sense of futility compounded by the failure of relationships among Keel's communicators. Point Pleasant is seen as a symbol of small-town America threatened by societal changes, and Mothman as a brooding presence of dread. Keel's argument is summarized as humanity being dominated by cultural artifacts that masquerade as absolute truths.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue demonstrates a strong interest in UFO phenomena, science fiction films, and the intersection of folklore, mythology, and paranormal experiences. The reviews of publications and books indicate a critical engagement with the field, distinguishing between well-researched material and what is perceived as speculative or poorly supported claims. There is a clear emphasis on the historical development of ideas within ufology and fortean studies, with a particular focus on the influence of literature and popular culture on perceptions of the unknown. The editorial stance appears to favor critical analysis and a grounded approach, while acknowledging the power of narrative and subjective experience.