Magonia - No 21 - 1985 12

Magazine Overview

Title: Magonia
Issue: 21
Date: December 1985
Price: 75p.

This issue of Magonia, an independent journal examining anomalous phenomena and their interaction with society, features a diverse range of articles. The cover highlights "The Galileo Fallacy" by John Harney, alongside "The French Pteradactyl" by Michael Goss, and "Throwing Light on Rendlesham" by Steuart Campbell, with Peter Hough contributing "The Men in Black - a new case?" The issue also includes sections for Letters, Reviews, and Columns.

Articles

The French Pteradactyl: A Fortean Folly

Michael Goss critically examines the 1856 report in the Illustrated London News about the discovery of a 'living pterodactyl' in a French railway tunnel. Goss argues that the description, while evocative of fictional creatures like those in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's 'The Lost World,' was likely a Victorian hoax. He suggests the report played on the era's scientific climate, where zoology was still developing and public fascination with prehistoric life was high. The article delves into the linguistic nuances and potential puns within the report, particularly the species name 'anas' (Latin for duck), which also relates to the French word 'canard' meaning 'hoax.' Goss posits that the story was intended as a sophisticated joke, satirizing the scientific establishment and the public's credulity, a joke that has endured for over a century.

From the Underworld

Kevin McClure initiates a new series exploring the world of small, independent journals and pamphlets, which he considers the 'life-blood' of paranormal communication. He plans to review a wide range of publications, starting with occult magazines like 'Fate' and 'Prediction,' a UFO magazine, and more esoteric items. McClure emphasizes his intention to cover journals that delve into magic, spontaneous phenomena, and related political or religious movements, aiming to provide a useful listing for other researchers. He highlights three British publications: 'The Pipes of PAN' (a pagan journal), 'Round Merlin's Table' (focused on Kabbalistic magic), and 'Formoas A Periodical of the Occult Arts' (an 'occultzine'). McClure invites submissions and details of other relevant publications.

The Galileo Fallacy

John Harney challenges the common perception of Galileo Galilei as a victim of the Church's ignorance. Harney argues that Galileo's troubles were largely self-inflicted. He explains that Christian thought had become intertwined with the Aristotelian geocentric model, reinforced by the Council of Trent. While astronomers used mathematical devices to reconcile observations with this model, Copernicus proposed a Sun-centered system. Galileo strongly supported the Copernican theory, but Harney points out that Galileo could not definitively disprove alternative hypotheses like Tycho Brahe's, nor did he fully reconcile his theory with accurate planetary motion without complex epicycles. Harney suggests Galileo's forceful personality, his inability to disprove alternatives, and his strong views on scriptural interpretation, rather than just Church dogma, led to his conflict and eventual recantation.

Throwing Light on Rendlesham

Steuart Campbell analyzes the Rendlesham Forest Incident of December 1980, using Colonel Halt's tape recording. Campbell disputes the extraterrestrial explanation, suggesting that the observed lights were likely misidentifications of known phenomena. He proposes that the initial lights reported by Halt and his companions were possibly the Orford Ness lighthouse and the Shipwash lightship, both visible from the forest. The 'strange sounds' and animal disturbances are attributed to natural causes. Campbell concludes that the incident demonstrates how ignorance of natural phenomena and the tendency to misinterpret data, amplified by rumors and a desire for sensationalism, can lead to the belief in anomalous events.

The Men in Black: A New Case?

Peter Hough introduces a case from North West England involving a UFO sighting by Mrs. Hollins in Golbourne, Lancashire. Hough, an investigator for MUFORA, recounts Mrs. Hollins' experience of a spherical, light grey object with a black band, emitting flames and sparks, which lowered a device into trees before moving away at high speed. The sighting was corroborated by two other witnesses. The article touches upon the phenomenon of 'Men in Black' figures who allegedly threaten UFO witnesses, suggesting that while some cases may involve hoaxes, others might warrant a more disturbing explanation.

Portrait of a Researcher

This section profiles Maurizio Verga, discussing the figure of the 'ufologist' or anomaly researcher. Verga notes that some researchers, after initial belief, adopt a skeptical stance without abandoning the field. He describes the 'private researcher' as someone attracted to mystery, often developing this interest into a significant commitment. Verga also analyzes 'groups' dedicated to UFO research, noting that many members are passive, and that the focus can shift to organizational structures and self-promotion rather than genuine research. He suggests that while the 'mystery' attracts interest, demystification might lead to a desertion from the field. Verga concludes that ufology, as practiced, often serves as an 'escape from reality.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Magonia consistently adopts a critical and skeptical approach to anomalous phenomena, seeking rational explanations and scrutinizing anecdotal evidence. The magazine appears to favor rigorous investigation and analysis, often debunking sensational claims by providing alternative, naturalistic explanations. The editorial stance is evident in the detailed examination of the 'French Pterodactyl' as a hoax, the demystification of the Rendlesham Forest Incident, and the critical re-evaluation of the Galileo affair. The exploration of the 'underground press' suggests an interest in alternative media but with a discerning eye. The magazine encourages researchers to adopt a more serious and rational approach to the study of anomalies, while acknowledging the enduring human fascination with mystery.

This issue of Northern Echoes, dated September 1985, presents a collection of articles, reviews, and letters focusing on UFO phenomena, parapsychology, and other anomalous experiences. The publication appears to be a platform for discussions within the ufology and paranormal research communities, featuring contributions from various writers and researchers.

Article: The Jodrell Bank Incident

The issue details a concerning case involving a witness, Mrs Hollins, who reported being contacted by a man claiming to be from Jodrell Bank. This individual expressed interest in her UFO sighting and arranged a meeting. The author, John Rimmer, investigated and found that Jodrell Bank denied any involvement, suggesting the caller was not genuine. The caller's alleged association with Senator Carter and his name, which matched the new director of Jodrell Bank, added to the mystery. Mrs Hollins later became evasive, leading Rimmer to suspect she was under pressure, possibly from 'Men in Black' figures who aim to intimidate UFO witnesses.

Later, Jenny Randles, researching for a book, contacted Mrs Hollins. An appointment was made, but upon arrival, Randles and Rimmer found the house seemingly empty, despite evidence of recent activity. Mrs Hollins later claimed she was unexpectedly called away to a hospital, leaving the case unresolved.

Peter Rogerson Column

Peter Rogerson notes a perceived shift in interest within the paranormal community, moving away from traditional UFO reports towards phenomena like Virgin Mary apparitions and moving statues, particularly in the Irish Republic and Yugoslavia. He speculates on the connections between these apparitions and societal concerns such as challenges to clerical authority, divorce, abortion, and national identity issues. Rogerson also highlights the sociological and psychological aspects of haunted houses, including themes of reciprocal violation and the reversal of the home as a sanctuary.

Letters to the Editor

Several letters address ongoing debates within the field. Raymond E. Cox defends the Flying Saucer Review (FSR) and its editor against perceived criticism, emphasizing FSR's long-standing respectability. John Rimmer, in response, clarifies that his criticism stems from a perceived shift in FSR's editorial policy towards unrepresentative opinions, not personal rivalry. Roy Sanbach supports Manfred Cassirer's views on objective evidence, drawing parallels with the judicial system, while Steuart Campbell argues against Cassirer's interpretation of 'materialization' evidence, advocating for Occam's Razor to eliminate unnecessary hypotheses.

Jimmy Goddard writes to clarify the purpose of the book 'Skyways and Landmarks Revisited', stating it illustrates the re-emergence of leys and the Earth Mysteries movement as a result of communication from space people, suggesting a deliberate plan by extraterrestrials to educate humanity.

Journal Reviews

The issue features several journal reviews:

• BUFORA Bulletin: Reviews of lectures and case reports, noting its status as a major UFO magazine.
• Fate: Articles reviewed include 'The Mad Gasser of Botetourt,' 'Giant Squids on the Attack,' and discussions on near-death experiences and birth trauma hypotheses.
• Lobster: Praised for its sane overview of conspiracy theories and paranormal research, essential for understanding government cover-ups.
• Northern Earth Mysteries: Covers folk and EM-related topics from Northern England, including UFO links.
• Northern UFO News: Discusses 'species-field' theories and re-examines UFO films, noting a potential increase in sightings.
• The Searcher: Malta's paranormal publication.
• Sunday Times: An article on the Virgin Mary apparitions at Medjugorje, Yugoslavia, is highlighted for its details on prophecies, disputes, and phenomena, with a suggestion of an earth-lights explanation.

Book Reviews

Several books are reviewed:

• 'The Choking Dobermann' by Jan Harold Brunvand: Described as a collection of tall tales and a 'veritable pot-pourri' of urban legends, recommended for its entertainment value.
• 'Beyond Explanation: the paranormal experiences of famous people' by Jenny Randles: Criticized for presenting anecdotal evidence as fact, relying on sensationalist sources, and making unsubstantiated claims about psychic fields and historical figures.
• 'The Brentford Griffin' by Andrew Collins: A humorous account investigating alleged griffin sightings, questioning whether it was a publicity stunt for author Robert Rankin's novels.
• 'Haunted Pubs in Britain and Ireland' by Marie Alexander: Seen as a compilation of folk stereotypes and modern commercial inventions, offering little for parapsychologists.
• 'Survival? Body, mind and death in the light of psychic experience' by David Lorimer: Criticized for its reliance on Rudolph Steiner's speculations and a lack of objective survey of psychic research evidence.
• 'Extraterrestrials: science and alien intelligence' edited by Edward Regis, Jr.: A collection of papers discussing the scientific and philosophical aspects of extraterrestrial intelligence, featuring arguments from Ernst Mayr, David M. Raup, Nicholas Rescher, and Marvin Minsky.
• 'Deviant Science; the case of Parapsychology' by James McClenon: A valuable study on the interactions between parapsychology and its critics, exploring how parapsychology is labelled as 'deviant' and how scientists cope with this stigma.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently engages with the critical examination of paranormal claims, particularly UFOs and parapsychology. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between genuine anomalous experiences and sensationalism, hoaxes, or misinterpretations. The reviews often scrutinize the methodology and evidence presented in the books and journals, with a tendency towards skepticism regarding unsubstantiated claims. The editorial stance, as reflected in the letters and reviews, appears to value rigorous investigation and critical thinking, while acknowledging the existence of unexplained phenomena. The recurring theme of 'deviant science' in relation to parapsychology highlights the ongoing struggle for acceptance within the scientific community. The issue also touches upon the potential for external influences, such as 'Men in Black,' to complicate and intimidate witnesses, underscoring a concern for the well-being of those who report anomalous experiences.