Magonia - No 22 - 1986 05

Magazine Overview

MAGONIA 22, published in May 1986, is an independent journal examining anomalous phenomena and their interaction with society. This issue features articles on the Phantom Hitch-Hiker, Nazi occultism, UFO encounters, and hypnagogic imagery.

The Phantom Hitch-Hiker on Public Transport by Michael Goss

This article explores the evolution of the Phantom Hitch-Hiker legend, noting its adaptation to modern forms of public transport like buses and taxis. Goss discusses how this reflects the legend's ability to update itself to remain relevant. He references the work of Beardsley and Hankey, who classified Hitch-Hiker variants, and notes that while the core motif involves avoiding payment, public transport versions sometimes imply a more conventional fare-paying interaction, albeit with spectral evasion techniques. The article highlights the inherent folkloric nature of the motif, suggesting it's a variant form rather than an independent story, adapting to contemporary travel methods.

The Little Man of Reneve by Hilary Evans

Hilary Evans recounts the case of the 'Little Man of Reneve', originally reported in the French journal Phenomenes Spatiaux. The case involves a parish priest in Renève who, in April 1945, encountered a miniature man, about 15-17 cm tall, with a human-like appearance, wearing a one-piece suit. The entity was described as grey-haired, bearded, and chubby-cheeked, with an expressive face. The priest initially considered it a primitive human relative but later, influenced by research from the French group GEPA, considered it potentially extraterrestrial. However, ADRUP, an association of ufologists and parapsychologists, re-examined the case. They found that a regiment stationed locally had a monkey as a mascot, which was described as fitting the priest's description, including its size, facial features, and the possibility of it being dressed in clothes. Evans concludes with a moral, suggesting that while the priest found the monkey explanation ridiculous, it highlights how mundane explanations can be overlooked.

The Nazi's Occult Mentors by Roger Sandell

Roger Sandell examines the influence of occult and nationalist groups on Nazi ideology, drawing on Nicholas Goodrick-Clarke's book 'The Occult Roots of Nazism'. The article details the Ariosophist groups in Germany and Austria from the 1890s to the early 1930s, including the Armanenschaft, New Templars, and Thule Society. These groups believed in ancient Germanic knowledge, ritual magic, and a coming renewal. Sandell notes similarities between Ariosophist and Nazi beliefs, such as racial superiority and anti-semitism, but also points out differences, like the Nazis' emphasis on mass political action versus the Ariosophists' focus on a secret elite. While Himmler was interested in some Ariosophist ideas, and the swastika originated with them, Sandell argues against the sensational claim that occultism was the primary force behind Nazism. He also touches upon the study of astrology in the Third Reich, noting that while some Nazi leaders had an interest, it was not a unique phenomenon and official suppression of astrological literature occurred.

A Spanish Encounter Re-examined by Ian Ridpath

Ian Ridpath re-examines a UFO sighting case from Valencia, Spain, involving the Serena family, which was classified as a 'high-strangeness' encounter in 'The Encyclopaedia of UFOs'. The case involved a bright white light chasing their car, causing car lights and engine problems. Ridpath, using information from a more detailed report in 'UFO Phenomena', identifies the planet Venus as the likely culprit. He notes that the original investigators rejected Venus because its setting time seemed to conflict with the sighting duration. However, Ridpath points out that due to Spain's time zone, Venus would have been visible and its setting time would align with the UFO's disappearance. He also suggests that the car's electrical issues could be attributed to the winding road and excitement, and that the 'zig-zagging' effect was likely due to the car's movement relative to the setting planet.

Notes and Queries

This section includes several short items:

• The Taiwan Ghost Bus Trip: A Taiwanese bus company cancelled an evening route due to a ghost, a young girl who vanished from the bus, prompting a Taoist exorcism.
• Hitch-Hiker Variations: The article discusses various Hitch-Hiker stories, including one from Malaysia involving 'spirit money' paid by a ghost, and a story from India where a man in uniform vanished from a taxi.
• Astrology and the Third Reich: A brief mention of Ellic Howe's book on the subject, noting its exploration of 19th-century astrology and its revival among occult intellectuals on the continent.
• Letters: Includes correspondence from Andy Collins defending his investigation methods and Manfred Cassirer responding to Steuart Campbell regarding psychic phenomena.

From the Underworld by Kevin McClure

Kevin McClure reflects on the state of paranormal research, noting a decline in objective investigation and an increase in subjective belief systems. He critiques publications like 'Flying Saucer Review' for focusing on interpretation rather than evidence. He also reviews several 'Earth Mysteries' journals, finding them more pleasant and well-produced, though still operating on assumptions of inherent design in the landscape. McClure expresses disappointment with magical journals, hoping for more substance.

Introducing "BOLIDE" by Hilary Evans

Hilary Evans introduces BOLIDE, a project designed to collect and share data on 'balls of light' phenomena, including ball lightning, spooklights, and other unexplained lights. BOLIDE aims to facilitate research by circulating information from various sources, with the goal of understanding these phenomena, regardless of whether they are ultimately seen as a single category or distinct events. The subscription cost is £10/$15/FF 120.

Notes on Hypnagogic Imagery by Keith Basterfield

Keith Basterfield discusses the hypnagogic state, the transitional phase between wakefulness and sleep, which he notes has received little attention from professionals. He highlights that many out-of-body experiences (OBEs) are initiated in this state, citing research by Schacter, Holt, Hebb, Tart, Monroe, Carrington, Muldoon, and Palmer. Basterfield suggests that the 'incubus attack' phenomenon, involving sleep paralysis and hallucinations, is also linked to the hypnagogic state.

Old Moore's Almanack 1986

A brief mention of Old Moore's Almanack, noting its predictions for 1986, including political events in the UK and international affairs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores anomalous phenomena, including folklore, UFOs, occultism, and unexplained lights, with a critical yet open approach. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous investigation and the examination of evidence, as seen in the re-examination of the Spanish UFO case and the discussion of the 'Little Man of Reneve'. There is a clear interest in the historical development and societal impact of these phenomena, as well as a call for more systematic research, particularly in areas like hypnagogic imagery and 'balls of light' phenomena.

This issue of Magonia, number 21, published in 1987, is a UK-based magazine focusing on UFOs, Forteana, and related subjects. The cover prominently features a handwritten note announcing the magazine's new address, along with an illustration of a figure reading amidst a collection of books. The price for this issue is listed as £1.50.

Reviews of Publications

The magazine opens with a section of reviews of various books and journals. M. Howard reviews several publications, including 'UFO Brigantia', which he praises for its quality, originality, and sense of adventure, contrasting it with other journals like 'Lamp of Thoth' and 'Aquarian Arrow' which he finds smug. He also critiques 'Beyond Science' magazine, calling it a 'downright shame' and a 'sad waste of resources' due to its bland content and poor presentation.

Tom Graves's 'The Diviner's Handbook' is reviewed by J.R., who describes it as a practical manual for those who accept the reality of divining, offering straightforward instructions. Caitlin and John Matthews' 'The Western Way' is reviewed by Wojtek Gaworzewski, who praises it as a practical guide to the Western Mystery Tradition, though he notes a spelling error in the name of the anthropologist Malinowski.

J.R. reviews Hilary Evans's 'Visions * Apparitions * Alien Visitors', noting that the paperback edition makes it more accessible. David Clark and Granville Oldroyd's 'Spooklights: a British survey' is reviewed by J.R., who finds it an entertaining read that shows intelligent use of material, covering various historical sightings of unexplained lights in the UK.

Nigel Watson reviews Henry Bauer's 'Beyond Velikovsky', summarizing it as an excellent critique of the Velikovsky affair, highlighting Bauer's argument that Velikovsky was ignorant of the subjects he wrote about. Watson notes that Bauer's conclusions about science and the reasons why unorthodox claims are rarely taken seriously have wider applications to Fortean fields.

David Wood's 'Genesis; first book of Revelations' is reviewed by R.S., who discusses the mystery of Rennes la Chateau and Wood's theories linking it to a secret society and a lineage back to Jesus. R.S. finds Wood's approach to be speculative and bordering on the absurd, particularly his interpretations of landscape geometry.

Thomas Hardy Leahey and Grace Evans' 'Psychology's Occult Doubles' is reviewed by P.R., who describes it as an examination of phrenology, mesmerism, spiritualism, and psychical research through the lens of pseudoscience. The review notes a sympathetic treatment of phrenology and a critique of the approach to Spiritualism.

James A. Beckford's 'Cult Controversies' is reviewed by P.R., who finds it an interesting study of society's response to new religious movements, focusing on disengagement processes and public responses in the UK, Germany, and France. The review highlights the conflict between liberal capitalist states and groups with anti-liberal ideologies.

P.R. also reviews David G. Bromley and J.T. Richardson's edited volume, 'The Brainwashing/Deprograming Controversy', noting its relevance to the UK and its connection to age-old fears of 'bewitchment'.

Finally, John Putnam Demos' 'Entertaining Satan: witchcraft and the culture of New England' is reviewed by P.R., who describes it as a detailed analysis of witchcraft in colonial New England, focusing on individual and collective crises and the concept of 'violation' by witches.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Magonia demonstrates a critical yet open-minded approach to subjects within the UFO and Fortean fields. There is a clear emphasis on rigorous research and a skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims, as seen in the reviews of 'Beyond Science' and 'Genesis'. The magazine appears to value well-researched publications and thoughtful analysis, as evidenced by its positive reception of 'UFO Brigantia' and 'Beyond Velikovsky'. The reviews cover a range of topics, from unexplained lights and historical mysteries to psychological and sociological analyses of belief systems and controversial movements. The editorial stance seems to favor critical examination and a nuanced understanding of complex phenomena, while also acknowledging the importance of historical context and diverse perspectives.