Magonia - No 23 - 1986 07

Magazine Overview

MAGONIA 23, published in July 1986, is an independent journal exploring anomalous phenomena and their societal impact. This issue features articles on 'Taken to the Limits' by Peter Rogerson, 'Flying Saucers from Moore's?' by Christopher Allan and Steuart Campbell, and a 'Second Look at the Galileo Myth' by Robert Morell and John Harney.

Editorial and Notes

The editorial reflects on the passing of Dr. Hynek and the diminishing number of scientists publicly supporting the UFO-proponent side, noting that interest has shifted to the human and behavioral sciences. It contrasts this with the scientific community's relative openness to psychical research, suggesting UFOs pose a greater threat to the worldview of physicists and astronomers. The editorial also announces a future issue dedicated to 'earth-lights', 'BOLs', and 'spooklights', inviting contributions.

Taken to the Limits

Peter Rogerson's article explores the origins of extreme skepticism, particularly concerning authors like Patrick Moore, and reflects on his own childhood night terrors. Rogerson draws on anthropological concepts of 'habitat' (ordered, rational life) and 'wilderness' (untamed, unknown nature). He discusses how societies construct 'habitat' by subduing the forces of nature, often delegating this task to 'doctors' or guardians. However, there is a persistent fear of these guardians allying with destructive forces, a theme seen in historical examples and contemporary accusations. The article delves into Peter Berger's concept of 'nomos' (cosmos or ordered reality) and the precariousness of social worlds, which require procedures to keep members 'reality-orientated'. It contrasts this with the idea of the wilderness as the 'true' reality, citing the Lele tribe's view of the forest as a source of good things. Victor Turner's concept of 'liminality' is introduced as a key to understanding these transitions, describing it as a 'betwixt and between' state of flux, often associated with death, the womb, or darkness. Liminality is contrasted with 'societas' (structure, hierarchy) and 'communitas' (spontaneous, egalitarian community). The article argues that modern society experiences liminality in diffuse ways, such as in military service, communes, or even collective societal change. It suggests that individuals in a liminal state are either expelled into the wilderness for transformation or bring its power back into habitat. The author notes that liminality can be both dangerous and liberating, often associated with altered states of consciousness, drunkenness, and heightened senses of reality. The shaman is presented as a marginal figure who bridges the gap between habitat and wilderness, guiding those experiencing spontaneous liminality. The article connects this to 'folk devils' and moral panics, where deviants become symbolic figures embodying societal ills. The Condon Enquiry and CSICOP are presented as moral crusades defending traditional cultural values against 'antinomian chaos'. The article concludes by examining the UFO as a symbol of the ultimate wilderness and a mediator between absolute habitat and absolute wilderness, past and future. It suggests that UFO experiences can be seen as 'radical misperceptions' that break down social consensus reality, projecting individuals into the wilderness. Spontaneous UFO abductions are linked to classical initiatory liminality, where the individual is subjected to an authoritarian process. The article contrasts 'nuts-and-bolts ufology' with 'New Ufology', linking the former to static periods and the latter to liminal periods, and suggests that much of what is attributed to the unconscious can be understood as expressions of liminality, communitas, and wilderness.

The Peter Rogerson Column: Fantasy-Prone Personalities

This column reviews a study by Theodore X. Barker and Sheryl C. Wilson on 'fantasy-prone personalities' (FPPs). The study found that a significant percentage of women, particularly those rated as 'excellent hypnotic subjects', have profound fantasy lives, often experiencing them as intensely real. These individuals, even as adults, may still believe in fairies and elves, and many claim psychic abilities. The article notes parallels between FPPs and classical shamanic personalities, suggesting they can bring 'Magonia' into our world and enter it themselves. The study implies that a high proportion of UFO contactees and abductees, as well as CEIII percipients, may be FPPs. The authors suggest that for FPPs, consensus reality is learned rather than given, and that 'belief-oriented' researchers might confuse fantasy with reality.

Flying Saucers from Moore's?

Christopher Allan and Steuart Campbell investigate the authorship of 'Flying Saucers from Mars', a 1954 book attributed to Cedric Allingham. The authors present evidence suggesting that Patrick Moore, known for his skepticism towards UFOs and his practical jokes, was likely involved. They highlight similarities in writing style and content between 'Flying Saucers from Mars' and Moore's known works, including specific phrases and astronomical references. Stylometric analysis initially suggested Arthur C. Clarke as a possible author, but further examination revealed differences between Clarke and the book's author, while substantiating Moore's potential involvement. The article details how Patrick Moore's associate, Peter Davies, admitted to revising the book to disguise the style and confirmed Moore's connection. The authors conclude that Moore's involvement was likely an attempt to capitalize on public interest in UFOs, driven by a sense of humor, and that his silence on the matter is due to embarrassment.

Second Look at the Galileo Myth

Robert Morell and John Harney engage in a discussion about the Galileo myth. Harney defends the actions taken against Galileo, arguing that his 'argumentative character' and insensitivity to 'other considerations' led to conflict with the Church's authority. He suggests Galileo should have kept his ideas private or waited until near death to publish. Harney contends that the Church's primary concern was protecting the 'spiritual welfare of millions' and that spiritual matters, not political or economic ones, determined the opposition to Galileo's cosmological ideas. Morell, in his reply, points out that Galileo did not contradict Tycho Brahe and questions the assertion that spiritual matters were the sole drivers of the Church's opposition, referencing historical disputes and the promotion of a critic of Galileo.

Northern Echos: The Peter Rogerson Column

This column, presented as an extension of the main article, reviews a study on 'fantasy-prone personalities' (FPPs). It reiterates that FPPs experience vivid, often hallucinatory fantasies that can have physiological effects and are frequently associated with psychic abilities. The column notes that FPPs can bring 'Magonia' (a term used to represent a realm of the unknown or subconscious) into our world and enter it themselves. It suggests that FPPs may be a significant factor in understanding UFO experiences and other anomalous phenomena. The column also touches upon the idea that for FPPs, consensus reality is a learned construct, and that 'belief-oriented' researchers might be susceptible to confusing fantasy with verifiable fact.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the boundary between the known and the unknown, the rational and the irrational, and the structured (habitat) versus the chaotic (wilderness). It examines how these boundaries are perceived, challenged, and mediated through concepts like liminality, myth, and psychology. The magazine appears to adopt a critical stance towards simplistic explanations of paranormal phenomena, particularly UFOs, suggesting that psychological and societal factors play a significant role. There is a clear interest in the historical and anthropological roots of belief systems and how they intersect with modern anomalous experiences. The editorial stance seems to favor a nuanced, interdisciplinary approach, integrating sociology, anthropology, and psychology to understand phenomena that challenge conventional scientific paradigms. The critique of Patrick Moore and the discussion of the Galileo myth indicate a willingness to challenge established figures and narratives within both ufology and broader intellectual history.

This issue of Magonia, number 23, published in July 1986, delves into various aspects of the paranormal, UFO phenomena, and related historical and philosophical debates. The magazine features a mix of letters, book reviews, and feature articles, offering critical perspectives on ufology and broader cultural trends.

Letters

The letters section opens with a discussion on the Galileo affair, with a contributor named Robert Morrell suggesting that the Church acted wisely in curbing the free play of ideas. John Harney replies, disagreeing with the thesis that science and religion are fundamentally opposed, and arguing that the Galileo case is not a good example of this. He also notes that scientific progress is constrained by economic and political influences, not just religious dogmas, and that freedom of speech has always had constraints.

Dr. Willy Smith writes in, expressing amusement at Mr. Ridpath's attempts to disqualify the 'Serena' case and questioning the tendency of non-scientists to explain away UFO sightings. Smith provides astronomical data for Venus to support his argument. He also sends a 'review' copy of 'Magonia' and expresses a critical stance towards the 'Magonia Reductionist Conglomerate' (MRC), hinting at a potential celebratory edition of Magonia.

Book Reviews

The issue features a comprehensive section of book reviews:

• 'The Paranormal: an encyclopaedia of psychic phenomena' by Brian Inglis: Reviewed by P.R., the book is described as an interesting account of claimed experiences but is marred by an uncritical approach and argument from authority.
• 'The Enigma of Daniel Home: medium of fraud' by Trevor H. Hall: Reviewed by P.R., this book is found to be padded and adds little to existing knowledge of the medium Daniel Home.
• 'Return from the Dead: an exploration of the near-death experience' by Margot Grey: Reviewed by P.R., this is noted as the first British enquiry into NDEs, covering various aspects including negative experiences and claims of shamanic powers. It is considered a serviceable introduction for those without access to American material.
• 'Apparitions in Late Medieval and Renaissance Spain' by William A. Jnr. Christian: Reviewed by P.R., this is highly recommended as an excellent study of visions of the Virgin Mary and saints, with points of interest including UFO-like overtones in grand dramas and the role of physical evidence.
• 'The Loch Ness Monster: the evidence' by Steuart Campbell: Reviewed by P.R., this book is praised for its strict analysis of evidence, examining eyewitness accounts, photography, sonar, and radar. The reviewer takes issue with Campbell's linguistic pedantry in referring to all lakes as 'L'.
• 'Evolution as a Religion: strange hopes and stranger fears' by Mary Midgley: Reviewed by P.R., this is an analysis of misapplications of Darwinism, particularly social Darwinism and the 'escalator fallacy' concerning evolutionary progress.
• 'The Haunted Pub Guide' by Guy Lyon Playfair: Reviewed by P.R., this is a glossy guide to haunted pubs, noted for its brief case details and reliance on secondary sources. The reviewer suggests the North is inadequately treated.
• 'The Death and Resurrection Show: from shaman to superstar' by Rogan Taylor: Reviewed by P.R., this book argues that popular entertainment descends from shamanism, with Christianity rejecting the transformative power of the underworld.
• 'Popular Culture in Seventeenth Century England' edited by Barry Reay: Reviewed by P.R., this collection of essays is of interest for its emphasis on prodigies and providences, and the social function of fairies.
• 'Voyage to Avalon: an immortalist's introduction to the magick of Glastonbury' by Robert Coon: Reviewed by E.L.W., this book is described metaphorically, with the reviewer noting its connection to Anthony Roberts and his circle.
• 'Don Juan, Mescalito and Modern Magic' by Neville Drury: Reviewed by W.G., the book is noted for its useful insights but tendency to wander off point, with a superficial analysis of Castaneda's magic system.
• 'The Gospel from Outer Space' by Robert Short: Reviewed by N.W., this book uses biblical quotes and cartoons to argue that films like E.T., Star Wars, and Superman have a Christian message. The reviewer finds the interpretation overly Christian and suggests alternative interpretations.
• 'The Near Death Experience: problems, prospects, perspectives' edited by Bruce Grayson and Charles P. Flynn: Reviewed by P.R., this selection of papers covers various aspects of NDEs, with some of interest to Magonia readers, though repetition is noted.
• 'With the Eyes of the Mind: an empirical analysis of out of body states' by Glen O. Gabbard and Stuart W. Twemlow: Reviewed by P.R., this book by medical men contrasts OOBE with other states and insists OOBE is a separate, vivid, non-pathological state. The reviewer finds it dense with jargon and psychoanalytical biases.
• 'Heading Towards Omega' by Kenneth Ring: Reviewed by P.R., this study of NDE after-effects highlights similarities with UFO contactees, including descriptions of other worlds, difficulties in readjustment, and claims of spiritual insight. The reviewer notes the tendency for NDE investigators to find experiences that fit their preconceptions.

Feature Review: The Great Martian Panic

This feature review discusses Gerard Barthel and Jacques Brucker's book 'La Grande Peur Martienne'. The reviewer notes that the book was not well received by European ufologists, who perceived it as an attack on ufology. However, upon reading, the reviewer believes the authors' intent was not necessarily to promote socio-psychological explanations. The book reinvestigated cases from the 1954 French UFO wave, identifying trivial explanations, hoaxes, and media manipulations. The authors are credited with pointing out fallacies in using newspaper sources and supporting the methodology of investigating cases with good written reports. However, the review criticizes the authors' conclusion that UFOs do not exist and their dismissal of significant cases.

Jottings

This section includes a report on Jacques Vallee's talk on 'Close Encounters of the Fourth Dimensional Kind', noting that little new information was presented to the UFO 'glitterati'. It also mentions the mysterious 'International Centre for UFO Research' and its connection to Dr. Hynek's 'Center for UFO Studies'.

There's a brief mention of 'Magonia' being criticized by 'Beyond Science!' and 'YUFOS Quest', with 'Magonia' defending its approach and suggesting the critics are on the wrong track.

A correction is made regarding the price of Nicholas Goodrick-Clarke's 'Occult Roots of Nazism', and a factual error about Abbé X.'s curacy dates is noted.

'The Colonel' writes in with racing tips, claiming a 100% successful record and mentioning 'Old Moore's' hits.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a critical and analytical stance towards paranormal claims and UFO phenomena. There is a strong emphasis on rigorous investigation, questioning unsubstantiated claims, and examining the historical and cultural contexts of these experiences. The reviews often highlight methodological flaws, uncritical acceptance of evidence, and the influence of popular culture or pre-existing beliefs. The editorial stance appears to favor a skeptical but open-minded approach, valuing well-researched evidence over sensationalism or dogma, whether religious or scientific.