Magonia - No 25 - 1987 03

Magazine Overview

Magonia, Number 25, March 1987, priced at 75p, is an independent journal dedicated to the examination of anomalous phenomena and their interaction with society and the individual. It is published by the editors and has no connection with other magazines or groups.

Editorial Notes

The editorial, by John Rimmer, notes a growing reaction among ufologists against the 'New Ufology' of the 1970s, which focused on internal human psychological and sociological processes. This reaction has manifested in two ways: constructively, through the development of 'earth lights' theories based on physical elements, and less constructively, through a resurgence of the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH). The latter is seen as leading ufology into a 'hobbyist ghetto' in America, with proponents resorting to threats and violence. The editor draws a parallel with the post-modernist artistic movement challenging modernism, suggesting the birth of 'Post-Modernist Ufology,' viewing ufology as both an art and a science.

In This Issue

The issue features several key articles: "The Curious Connection Between Helicopters and UFOs" by Dennis Stilling, a continuation of the "Earth Lights Debate" with contributions from Paul Devereux, Hilary Evans, and Steuart Campbell, and "Ufology and Statistics" by Claude Maugé.

The Curious Connection Between Helicopters and UFOs (Dennis Stilling)

Stilling explores the phenomenon of 'phantom helicopters' often reported in connection with UFOs and cattle mutilations. These usually unmarked, black helicopters exhibit remarkable properties: silent or unusual sound, abnormal altitudes, and a shy yet aggressive demeanor. They are reported to carry 'oriental-looking people,' 'blister' animals, emit bright lights, hover over military sites, and sometimes appear to change into UFOs or vice versa. Stilling hypothesizes a deep-rooted psychological connection, suggesting that if such phenomena occur in dreams, it implies an equivalence or close relationship between helicopters and UFOs. He examines Arthur Young, a pioneer in helicopter design, whose writings reveal a fascination with the 'psychopter'—the evolving spirit or winged self—and his intense efforts to design the Bell Model 47 helicopter. Young's later involvement in psychic phenomena and metaphysics is noted. Sikorski's childhood dream, described as being aboard a large flying ship, is also presented as a suggestive illustration. The article highlights the Bell Model 47's significance as the first commercially licensed helicopter in 1947, marking its entry into general culture. Stilling also references a dream reported to C.G. Jung and an 'abduction case' where a helicopter's sound was a fear-provoking element. The article concludes by suggesting that the helicopter has taken on near-mythological proportions in popular culture, appearing in films like "Apocalypse Now!" and TV series like "Blue Thunder" and "Airwolf." It posits that the helicopter, with its advanced technology, takes on a personality, sometimes portrayed as a divine being or a Trickster figure, analogous to Mercurius in alchemy, representing both creative activity and deception. Stilling does not claim a complete solution to UFO or cattle mutilation problems but suggests that the peculiar relationship between UFOs and helicopters offers fruitful areas for investigation and a different perspective.

Continuing the Earth Lights Debate (Paul Devereux)

Paul Devereux comments on points raised in a previous Magonia issue, particularly Michael Goss's article and David Clarke's contribution. He discusses Kenneth Arnold's description of 'flying saucers' as 'tadpole-shaped' and the 'shito-dama' phenomena. Devereux addresses Claude Maugé's critical article on Persinger's Tectonic Strain Theory (TST), arguing that Maugé's approach of dealing solely with Persinger's work is fallacious. Devereux emphasizes the need to consider ALL work in the area, stating that his own research and that of his colleagues complements Persinger's. He provides examples from Britain, such as the Barmouth-Harlech ('Egryn') events of 1904/5, which were meticulously associated with faulting and involved multiple witnesses. He notes that the 'earth lights' phenomena cannot be dismissed as purely psycho-sociological, especially given the lack of a UFO media industry at the time. Devereux highlights that the Barmouth events occurred during a period of exceptional seismic events in Wales, presaged by a quake in October 1904. He asserts that the data showing the correlation of lights with faults presents too distinct a pattern for dismissal. Devereux also mentions Persinger and Derr's detailed studies of the Toppenish Ridge region, which used exceptional databases of light phenomena observed by fire lookouts. He notes that Persinger and Derr distinguish between mechanisms producing earthquake lights and UFO phenomena, though both are linked. Devereux criticizes Maugé's reliance on Rutowski, whom he considers to have a poorly founded criticism. He acknowledges that Persinger's work is not beyond criticism, citing McCartney, Robins, and Devereux's own work pointing out the inadequacy of piezo-electricity as an 'earth lights motor.' However, he defends the existence of earth lights and congratulates those attempting to understand them. Devereux calls for critics to turn their faculties inward and produce a sociological study of the hostile response to earth lights theory. He points out that Maugé and others omit the established fact that the Earth can produce atmospheric luminescent phenomena (earthquake lights) that have been photographed and are linked to seismic events.

Earthlights (Hilary Evans)

Hilary Evans rounds off the debate by examining the range of options and questions surrounding 'Balls of Light' (BOLs). He categorizes BOLs into physical objects (ball lightning, earthquake lights, Saint Elmo's fire, plasma phenomena) and hallucinated forms (false perceptions, true perceptions unable to be processed by the brain, or projections from the collective unconscious). He also considers them as organic creatures or preliminary forms of psychic materialization, and as phases of astral plane events interfacing with the physical plane. Evans notes the vastness of the literature on BOLs, suggesting that each manifestation might be treated as its own phenomenon. He proposes two main categories for investigation: physical objects that manifest as BOLs, and the processes that cause them. Evans discusses the possibility of a fundamental difference between BOLs and Structured Objects (SOBs), suggesting that UFOs might be either BOLs or SOBs. He critiques the idea that SOBs are merely misinterpreted BOLs, citing instances where witnesses reported objects that were clearly planets or satellites. Evans acknowledges that some researchers, like Devereux and Persinger, speculate that BOLs can trigger mental processes leading to the illusion of seeing an SOB, influenced by the observer's subconscious and cultural milieu. He also touches upon the idea that UFO hallucinations might be fed into a witness's brain from outside.

Earthlights (Continued) (Hilary Evans)

Evans asserts that there are certain kinds of physical objects that manifest as BOLs, citing ball lightning and artificially produced phenomena near power stations. He notes that while our knowledge of these phenomena is limited, the existence of some known types encourages the supposition that other ostensibly similar phenomena are equally real, such as Earthquake Lights. He references Vincent Gaddis's recognition of the value of a comparative approach to anomalous phenomena. Evans argues that it is premature to match specific observations to speculative models, but suggests that if residents of Hessdalen report phenomena similar to other BOLs, it is reasonable to hypothesize that the UFO might be a physical BOL. He criticizes the statement that earth lights theory is "a worthwhile idea, desperately in need of more scientific study," arguing that it has graduated beyond an 'idea' and has more scientific work done on it than any other UFO theory. He laments the inadequacy of intellectual and scientific credibility within British ufology regarding earth lights theory. Evans stresses that while no one is expected to blindly accept the theory, it is a highly credible area regularly producing stronger evidence and deserving full investigation. He believes that energy phenomena sensitive to consciousness may be involved, citing Brady et al.'s discovery that laboratory-produced rock lights are not plasmas and show only spectrographic information of the medium. Evans suggests that we are entering an exciting realm of unexplained energy effects, with implications that could be momentous, even suggesting a link to the origins of life on Earth.

Earthlights (Hilary Evans)

Hilary Evans continues by discussing the nature of BOLs. He notes that the phrase 'ball of light' is ambiguous. He reiterates that BOLs can be physical objects or hallucinated forms. He also mentions the possibility of organic creatures or psychic materializations. Evans states that the literature is vast, and it might be argued that each BOL-like manifestation should be treated as its own phenomenon. However, he proposes that all such circumstances can be grouped into two categories: physical objects and non-physical non-objects. He suggests that the distinction between BOLs and SOBs is crucial, and that some researchers attempt to reduce this to one by assuming SOBs are misinterpreted BOLs. Evans cites examples of investigators reporting instances where witnesses misinterpreted planets or satellites as UFOs. He argues that if BOLs exist in their own right, this does not necessarily follow. He notes that Devereux and Persinger suggest that BOLs trigger mental processes that result in the observer having the illusion of seeing an SOB, influenced by their subconscious and cultural milieu.

These may not be the most sensational cases in the UFO literature; but we stand to learn more from these long despised lights-in-the-sky than from cases with far more dramatic content (Hilary Evans)

Hilary Evans concludes by emphasizing that UFO research must start with an analysis of witness observations, contextualized by all relevant parameters, from geophysical events to the psycho-social environment. He notes that simple noting of circumstances is no longer adequate. Evans highlights the importance of witness evaluation and the interaction between the physical and psycho-social realms. He suggests that the mountain lights, Hessdalen lights, and Yakima observations, while not sensational, offer more learning potential than dramatic UFO cases. He reiterates the distinction between BOLs and SOBs, suggesting that the latter are often misinterpreted BOLs. He also mentions the possibility of 'induced-dream' processes influencing witness perceptions.

UFOLOGY AND STATISTICS: THE CASE OF POHER'S FILE (Claude Maugé)

Claude Maugé critically examines Claude Poher's statistical study of UFO reports, specifically the '825 cases' file. Maugé notes that statistics play an important role in ufology, either to 'prove' the reality of UFOs or to describe them, but questions arise regarding the representativeness of files and the presence of dubious cases. Poher's file, initially considered highly reliable in France, is now seldom mentioned in American and British literature. Maugé's own investigation in 1978-79 revealed errors in the codification of Poher's list. He systematically checked the sources and found several issues.

The '825' Cases File and Poher's Statistics: A Brief Survey

Poher's file, initially comprising about 1000 UFO reports collected from ufological literature and volunteers, was reduced to '825 sightings' after removing dubious cases and combining 'classical' sightings. The main characteristics of these cases were coded on punched cards for statistical analysis. Poher's results, published in UFO journals, suggest that witnesses have seen something unknown, based on comparisons with known phenomena and optical laws. The article by Poher and Vallée is presented as providing significant evidence for a new phenomenon.

The Weaknesses of the '825' Cases File

Maugé identifies several weaknesses:
1. Number of Cases: Poher claims 825 cases, but his list contains 736. The discrepancy arises from the inclusion of 'classical' sightings as single items while also using them in statistics. Maugé estimates that after eliminating multicoded and dubious cases, the world set would be reduced to about 418 cases, half of the alleged number. He also found instances of cases being coded twice or thrice.
2. Quality of Cases: Maugé notes the unreliability of some sources, like books by von Daniken. Using parameters like 'case length' and comparing them to the average page length of 'Phenomènes spatiaux,' he found 40% of cases to be 'short' (less than half a column), 40% medium, and 20% long. He highlights 12 cases with fewer than 200 characters, offering minimal information.
3. Coding Errors: Maugé found a coding error rate close to 10%. Errors included serious date errors (confusing sighting and publication dates), place errors (e.g., Lake Titicaca in Africa), mixed-up sightings, and fanciful coding (e.g., 'enormous and bald head' for an entity's head). These errors sometimes falsely reinforce the apparent reliability of observations, miscoding simple depositions as 'official investigations' or amateur astronomers as 'professional astronomers.'

Poher's Reply to My Criticisms

Poher replied to Maugé's criticisms in a private letter, not addressing the core issues but arguing that the work was a statistical study where coding errors are part of the process, that it was voluntary work, that a 10% error rate is low (Maugé disputes this, stating it's nearer 20%), that his work was negative and should have been positive if he had corrected mistakes, and that he compelled collaborators not to select sightings (contradicting other claims). He also questioned Maugé's motivations for consulting GEPAN cases instead of UFO literature.

Some Notes on the Statistics

Maugé questions whether the criticisms are sufficient to destroy the reliability of the initial statistics. He points out that the statistics were computed with 825 'cases' but the file contained 736, meaning the computer worked with at least 115 duplicate cases unknowingly. He also notes that charts in Poher's work confuse French and world cases. The ARLAB study for GEPAN, analyzing 736 cases, concluded that the data set was poorly structured and difficult to typify, suggesting that variables like distance and duration were discriminatory. The study indicated that groups of characteristics could be interpreted as meteors, stars/planets, and aeroplanes, and suggested eliminating several sightings. Maugé notes that this contradicts Poher's conclusions.

Maugé further discusses 'Derived' statistics presented in Poher and Vallée's article, highlighting that they use initial statistics and confuse non-French sightings with world ones. He finds the percentages for observations lasting more than one day to be absurd and the abscissae of points in charts to be arbitrary, rendering the shape of the UFO curve meaningless.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the boundaries between the physical and psychological in understanding anomalous phenomena. The editorial stance leans towards a critical examination of established ufological theories, particularly the ETH, and encourages the exploration of alternative explanations like 'earth lights' and the potential role of consciousness. There's a clear emphasis on rigorous scientific methodology and a critique of statistical approaches that may be flawed. The magazine champions the idea that ufology is an art as much as a science, embracing a 'Post-Modernist Ufology' that challenges conventional paradigms and encourages a broader, more interdisciplinary approach to understanding unexplained phenomena. The recurring theme is the need for careful, evidence-based research that considers all aspects of a phenomenon, from physical evidence to psychological interpretation, while being wary of methodological weaknesses and biases.

Magonia issue 24, published in the late 1980s, features a collection of letters and book reviews, primarily focusing on UFO phenomena, psychical research, and related fringe topics. The issue delves into statistical analyses of UFO sightings, critiques of prominent figures in ufology, and reviews of books that explore paranormal claims, historical mysteries, and anomalous phenomena.

Letters

The 'Letters' section opens with a discussion on the validity of Claude Poher's UFO statistics, questioning potential data manipulation due to discrepancies in case numbers. It also touches upon the work of researchers like Steuart Campbell and Jenny Randles, and includes a critique of Patrick Moore's involvement in debunking UFO claims, referencing past controversies.

Christopher Allan comments on Patrick Moore's past actions, suggesting Moore had 'honourable intentions' but was misleading. He also notes a similarity between Moore's account of Galileo in 'Flying Saucer from Mars' and 'Suns, Myths and Men,' implying potential plagiarism or a shared source. Jenny Randles clarifies her interaction with Patrick Moore, stating he did not threaten her with a lawsuit but did issue a warning about potential legal action if she published certain material. She also confirms that a story attributed to her in 'The Star' by Peter Tory was a fabrication.

Book Reviews

The Geller Effect

Reviewed by Robert Rankin, this book by Uri Geller and Guy Lyon Playfair chronicles Geller's life and alleged psychic abilities. The review describes the book as a 'PR job' that details Geller's escapades, including spoon bending and 'peeping' for the FBI. While acknowledging Geller's success in making himself a millionaire, the reviewer questions the 'Geller Effect' itself, stating the book offers no real explanation. The review suggests that Geller's 'powers' could be used for more constructive purposes, like curing diseases, rather than mere entertainment.

Mystery Animals of Britain and Ireland

Graham McEwan's book is reviewed by Michael Goss as a comprehensive survey of British cryptozoology, covering creatures like phantom felines and sea-serpents. The review praises the book's economy of text and its ability to captivate both novices and experienced Forteans. It highlights the author's approach to processing a vast amount of material and his exploration of the idea that mystery animals might represent a broader tradition of entities assuming animal shapes, blurring the lines between the physical and para-physical.

Gods and Graven Images

Paul Newman's book on British chalk hill figures is reviewed by Michael Goss. The review notes that the book covers historical references and theories about the origins of these figures, including recent interpretations involving leys and terrestrial zodiacs. It commends Newman for presenting a clear and level-headed survey, acknowledging the appeal of fringe theories while remaining grounded in archaeological evidence.

Toad in the Hole

Bob Skinner's study on the entombed toad phenomenon is reviewed by Peter Rogerson. The review highlights the book's overview of literature, its discussion of the phenomenon's causes, and its inclusion of historical accounts. It suggests that the book effectively divorces the phenomenon from fanciful theories, presenting the modern zoological view that such accounts are more readily accepted.

Sixth Sense

Jenny Randles' book is reviewed by Michael Goss. The review explains that Randles challenges the notion of a distinct 'sixth sense,' arguing that psychic events are extensions of normal senses and emotions. While finding the book's style relaxed and informal, the reviewer notes its anecdotal nature and suggests it might be too lightweight for dedicated Magonia readers, though suitable for general readers interested in the brain/mind/psi debate.

The Messianic Legacy

Michael Baigent, Richard Leigh, and Henry Lincoln's sequel to 'The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail' is reviewed by Michael Goss. The reviewer finds the book's exploration of historical and conspiracy theories interesting, particularly the final section on 'The Cabal,' which deals with post-WWII events. However, he criticizes the book for being poorly organized and under-researched, particularly in its attempts to identify the 'Priory of Sion.' The review notes the authors' tendency to pad the section with extensive, tedious research details.

The Other World

Janet Oppenheim's detailed account of spiritualism and psychical research in England is reviewed by Peter Rogerson. The review praises the book for its scholarly approach, tracing the influences that led people into these fields and illustrating arguments with biographies of key figures. It notes Oppenheim's benevolent skepticism and her conclusion that Victorian psychical researchers glimpsed elements of solutions to remaining puzzles. The review highlights the book's comprehensiveness but laments its high price, making it inaccessible to many individuals and under-funded libraries.

FBI File on George Adamski

This publication, along with 'Research File on George Adamski,' is reviewed by Michael Goss. The review indicates that these documents provide new background information on Adamski but offer little comfort to his supporters. The FBI file reveals the Bureau's considerable interest in Adamski in the 1950s, including visits and examination of his photos, though many names are deleted. It also notes that Adamski nearly faced criminal charges for misleading statements.

Flight of Mind

Harvey J. Irwin's psychological study of out-of-body experiences is reviewed by Peter Rogerson. The review describes it as a comprehensive treatment of OOBE evidence and theories, criticizing researchers like Robert Crookall for uncritical approaches. Irwin proposes his own 'imaginal model' for OOBE, which Rogerson finds well-worthwhile despite its academic nature.

The Occult in the Western World

Cosette N. Kies's annotated bibliography is reviewed by John Riamer. The review praises the book for its sensible restrictions in scope, focusing on material suitable for reference and avoiding the over-comprehensiveness of other bibliographies. It highlights the editor's concise annotations and the book's practical approach, making it a valuable resource for librarians and serious readers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Magonia include skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims, particularly in ufology and psychical research, while acknowledging the complexity and enduring fascination of these subjects. There is a consistent emphasis on critical analysis, questioning methodologies, and distinguishing between evidence-based research and speculative theories. The reviews often highlight the importance of rigorous documentation and the potential for misinterpretation or fabrication in paranormal accounts. The editorial stance appears to favor a balanced, critical approach, encouraging readers to engage with the material thoughtfully rather than accepting claims at face value.