Magonia - No 26 - 1987 06

Magazine Overview

This issue of Magonia, Number 26, dated June 1987, is presented as the 75th issue in the sequence of Magonia and MUFOB. The magazine is described as a journal devoted to the broad examination of anomalous phenomena and their interaction with society and the individual, published by its editors and with no connection to any other magazine or group. The editor is John Rimmer, with an editorial panel consisting of John Harney, Roger Sandell, and Michael Goss. Corresponding editors include Peter Rogerson, Robert Rankin, and Nigel Watson, with overseas correspondents Thierry Pinvidic (France), Luis Gonzales (Spain), and Martin Kottmeyer (USA).

The cover features the main headline "WHY CRACOE FELL: The Rise and Fall of a UFO Investigation" by David Clarke, and "ONE MEASURES A CIRCLE: Witches, Pelts and Bols" by Peter Rogerson, and "MAGNETISM & ITS INFLUENCE ON HUMANS" by Paul Tinnan. The price is 75p.

Editorial Notes

The editorial notes address a format change in the magazine, apologizing for the lack of prior warning and explaining that the new format allows for quicker production and easier distribution of work among the editorial team, aiming for a more regular quarterly schedule. The magazine now contains more than the equivalent of thirty pages of the old format. Subscription rates have increased due to rising costs and the falling value of the dollar, with US subscriptions now $8.00 (surface) and $10.00 (airmail), and UK and European rates also seeing an increase.

The editorial reflects on the state of ufology, suggesting that its "golden days are over" with the demise of many eccentric journals. It notes the decline of serious ufology in the UK, with smaller circulation magazines like UFO Brigantia, BUFORA Bulletin, and Northern UFO News representing the field. The editorial contrasts this with a perceived "new, critical ufology" emerging in France, free from hegemonic societies. It criticizes the "pathetic state of American ufology," dominated by MUFON, and laments the lack of a new generation of radical, critical ufologists.

The author also celebrates their 25th anniversary of interest in ufology, recalling early hopes of UFOs being solved and Martians landing in Hyde Park. Memories of famous BUFORA conferences and early media coverage of UFOs are shared. The editorial concludes by reflecting on Magonia's and MUFOB's nineteen-year history, noting how they have been perceived variously as cynical, fêted, elder statesmen, or villains, always eluding easy categorization.

Why Cracoe Fell: The Rise and Fall of a UFO Investigation

This extensive article by David Clarke details the controversial Cracoe UFO photographs case. The author presents himself as an independent observer of the conflict between the Yorkshire UFO Society (YUFOS) and the West Yorkshire UFO Research Group (WYUFORG). The case began in 1981 with a sighting on a remote hillside in Yorkshire, where police officers reported seeing "up to five distinct white-coloured orbs" against the fell. These sightings led to six photographs being taken.

According to YUFOS, the Cracoe incident was "one of the most conclusive pieces of evidence regarding the UFO phenomenon ever acquired in the UK." However, the article reveals that independent photo-analysis, including that by Ground Saucer Watch (GSW) of Arizona and Klaus Webner, concluded that the photographs did not show a solid object and that the lights were likely caused by some kind of light reflection. These analyses contradicted YUFOS's claims, particularly regarding the size and nature of the alleged object.

The article highlights numerous inconsistencies and errors in YUFOS's reporting, including inaccurate distances and directions, and a failure to acknowledge the testimony of local farmer D. Carlisle, who believed the lights were natural reflections. WYUFORG, led by Nigel Mortimer, re-investigated the case and gathered evidence supporting the reflection theory. This led to a bitter dispute between YUFOS and WYUFORG, involving accusations, personal attacks, and even threats of physical violence.

WYUFORG's investigation suggested that the reflections were caused by sunlight hitting a specific piece of gritstone rock on the fell, which was worn smooth and partially covered with lichen. This rock, when wet and illuminated by sunlight breaking through clouds, could create the anomalous visual effect observed. The article concludes that while the original witnesses may have genuinely believed they saw a UFO, the photographic evidence has now been explained by natural factors, and WYUFORG should be congratulated for their thorough investigation.

One Measures A Circle: Witches, Pelts and Bols

This article by Peter Rogerson examines the folklore of "BOLS" (witch lights) and finds remarkable connections with UFOs, poltergeists, and witchcraft. Rogerson draws on accounts from the Rio Grande area of the United States, where "LITs" are known as signs of high-flying witches. These lights are described as small points moving erratically at ground level, sometimes rising and moving like shooting stars.

The article details beliefs about witches flying disguised as gourds, eggs, or fireballs, and the ability to abduct people or teleport them to distant locations. Descriptions of fireballs measuring six to twelve inches in diameter with a black center and a fiery red surface are provided. The article also recounts stories of witchfinders and capturers, and a case where a flaming object was trapped in a circle drawn on the road, transforming into an old woman.

Rogerson connects these phenomena to modern accounts of "bewitchment" and supernatural attacks, citing the Alfaneo Quintana home incident in 1966 where rocks pelted the house and witnesses saw weird luminosities described as fireballs. Other cases include strange flashes of light at the Howell home in North Carolina and poltergeist disturbances in Indiana, accompanied by strange lights in the sky.

The article suggests that these "real life" victims are often those in geographically or socially marginal situations, exposed to the "wilderness." It draws parallels between the besieged inhabitants in the film "Assault on Precinct Thirteen" and the modern perception of witches and demons as menacing presences that threaten habitat. The author posits that witchcraft accusations often stem from community quarrels and tensions, allowing external demonic forces to invade.

Further examples include the Gloucester, Massachusetts case in 1692, where "French-men and Indians" were repeatedly shot at but defied attempts to kill or capture them, exhibiting a "skulking" behavior and "invulnerability." The article also mentions the Hopkinsville case and the Ripperstone Farm case, linking strange lights and phenomena to witchcraft beliefs.

Magnetism & Its Influence on Humans

This section is a brief mention of an article by Paul Tinnan on the influence of magnetism on humans, but no details are provided in the scanned pages.

Letters, Reviews, Columns

These sections are indicated on the cover but no content is visible in the provided scans.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Magonia strongly emphasizes a critical and skeptical approach to UFO phenomena, particularly evident in the detailed debunking of the Cracoe case. The magazine champions rigorous investigation and the acceptance of natural explanations when supported by evidence, contrasting this with what it perceives as the more sensationalist and less critical stance of some UFO organizations. The editorial notes express a concern about the perceived decline of serious ufology and a critique of the state of the field, especially in the US. The inclusion of the article on witchcraft and "BOLS" suggests an interest in exploring anomalous phenomena through the lens of folklore and cultural beliefs, often finding parallels between historical accounts and modern UFO reports, while maintaining a grounded, evidence-based perspective. The magazine appears to position itself as a platform for reasoned debate and a challenge to unsubstantiated claims within the field of anomalous phenomena.

This issue of Magonia, dated July 1986, features a prominent article by Paul Tinman titled "MAGNETISM AND ITS INFLUENCE ON HUMANS," which explores a potential mechanism for a wide range of paranormal experiences. The magazine also includes several book reviews and a letters section.

Magnetism and Paranormal Experiences by Paul Tinman

Tinman posits that humans, like other creatures, have evolved within a magnetic environment and possess magnetically sensitive molecules. He argues that fluctuations in the Earth's magnetic field, which are not solely geological in origin but also influenced by interplanetary factors, can disturb these molecules and affect bodily functions. This disturbance can lead to chemical disruption in the brain, manifesting as moodiness, depression, seizures, or hallucinations. Tinman cites Professor Takata's experiments on albumin flocculation and the work of Dr. Barker, who demonstrated humans' ability to use geomagnetism for direction finding.

He suggests that these magnetic fluctuations could be the underlying cause for various paranormal phenomena, including visions of UFOs, Virgin Marys, or Men in Black (MIBs). Tinman proposes that a physical trigger, such as a ball of light, might disrupt an individual's consciousness, allowing their unconscious mind to project a 'drama' onto reality. This is compared to hypnotic states where a cue can initiate a predetermined script.

Tinman addresses the issue of multiple witnesses, suggesting that if everyone is immersed in the same magnetic field, they might share the same experience. He also touches upon the idea that certain individuals, perhaps those in inner crisis, might be more susceptible to these magnetic influences and act as catalysts for group experiences.

He concludes that the extent and nature of our susceptibility to geomagnetic influences is underestimated and that further research in this area could unlock significant understanding of ourselves and the world.

Computer Column

This new column, introduced by John Harney, aims to exchange useful ideas and information relevant to the production of small-circulation journals and research into anomalous phenomena using computer equipment. Harney and John Rimmer both use Amstrad PCW computers for producing Magonia and encourage contributors to submit articles on discs in LocoScript or ASCII format. They are particularly interested in hearing from users who employ computers for tasks beyond word processing, such as databases and graphics.

Letters

Steuart Campbell's Response to John Rimmer

Steuart Campbell, from Edinburgh, writes in response to John Rimmer's previous comments. Campbell argues that 'ufology' is the study of UFO reports, not UFOs themselves, and that existing science is adequate for this study, making a new science unnecessary. He dismisses comparisons with art movements as misplaced and ignorant, stating that art has no place in scientific problems. Campbell criticizes Post-Modernism as a reactionary movement that fears progress and uses traditional forms without meaning.

Campbell asserts that the UFO problem is solvable by identifying the physical stimulus and explaining how observers perceived it as a UFO, calling it the 'appliance of science.' He claims that his 'mirage hypothesis' is testable. He also notes that his previous explanations for UFO phenomena have shifted over time, from ball-lightning to manifestations of the devil.

John Rimmer's Reply to Steuart Campbell

John Rimmer responds to Steuart Campbell, questioning his dismissal of architectural movements and providing examples of 'functionalism' in architecture that he considers problematic. Rimmer challenges Campbell's assertion that the UFO problem is solvable by his mirage hypothesis, pointing out Campbell's shifting explanations for UFO phenomena over the years.

David Clarke's Letter

David Clarke, from Sheffield, expresses concern that Campbell's generalizations might discourage further correspondence. Clarke argues that dismissing all observers as mistaken is unscientific, especially when reports describe lights seen against known backgrounds by trained observers. He finds Campbell's explanations, such as the Cash-Landrum case, to be stretching credibility and criticizes his refusal to accept anything that disagrees with his belief that strange lights are astronomical objects.

Clarke suggests that it is pointless to explain 'apparition-type phenomena' by reference to star-maps and astronomy, as they are unconnected.

Book Reviews

"Fear, Myth and History: the Ranters and the Historians" by J. C. Davis

Reviewed by Peter Rogerson, this book examines the alleged Seven-teenth century pantheistic and antinomian sect known as the Ranters. Davis argues that the Ranters were a 'folk-devil' based on a single tract, and that the parallels with topics discussed in Magonia are obvious. The review notes that the book's subject matter is relevant to Magonia's readership.

"As in Adam all Die" by S. Ramsey Blackley

Reviewed by Peter Rogerson, this book critically examines the ideas of spiritualists and religious groups regarding life after death. Ramsey attacks these ideas with gusto, recalling atheist pamphleteers of the last century. The review finds the treatment of spiritualist accounts of the 'summerland' hilarious and notes that the discussion of psychical research and near-death experiences is superficial and misleading.

"UFOs over Modern China: a survey of the phenomenon" by Paul DDNG and Wendelle C. Stevens

Reviewed by Peter Rogerson, this book presents abstracts of translated UFO reports from China. The majority of reports are LITS (Lights in the Sky), with explanations similar to Western reports. Other cases may describe experimental aircraft or rocket launches. The review notes the inclusion of one possible abduction story and the presence of older beliefs linked to historical events. While welcoming the English presentation, the reviewer finds the series contains unlikely-looking contact stories.

"The Anthropic Cosmological Principle" by John D. Barrow and Frank J. Tipler

Reviewed by Peter Rogerson, this book is described as a mythology of the origin, destiny, and purpose of life, the cosmos, and everything, written in mathematical terms. It counters the Copernican principle of mediocrity by asserting that only in a cosmos like ours can there be observers. The review discusses the Weak and Strong Anthropic Principles and the Final Anthropic Principle, which suggests that intelligent information processing will never die out. The review notes the book's childish anthropomorphisms and its substitution of Von Neumann probes and intelligent computers for traditional mythological figures. It concludes that the book's account is impossible to know if it is 'true' but is interesting for its exploration of the myth's origins and power.

"The Seen and the Unseen" by Andrew Mackenzie

Reviewed by Peter Rogerson, this book is devoted to the study of 'sense of presence' – the feeling of sharing one's space with an unseen companion. The author, Andrew Mackenzie, is described as the only serious regular writer on ghosts and apparitions in the English-speaking world. The review notes that the book covers haunted houses and apparitions, and that the study of presences has been neglected for fifty years.

"A Skeptic's Handbook of Parapsychology" edited by Paul Kurtz

Reviewed by Peter Rogerson, this is a large volume with over 700 pages and thirty papers, some of which are reprints. The papers represent a reasoned, intelligent, internal criticism of parapsychology by various authors, including Christopher Scott, Gerd Hövelmann, and Susan Blackmore. Special interest is noted in 'A Critical Overview of Parapsychology' by Ray Hyman, 'Fraudulent Children in Psychical Research' by Fraser Nicol, and 'The Adventures of a psi-Inhibitory Experimenter' by Susan Blackmore. The review mentions that most papers are comprehensible to the layperson, unlike much of 'Foundations of Parapsychology'.

"Foundations of Parapsychology: Exploring the boundaries of human capability" by Hiyt L. Edge, Robert L. Morris, John H. Rush, and Joseph H. Palmer

This volume is described as a textbook of parapsychology, with many of the problems discussed being only touched upon. The review notes that 'findings' are often presented without critical sense or a sense of the ridiculous.

"Science Confronts the Paranormal" edited by Kendrick Frazier

This is a large paperback volume representing the range of responses to psi.

"Modern Mysteries of Britain: one hundred years of strange events" by Janet and Colin Bord

Reviewed by Peter Rogerson, this book is a compendium of fortean events recorded in Britain between 1885 and 1985. It is described as well-arranged, tightly packed, and well-illustrated, covering a wide range of phenomena. However, the reviewer finds it curiously unsatisfying, suggesting that perhaps the Bords have covered this ground extensively before and are not moving beyond listings to provide context. The reviewer also questions whether the book is part of a publisher's corporate plan.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Magonia continues its exploration of anomalous phenomena, with a strong focus on the potential scientific explanations for reported experiences. The article by Paul Tinman on magnetism and paranormal experiences highlights the magazine's interest in interdisciplinary approaches, linking physics, biology, and psychology. The book reviews cover a broad spectrum of topics within the paranormal field, including witchcraft, UFOs, and parapsychology, often with a critical or skeptical perspective, as seen in the reviews of the parapsychology handbooks. The letters section demonstrates an ongoing debate within the ufology community regarding methodology and interpretation of evidence, reflecting Magonia's role as a platform for such discussions. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging research and debate on these complex subjects, while also maintaining a critical eye on the evidence and interpretations presented.