Magonia - No 28 - 1988 01

Magazine Overview

This issue of Magonia, number 28, dated January 1988, is a 75p publication from England, with John Rimmer serving as the Editor. The magazine is dedicated to a broad examination of anomalous phenomena and their interaction with society and the individual.

Articles and Features

WHO'S WATCHING THE UFOLOGISTS...?

The cover story, by an unnamed author, discusses how UFO abductions have become a subject for mainstream television dramas, reflecting their integration into popular culture. The author notes the common narrative of abductees claiming no prior knowledge of UFOs before their experiences. The piece touches upon Whitley Streiber's book, acknowledging its commercial success and the potential for jealousy within the UFO community. It suggests that Streiber's story rings true to the confused state of many abductees, and questions whether his professional talents might be used to 'hone' his narrative. The article also critiques the 'anthropocentric argument' often used in UFO discussions, where explanations are dismissed if they don't center on human concerns.

MISSING TIME, MISSING LINKS

Dennis Stillings contributes an article exploring observations on UFO abductions. Stillings positions himself against the prevailing extraterrestrial hypothesis (ETH), suggesting that many abduction accounts might be explained by psychological phenomena, such as 'birth memory' theories or 'active imagination.' He critiques the reasoning of ETH proponents, likening it to religious or political dogma that discourages questioning. Stillings draws parallels between the symbolism of Khidr in Islamic mysticism and the UFO phenomenon, suggesting that the 'incomprehensible deeds' attributed to UFO occupants might reflect the human psyche's response to overwhelming forces. He argues that the 'anthropocentric argument' is flawed, as it assumes extraterrestrials would necessarily prioritize contact with world leaders.

TRANSVECTION AND UFOLOGY

Manfred Cassirer examines the historical phenomenon of 'transvection,' which was associated with witchcraft and nocturnal flights. He notes that early church figures like the Canon Episcopi denied its existence as a heretical belief. Cassirer traces the concept through demonologists like Guazzo and Tartoretti, who debated whether these experiences were literal or spiritual. He highlights the role of ointments and the idea of 'spirit travel' in these accounts. The article connects these historical beliefs to modern UFO abductions, suggesting that the 'flying ointment' and the idea of being conveyed through the air have symbolic parallels with contemporary abduction narratives. Cassirer also discusses the concept of 'bilocation' and 'out-of-the-body experiences' as related phenomena.

ABOVE TOP SECRET, BELOW TOP DRAWER

Dennis Stacy critically assesses the controversial Majestic Twelve (MJ-12) documents, which purport to reveal a secret US government agency dealing with UFOs and alien technology. Stacy expresses disappointment that the MJ-12 material, if a fabrication, could detract from the otherwise impressive work of Timothy Good. He outlines the purported origins of the MJ-12 documents, including their alleged creation by Admiral Roscoe H. Hillenkoetter and their connection to President Truman and President-elect Eisenhower. Stacy notes the inclusion of prominent figures, including noted UFO debunker Donald H. Menzel, in the alleged MJ-12 membership. He also points out the unusual career path of Hillenkoetter, who moved from directing the CIA to joining NICAP, a prominent UFO research group.

CATHARS AND TEMPLARS

This section by Roger Sandell is brief and does not contain substantial content for summary.

PLUS A NEW MAGONIA PUBLICATION

This section announces a new Magonia publication, 'PHANTOM AERIAL FLAPS AND WAVES 1830-1947' by Nigel Watson, described as an essential reference for UFO researchers, summarizing pre-1947 UFO, airship, and phantom aircraft waves with extensive bibliographies.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores anomalous phenomena from a critical and analytical perspective. There is a clear interest in the psychological and sociological aspects of belief systems, particularly concerning UFOs and alleged encounters. The editorial stance appears to favor a skeptical yet open-minded approach, encouraging readers to question conventional explanations and consider alternative interpretations, including historical parallels and psychological factors. The magazine highlights the importance of rigorous research and critical evaluation of evidence, as seen in the critiques of the MJ-12 documents and the questioning of the ETH. The recurring theme is the complex interplay between human consciousness, belief, and the interpretation of unexplained phenomena.

This issue of UFO DATA Magazine, identified as issue number 11, focuses heavily on the controversial MJ-12 documents, presenting them as evidence of a secret government UFO briefing. The cover headline boldly states 'MJ-12: The Government's Secret UFO Briefing', and the page number '11' is prominently displayed. The issue includes a portrait of Donald Menzel on the cover, with a quote referencing 'Cedric Allingham'.

The MJ-12 Documents and the Roswell Incident

The article begins by dissecting the 'Majic briefing' itself, suggesting it substantiates the Roswell incident. It details claims from the document that on July 7, 1947, a secret operation was initiated to recover a UFO wreckage, during which four small, dead, human-like beings were discovered about two miles east of the crash site. These beings had decomposed due to exposure and predators over approximately a week. The document also mentions a second object impacting the earth on December 6, 1950, in the El Indio-Guerrero area of the Texas-Mexican border, which was almost entirely incinerated.

The final page of the briefing is described as a table of contents listing eight attachments ('A' to 'H'), including Truman's executive order establishing Majic-12, status reports, an analytical report, a 'Blue Team Report #5', a 'Contingency Plan MJ-1949-04P/78', and 'Maps and Photographic Folio (Extractions)'. However, only Truman's executive order was included with the released MJ-12 documents.

The article questions the origin of these documents, noting that none have surfaced in the Truman or Eisenhower Presidential Libraries, or the National Archives. It discusses Philip Klass's counter-arguments, which focus on linguistic and terminological inconsistencies, and Moore et al.'s reliance on 'negative proof' by finding similar flaws in contemporary documents. The issue highlights that any 'objective' evidence is itself suspect.

Further analysis delves into the claims made by 'Mr Good' and William Moore regarding the MJ-12 papers. Mr Good is cited as being reticent on the MJ-12 papers, referencing them as 'information acquired from an intelligence source in 1985'. His description of the papers' surfacing is apparently erroneous, as he refers to a nine-page document dated September 18, 1947, signed by Truman, while the briefing paper itself was dated November 1952. The executive order (Attachment A) is dated September, but the actual copy reproduced in ATS carries a September 24 date.

Mr Good's account of inquiring into the authenticity of the MJ-12 document during a 1986 research trip to the United States is questioned, as he claims copies were only made available to him in 1987. This suggests he was initially inquiring about a 'chimera' of MJ-12 from an unnamed source.

William Moore's account of receiving the documents in a 'plain brown wrapper' in December 1984 is also presented, with a humorous aside questioning if this makes MJ-12 the first confirmed example of UFO pornography.

The article notes that Shandera's involvement with a roll of undeveloped film, intended to establish the authenticity of the contents, is questionable. It mentions Moore's press release and his visibility at the MUFON symposium in June 1987, where he discussed a research project with Shandera and Friedman that began in 1982.

The Cutler Memorandum and Archives

Shandera reportedly found a single page of paper in the National Archives, known as the 'Cutler memorandum', dated July 14, 1954, addressed to General Nathan Twining. This memorandum, under the heading 'TOP SECRET INFORMATION' and 'SUBJECT: NSC/MJ-12 Special Studies Project', states that the President had decided the project should take place during a scheduled White House meeting on July 16. The memorandum is authenticated by an official NA stamp and the signature of Robert Cutler, Special Assistant to the President (Eisenhower). The article questions whether this document, if real, proves the existence of Majic-12 or merely a 'Special Studies Project' related to UFOs.

Historical Parallels: Cathars and Templars

The issue then shifts to historical themes, with an article titled 'CATHARS AND TEMPLARS' by Roger Sandell. It explores the unique culture of Southwest France in the 12th century, where the Cathar religion, considered a heresy by the Church, gained adherents. Cathar theology emphasized transcending the flesh and reuniting with God, contrasting with the Church's doctrine of bodily resurrection. This, combined with a distinctive national identity, led to hostility from French kings and the Papacy, culminating in a crusade launched in 1209, which ended the Cathars and their culture.

The article notes how, after the Reformation, Protestant writers viewed Cathars as precursors to the Reformation, and how 19th-century French writers rediscovered them as pioneers of anti-clericalism and anti-monarchism. The Cathar myth became intertwined with occultism, with their theology and secret wisdom being sought in various locations, including the tarot pack and the architecture of Southern French castles.

The first part of 'The Treasure of Montsegur' is examined, focusing on the growth of the Cathar myth and its interpretation by occultists and scholars from the 19th century to the 1930s. This is compared to the growth of the Druid myth in Britain. The tale of a mysterious treasure spirited away from Montsegur before its fall is central to the myth, with occultists searching for it and believing it to be the Holy Grail or a lost Gospel. The article mentions contemporary searches for mysterious objects and compares them to popular occultism and films like 'Raiders of the Lost Ark'. Otto Rahn, an occultist, mountaineer, and SS officer, is cited as an example of a searcher for the treasure of Montsegur.

R.A. Gilbert's examination of this is detailed, leading to more recent interpretations of the Cathar myth, such as Arthur Guirdham's theory that many of his patients' problems stem from being reincarnated Cathars.

The article also discusses the connection between Cathars and the book 'The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail', noting that Gilbert convincingly debunked some of its claims. It highlights the epilogue by co-author Walter Birks, who became involved in the 1930s Cathar revival and later discovered the Syrian Muslim sect of the Nosairi, who preserve traditions similar to the Cathars.

The second half of the book by Peter Partner is devoted to examining the roots of Catharism as part of an alternative Christian tradition. His conclusion suggests that the treasure of Montsegur represented the escape of sufficient Cathars to maintain their doctrine.

The issue then turns to the Knights Templar, whose authority was challenged by French kings and Popes half a century after the crushing of the Cathars. Edward Burman's study is mentioned, detailing how the Templars, originally formed to protect pilgrims, became a military elite with no clear function, acting as bankers and receiving bequests. Their suppression in 1314 was justified with accusations of idol worship and satanic orgies, similar to those leveled against the Cathars.

Peter Partner's book focuses on the legend of the Templars, noting that their wealthy and aristocratic nature appealed to an 18th-century audience seeking to legitimize new elites and cement loyalty. Freemasonry is mentioned as adding an air of mystery and tradition. The rediscovery of Templar origins in the Holy Land was seen as proof that they preserved secret traditions from biblical times, maintained by guilds and transmitted to the Masons.

Following the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars, clerical writers saw Templars as part of an unbroken line of satanic opponents of Christianity. Radicals adopted this argument, reversing it to see Templars as precursors of anti-clerical and democratic ideas. The French occult revival and Aleister Crowley's societies further fueled interest in the Templars.

The myth's influence extends to T. S. Eliot's 'The Waste Land', inspired by Jessie Weston's 'From Ritual to Romance', which offered a dubious interpretation of the Grail legend and Templar traditions. British earth-mysteries researchers probe Templar church symbolism, and 'The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail' brought the Templars to best-seller lists. A recent study of the Shroud of Turin claims it to be the mysterious idol the Templars were accused of worshipping.

Letters and Commentary

The 'Letters' section includes a piece by R.S. correcting an error in Roger Sandell's review regarding George Holyoake's trial for blasphemy in 1840, stating it occurred in 1842 and involved an address given in Cheltenham.

Another letter, 'CAMPBELL'S SOUP' by Paul Fuller, criticizes Steuart Campbell's explanation of the Lowtherville, Isle of Wight UFO sighting (May 19, 1985) as a mirage of the planet Saturn. Fuller argues against this, citing overcast weather, observation against background features, movement, and a 'swishing' noise. He also notes Campbell's prior claim that the object was a misidentification of the star Antares.

Steuart Campbell replies to Fuller, calling his sarcasm insulting. Campbell defends his position by stating that Fuller made no detailed study of the witness's movements and location, provided no detailed plan, photographs, or weather chart, and that his assessment of the object as a 'RVP' (Remotely Piloted Vehicle) lacks direct evidence. Campbell accuses Fuller of ignoring the 'golden rule' of taking reports at face value and suspects his claims (a-d) are incorrect.

UFO Abduction Phenomena

The final section of the magazine addresses UFO abduction experiences, focusing on Whitley Streiber's book 'Communion'. The article notes the fragmented and disjointed quality of Streiber's narrative and his life, which has followed a pattern of restlessness and a 'dream-like state'. Childhood incidents are described as raising 'disturbing questions' about the psychological impetus behind his abduction experience.

Unusually, Streiber feels his principal 'contact' is female, subjecting him to a form of 'mechanised anal rape'. The article suggests this account may elicit 'hilarity' but also points to 'undercurrents of powerlessness' in Streiber's writings.

Bud Hopkins' direct view of abduction experiences is presented, where abductions are attributed to ETs with 'nuts-and-bolts spaceships'. Hopkins believes ETs are engaged in a program of genetic experimentation and interbreeding with humankind, using techniques akin to artificial insemination. The article notes that many women who report such experiences are friends of Hopkins or have read his previous book.

The author expresses concern that by taking hypnotic narratives literally and seeking out more abductees, Hopkins is heading down a 'dangerous road'. It is suggested that anyone with a puzzling anomalous experience who undergoes hypnotic regression to find the cause is likely to come up with a story involving alien artificial insemination. The article questions the long-term effects of such beliefs, particularly on women who believe they have been subjected to alien rape, and how this might affect their attitude towards any children they subsequently bear.

The author concludes that ufologists should 'get out of the abduction business' as it has 'little to do with unknown phenomena, and everything to do with well-known psychological processes'. They state that ufologists are not trained psychotherapists and have no right to subject people to 'mental rape'. The article warns that if ufologists do not proceed carefully, they will 'deserve Streiber's description of us as sharks'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the alleged government cover-up of UFO phenomena, exemplified by the MJ-12 documents and the Roswell incident, and the historical and mythological aspects of unexplained phenomena, such as Catharism and the Knights Templar. The magazine also critically examines the field of UFO abduction research, questioning its methodologies and psychological implications. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards claims of government secrecy and a critical, cautious approach to abduction research, advocating for more rigorous and responsible investigation.