Magonia - No 29 - 1988 04

Magazine Overview

Title: Magonia
Issue: 29
Date: April 1988
Publisher: Magonia Magazine
Country: England
Price: 75P

Magonia Editor in Alien Bonking Horror!!

The issue opens with a dramatic account of Magonia's editor, John Rimmer, being subjected to an aggressive interview by a reporter from the Sunday Sport. Rimmer, who was giving a talk on UFO abductions to a BUFORA meeting, found himself grilled by a reporter allegedly seeking sensationalist angles. The reporter's questions, as recounted by Rimmer, focused on 'bonking beings from outer space' and 'amorous aliens', leading Rimmer to suspect the reporter was looking for a lurid story rather than a serious discussion of psychodynamics. Rimmer humorously notes that the reporter bought a copy of his book, 'Alien Abductions', and at least spelled his name correctly.

A Social History of Ley-Hunting

Roger Sandell's article explores the history and appeal of ley hunting. He traces the concept back to Alfred Watkins in the 1920s, who proposed that ancient inhabitants of Britain deliberately placed mounds, camps, and standing stones in straight lines, which were later incorporated into later structures like Roman roads and churches. Sandell notes that while professional archaeologists were initially dismissive, the idea gained traction, particularly with ley hunters who linked them to 'mysterious but beneficial earth forces'. The article highlights the revival of interest in leys in the 1960s, partly through Tony Wedd's pamphlet 'Skyways and Landmarks', which controversially linked leys with UFOs. Computer analysis by Bob Forrest is mentioned as attempting to find statistical evidence for ley alignments beyond chance. Sandell suggests that the appeal of leys lies in their ability to connect the past with the present, offering a sense of continuity and mystery in the landscape, and drawing parallels with modern art's exploration of found objects and arbitrary connections.

Creative Fire

Martin Kottmeyer argues that the UFO phenomenon is a manifestation of the drive for creative expression. He posits that this creative urge can explain many UFO experiences, particularly abductions. Kottmeyer cites a study suggesting a high percentage of abductees have artistic backgrounds. He provides examples of abductees who became sculptors, rekindled interests in learning, or had artistic talents. He also notes that many individuals involved in UFO research or reporting have careers in creative fields, such as acting, commercial art, writing, and music. Kottmeyer concludes that there is a 'fire to create' in abductees, and that ufologists who ignore this aspect do so at their own peril.

Earthlights Debate

This section features a correspondence between Claude Mauge and Paul Devereux regarding earth lights and UFOs. Mauge critiques Devereux's earthlights hypothesis, suggesting it mixes 'very interesting quasi-occultism' and questions its ability to account for most UFO sightings. Mauge favors a sociopsychological hypothesis as more economical. Devereux, in his reply, acknowledges the role of psychosocial factors but defends the statistical approach of researchers like Persinger in analyzing UFO data. He asserts that earth lights are a known and accepted phenomenon, supported by geological data, and that the correlation between geology and reported UFO incidence is remarkably tight. Devereux criticizes ufology for becoming a 'closed shop' and argues that the earthlights phenomenon, and its geological link, is certain.

Majestical Mystery Tour

Ralph Noyes's contribution is not fully legible in the provided scan, but the title suggests a piece on a 'mystery tour' related to unusual phenomena.

Letters and Reviews

The 'Letters' section likely contains reader correspondence, and 'Reviews' would cover books or other media related to the magazine's themes. 'Northern Echoes' is also listed, possibly a regular column or a review section.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores anomalous phenomena, including UFOs, abductions, and earth lights, often from a critical or analytical perspective. There is a clear interest in the social and psychological aspects of these phenomena, as well as their potential connections to archaeology and landscape. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging debate and the examination of evidence, while also being critical of sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims. The magazine champions independent research and challenges what it perceives as the insularity of ufology.

FAQ

• What is the main theme of Magonia issue 29? Magonia issue 29 focuses on UFO abductions, ley hunting, earth lights, and the creative impulses of abductees.
• What is the 'Earthlights Debate' about? The Earthlights Debate discusses the nature of earth lights, their potential correlation with geological phenomena, and differing hypotheses such as sociopsychological explanations versus physical ones.
• What connection is made between UFO abductions and creativity? The issue suggests that UFO abductions may be a manifestation of a drive for creative expression, with many abductees exhibiting artistic backgrounds or pursuing creative endeavors.
• Who is Roger Sandell and what does he write about? Roger Sandell writes about 'A Social History of Ley-Hunting', exploring the idea of ley lines as ancient trackways and their connection to prehistoric sites and modern beliefs.

Key Facts Synopsis

This issue of Magonia explores various facets of the paranormal and anomalous. The editor recounts a bizarre encounter with a reporter discussing UFO abductions. Articles delve into the social history of ley hunting, linking it to ancient trackways and modern counter-culture. The debate on earth lights continues, with differing views on their nature and correlation with geological data. A compelling argument is made that UFO abductees often exhibit a strong drive for creative expression.

Notable Quote

"Bonking beings from outer space have got their love lines in a tangle, Shocked UFO-spotters (Shock a BUFORA audience, you must be joking - Ed,) have been told how amourous aliens anxious to breed with us are going for the WRONG targets, In one recently reported abduction sexy spacemen on the look-out for nookie beamed up a lesbian by mistake, according to author and researcher John Rimmer"

Speaker: John Rimmer

Meta Description

Magonia issue 29 (April 1988) features an editor's alien encounter, articles on ley hunting, creative fire in abductees, and the earthlights debate.

Themes

Ley lines, UFOs, Abduction, Archaeology, Earth lights, Paranormal

Tags

UFOs, abduction, ley lines, archaeology, earth lights, paranormal, BUFORA, Alfred Watkins, Tony Wedd, Mary Caine, Paul Devereux, Roger Sandell, Martin Kottmeyer, Claude Mauge, Ralph Noyes

Time Period

1980s

Page Title

Magonia 29: UFO Abductions, Ley Lines, Earth Lights & More

Document Type

magazine_issue

This issue of the magazine, identified by the number '11' and featuring a cover headline of 'THE MAJESTICAL MYSTERY TOUR' with the name 'Ralph Noyes', presents a detailed examination of documents purportedly related to a secret US government project known as 'Majestic Twelve'. The cover image is a black and white photograph of a man in clerical attire.

The Majestic Mystery Tour: An Analysis of Documents

The main article, written by Ralph Noyes, delves into the authenticity and implications of documents provided by Timothy Good in his book 'Above Top Secret' (ATS). Noyes, who served as a private secretary to a senior official in the British Air Ministry during the late 1940s and early 1950s, uses his experience to question the existence of a clandestine group like Majestic Twelve. He argues that the level of secrecy and the nature of the alleged investigations into crashed extraterrestrial hardware and biological remains would have necessitated his awareness, given his access to all office business.

Noyes recounts his close working relationship with General Hoyt Vandenberg and General Nat Twining, prominent figures in the US military who are said to have been members of MJ-12. He finds it inconceivable that he would not have been privy to at least some information about such a significant undertaking, especially considering the close ties between the US and British military and intelligence communities at the time.

He acknowledges that while some documents may appear authentic, they do not necessarily prove the existence of a Majestic group or the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH). Noyes draws parallels with other controversial documents, such as the 'Protocols of the Elders of Zion', suggesting that the Majestic papers might maintain a similar tenuous reputation.

Noyes also vouches for the authenticity of other papers presented by Timothy Good, including a signal from September 1952 concerning a 'daylight disc' sighting, which he received a copy of. He notes that while he has no access to classified documents or advanced analytical tools, his personal experience provides a basis for his skepticism.

Skepticism and Historical Cases

Noyes expresses skepticism about the 'saucer question', noting that even figures like General Vandenberg and General Twining, whom he knew, were impatient with and dismissive of theories of extraterrestrial visitation. He recalls the 'Washington flaps' of July 1952, which, while of interest at the time, were met with official dismissals, such as 'American public hysteria'.

He also addresses specific historical UFO cases, including the Zamorra case, the Great Falls film, the Tremonton film, and Captain Mantell's sighting. Noyes suggests that many of these sightings could be attributed to conventional explanations, including Defence activities, or misidentification of celestial objects.

The 'Mirage Hypothesis' and Other Phenomena

In the 'Letters' section, Robert Sheaffer critiques Steuart Campbell's 'Mirage Hypothesis' for explaining UFO sightings. Sheaffer argues that Campbell's explanations are often scientifically unsound, particularly regarding the visibility of stars in daylight and the limitations of mirages. He points out errors in Campbell's claims about specific cases, such as the Zamorra case and the Trindade film, and asserts that mirages are rarely seen more than half a degree above the horizon.

Another letter from Ralph Noyes addresses an article on ball lightning, noting a familiar tone of dismissal from a writer named 'Stewart Campbell'. Noyes contrasts the speculative nature of ball lightning research with the more grounded approach to UFOs, suggesting that the 'mirage' explanation is overused by skeptics.

Book Reviews

The issue features several book reviews:

• 'L'Airship de 1897' by Jean Sider: Reviewed by Nigel Watson, this book is described as a guide to the 1896-97 phantom airship scare, providing details and references. Sider attempts to make sense of the phenomenon, looking at various explanations, but the reviewer notes that the book's impression is that many questions remain unanswered.

• 'Gods, Spirits, Cosmic Guardians' by Hilary Evans: This comparative study of encounter experiences suggests that they are best regarded as psychodramas produced by the unconscious mind. Evans critically examines the world of contactees, including those who report encounters with spirits or UFO entities.

• 'The After Death Experience' by Ian Wilson: Reviewed by P. Rogerson, this book is described as 'schizophrenic'. While it critically examines claims of reincarnation and mediumship, it readily accepts anecdotal evidence for near-death experiences (NDEs). Rogerson notes an attempt to minimize the differences between NDEs and other out-of-body experiences and criticizes the book for its selective use of evidence and its dismissal of certain researchers.

• 'Forbidden Knowledge, the paranormal paradox' by Bob Couttie: Also reviewed by P. Rogerson, this book is noted for its poor proofreading but is praised for its author's skeptical yet non-cynical approach. Couttie examines various paranormal phenomena and personalities, drawing skeptical conclusions. The reviewer finds the third part of the book, 'Towards an Anthropology of the Paranormal', particularly interesting, highlighting its focus on the social context of psychic experiences.

• 'Otherworld Journeys' by Carol Zaleski: This book compares near-death experiences (NDEs) from medieval and modern times. Zaleski argues that both views of NDEs, whether seen as physiological or transcendent, are shaped by cultural influences and psychological factors. The reviewer considers it the best available work on the subject and a major contribution to the field.

• 'The Unknown Guest' by Brian Inglis: Reviewed by P.R., this book is noted for its useful insights into the mystery of intuition, particularly as it relates to creative writers and artists. Inglis leans towards a supernatural explanation for these phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of UFO evidence, particularly the 'Majestic Twelve' documents, and the skepticism surrounding claims of extraterrestrial visitation. The magazine appears to favor a rigorous, evidence-based approach, encouraging critical analysis of purported phenomena and documents. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between scientifically verifiable facts and speculative theories. The book reviews further reinforce this stance by analyzing various paranormal topics through a critical lens, often highlighting the importance of social and psychological context.

The editorial stance, as suggested by the content and the 'Letters' section, is one of cautious inquiry, welcoming well-reasoned arguments and challenging unsubstantiated claims, while acknowledging the persistence of unexplained phenomena.