Magonia - No 34 - 1989 10

Magazine Overview

Magonia, Issue 34, October 1989

This issue of Magonia, titled "The American Way: Truth, Justice and Abduction," features a prominent article by Thomas E. Bullard and an investigative piece by Dennis Stacy, exploring the diverging perspectives within ufology, particularly between American and European researchers.

Letters from America

The editorial section highlights a growing split between American and European approaches to the UFO mystery, evidenced by discussions at conferences in Lyon and a BUFORA meeting in London. While the Gulf Breeze case encountered skepticism from European ufologists, a significant minority (40%) voted in favor of its authenticity. The section also notes the return of Martin Kottmeyer, a proponent of humanist ufology, challenging the assumptions of some postmodernist American ufologists. The magazine aims to present papers from American ufologists who question whether the American emphasis on ETH, physical abductions, and government involvement is as out-of-bounds as some Europeans perceive it to be.

Peter Rogerson's Northern Echoes

This section discusses the ongoing debate about abduction stories and their potential explanations. It references an early abduction case from 1952 involving Tom Brooe in Florida, seeking further details. The piece also critiques the 'Creighton theory' promoted by Flying Saucer Review, which attributes disagreements to 'false consciousness' and 'grand conspiracy.' It notes the magazine's critical stance on certain French ufologists, describing them as a 'muddled up mess of Marxo-Cartesianism' and 'left-wing Catholicism.' A curious observation is made about the potential connection between Charles Fort and entertainer George Formby Jnr, suggesting a synchronicity for enthusiasts to explore.

Subscription Details

Details are provided for Magonia's subscription rates, which have increased due to rising printing and postal costs. New rates are £4.00 for the UK, £5.00 for Europe and the Irish Republic, $10.00 for USA surface mail, $15.00 for USA air mail, and £4.50 for other countries' surface mail. To mitigate the increase, the magazine will expand to 20 pages every other issue. French subscribers are advised to send a 50 franc banknote to save on international money order charges.

The American Way: Truth, Justice and Abduction by Thomas E. Bullard

Bullard's article addresses the perceived divide between American and European ufology, with Americans largely favoring the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH) and Europeans leaning towards psychological explanations. He argues that the ETH has a rational basis, even if the belief itself is not necessarily correct. The article outlines two main strategies for opposing alien abductions: psychological explanations for witnesses and critiques of report content. Bullard contends that while psychological interpretations like hypnosis, boundary deficit, and birth trauma imagery are possible, they do not fully account for the consistency and detail in many abduction reports. He suggests that the ETH, despite its fantastic nature, offers a more coherent framework for understanding these accounts, especially when compared to the subjective nature of some alternative explanations. The article critiques the idea that hypnosis is the sole cause of abduction testimonies, noting that many cases lack hypnotic influence and that experimental comparisons show differences between genuine abductee accounts and those of non-abductees. Bullard concludes that while faith in literal abductions might indicate a failure of critical thinking, it does not necessarily imply a failure of reasoning powers, especially when considering the systematic and internally rational nature of the ETH explanation.

Northern Echoes (Continued)

This section continues to explore the psychological and cultural aspects of abduction narratives. It discusses how the 'captured by the Indians' genre in American literature parallels abduction stories in its narrative structure and themes. The article notes that while folklorists find similarities, abduction reports differ in specific details from traditional folklore. The author emphasizes that the ETH keeps attention focused on the reports themselves, which is crucial for investigators, whereas other assumptions might stifle inquiry. The piece suggests that European ufologists might be failing to actively seek out abductees, contributing to the perception that abductions are primarily an American phenomenon.

Moore and the Military by Dennis Stacy

Dennis Stacy's article investigates the complex relationship between the US military, intelligence agencies, and UFO phenomena, focusing on the controversial figure of William Moore. Stacy recounts Moore's presentation at a MUFON symposium in Las Vegas, where Moore confessed to being an unwitting 'mole' or agent for a government intelligence agency. This revelation led to heated reactions from some ufologists. The article traces Moore's involvement with Paul Bennewitz, a physicist who claimed to be intercepting electromagnetic signals related to UFOs. Bennewitz's activities, including his belief in alien implants and his attempts to monitor signals, allegedly attracted the attention of the Air Force. Stacy suggests that the government's strategy was to discredit Bennewitz through disinformation, which paradoxically led to his breakdown. The article highlights the military's potential interest in UFO reports not as a cover-up of phenomena, but as a means to dismiss or ignore them, especially when they might relate to covert military activities. It also touches upon the historical context of government experimentation, such as LSD testing, to illustrate precedents for distrust and paranoia. Stacy concludes that Moore's scenario, while seemingly extraordinary, has peculiar precedents and is plausible within the realm of everyday occurrences involving real people.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Magonia strongly advocates for a balanced approach to UFO research, acknowledging both the potential validity of the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH) and the importance of psychological and cultural explanations. The magazine positions itself as a platform for diverse viewpoints, particularly giving voice to American perspectives that challenge purely skeptical or purely psychological interpretations. There is a clear editorial stance favoring open inquiry and a willingness to explore even the most fantastic claims, while maintaining a critical eye on the evidence and the methods used to interpret it. The magazine appears to be critical of what it perceives as a more dismissive or overly theoretical approach from some European ufologists, advocating for a more fact-oriented, bottom-up methodology, akin to the American style. The underlying theme is that UFO phenomena, especially abductions, warrant serious investigation, and that the ETH, while controversial, offers a compelling framework for understanding many of the reported details.

This issue of UFO & Space Age Publications, dated 1988, features a variety of reviews on topics ranging from UFOs and alien abductions to near-death experiences, crop circles, and spiritualism. The cover highlights Robert Moody's "The Light Beyond," a study of near-death experiences, and the issue number is 13, with the volume being 13 and the year 1988.

Book Reviews

Alternate States of Consciousness Hilary Evans' "Alternate States of Consciousness; unself, otherself and superself" (Aquarian Press, 1989, £6.99) is reviewed. The book explores altered states of consciousness, particularly spontaneous ones, and categorizes them into 'unself' (lowered consciousness, diminution of personality), 'otherself' (trance, multiple personality, hypnotic past life regression), and 'superself' (feelings of absolute possibility, inflationary states, enhanced powers). The review notes Evans' reliance on older sources like Charcot and the omission of Ian McKellar's work, but praises Evans as a stimulating writer.

The Light Beyond Robert Moody's "The Light Beyond" (Macmillan, 1988, £9.95) is reviewed as a study of near-death experiences (NDEs). Moody declares himself a survivalist, but the reviewer questions the literal interpretation of experiences like out-of-body phenomena. The review points out that the book deals with narratives socially constructed to communicate ineffable experiences, and criticizes claims of healing and conversion, as well as a perceived 'ageism' and the suggestion that belief in an afterlife would end war. It also notes similarities between NDE changes and encounter group symptoms.

Crop Circle Books Three books on crop circles are reviewed: "Circular Evidence" by Pat Delgado and Colin Andrews (Bloomsbury, 1989, £14.95), "Controversy of the Circles" by Paul Fuller and Jenny Randles (BUFORA, 1989), and "The Circles Effect and its Mysteries" by George Terence Meaden (Artetech, 1989, £9.95). "Circular Evidence" is praised for its photographs but criticized for weak and speculative theories, concluding that circles are created by an 'unknown force'. George Meaden's theory of 'a previously unrecognized kind of atmospheric plasma vortex' is favored by BUFORA investigators. The review notes Meaden's work on meteorology and his theory's potential to explain UFO reports. The authors of all three books dismiss hoaxing as a major cause.

The Darkened Room Alex Owen's "The Darkened Room; women, power and spiritualism in late 19th century England" (Virago, 1989, £11.95) examines how spiritualism offered women a path to social status, independence, and influence. It highlights how mediums could become figures of power, associating with the rich and famous. The review contrasts British spiritualism with that in the United States, noting that while liberating, it still upheld traditional notions of femininity. It also discusses cases of women being institutionalized for being too progressive.

Visions of the Future Keith Hearne's "Visions of the Future; an investigation of premonitions" (Aquarian Press, 1989, £4.99) is reviewed. The book examines material predating predicted events, but the reviewer finds little verifiable evidence, relying heavily on anecdotes. Memory's tendency to rearrange facts and the subjective nature of recollections are highlighted. Hearne suggests premonitory ability is part of an evolutionary survival mechanism and views the universe as a dream being manipulated.

Mystery Cats of the World Carl Shuker's "Mystery Cats of the World; from blue tigers to Exmoor beasts" (Hale, 1989, £12.95) is described as a serious cryptozoological work. Shuker argues for 'moderate anomalies,' suggesting that while some sightings might be escapees or misidentified animals, there are genuinely unexplained feline phenomena, particularly in Africa, South America, and North America.

The Return from Silence D. Scott Rogo's "The Return from Silence: a study of near-death experiences" (Aquarian Press, 1989, £6.99) provides a review of NDEs, examining whether they are subjective or indicate the inadequacy of a materialistic worldview. Rogo discusses similarities between NDEs and religious visions, and drug-induced experiences. The review notes the cultural determination of NDE content, citing differences in experiences reported by Melanesians compared to Westerners.

Other Content

Norse Tradition Books Reviews of Nigel Pennick's "Practical Magic in the Norse Tradition" (Aquarian, 1989, £7.99) and Clive Barrett's "The Norse Tarot" (Aquarian, 1989, £14.95) are included. Pennick's book explores Norse folklore, traditions, and mystical beliefs, suggesting ways to re-use these traditions in modern practice. Barrett's tarot cards are praised for their quality and interpretation of Norse mythology.

Lines on the Landscape Nigel Pennick and Paul Devereux's "Lines on the Landscape; leys and other linear enigmas" (Hale, 1989, £12.95) is reviewed. The book examines large-scale linear constructions worldwide, including English cursuses, Roman roads, and Nazca lines. It aims to provide a rational discussion of 'ley hunting', distinguishing it from 'belief-oriented' approaches and presenting a case for the existence of leys in Britain.

Advertisement An advertisement for "UFO AND SPACE AGE PUBLICATIONS" lists various books for sale, with prices in pounds sterling. Contact information for Ms S R Stebbing in Herne Bay, Kent, is provided. Another advertisement is for "MIDNIGHT BOOKS," offering secondhand books on paranormal and related topics.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently reviews books that delve into the unexplained, the paranormal, and fringe topics. There is a clear interest in UFO phenomena, alien encounters, and altered states of consciousness. The reviews often engage critically with the material, questioning methodologies and interpretations while acknowledging the stimulating nature of the authors' work. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous investigation and rational discussion, even when dealing with speculative subjects, as seen in the critique of 'belief-oriented' ley hunting and the balanced review of NDE literature. The magazine also shows an interest in historical and cultural aspects of the unexplained, such as spiritualism and ancient traditions.