Magonia - No 36 - 1990 05

Magazine Overview

This issue of Magonia, number 36, dated May 1990, presents a critical examination of various phenomena, including UFO abductions, spontaneous combustion, and delusions, often drawing parallels between historical accounts and contemporary research. The cover art depicts a surreal scene with dinosaurs and flying creatures, accompanied by the provocative headline "A STUDENTS NIGHTMARE ...or a ufologist's dream?", suggesting a skeptical or analytical approach to the subject matter.

Prospects for the Nineties by John Harney

John Harney reflects on the changes in ufology over the past twenty years, noting that while the core issues remain, the tools have evolved, with word processors replacing typewriters. He expresses hope that the 1990s will be more eventful than the 1970s. Harney observes that while some psychologists have studied UFO phenomena, they often hold unconventional views. He contrasts the psychological aspects of UFO reports in the sixties with the eighties, where there was less emphasis on such analysis. He also touches upon the rise of crop circles as a significant folklore element and hints at potential government involvement in 'crash retrieval' rumors, questioning whether civil society is under suspicion.

Northern Echoes by Peter Rogerson

Peter Rogerson's column addresses a reader's challenge to write about familiar topics. He discusses how to identify individuals in a town by consulting voter lists. Rogerson then shifts to the broader context of the approaching end of the 20th century, predicting a rise in UFO waves and apparitions in Eastern Europe, paralleling the collapse of empires and the death of gods. He highlights the crop circles as a major folklore phenomenon and mentions a former civil servants' involvement in UFO-related matters, suggesting a potential for suspicion within society. Rogerson also presents a 1946 illustration from the Padgate College Magazine, crediting it to R. Creothan, and speculates whether these depicted objects are pre-Arnoldian UFOs or related to ancient astronaut theories.

Abductions: Who's being taken for a ride? by John Rimmer

John Rimmer reviews recent developments in the abduction field, questioning whether it is moving beyond the realm of ufologists. He notes a tendency to view American UFO research as monolithic and ETH-dominated, but points to researchers like Martin Kottmeyer and Dennis Stingray who offer alternative viewpoints. Rimmer highlights a split between Bud Hopkins and other researchers, including psychologist Rima Laibow, and the growing disillusionment expressed in Whitley Strieber's work. He discusses Ed Corray's book 'Report on Communion,' which assesses Strieber's experiences, and notes Corray's potential unawareness of non-ETH viewpoints. Rimmer also mentions the conflict between Strieber and Jenny Randles, leading to a retraction. He contrasts the American approach with European research, suggesting that British researchers are not simply following American patterns. The article also touches upon the increasing attention abduction experiences are receiving from psychologists and parapsychologists.

Kenneth Ring's Research on Abductees and NDE Experients

This section discusses Kenneth Ring's research, which found similarities between abductees and near-death experience (NDE) experiencers, as well as control groups. Rimmer expresses doubt about the methodology used to determine 'fantasy proneness,' suggesting it may be subjective. He notes that investigators in UFO research often exhibit 'strange' responses, possibly due to the topic's academic acceptance compared to NDE studies. Rimmer also references his own book, 'The Evidence for Alien Abductions,' proposing that abduction experiences are symptoms rather than causes of personality change.

The Role of Professionals in Abduction Studies

This part of the article examines the increasing involvement of psychologists and psychotherapists in abduction research, particularly in America with initiatives like TREAT. It discusses the complementary roles of amateur ufologists and professional therapists, as highlighted by Rima Laibow. However, it raises the issue of payment for therapists' services, questioning who will bear the cost, as many abductees may not be able to afford private treatment. The conclusion is drawn that many abductees may be left to the care of 'poorly trained, amateur hobbyists.'

SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION: a nineteenth century view by Roger Sandell

Roger Sandell presents historical accounts of spontaneous human combustion from the 19th century. The article, sourced from a book published in London in 1826 titled 'The Family Oracle of Health; Economy, Medicine and Good Living,' details cases where individuals, often women addicted to alcohol, were found reduced to ashes with minimal damage to their surroundings. One account describes the Countess Corrado Band of Cesena, aged 62, who was found reduced to ashes, with only her skull and finger joints remaining. Another case involves a woman in Ipswich in 1744, who was found consumed by fire without any apparent flame, leaving behind a heap of ashes and burnt remains.

DELUSIONS by Manfred Cassirer

Manfred Cassirer explores the concept of 'delusions' and their relation to paranormal phenomena, witchcraft, and mysticism. He defines delusion as a false impression or opinion and contrasts it with 'illusions,' which have an underlying physical stimulus. Cassirer discusses how ecstatics and mystics have historically been viewed with suspicion, sometimes attributed to diabolic involvement. He references historical cases, such as Joseph of Copertino and Magdalena Cruccio, and the challenges judges faced in distinguishing visions from reality. The article touches upon 'spectral evidence' in witchcraft trials, where individuals were accused of appearing in spectral form. It also mentions the fear that supernatural agents could fabricate convincing illusions. Cassirer notes the difficulty in distinguishing between delusions and hallucinations, and the potential for 'phantasmal sights' to be triggered by obscure processes.

Historical Accounts of Apparitions and Witchcraft

This section delves into historical accounts of apparitions and witchcraft, drawing from various sources. It discusses how 'internal images' devoid of objective existence were seen as a cause of folk being tricked. The article mentions the SPR Census of Hallucinations, which suggested that shared visions are often influenced by mental or verbal suggestion. It recounts an incident involving Joseph Bailey and his wife, whose psychic experiences were contaminated with demonic features, and Mrs. Bailey's encounter with an invisible female. The text also references the case of Bridget Bishop, accused of witchcraft, and the testimony of Richard Coman. It highlights the difficulty in substantiating claims of apparitions and the historical tendency to attribute them to supernatural causes.

Continued from Page One

This section discusses the utility of UFO reports for scientific study, despite their often-negative perception. It highlights the work of independent researchers like Dr. Terence Meador, who is developing a vortex theory for crop circles. The article anticipates increased activity around the 50th anniversary of Kenneth Arnold's sighting in 1997, which may inspire enthusiasts to re-examine the history of ufology. It poses questions about what has sustained ufology and why people are drawn to the idea of extraterrestrial observation, suggesting it might be a substitute for religion. The text also critiques sensationalist journalism in ufology and notes that critics who have studied the subject pose the main threat to the extraterrestrial hypothesis (ETH). It concludes that ufology will likely persist until the end of the century, with adherents finding themselves increasingly isolated from mainstream scientific investigation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Magonia revolve around the critical examination of paranormal phenomena, particularly UFOs, and their intersection with psychology, folklore, and historical beliefs. The magazine adopts a skeptical yet analytical stance, questioning the methodologies and conclusions of ufologists while also acknowledging the potential for valuable data within these reports. There is a clear emphasis on historical context, drawing parallels between past beliefs and contemporary research. The editorial stance appears to favor a rational, evidence-based approach, often highlighting the limitations of current research and the potential for misinterpretation or delusion in the study of anomalous phenomena.

This issue of the magazine, identified by the number '11' on the cover, features a prominent cover story titled "NEW AGE, SAME OLD STORY" which is a book review by Roger Sandell. The review focuses on the book "Not Necessarily the New Age" published by Prometheus Books. The magazine also includes a section dedicated to "BOOKS" and a "LETTERS" section.

Book Review: New Age, Same Old Story

The review by Roger Sandell examines the resurgence of supernatural beliefs in American culture. It traces this theme from the Millerite Adventist movement in the 1830s, through the revivalist meetings of the early 20th century, to the 'sixties counter-culture's interest in astrology and other fringe beliefs. Sandell contrasts the 'sixties' revolt against scientific and material progress with the later 'New Age Consciousness' (NAC) movement, which he describes as often being associated with wealthy individuals and integrated into self-improvement culture.

Sandell notes that while the 'sixties' movement was distinct from the American mainstream, NAC participants can include college lecturers, creative artists, and those who pay high fees for seminars. He highlights that the end of the Cold War seems to have fueled interest in prophecies of doom and supernatural beliefs. The review points out that NAC represents an incorporation of supernatural beliefs into a culture of self-improvement, citing Shirley MacLaine's books as an example where success is seen as vindicating these beliefs.

The review critiques the vagueness of New Age beliefs, suggesting that while practices like meditation may offer personal benefits, they do not challenge individuals to fundamentally alter their lives. Instead, they serve to 'spice up' a successful lifestyle, fitting into a postmodern cultural climate where identity is constructed through a 'pick 'n' mix' approach to beliefs.

Sandell also touches upon the problematic aspects of NAC, such as the 'Airplane Game,' a chain-letter scam. He mentions essays in the reviewed book that factually examine claims of reincarnation and UFO abduction. Philip Klass's work on UFO abduction is summarized, noting the problematic relationship between these claims and the New Age movement, though some abductees report linking their experiences to New Age beliefs.

The review discusses the work of Dr. Susan Blackmore on near-death experiences and out-of-the-body experiences, suggesting they result from breakdown in the visual cortex. Martin Gardner's contribution on Shirley MacLaine's links with 'channelers' is also mentioned, describing channeling as a process of reciting platitudes while claiming to be a departed spirit.

Sandell criticizes the book for not adequately exploring the interaction between NAC and Christian fundamentalism, noting how New Age beliefs have often fallen foul of moral panics surrounding 'satanism.' He also points out that figures like President Reagan have simultaneously endorsed apocalyptic beliefs and sought astrological advice.

An essay titled 'New Age Economics' is described as a rant against NAC, viewing it as an enemy of free enterprise capitalism. However, Sandell finds little evidence of such political overtones in NAC, noting that while some British NAC writers link it to Green politics, the American surge has shown little corresponding Green activity.

Letters to the Editor

The "LETTERS" section features correspondence from readers. Daryl Collins responds to Martin Kottmeyer, clarifying his previous statements about abductees and nightmares, and suggesting that cultural predisposition influences the perception of unfamiliar phenomena. Collins speculates about 'chicken and egg' problems, where artists and writers might be coping with suppressed alien trauma through their work, citing the film 'The War of the Worlds' as an example that resonated with his own childhood experience.

Stewart Campbell writes to 'Dear John' (presumably the editor or a columnist), criticizing a review of 'Fire in the Sky.' Campbell argues that the review was too cursory and lacked a definitive conclusion. He disputes the claim of meticulous research, questioning the accuracy of details like grid references and mentioning a lack of correspondence with BUFORA regarding fuel dumping procedures. Campbell also suggests that the 'Arnold report' was caused by a mirage, not 'earthlights.'

Ken Webster addresses a letter regarding witchcraft and his book 'Vertical Planes,' clarifying that he was aware of the absence of Crown executions for witchcraft in England and that his book aimed to reassure Tomas Harden about his missing Kathryn.

Another letter writer, responding to an article by Eddie Bullard, praises the article but finds Dennis Stacy's piece 'superficial' and 'wildly misleading.' This writer suggests that Stacy's views on fear of Hispanic immigrants are unfounded and that Stacy has misunderstood the significance of the Bennewitz affair.

Jerome Clark writes to 'Dear John,' commenting on an article by Dennis Stacy. Clark criticizes Stacy's interpretation of UFO paranoia and suggests that Stacy has a limited understanding of the topic, particularly regarding extraterrestrial biological entities.

Books Section

The "BOOKS" section reviews several titles:

• Confrontations: a scientist's search for alien contact by Jacques Vallee: Reviewed by an unnamed author, this book is described as containing 'amazing tales of UFO mayhem in South America,' including investigations of UFO-related cases in northern Brazil and California. The reviewer notes Vallee's focus on events like the Ubatuba magnesium case and the 'chupas' (flying objects described as 'like fridges') that have allegedly caused severe physical effects and deaths. However, the reviewer criticizes Vallee for including 'fraudulent data' and for exhibiting the 'Kinder Syndrome,' a tendency to be unsure of the naivete of the people being studied.
• Encyclopedia of Monsters and Encyclopedia of Ghosts by Daniel Cohen: Reviewed by John Rimmer, these books are described as popularly written entries on a wide range of phenomena. They are well-illustrated but lack detailed further reading notes. The 'Monsters' book covers UFO entities, while the 'Ghosts' book is a companion to the 'Monsters' book.
• Fire Burn by Kon Radford: Also reviewed by John Rimmer, this book is seen as dramatizing witchcraft cases, though the basic facts are considered accurate and the book is well-illustrated.
• Marutrivia vs. Skull by Jeremy Clarke: Reviewed by Nigel Watson, this novel is described as a critique of Western civilization through the eyes of an alien. Watson notes that the book draws on various sources, including pulp detective fiction, science fiction, and TV quiz games. The alien is depicted as being corrupted by American culture, reflecting a fear of cultural contamination.

Portraits of Alien Encounters

This section features a description of the book "Portraits of Alien Encounters" by Nigel Watson. It highlights that the book examines frightening close encounter stories from the past forty years, including sightings of robots, men in black, and flying saucers. The book is presented as a reference and insight into the flying saucer enigma, with incidents investigated in areas of Northern England before the 'revelations' in books like 'Communion' and 'Intruders.' The price is listed as £10.00.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the persistent human quest for the supernatural and the miraculous, the evolution of spiritualist and paranormal beliefs in American culture, and the examination of UFO sightings and abduction claims. The magazine appears to maintain a critical yet open stance towards these phenomena, featuring both skeptical analyses and detailed accounts of alleged encounters. The "LETTERS" section indicates a lively debate among readers and contributors on various aspects of ufology and the paranormal. The "BOOKS" section provides reviews of recent publications, offering a critical perspective on their content and approach.