Magonia - No 39 - 1991 04

Magazine Overview

Title: Magonia
Issue: 39
Volume: MUFOB 87
Date: April 1991
Publisher: Magonia Magazine
Country: United Kingdom
Price: 95p.

This issue of Magonia, number 39, dated April 1991, features a cover story titled "Seeing Things..." with a striking image and a headline suggesting a connection between early contactee experiences and Hollywood's influence on science fiction. The issue includes contributions from Nigel Watson and Martin Kottmeyer, with Watson's article "Seeing Things" and Kottmeyer's "A Universe of Spies" being highlighted.

Articles and Content

Peter Rogerson's Northern Echoes

This section by Peter Rogerson delves into U.S. ghostlore and folklore, specifically an account of "The Dead Baby of Hill House" in Chicago. The story recounts rumors of a child deposited at an immigrant welfare center, variously attributed to an Irish girl's pre-marital sin, an Italian woman's defiance of family, or an Orthodox Jewish woman's secret child. Rogerson analyzes these narratives as variations of the 'changeling' motif, possibly reflecting anxieties about cultural assimilation and the 'new world'. He notes how popular rumor added sensational details, like a baby cursing its father and driving a red motor-car.

Seeing Things... By Nigel Watson

Nigel Watson's article explores the idea that UFO sightings occur within a cultural vacuum, and that the terminology used influences what is perceived and reported. He argues that historical phenomena like 'chariots of fire' and 'phantom airships' served as early interpretive frameworks. Watson critiques Whitley Strieber's claim of being predisposed to abduction fears, pointing out the vast influence of science fiction films and literature from the 1950s, such as "The Day the Earth Stood Still," "Invaders from Mars," and "The Thing." He credits John Keel with suggesting that Ray Palmer's "Shaver" stories in *Amazing Stories* laid the groundwork for the UFO myth, though he also acknowledges other factors and the global spread of the phenomenon.

Watson further discusses early cinematic portrayals of invasion and aerial threats, referencing films like "The Airship Destroyer," "The Invaders," and "Invasion: The Possibilities." He highlights how these films often conveyed a message of vigilance against foreign infiltration, reflecting societal anxieties of the time, such as concerns about the suffragettes, trade unions, and Germany's imperial ambitions. Plays like "Sealed Orders" and "An Englishman's Home," along with films based on William le Queux's "The Invasion of 1910," are also examined for their role in fostering public fear of invasion.

A Universe of Spies: The first part of a major new series by Martin Kottmeyer

Martin Kottmeyer's article begins a new series exploring the concept of aliens observing Earth. He identifies a dominant anxiety in UFO lore: the idea of secret, stealthy, or covert observation, often termed 'spying.' Kottmeyer posits that understanding this 'aliens-are-watching-us' anxiety is crucial for any psychohistorical analysis of the UFO phenomenon. He traces the origins of this idea to the post-World War II era, noting the confusion surrounding Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting. The article discusses early theories, including the possibility of Soviet secret weapons or even extraterrestrial visitors, and the FBI's investigation into UFO reporters. Kottmeyer highlights the rapid linking of flying saucers to extraterrestrials, citing early media portrayals and DeWitt Miller's theories about beings from other dimensions. He also touches upon the intelligence community's initial assessments, including General Hoyt Vandenberg's veto of drastic action, and the Air Intelligence Report of December 1948, which considered various reasons for the flights, including Soviet reconnaissance.

The article also examines the idea of interplanetary observation, referencing James E. Lipp's analysis. Kottmeyer notes that the concept of Martians observing Earth, possibly due to the atomic bomb tests, was present even before the 1947 wave. He discusses the idea that these observations might be conducted by computers or remote satellites. The article references early speculative ideas, such as Senator Taylor's wish for saucers to be from outer space to unify Earth, and Fritz Leiber's story "Wanted - An Enemy." Loren Gross's research into early news articles, like one from July 8th, is mentioned, which suggested 'flying saucers were remote-control eyes from Mars.' Kottmeyer also analyzes Ted Bloecher's collection of 1947 cases, noting that few witnesses openly believed they were spaceships, with John H. Jannsen being an exception who theorized about spacecraft from outer space and reconnaissance craft.

Kottmeyer further discusses the Mantell case as a pivotal event that seemed to dispel the notion of UFOs being a joke, suggesting a possible cover-up by the Air Force. He references Donald Keyhoe's article in *True* magazine, "The Flying Saucers are Real," which proposed that Earth had been under systematic observation for 175 years by beings from another planet, categorizing their craft and comparing their exploration plans to those of the US. The article notes the public's reaction to Keyhoe's work and the Gallup poll data showing a shift in public opinion towards secret US weapons or extraterrestrial origins.

Other Sections

The issue also includes "Letters," "Reviews," "Northern Echoes," and a "BackPage," indicating a range of regular features and reader engagement.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Magonia revolve around the cultural construction of UFO phenomena, the influence of media and folklore on perception, and the historical evolution of ideas about aerial mysteries. The editorial stance appears to be critical and analytical, seeking to deconstruct the UFO mythos by examining its roots in science fiction, cultural anxieties, and historical events. There is a clear emphasis on understanding how societal factors and interpretive frameworks shape our understanding of the unexplained, rather than simply accepting reported phenomena at face value. The magazine encourages a deeper, more critical look at the origins and development of UFO beliefs.

Magonia, Issue 39, is a publication focused on UFO phenomena and related topics, with this issue delving into the concept of extraterrestrial surveillance and its connection to 'Satanic child abuse' cases. The issue features articles and letters that critically examine these themes, drawing on historical accounts and contemporary research.

UFO Surveillance Theories

The issue extensively discusses the theory of UFOs conducting surveillance on Earth, largely tracing its origins to Donald Keyhoe's work. Keyhoe, in his books 'Flying Saucers Are Real' and 'Flying Saucers from Outer Space', posited that UFO sightings clustered around atomic energy plants, Air Force bases, and naval bases indicated a pattern of observation and reconnaissance. He believed these visits were a test of Earth's capabilities and that the aliens were preparing for a future encounter.

Several authors and ufologists are cited as developing or supporting this surveillance concept. Brinsley le Poer Trench, Frank Edwards, and Otto Binder are mentioned for their contributions, with Binder's 'What We Really Know About Flying Saucers' highlighting reports of aliens engaged in activities suggesting observation, such as manoeuvring around objects, taking samples, and watching people.

However, the issue also presents counterarguments and criticisms of the surveillance thesis. The Robertson Panel, for instance, was not convinced by Keyhoe's clusters, suggesting they might be due to security alertness at secret installations. They also noted that many sightings occurred in areas with no strategic worth, leading them to recommend public education to reduce gullibility. Aime Michel speculated that Keyhoe's clusters might stem from the atmosphere of hyperalertness at secret facilities.

James E. McDonald expressed a belief in patterns indicating surveillance at the heart of the UFO problem. Brad Steiger's books suggested a 'steady pervasive program of invasion or antagonistic observation'. Despite these theories, the issue notes that by 1968, a significant portion of the public believed in UFOs, influenced by such ideas.

Criticisms of the surveillance concept include its lack of concrete evidence, such as downed saucers with TV cameras or alien informants. The article questions the logic of using large craft for surveillance when smaller, more maneuverable devices are supposedly available. Some critics, like Peter Kor and Frank Salisbury, found the idea of prolonged reconnaissance implausible. Ian Ridpath expressed skepticism, suggesting that the belief that humans are important enough for aliens to be deeply interested in is a fallacy.

Satanic Child Abuse Cases and Psychological Parallels

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to the 'Satanic child abuse' cases, particularly those discussed in Magonia 38, such as the Rochdale and Nottingham cases. Roger Sandell summarizes developments, noting that in the Rochdale case, seventeen children were returned to their parents after court hearings. The judge attributed the children's tales of ghosts, 'ghost families', and monsters to the influence of horror videos, though the article acknowledges that such themes are part of oral tradition.

The issue draws parallels between these 'Satanic abuse' narratives and UFO abduction reports, particularly the concept of the 'bogus social worker'. A letter from J.T. Kirkwood argues that for parents on large council estates, social workers, with their authority and procedures, can represent an 'alien culture' akin to alien abductors. The removal of children by social workers can be conflated with the idea of alien abduction, creating a symbolic 'bogus social worker' figure that embodies fears of child-stealing authority.

The article also touches upon the psychological underpinnings of these beliefs. It suggests that the intelligence community's habit of viewing deception and furtiveness as natural might influence the perception of aliens as spies. The idea that the universe is filled with spies, to the exclusion of curious extraterrestrials, is presented as a pervasive belief.

Critical Analysis and Ufological Debates

The issue features several letters that engage in critical debate about ufology and its methodologies. Dennis Stillings critiques the use of 'variations in accounts' by folklorists like Bullard, arguing that it can be used to support pre-existing beliefs rather than objectively analyzing the core meaning of experiences. He emphasizes the importance of identifying similarities in experiences rather than focusing on superficial variations.

Jerome Clark defends his book 'UFOs in the 1980s' against criticism from Hilary Evans, asserting that his work is a thorough treatment and that Evans's review was biased. Clark also argues that the 'psychosocial hypothesis' does not conflict with the possibility of alien life and technology, citing Peter Sturrock's research on astronomers' views.

John Rimmer responds to Clark, requesting academic journals that support the ETH from professional astronomers in Britain or America. He also congratulates John Harney on his 25 years in UFO publishing, highlighting Harney's early emphasis on landing reports and the psychological aspects of ufology.

Book Reviews

The issue includes several book reviews:

• 'The MJ-12 Documents: An Analytical Report' by William L. Moore and Jaime H. Shandera: This review is critical, suggesting the book relies heavily on questionable documents and presents a narrow, conspiratorial viewpoint. It questions the authors' insistence on the authenticity of documents and points out logical flaws in their arguments.
• 'Crop Circles: the latest evidence' by Pat Delgado & Colin Andrews and 'The Crop Circle Enigma' edited by Ralph Noyes: These reviews examine the phenomenon of crop circles, discussing theories like Meaden's vortice theory and the idea of 'circle-makers'. The reviewers acknowledge the intelligence behind their creation but question the resistance among 'cereologists' to accepting human ingenuity as the cause.
• 'The Relentless Question; reflections on the paranormal' by John Beloff: This review describes Beloff's work as a collection of previously published material that lowers the 'boggle threshold' for paranormal phenomena. It notes his respect for 'great scientists' and his tendency towards a magical view of the world.
• 'Wings of Illusion; the origin, nature and future of paranormal belief' by John F. Schumaker: Schumaker's book connects paranoia and other disorders to 'personal' religions seeking control. The review highlights his argument that paranoids and anorexics can be converted through ritual and that these beliefs deny the tragedy of the human condition.
• 'Vanished: Mysterious Disappearances' by David Clark: This review is dismissive, stating the book presents unsubstantiated claims and rehashes old mysteries without adding depth.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Magonia are the persistent theories of UFO surveillance and reconnaissance, the psychological and social factors influencing belief in UFOs and related phenomena like Satanic abuse, and critical analysis of ufological research and methodologies. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, encouraging skepticism and a rigorous examination of evidence and arguments, while acknowledging the complex and often controversial nature of the topics discussed.

This issue of Magonia, identified as issue number 21 and dated 1991, presents a collection of reviews and commentary on books related to ufology and the paranormal, along with a 'Hold the Back Page' section featuring miscellaneous ramblings.

Book Reviews

The UFO Encyclopedia by John Spencer

Reviewed by Peter Rogerson, this book is heavily criticized for its lack of coherence, its emphasis on obscure witnesses and government officials, and its distinct bias towards Scandinavian and Soviet cases. The reviewer contrasts it unfavorably with Jerome Clark's encyclopedia, noting that Spencer's work is difficult to use and lacks context. Rogerson points out the absence of entries for broader topics and significant figures like Carl Jung, and questions the inclusion of certain individuals and periodicals while omitting others. The review highlights the book's perceived lack of neutrality and its failure to provide adequate referencing.

Scary Stories; a supernatural yearbook by Jenny Randles and Peter Hough

Also reviewed by Peter Rogerson, this book is described as satisfactory when read as mere accounts of people's experiences. However, the reviewer questions the authors' categorical statement that those with bizarre experiences are not lying, citing instances where the authors themselves or their associates have expressed doubts about witness veracity. The review notes the inclusion of cases like Borley Rectory and mentions the authors' apparent dismissal of critical analyses.

The Aquarian Guide to Legendary London edited by John Matthews and Chesca Potter

Peter Rogerson reviews this guide to the mysterious aspects of London. The book is praised for its exploration of hidden legends, goddesses, witchcraft, and earth mysteries within the city. It features commissioned essays and extracts from earlier writers, and is noted for its illustrations, including reproductions of old prints and reworkings of traditional motifs. The review suggests that the book counters the assumption that earth mysteries can only be communed with in remote wilderness, finding mystery and history within urban settings.

The Truth About the Tarot by Gerald Suster

John Rimmer reviews this book, challenging the common assertion that Gypsies brought tarot cards to Europe. Rimmer argues that tarot cards were originally devised for secular card games and that their use for divination only became prominent in the 18th century. He dismisses fanciful notions about Egyptian and Sumerian origins and criticizes the book for its lack of references and bibliographies, calling it a violation of the Trades Descriptions Act. Rimmer also notes the confusion between the paranormal and the occult within the book.

The Encyclopaedia of the Paranormal edited by Lynn Picknett

Reviewed by Peter Rogerson, this book is criticized for its title page claiming exclusive copyright by Lynn Picknett, while the acknowledgments list nineteen contributors without signed sections or background information. Rogerson describes the book as a 'curates egg,' with the initial sections being opinionated and biased, reflecting an occultist viewpoint rather than a neutral encyclopedic tone. He highlights the book's assertion that the Shroud of Turin was faked by Leonardo da Vinci as part of a Priory of Sion conspiracy, noting the lack of evidence. The review also points out the book's tendency to present paranormalist interpretations as fact and its criticism of skeptics and scientists.

Portraits of Alien Encounters by Nigel Watson

Peter Rogerson reviews this book, noting that it serves as a reminder of Magonia's long-standing perspective. The book compiles case studies of 'fringe' UFO percipients from 1977-1980, originally conducted under the UFION network. The review highlights extreme cases, including one described as 'paranoid schizophrenia' and another labeled 'schizoid,' suggesting that the book explores the meaning within even pathological experiences. Of particular interest are the studies of two child contactees, Paul Bennett and Gaynor Sunderland, examining the interplay between childhood fantasy and adult world, and how ufological and occult folklore permeated children's imaginations.

Rumours: uses, interpretations and images by Jean Noel Kaperrer

Reviewed by Peter Rogerson, this book is described as a fascinating analysis of rumour, drawing on French and British concerns about various types of tales and legends. It discusses the 'satanic' Proctor and Gamble trademark, the phantom hitch-hiker, and the LSD sticker scare. The book also covers French ecological rumours, such as mystery cats and the return of wolves. The author categorizes rumours into nine types, including fear of strangers and conspiracies. The review notes the book's high price but recommends it.

The Alien Tide by Tom Dongo

Reviewed by Peter Rogerson, this book is described as a collection of various current US ufolklore, including MJ-12, abductions, and new-age beliefs, mixed together. The reviewer notes that it is typical of UFO belief at a 'gutter roots' level.

Hold the Back Page

This section includes a letter from John D. Cottage, who notes a resemblance between astronomer Patrick Moore and UFO contactee Cedric Allingham, questioning if they might be related. The section also announces Tom Ruffles as the winner of the 'Win a Corn Circle' competition. It then speculates about the next unexplained phenomenon to gain public attention, predicting the rise of 'smallfoot' phenomena (footprints on glass panes) following the decline of interest in corn circles. The text suggests that this new craze will lead to debates about its causation and may even involve the partial rehabilitation of Conan Doyle. The section concludes with a note about a 'Northern Echoes' portrait and a 'Fit the Face Competition' in the next Magonia.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around critical reviews of books within the ufology and paranormal fields, emphasizing the importance of rigorous investigation, clear referencing, and a neutral, evidence-based approach. The magazine appears to maintain a skeptical but open-minded stance, questioning unsubstantiated claims and exposing what it perceives as sloppiness or bias in other publications. There is a consistent focus on distinguishing between genuine unexplained phenomena and folklore, hoaxes, or misinterpretations. The 'Hold the Back Page' section indicates a lighter, more speculative approach to emerging trends in the fringe and paranormal communities, while still maintaining a critical perspective.