Magonia - No 42 - 1992 03

Magazine Overview

Title: Magonia
Issue: 42
Volume: MUFOB 90
Date: March 1992
Price: 95p.

This issue of Magonia, number 42, published in March 1992, features a cover story titled "What do we tell Val of Peckham?" by Patrick Harpur, with a prominent image of a woman on the phone. The issue includes articles by Hilary Evans on "Folklore Rules, OK?", Patrick Harpur on "Seeing Things", and Roger Sandell on "Desperately Seeking Satan". It also contains sections for "Northern Echoes", "Letters", and "Book Reviews".

The Abduction Debate: Folklore vs. Reality

"Folklore Rules, OK?" by Hilary Evans

Hilary Evans addresses Eddie Bullard's argument that abduction experiences are not folklore because they don't conform to its rules. Evans contends that folklore is amorphous and lacks strict rules, suggesting that abduction experiences might be a new development or 'folklore-plus', incorporating elements beyond traditional folklore. She argues that the 'PS-proponents' (psychosocial proponents) do not interpret abductions solely in terms of folklore but use it as one of several realms of experience to understand abduction stories, alongside communal fantasy and science fiction.

Evans critiques the idea that abduction accounts are simply folklore, stating that they are a "swarms of variants" which are the living manifestation of folklore. She posits that each abduction is both a shared story and an individual experience. The psychosocial approach, according to Evans, sees abduction as an admixture of "folklore" in the form of a shared myth with a deep, individual need. Individuals use folklore themes to give their private experiences public "credentials", creating a fantasy scenario that is recognizable as an "abduction story" to gain legitimacy.

She contrasts this with the idea that individuals subconsciously "choose" a script (visions, possession, abduction) to externalize an internal dilemma. The variation in these experiences stems from this internal core.

"Seeing Things" by Patrick Harper

Patrick Harper expresses unease with the ufological assertion that 90% or 95% of UFO sightings are misidentifications. He criticizes the superior attitude often displayed towards those who report sightings, comparing it to a school seniority system. Harper uses the example of "Val of Peckham," who reported a strange light in the sky, as a case that exemplifies the core of ufology. He suggests that many eminent ufologists were initially drawn to the subject through similar mistaken encounters.

Harper argues that the focus should be on the nature of perception rather than solely on identifying objects. He recounts a case where a couple reported being hounded by an aerial object, which was later identified as the moon. He posits that the concept of "projection," derived from Freud and Jung, is a metaphor from magic lanterns, where subjective images are wrongly seen as objective. Harper advocates for a Blakean understanding of perception, where imagination plays a primary role in simultaneously seeing and transforming the world. He suggests that the "uncanny" is a key element in moments when reality is confronted, leading to a sense of freedom or guilt.

Harper criticizes the literal-minded worldview that demands single identities for objects. He argues that when the preternatural intrudes, people are unequipped to process it, often reacting with fright and panic instead of assimilating the complexity of the image. He contrasts this with the poetic imagination, which can see UFOs in everything, from stars to clouds, as manifestations of an unknowable reality.

The Satanism Scare

"Desperately Seeking Satan" by Roger Sandell

Roger Sandell outlines recent developments in the Satanism scare and reviews related books. He discusses the November 1991 Old Bailey trial involving alleged Satanic human sacrifice in Epping Forest, where two girls accused their parents and others. Notably, the accused faced child abuse charges, not murder, and the case collapsed when one girl expressed uncertainty about the events.

Sandell highlights the trial's curious aspects, including its connection to Gipsies and a memorial to Gipsy Smith, with defendants including his grandson. He also mentions ongoing hearings into the Orkney Satanism case and bizarre trials in the USA, such as a day-care centre owner accused of sexual abuse.

Sandell examines Patricia Pulling's book, "The Devil's Web," which claims that "Dungeons and Dragons" games and heavy metal music lead to Satanic rituals, murder, and suicide. He finds the evidence for these claims rapidly evaporates upon detailed examination, likening the backwards messages in music to old tales. He notes that stories of Satanic ritual murders often originated with the US cattle mutilations scare of the 1970s, with claims by figures like Henry Lee Lucas now largely discounted.

He discusses the Matamoros slayings in Mexico as a more substantial case, involving a drug gang led by Adolfo Constanzo, who practiced supernatural beliefs. Sandell suggests that the current US anti-Satanist scare connects various contemporary fears, including serial killers, youth suicide, violent music, drug gangs, and immigrant religious practices.

Sandell then reviews Tim Tate's book, "Children for the Devil," which attempts to validate the reality of Satanism in Britain and the US. While Tate rejects some aspects of the scare, he devotes significant attention to defending charges of Satanic child abuse (SCA), tracing a history of "ritual crime, abuse and murder" for nearly five hundred years. Sandell strongly criticizes Tate's historical research, accusing him of misrepresenting facts, relying on discredited sources like Margaret Murray, and failing to discuss the differences between British and continental witch trials, as well as the role of child accusers and conjuring tricks.

Sandell points out that Tate makes unsupported claims, such as seeing modern witchcraft as a media creation, and incorrectly cites confessions from non-existent Cathar witches. He also notes Tate's fascination with the "Affair of the Poisons" and allegations of Black Masses, though he acknowledges these cases have some factual basis, unlike later fantasies.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly engages with the nature of perception and belief, particularly in the context of unexplained phenomena and societal anxieties. The editorial stance appears to favor critical examination of claims, distinguishing between genuine experiences and their interpretation through cultural frameworks like folklore or societal fears. There's a clear emphasis on questioning simplistic explanations and exploring the psychological and sociological underpinnings of reported events. The magazine seems to advocate for a nuanced approach that acknowledges the complexity of human experience and belief systems, rather than resorting to easy dismissals or sensationalism.

This issue of Searchlight, dated September 1985, is an "Anti-Fascist Monthly" that critically examines various phenomena often associated with fringe beliefs and alleged conspiracies. The content focuses on debunking or questioning claims related to Satanic cults, UFOs, and crop circles, often by scrutinizing the work of authors who promote these ideas.

Satanic Cult Allegations and Tim Tate's Work

The magazine begins by dissecting the work of Tim Tate, whose book is presented as a collection of cases involving alleged Satanic cults and human sacrifice. The author of the article expresses skepticism towards Tate's historical accuracy, pointing out his apparent ignorance of figures like Gerald B. Gardner, the originator of the 'Wicca' cult. Tate's reliance on books like 'Michelle Remembers' is criticized for its misleading summaries and omission of supernatural claims and prophecies, such as the appearance of the Virgin Mary and Satan himself, and prophecies of Armageddon. The article highlights that Michelle's sisters deny her story and that a quote from a Canadian archbishop is carefully non-committal.

Tate's cases are further scrutinized, including the US day care cases and British examples. While Tate is convinced of the children's testimony, the article questions the methodology and the potential for contamination of memory, especially when dealing with young children. The author notes the difficulty in corroborating claims of mass Satanic rituals and human sacrifice, contrasting them with the more mundane circumstances under which individual serial killers are caught.

The article also critiques Tate's approach to the Nottingham affair, where allegations centered on an extended family. The description of this family is likened to a 'collection of urban hill-billies' reminiscent of H.P. Lovecraft, rather than a historical Satanist cult. The author questions Tate's rejection of the idea of a worldwide Satanist cult while simultaneously accepting obscure historical facts as evidence for modern claims.

Crop Circles: Theories and Interpretations

The issue dedicates significant space to the crop circle phenomenon, presenting various perspectives. One correspondent, Ralph Noyes, argues that the crop circles suggest the operation of intelligence and that the phenomenon is a 'sustained and scientifically informed practical joke' orchestrated by 'intelligent agents.' He dismisses Dr. Meaden's meteorological hypothesis as increasingly elaborate and contrived to accommodate new developments.

Another correspondent, Raymond Cox, suggests that all three possibilities – meteorological phenomena, human hoaxes, and 'other intelligence' – have validity. He emphasizes the need to consider intuition alongside mechanical and rational approaches, and suggests Rupert Sheldrake's morphogenic fields might play a role.

The article "Some of the more complex arrangements suggest nothing so much as occult sigils or glyphs writ large on the rural landscape" explores the idea that these formations have a 'fairytale quality' and a 'suggestion of enchanted circles and magic rings.' It questions the distinction between simple circles as genuine meteorological phenomena and complex pictograms as hoaxes, arguing that if simple circles are man-made, then complex ones likely are too.

John Rimmer, in his reply, acknowledges the ongoing nature of the crop circle mystery and the difficulty in categorizing answers. He discusses the 'Meteorological Theory,' citing Meaden's study and eyewitness reports, but also notes the potential unreliability of eyewitnesses and the possibility of disinformation.

UFOs and the Roswell Incident

The Roswell UFO incident is discussed from a skeptical viewpoint. John Harney is criticized for not accepting the official weather balloon explanation. The article counters that the debris might not have been immediately identifiable, and that the rancher only became interested after hearing 'flying-disc' stories. It highlights that the FBI teletype describing the object made no mention of 'national security' and was not classified, suggesting the USAF told the FBI the same story they told the press. The article posits that the 'crash' and 'bodies' narratives were added years later, and that the story has grown disproportionately.

Book Reviews

Several books are reviewed, offering further insights into the themes of the magazine:

• 'Alien Liaison: The Ultimate Secret' by Timothy Good: This book summarizes alleged alien activities and US government efforts to keep them secret. The reviewer is skeptical, noting the US government's poor track record with secrets and the implausibility of some stories presented to Good.
• 'Life Beyond Earth: man's contact with the space people' by Janet and Colin Bord: This book examines interstellar communication through the lens of contactees and abductees. It includes stories of 'lost abductions' and explores the continuity between contactee and abduction lore.
• 'The Watchers: the secret design behind UFO abductions' by Raymond Fowler: This book introduces themes of hybrid babies and the concept of 'midwives' to fairy births. The reviewer notes the increasingly religious tone of the stories and the connection to Jewish apocryphal traditions of 'Watchers.' The book also features Fowler becoming an abductee himself.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently adopts a critical and skeptical stance towards claims of paranormal phenomena, conspiracy theories, and unsubstantiated accounts. It emphasizes the importance of evidence, logical reasoning, and historical accuracy, while questioning the methodologies and conclusions of authors who promote sensational narratives. The magazine appears to advocate for a rational approach, distinguishing between genuine phenomena and what it perceives as misinterpretations, hoaxes, or disinformation. There is a recurring concern about the influence of irrational panics on society and the potential for these narratives to be exploited for political or ideological agendas. The editorial stance is one of cautious inquiry, seeking to separate fact from fantasy and to understand the underlying psychological and social factors that contribute to belief in these phenomena.