Magonia - No 44 - 1992 10

Magazine Overview

Title: Magonia
Issue: 44
Date: October 1992
Price: 95p

Articles and Content

Cover Story: Angel or Avenger?

The cover features a prominent image and headline announcing Dennis Stacy's "controversial new analysis of the abduction phenomenon." The article is slated for page 12.

Thomas Bullard: In the light of experience

Thomas E. Bullard, writing as a folklorist, argues that the abduction phenomenon is based on individual experience rather than psycho-social forces. He addresses Hilary Evans and Peter Rogerson, who favor a psycho-social explanation. Bullard agrees that abduction narratives show variation in details but emphasizes the prevailing similarities, particularly in "high information, high reliability cases." He contends that the consistency in these reports is an anomaly that questions the assumption of pure imagination. Bullard criticizes the idea that folklore 'rules' no longer apply, asserting that the dynamics of narrative transmission, memory processes, and rumor circulation are well understood by folklorists. He argues that abduction narratives are not simply folklore or fantasy but a unique phenomenon that combines elements of shared myth with deep individual need. The pattern of abduction reports, he states, emerges from what witnesses report, not from a scholar's preconceived notions. Bullard highlights that while personal needs drive variations, the minor nature of these variations deepens the mystery. He contrasts this with science fiction, where narratives are more varied, suggesting that abduction narratives are more akin to a "shared myth" that shapes consistent reports.

Peter Rogerson's Northern Echoes

Peter Rogerson discusses the concept of "virtual realities" and their relation to abduction experiences. He posits that the human brain can generate experiences of verisimilitude that surpass computer-generated realities, such as lucid dreams or out-of-the-body experiences. Rogerson suggests that many individuals who report anomalous experiences, including UFO sightings and abductions, may be highly talented producers of "Virtual Reality Experience" (VRE). He notes that terms like "fantasy-prone personality" can obscure this, and that VRE producers might be confused with role-players. Rogerson proposes that "virtual experience" is a neutral term for experiences not captured by audiovisual recording. He also touches upon the idea of "transpersonal virtual realities" and how to demonstrate that anomalies are not virtual experiences, suggesting the collection of audiovisual recordings. Rogerson uses a historical example from the 14th century to illustrate how contemporary notions shape interpretations of evidence, implying that our understanding of UFOs is similarly culturally bound.

Martin Kottmeyer: What's Up, Doc?

Martin Kottmeyer examines the image of the "hostile saucer" and its evidence for a "hypochondriac" viewpoint on the UFO phenomenon. He begins by quoting General John A. Samford's 1952 statement that the Air Force's interest in UFOs was to identify potential threats, and that while most reports were explained, a residual percentage involved credible observers reporting "relatively incredible things." Kottmeyer notes that ufologists often focused on the unexplained residue, but the Air Force's primary concern was national security, not solving every UFO mystery. He argues that reports did not indicate deadly intrusions or preparations for battle, and that even the D.C. flap, while unusual, was not proof of overt hostility. Kottmeyer suggests that the radar blips behaved "mindlessly" and that the implications of such events are not necessarily staggering. He contrasts this with the idea of aliens casing the planet for war and colonization, which he considers more significant. Kottmeyer then delves into the "Friend or Foe? The Fifties (1947-1960)" section, discussing early news articles that portrayed UFOs as a mystery rather than a danger. He mentions various explanations proposed at the time, from atomic energy transmutations to propaganda ploys. The Mantell tragedy is highlighted as a pivotal event that began to raise concerns about the seriousness of UFOs, with focus shifting to the government's handling of the case rather than alien hostility. Kottmeyer notes that even strong believers did not anticipate a mass invasion. He further explores the "hypochondriacal" mindset in ufology, referencing Desmond Leslie and George Adamski's "Flying Saucers Have Landed," which suggested aliens were friends wishing to ensure planetary balance. Donald Keyhoe's "Flying Saucers from Outer Space" is presented as a significant step into this mindset, with Keyhoe arguing for the possibility of hostile aliens. The article also touches upon the idea of UFOs as exploratory missions and the fear that they might be preparing to prevent humans from self-destruction. It mentions Herrmann Oberth's opinion that saucers have not come as harmless beings. The article continues to explore the "hypochondriacal" theme through various authors and their interpretations of UFO reports, including the idea of aliens as "Guardians" or beings with "superior wisdom." It discusses Leonard Stringfield's "Saucer Post 3-0 Blue" and Gray Barker's "They Knew Too Much About Flying Saucers," which contributed to the sense of malevolence associated with UFOs. The piece concludes by mentioning C.G. Jung's observation of contradictory strands in the UFO myth and Robert Dickhoff's "Homecoming of the Martians" as a reflection of emerging "hypochondriacal strain of UFO paranoia."

Lost in Space

This section poses a question: "Could this be the track of confused aliens looking for intelligence in Washington?" It chalks one up for "the Lorenzens'."

News Article: San Francisco Zany and Astral Contact

A news article from the 1947 Flying Saucer Flap reports a San Francisco individual claiming astral contact with the "Dhyanis, rulers of creation," who were dropping "Metaboblons" to counteract atomic radiation. This information is linked to contactee circles and Mark Probert's Inner Circle.

Aimé Michel's Contradictory Opinions

Aimé Michel's "The Truth About Flying Saucers" is discussed for its contradictory views on the flying saucer problem. Michel suggests that if UFOs are real, "the destiny of our planet is assuredly at stake," yet also proclaims their "inoffensive nature" and the potential to learn "a lesson in respect for others." He felt that American investigations had failed and proved nothing.

The Abduction Debate Continues

This section continues the discussion on the abduction debate, with the author agreeing with Rogerson that variation exists in abduction narratives but emphasizing the prevalence of similarities. The author argues that the "ufo-logical filter" through which reports reach the literature is a concern, but that the consistency across reports from multiple investigators suggests a shared phenomenon. The author also critiques the idea that science fiction influences abduction narratives, suggesting that abduction stories are more akin to a "shared myth" that shapes consistent reports. The author questions how a static "shared myth" can exist if personal needs drive narratives toward instability. The piece concludes by stating that the pattern of abduction reports is not a scholarly construct but reflects what witnesses actually report.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine explores the abduction phenomenon from multiple angles, contrasting folkloric interpretations with experiential accounts. There's a strong emphasis on analyzing the consistency and patterns within abduction reports, questioning whether they stem from imagination or genuine experience. The issue also revisits historical UFO concerns, particularly the "hostile saucer" narrative of the 1950s, and examines the evolution of ufological thought. The editorial stance appears to favor a rigorous, evidence-based approach, questioning assumptions and seeking to understand the underlying dynamics of these narratives, while acknowledging the role of individual experience and cultural influences.

This issue of Magonia, titled "the abduction debate," delves into the complex and often controversial topic of UFO abductions, primarily focusing on the psychological and folkloric interpretations of these experiences. The magazine presents a critical examination of various theories, particularly contrasting the traditional folkloric approach with psychosocial explanations.

The Psychosocial Approach vs. Folklore

The opening section questions the exclusive reliance on psychosocial explanations for abduction narratives. The author, identifying as a folklorist, argues that while psychosocial theories may offer insights, they often fail to adequately account for the richness and consistency of the reported experiences. The argument is made that these reports should be treated as genuine experiences, not merely as creations of the human imagination driven by tradition or personal needs. The author criticizes the psychosocial camp for making assertions without providing sufficient proof, suggesting that their approach resembles faith more than rigorous scientific inquiry. The genuine anomaly of abduction phenomena is highlighted, with folklore scholarship being unable to definitively identify the cause, only to point out probable less likely explanations.

Evolution of the Abduction Scenario

The issue details the evolution of the typical abduction scenario, referencing Eddie Bullard's seminal work which identified eight sequential stages. It notes how later researchers like Budd Hopkins and David Jacobs introduced new elements, such as the concept of 'hybrid babies' and the 'incubatorium' where these hybrids are nurtured. This shift moves the focus from a relatively impersonal medical examination to a more sexually charged encounter, with emphasis on impregnation, extraction of ova, and the subsequent 'nursing' of hybrid offspring.

The 'Greys' and Their Characteristics

The description of the abducting aliens, commonly referred to as 'Greys,' is elaborated upon. They are depicted as short, with large, dark, wraparound eyes, slit noses and mouths, and lacking prominent auditory organs or visible genitalia. Their skin is described as smooth and grey, and they are portrayed as outwardly ageless, sexless, and devoid of human emotion. Communication is primarily telepathic or through their intense gaze. The text draws parallels between the physical characteristics of the Greys and those of a fetus or infant, and also notes the symbolic significance of the large eyes in human psychology.

'Mindscan' and 'Bonding'

David Jacobs' concept of 'Mindscan' is discussed, which involves a deep, penetrating stare into the abductee's eyes. This process is described as a means to alleviate psychological pain and facilitate 'bonding,' which can lead to intense emotional responses, including a desire to 'give themselves' to the alien entity. The text also suggests that Mindscan can be used for sexual stimulation, leading to orgasm and ejaculation.

The Abortion Guilt Hypothesis

A significant portion of the magazine explores the controversial theory linking abduction experiences to abortion guilt. This hypothesis suggests that the abduction phenomenon, particularly the themes of impregnation, hybrid babies, and the 'Greys,' mirrors the psychological and emotional aftermath of abortion. The timing of the rise in both abortion rates and UFO abduction reports is noted as contemporaneous. The theory posits that the Greys are psychic projections or imaginal caricatures of aborted fetuses, embodying the guilt and shame associated with the act. The text argues that the physical experience of abortion and the reported abduction experience share similar traumatic elements, including rage, shame, guilt, and helplessness.

Critiques and Further Research

The issue raises questions about the origins of abduction narratives and the 'hybrid baby' phenomenon, suggesting that their sudden prominence in the late 1960s and 1970s, after the initial UFO era, warrants further investigation. The sheer numbers of reported abductees, estimated in the millions, are presented as a challenge to purely psychological explanations. The article also touches upon the work of Kenneth Ring, who identified post-abduction alterations in individuals, suggesting these might align with the expiation of guilt rather than purely terrifying experiences.

Book Reviews

The latter part of the magazine features several book reviews:

• "The Masks of Lucifer; technology and the occult in twentieth century popular literature" by David Morris: This review discusses Morris's thesis that a hidden underclass of popular literature, termed 'suppositional' literature, merges occult themes with technology, creating a 'techno-occultism.' Examples include Velikovsky, flying saucer literature, and ancient astronaut enthusiasts. The review notes the book's focus on themes derived from nineteenth-century theosophy and the Luciferian theme.

• "The Seventh Sword" and "The Circle Makers" by Andrew Collins: These reviews cover Collins's work on psychic questing and crop circles. The reviewer acknowledges the value of Collins's research, particularly in providing a coherent theory for crop circle formation, even if disagreeing with some of his conclusions.

• "UFOs Over Canada: personal accounts of sightings and close encounters" by John Robert Columbo: This book is praised for its collection of witness accounts, offering a folkloristic approach to UFO sightings and abduction reports. It highlights the shift in ufology from viewing UFOs as a community threat to a more individual, transpersonal psychological reality.

• "The Encyclopaedia of parapsychology and psychic research" by Arthur and Joyce Berger: This encyclopaedia is described as a serious and authoritative work, closer to the center of the parapsychological world than previous attempts. It is noted for its objectivity, short bibliographies, and extensive general bibliographies.

• "Silent Invasion: the shocking discoveries of a UFO researcher" by Ellen Crystal: The review expresses skepticism towards Crystal's claims of seeing and photographing hundreds of UFOs, describing the provided photographs as amorphous splodges. It suggests that prolonged skywatching can induce altered states of consciousness, drawing parallels to historical accounts of similar phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature of abduction experiences, the limitations of psychosocial explanations, and the controversial link between abductions and abortion guilt. The magazine adopts a critical stance towards simplistic explanations, advocating for a more nuanced understanding that considers both the psychological and experiential aspects of these phenomena. There is a clear emphasis on rigorous analysis and evidence-based reasoning, contrasting with what is perceived as speculative assertion in some quarters. The editorial stance appears to favor a more open-minded yet critical approach to the UFO abduction phenomenon, encouraging further research and a willingness to explore unconventional hypotheses while demanding solid evidence.

This issue of Magonia, identified by its cover number '21' and dated implicitly to 1992 based on the publication dates of the reviewed books, presents a collection of articles and reviews focusing on hoaxes, deceptions, and paranormal phenomena. The cover features a striking illustration of an ancient-looking stone with symbolic markings, hinting at the themes of mystery and historical enigmas explored within.

Book Reviews

Hoaxers and their Victims by Nick Yapp (Robson Books, 1992, £16.95)

This review, written by John Rimmer, discusses Nick Yapp's book which, along with the Time-Life book, covers similar ground. Yapp's book attempts to delve deeper into the incidents and examines what makes victims of hoaxes susceptible. Rimmer highlights that contrary to popular belief, many hoaxers have 'nothing to gain' and often have much to lose. The review uses the example of the 'Captain of Köpenik' to illustrate how a hoaxer's motive can be to expose how easily people can be fooled. The reviewer notes that while elaborate hoaxes exist, simple ones are often more devastating, linking this to the concept of government 'disinformation' in the UFO world.

Hoaxes and Deceptions by Time-Life Books (Time Life Books, 1991, £16.99)

This book is described as having a typical Time-Life style with lavish colour pictures and attractive layouts, offering short accounts of numerous hoaxes. The review contrasts it with Yapp's book, noting that it covers more incidents but with less depth.

The Beringer Fossil Hoax

A significant portion of the review of 'Hoaxes and Deceptions' details the 18th-century Beringer fossil hoax. Professor Johann Beringer of the University of Würzburg, Franconia, collected stones that he believed were natural wonders, including shapes of animals, plants, insects, stars, comets, and even words. He was convinced these were 'pranks of nature' produced by God. However, two colleagues, Roderick and von Eckhart, attempted to trap him by planting their own carved stones. Beringer initially dismissed their claims, but was eventually humiliated when he discovered the culprits, who had tried to stop the farce when it went too far. The reviewer draws a parallel between Beringer's reaction and that of some cereologists to the 'Doug and Dave' crop circle revelation, suggesting that the hoaxers had 'nothing to gain' except the satisfaction of deflating an arrogant researcher.

Inside the Supernatural: an investigation into the paranormal by Jean Ritchie (Fontana, 1992, £5.99)

This review by Peter Rogerson expresses initial wariness due to Ritchie's previous book, 'The Curious World of Cults', which he found to contain 'pretty credulous ideas about Satanism'. However, he found 'Inside the Supernatural' to be 'quite good' after a rocky start. The book is described as a first-hand survey of recent developments in the paranormal, particularly in the UK, examining the work of researchers like Alan Gauld, Tony Cornell, and Robert Morris. Ritchie presents various viewpoints, including those of sceptics. The review mentions intriguing snippets, such as a poltergeist video that shows movement only when someone walks past, with the crucial component obscured. It also touches on hypnotic regression past-life cases, suggesting they are often like 'bodice-ripper' historical romances, with experts confirming research into obscure corners. The review notes that while some paranormal developments seem less hopeful, there is progress in the UK, with a more moderate approach compared to the USA.

The Widow of Borley by Robert Wood (Duckworth, 1992, £14.99)

Reviewed by John Rimmer, this book tells the life story of Marianne Foyster, wife of the rector of Borley, Essex, in the 1930s, and an inhabitant of the 'most haunted house in England'. While the book covers the alleged hauntings at Borley, it concludes that most manifestations were either hoaxes or misinterpretations. The review focuses on the 'fascinating' domestic situation: a rector in a quasi-incestuous relationship with his wife, who he possibly sexually abused as a child, and who had her 'violent lover' installed on the premises. The review highlights a bigamous marriage and a deception where the clergyman husband was presented as his wife's father. Rimmer suggests that the Borley poltergeist giving black-eyes might have been a regular occurrence in such a 'weird menage'. He notes that psychic investigators missed this domestic drama, focusing instead on the paranormal. Robert Wood's observations on Borley are applied to the UFO world, criticizing investigators for their 'trained and serious' self-description while lacking clear training and displaying a 'peculiar mixture of snobbery and naivety'.

Our American Cousins...

This section, written by John Rimmer, discusses the increasingly extreme nature of the American abduction scene. It details the case of Linda Napalitano, who claims to have been abducted from her 12th-floor New York City apartment in November 1989. Napalitano was part of James Moseley's 'support group'. The account describes how she was allegedly kidnapped, quizzed, and subjected to sexual advances by men named Dan and Rich. Rimmer notes that researchers have found specific parallels between Linda's story and a science fiction novel published around the same time, suggesting it could be a fantasy or a complete wind-up. Hopkins denies any connection and is working on a book about the case, while threatening to denounce critical former colleagues as government agents. The story is being peddled in the UK by the 'Birdsall Brothers Flying Circus'.

So, farewell then,

This short piece, attributed to E. J. Thribb (age 17%), declares the end of the crop circle phenomenon. After a summer where hoaxes outnumbered 'genuine' cases, the West Wycombe hoax competition is cited as the final nail in the coffin. Despite some cereologists' expectations, the competition resulted in contestants creating high-standard circles, with novices producing results that would normally be deemed 'genuine'. Observers reported no visible disturbance overnight. The article suggests this spells the end for the 'cereological industry', with one magazine suspending publication and cereologists retreating. It predicts that by 1993, crop circles will be a remnant of 'New Age hippies'. A new bibliography, 'Circles of Note', by Dennis Stacy, is also mentioned.

Getting It Taped

This short item, drawing attention from Kevin McClure's journal 'Common Ground', explains an alleged reason for human abductions, as explained by a 'voice' from the American channelling magazine 'Voices from Spirit'. The explanation is that illegal alien visitors have introduced a dangerous parasite, similar to a tapeworm, into the human rectum, and the aliens are performing medical procedures to remove it. The author humorously hopes the reader is not having breakfast.

The UFO Encyclopedia, Volume 2, From the beginnings through 1959 by Jerome Clark (Omnigraphics, Detroit, 1992, $65.00)

Reviewed by Hilary Evans, this is the second volume of Clark's encyclopedia. Evans reiterates his criticism from the first volume, stating that while the author's erudition is not in question, the book is more of an overview than a comprehensive reference work. Evans notes the 'sheer mind-boggling profusions of facts and figures' making it a 'veritable goldmine'. However, he points out gaps, unevenness (e.g., extensive coverage of Australian and New Zealand ufology compared to minimal coverage of British and European ufology, and no entry for 'France'), and difficulty in navigation. Evans suggests that if presented as 'Jerry Clark's History of the UFO Phenomenon', it would be a definitive account, but as an encyclopedia, it falls short. Despite these shortcomings, Evans concludes positively, calling it an 'amazing book, a unique compendium of information' and recommending it for purchase, despite its 'absurdly high price'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Magonia revolve around the critical examination of paranormal claims, particularly UFO sightings and alleged abductions, with a strong emphasis on the role of hoaxes and deception. The magazine adopts a skeptical yet engaged stance, reviewing books that dissect these phenomena and questioning the methodologies and conclusions of some investigators. There is a clear interest in the psychology of both hoaxers and their victims, and a tendency to attribute many paranormal events to misinterpretation or deliberate fabrication rather than genuine unexplained phenomena. The decline of the crop circle phenomenon is presented as a victory for skepticism. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous investigation and a critical approach to evidence, often highlighting the mundane or psychological explanations behind extraordinary claims.