Magonia - No 46 - 1993 06

Magazine Overview

Magonia 46

Issue Date: June 1993

Price: 95p.

Publisher: Magonia Magazine

Country of Publication: United Kingdom

Language: English

Cover Headline: Fairyland's Hunters

Cover Description: The cover features the title 'Magonia 46' in large, bold letters, with a date of June 1993 and price of 95p. Below this, an illustration depicts a sailing ship. To the left, a drawing of a flying saucer hovers over a landscape. The main article is titled 'Fairyland's Hunters' by Peter Rogerson, with a subtitle about a revisionist history of abductions. Other articles include 'Martin Kottmeyer concludes the hidden history of ufological hypochondria', 'Northern Echoes', 'Books', 'Letters', and 'Travis: the Movie' reviewed by Nigel Watson. A small illustration shows figures in medieval attire.

Editorial and Contents

Editor: John Rimmer

Editorial Panel: John Harney, Roger Sandell, Nigel Watson

Corresponding Editors: Peter Rogerson, Michael Goss, Robert Rankin

Subscription Details:

• United Kingdom: £4.00
• Europe: £5.00
• United States: $10.00
• Other countries: £5.50

Subscribers in the USA must pay in dollar bills or UK funds. Cheques drawn on American banks are not accepted. French subscribers can send a 50-franc banknote instead of a money order.

Key Articles and Features:

• Martin Kottmeyer concludes the hidden history of ufological hypochondria: This article examines the psychological aspects and historical development of UFO-related anxieties and beliefs.

• Fairyland's Hunters: Peter Rogerson begins a revisionist history of abductions (Part One): Rogerson argues that the history of abduction stories is more complex and less straightforward than the official narrative suggests. He traces the theme's percolation into ufological culture, noting its roots in folklore and early science fiction. The article highlights how the 'being taken' theme, prevalent in human cultures, rapidly emerged with the flying saucer phenomenon. Rogerson discusses early literary treatments and the influence of writers like Dennis Wheatley and Gerald Heard. He contrasts the 'religious' contactee tradition with the secular 'UFO' tradition, noting how the idea of invaders from a dying planet Mars became a staple of the latter. The emergence of the secular 'ufonaut' as a dwarf with an outsize head, as described by Marius Dewilde, is also discussed as a significant development in 1954. The article details early abduction narratives, including those of Samuel Estes Thompson and the alleged kidnapping of Tom Brook, and explores the emergence of themes like doorway amnesia and time lapse. It also touches upon the alleged medical procedures in some cases and the potential for 'extraterrestrial samaritans'. Rogerson examines the Salzburg soldier story and the early publication of the Antonio Villas Boas case, noting how details were altered in later accounts. He discusses the influence of the Villas Boas story on later abduction narratives and the role of racist assumptions in its initial credibility. The article also covers the emergence of car teleportation stories and the possibility of contamination from later cases. Rogerson highlights the Stig Rydberg and Hans Gustavsson case as the first abduction involving hypnosis. He also discusses the 1954 Paris-Match piece and the Antonio Villas-Boas report, noting the potential for English summaries to have influenced later cases.

• Roger Sandell summarises the latest developments in the Satanism scare: This section provides an update on the contemporary Satanism scare, indicating its overlap or discussion within ufological circles.

• Travis: the Movie (Review by Nigel Watson): Nigel Watson reviews the movie 'Fire in the Sky'.

• Northern Echoes (Peter Rogerson): This column by Peter Rogerson discusses various aspects of ufology, including a technical hitch in a previous column regarding perception and memory. He debunks a rumor about MacDonald's contributing to the IRA. Rogerson also pays tribute to the late Aimé Michel, whose book 'The Truth About Flying Saucers' influenced him. He reflects on Michel's conversion to the 'nuts and bolts' ETH (Extraterrestrial Hypothesis) and his later abandonment of ufology due to the realization that if aliens were truly advanced, learning about them would be impossible. Rogerson critiques the concept of omnipotent Greys and the idea that aliens can transport people through solid walls, arguing that such abilities would render all human knowledge obsolete. He also addresses the arguments of abduction proponents who cite 'mental health experts' and criticizes therapists who attribute all psychological problems to past lives or possession, suggesting that such stories are products of imagination that express important feelings.

• Books: A section dedicated to book reviews or mentions.

• Letters: A section for reader correspondence.

• 25 Years Ago: A retrospective look at events or articles from 25 years prior to the publication date.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Magonia revolve around the historical analysis of UFO phenomena, particularly abduction narratives. There is a strong emphasis on revisionist history, challenging established accounts and exploring the cultural and psychological influences behind UFO beliefs. The magazine appears to adopt a critical yet open-minded stance, seeking to understand the complexities of the phenomenon rather than simply accepting or debunking it outright. The editorial panel and contributing editors are actively engaged in researching and presenting nuanced perspectives on UFO sightings, contactee experiences, and the broader cultural impact of these beliefs. The issue also touches upon the intersection of ufology with other contemporary concerns, such as the Satanism scare and the role of therapists in interpreting alleged experiences.

Notable Quote: "I do not believe that the UFO phenomenon is malign or evilly intentioned. I fear that it is merely indifferent, though I fervently hope to be proven wrong" - Budd Hopkins.

MAGONIA, Issue 11, published in October 1993, is a journal that critically examines various aspects of ufology and related phenomena. This issue features articles on the evolution of abduction narratives, the Satanism panic, a review of the film 'Fire in the Sky', and a discussion on the impact of gender on ufological research, particularly concerning 'false memory syndrome' and the theory linking abortion trauma to abduction experiences.

Analysis of Abduction Narratives and Psychological Themes

The issue begins by tracing the historical shifts in the portrayal of aliens in abduction stories, from benevolent beings in the 1950s to malevolent and traumatizing figures in later decades. Authors like Ann Druffel and Raymond Fowler are mentioned for their evolving views on the nature of alien encounters. The article discusses how the phenomenon has been linked to psychological states such as hypochondria and paranoia, drawing parallels with themes in science fiction and the aftermath of events like Hiroshima. Robert Jay Lifton's work on death symbolism and its connection to alien invasion genres is referenced. The concept of 'DOR emergency' from Wilhelm Reich's theories is also touched upon.

Alvin Moore's 'Mystery of the Skymen' is highlighted as an example of a work that attributes a wide range of misfortunes, from injuries to diseases, to the activities of 'skymen' and 'skychemicals'. The article suggests that the shift in ufology towards conspiracy logic and a focus on psychological defenses against perceived threats reflects a broader societal trend.

The Satanism Panic and Media Influence

A significant portion of the magazine addresses the Satanism panic, noting the absence of new cases of the 'Rochdale or Nottingham type' in Britain but highlighting the Orkney allegations report. The report is criticized for failing to address the reality of the accusations and for focusing on procedural failures of social workers. The article suggests that the concept of Satanic abuse may have been influenced by cultural phenomena like the film 'The Wicker Man'.

Recent US anti-Satanism claims are discussed, including those involving alleged chemical introductions into air conditioning systems to induce fatigue, drawing parallels to historical cases like the 'Phantom Gasser of Matoon'. The highly dubious practices of some child abuse 'survivor' counsellors are also brought to light, with concerns that they induce 'recalled' memories of sexual abuse and 'Satanic rites', a phenomenon that some psychologists are comparing to reincarnation and UFO abduction 'memories'. The article notes the similarity between these claims and the media's sensationalization of celebrity child abuse stories.

Film Review: 'Fire In The Sky'

The film 'Fire In The Sky' is reviewed as a significant departure from typical UFO cinema for its serious treatment of the Travis Walton abduction case. The review notes that the film focuses on the ordinary lives of the loggers and their reactions to the encounter, rather than on spiritual or scientific marvels. It contrasts the film's portrayal with Spielberg's 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' and Budd Hopkins' abduction narratives, suggesting that the film deviates from Hopkins' established parameters. The review highlights the film's exploration of human character, skepticism, and the tendency to 'presume the worst in someone'. The film's depiction of the abduction experience, including the 'cocoon-like pod', 'floating cable', and 'operating table' scenes, is analyzed for its use of imagery from contemporary films and ufology, such as Whitley Strieber's 'Communion'. The review also touches upon the skepticism of figures like Philip Klass regarding the physical evidence of the Walton case.

Letters and Editorial Commentary

The 'Letters' section features a critique by Jake Kirkwood of Dennis Stacy's 'Alien Abortion' article in Magonia 44. Kirkwood argues that the male-dominated nature of ufology may have led to flawed conclusions, particularly regarding the psychological impact of abortion. He suggests that a stronger female presence in ufology would have challenged assumptions about abortion trauma being a primary cause of abduction narratives and would have highlighted the existence of male abductees.

Another letter from Brian Norman inquires about a competition, which is revealed to be a satirical reference to John Major. The magazine also includes a news headline about a 'Second candidate beaten by 'alien'', hinting at political implications of UFO phenomena.

Book Reviews

Several book reviews are included:

• 'Why It's Gone Dark by God' by Colin Cameron: Described as a 'VERY odd book' that rambles through the author's mental life, interweaving religious imagery, UFO contact, and personal struggles with what is termed 'Satanah'. The reviewer, Nigel Watson, notes the author's compensatory fantasies and suggests the experiences, though unstructured, could fit within abduction literature.
• 'UFOs: the final answer' edited by David Barclay and Therese: This collection of essays is described as uneven, ranging from skeptical to true-believer viewpoints. It includes a summary of the skeptical position by Robert Moore and a psycho-social account of abductions by Charlotte O'Connor.
• 'Spontaneous Human Combustion' by Jenny Randles and Peter Hough: Reviewed as a book that presents gruesome photographs and modern cases, with the authors investigating some themselves. The reviewer notes that about half the cases appear mysterious, while others hint at homicide or suicide.
• 'From Out of the Blue' by Jenny Randles: This book on the Rendlesham Forest incident is described as marred by a fictionalized reconstruction. The reviewer suggests Jenny Randles may be backtracking in her account and that the event might have originated from a misidentification or a leak detection exercise.
• 'The Afterlife; an investigation into the mysteries of life after death' by Jenny Randles and Peter Hough: A survey of recent evidence, concentrating on authors' own files. The reviewer finds the evidence indicates anomalous experiences but not necessarily proof of survival, noting the connection between consciousness and brain activity.
• 'UFOs and How To See Them' by Jenny Randles: A popular introduction covering 'window areas' and major IFO cases, but criticized for including crop circles and having too many typos.
• 'An Experiment with Alien Intelligence' by Larry Kingston: A paperback based on a previous work, including personal experiences and general stories, described as a nostalgia piece for aging expatriates.
• 'The Paranormal: a modern perspective' by John Spencer: A large, illustrated book with a general pro-paranormal text, including psychic detectives and Kirilian photography.
• 'The Encyclopaedia of Ghosts and Spirits' by John Spencer: Considered a useful introduction but relies heavily on recent books, some of which are questionable.

Miscellaneous Ramblings and Editorial Stance

The 'Hold the Back Page' section discusses 'False Memory Syndrome' (FMS) and its increasing impact, citing the case of Susan Bolland. It links this to a sea-change in ufology, where researchers are transforming into 'counsellors' and 'therapists' without adequate training, potentially leading to 'therapy abuse'. The article expresses concern that ufology may be merging with trauma therapy, potentially leading to its demise as a proto-science.

The editorial stance of Magonia appears to be one of critical inquiry, questioning the assumptions and methodologies within ufology, particularly concerning the influence of gender and the potential for psychological and media-driven biases. The magazine encourages a more rigorous and rational approach to investigating anomalous phenomena, while acknowledging the complexity of human experience and belief systems.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Recurring themes in this issue include the psychological underpinnings of UFO beliefs, the influence of media on public perception of paranormal phenomena, and the critical examination of established ufological narratives. The magazine consistently adopts a skeptical yet open-minded stance, encouraging deeper analysis and questioning the prevailing paradigms within the field. There is a clear emphasis on the need for rigorous research, the potential for gender bias in interpretations, and the dangers of conflating psychological experiences with objective reality without sufficient evidence. The editorial stance is one of intellectual honesty, urging readers to consider alternative explanations and to be wary of sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims.