Magonia - No 47 - 1993 10

Magazine Overview

Title: Magonia
Issue: 47
Date: October 1993
Publisher: Magonia Magazine
Country: United Kingdom
Price: 95p.

Articles

Living Laboratories: a further survey of 90's abduction literature

This article, by Peter Rogerson, continues his exploration of abduction literature, focusing on publications from the 1990s. Rogerson examines how these narratives reflect a variety of ideological positions and the increasing fragmentation within the American abduction scene. He discusses Keith Thompson's overview, which posits UFO stories as significant mythological gateways to imaginal realms, complete with creation stories and heroic figures, drawing parallels to the 'search for the historical Jesus' in theological studies. Thompson's work is described as a broad historical and mythological survey, though his grasp of the subject's complexities is sometimes seen as sketchy. Figures like Proteus, Hermes, Dionysius, and the Trickster are identified as mythological parallels.

The article contrasts Thompson's approach with that of Pontolillo, who focuses narrowly on abduction reports and links them to societal issues such as the abuse of women and a repressive climate regarding reproductive rights. Pontolillo argues that abduction experiences stem from a sense of lost control over one's body, exacerbated by perceived mechanization and dehumanization in reproduction, as documented by Robyn Rowland.

Thompson, however, views the abduction encounter as a 'heroic quest' and a rite of passage, acknowledging the influence of Victor Turner's ideas. Rogerson notes a division within American ufology regarding the interpretation of these experiences, with some seeing parallels as fundamental and others as coincidental.

The article highlights the ambiguity in personal accounts, referencing Bryant and Seebach's work which presents abductees as 'healers of shattered reality.' It touches upon the theme of 'rapture' and 'rape,' and how traumatic events can shatter one's sense of self and reality, leading to reconstructed narratives. Rogerson critiques the 'victim mentality' attributed to researchers like Mack and Fowler, while noting that some 'contactees' exhibit severe psychiatric problems.

The piece also discusses the connection between trauma and identity, suggesting that responses to trauma can be equally traumatic. It explores how 'victims' can become public personalities, drawing parallels to other trauma survivors. The article touches upon the idea of the 'Other' as angels or archetypes, contrasting with Pontolillo's view of abduction motifs originating from human culture and representing an encounter with 'wild anti-society.' Rogerson questions the common perception of abduction narratives being predominantly female, citing his own count of pre-1980 cases showing a majority of male subjects.

Fairyland's Hunters, part two

This section, also by Peter Rogerson, delves into the early history of abduction cases, suggesting that the Hill abductions were not a unique founding event but part of a series of similar stories emerging in the early 1960s. The article highlights the 1962 disappearance of Rivalino Mafra da Silva in Brazil, which featured motifs of taboo and vengeful fairies, and involved encounters with 'two dwarfs' and spheres. It also mentions the case of Telemaco Xavier, an Argentine soccer referee allegedly taken by men from a silvery disc.

Rogerson points out how stories from this period blur the lines between abduction and contactee narratives. He discusses the 1962 case of Hans Klotzbatch in Switzerland, who reported being healed by beings on a UFO after an injury. The story of Olaf Neilsen involves being drawn into a strange object and encountering a human-type being.

The article then revisits the Hill abductions, suggesting that the weeks preceding the event were marked by significant global tension, including the Berlin Wall crisis and nuclear testing, which may have heightened the Hills' stress. Barney Hill's extreme reaction is interpreted as a symptom of pre-existing post-traumatic stress, with the aliens perceived as figures representing evil authority and intolerance, possibly influenced by his war experiences.

Rogerson questions the concept of 'missing time,' suggesting it was a result of confusion and detours after the encounter. He also notes the influence of books like Truman Bethurum's 'Aboard a Flying Saucer' on Betty Hill's descriptions of aliens, and how the case gained prominence through hypnosis and media coverage.

The article also touches upon other cases, including that of Mario Zuccala, an Italian tailor who reported an encounter with metallic-suited beings. It mentions the 'Socorro case' in 1964, where a UFO displayed a symbol on its hull, and the story of Arthur Bryant claiming contact with three occupants of a large saucer.

UMMO: The Planet Of The Anonymous Correspondents

This article by Luis R González explores the 'Ummo Affair,' a UFO phenomenon originating in Spain that has persisted for over 25 years. González posits that the Ummo case, despite its elaborate nature and the dedication of its investigators ('Ummologists'), is likely a sophisticated hoax. He notes that the case began with alleged telephone conversations and letters from beings identifying themselves as from the planet Ummo, orbiting Alpha Centauri.

González traces the origins of the case to the 1950s and the influence of science fiction and earlier UFO contactee cases, such as those involving George Adamski. He highlights the role of Fernando Sesma, a self-styled 'professor' who formed the 'Sociedad de Amigos de los Visitantes del Espacio' (Society of Friends of Space Visitors). The Ummo documents themselves are described as having a rational philosophy and a non-proselytizing aspect, which made them attractive.

A pivotal event in the Ummo affair was a UFO sighting in Madrid in February 1966, which displayed an emblem on its belly that closely resembled the alchemical symbol for Uranus. This event was confirmed by the Ummites and created a strong link to the Ummo documents.

The article discusses the various individuals involved, including the mysterious 'gentlemen from Ummo' and the alleged recipients of the documents. It also mentions the involvement of the 'Friends of Space Visitors Society' and its members, such as Professor Sesma and Mr Villagrasa.

González suggests that the Ummo case, while possibly a hoax, had a 'more serious purpose,' serving as 'samizdat literature' in Francoist Spain, conveying messages that could not be openly expressed. The article implies that the case's longevity and complexity make it difficult to dismiss outright, even if its extraterrestrial origins are doubted.

Plus: Living Laboratories

This section, appearing on the cover, indicates a further survey of 90's abduction literature by Peter Rogerson.

UMMO

This section on the cover highlights an article where Luis González guides the reader through the UMMO enigma and explains the role of Antonio Ribera.

Fairyland's Hunters, part two

This cover headline indicates the continuation of Peter Rogerson's investigation into abduction cases, questioning if he has uncovered a 'real' abduction.

Interpreting Contemporary Vision and Belief

This appears to be a thematic heading for some of the content within the issue.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue of Magonia appears to maintain a critical and analytical stance towards UFO phenomena. It emphasizes a revisionist approach to historical cases, questioning the established narratives and seeking to uncover underlying psychological, social, and mythological factors. The magazine seems to favor a skeptical yet open-minded examination of claims, distinguishing between genuine anomalous experiences and potential hoaxes or misinterpretations. There is a clear interest in the cultural context of UFO beliefs, exploring how they intersect with mythology, societal anxieties, and personal trauma. The articles suggest that many UFO phenomena can be understood through psycho-social frameworks, while acknowledging the possibility of genuine anomalies. The focus on 'Living Laboratories' and the critique of abduction literature point towards an interest in the evolving nature of these narratives and their connection to contemporary societal issues, particularly concerning gender and control.

Magonia Issue 11

This issue of Magonia, identified by its cover as issue number 11 and dated as the first issue of 1994, delves deeply into the 'Ummo Affair,' a complex and long-standing case involving alleged extraterrestrial communications. The magazine also features book reviews and letters from readers, maintaining a generally skeptical yet thorough approach to paranormal phenomena.

The Ummo Affair: A Detailed Examination

The core of this issue is a multi-part exposé of the Ummo affair, presented as a chronological narrative. It begins by introducing Mr. Peña, a telecommunications technician who became a psychologist and a key figure in the Ummo group, eventually leading it. The narrative highlights the continuous flow of documents from the 'Ummites,' which covered diverse topics from daily life on Ummo to philosophy, sociology, and religion. A particularly intriguing element was the story of UMMOWOA, a religious founder whose body allegedly disappeared after vivisection.

Despite initial 'proofs,' Sesma, an early contactee, grew dissatisfied with the Ummites' rationalism and their obsession with minutiae, leading to a mutual rejection. The 'Typist,' an anonymous correspondent, then wrote to Sesma, confirming the Ummites' existence and providing the first descriptions of these beings: humanoid, tall, fair, with blonde hair, angelic in appearance but with a sinister side. Their communication was telepathic, and they used artificial larynxes for vocalization.

The Ummo contact was interrupted in the summer of 1966, resuming in early 1967 with renewed intensity. A new correspondent, a professor from Madrid University, claimed to have received an apparatus that convinced him of extraterrestrial origin, showing a three-dimensional screen with living organic tissue. Simultaneously, the Ummites began sending pseudo-technical papers to Sesma's followers, detailing their arrival on Earth on March 28, 1950, in a 'lenticular-shaped spaceship' near La Javie, France. These documents included a discovery of 'fragments of white-yellowed, flexible and brittle sheets... full of characters,' which they attributed ritual meaning, but which the author sarcastically notes were pages from the French newspaper Figaro used as toilet paper.

The Ummites also produced documents about Spiritism and parapsychology, including a supposed expedition to India to investigate fakirs, which they debunked. They then provided explanations for their easy crossing of interstellar distances, involving paired universes and 'space-warps,' and their resemblance to humans through 'Biogenetic bases.' These explanations are presented as pseudo-scientific jargon.

The affair took a turn when the 'gentlemen from Ummo' prohibited a meeting with the 'professor,' who then never revealed himself. In May 1967, an announcement was made of the imminent arrival of three Ummo spaceships, one allegedly landing in Madrid. The incident was immortalized by an amateur photographer, with the photos appearing on the front page.

The narrative suggests the Ummo affair was intended to conclude with this event, but the Six-Days War provided an alibi for the Ummites' departure. The followers received more documents, and the 'Typist' announced his departure. The affair then moved to a new level with the involvement of ufologist Marius Lleget, who was consulted by a new photographer, Antonio Pardo. Pardo provided new negatives, a report, and an 'extraterrestrial artefact'—a capsule with the Ummo symbol.

Lleget passed the case to Antonio Ribera, a prominent Spanish ufologist. Ribera's friend, Rafael Farriols, became a leading specialist in Ummo. Peña was identified as their contact in Madrid. The Ummites' departure was announced, with a final offer of a nuclear refuge for their followers.

The author posits that the Ummo affair began as a joke that got out of hand, citing errors in the quantitative data provided by the Ummites, such as the distance to Ummo and its planet's mass and gravity. These inconsistencies, along with claims of using 'krypton atoms' and 'IBOZOO UUs,' suggest a fabricated origin.

The affair restarted in 1969 with shorter papers addressed to Ribera and contact with another contactee, Sinod. In January 1970, Jordan Peña left Sesma's group to form ERIDANI, and the Ummites followed him. The correspondence became paranoid, warning of secret services and offering advice on proselytizing. In November 1973, the Ummites predicted an imminent nuclear war.

Their definitive departure was announced, but they offered a nuclear refuge. The author notes that the Cold War's end makes the coordinates of this refuge irrelevant. The Ummo affair continues today with periodic meetings of believers, often led by Peña and Farriols. The affair became a myth in the making after Ribera revealed the details in 1974, with the Ummo symbol appearing in various locations.

The author concludes that the Ummo affair is likely a single-person endeavor, possibly by Jordan Peña, who may have enlisted accomplices. The evidence is circumstantial but overwhelming, offering a fascinating case study in the creation of a myth.

Book Reviews

'Visions of Angels and Bowmen: Mons 1914' by Kevin McClure

This book reviews Kevin McClure's pamphlet, which examines the legend of the Angels of Mons. The legend, which states that supernatural figures appeared to British soldiers during World War I, was initially published by Arthur Machen as fiction but was taken as a true account. McClure's work surveys the evidence, concluding that the skeptical version of the story is as oversimplified as the credulous ones. The review notes that evidence of the rumor predates Machen's story and that the legend first appeared in print in the spring of 1915, appealing to different audiences, including religious and spiritualist groups.

'The Science Gap: Dispelling the Myths and Understanding the Reality of Science' by Milton K. Rothman

This review discusses Milton K. Rothman's book, which aims to dispel myths about science. The reviewer finds the book well-written and entertaining but criticizes Rothman for venturing into philosophy of science, where his grasp is superficial. The review notes Rothman's critique of creationism and his discussion of the distinction between realism and idealism, but finds his arguments simplistic.

'The Mask of Nostradamus' by James Randi

James Randi's book is reviewed as an exposé of Uri Geller and other paranormalists. The reviewer finds Randi's study of Nostradamus poorly organized and not very informative, consisting mainly of biography and historical background with irrelevant digressions. While Randi examines 16th-century astrology, he omits important influences and focuses on a small number of prophecies, missing opportunities to make a stronger skeptical case. The review also points out historical errors in Randi's work, such as his claim about Napoleon and balloons, and his misidentification of the Comte de Narbonne.

'OVNI: vers une anthropolgie d'un mythe contemporaine' edited by Thierry Pinvidic

This review describes a compendium of current thinking on ufology, with contributions from French and international writers. The essays are divided into four sections: 'The Construction and Deconstruction of the Strange,' 'Some Problems of Method,' 'Psychological and Sociological Approaches,' and 'The Historical Perspective.' The reviewer notes the volume's detail and scholarship but suggests it could have been better signposted.

Letters to the Editor

Several letters are included:

• Manfred Cassirer criticizes the inclusion of 'politically correct Women's Lib propaganda' in ufology.
• Tony Sandy speculates that UFO entities and angelic entities might be future inhabitants of Earth.
• John Rimmer refers to the Roswell case and an FBI teletype, suggesting it was a deceptive balloon.
• Peter Brazinskas discusses the 'Angels of Mons' legend and a press release about a disc and balloon.
• Roger Sandell expresses skepticism about Peter Rogerson's explanations for UFO phenomena, particularly his use of 'virtual experience' and 'social fantasy.'
• Phil Edwards wishes the magazine well and comments on the 'social fantasy' aspect of UFO experiences.

Miscellaneous Ramblings from the Ufological Fringe

This section features several short pieces:

• 'J'accuse.. (or not, as the case may be)' by R.S. discusses the unreliability of witnesses in abduction cases, contrasting them with cases of false claims reported in the press.
• 'UMMO Wrestling' humorously questions how a race capable of advanced spacecraft could struggle with a typewriter's shift key.
• 'A real UFO?' by John Harney discusses the Spacewatch project and the object 1991 VG, which has an orbit similar to Earth's and is suspected of artificial origin.
• 'Notes on the Case' mentions the Itaipu UFO case from Brazil and the composer Philip Glass's work inspired by the location.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Magonia are the critical examination of UFO cases and alleged paranormal phenomena, with a strong emphasis on skepticism and the debunking of myths. The magazine consistently questions the evidence presented, often suggesting hoaxes, misinterpretations, or psychological factors as explanations. The editorial stance is clearly that of a rationalist publication, dedicated to dissecting claims of the extraordinary with a rigorous, evidence-based approach. The Ummo affair serves as a prime example of how a complex narrative can be constructed and sustained, blurring the lines between reality and myth. The book reviews and letters further reinforce this critical perspective, engaging with various aspects of ufology and the paranormal from a skeptical viewpoint.