Magonia - No 49 - 1994 06

Magazine Overview

Magonia 49, published in June 1994, is a magazine dedicated to interpreting contemporary vision and belief. It features a cover story titled "Sense and Satanism" and includes articles on "Alienating Fantasies" by Martin Kottmeyer, "In Search of the Real UFOs" by John Harney, and "Sex, Science and Salvation" by Peter Rogerson. The issue is priced at 95p.

Sense and Satanism

This section addresses the long-awaited government report on allegations of Satanic child abuse, commissioned after the Orkney Island cases. The report, authored by social scientist Jean Lafontaine, is expected to discount most allegations of an organized network of ritual abusers. The article expresses concern over the press's reaction, which tends to dismiss the issue based on expert opinions, forgetting that 'experts' often initiated the scare. It highlights the difficulty in discussing Satanic abuse without the perspective to place it within broader frames of belief and experience. Social workers dealing with extreme abuse cases may find suggestions that their findings are akin to 'nutters' claims of alien abduction insensitive. Conversely, sociologists and ufologists recognize how memories can be manipulated, leading to stories that recur in various contexts, and are concerned that social workers may lack awareness of these connections. The magazine plans to further examine the report and a textbook for social workers in the next issue, noting that these 'expert' sources come to opposite conclusions.

In Search of the Real UFOs

Peter Rogerson's "Northern Echoes" column discusses the reaction to ufology, noting two opposing responses: taking reports at face value (like the BUFORA-Hopkins reaction) and largely abandoning investigation, or a critical stance exemplified by Jerome Clark's denunciation of 'occultists' and 'paranormalists,' extending to 'paleo-ufologists' who are swayed by abduction claims. Rogerson suggests the J Allen Hynek Center for UFO Studies might be renamed the Donald E Keyhoe Center, signifying a 'great retreat' to 'Close Encounters of the Second Kind' (radar-visuals) as a last redoubt. However, he argues these are weak defenses, as sceptics can point out that most stories are just stories unless they leave permanent traces. Rogerson asserts that the UFO phenomenon is not a singular entity but is generated by various causes, including misidentifications, psychological conditions, hoaxes, natural phenomena, and secret technologies. He cautions against leaping to folk explanations and suggests that major anomalies might represent aspects of the universe for which we lack language or concepts.

Alienating Fantasies: The Influencing Machine Fantasy in Ufology and the Extraterrestrial Mythos (Part One)

Martin S. Kottmeyer's article explores the theme of 'influencing machines' and extraterrestrial control in science fiction and ufology. He begins by discussing the philosophical question of free will versus determinism and how the 'puppet on strings' motif appears in literature. Kottmeyer identifies H.P. Lovecraft's "The Call of Cthulhu" (1928) as an early example of aliens influencing human dreams. He then examines H.G. Wells' works from 1937, "The Camford Visitation" and "Star-Begotten," which explore disembodied voices and alien manipulation of human evolution. Raymond Z. Gallun's pulp stories also featured machines influencing terrestrial life and radiations causing madness. Arthur C. Clarke's "Childhood's End" (1953) and Kurt Vonnegut's "The Sirens of Titan" are discussed for their themes of alien influence and cosmic manipulation. Philip K. Dick's "Valis" (1981) is presented as a more personal account of alien stimulation via energy beams. Kottmeyer notes that movies like "Five Million Miles to Earth" and "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" also employ alien influence motifs. He concludes that the idea of aliens influencing or controlling humans is a durable and seductive feature in our cultural imagination.

Mind Control and its Manifestations

Kottmeyer continues his exploration by discussing the challenges of direct mind control, noting that while science fiction often explores this, the brain's complexity, involving hormones and molecular interactions, makes simple electrical manipulation unlikely. He references Viktor Tausk's work on the 'influencing machine' delusion in schizophrenia, where individuals blame external devices for their thoughts and actions. Kottmeyer illustrates this with examples from autobiographies of schizophrenics who describe systems or operators controlling their minds. He also discusses John C. Lilly's experiences, where drug use led to beliefs about computerization taking over the earth and extraterrestrial networks controlling human society. The article highlights how these fantasies serve as defensive strategies to avoid self-blame and externalize unwanted thoughts and impulses.

Ufology and the UFO Mythos

The article traces the evolution of influencing machine fantasies within ufology. It notes that early ufologists like Keyhoe and Ruppelt did not focus on this theme, but it appeared in contactee accounts. George Hunt Williamson is highlighted for his work "The Saucers Speak," which relates alien communications through radiotelegraphy and ouija boards, presenting a bizarre cosmology. Williamson's later work, "Other Tongues - Other Flesh," posits that humans originated from extraterrestrial spirits and that aliens from the Orion nebula influence Earth people. Dr. Leon Davidson is mentioned for his theory that the CIA hoaxed UFO phenomena. John Cleary-Baker suggested flying saucers tampered with people's brains, while John Michell saw UFO apparitions as disturbing the order of thoughts, preceding a new phase of history. The Lorenzens explored alien mind control in "UFOs Over the Americas," suggesting UFO occupants projected thoughts to influence witnesses. John Keel's work, particularly "Operation Trojan Horse," "Our Haunted Planet," "The Mothman Prophecies," and "The Eighth Tower," is presented as a significant development, integrating psychic phenomena and a 'superspectrum' of energies that directs events and influences human lives.

The Nature of UFO Reports and Investigation

This section critiques the common acceptance of the extraterrestrial hypothesis (ETH) as an explanation for unexplained UFO reports. The author argues that the ETH, while rational in principle, is not a scientific theory when applied to UFOs because it can account for all reports without requiring further investigation. This attitude, likened to a spectator at a magic show concluding the conjuror has paranormal powers, leads to the neglect of interesting reports. The article calls for reports with specific characteristics: independent witnesses, timely and responsible reporting, internal consistency, and no obvious explanation. It states that while many stunning reports exist, few withstand critical examination, and the author intends to examine three such reports, one of which unravels into misidentifications.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Magonia revolve around the psychological and sociological interpretations of phenomena often labeled as paranormal or extraterrestrial. The magazine critically examines the role of 'experts' and the media in shaping public perception of issues like Satanic abuse and UFO sightings. There is a strong emphasis on the idea that many such phenomena may stem from human psychology, including delusions, paranoia, and the influence of science fiction and cultural myths, rather than literal extraterrestrial intervention. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, urging readers to question the origins and mechanisms behind these beliefs and to consider alternative explanations beyond simplistic or sensationalist ones. The magazine advocates for a deeper understanding of how evidence is obtained and interpreted, particularly in fields where definitive proof is elusive.

MAGONIA 49 is an issue that critically examines the field of ufology, particularly through the lens of the "psycho-social approach." The cover story, by John Harney, questions whether this approach has reduced ufology to literary criticism and if many ufologists are neglecting hard evidence of a physical phenomenon, potentially implying an Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH). The magazine features several articles and letters that explore various UFO sightings, abduction narratives, and the interpretation of these events.

Key Articles and Case Studies

"In Search of the Real UFOs" by John Harney

John Harney's piece kicks off Magonia's 'Back to Basics' campaign. He presents two cases to illustrate that not all UFO reports obviously point to the ETH, even when unexplained. The first case, from St. Louis, Missouri (July 14, 1954), involved an object described as an irregular rectangle, pale milky white, with the consistency of cotton candy or spun glass. It approached from the east, descended, stopped, rose, made a right-angle turn, moved, rose over a fence, and disappeared into the overcast. Five observers reported it, with speeds estimated at 3-8 mph. The Blue Book explanation was "debris in wind," which J. Allen Hynek rejected due to the very light wind. Harney finds this explanation difficult to reconcile with the reported details, especially the object's movement.

The second case, from Gatchellville, Pennsylvania (March 8, 1977), involved eleven witnesses in six groups seeing a red ball of fire like a "second moon." It moved against the wind, dropped towards a lawn, and caused a grass fire. Investigators found a burned patch with a hole, and soil burned black to a depth of three inches. Three small holes were also found. The field investigator noted that the site was visited days later, leaving open the possibility of mischief. The obvious explanation suggested is ball lightning, though this phenomenon itself remains a mystery. Harney notes that a large amount of energy seemed to be released, and ball lightning is a complex phenomenon with distinct varieties.

"The Rapid City Case" (August 12, 1953)

This case from Rapid City, South Dakota, involved a radar station at Ellsworth Air Force Base tracking a bright target at 16,000 feet. A Ground Observer Corps volunteer had reported a bright light. The object made a wide sweep around the city and was pursued by two F-84 pilots. Donald Menzel explained the radar contacts as temperature inversions and visual sightings as the star Capella. However, the Condon report and J. Allen Hynek suggested other celestial bodies and meteors were involved. The discussion highlights how predispositions can lead witnesses to interpret phenomena as UFOs, and the importance of cross-checking accounts.

"Notes Towards a Revisionist History of Abductions, Part 3" by Peter Rogerson

This multi-part series delves into the history of abduction narratives. Rogerson traces the emergence of abduction stories following the Hill and Villas Boas cases. He notes that early successors were not direct imitators of the Hills but focused on themes of rape and seduction, and potential impregnation by male ufonauts. The article details several early cases from the late 1960s, including those of Marlene Travers (Australia), Jean Sheldon (Michigan), Cordelia Donovon (California), and Claudette Cranshaw (California), all involving sexual encounters with alleged ufonauts. Eugene Browne's account from Northern Ireland is also presented.

Rogerson critically examines the role of fiction in shaping abduction narratives, pointing to the book "The Terror Above Us" by 'Malcolm Kent' (George Wouk) as introducing elements like 'enchantment,' 'supernatural cold,' 'doorway amnesia,' 'alien in disguise,' and the 'disinterested scientists' trope. He argues that these themes, later popularized, may have originated in fiction and influenced subsequent reports. The article also touches upon Otto Binder's 'ancient-astronautish' ideas and the mixing of sex and apocalyptic themes in early UFO literature.

Further cases discussed include a young man in Hilliards, Ohio, who saw figures emerging from an egg-shaped object, and the abduction reports of Philip Williams, Herman and Otto Collins, and Beau Shertzer. The narrative of Emma Funk, involving a black shiny object, time-lapse, and hypnotic regression, is presented as a significant case from the period when ufological imagery was consolidating.

Other Cases and Themes

The issue continues to explore abduction narratives with cases like that of Billy Regay and Guy Tosie in Idaho, involving a domed object and strange beings. Rita Malley's account describes an encounter with a large round object and a humming sound, with voices relaying information about a death. Emma Funk's case is revisited, highlighting hypnotic regression and the influence of ufological imagery. The article also mentions John Keel's accounts and the development of stereotypes in abduction narratives, such as wrap-around eyes and slit mouths.

Cases from the North American context include John Gilbert's alleged abduction and experiments, and Herb Schirmer's encounter with a saucer-shaped craft and subsequent hypnotic regression. David, a schoolboy from Calgary, Alberta, reported being chased by a flying saucer and undergoing examination. The article notes the development of a stereotype, with variations in alien descriptions possibly influenced by earlier cases like Barney Hill's.

"Video Reviews"

Neil Nixon reviews two video titles: "UFOs: the Evidence" and "Visitors from Space." He describes them as populist propaganda for the E.T. crowd, featuring classic UFO clips and contactee accounts. Nixon finds "Visitors from Space" slightly more essential due to its local material and detail, despite its flaws. He criticizes the lack of critical voices and the presentation of questionable claims as truth.

"Hold the Back Page: Miscellaneous ramblings from the ufological fringe"

This section includes a report on the BUFORA (British UFO Research Association) AGM, criticizing its bureaucratic structure and the decline in the quality of its audience and discussions. It contrasts the BUFORA meeting with a more open-minded gathering of wiccans, pagans, witches, and ritual magicians. The section also features a piece on "But I read It in the paper!" which highlights three classic urban legends appearing in a local newspaper, questioning the source and spread of such stories.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of ufology, particularly the influence of the psycho-social approach and the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH). The magazine questions the validity of certain abduction narratives and highlights the potential for fiction and psychological factors to shape witness accounts. There is a strong emphasis on distinguishing between genuine phenomena and the cultural construction of UFO lore. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims and a call for rigorous, scientific investigation, while acknowledging the existence of unexplained phenomena that may not fit the ETH. The issue also demonstrates a concern for the historical development of UFO narratives and the way they have been influenced by media and popular culture.