Magonia - No 51 - 1995 02

Magazine Overview

Magonia 51: Interpreting Contemporary Vision and Belief (February 1995)

This issue of Magonia, titled "Magonia 51", published in February 1995, delves into the complex phenomenon of "Moral Panics" and their various manifestations, including the "Satanic Panic" and the concept of "False Memory Syndrome". The magazine, edited by John Rimmer, features an editorial panel including John Harney, Roger Sandell, and Nigel Watson, with corresponding editors Peter Rogerson, J. D. Wetherspoon, and P. L. A. Driftwood. The cover highlights key articles: "Still Seeking Satan" by Roger Sandell, "Hold Tight!" by John Harney, and "Tracking the Cat Scare" by John Rimmer. Additional sections include "Moral Panics", "Letters", "Magonia Readers' Group", "Book Reviews", and "Hypnotism".

Moral Panics

John Rimmer's editorial, "Moral Panics", discusses a conference organized by the "Revolutionary Communist Party" that focused on "politically correct" attitudes and the concept of moral panics. Rimmer notes that while the "Satanic Panic" was discussed, participants were perhaps too quick to dismiss it as merely analogous to other unreal phenomena like alien abduction, potentially overlooking the intense personal reality for individuals involved. The editorial defines moral panics as societal concerns that may or may not be proportionate to the actual danger, citing examples like AIDS, Satanic abuse, pornography, and video violence. It explores the origins of these panics, suggesting they can arise from urban legends, media creation, or manipulation for social control. Rimmer concludes that moral panics structure societal beliefs and that Magonia will continue to explore these topics.

Still Seeking Satan

Roger Sandell's article, "Still Seeking Satan", critically examines Lawrence Wright's book "Remembering Satan", which details the Olympia, Washington State, Satanism case of 1988-89 involving Sheriff Paul Ingram. Sandell highlights the bizarre and grotesque nature of the case, where Ingram confessed to child abuse based on 'flashback memories' allegedly triggered by a church camp speaker. The case escalated to accusations of Ingram leading a Satanic gang involved in human sacrifices. Sandell points out the leading questions used by investigators and the dubious nature of the evidence, including a daughter's claim of being raped by police dogs and a forged letter. The article also discusses the broader controversy surrounding 'flashback memories', 'cover memories', and 'false memories', referencing the False Memory Society and groups like Accuracy About Abuse. Sandell notes that while some research suggests children can elaborate on imaginary events, other studies indicate a significant percentage of adult victims of sex offenders have no memory of the incident. The article questions whether 'don't remember' truly means repression or a reluctance to discuss traumatic events, and emphasizes the distinction between systematic abuse and single incidents.

Sandell also critiques the use of the term 'brainwashing' in the controversy, suggesting it's a convenient explanation for both alleged Satanic coercion and therapists' memory recovery techniques. He references "The Manchurian Candidate" as a cultural touchstone for the idea of mind control. The article questions the validity of 'False Memory Syndrome' as a specific medical condition, suggesting that such claims are part of a wider interaction of social and psychological factors. Sandell highlights the existence of questionable therapists, citing Daniel Ryder's "Breaking the Circle of Satanic Abuse" as an example of eccentric work endorsed by professionals. The article touches on the idea of 'inner child' therapy and the 'fishing expedition' approach therapists might use to uncover memories.

Tracking the Cat Scare

John Rimmer's article, "Tracking the Cat Scare", investigates the phenomenon of missing pet cats, suggesting it's more than just a simple scare. The article implies a connection to broader societal anxieties and potentially to urban legends or misinformation.

Books Reviewed in Text

The issue features reviews or mentions of several books related to Satanism and ritual abuse:

• "The Extent and Nature of Ritual Abuse" by Jean La Fontaine (HMSO, 1994)
• "Raising Hell: the A-Z of Satanic Crime" by Michael Newton (Warner, 1994)
• "Out of Darkness: Exploring Satanism and Ritual Abuse" edited by David Sakheim and Susan Devine (Lexington Books, 1992)
• "Treating Survivors of Satanic Abuse" edited by Valerie Sinason (Routledge, 1994)
• "Remembering Satan" by Lawrence Wright (Serpents Tail, 1994)

Other Articles and Themes

"Hold Tight!"

John Harney's piece, "Hold Tight!", examines the "ticket-eater" urban legend, which has circulated in Germany since the mid-1960s and spread to other European countries. The legend typically involves a young person eating a ticket inspector's ticket after a woman makes offensive remarks, leading to her ejection. Harney notes the story's presence in at least four films and its potential use by transport authorities to encourage ticket purchases. He also points out the absence of this legend in Britain, possibly due to the limited tram network.

Satanic Cults and Social Issues

Several articles discuss the broader context of Satanism allegations in Britain, linking them to social issues and the "underclass". The issue explores how housing estates are sometimes portrayed as "Dark Continents" awash with idolatry and witchcraft. It contrasts the sensational claims of large, organized Satanic cults with documented cases that often involve individuals or small groups and lack elements like human sacrifice. The articles also touch upon the influence of media, the role of therapists, and the potential for misinterpretation or fabrication of memories.

Historical and Sociological Perspectives

Articles by Kenneth Lanning and George B. Greaves offer skeptical analyses of Satanism allegations. Lanning, an FBI specialist, points out the discontinuity of Satanism cases with other child sex ring cases and questions the evidence presented. Greaves, a forensic psychologist, argues for the reality of Satanic cults but criticizes the methodology of some believers, while also acknowledging the disturbing aspects of some cases.

Brett Kahr's essay "The Historical Foundation of Ritual Abuse" is critiqued for its lack of historical understanding, citing biblical and Greek myths as evidence for widespread child sacrifice without considering their context. Martin Katchen's "History of Satanic Religions" is also criticized for relying on tales from medieval heretics and anti-Masonic movements.

Transgenerational Satanists and Social Context

The issue discusses the typology of Satanists, including "Public Satanists", "Teenage Dabblers", "Psychopathic Satanists", and "Transgenerational Satanists Satanic Cults". It suggests that most authenticated cases fall into the "Psychopathic Satanist" category, while the existence of large, organized "Transgenerational Satanic Cults" remains controversial. The article "The Class Context of Allegations of Ritual Abuse" by Jean La Fontaine is highlighted for its analysis of the social background of individuals accused in ritual abuse cases, noting that many come from impoverished backgrounds.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Magonia strongly emphasizes a critical and skeptical approach to phenomena often sensationalized in the media and by certain groups. The editorial stance appears to be one of interpreting contemporary visions and beliefs through a lens of critical analysis, questioning the validity of unsubstantiated claims, and exploring the social, psychological, and media-driven factors that contribute to phenomena like "Moral Panics" and the "Satanic Panic". The magazine aims to provide a more grounded and evidence-based perspective, distinguishing between genuine social problems and exaggerated fears or fabricated narratives. There is a clear effort to separate the sensationalist claims of some therapists and books from more rigorous sociological and psychological analysis. The magazine also shows an interest in urban legends and their spread, as exemplified by the "ticket-eater" story.

MAGONIA 51/MUFOB 100, published in March 1995, is an issue of the UK-based magazine focusing on ufology, fortean phenomena, and related fringe topics. The cover features an illustration of a cat and headlines about 'feline scare stories' and 'cat flaps', hinting at one of the issue's main themes. The magazine's ISSN is 0951-1192, and the price is £1.50.

Urban Legends and Moral Panics: The Cat Scare

The issue dedicates significant space to the phenomenon of urban legends and their transformation into moral panics, with a particular focus on 'cat-skinning rumours'. John Rimmer's article, 'On the trail of further feline scare stories', explores how these rumours, often implicitly xenophobic, tap into fears about foreign influence and loss of national identity. The article connects these fears to current debates about British quarantine laws and perceived 'Europhobe' attitudes. Rimmer details how the cat-napping scare is evolving into a full-fledged moral panic, citing an example in Newcastle-upon-Tyne where a 'cat in a bag' toy was withdrawn due to public outcry. He also references a report from the Richmond and Twickenham Informer about similar reactions to the toy. The article further delves into historical accounts, referencing Elliott O'Donnell's 1934 book 'Strange Cults and Secret Societies of Modern London', which describes a 'Pagan Lesbian sect' and 'The Gots', and recounts a shocking case of cruelty to cats reported in the East End. O'Donnell's work is presented as mirroring modern legends and panics, with themes of secret societies, indifference of authorities, and the role of 'foreign' elements.

The discussion extends to the broader implications of these panics, suggesting that societies need 'monsters within' for social control or to explain random events. The article notes that concerns about the anti-fur trade campaign have attracted anti-Semitic elements, and that the cat-skinning narrative is echoed in contemporary tales of cat-nappers in England.

Hypnotism Under Scrutiny

Another significant theme is the increasing scrutiny and criticism of hypnotism. The 'Hold on down' section discusses calls for bans on stage hypnotists in the USA and the UK, following stories of people suffering long-term psychological damage. It draws parallels between stage hypnotism and TV game shows, suggesting that performers use personality and social situations to elicit compliance. The article questions the truthfulness of hypnotism, stating that practitioners risk accusations and may cause psychological harm. It concludes that hypnotism should cease to be regarded as a tool for serious investigation.

UFOs and Related Phenomena

The issue touches upon UFO reports and related topics. A competition result announced by John Harney, Editor Emeritus, invited readers to suggest names for Manchester trams. Two readers, Peter Christie and Tom Ruffles, submitted suggestions, with the committee deeming both entries worthy of receiving a model tram. The editor also poses a new challenge for readers to suggest similar slogans for other magazines and organisations in the UFO and anomaly field.

Steuart Campbell writes a letter defending his work against criticism, particularly from Peter Brookesmith, regarding UFO reports and the validity of mirage theory. He argues that while some UFOs can be explained by natural phenomena, many cannot, and his book addresses these unexplained cases.

Jenny Randles writes in defense of her work and reputation, responding to what she perceives as attacks from Peter Brookesmith. She details a history of criticism from Brookesmith, including misleading accounts of her lectures and dismissive reviews of her books. Randles also highlights Brookesmith's alleged implication in the spread of personal revelations about her, which later appeared in the News of the World. She questions Brookesmith's personal agenda.

Book Reviews

A substantial portion of the magazine is dedicated to book reviews, covering a range of topics within the fringe and paranormal sphere:

• 'Allergies and Aliens' by Albert Budden: Reviewed by John Rimmer, this book proposes that electromagnetic radiation and allergenic stimuli can trigger hallucinatory experiences interpreted as abductions. The reviewer notes the controversial nature of the claims and suggests a future review by a doctor.
• 'Earth People, Space People' by Jimmy Goddard: Also reviewed by John Rimmer, this booklet is described as a delightful recall of contactee ufology, featuring photos and biographical accounts. It is recommended as an antidote to 'black despair' surrounding ufology.
• 'Without Consent' by Carl Nagaitis and Philip Mantle: Reviewed by John Rimmer, this book is described as a compendium of uncritical, unreferenced abduction case reports. The reviewer finds it worthless due to the omission of investigator details and sources, and criticises its sensationalist style.
• 'Kooks: a guide to the outer limits of human belief' by Donna Kossey: Reviewed by Roger Sandell, this book is an 'interesting if somewhat disorganised ramble' through contemporary American fringe beliefs, focusing on Christian Identity and Black Messianic sects, and their incorporation of UFO retrieval stories.
• 'Alien Energy' by Andrew Collins: Reviewed by John Rimmer, this book is described as a mixture of occult themes and suburban settings. The reviewer criticises its pseudo-science and suggests Collins should return to more grounded storytelling.
• 'Spying in Guru Land: inside Britain's Cults' by William Shaw: Reviewed by John Rimmer, this book details the author's experiences joining four cults. The reviewer notes the difficulty in identifying mind-control techniques and highlights a moving account from a survivor of the Waco siege, questioning official narratives.

Historical Context and Editorial Stance

The '25 Years Ago' section reflects on the internal debates within MUFOB in the late 1960s and early 1970s, particularly the divergence between Alan Sharp's emphasis on physical sciences and the extraterrestrial hypothesis (ETH), and the views of John Harney and the reviewer, who saw ufology as moving into fields like folklore, sociology, and psychology. This debate is presented as defining MUFOB's and subsequently Magonia's approach.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Magonia continues its critical examination of phenomena often sensationalised by the media, such as urban legends and moral panics. The magazine adopts a skeptical yet open-minded approach, seeking to understand the underlying social and psychological factors that contribute to these beliefs. There is a consistent emphasis on rigorous research, questioning official narratives, and providing a platform for diverse viewpoints, even when they challenge conventional wisdom. The editorial stance appears to favour a nuanced understanding of anomalies, integrating sociological, psychological, and historical perspectives alongside the investigation of alleged physical evidence. The magazine also actively engages its readership through competitions and calls for contributions, fostering a sense of community among those interested in unexplained phenomena.