Magonia - No 52 - 1995 05

Magazine Overview

This issue of Magonia, number 52, dated May 1995, is titled 'Interpreting Contemporary Vision and Belief'. The cover features a prominent quote from John Harney (1967) questioning whether differences in contactee stories are due to temperament rather than extraterrestrial origins. The issue includes articles such as 'Godships' by Matthew J. Graeber, 'Abduction Absurdities' by Willy Smith discussing John Mack's book, and 'Dark and Lonely Work' by Peter Brookesmith, alongside letters and editorial comments.

Editorial and Correspondence

The editor, John Rimmer, notes the success of the 'Magonia Readers' Group' meetings and invites further participation. He also announces that Magonia 52 will feature a review of abduction literature by Peter Rogerson and a piece by Mick Goss on hypnotism. The editorial panel includes John Harney, Roger Sandell, and Nigel Watson, with corresponding editors Peter Rogerson, Michael Goss, and P. L. A. Driftwood.

Article: Godships by Matthew J. Graeber

Graeber explores the similarities between modern UFO experiences and Biblical accounts, particularly Ezekiel's encounter with a mysterious flying wheel and the pillar of cloud that led Moses. He posits that UFO experiences can be described as 'displays' that have an extraordinary effect on observers, akin to Rorschach plates but more sudden and overwhelming. Primitive man's awe of natural phenomena like lightning and thunder is linked to ancient beliefs in sky gods. Graeber suggests that today's UFO abduction reports might be a technologically accented version of ancient myths, with aliens abducting humans, mating with them, and switching offspring. He links the 'split-mindedness' of modern society to the 'new age' sky people resembling human fetuses. The 'gigantic cylindrical craft' or 'motherships' are examined as 'god ships,' associated with Biblical epiphanies and the ancient worship of the phallus as a symbol of generative power. These craft are seen as symbolic of a 'union of opposites,' capable of carrying, ejecting, and absorbing smaller UFOs, representing concepts of creation, life cycles, and energy conservation. The author draws parallels to Hindu mythology, specifically Matha-Vishnu. The 'escape/flight wish' is presented as an archetypal symbol, with the phallic UFO representing man as the 'dream flyer.' The article also touches upon the 'angel hair' phenomenon and the historical 'great airship flap' of 1895-97, suggesting that the desire for flight and the symbolism of the airship persist.

Article: Abduction Absurdities by Willy Smith

Smith reviews John Mack's book on abductions, adopting the persona of a 'Devil's Advocate' to critique the claims. The article questions the scientific basis of abduction narratives, highlighting the reliance on hypnotic techniques and the lack of concrete evidence. Smith argues that the detailed narratives, rather than proving authenticity, emphasize the absurdity and physical impossibility of the events. The author criticizes the lack of independent verification of abduction claims, noting that Mack's research is confined to his office. The article questions the geographical distribution of abduction reports, suggesting that many claims, particularly outside the US, are unsubstantiated. The 'familiar aliens' described by witnesses are noted for their humanoid characteristics and ability to move without apparent difficulty in Earth's gravity, raising questions about their origin. The article points out the discrepancy in the aliens' attitudes towards abductees as described by different researchers (Hopkins, Jacobs, Mack), suggesting this diversity is an absurdity if they share a common origin and goal. Technical contradictions are highlighted, such as the aliens' ability to penetrate solid objects versus the description of entering craft through a 'hole in the floor.' The primary objective of creating a hybrid race is questioned, as similar results could be achieved through less risky means, like raiding sperm banks. The article also notes the difficulty in recording abduction events and the lack of forensic investigation, possibly due to fear of negative results. The Devil's Advocate suggests that the aliens' activities are covert, and their methods are less likely to attract attention than a direct raid on a sperm bank.

Article: Dark and Lonely Work by Peter Brookesmith

This section appears to be an editorial or a commentary on the state of ufology, referencing John Harney's 1967 statement and Jenny Randles's views on ufology over-emphasizing differences between contactees and abductees. Brookesmith argues that both abduction and contactee reports likely share psychological origins, often stemming from sleep paralysis, hypnagogic imagery, dreams, false memory, and hoaxes. He notes that while some cases might involve extraterrestrial elements, it's crucial to avoid 'omnibus explanations.' The article touches upon the historical context of UFO narratives, from George Adamski's 'space brothers' to the 'Greys,' and suggests that these stories are akin to collective works of art or folk literature, with society playing a role in their creation. The idea of 'mind art' being executed by extraterrestrial forces is considered, but the absence of alien ideas or artifacts is noted. The author expresses skepticism about the reappearance of 'normal' ufology, suggesting that the focus on dramatic abduction stories arose because traditional ufology had reached a dead end. He predicts that if abductions recede, something even more bizarre will emerge to capture attention.

Other Content

The issue also includes a section on 'Northern Echoes' and 'Letters,' as well as a list of back issues of Magonia available for purchase, detailing the topics covered in each. The references section lists various books and articles related to UFOs, psychology, and mythology.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Magonia revolve around the psychological and mythological interpretations of UFO phenomena. There is a strong emphasis on questioning the literal extraterrestrial nature of UFO encounters, suggesting that many experiences may originate from the human unconscious, archetypal symbols, and psychological states like sleep paralysis. The magazine appears to adopt a critical stance towards unsubstantiated claims, particularly in the realm of abduction research, advocating for rigorous evidence and a cautious approach to interpretation. The editorial stance leans towards exploring the symbolic and psychological dimensions of UFO sightings, viewing them as reflections of human consciousness, fears, and desires, rather than solely as evidence of alien visitation. There's a consistent thread of skepticism towards 'omnibus explanations' and a call for nuanced analysis of individual cases.

MAGONIA 52 is an issue that engages in critical analysis and debate within the field of ufology and related subjects. The cover prominently features a "Devil's Advocate" perspective, asserting that aliens possess vastly superior biological and genetic engineering capabilities, and that attributing human limitations to them is a form of anthropomorphism. This issue includes a detailed examination of the Achille Zaghetti UFO sighting, a discussion on the complexities of child abuse and Satanic abuse, and a series of letters to the editor that reflect on these and other topics.

Devil's Advocate: Alien Advancement in Biology and Genetic Engineering

The "Devil's Advocate" (D.A.) perspective, presented on the cover and elaborated within, challenges conventional interpretations of alien encounters. The D.A. posits that aliens are significantly more advanced than humans, particularly in biology and genetic engineering. This advanced state allows them to overcome limitations that humans face, such as inter-species breeding difficulties. The D.A. suggests that the perceived absurdities in abduction narratives, such as the logistics of collecting and processing numerous abductees, are only absurd if one assumes aliens operate under human constraints. The D.A. argues that aliens likely possess advanced technologies, like stealth, to avoid detection and efficient methods for abduction and transport, making the logistics feasible for them.

The issue also touches upon the "hybrid question," exploring the theory that aliens are abducting humans for genetic purposes, such as obtaining sperm and ova to bolster their declining genetic pool or to create a hybrid workforce. The D.A. notes that current scientific understanding suggests inter-species hybrids are not fertile, questioning this as a long-term solution for alien survival. However, it is suggested that the purpose might be different, perhaps to create a workforce adaptable to Earth's conditions. Two possible explanations are offered for the lack of mention of full-grown hybrids in published abduction accounts: either the breeding program is failing, or the hybrids are successfully integrated elsewhere.

The Zaghetti Case: Investigation and Criticism

This section critically examines the investigation into the UFO sighting reported by pilot Achille Zaghetti on a flight from Milan to London on April 21, 1991. Peter Brookesmith, in his article, raises questions about the investigation's thoroughness, particularly concerning whether radar data was adequately considered and if the pilot's account was fully scrutinized. Brookesmith suggests that the case might have been mishandled or that the pilot might have "put someone on" (fabricated or exaggerated the story).

Clas Svahn, chairman of UFO-Sweden, provides a response, clarifying some facts and defending Zaghetti to some extent. Svahn acknowledges that the research on the case has been sloppy, agreeing with Brookesmith's criticism of the use of the word 'simultaneously' in the report. However, Svahn believes Brookesmith went too far in suggesting Zaghetti had fabricated the event. Svahn confirms that Zaghetti observed the object above the airplane's horizon against a clear, sunlit sky, and that the object was described as circular and missile-shaped, about ten feet long, and appearing as a flash. Svahn also notes that the radar plot indicated a larger object than Zaghetti's estimate, and that the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) closed the investigation, listing it as an unidentified flying object.

Svahn highlights that there was no indication of a cover-up, as Zaghetti reported the event on Italian television. He also mentions his own interest in "missile"-shaped objects, which are common over Sweden, and his efforts to gather more information.

Child Abuse and Satanic Abuse

Daniel Cohen's letter addresses the complex issue of organized sadistic abuse, which he acknowledges exists but is often misinterpreted as Satanic abuse, particularly by fundamentalist Christians and some therapists. Cohen cites a book, "Treating Survivors of Satanic Abuse," noting that while some cases involve severe abuse, the claims of ritual abuse are not always substantiated. He points to the Orkney inquiry, where an independent expert, Judith Trowell, was critical of the social workers' evidence collection methods, concluding that leading questions and misinterpretations made it impossible to determine the full extent of abuse.

Cohen suggests that genuine abuse cases can become distorted when, under pressure from social workers, fantastic elements are introduced, making it difficult to ascertain what truly happened. He also notes that in cases of suspected organized abuse, extensive interviews with multiple children can lead to impressions of abuse that may not be accurate.

The issue also references the Pembrokeshire case, where social workers allegedly exerted unacceptable pressure on witnesses, leading to retracted statements. Cohen emphasizes that in any case involving multiple individuals, there is a tendency for those most involved to prevent others from speaking, countered by pressure from authorities.

He mentions that the Gallaher report on organized abuse is expected to differ significantly from the La Fontaine report, despite joint data collection, with Gallaher focusing more on sadistic abuse and La Fontaine on Satanic abuse.

Letters to the Editor and Reader Contributions

Several letters offer diverse perspectives. Luis Gonzalez writes about Dr. David M. Jacobs's book "Secret Life" and its interpretations of abduction phenomena. Gonzalez quotes extensively from E. E. "Doc" Smith's "Skylark Three" (1930) to illustrate Jacobs's logic, suggesting that aliens possess advanced technology that appears magical, including methods for finding victims, seeing through walls, and accessing memories. Gonzalez concludes that alien races are amoral, with only humans exhibiting scruples against manipulation and destruction.

Christopher Allan discusses a variation of "cat-flap" stories, where cats are allegedly killed and fed to pit-bull terriers. He notes that while there's no proof, such stories circulate and may be an attempt by animal lovers to draw attention to illegal pit-bull ownership.

Steuart Campbell expresses frustration at being unable to obtain Magonia through libraries in Scotland, including the British Library, questioning why the magazine is not supplied to the legal deposit library.

Brookesmith's "Repetitive Strain" and Randles's Response

Peter Brookesmith responds to a criticism from Jenny Randles, questioning the context and relevance of her letter. He points out that Magonia did not print a retraction and that Randles's letter focused on a minor point in his previous article. Brookesmith challenges Randles's claims and suggests that her interpretation of his article is flawed, possibly due to misreading or a deliberate misrepresentation. He defends his analysis of the Zaghetti case, reiterating his points about the lack of clarity and the need for more rigorous investigation.

Brookesmith also addresses Randles's perceived use of "near-English" and her tendency towards "non sequitur." He questions why Randles did not address the seven numbered questions he posed about the Zaghetti sighting. He expresses his belief that the Zaghetti case, along with others discussed by Timothy Good, might not warrant extensive coverage given their perceived weaknesses.

Meditation and Introspection

This section reflects on the nature of skepticism and the challenges of engaging with ufological claims. The author questions the approach of many reviewers who, he suggests, politely ignore flawed arguments and logic in ufological commentary. He asserts that exposing these weaknesses is a necessary but often difficult task, likening it to "goat-herding or cunnilingus." The author advocates for self-criticism within the field and criticizes those who misuse language or lack a grasp of basic syntax, making their arguments difficult to follow.

He also touches upon the idea of "avoid" versus "obviate" and the potential for misunderstandings in language. The author expresses a desire to encourage self-criticism and notes that editors continue to print his contributions, suggesting a resonance with his critical stance.

The Meaning of Meaning

This piece, likely by Peter Brookesmith, critiques Jenny Randles's response to a previous article. Brookesmith questions the relevance and tone of Randles's letter, suggesting it is a "whinge" that avoids the core issues. He criticizes the practice of answering criticisms in separate publications, especially when his name is not on the subscription list of the publication where the criticism appears. Brookesmith implies that Randles's arguments are often tangential and that she has a "peculiar forte" for missing the point. He also comments on her "idiosyncratic use of near-English."

Brookesmith directly addresses Randles's claim that her book "The Paranormal Year" was a general review of 1993, as implied by the title. He notes that this point was indeed mentioned in his article. He then reiterates his stance that the Zaghetti case investigation was flawed, suggesting that either the investigators failed to ask the right questions or did not get helpful answers, leaving the case unresolved. He offers suggestions for further investigation but maintains that the case is not worth significant discussion until more information is available.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Magonia revolve around critical analysis, skepticism, and the rigorous examination of evidence within ufology. The magazine consistently adopts an editorial stance that prioritizes logical reasoning, factual accuracy, and a questioning approach to extraordinary claims. There is a clear emphasis on dissecting the methodologies and conclusions presented by ufologists, often highlighting perceived flaws in research, interpretation, and reporting. The "Devil's Advocate" perspective on alien capabilities and the detailed critique of the Zaghetti case exemplify this critical stance. Furthermore, the inclusion of discussions on child abuse and the challenges of media reporting underscores a broader interest in societal issues and the reliability of information. The letters to the editor reveal a community engaged in debate, with readers contributing their own analyses and challenging the views presented within the magazine.