Magonia - No 57 - 1996 09

Magazine Overview

MAGONIA 57, published in September 1996, is a 10-volume issue from the United Kingdom, priced at £1.25. The magazine focuses on interpreting contemporary vision and belief, with a strong emphasis on UFO phenomena, ancient mysteries, and the intersection of science and religion.

Cover Story: Gods or Astronauts?

The cover prominently features the question "Gods or Astronauts?", with a review by Gareth Medway exploring the background of this persistent belief. The cover also highlights "Ship Ahoy!", where Martin Kottmeyer addresses critics of his nautical explanation for the classic New Guinea case. A "PLUS" section announces the return of Desmond O'Connor, "spilling more beans about the great and good of Forteanism!", and a piece by Mick Goss on the facts behind the "Hypno-Heist". The cover art includes a striking circular graphic and an illustration related to the 'Gods or Astronauts?' theme.

The Remarkable World of Desmond O'Connor

This article, written by John Rimmer, delves into the unconventional world of Desmond O'Connor, touching upon his association with figures like Aleister Crowley and Charles Fort. It touches on O'Connor's recollections of Charles Fort, his interactions with the Society for Psychical Research (SPR), and his theories about Fort's life and influences, including potential connections to the Mafia through associates like Don Enrico Flacconio. The piece also references a dossier by Eric Dingwall concerning the Roswell incident, though it's noted that O'Connor's scrapbook of SPR members' peccadillos was enclosed instead.

Who Taught God to Drive?

Gareth Medway examines writers who developed the Ancient Astronaut concept. The article discusses R.L. Dione's "God Drives a Flying Saucer," which posits that flying saucer technology was behind biblical miracles, and Dovid F. McConnell's similar interpretations. It explores the idea that ancient texts can be reinterpreted through a technological lens, with figures like Adam and Eve being products of genetic engineering and biblical events being explained by advanced spacecraft.

The article also touches upon Immanuel Velikovsky's "Worlds in Collision" and its attempt to reconcile science and religion. It notes the controversy surrounding Velikovsky's theories and the excessive reaction from some scientific quarters, suggesting an underlying awareness of the book's religious agenda. The piece further explores the Rabbinical tradition of finding scientific explanations within scripture and the concept of the soul as described by Aristotle.

The Idea of Ancient Astronauts was toyed with as far back as 1919 by Charles Fort...

This section traces the origins of the Ancient Astronaut idea, crediting Charles Fort's "The Book of the Damned" (1919) as an early proponent. It highlights Desmond Leslie's "Flying Saucers Have Landed" as a significant treatment of the theme, which drew heavily on Theosophical sources like the "Stanzas of Dzyan" and the writings of Annie Besant and Charles Leadbeater to describe extraterrestrial origins for humanity and ancient civilizations like Atlantis.

The article critiques Leslie's reliance on these sources, suggesting it's a matter of faith rather than historical record. It also references Bertrand Russell's skepticism about unquestioning reliance on authority and notes the Theosophical Society's religious nature. The section concludes by mentioning Erich von Däniken's "Chariots of the Gods?" as a highly successful, though unoriginal, popularization of the Ancient Astronaut concept.

Strange Gods

This section introduces Robert Temple's "The Sirius Mystery," which explored the Dogon tribe's traditions about beings from Sirius. It discusses how Temple sought to prove that similar knowledge was held by ancient Egyptian priests and Greek philosophers, drawing on sources like Wallis Budge and Robert Graves. The article notes Temple's critical stance on Christianity and his view of its 'perversions'. It also touches upon the rise of 'born-again' Christianity and its emphasis on faith over critical thinking, contrasting it with the decline of conventional churches and the emergence of 'Space Gods' to fill the spiritual vacuum.

Return of the Gods

This article critically examines Erich von Däniken's "Chariots of the Gods?", arguing that its content was largely pre-empted by earlier works like Desmond Leslie's "Flying Saucers Have Landed." It questions the book's immense popularity, suggesting that von Däniken's accessible style, his visits to sites, and his presentation of theories as his own contributed to its success. The piece contrasts von Däniken's approach with more complex or mystical interpretations found in other works.

It further discusses how the questioning of traditional religious narratives, particularly concerning the literal truth of the Bible (e.g., the Adam and Eve story), created a need for new belief systems. The article highlights how some interpretations of biblical events, like the parting of the Red Sea or Elijah's ascension, were re-framed as UFO encounters. It also touches on the debate surrounding the Virgin Birth and the potential for alien genetic experimentation to explain it.

Gospel Truth

This section addresses the modern skeptical view of biblical miracles, as summarized by Bishop John A.T. Robinson in "But that I can't believe!". It notes that while Robinson vaguely suggested the star and angels were metaphorical, the idea of "visitors from outer space" became a popular alternative explanation for biblical events, as seen in works like W. Raymond Drake's "Gods and Spacemen throughout History." The article points out that for some believers, particularly 'born-agains,' the literal truth of the Bible, including creation in 4000 BC, remains paramount, leading them to reject scientific evidence like radioactive dating and evolutionary theory.

The Hypno-Heist

This article by Michael Goss details the "Hypno-Heist" incident in Ilford, Essex, in late 1977. A 32-year-old shopkeeper, Mohammed Zamir, reported being hypnotized by a customer who used a peculiar-colored £20 note. Zamir claimed to have been in a daze for 15 minutes, during which the till was emptied of £1,700. A police spokesman acknowledged the seriousness of the "method of distraction" but did not comment on the hypnotism aspect. The Sunday Mirror reported the incident under the headline "THE HYPNOHEIST".

The article also discusses a similar incident in Leyton, where women were accused of targeting isolated mothers through intimidation and "spells," coercing them into handing over valuables. Mrs Romella Blake reported being paralyzed by a "mesmeric stare" from two women who stole her belongings and money. The police treated these cases seriously, considering the possibility of accomplished con-artists employing intimidation and possibly hypnosis.

After proposing a solution to the classic Father Gill case...

This section features Martin Kottmeyer responding to criticisms of his explanation for the classic Father Gill case, which was published in a previous issue of Magonia. Kottmeyer addresses four points raised by Bullard, including the nature of the UFO as an "all-terrain vehicle" and the description of its movements. He argues that Bullard's interpretation of the object's behavior is inconsistent with the original report and suggests that the vanishing of the object was along the line of sight, implying high speeds without a sonic boom. Kottmeyer also discusses the artist's depiction of the object and the lack of verbal references to it being seen over land. He defends his interpretation by comparing the case to other phenomena and questioning the assumptions made by critics.

2 YEARS AGO

This retrospective section from Magonia 57 looks back at events from two years prior. It mentions an article by Alan Sharp criticizing John Keel's "Operation Trojan Horse" for alleged scientific errors and misleading readers. It also includes a letter from Peter Rogerson warning about the infiltration of the UFO field by "right-wing hate merchants" and advising responsible groups to cease communication with them. The section notes a summary of local UFO reports from Merseyside, with most being easily explained, and discusses John Harney's disillusionment with the Warminster phenomenon, citing signs of commercialization and a decline in genuine sightings.

The life to come

This article explores the religious and spiritual needs of people, particularly in the context of declining traditional religious belief. It discusses how the concept of a future life, whether through an afterlife or reincarnation, provides a framework for justice and meaning. The piece touches upon the idea of a "Second Coming" and the establishment of a divine kingdom on Earth. It references Morris K. Jessup's interpretation of biblical prophecies in terms of UFOs and space travel, suggesting that 'Space Gods' are filling the void left by the departure of God the Father. The article concludes by noting that while the 'Astronaut Gods' creed may be harmless, the frontier between science and religion remains uncertain.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Magonia revolve around the reinterpretation of ancient myths and religious texts through the lens of modern technology and extraterrestrial visitation (Ancient Astronaut theory). There's a consistent exploration of how scientific advancements and changing societal beliefs challenge traditional religious frameworks, leading to the search for new explanations and belief systems. The magazine also critically examines UFO reports and alleged paranormal phenomena, often questioning the reliability of sources and the validity of popular explanations. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, seeking to understand the psychological and cultural factors that drive belief in these phenomena, while also engaging with the details of specific cases and theories.

MAGONIA issue 57, published in 1997, delves into various aspects of Forteana, UFOlogy, and unexplained phenomena. The issue features articles on the popular perception of hypnosis, hypno-heist narratives as rumour legends, and book reviews on UFOs, millennialism, and cryptozoology. It also includes reader letters and editorial notes.

Hypnosis and Hypno-Heists

The issue critically examines the media's portrayal of hypnosis, often sensationalized as a 'hypnotic aspect' or a criminal weapon enabling 'hypno-heists'. It contrasts this with the reality of hypnosis, noting that popular belief often depicts it as a magical, supernatural power. The article draws parallels to fairy tales and folk legends like 'The Hand of Glory'. Several cases are presented, including a 1990 incident in France where a bank clerk claimed to be hypnotized into giving away money, and a 1964 case in Nice where a shopkeeper was allegedly hypnotized to open a cash register. The text suggests that these 'hypno-heist' stories are not factual accounts but rather 'urban, contemporary legends or rumour legends' that warn of hidden truths and subversive threats.

The article discusses how these legends are topical and fast-spreading, dealing with corruption, conspiracy, and cover-ups. It highlights the role of stereotypes, such as 'gypsies' or 'orientals', in these narratives, suggesting that individuals may consciously or subconsciously play into these roles. The concept of 'waking trance' or 'hyperactive' hypnosis is also explored, with researchers like Raymond Wesley Wells and Theodore X. Barber contributing to the discussion. The possibility that drugs might be involved in inducing such states is also raised.

Book Reviews

Several books are reviewed in this issue:

• Charles Fort, New Lands, revised by X. John Brown Publishing, 1996. £9.99: Reviewed by John Rimmer, this edition is praised for its definitive revised and corrected text of Charles Fort's work. However, Fort's writing is described as unreadable and his sarcasm about science as wearisome. The reviewer notes that filtering the 'verbiage' eventually yields 'Fortean phenomena'.

• Simon Hoggart and Mike Hutchinson. Bizarre Beliefs, Richard Cohen Books, 1996. £12.99: Also reviewed by John Rimmer, this book is seen as a collaboration between a hard-nosed skeptic (Mike Hutchinson, linked to CSICOP) and a political journalist (Simon Hoggart). It explores why people believe in pseudo-sciences like astrology and UFOs, acknowledging that practitioners are often not outright frauds. The book is presented as an attractive soft-back with illustrations, suitable for readers interested in the 'X-File' genre.

• Jerome Clark (Ed.) High Strangeness: UFOs from 1960 through 1979 (UFO Encyclopedia, Volume 3) Omnigraphics, Detroit, 1996. $95.00: Reviewed by John Rimmer, this is hailed as a remarkable achievement and the greatest single compilation of UFO information ever written. The volume covers a period of significant change in UFOlogy. While acknowledging its comprehensiveness and accuracy in cases checked, Rimmer notes a strong bias towards American cases and an over-emphasis on the phenomenon in America, with limited coverage of Britain and France.

• Ivan Banks. The Enigma of Borley Rectory. Foulsham, 1996. £9.99: Reviewed by Peter Rogerson, this is described as a detailed study of the Borley events written from an uncritical spiritualist viewpoint. Rogerson notes the author makes serious allegations based on spirit writings and subtly distances himself from the book's views.

• Travis Walton. Fire in the Sky: the Walton experience. Marlowe and Co., 1996. £19.99: Reviewed by Peter Rogerson, this is essentially the book of the film, updating Walton's previous account and including an attack on Phil Klass. Walton is characterized as a typical American abductee.

• Karl Shuker. In Search of Prehistoric Survivors. Blandford, 1995. £18.99: Reviewed by Peter Rogerson, this book argues for the existence of 'extinct' creatures. Rogerson notes the book's encyclopaedic survey and the author's affirmative answer to the question posed by the subtitle. He also comments on the cryptozoologist's world and an archaic attitude exemplified by a claim about gold dealers in Ghana.

• David Blackburn. The Marpingen Visions: rationalism, religion and the rise of modern Germany. Fontana Press, 1995. £9.99: Reviewed by Peter Rogerson, this is described as an impressive and detailed study of a Marian vision in mid-nineteenth century Germany. It highlights how visionaries were often from distressed backgrounds and how their narratives grew with new beliefs. The reviewer notes the similarity to other child and teenage visionary experiences and the parallels with the Bismarkian Reich's 'kulturkampf' against the Catholic Church.

• James R. Lewis. From the Ashes: making sense of Waco. Rowman & Littlefield, Lanham, MD., 1994. $18.95: Reviewed by Peter Rogerson, this is a collection of impassioned pieces condemning the actions of the Department of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms at Waco. While acknowledging significant material on millenarianism, Rogerson notes that some contributors are too willing to accept prophets' and gurus' self-evaluations.

• Carl Sagan. The Demon Haunted World; science as a candle in the dark. Headline, 1996. £18.99: Reviewed by Peter Rogerson, this is described as both a polemic against pseudo-science and a jeremiad on science education in the USA. Rogerson notes the book's common sense but characterizes it as a 'gospel of hope and enlightenment' in a world of 'wild, pagan darkness'.

• Michael Barkun (Ed.) Millennialism and Violence. Frank Cass, 1994. £13.50: Reviewed by Peter Rogerson, this is part of a series on political violence, including essays on various topics from early modern millennialism to eco-warriors. It is described as not an easy read but an important topic.

• Francis B. Harrold and Raymond Eve (Eds.) Cult Archaeology and Creationism. University of Iowa Press, 1995. £12.95: Reviewed by Peter Rogerson, this collection of essays is deemed less interesting than its title suggests, with a focus on US college students and combating creationism. A chapter on Afrocentric History is noted.

• Nicholas Humphrey. Soul Searching: human nature and supernatural belief. Chatto and Windus, 1995. £18.99: Reviewed by Peter Rogerson, this is characterized as 'good old fashioned religion-bashing and polemical scepticism' that fails to address experiences convincing people of psi phenomena.

• David Pritchard et al. (Eds.) Alien Discussions: Proceedings of the MIT Conference. North Cambridge (MA) Press, 1994. £61.00 (sic!): Reviewed by Peter Rogerson, this is a large, expensive, and uncritical book that is nevertheless important for understanding the abduction scenario. Rogerson notes the implausibility of abduction claims and the lack of a token skeptic.

• Derek Sheffield. UFOs, a Deadly Concealment. Blandford, 1996. £9.99: Reviewed by Peter Rogerson, this book is described as a tiresome collection of letters rather than a detailed investigation of the Belgian wave of UFO sightings.

• Cherie Sutherland. Children of the Light; the near-death experiences of children. Souvenir Press, 1996. £9.99: Reviewed by Peter Rogerson, this is a collection of NDE memorates from children and adults, which, while uncritically presented, offers examples of false memory, parental manipulation, and the projection of the NDE child as pious.

Letters

The 'Letters' section features correspondence from readers:

• Fred Hadley praises Magonia's approach to investigating mysteries, likening it to an English court of law where sides present their versions of events. He commends the Letters Page for stimulating minds.

• Margaret Buckingham writes in response to John Harney's article, enclosing her subscription renewal. She expresses her belief that abductions are part of an ongoing 'smoke-screen for a hidden agenda' but does not disbelieve in their physical reality. She raises two points: the mundane details of nightclothes being on backwards and the corroboration of 'missing time' by multiple people.

• Mark Smith agrees with Kevin McClure's article 'Bogeymen', suggesting that the difference between alien abduction stories and Ritual Child Abuse hysteria lies only in the identity of the perpetrators. He notes the lack of evidence for either and compares them to variations of the 'hidden enemy' myth.

• John Rimmer responds to a query about his review of 'High Strangeness', clarifying his position on UFOs and the 'core UFO phenomenon'.

Other Sections

• Renewal Reminders: An announcement about changes to how subscription renewals will be handled, with notices in the current issue for expiring subscriptions and a final notice in the last issue.

• Gray Flannels?: A brief mention of the 'Fossilized Bugs from Mars' controversy, quoting Peter Tinniswood's 'Uncle Mort' on the vastness of life in the universe.

• Cabaret Night: An anecdote about ufologists storming out of a Magonia Readers' Group meeting after their ideas were questioned.

• Internal Affairs: A note about aggrieved messages received from MAPIT functionaries regarding comments made about their organization, with an assurance that MAPIT is highly regarded in Manchester.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Magonia revolve around the critical examination of unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs and hypnosis. The magazine adopts a skeptical yet open-minded stance, distinguishing between genuine investigation and sensationalized rumour legends. There is a consistent effort to debunk pseudoscientific claims while acknowledging the psychological and sociological factors that contribute to belief in the paranormal. The editorial stance appears to favor rational analysis and evidence-based reasoning, as seen in the book reviews and the critical approach to hypno-heist narratives. The magazine also highlights the importance of reader engagement through its 'Letters' section, which provides a platform for diverse viewpoints and ongoing debates within the Forteana and UFOlogy communities.