Magonia - No 58 - 1997 01

Magazine Overview

Title: MAGONIA
Issue: 58
Date: January 1997
Price: £1.25
Publisher: Magonia
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of Magonia, subtitled 'Interpreting Contemporary Vision and Belief', delves into a range of intriguing and often controversial topics, including mind control, UFO crash retrievals, the darker side of therapeutic communities, and the potential for technological manipulation of human consciousness.

Key Articles and Features

Who's Plugged Into Your Brain?

This lead article by Mark Pilkington investigates the growing claims that sinister government agents are using covert technology to control people's thoughts and actions. The article explores the concept of implants, whether they are alien or human-made, and their alleged use by various entities including the CIA, secret world governments, and extraterrestrial 'Greys'. It discusses how these implants are believed to facilitate abduction fantasies, disorientation, and the manipulation of emotions and memories. The piece references historical US government projects like MKultra and Mkdelta, which explored mind control techniques, and mentions the development of technologies like RHIC-EDOM (Radio Hypnotic Intracerebral Control) and Electronic Dissolution of Memory. The article also touches upon the work of researchers like Dr David Jacobs and John Mack, and the controversial claims of individuals like Timothy McVeigh and Lennart Lindqvist regarding mind control operations.

Picking Up the Pieces

Authored by John Harney, this section checks out the crash-retrieval myth, examining three widely reported cases: Roswell, an incident in North Wales, and the Varginha case in Brazil. Harney argues that these stories, while often compelling, tend to follow a pattern of 'crash retrieval motifs' and lack credible evidence, often being based on rumour, speculation, or hoaxes. He suggests that the myth is perpetuated by a desire for definitive proof of alien visitation and that many details are inconsistent or illogical. The article critiques the idea that military authorities would be able to maintain such a massive cover-up, especially if crashes were frequent. It also highlights the role of ufologists in constructing and reinforcing these narratives.

The Machine in the Ghost

John Rimmer explores the realms of poltergeists and time travel. This section appears to be a review or discussion of new titles from authors like Jacques Vallée, Peter Brookesmith, and Nick Pope. The content suggests an examination of phenomena that blur the lines between the physical and the paranormal, and potentially the temporal.

MAGONIA ON LINE

An announcement is made regarding the launch of a new online archive for Magonia and its predecessor, MUFOB. This digital archive is intended to provide an electronic repository for over 25 years of material, including articles, letters, and reviews, accessible via the internet.

Northern Echoes

This section, likely an editorial or commentary, discusses a recent TV documentary on the 'Cutting Edge' series that highlighted the blurring boundaries between 'conventional' hypnotic regression and New-Age therapies. It criticizes therapists who allegedly persuade patients of past-life traumas or Satanic cult involvement, citing the example of an organization called Genesis. The piece draws parallels to historical 'hate sessions' and the chilling implications of such practices, referencing rumours of child sacrifice and Satanic rituals in Kenya. It also touches upon the political motivations behind some accusations and the potential for therapists to encourage aggression towards perceived enemies.

Mr Hutchinson's Amazing Machine

John Rimmer recounts an experience at a Magonia Readers' Group meeting where a video of physicist John Hutchinson's 'electromagnetic equipment' was shown. The video allegedly demonstrated 'poltergeist' effects, such as a metal rod breaking and objects levitating. However, the author expresses skepticism, suggesting that the effects could be achieved through simpler means, such as magnets and manipulated objects, and that the presentation was poorly edited, undermining its credibility.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Magonia consistently explores the intersection of technology, belief, and the unexplained. There is a strong undercurrent of skepticism towards sensational claims, particularly in the UFO crash retrieval and mind control articles, which seek rational explanations or highlight the construction of myths. The magazine appears to champion critical analysis and a questioning approach to phenomena that challenge conventional understanding. The editorial stance seems to be one of intellectual rigor, encouraging readers to look beyond the surface and consider the psychological, social, and technological factors that shape our perceptions of the unusual. The launch of the online archive signifies a commitment to preserving and making accessible the history of ufology and related fields for further study and debate.

MAGONIA 58 is an issue of the Magonia magazine, a publication focused on ufology, paranormal phenomena, and skeptical inquiry. This issue, dated 1997, features a cover story about Tony Bassett's "poltergeist machine" and includes a variety of articles, letters, and book reviews.

Cover Story: Tony Bassett's 'Poltergeist Machine'

The cover story details an event featuring Tony Bassett and his device, which he claimed could produce out-of-body experiences and enable time travel. Bassett, described as a 'self-made engineer,' presented a black box device. However, a planned demonstration was cancelled by BUFORA (the British UFO Research Association) due to insurance concerns, preventing any legal action should something go wrong. Bassett did briefly turn on the machine, producing a buzzing noise, but the full demonstration was not permitted. The article notes Bassett's claim that the machine was made from "all sorts of electrical parts" and included parts from an "American Lightning fighter aircraft." It also mentions that the device was purported to cure illnesses, but legal reasons prevented anyone from trying it for personal ailments.

Letters to the Editor

Several letters address various topics:

• Gareth J Medway writes about the mysterious disappearance of text from articles submitted to Magonia, humorously suggesting alien abduction or editorial suppression. He also mentions his book reviews.
• Christopher Allan analyzes the Gill CE3 case, arguing that astronomical objects like Venus and Mars likely explain most sightings. He questions why no one attempted to photograph the alleged UFO and notes that Father Gill himself admitted some sightings could be planets or stars. Allan also points out that Mars was only 4 degrees below Venus on June 26, suggesting a possible misidentification.
• Dr Jean Monro responds to a review of her book, defending her work on electromagnetic pollution and challenging the reviewer's dismissal of her approach as "chaotic pot-pourri of science, speculative science and downright pseudo-science." She provides testimonials from academics like Dr. Jacques Vallée and Professor Kenneth Ring, who praise her work.
• Matthew J. Graeber writes in defense of Margaret Buckingham's question about why 'covert-minded aliens' return abductees with their underwear askew. He humorously suggests this might be due to the greys having a sense of humor and even engaging in 'cross-dressing forays.'

Book Reviews

The issue features numerous book reviews:

• Whitley Strieber's 'Breakthrough: the next step' is reviewed by John Rimmer. The reviewer finds Strieber's language inflated and lacking content, noting the 'dead among the fairies' motif and Strieber's post-secularist claims about consciousness transcending physical reality. The review also touches on conspiracy theories and the Cydonia face.
• Jacques Vallée and Tracy Torme's 'Fastwalker' is reviewed by Mark Pilkington. Described as a novelization of Vallée's film script, it's seen as an intelligent and cynical take on UFOs, government involvement, and the belief system surrounding them. The reviewer notes that the book suggests most UFO encounters are holographic illusions and abductions are mind control experiments.
• 'The Near-Death Experience: a reader' edited by Lee Bailey and Jenny Yates is reviewed by John Rimmer. This collection of pieces includes contributions from both believers and skeptics. The reviewer finds some chapters to be 'overblown Californian mystic babble' and notes that the book suffers from repetition. It also discusses George Ritchie's NDE account.
• F. David Peat's 'Blackfoot Physics: a journey into the Native American universe' is reviewed by John Rimmer. The reviewer criticizes Peat's romanticized view of Native American culture and his tendency to devalue modern science. The review also touches on the limits of relativism and the dangers of constructing notions like 'indigenous science.'
• Andrew Collins' 'From the Ashes of Angels' is reviewed by Gareth Medway. The reviewer notes that Collins supposes legends about Angels refer to his forgotten race and that the book explores ancient myths. It's suggested that while the book may not contain magical battles, it offers a useful guided tour through ancient myths.
• Damian Thompson's 'The End of Time: faith and fear in the shadow of the millenium' is reviewed by Gareth Medway. The study traces the development of the millennial theme from biblical roots to contemporary manifestations, linking it to times of stress and uncertainty. The review notes Thompson's discussion of apocalyptic fears and modern secular religions.
• R. C. Finucane's 'Appearances of the Dead: a cultural history of ghosts' is reviewed by Gareth Medway. The reviewer praises the book for its scholarly approach to ghost stories, noting its history from Roman times onwards and the evolution of ghost portrayals. It suggests that while the elite's interest in witchcraft waned, popular beliefs persisted.
• Nick Pope's 'Open Skies, Closed Minds' is reviewed by John Harney. The reviewer is critical of the book, finding it lacking in revelations about UFOs over Britain and generally credulous. Pope's treatment of the Rendlesham Forest affair is questioned, and the reviewer suggests that many of the reports described triangular objects or lights, and that police officers have radios and telephones, implying that independent sightings might not be entirely independent.
• Peter Brookesmith's 'UFO: the Government Files' is reviewed by Gareth Medway. The reviewer praises the book as a concise and well-rounded history of American ufology, presenting a balanced perspective that avoids both credulous belief and sneering skepticism. It offers a revisionist account of the Condon Enquiry and a demolition of the Roswell legend.
• David Clarke and Andy Roberts' 'Twilight of the Celtic Gods' is reviewed by Gareth Medway. The authors focus on authentic survivals of Pagan Celtic belief and custom, distinguishing them from neo-Pagan revivals. The review notes the difficulty in proving the antiquity of customs and suggests that modern Pagans are mostly displaced intellectuals.
• Paul Edwards' 'Reincarnation: a critical examination' is reviewed by Gareth Medway. This is described as a major, skeptical critique of reincarnation claims, including near-death experiences and hypnotic regression. The reviewer notes Edwards' attack on the idea of Karma and his demolition of the astral body concept.
• James Sharpe's 'Instruments of Darkness: Witchcraft in England 1550 - 1750' is reviewed by Gareth Medway. This study revises the notion of substantial differences between English and Continental witchcraft beliefs and challenges the idea that these beliefs retreated before science. It suggests that while elite support for witchcraft waned, popular beliefs persisted.
• Kevin McClure's 'The Fortean Times Book of the Millennium' is reviewed by John Rimmer. The book is presented as a guide to millennial ideas, covering biblical prophecies, other Christian millenarian prophecies, and the Native American 'Ghost Dance' movement. The reviewer notes McClure's skeptical but not dismissive approach.
• Jenny Randles and Peter Hough's 'Life After Death and the World Beyond' is reviewed by John Rimmer. The book investigates alleged communications from the dead and descriptions of the afterlife received through mediums. The reviewer indicates skepticism, viewing afterlife narratives as examples of Utopian hopes and suggesting they reveal more about the credulity and imagination of society than about the afterlife itself.

Blandford Forum: Celtic Titles

This section reviews several books on Celtic themes published by Blandford:

• 'Myths of the Middle Ages' edited by John Matthews is a reprint of twelve stories from Sabine Baring-Gould's 'Curious Myths.'
• 'Celtic Myth and Legend' by Mike Dixon Kennedy is an alphabetical encyclopedia of Celtic personalities and places, described as concise but possibly too brief for serious students.
• 'Celtic Connections' by David James and Simon Bostock is a colorful illustrated history of Celtic Europe, dealing with artifacts, crafts, peoples, and religions.
• 'Celtic Bards, Celtic Druids' by R. J. Stewart and Robin Williamson is a collection of poems, stories, and songs, with illustrations.
• 'Gods and Goddesses' by Elizabeth Hollam is described as a 'Yellow-Pages' of world mythologies, providing brief descriptions of gods related to various topics.

Hold the Back Page

This section contains several short items:

• Grovelling Apologies: An apology to Gareth Medway for missing text in a previous issue.
• Financial Times: Discusses the large advances given to authors of UFO books, including Nick Pope, Nick Redfern, and Tim Good, highlighting the financial investment in the genre.
• Pet Obsessions: Reports on the resurgence of urban legends and moral panics, including the Satanic ritual abuse scare and phantom health visitors. It also mentions reports of pet-nappers in London.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Magonia include the critical examination of UFO sightings and abduction claims, the analysis of paranormal phenomena through a skeptical lens, and the review of books that explore these topics. The magazine consistently questions sensationalist claims and encourages readers to approach paranormal accounts with a discerning and evidence-based mindset. There is a strong emphasis on debunking or providing rational explanations for alleged paranormal events, while also acknowledging the cultural and psychological factors that contribute to belief systems. The editorial stance appears to be one of informed skepticism, seeking to understand the 'why' behind beliefs and reports rather than simply accepting them at face value. The magazine also engages with the financial and publishing aspects of the paranormal field, as seen in the 'Financial Times' section. The reviews are generally thorough and critical, offering detailed analyses of the books' content and arguments.