Magonia - No 59 - 1997 04

Magazine Overview

MAGONIA 59, published in April 1997, is an issue dedicated to interpreting contemporary vision and belief, with a cover price of £1.25. The issue's main headlines focus on 'blowing the whistle' on what it terms 'dangerous abduction fantasies,' 'the return of the Satan hunters,' and 'the Majical History Tour.' It also highlights 'books extra,' including a review of 'Probably the Best UFO Book in the World' and an assessment of the best and worst of the latest titles.

Editorial: Blowing the Whistle on UFO Mythology

The editorial, written by John Rimmer, critiques the field of ufology, arguing that the concept of a 'UFO' is merely something seen in the sky that is not easily identified. It traces the origins of UFO mythology in the USA following Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting, noting how stories of radar confirmations, government cover-ups, the extraterrestrial hypothesis (ETH), paranormal events, and captured aliens became established. The editorial points out that alien abductions, exemplified by the Betty and Barney Hill case, developed later. It criticizes Donald Keyhoe's early writings for lending spurious respectability to the ETH and highlights the sensationalism surrounding these accounts, despite warnings from psychiatrists about the limitations of hypnosis.

The editorial questions the plausibility of the ETH, suggesting that if alien spacecraft were common, they would be widely accepted. It attributes the lack of acceptance to government cover-ups. It then explores a more complex idea: that aliens are in league with governments, or that many aliens look like humans, leading to the possibility that 'we are all aliens.' The piece also critiques skeptical approaches to UFO reports, suggesting they often suffer from their own obsessions and fixed ideas, such as the need to find an explanation for every report or the belief that all UFO reports share a single explanation.

Peter Rogerson's Northern Echoes: The Limits of Human Consciousness

Peter Rogerson's piece discusses the implications of Williams Syndrome, a genetic condition that affects consciousness and language. He recounts Oliver Sachs's observations of individuals with Williams Syndrome who use language in a unique way, conveying 'presence in the world' rather than abstract physical quantity. Rogerson uses this to argue against the idea that alien consciousness would necessarily be similar to human consciousness. He posits that if a small genetic change can lead to such profound shifts in consciousness (e.g., affecting the development of mathematics), then it is unlikely that aliens with vastly different evolutionary histories would share our aims or consciousness. He suggests that differences in brain wiring might explain why 'believers' and 'sceptics' perceive the world so differently.

John Harney: He Can Remember It For You, Wholesale

John Harney's article critically examines Budd Hopkins's book, 'Witnessed: The True Story of the Brooklyn Bridge UFO Abductions.' Harney expresses concern about the direction of the abduction phenomenon and the serious way it is treated by some ufologists. He acknowledges that people do have subjective experiences that seem like abductions and should be heard sympathetically. However, he strongly criticizes Hopkins's insistence that these are literal abductions by real aliens.

Harney focuses on two central issues: Hopkins's assertion that Linda Cortile's abduction was physically real and witnessed, and the methods Hopkins used to elicit 'memories' from abductees. He questions the timing of the letter from alleged witnesses Richard and Don, which was postmarked 14 months after the event they claimed to have witnessed. Harney details Linda Cortile's account of her alleged abduction, noting how her story evolved under hypnosis and questioning the role of priming by Hopkins and his associates. He also discusses the case of Dr. Arthur Guirdham and his patients who recalled past lives, drawing a parallel to the idea of recovered memories.

Harney criticizes Hopkins for not considering alternative explanations for Linda's experiences, such as sleep disturbances or psychological issues. He highlights the case of Linda's son Johnny, whose 'memories' of being abducted by Greys and meeting an imaginary sister were elicited by Hopkins. Harney argues that this approach is harmful to children, contrasting it with how parents typically comfort children experiencing nightmares. He concludes that the abduction phenomenon, like other activities, is 'definitely unsuitable for children,' and urges ufologists to spread this message. He also criticizes the uncritical interviews given to abduction researchers in some UFO journals.

Basil Humphreys: It Never Rains But It Pours

Basil Humphreys reports on the activities of 'Satanism hunters,' noting that despite the absence of high-profile cases like Rochdale or Orkney, they remain active. He discusses a RAINS (Ritual Abuse Information Network and Support) conference attended by professional carers, vicars, and survivors. The conference focused on 'Ritual Abuse' and 'Multiple Personality Disorder,' with speakers like Catherine Gould and Valerie Sinason. Humphreys highlights the difficulty in verifying claims, citing cases where police searches found no evidence, and the tendency to attribute failures to conspiracies or mind control by 'them' (presumably Satanists).

He notes the emphasis on 'Multiple Personality Disorder' as a condition deliberately induced by cults for mind control. Humphreys also points out the use of 'Worry Dolls' as supposed evidence of Satanic threats. He mentions recent news items about the debate over 'Satanic' abuse and 'False Memory Syndrome,' including guidelines issued by the British Association of Counselling warning about the dangers of creating false memories. The article touches upon the 'traveller' family case in Ayrshire and the concerns raised by John Harney and Kevin McClure about involving children in abduction stories.

Letters

The letters section features correspondence from Margaret Buckingham and Albert Budden.

Margaret Buckingham responds to Matthew J. Graeber, defending her belief in the existence of Greys and their abductions, and questioning his skepticism. She argues that the case for aliens is proven as long as even one part of the mystery remains inexplicable. She also defends the idea that abductees are sometimes given strange attire, suggesting it could be due to the Greys' lack of importance placed on human dress, their incompetence, or a form of alien attention-seeking.

Albert Budden writes to John Rimmer, criticizing Rimmer's article on the 'Hutchison Effect.' Budden claims Rimmer has taken a naive view and that numerous engineers and scientists have explored Hutchison's work and found the effects to be real. He states that Rimmer's article, despite being critical, has provided valuable publicity for his presentation of the Hutchison Effect. Budden also criticizes Rimmer's personal attacks and 'bitchy and biased articles,' questioning his emotional stability and contribution to the field beyond criticism. He mentions an upcoming Channel Four documentary and his third book, 'Electric Skies.'

25 Years Ago

This section reflects on past issues of Magonia and its predecessor, MUFOB. It mentions a debate between Peter Rogerson and Alan Sharp regarding psychological theories of UFOs, and quotes Arthur Shuttlewood's invective-laden phrases used in past issues. It also notes the magazine's change in format to A4 and a period of declining interest in ufology.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Magonia adopts a critical and skeptical stance towards sensationalized aspects of ufology, particularly alien abductions and the claims surrounding Satanic Ritual Abuse. The editorial and articles by Harney and Rogerson challenge the literal interpretation of abduction accounts, highlighting the role of psychological factors, suggestion, and the potential for misinterpretation. The magazine emphasizes the need for critical thinking and scientific rigor, warning against the uncritical acceptance of extraordinary claims, especially when they involve children. The letters section reveals ongoing debates within the ufology community, with differing views on the validity of phenomena like the Hutchison Effect and the nature of abduction experiences.

MAGONIA 59 is an issue of the magazine focusing on reviews of books related to the unexplained, paranormal, ufology, and Forteana. The issue is dated 1996 and features a "REVIEWS" headline on the cover, along with a stylized illustration.

Book Reviews

The Unexplained: an illustrated guide to the world's natural and paranormal mysteries by Karl Shuker

Reviewed by Peter Rogerson, this book is described as a cryptozoology guide with added mysteries. While some areas are well-treated, others are superficial. Shuker attempts to annex UFOs by invoking Trevor Constable's ideas. The reviewer notes Shuker's shift towards the paranormal and questions the face value of his speculation, appreciating the book's visual appeal but criticizing the complex background printing.

Alien Impact by Michael Craft

Subtitled "a comprehensive look at the evidence of human / alien contact," this book is placed within the tradition of John Keel's work. Craft traces notions of alien interaction through folklore and popular culture, showing wider reading than many ufologists. The review notes the book's context of abductions and crashed saucers, and its discussion of Qoballa, chaos magic, H.P. Lovecraft, and science fiction. Cultural differences are noted, with the author's involvement in 'consciousness raising' events and references to Terrence McKenna. The reviewer finds it unclear where reportage ends and belief begins but recommends it as an alternative look at modern visions and beliefs.

Psychic Warrior: the true story of the CIA's paranormal espionage by David Moorehouse

This book is reviewed by Peter Rogerson, who states it is not about the CIA's paranormal espionage but rather the author's account of being enrolled in a 'remote viewing' team after military injury. The author claims to have discovered American servicemen infected by chemical weapons from Saddam Hussein's actions. The reviewer is not persuaded by the story, finding it too stagey and implausible, and likens it to an X-Files episode. He dismisses the CIA's involvement in remote viewing experiments as 'barmpot schemes'.

Sects, Cults and Alternative Religions: a world survey and handbook by David V Barrett

Reviewed by Peter Rogerson, this book is an informed survey that attempts to balance condemnation of 'cult watchers' with the views of apologists. The reviewer notes some lack of clarity in defining 'alternative' and suggests omissions like political cults. Sections on esoteric and neo-Pagan movements, including the Aetherius Society and the Raelians, are highlighted, as is the discussion of the Satanic abuse controversy, reaching similar conclusions to Magonia.

The Field Guide to Extraterrestrials by Patrick Huyghe

Reviewed by Peter Rogerson, this book is described as an interesting, if not entirely serious, guide to UFO occupants, styled after Nancy Arrowsmith's "Field Guide to the Little People." It features illustrations of 49 occupant varieties and case details, showing a diversity beyond classic 'greys.' Huyghe categorizes them as human, humanoid, amphibian, robotic, etc. The reviewer adds details to the Saltwood 'mothman' incident, noting variations in witness descriptions and a long-forgotten investigation by Charles Strickland.

Operation Trojan Horse by John A Keel

This is a new edition of Keel's work, which the reviewer considers to have been mind-blowing in its time. The review questions whether Keel believed in 'elementals' or saw them as metaphors for psychological issues. It notes that while pioneering works like Keel's are products of their time, they blew off cobwebs in ufology. The reviewer highlights Keel's preface to the new edition, stating that in this "shell-shocked century we are not confronting some splendid extraterrestrial civilisation, we are facing ourselves."

Glimpses of Heaven: the near-death experience by Molly Cox-Chapman

Reviewed by Peter Rogerson, this book is a collection of NDE narratives that aim to describe 'what heaven is like.' The reviewer notes the absence of critical analysis and suggests that NDE stories are becoming more complex and desecularized, incorporating religious imagery. He posits that these are 'near-death memories' and works of art assembled from various fragments, forming a type of modern folklore. A specific account of a red shoe on a hospital roof is presented as a potentially mutilated version of a known tale, illustrating the fluid nature of such narratives.

The X-Files Book of the Unexplained, Vol II by Jane Goldman

This book is described as a sane, balanced introduction to the Fortean/paranormal field, woven around X-Files scripts. It covers topics like freaks, conspiracy theories, urban legends, mass hysteria, and abductions. The reviewer notes it is not always easy to read due to printing style but recommends it for X-Files fans looking to expand their knowledge.

The Physics of Angels: exploring the realm where science and spirit meet by Matthew Fox and Rupert Sheldrake

Reviewed by Peter Rogerson, this book is a literal attempt to interpret angels through modern science, drawing on Aquinas, Hildegard of Bingen, and Dionysius the Areopagite. The reviewer criticizes the authors' apparent dislike for science and scientists, noting familiar rants about 'mechanistic' and 'materialistic' science. He finds the book marred by the authors' concessions to modern interpretations of medieval ideas.

Incredible Tales of the Paranormal: documented accounts of poltergeists, levitations, phantoms & other phenomena edited by Alexander Imich

This book is reviewed by Peter Rogerson, focusing on physical mediumship with accounts of various mediums. The reviewer states that if even a fraction of the claims were true, our understanding of the world would be wrong, placing it in a different category from most paranormal claims. He notes that the book would collapse science if its claims were substantiated.

Countdown to Armageddon: Louis Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam by Mathias Gardell

This academic study is reviewed by Peter Rogerson, focusing on the portrayal of Farrakhan as a UFO contactee within the Nation of Islam's theology. Flying saucers are described as baby planes carrying God's messengers, originating from a 'Mother Plane.' Farrakhan claims to have visited this Mother Plane in a vision in Tepotzlan, Mexico, where he received a commission to lead his people. The reviewer notes the ideology's borrowings from Mormonism and Theosophy, and its irony in being anti-Western despite owing more to European occultism and pseudoscience than Islam.

The Paranormal Sourcebook: the comprehensive guide to strange phenomena worldwide by Jenny Randles

Reviewed by Peter Rogerson, this book is a round-up of Fortean and paranormal phenomena with brief histories and current examples. While the material is reasonably presented with useful advice, the reviewer finds it not 'comprehensive.' He notes that while Randles does well in her bibliography of cryptozoology and mediumship, the book lacks a bibliography for other areas.

Top Secret/MAJIC by Stanton T. Friedman

Reviewed by Christopher Allen, this book is described as the extraordinary detective story of Stanton T. Friedman's quest to resolve the question of the MJ-12 papers. Friedman, a nuclear physicist, is presented as a dedicated proponent of the government conspiracy thesis. The reviewer argues that Friedman has done exhaustive research but that his pro-MJ-12 arguments are refutable. He suggests that Friedman may have been misled by the forger of the MJ-12 documents and criticizes his selective use of evidence, particularly regarding Donald Menzel and General Twining.

Experiences Near Death: beyond medicine and religion by Allan Kellehear

Reviewed by Peter Rogerson, this book is an addition to NDE literature exploring socio-cultural perspectives. Kellehear argues that physiological and literalist interpretations of NDEs fail to consider the socio-cultural context. He critiques models like Susan Blackmore's, noting the tunnel motif's Western cultural origin. The reviewer suggests NDE images reflect aspirations for an ordered, utopian society, but cautions that these images have a long history reflecting reformers' ideals.

Critical Reflections on the Paranormal edited by Michael Stoeber and Hugo Meynell

This collection of eight papers by theologians and philosophers is reviewed by Peter Rogerson. Despite the title, most contributors are strong proponents of survival after bodily death. The reviewer notes the contributions feel old-fashioned and detect a mixture of intellectual and social snobbery characteristic of psychical research.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The reviews collectively cover a wide range of paranormal and unexplained phenomena, including cryptozoology, UFOs, alleged government cover-ups (MJ-12), near-death experiences, cults, and physical mediumship. There is a consistent critical approach, particularly from reviewers like Peter Rogerson and Christopher Allen, who question the evidence, methodology, and interpretations presented in the reviewed books. The magazine appears to maintain a skeptical but open-minded stance, encouraging readers to critically evaluate claims while acknowledging the enduring interest in these subjects. The recurring theme of distinguishing between genuine phenomena, psychological factors, and potential hoaxes or disinformation is evident throughout the reviews. The issue also touches upon the historical context of these subjects and their place within popular culture and folklore.

Hold the Back Page

Satanism in the Suburbs

This section discusses Jasper Moskelyn's 1936 autobiography, "White Magic," which provides a historical perspective on contemporary Satanism stories. Moskelyn recounts joining a sect of 'devil worshippers' and witnessing a Witches Sabbath and a Black Mass. The reviewer notes a parallel to recent Satanic panics and the potential for such dabbling to lead to madness or worse, citing a detective's statement about devil-worship being responsible for crimes against children.

Verbal Abuse

This brief section mentions reports of children's toys with computerized voices spouting obscene or threatening language, suggesting a potential new panic in the making, possibly leading to Satanic messages.

Separated at Birth

This feature, curated by Magonia's cyber-editor Mark Pilkington, presents a visual comparison between an object from a 1939 Flash Gordon comic strip and an object reported from the Canary Islands in June 1976, suggesting a possible resemblance.

FAQ

What is the main focus of Karl Shuker's book 'The Unexplained'?

Karl Shuker's book 'The Unexplained' is a regional analysis that serves as a cryptozoology guide, incorporating other mysteries and UFOs, presented in a visually attractive format.

What is the central argument of Allan Kellehear's 'Experiences Near Death'?

Allan Kellehear argues that both reductive physiological and literalist interpretations of NDEs fail to account for the socio-cultural background and meaning of the narratives, suggesting NDE images reflect aspirations for an ordered, ideal, utopian society.

What is Stanton T. Friedman's main thesis in 'Top Secret/MAJIC'?

Stanton T. Friedman's book 'Top Secret/MAJIC' defends the government conspiracy thesis regarding UFOs and is an in-depth investigation into the Majestic-12 (MJ-12) papers, which he believes are genuine.

What is the significance of the Nation of Islam's beliefs regarding UFOs, as discussed in Mathias Gardell's book?

Mathias Gardell's book highlights the Nation of Islam's theology, which portrays flying saucers as baby planes carrying messengers of God, originating from a giant mother ship, a concept that is presented as a revelation of how radically un-Islamic it is.