Magonia - No 61 - 1997 11

Magazine Overview

MAGONIA 61, dated November 1997, is an issue dedicated to interpreting contemporary vision and belief, with a cover price of £1.25. The issue features articles on the Rendlesham Forest incident, the early days of ufology, and a memorial essay competition.

The Roger Sandell Memorial Competition

This issue announces the Roger Sandell Memorial Competition, offering a £100 prize for an essay on the theme "interpreting contemporary vision and belief." The competition aims to reflect Roger Sandell's contributions to Magonia. Suggested topics include contemporary beliefs about Satanism, fringe political influences in ufology, moral panics and the media, the historical context of contemporary beliefs, and the treatment of anomalous experiences. Entries must be original, unpublished works between 4,000 and 5,000 words, submitted by March 31st, 1998. Judging will be by John Rimmer, John Harney, and Kevin McClure. The winning entry will be published in a future issue.

Jenny Randles Revisits Rendlesham

Jenny Randles critically examines Larry Warren's account of the Rendlesham Forest incident, as presented in his book "Left at East Gate." Randles notes that Warren's claims, initially made in 1983, align with earlier anecdotal accounts she received from witnesses like "Steve Roberts" and from the RAF Watton radar intelligence. However, she highlights discrepancies and challenges Warren's narrative, particularly his assertion that Brigadier General Gordon Williams was present and communicated with aliens via sign language. Randles contrasts Warren's sensational account with the testimonies of key witnesses like John Burroughs and Colonel Halt, who deny the presence of aliens and describe a less extraordinary event. She questions Warren's motives and the accuracy of his book, pointing out its omission of her own earlier publications on the case and its alleged misrepresentation of facts. Randles expresses concern that Warren's book, while perhaps entertaining, may not benefit the field of ufology due to its sensationalism and potential for misdirection. She also refutes claims that her own theory of a nuclear accident cover-up was linked to CND or that she was influenced by anti-nuclear activists.

Spys and Mystics in the Early Days of Ufology

David Sivier's article, "Crashed Cups; an interim response to Peter Brookesmith," explores the intersection of ufology with religion and belief systems. Sivier critiques Peter Brookesmith's analysis of the "American religion" and its connection to the saucer mythos. Sivier argues that Brookesmith's focus on Semitic religions and his attack on Christianity are flawed, and that the concept of an "American religion" is too simplistic given the diverse cultural influences in the United States. He discusses how various religious and spiritual traditions, including those from Europe, Africa, and Asia, have influenced or been influenced by ufological beliefs. Sivier also examines the psychological and cultural factors that lead people to interpret anomalous phenomena through the lens of their existing belief systems, suggesting that ufology can be seen as a modern manifestation of ancient myths and spiritual quests. He touches upon the idea of 'Greys' and other alien types, linking them to folkloric figures and archetypes, and discusses the potential for disinformation in the field.

Other Content

The issue also includes contact details for the magazine's staff, subscription information, and a note about copyright. The cover itself highlights the Ministry of Defence's prohibition of entry into certain areas, hinting at themes of secrecy and official investigation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of UFO evidence, the role of witness testimony, the potential for disinformation, and the complex relationship between ufology, belief systems, and contemporary culture. The editorial stance appears to be one of rigorous investigation and skepticism towards sensational claims, while remaining open to exploring the deeper cultural and psychological dimensions of anomalous phenomena. The magazine encourages readers to engage critically with the material presented and to consider multiple perspectives. The inclusion of the Roger Sandell Memorial Competition underscores the magazine's commitment to fostering thoughtful discourse within the field.

This issue of Magonia, number 60, from Autumn 1972, is a substantial publication focusing on a diverse range of topics within the realm of ufology, Forteana, and the unexplained. The magazine features in-depth articles, book reviews, and commentary, reflecting a critical and often skeptical approach to paranormal claims.

Early British UFO Literature

The issue highlights the often-overlooked early contributions to UFO literature in Britain. Peter Rogerson's introduction to his INTCAT catalogue of 'Type I' reports is featured, meticulously documenting UFO accounts. The magazine also delves into the lives and works of two early British UFO writers: Bernard Newman, author of the fictional 'The Flying Saucer' (1948), and Gerald Heard, whose 'The Riddle of the Flying Saucers' (1950) explored various UFO theories, including the idea of giant bees from Mars piloting the craft. Both authors, despite their early involvement, have largely been forgotten.

Hysteria and Modern Culture

Elaine Showalter's book 'Hysteries: Hysterical Epidemics and Modern Culture' is reviewed, drawing parallels between historical hysterical epidemics and contemporary phenomena such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Gulf War Syndrome, multiple personality disorder, Satanic abuse memories, and alien abductions. Showalter argues that these are socially constructed mimetic illnesses, reflecting a pervasive paranoid mood and a need for control in an uncontrolled world. The review suggests that these syndromes offer a 'parachute out of the rat race' and can serve as a form of political protest in a medicalized society.

The Roswell Incident

Several books on the Roswell incident are reviewed, including works by Tim Shawcross, Kal Korff, and Michael Hosseman & Philip Mantle. Kal Korff's book is particularly praised for its thorough reinvestigation, concluding that the Roswell debris was from a Project Mogul balloon, thereby rendering many other speculative books redundant. The reviews express skepticism towards the 'alien autopsy' film and the more elaborate conspiracy theories surrounding Roswell.

Remote Viewing and MIB

Jim Schnabel's book 'Remote Viewers: The Secret History of America's Psychic Spies' is discussed, examining the US military's use of remote viewers. While Schnabel appears less skeptical than in previous works, the review notes the potential for self-delusion and the influence of 'active imagination.' The phenomenon of 'Men in Black' (MIB) is also explored in Jenny Randles' book, which posits that MIB might be government agents using eccentric behavior to discredit UFO witnesses.

Other Topics and Reviews

The issue also includes reviews of books on the occult in Russian culture, the search for the phantom planet Vulcan, and experiences with departed loved ones. A piece on the 'Cat and Mousehole Game' discusses a local phenomenon in Cornwall related to a children's book. The 'Cult of Diana' section reflects on the public grief following Princess Diana's death and its potential cult-like aspects. The 'Hold the Back Page' section offers brief commentaries on various items, including a San Marino postage stamp with a Magonia-like ship.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Throughout the issue, there is a consistent emphasis on critical analysis and a healthy skepticism towards extraordinary claims. The magazine appears to favor evidence-based research and historical context, often dissecting sensationalist narratives. Themes of conspiracy, hidden knowledge, and the psychological underpinnings of belief systems are recurrent. The editorial stance seems to be one of intellectual rigor, encouraging readers to question and critically evaluate paranormal phenomena, while acknowledging the enduring fascination with these topics.