Magonia - No 66 - 1999 03

Magazine Overview

Title: MAGONIA
Issue: 66 (incorporating MUFOB 115)
Date: March 1999
Price: £1.25

This issue of Magonia, subtitled 'INTERPRETING CONTEMPORARY VISION AND BELIEF', features a striking cover illustration depicting a demon figure associated with 'CLASS WAR!' and 'SMASH THE SYSTEM', reflecting the lead article on 'SATANISM AND CLASS CONFLICT'. The magazine includes articles by David Sivier, Peter Rogerson, Mark McCann, and Gareth Medway, alongside announcements for an essay competition.

Editorial: Virtual Banality Revisited

Editor John Rimmer discusses the concept of 'virtual experience', drawing parallels between a subscriber's experience with Disney money and a previous account from 'Val of Beckenham'. Rimmer highlights how these experiences, though mundane in their 'physical evidence' (souvenir banknotes or a concrete driveway), feel intensely real to the experiencer. He contrasts these with more extraordinary accounts like UFO abductions or ghost sightings, suggesting that the banality of the 'virtual experience' makes it difficult for individuals to accept it as merely a dream, especially if it involves familiar figures like deceased relatives.

War Amongst the Angels: Satanism Scare as a Function of Class Conflict

David Sivier's article explores the social dimensions of the Satanism scare, arguing that it is deeply intertwined with class antagonism. Sivier posits that the stereotypical Satanist, according to rumour and professionals, belongs to either the working class (drawn to occultism through music) or the wealthy elite (using their power to corrupt society). He notes that while victims can come from any social class, the image of the Satanist is often polarized. The article links these fears to historical biblical attitudes towards the state and the wealthy, and discusses how modern movements like Evangelicalism often view Satan as a concrete entity and denounce big business, trade unions, and socialism as part of Satan's dominion. Sivier also touches upon the historical parallels with anti-Semitism and fears surrounding Freemasonry, suggesting that economic crises and social anxieties fuel the need for scapegoats.

It is problematic as to the extent the European witch movements represented popular peasant traditions and how far they were creations of the witch-finders' own fantasies

This article examines the complex relationship between European witch movements and popular traditions. It notes that modern witches often distance themselves from Satanists, viewing themselves as survivors of pre-Christian religions. The author questions the extent to which historical witch movements were genuine folk traditions versus constructs of witch-finders. The piece highlights the aristocratic occultism of the fin de siècle Decadence movement, where figures like Joris-Karel Huymans explored Satanic themes. It draws a parallel between the social elevation of the Satanist from impoverished crone to wealthy aristocrat and the transformation of the vampire from a peasant corpse to an aristocratic figure in literature, suggesting these images appealed to a decadent, aristocratic milieu.

Evangelicals are far more likely to view Satan as a concrete, tangible being, in contrast to more mainstream Christians

This section delves into the American dimension of the Satanism scare, emphasizing the role of Evangelicals. It states that Evangelicals tend to perceive Satan as a tangible entity, unlike mainstream Christians who might see 'Auld Clootie' as a metaphor. The article notes the influence of American-produced materials like Chick Publications comics. It highlights the conservative political beliefs of American Evangelicals, often rooted in an agrarian, 17th-century worldview, which fosters hostility towards big business and secular ideologies like socialism. The piece suggests that this worldview, combined with economic hardship and urban decay, contributes to the search for scapegoats, with Satanism being a prominent one, particularly among the urban poor.

Other rumours include the belief that Marlboro cigarettes are involved in the Ku Klux Klan and that McDonalds supports the IRA

This section, continuing the theme of conspiracy theories and distrust of large organizations, discusses how rumours about companies like Proctor and Gamble, Marlboro, and McDonalds have emerged. These rumors often link companies to groups like the Ku Klux Klan or political entities like the IRA. The article traces the historical roots of such suspicions back to medieval anti-Semitism and 19th-century panics about Freemasonry, noting how economic crises and social anxieties can lead to the formation of scapegoats and conspiracy narratives.

The case of the Warrington Hummadruz

This article by Peter Rogerson investigates the phenomenon of a mysterious humming noise, dubbed the 'hummadruz', reported in the Penketh and Great Sankey areas of Warrington. The sound, described as a high-pitched, pulsating drone, was primarily heard by women, with environmental health officers unable to identify its source. Rogerson notes that similar hums have been reported in various locations and times, including Manchester in 1878, and draws parallels to historical accounts of unexplained aerial phenomena and even Gilbert White's description of a 'loud humming as of bees in the air'. The article suggests that explanations range from industrial sounds to more esoteric theories.

Strange and Wonderfull Newes

Authored by Gareth J Medway and Mark McCann, this article revisits historical accounts of phenomena that predate the term 'flying saucer'. It details a 1651 incident involving a Mrs Holt who witnessed strange aerial displays, including what appeared to be airborne kitchen utensils and armed figures. The article also recounts a 1646 sighting of a 'round plate' in Holland and a circa 1620 encounter with a 'bear' in a light circle. The authors emphasize that people in these earlier periods interpreted such events through their existing cultural and religious frameworks, often seeing them as divine signs or supernatural occurrences.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Magonia revolve around the intersection of belief, social structures, and unexplained phenomena. The magazine consistently explores how contemporary anxieties, particularly those related to class, economics, and social change, manifest in folklore, conspiracy theories, and interpretations of unusual events. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, seeking to understand the underlying social and psychological factors that shape these phenomena, rather than simply accepting them at face value. The focus on 'virtual experiences' and the social context of Satanism suggests an interest in the subjective reality of belief and its connection to societal pressures. The historical accounts of strange aerial phenomena and witch movements are presented to contextualize modern beliefs and anxieties, highlighting the enduring human fascination with the unexplained and the tendency to interpret it through the lens of contemporary concerns.

This issue of Magonia, dated 15, features a cover story on Charles Fort and his influence on postmodern thought, arguing that scientific works can be considered cultural texts. The magazine delves into various topics including historical sound phenomena, memory and its fallibility, UFO reports, and the intersection of science, religion, and belief.

Articles and Reviews

The 'Hummadruz' Phenomenon

The issue begins with a query from R.E. Bibby in the Manchester City News of May 18th, 1878, regarding the term 'hummadruz' and the peculiar sounds it described. Correspondents Samuel Hewitt and Arlunydd Glan Conway offered explanations, attributing the sounds to a multitude of frogs and insects, respectively. A later response from R.E. Bibby dismissed the frog theory and found the insect theory plausible but not entirely satisfactory, particularly regarding the sounds heard at all hours.

Desmond Wilcox and False Memory

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the controversy surrounding Desmond Wilcox's recollection of being a stammerer and allegedly beaten by a Jesuit headmaster. The article highlights challenges to his memory from former pupils and teachers, suggesting that his experiences might be a case of 'false memory syndrome' or 'recovered psychobabble syndrome,' where unconscious processes might fabricate memories to cope with trauma or to align with a 'victim culture.' The piece contrasts Wilcox's claims with the historical accounts of his headmaster, Geoffrey Heywood, who is described as a caring man. The article also touches upon the broader societal trend of victimhood and its implications.

Book Reviews

The magazine features several book reviews, offering critical perspectives on works related to the paranormal and ufology:

• 'Encounters with the Paranormal: science, knowledge and belief' edited by Kendrick Frazier: This review discusses articles on false memory, sleep paralysis, and remote viewing, noting CSICOP's expansion into new areas. It also highlights Evan Harrington's account of the link between anti-satanic abuse conferences and anti-Semitic conspiracy theories.
• 'Intellectual Impostures: post modern philosophers' abuse of science' by Alan Sokal and Jean Bricmont: The review critiques postmodern philosophy's relativization of science, arguing that it undermines the very basis of scientific inquiry. It uses an example from psychoanalyst Felix Guattari to illustrate the perceived pomposity and misuse of terminology.
• 'Glimpses of other Realities: Volume II, High Strangeness' by Linda Moulton Howe: This review notes Howe's shift towards 'post-secularist contactee-abductee' stories, which are seen as forming a new religion blending environmentalism, New Age beliefs, and political paranoia.
• 'The Shaman of Oberstdorf: Chonrad Stoeckhlin and the phantoms of the night' by Wolfgang Behringer: The review discusses the book's exploration of folklore related to night journeys and spectral encounters, linking them to modern abduction and near-death experience narratives. It notes Behringer's interpretation of Chonrad as a shaman and the historical persecution he faced.
• 'Summer of the Gods: the Scopes trial and America's continuing debate over science and religion' by Edward J. Larson: This review frames the Scopes trial as a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate between science and religion, and how it has become part of the ideological heritage of groups like CSICOP, which perceive science as under siege.
• 'UFOs over Africa' by Cynthia Hind: The review finds the book's collection of UFO reports from Zimbabwe and South Africa to be intriguing but lacking in concrete evidence for the 'Extraterrestrial Hypothesis' (ETH).
• 'Real life cases of the paranormal' by Collins and Brown: This review describes the book as exploring sixteen paranormal topics with a range of opinions, noting that the author's own research-based sections are stronger. It also touches on the limitations of paranormal explanations.
• 'Project Moon Dust: Beyond Roswell - exposing the government's continuing covert UFO investigations and cover ups' by Kevin D. Randle: The review suggests that Randle's book reprises known UFO cases and interprets a lack of evidence as proof of conspiracy, despite his critical faculty in other areas.
• 'Confirmation' by Whitley Strieber: The review criticizes Strieber's book for its financial motivation and lack of new insights, focusing on psychological explanations for experiences but ultimately descending into paranoia about mind control.
• 'Talking Stick Magickal Journal. Issue 1, volume 2' by Amanda Prouten and Caroline Robertson: This review praises the journal's depth of knowledge and its exploration of occult and paranormal topics from a scholarly perspective.

Other Sections

• '25 Years Ago' column: This section reflects on the history of MUFOB magazine and its editors, noting personal changes and the evolution of the publication.
• 'Animal Panics': This section discusses reports of cat mutilations and the investigation into the cause, suggesting herons and otters as the culprits.
• 'Supplementary Benefit': This announces the expansion of John Harney's Magonia ETH Bulletin into a broader supplement covering all Magonia topics, available online.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently engages with themes of skepticism versus belief, the interpretation of evidence, the influence of media and culture on perception, and the nature of memory and consciousness. There is a clear editorial stance favoring critical analysis and a cautious approach to paranormal claims, often highlighting the psychological and cultural factors that shape belief systems. The magazine appears to be critical of unsubstantiated claims and conspiracy theories, while remaining open to exploring genuine mysteries and the complexities of human experience.

Notable Quotes

• "The middle section deals with his and others' encounters with the visitors. Strieber has always vacillated between the extraterrestrial and the mystical in coming to terms with his experiences and he offers us no new insights here. He does, however, cover a few psychological bases such as stress-related disorders, false memory syndrome and other vagaries of perception." (Referring to Whitley Strieber's book 'Confirmation')

• "The Scopes trial has become part of the ideological heritage of groups like CSICOP, in which science is seen as constantly under siege by the forces of pre-modern darkness."

• "The real killings began in north London and spread around the south-east of England, with isolated incidents elsewhere."

FAQ

• Q: What is the 'hummadruz' phenomenon? A: The 'hummadruz' is a term for a continuous, low drone or humming noise, often heard on calm days, particularly in clear weather, east and south of Manchester, which some correspondents in the Manchester City News of 1878 attempted to explain.

• Q: What is the significance of the Desmond Wilcox memory controversy? A: Desmond Wilcox's claim of being beaten by a Jesuit headmaster for stammering was challenged by former pupils and teachers, raising questions about the nature of memory, victimhood, and the potential for unconscious fabrication of experiences.

• Q: How does Magonia view the relationship between science and cultural texts? A: The magazine discusses the argument that works of science, like those of Newton and Darwin, can be viewed as cultural texts, influenced by social and cultural factors, similar to literary works.

• Q: What are the main criticisms of the 'UFO community' mentioned in the magazine? A: The magazine criticizes the UFO community for a lack of historical awareness, a tendency to reinvent itself, and a reliance on untested folk beliefs, often failing to distinguish between genuine mystery and fabricated narratives.