Magonia - No 69 - 1999 12

Magazine Overview

Title: Magonia
Issue: 69
Date: December 1999
Price: £1.25

This issue of Magonia, subtitled "Interpreting Contemporary Vision and Belief," features a cover story on "The Hunting of the ZEL" by Curtis Peebles, which examines crashed aircraft as a means to understand crashed saucers. Another significant article, "Paradise of the Grey Peri" by David Sivier, explores potential Oriental influences on the abduction experience. The issue also introduces a new columnist in "The Pelican" and includes sections for Book Reviews and Letters.

Editorial Notes

The editorial reflects on the state of ufology thirty years after a previous prediction that it would split into separate disciplines. The editor observes that while 'ufology' still exists, it is no longer a coherent entity. A major division is noted between British and American ufology, with UK ufologists largely rejecting the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH) while American ufologists tend to defend it by attacking alternative explanations. A segment of American ufologists is described as narrowly defining 'UFO' to exclude phenomena not involving structured craft, focusing instead on reports from 'reliable witnesses.' This approach is seen as a way to avoid directly claiming extraterrestrial origins for sightings, using terms like 'Objectively Existing Object.' The editor likens this to the 1950s when serious ufologists tried to control the phenomenon by ignoring contactee cases. The conclusion is that ufology has indeed split into disparate fields, with proponents often failing to communicate with each other, yet still using the same forums and calling themselves 'ufologists.' The increasing reliance on internet discussions is also highlighted.

The Hunting of the ZEL: A tale of desert adventure, crashed airplanes, and a search that would never end

Curtis Peebles investigates the "Roswell Incident," concluding that it has become more mythology than historical event due to inconsistencies in accounts. He posits that a real event, the discovery of debris from a Mogul nuclear detection balloon, has been embellished. The article highlights the multiplication of claimed "crash sites" and the military's efforts to clean up debris, which Peebles argues is often incomplete. He uses the search for the crash site of a Zero Length Launcher (ZEL) program aircraft, an F-100D fighter bomber, as a test case. The ZEL program involved launching the F-100D off a flatbed truck to eliminate the need for runways.

Peebles recounts his experiences searching for the ZEL F-100 crash site in the Harper Dry Lake area. Initial searches, based on photos from a video called "Runways Of Fire," were unsuccessful, leading them to search areas west of the lakebed. They found evidence of old tire tracks but not the crash site itself. A later search on November 9, 1997, also failed to locate the site. A third search on June 27, 1998, involved Merlin, Tony Accurso, and Peebles. They coped with extreme heat and found small metal fragments, eventually locating the F-100D crash site. The aircraft had hit the ground flat, with debris concentrated in two main areas (cockpit and engine) and a circular pattern of fragments extending about 20-30 feet. The debris included plastic fragments, instrument parts, and electronic components, indicating a complex, structured object. The author notes that the Air Force does not always clean up every trace of aircraft crashes, citing examples of weather balloons and even World War II tow targets found in the desert. The ZEL F-100 crash site, with its identifiable debris, is presented as evidence that actual crash sites leave traces, contrasting with the lack of such evidence at claimed UFO crash sites.

The article also briefly mentions the crash of a prototype B-1A bomber on August 29, 1984, as an example of an aircraft crash site that became a landfill due to debris.

Peebles concludes that if an alien spaceship had crashed near Roswell, there would still be debris and other traces, which would be identifiable as not of human origin. He argues that the absence of such evidence at claimed UFO crash sites effectively eliminates them as valid.

Paradise of Grey Peris: A literary speculation on some Oriental elements in the abduction experience

David Sivier's article explores the potential connections between Oriental mystical traditions and the contemporary abduction experience, particularly the phenomenon of the "Greys." Sivier suggests that the concept of sleep paralysis and hypnopompic states, often used to explain abductions, has parallels in Oriental folklore and mystical journeys. He draws comparisons between Chinese legends of otherworldly states and Western tales of fairy realms. The article notes similarities between Close Encounters and Near Death Experiences (NDEs), particularly the idea of being sent back to Earth due to a mistake. Sivier highlights the Oriental concept of a fallible bureaucracy in the afterlife, mirroring Western joke scenarios.

The article focuses on the Greys' features, especially their eyes, and their perceived connection to spirituality and control. Sivier links this to Islamic Sufism's emphasis on the Beatific Vision and the concept of union with God, comparing it to Jacob's encounter with the angel. He also discusses the erotic element in Sufi literature and its comparison to secular love, noting how the Greys' eyes can evoke happiness and a sense of connection.

Sivier further explores the idea of Greys resembling small children, linking it to cultural perceptions of monsters and the concept of overgrown babies in folklore. He notes the parallels between the Greys' appearance (ancient yet childlike) and the final image of the "Star Child" in Kubrick and Clarke's "2001: A Space Odyssey." The article touches upon the fear of a "primeval language" and the idea of children being potentially evil, referencing experiments and beliefs from various cultures.

Finally, Sivier discusses the concept of "racial envy" and how the Greys might be seen as a projection of Western guilt regarding technology's impact on the planet and exploitation of weaker cultures. He draws parallels between the Greys and figures like Dracula and the "Priest of Isis" from Richard Marsh's novel, noting their insectoid features and the theme of seduction and debasement of Western women. The article suggests that the Greys' desire to interbreed might stem from their own dying nature and a projection of Western guilt and racial fears.

The Pelican

This section introduces a new columnist, posing the question, "Is his bite as big as his beak?" The content of this new column is not detailed in the provided text.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Magonia appears to adopt a critical and analytical stance towards ufology, questioning established narratives and seeking rational explanations. The editorial highlights the fragmentation and internal divisions within the field, suggesting a move away from unified theories like the ETH. Curtis Peebles's article champions a rigorous, evidence-based approach, using real-world crash investigations to debunk mythological interpretations of UFO events. David Sivier's article, while exploring more speculative connections between mysticism and abduction, also seeks to understand the psychological and cultural underpinnings of these experiences. The magazine seems to encourage a more discerning and less credulous approach to the study of anomalous phenomena, emphasizing the need for critical thinking and a separation of myth from verifiable fact. The recurring theme is the deconstruction of established UFO lore and the search for more grounded explanations, whether through scientific investigation or cultural analysis.

This issue of Magonia, identified as issue 69, features a prominent cover headline "the Pelican writes..." and includes a section titled "Hold the Back Page" with a small graphic and Swedish postal information. The issue delves into various aspects of ufology, conspiracy theories, and related cultural phenomena, with a strong emphasis on critical analysis and skepticism.

Marina Warner on Abduction and Christian Notions of Self

The issue opens with an exploration of Marina Warner's views on the fear producing the abduction phenomenon. Warner posits that this fear is rooted in Christian notions of the self, particularly the Greek philosophical concept of the self as one and indivisible. The ultimate fear for a Christian is possession by an invading entity, leading to the fracturing of their deepest self. This contrasts with cultures where possession is sought, not feared. The "scooping" of abductees and the insertion of implants are seen as stemming from fears of modern biotechnology, but ultimately from Christian anxieties about the self being altered or fragmented. The article notes that while the Greeks believed in an indivisible self, other cultures, like the Inuit and Chinese, have traditions of multiple souls. The discussion also touches upon the charismatic elements within Christianity, the historical openness to spiritual gifts, and how these might relate to contemporary mystical trends.

Book Reviews

The magazine features several book reviews, offering critical perspectives on recent publications:

• "The Stargate Conspiracy" by Lynn Picknett and Clive Prince: Reviewed by Peter Rogerson, this book is described as having two distinct halves: a demolition of "New Egyptology" claims and an exploration of connections between various people, ideas, and organizations influencing New Age Egyptology. The review highlights the authors' debunking of claims regarding pyramid alignments and Martian connections, tracing the genre's roots to figures like Edgar Cayce and occult orders. However, the reviewer finds the authors' conclusions somewhat overwrought and hysterical, suggesting that history shows leaders are as prone to gullibility as anyone else.

• "The Abduction Enigma" by Kevin Randle, Russ Estes, and William P. Cone: This book is highly recommended for its critical examination of the abduction experience. The authors, who are open-minded on the ETH, present devastating conclusions. The review notes their research into the high rate of sexual dysfunction and imagery in abduction narratives, and their analysis of the role of folklore, popular culture, and dreams. The book also critiques the work of major abduction investigators like Hopkins, Mack, and Simms, suggesting they may lead witnesses to confirm their own theories. The reviewer praises the book's importance for ufologists, urging that abduction research should stop if it continues to destroy people's lives.

• "Piercing the Darkness: undercover with vampires in America today" by Katherine Ramsland: This review explores the subculture of modern vampires, focusing on young people who adopt surrogate identities. The reviewer notes parallels with those who declare themselves reincarnated aliens, both groups attempting to convert alienation into a new identity. Similarities are also drawn to the abductee subculture, with its escape into a world of magic and powerful forces.

• "Apocalypses: prophecies, cults and millennial beliefs throughout the ages" by Eugen Weber: This book is presented as a history of apocalyptic thought, with a focus on French history. Weber's thesis is that apocalyptic thought was central to the worldview of many leading figures, not just the marginalized. The review notes the book's exploration of the destructive role of apocalyptic beliefs, especially when linked to themes of annihilating 'terrible others' and the idea of a 'saving remnant'. It also mentions passages that some may find anti-Semitic.

• "UFOs, JFK and Elvis: Conspiracies you don't have to be crazy to believe" by Richard Belzer: This review highlights the rise of conspiracy theories, noting their fashion statement status. It discusses common themes such as the JFK assassination, government-sponsored alien cover-ups, and the Illuminati. The reviewer recommends Robert Anton Wilson's contribution for its scholarship and skepticism, while finding other entries less convincing.

• "The Conspiracy Reader" compiled by Al Hidell and Joan D'Arc: This book is described as offering "juicier items" from the magazine "Paranoia." The reviewer is unsure if the compilers believe the content but notes that it includes material on wilder conspiracy theories.

• "Everything is Under Control: conspiracies, cults and cover ups" by Robert Anton Wilson and Miriam Joan Hill: Recommended for its scholarship and skepticism.

• "Techgnosis: myth, magic and mysticism in the age of information" by Erik Davis: This book is a study of the interface between magic, religion, technology, and popular culture, particularly in America's cyberculture. It explores ideas of technology, text, and information as gnosis, salvation, and apocalypse, drawing connections to Gnostic themes and the concept of downloading consciousness into machines. The review suggests that readers who enjoyed previous articles by Brookesmith and Sivier might like this book.

• "The Aliens and the Scalpel: scientific proof of extraterrestrial implants in humans" by Roger K Leir: The reviewer states this book is not scientific proof of extraterrestrial implants. It criticizes Leir's writing style, finding it more of a personal narrative than a scientific account. The review highlights the author's admission of feeling inferior and his temptation by a "plausible spieler" like Derril Simms. It notes the shambolic nature of the operations described and the lack of clear scientific analysis of samples. The reviewer suggests Leir may be naive and possibly manipulated.

• "The Five Ages of the Universe: inside the physics of eternity" by Fred Adams and Greg Laughlin: This book is described as an accessible exploration of frontier physics and cosmology, comparing mainstream science's speculative audacity with that of Forteans and paranormalists.

• "Unweaving the Rainbow: science, delusion and the appetite for wonder" by Richard Dawkins: Dawkins' defense of the poetics of science is presented as a series of essays that include swipes at the paranormal, which the reviewer likens to a religious objection to claims that detract from the awe of nature.

• "Mystery of Mysteries: is evolution a social construction" by Michael Ruse: This book explores the debate between objectivist and constructionist accounts of science, using the rise of evolutionary theory as an example.

"The Pelican Writes..." Column

This column, written by "the Pelican," addresses the concept of "pelicanists" versus other ufologists. The Pelican argues that pelicanists prefer a scientific approach, while others entertain fantasies about aliens. The column criticizes the tendency of some ufologists to ignore or dismiss mundane explanations for UFO reports and to avoid asking awkward questions about witness reliability. It also touches on the financial incentives within the ufology industry, suggesting that some authors and publishers deceive gullible people with "modern fairy tales."

"Hold the Back Page"

This section contains short, often humorous, news items:

• Helicopter Antics: Reports of unusual, unmarked, insect-like helicopters hovering over Manchester, described as "state-of-the-art" and capable of rendering themselves invisible to radar. The item humorously suggests this is disinformation from the Greys.

• Ha'way the Greys!: A light-hearted initiative in Bedlington, Northumberland, offering discounts to aliens. The town's Chamber of Commerce is involved in a project to feature the town on a CD-ROM for a Mars landing project in 2001.

• Beware, Librarians at Work!: A note referencing Peter Rogerson's comments on Fred Lee Crisman's later career, suggesting he suffered from "Cariboo Syndrome" and was involved in local politics and battles with the city manager and local librarian. It also mentions Gary Lesley's strong rebuke to Magonia for publishing correspondence.

• Meet Magonia: An announcement for the next Magonia pub-night meeting in Putney, rescheduled to January 9th due to the millennium holiday.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Magonia include a critical examination of UFO phenomena, particularly abduction narratives, and their potential psychological and cultural underpinnings. The magazine consistently promotes a skeptical and scientific approach to these topics, often contrasting it with what it perceives as credulity or pseudoscience within the ufological community. There is a strong emphasis on debunking claims and questioning the methodologies of prominent figures in the field. The editorial stance appears to be one of rigorous inquiry, challenging established narratives, and encouraging readers to adopt a critical perspective. The reviews of books often highlight flaws in arguments, biases, and the lack of empirical evidence, while still acknowledging the complexity and fascination of the subjects discussed. The "Pelican" column explicitly embodies this critical and sometimes satirical approach to ufology.