Magonia - No 73 - 2001 01

Magazine Overview

Title: MAGONIA
Issue: Number 72 (incorporating MUFOB 120)
Date: January 2001
Price: £1.25
Publisher: Magonia
Country: United Kingdom
Editor: John Rimmer

This issue of Magonia, "interpreting contemporary vision and belief," features a cover story titled "THE CASE FOR FENCE-SITTING," illustrated with a whimsical image of Humpty Dumpty. The content explores the nature of ufology, the likelihood of extraterrestrial intelligence, and the controversial parallels between abduction narratives and pornography.

Editorial Notes: There's No Business Like Show Business

The editorial, penned by John Rimmer, critiques the tendency within ufology to operate as "showbusiness" rather than rigorous scientific inquiry. Rimmer draws an analogy to historical public spectacles like tours of Bedlam, suggesting that UFO conferences and books by prominent figures like Tim Good and Nick Pope often prioritize entertainment and mystery over scientific analysis. He argues that while UFO writers need to support their families, their work often caters to an audience seeking sensationalism, akin to Hollywood productions. The editorial expresses unease when real people, such as abductees, are presented in a manner that borders on voyeurism. Rimmer posits that scientists maintain a distance from ufology not due to a conspiracy, but because it often presents itself as entertainment rather than a serious scientific discipline.

Intelligent Life in the Universe: The Case for Fence Sitting

This article by Gareth J. Medway examines the debate surrounding the probability of intelligent extraterrestrial life. Medway highlights that scientists themselves are divided on the issue. He discusses arguments, such as Ian Crawford's assertion that interstellar travel is straightforward, implying that advanced civilizations would have colonized the galaxy, and George W. Swenson's counterpoint about the difficulties of interstellar communication. The article delves into the Drake Equation (N = R* fp ne fl fi fc L), breaking down its variables (R*, fp, ne, fl, fi, fc, L) and noting the significant uncertainties in estimating each one. Medway points out that while the discovery of exoplanets has confirmed that planets are common, the processes of planetary formation and the emergence of life and intelligence remain poorly understood. He critiques arguments that rely on assumptions about the uniqueness of Earth or the inevitability of evolutionary progress, suggesting that a lack of understanding about how life arose and evolved makes definitive probability calculations impossible. The article also touches upon the debate between Michael Swords, who argues for the commonality of extraterrestrial intelligence, and Peter Brookesmith, who appears to argue for its rarity, criticizing both for presenting speculations as facts and avoiding the admission of not knowing.

The Real Motive on Both Sides Is to Avoid Those Embarrassing Words: I Don't Know

This section, likely a continuation or commentary on the previous article, further explores the arguments surrounding the probability of intelligent life. It discusses the challenges in generalizing from Earth's example, the role of celestial bombardment in evolution, and the limitations of current scientific knowledge. The text critiques the idea of a linear progression of complexity or intelligence in evolution, citing examples like Cambrian-era predators. It also touches upon the

This issue of Fortean Times, number 136, dated October 2000, features a prominent cover story titled "THE PELICAN WRITES..." which delves into the nature of ufology and the psychosocial hypothesis. The magazine, published by John Brown in the United Kingdom, maintains its ISSN of 1350-7778 and a cover price of £3.95. The issue explores themes of abduction, pornography, feminism, conspiracy theories, and ufology, with a particular focus on the psychological underpinnings of UFO narratives.

The Pelican Writes...

The main driving force of ufology, according to 'The Pelican,' is the belief in genuine mystery and the psychological needs for notoriety and book contracts among some individuals. The Pelican advocates for the Psychosocial Hypothesis (PSH) as the only rational approach to ufology, suggesting that UFO phenomena are products of human psychology and culture. While acknowledging the logical possibility of alien craft, the author argues that most UFO reports can be explained without recourse to the Extra-Terrestrial Hypothesis (ETH).

The article draws parallels between UFO abduction literature and pornography, noting that both can feature themes of abuse, violation, and powerlessness. The author suggests that abduction narratives may fulfill similar psychological needs as pornography, particularly in exploring fears and fantasies related to control and sexuality. The abusive and violent imagery in abduction stories is critiqued, with comparisons made to historical forms of pornography and political discourse.

Ann Druffel's book, "How to Defend Yourself Against Alien Abduction," is discussed. While Druffel does not believe in solid, physical aliens in saucers, she regards abduction cases as true accounts of encounters with real beings, albeit possibly interdimensional. The Pelican questions the notion of 'levels of reality' and the lack of concrete evidence for such entities. The author notes the silence from prominent abduction experts regarding Druffel's work, speculating that it might be because her techniques could resolve the abduction phenomenon, thus undermining their own platforms.

The article concludes by emphasizing that UFO reports lack verifiable information and consistent internal logic, suggesting that the ETH is not supported by evidence. The PSH is presented as the only viable explanation for the UFO phenomenon.

Book Reviews

This issue features several book reviews:

• The Triumph of Evolution: the Failure of Creationism by Niles Eldredge: A paleontologist's critique of creationism, highlighting its errors and accusing proponents of lying and distortion. The reviewer notes its relevance to British audiences due to growing indications of a radical right preparing a similar culture war.

• The Complete Idiots Guide to Near Death Experiences by P. M. H. Atwater and David H. Morgan: This book is described as having biases due to the author's own NDE experience. It explores how cultural factors shape NDE narratives and notes that NDE-like experiences can be generated in other circumstances. The reviewer questions whether these are actual memories or later constructed fantasies, especially in cases involving children or those in the womb.

• Weird War Tales 1: UFOs 1939-45 by Nick Redfern and Jonathan Downes: The reviewer finds this booklet to be a collection of folklore, rumors, and urban legends rather than newly discovered original documentation. Tales of crashed flying saucers are noted as being told years later, well into the modern flying saucer era.

• Unexplained Phenomena: a Rough Guide Special by John Michell and Bob Rickard: This updated edition of a classic work is praised for its compilation of diverse anecdotes and its preservation of the Fortean spirit of linking various experiences. However, the reviewer feels it leans too heavily on John Michell's 1970s perspective and doesn't fully represent the current Fortean Times ethos.

• UFO Briefing Document: the best available evidence by Don Berliner, Marie Galbraith, and Antonio Huneeus: The reviewer criticizes this document, prepared for the Lincoln Rockefeller Foundation, for its one-sided presentation of UFO cases and its lack of detail. It is described as a partisan advocacy piece for the ETH, failing to convince scientists due to its superficiality and reliance on questionable sources.

• The Psychic Battlefield: Psychic Battle-field: behind the lines of paranormal ESPionage by W. Adam Man-delbaum: This book is seen as a rehash of 'remote viewing' capers, padded with historical material and lacking in actual evidence. The author's contradictory interests as a ritual magician and a skeptic are noted, as is his focus on the Roman Catholic Church as a common enemy.

• CE-IV: close encounters of the possession kind by William Baldwin: The reviewer dismisses this book as 'superstitious crap,' criticizing Baldwin's 'spirit releasement therapy' which is described as a more touchy-feely form of exorcism.

• Unearthly Disclosure: conflicting interests in the control of extraterrestrial intelligence by Timothy Good: The reviewer finds Good's work to be a familiar collection of sensational UFO reports and accounts from credulous researchers, while ignoring more skeptical investigations. The reviewer notes that Good's technique involves selecting accounts that support his narrative.

• Far Out: the dawning of New Age Britain by Miriam Akhtar, Steve Humphries, and Lucy Swingler: This book, based on a Channel Four documentary, features memories of individuals involved in occult, spiritualist, and proto-New Age subcultures in inter-war Britain. The reviewer notes the speakers' idealism and commitment to social reforms, but also points out potential issues like antisemitism and eugenics within some of these movements.

• Alien abductions by Peter Brookesmith: This book is highly recommended as a sane and caring study of abduction myths. Brookesmith explores potential explanations such as sleep disorders and altered states, and emphasizes the meaning behind abduction narratives as a form of modern religion. The reviewer expresses concern that even a balanced book on the topic might inadvertently spread the abduction myth.

Other Sections

• Today Gleneagles, Tomorrow the Universe: A brief mention of William Cooper and his claims about President Kennedy's assassination and the 'Jason Society,' as reported in Private Eye.

• Remainders of the Day: Notes that John Mack's book 'The Threat' is being sold at a reduced price in a remainder book shop.

• Crystal Gazing: A peculiar story about Crystal Palace football club's fortunes improving after a fan noticed an aerial image on the Internet that was interpreted as significant.

• The Tapes of Wrath: Discusses the use of audio tapes by satanists to cast curses, as reported by the Purley Baptist Church.

• 25 Years Ago: A retrospective on the relaunch of MUFOB (Magonia) in November 1975, detailing changes in publication and personal circumstances of the team.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently adopts a critical and skeptical stance towards paranormal claims, particularly UFO abduction narratives. The editorial stance favors rational, evidence-based explanations, often rooted in psychology and sociology (the Psychosocial Hypothesis). While acknowledging the existence of folklore and belief systems, the magazine actively debunks sensationalist claims and highlights the potential for manipulation and self-deception within these fields. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between genuine inquiry and what is perceived as pseudoscientific advocacy or exploitation.