Magonia - No 74 - 2001 04

Magazine Overview

Title: Magonia
Issue: Number 74
Date: April 2001
Price: £1.25

This issue of Magonia, titled 'interpreting contemporary vision and belief', presents a critical examination of UFO phenomena, focusing on the challenges of investigation, the prevalence of hoaxes, and the limitations of various explanatory hypotheses.

Editorial Notes

The "Twenty Five Years Ago" feature revisits Magonia's March 1976 issue, which included David Simpson's article "Experimental UFO Hoaxing." This article detailed the creation of a hoax UFO experience and photographs at Cradle Hill, Warminster. The editorial notes that despite the hoax being exposed, many ufologists failed to notice elementary errors in the photographs, highlighting a tendency to accept stories that fit their pre-existing beliefs. The editorial also mentions the reaction from the French ufologist Pierre Guérin and the editor of Flying Saucer Review, Charles Bowen. The piece concludes by announcing a future "Hoax Special" issue and inviting readers to share their views on the value of hoax experiments in research or to reveal information about hoaxes.

The Case for Fence Sitting Part 2

Author: Gareth J. Medway

This article critically analyzes the various theories attempting to explain the "UFO question," arguing that most are polemical and fail to convince readers who do not already share the author's opinion. Medway contends that proving any UFO theory is inherently difficult, often requiring the proof of a negative.

He discusses the psychosocial hypothesis (PSH), citing Jacques Vallee's "Passport to Magonia" and John Keel's "Operation Trojan Horse." While Vallee compared UFO reports to medieval beliefs and Keel suggested UFOs are temporary intrusions of electro-magnetic energy, neither book explicitly advocated the PSH. Keel's work, however, noted similarities between UFO phenomena and other unexplained events, suggesting an "ultraterrestrial cause."

Medway outlines several schools of thought regarding UFOs: the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH), the PSH, the paranormalist view, the electromagnetic (EM) explanation, and the Christian perspective. He notes that adherents of these schools often cite the same evidence, leading to a situation where changing one's belief is akin to changing one's faith.

The article then delves into the complexities of modern life, where individuals are confronted with a vast array of phenomena to disbelieve, from near-death experiences to alien big cats. Medway suggests that the PSH offers a simple, unifying theory by attributing these phenomena to "human imagination."

He critiques the tendency to dismiss UFO evidence due to potential motives for hoaxing, arguing that motives alone are insufficient proof. Medway points out weaknesses in skeptical arguments, such as the logical fallacy of generalizing from known hoaxes to all cases. He also highlights how different skeptical arguments can sometimes contradict each other, citing the "Oz Effect" as an example.

The article further explores the idea of UFO cover-up theories, mentioning the "Men in Black" concept and the US Air Force's alleged promotion of UFO beliefs to mask other agendas. Medway contrasts this with the Robertson committee's 1953 conclusion that UFO beliefs could be a threat to national security and proposed counter-propaganda.

Medway discusses the difficulties in establishing the facts of UFO cases, noting that investigators sometimes seem afraid of uncovering data that might undermine their theories. He provides examples, such as the Sheffield Lake, Ohio, UFO incident, where the official explanation was potentially flawed due to a lack of thorough investigation.

The article touches upon the "abduction phenomenon," noting the statistical anomaly of many abductees reporting unmarked black helicopters, a detail often overlooked by researchers. Medway questions the blanket explanation of "false memories" and suggests that the complexity of abduction experiences requires more nuanced analysis than simply categorizing abductees.

He also addresses the controversial idea that abduction experiences might be linked to sexual fantasies, citing the frequent mention of alien rectal probes. Medway argues against the idea that false memories are therapeutic, suggesting that confronting the reality of one's problems, even if depressing, is more constructive.

If You Go Down to the Woods Tonight

Author: John Harney

This article examines the Travis Walton abduction case, which occurred in the Sitgreaves National Forest, Arizona, on November 5, 1975. Harney argues that while many UFO stories are hoaxes or easily explained, ufologists often resist accepting them as such. Conversely, skeptics sometimes dismiss cases based solely on the alleged witnesses' motives for hoaxing, without thoroughly investigating the actual events.

Harney states that the Walton case is a "probable hoax," but acknowledges that reconstructing it as such is surprisingly difficult. He notes that the six witnesses involved were reportedly in a highly emotional state when questioned by Sheriff Chuck Ellison and others. Harney questions why the police did not seek forensic evidence if they suspected murder, and why Sheriff Gillespie was more concerned with finding Walton than with investigating the circumstances of his disappearance.

He discusses the theory that the woodcutters might have staged the event to benefit from an insurance clause, as suggested by Philip Klass. However, Harney emphasizes that motives alone are insufficient proof and that the actual events need to be determined.

Harney finds it unlikely that all six woodcutters could have convincingly faked the story and maintained their alibis under scrutiny. He suggests that if it was a hoax, then the men were not in the forest that day, and there was nothing to witness.

The article highlights the difficulty in explaining the details of the case, such as Walton's claim of being hit by a beam and falling unconscious. Sceptics pointed out the lack of bruising on his shoulder, while doctors found a red spot on his elbow, leading to speculation about drug injection. Harney questions how this would explain the other men's alleged UFO sighting.

He also discusses the mysterious independent witness who contacted Travis Walton before the film "Fire in the Sky" was released, and the subsequent polygraph tests administered to witnesses and family members, noting the controversy surrounding their reliability.

Harney concludes by posing the question of whether Walton and Rogers rigged something in the forest, or if the entire event was a rehearsed performance. He notes that Travis Walton himself has stated that the events "do not seem to make much sense."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Magonia consistently adopts a critical and analytical stance towards UFO phenomena. It emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation, the distinction between motives and evidence, and the need to avoid confirmation bias. The magazine appears to lean towards skepticism, particularly when examining cases like the Travis Walton abduction, suggesting that hoaxes and psychological explanations are often more plausible than extraterrestrial encounters. The editorial stance encourages a more rational and evidence-based approach to understanding these complex phenomena, while also acknowledging the difficulties inherent in such investigations.

This issue of Magonia, titled "IMOGEN," features an in-depth investigation by Peter Rogerson into a classic Victorian ghost story. The article deconstructs the tale, exploring themes of sleaze, apparitions, and the broader context of paranormal research, ufology, and folklore.

The Despard Family Ghost Story

The narrative begins in April 1882 with the move of the Despard family to a new residence in Cheltenham. The family included retired army captain Frederick William Despard, his 46-year-old invalid and deaf second wife Harriet Ann (née Nixon), and their six children: Rosina Clara (19), Edith Sophia (18), Henry (15), Lilian (13), Mabel (12), and Wilfrid (9). They were also joined by Freda Kinloch, the married half-sister of Rosina Clara, who was the daughter of Frederick's first wife, Rosina née Meredith. The author notes the potentially insensitive act of naming the eldest daughter of the second wife after the deceased first wife, suggesting the dead Rosina might have held primary place in Frederick's affections.

In June of the same year, Rosina Clara reported an encounter with a "tall lady dressed in black" at the head of the stairs. This figure, with its face hidden in a handkerchief, began appearing with increasing frequency. Rosina also claimed that Freda Kinloch, a housemaid, and another individual named Willy also saw the figure. The intensity of the phenomena reportedly increased in 1884, coinciding with Freda Kinloch's arrival after losing her baby. During this period, strange noises were heard, and Rosina began documenting the apparitions in a diary, which she sent to a friend, Catherine Campbell.

The Swinhoe Scandal and its Influence

The article then shifts to discuss Henry Swinhoe and his second wife, Imogen Hutchings, who lived nearby and were known for their brawling and drunkenness. Their story is presented as a stark contrast to the respectable bourgeois life of the era, embodying a fall from grace into "proletarian mire of drunkenness, vice, poverty and squalor." The author suggests that the Despard girls, living a potentially dull life, might have found the Swinhoe's scandalous existence a source of morbid fascination, a kind of "other" and disturbing presence.

Imogen is portrayed as the antithesis of the ideal Victorian wife and mother, representing chaos and disorder. The author speculates on the nature of the 'jewels' Imogen was supposedly after, suggesting they could symbolize affection or a desire for respectability, mirroring Rosina's own naming convention. The article posits that the Despard family might have been aware of the Swinhoe scandal before moving, and that it may have subconsciously influenced their perceptions.

Interpretation and Skepticism

Peter Underwood is cited for suggesting the 'weeping lady' might have been Frederick's mistress, while Eric Dingwall proposed a lesbian affair between Rosina and Catherine. The author dismisses the mistress theory due to the figure's prolonged presence in the house with the family present. The narrative of letters and diaries is acknowledged as a Victorian literary convention.

Rosina is depicted as a proactive ghost hunter, attempting to interact with the apparition. The article questions the 'mistress theory' again, finding it unlikely a mistress would remain in the house for an extended period without being acknowledged. The author suggests that the Despard girls, bored and intelligent, sought excitement, and the ghost hunt became their primary source of entertainment.

The 'Abyss' and Victorian Morality

The article delves into the Victorian societal view of drunkenness, particularly in women, as a sign of lost civility and respectability. Imogen Hutchings is presented as the embodiment of this societal fear – the "anti-wife" and "anti-mother" who brought the "abyss" into the respectable suburbs. Her name, Swinhoe, is noted as sounding "redolent of swinishness, corruption and sensuality."

Rosina's Psychological Landscape

The author explores Rosina's internal state, suggesting her ghost hunt was a form of exorcism, a battle between reason and senses. She is seen as taming Imogen, transforming the wild entity into a "quiet, timid, weepy and altogether tame Victorian ghost." This taming of the 'abyss' signifies the restoration of respectability. The hidden face of Imogen, like an executioner's, is interpreted as a symbol of concealed sin or corruption.

Rosina's own life choices – forsaking marriage and domesticity to pursue a career (implied to be medical studies) – are contrasted with Imogen's trajectory. Rosina's potential identification with Imogen as a 'shadow' figure is explored, linking it to a sense of weakness or succumbing to sensual allure. The 'fiddling with the bedroom door' is seen as a sensual invitation.

Other Witnesses and Explanations

While Rosina's siblings and servants reportedly saw the figure, the account of Miss Campbell, who heard footsteps but never saw the figure, is noted. The possibility of Rosina being a hoaxer, involving her siblings in an elaborate fantasy to escape boredom and sadness, is also raised. The article mentions that the story of Imogen has persisted, with local bars and nightclubs not reporting her presence.

Bibliography and Sources

The primary source cited is R. C. Morton's "Record of a haunted house" in the Proceedings of the Society for Psychical Research (1892). The article also references works by Andrew Mackenzie and Peter Underwood, offering different perspectives on hauntings and ghost stories. Background on the Despard family is drawn from LDS CD-ROM records and Familysearch, with assumptions made about family relationships due to gaps in records.

Book Reviews

The issue includes several book reviews:

• "You Can't Tell the People: the cover up of Britain's Roswell" by Georgina Bruni: Reviewed critically as "credulous bunk ufology," despite the author's background as a private detective and investigative writer. The reviewer questions the book's claims about alien spaceships and secret government cover-ups.
• "Unsolved UFO Mysteries: the world's most compelling cases of alien encounter" by William J Birnes and Harold Burt: This review highlights a story about a man who claimed to have a dead alien in his freezer. The reviewer expresses skepticism about the book's content, suggesting it caters to a credulous audience and serves to distract from real secrets.
• "The Roswell Encyclopedia" by Kevin Randle and Russ Estes: The reviewer notes Randle's critical faculty but questions his continued championing of the Roswell myth based on old eyewitness testimony. The book "Spaceships of the Visitors" is also mentioned, with skepticism regarding its photographic evidence.
• "We Faked the Ghosts of Borley Rectory" by Louis Mayer-ling: The author claims involvement in debunking Borley Rectory activity. The reviewer suggests the book's explanations are prosaic and that Mayer-ling's accounts are not found in other Borley Rectory literature.
• "The London Monster: a sanguinary tale" by Jan Bondeson: This book recounts the story of a notorious 18th-century murderer. The review notes the book's discussion of mass hysterias and moral panics, and questions the guilt of the convicted man.
• "The Pocket Essential Conspiracy Theories" by Robin Ramsey: Ramsey contrasts "mega-conspiracy theories" with "limited conspiracies." The review notes Ramsey's focus on the media and academic establishments' dismissal of conspiracy theories and his exploration of groups like the Bilderberg group and the Trilateral Commission.
• "A dictionary of English Folklore" by Jacqueline Simpson and Steve Roud: This scholarly encyclopedia aims to rescue English folklore from obscurity and place its study on a sounder footing. It emphasizes the modernity of many customs and traditions, including urban legends and alien big cats, though the reviewer notes the omission of flying saucers and crop circles.
• "Anne the Word: the story of Ann Lee, female messiah, mother of the Shakers" by Richard Francis: A review of a biography of Ann Lee, founder of the Shakers, describing her imaginative childhood and the cult's practices, which are compared to a "mini totalitarian state."
• "Return of the Giants" by Barry Chamish: This book focuses on UFO sightings in Israel, with claims of giants rather than grays. The reviewer notes Chamish's belief in ancient Hebrew mythology and his controversial political views.

Columns and Letters

• "The Pelican Writes...": This column expresses concern about American ufology and its practitioners' mental health, questioning the sincerity of authors and the internal logic of UFO myths. It critiques the idea of government secrecy surrounding UFOs and discusses the Varginha incident.
• "Readers' Letters": Margaret Buckingham writes to express her appreciation for Anthony R. Brown's article, which she believes demolishes the psychosocial explanation of alien abduction. She urges the magazine to reveal the alternative explanation and expresses hope for a new, open-minded approach from Magonia.
• "Hold the Back Page": This section includes brief notes on various topics: a correction regarding the magazine's issue number, a report on talking Tigger toys banned for "swearing," a review of Christopher Buckley's novel "Little Green Men" which satirizes alien abduction narratives, and an obituary for Desmond Leslie, a pioneer in ufology.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently engages with the critical examination of paranormal claims, particularly within ufology and ghost stories. Magonia's stance appears to be one of skepticism and deconstruction, questioning the evidence and motivations behind various theories and narratives. The magazine encourages a rigorous, evidence-based approach, contrasting it with what it perceives as credulous belief or sensationalism within the field. There is a recurring theme of separating folklore and personal experience from potentially fabricated or misinterpreted phenomena. The editorial approach seems to favor intellectual rigor and a critical analysis of the paranormal, often challenging established narratives and authors within the ufology community.