MAGONIA

Magazine Overview

Title: MAGONIA
Issue: 77
Date: March 2002
Price: £1.25
Publisher: Magonia
Country: United Kingdom

This issue of Magonia, subtitled 'interpreting contemporary vision and belief', features a cover story titled "HEADHUNT: MARTIN KOTTMEYER CONTINUES HIS INVESTIGATION OF WHAT HAS MADE THE GREYS STAND HEAD - IF NOT SHOULDERS - ABOVE OTHER ALIENS." The cover art depicts a stylized head with an inset image of a grey alien.

Editorial Notes

The editorial discusses the impact of the film "The Mothman Prophecies" on ufology, noting how media attention can lead to questions about whether such events are "good for ufology." It critiques the tendency within some ufological circles to seek "respectability," sometimes by distancing themselves from influential figures like John Keel. The editorial also announces subscription changes due to the introduction of the Euro, offering six-issue subscriptions for European and US subscribers at $20 or 20 Euros.

HEADHUNT: Seeking the Degenerates among the Primitives - Varicose Brains - Part Three

By Martin Kottmeyer, this article examines the historical context of close encounters (CE3Ks) and the descriptions of extraterrestrial beings. Kottmeyer contrasts the limited number of CE3Ks from the 1947 UFO wave with the 36 detailed CE3Ks from the 1896-97 Airship Waves, noting that at least 14 of the latter were explicitly extraterrestrial. He observes that beings described during the Airship Waves were often large humans, with some exceptions being small beings dressed in furs or evil-looking.

Kottmeyer highlights that "little green men" were not prevalent during the Airship Waves, with most descriptions fitting normal human appearances or being explicitly medium-sized. He notes that the concept of "little green men" became more common later. The article then delves into specific cases from 1947, including the Webster, Massachusetts sighting, the Tacoma, Washington "little people," and the Nashville, Tennessee encounter. It also discusses the "Aluminum Man" case from Mexico City, which involved a 27-inch tall humanoid.

UFOs of 1896-1897: The Airship Wave

This section, likely a continuation or related piece, references numerous cases from the 1896-1897 Airship Wave, cataloged by Neeley. It details descriptions of entities, including the Shaw case from Lodi, California, where seven-foot tall, slender beings with monkey-like feet and velvety skin were encountered. These beings are compared to modern "Greys," though Kottmeyer points out significant differences, such as the lack of a huge head and the presence of a nose like polished ivory.

The article explores various descriptions from the Airship Waves, including Martians, Jupiterians, and beings from Neptune and Saturn, noting their varied heights and physical characteristics. It also touches upon the idea of extraterrestrials being described with primitive features, drawing parallels to contemporary science fiction themes.

Early Entity Cases and Hoaxes

Kottmeyer analyzes early UFO entity cases from 1947-1950, examining their descriptions and potential influences. He discusses the H.G. Shaw encounter, comparing it to proto-Grey descriptions but noting discrepancies. The article scrutinizes the 1947 wave, including the Webster, Massachusetts case and the Tacoma, Washington "little people." It also addresses the Dimmick case from Mexico City in 1950, which involved a small, pigmy-sized alien with a large head, and its subsequent debunking. The Dimmick case is noted for its widespread media coverage and its contribution to the image of small aliens.

The article also examines the "Scully hoax" and the "Steep Rock Echo" yarn, highlighting how fabricated stories can enter the UFO lore. It discusses the case of the black albino brothers, Eko and Iko, displayed as "ambassadors from Mars" in the 1920s and 1930s, and the Koehler yarn where a saucer crash was admitted to be a joke. The prevalence of "little men" narratives in the 1950s is noted, with examples from various sources, including Time magazine and accounts of alleged extraterrestrial encounters.

The "Aluminum Man" and Etheria

This section focuses on the "Aluminum Man" case, originating from photos published in Cologne, Germany, in June 1950. These photos depicted a small humanoid, described as 27 inches tall, purportedly captured after a saucer crash. The article notes that Meade Layne embellished this story, linking it to his cosmological beliefs about "Etheria" and its inhabitants who send saucers for information. Layne suggested that Etherians could shrink themselves to facilitate craft maneuverability. The article also mentions other cases, such as the "flying pig" and "flying bananas," and the concept of Etherians being great, godlike creatures.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the historical evolution of alien descriptions, the influence of media and science fiction on UFO lore, the phenomenon of hoaxes, and the ongoing quest for "respectability" within ufology. The magazine appears to adopt a critical yet thorough approach, examining cases with historical context and scrutinizing their veracity. There is a clear emphasis on tracing the origins and development of common alien archetypes, particularly the "Grey," and understanding how these narratives have been shaped by cultural and media influences over time. The editorial stance seems to be one of critical inquiry, encouraging readers to analyze the evidence and historical context of UFO reports.

This issue of MUFOB, titled "The Pelican writes...", features an in-depth exploration of UFO occupant reports, primarily focusing on the evolution of humanoid descriptions and the emergence of the 'Gray alien' archetype. The magazine delves into historical accounts, the influence of science fiction, and the differing interpretations of UFO phenomena.

The 'Aluminum Man' and Early Humanoid Reports

The article begins by discussing Donald Keyhoe's skepticism towards certain UFO occupant tales, such as the 'Aluminum Man,' and notes the potential for hoaxes, citing the 'shaved monkey' incident. It highlights the influence of the Rosenwald Foundation's narratives and the Edward Watters hoax. The text also touches upon Herbert Schirmer's hypnotic regression, which suggested aliens had bases on Venus and that UFOs could be shot down.

The 'Reign of the Pygmaliens'

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to reports from Venezuela in late 1954, describing small, hairy humanoids with glowing eyes and immense strength. Ufologists like APRO and Keyhoe were impressed. Accounts detail encounters with these beings collecting herbs, attempting to drag individuals into their crafts, and rendering them unconscious. The descriptions often emphasized their hairy nature, strength, and sometimes primitive appearance, drawing parallels to figures in mythology and literature, such as Dean Swift's Yahoos.

The Ituri Pygmies and the 'Hairy Dwarf' Hypothesis

Reverend Dr. Martin Guisinde, a professor of anthropology, studied the Ituri pygmies of Africa, noting their clay-yellow bodies, dark hair, and adaptation to dim light. This research was considered by some ufologists, including Keyhoe, as a potential, albeit difficult to accept, parallel to the 'hairy dwarf' descriptions. Keyhoe expressed a hope that such stories would turn out to be hoaxes, while acknowledging the possibility of them being a genuine phenomenon.

The Villas Boas Case and South American Encounters

The article then shifts to South America, highlighting the Villas Boas case as a key encounter. The abductors were described as 1.55 meters tall, with growls and grunts, and a more animal-like nature than other reports. The female seductress was noted as being shorter, around 1.35 meters. The case is contrasted with modern 'Gray' methods, with the witness denying any external willpower or telepathic influence.

The 'Little Men Phenomenon' and Global Variations

In 1966, Coral Lorenzen observed the widespread 'little men' phenomenon, particularly in Europe and South America. These beings were categorized into groups: 3 ft. hairy midgets, 4 ft. human-appearing creatures, and 5 ft. average men. Lorenzen suggested the hairy midgets might be a lower form of life used for sample gathering. The article notes that while big-headedness appeared in Lorenzen's work, it wasn't a generalization at that point.

The Rise of the 'Gray' Archetype

An analysis of occupant cases from 1947-1965 by Lorenzen indicated that 'little men' dominated, outnumbering average-sized and giant cases. The article points out that Lorenzen's work, while not directly addressing Scully's crash-retrieval yarns, suggested Scully might have been telling the truth or was a prophet. The description of these 'little men' generally matched Scully's accounts. The text also mentions the Silas Newton memoirs, which later proved a case to be a hoax.

Frank Edwards, in his book 'Flying Saucers - Serious Business,' noted that most reported beings were small, resembling 'pygmies or dwarfs.' He argued that the uniformity in descriptions worldwide suggested either a conspiracy or genuine sightings of strange creatures.

Skepticism and the 'Atlantis Syndrome'

The article critiques certain approaches to UFO research, particularly those that uncritically accept witness testimony. Paul Jordan's 'Atlantis Syndrome' is discussed, which suggests an unwillingness to credit human imagination, leading to myths being interpreted as history. The author also touches upon the 'Satanic Conspiracy' myth and its historical roots.

Book Reviews

The issue includes several book reviews:

• UFO Mysteries: a reporter seeks the truth by Curtis Sutherly: A history of ufology with a focus on firsthand research, touching on cattle mutilations and Men in Black. The review notes Sutherly's conclusion that the cause of the UFO phenomenon is unknown and that the MJ12 documents are a hoax.
• Extraterrestrial Visitations: True Accounts of Contact by Preston Dennett: Reviewed critically for its reliance on witness testimony without independent verification. The reviewer suggests it represents the 'blunt edge of dumbed-down ufology.'
• Lure of the Sinister: the unnatural history of Satanism by Gareth J. Medway: A scholarly study of Satanism, tracing accusations from witch trials to modern allegations. The review praises its research but suggests a lack of coverage on the 'leftist, feminist influence' in the Satanism panic.
• The Atlantis Syndrome by Paul Jordan: A skeptical analysis of the Atlantis legend, critiquing authors who attribute myths to historical fact. The review notes Jordan's detailed demolition of certain worldviews but suggests a more forensic approach could be beneficial.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the historical development of UFO occupant descriptions, the debate between the extraterrestrial hypothesis (ETH) and psychosocial explanations, and the critical examination of evidence and witness testimony. The magazine appears to adopt a skeptical yet open-minded stance, questioning the uncritical acceptance of all UFO reports while acknowledging the persistent nature of the phenomenon and its impact on popular culture. There's a clear emphasis on historical analysis and the influence of media and science fiction on UFO lore.

The Pelican's Perspective on UFOs

The 'Pelican's' perspective, presented in the latter part of the magazine, critiques the 'nuts-and-bolts' ETH and highlights the psychosocial hypothesis (PSH) and the occult interpretation of UFOs. It argues that John Keel's work, by focusing on the strange stories told by witnesses (like those of the Men in Black), exposed the weaknesses of the ETH. The Pelican criticizes proponents of the ETH for selectively editing inconvenient details and for their literal interpretation of phenomena. It suggests that the focus should be on physical evidence and multi-witness sightings, yet notes that ETH proponents become evasive when asked for specifics. The piece also touches upon the influence of 'The Mothman Prophecies' film and the perceived 'agitation' among American ufologists.

The Evolution of Alien Descriptions

The article meticulously traces the evolution of alien descriptions, noting the shift from early 'pygmy-like' beings to the more standardized 'Gray' alien. It highlights how science fiction and early UFO hoaxes, like the Dimmick case, may have contributed to the widespread acceptance of certain alien forms. The Valensole case and Jacques Vallee's work are presented as significant in reinforcing the 'Gray' archetype in the mid-1960s. The text also contrasts the 'airship era' aliens, described as larger than humans, with the 'saucer era' aliens, which were predominantly smaller.

The 'Gray' Archetype Takes Hold

By the late 1960s and early 1970s, the 'Gray' alien, characterized by large heads, large craniums, and small stature, became a more recognized feature in UFO lore. The article notes that while early accounts varied widely, a consensus began to form around specific traits. The influence of works like Vallee's 'Challenge to Science' and the Lorenzen's subsequent observations are discussed in this context.

The 'DeWilde Case' and its Impact

The DeWilde case from 1954 is presented as a significant event that reinforced the image of aliens as smallish, particularly in the United States. The case involved a sighting of a craft and beings described as having large heads and delicate legs, wearing what appeared to be diving suits. The article notes that while the witness's own description was more human-like, media portrayals emphasized the 'big head' aspect, contributing to the developing alien imagery.

French and European UFO Reports

The issue also touches upon UFO reports from France, including the Quarouble case and sightings in Toulouse. It discusses the classification of alien types by Eric Zurcher, noting the absence of certain 'Gray' generalities like large all-black eyes or long necks in some French accounts. The text also mentions the 'Great Martian Panic' in France in September 1954.

The 'Magonia' Website and Book Reviews

The magazine directs readers to the 'Magonia' website for more book reviews. Several reviews are included, offering critical perspectives on books about ufology, Satanism, and the Atlantis legend. These reviews often highlight the authors' methodologies, biases, and the evidence presented, with a recurring theme of skepticism towards unverified claims.

Conclusion on Alien Forms

The article concludes by summarizing key observations: the dominance of smaller-than-human aliens in the saucer era, the contrast with larger beings in the airship era, and the lack of robotic or insectoid aliens in earlier periods. It suggests that the shift in alien forms might indicate a change in the phenomenon itself or in human perception and cultural influences.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the historical development of UFO occupant descriptions, the debate between the extraterrestrial hypothesis (ETH) and psychosocial explanations, and the critical examination of evidence and witness testimony. The magazine appears to adopt a skeptical yet open-minded stance, questioning the uncritical acceptance of all UFO reports while acknowledging the persistent nature of the phenomenon and its impact on popular culture. There's a clear emphasis on historical analysis and the influence of media and science fiction on UFO lore.