Magonia - No 90 - 2005 11

Magazine Overview

MAGONIA 90, published in November 2005, is an issue of the magazine "MAGONIA" that incorporates "MUFOB 137". The magazine focuses on interpreting contemporary vision and belief, with this issue delving into the complex relationship between UFO phenomena, folklore, and alleged electromagnetic effects.

Editorial Notes: The Nature and Future of Ufology

The editorial notes, written by John Rimmer, present a critical perspective on ufology, calling for a re-evaluation of its status. Rimmer argues that ufology is not a science and that attempts to establish it as such have been largely unsuccessful. He questions whether ufology is necessary, suggesting that its various components are being studied more effectively in other disciplines. The editorial highlights how researchers like Persinger (brain-wave experiments) and Deveraux (earth lights) have been labeled 'skeptics' for dissecting ufology into its constituent parts. It also points to the role of government secret projects in the UFO narrative, citing Nick Redfern's controversial claims about the Roswell event being related to secret survival experiments rather than extraterrestrial involvement. Rimmer concludes that while ufology may not be dead, it is history, having served to draw attention to interesting phenomena but ultimately turning them into facets of the entertainment industry rather than contributing to science.

Article: "Engine Stoppers" by Martin Kottmeyer

This article explores the phenomenon of machines failing in the presence of UFOs, commonly referred to as electromagnetic effects. Kottmeyer details how car motors stalling, lights dimming, and radios filling with static have been reported in hundreds of cases, often seen by ufologists as compelling proof of the reality of UFOs. He cites George D. Fawcett's report of 370 instances of electromagnetic interference and 37 cases of power failures attributed to UFOs. Mark Rodeghier's 1981 catalogue of 441 EM events associated with vehicle failures is also mentioned, representing about 1.5% of UFOCAT cases. The article notes that such effects became more prominent in the French wave of 1954 and the Levelland flap of 1957. Scientists, however, express doubts, referencing the Condon Commission's findings and the immense electrical force required to stall a car. The article also discusses specific incidents, such as the 1967 Elsinore, California case and the 1977 Antonio Serena encounter, where car malfunctions were later attributed to mundane causes like a loose battery cable or a dry battery, with the UFO sightings potentially being misidentifications of Venus.

Kottmeyer also examines the historical roots of the engine-stopping idea, tracing it back to early science fiction in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Stories in magazines like Cosmopolitan, Argosy, and All-Story featured inventions or phenomena that could interfere with electricity, engines, or even cause global blackouts. Authors like Stewart Edward White and William Harold Durham wrote about apparatuses that could nullify electricity, sound, and light. The concept was further explored by Hugo Gernsback and later by Edward Hades in "The Electronic Plague," where cars stalled and lights went out in New York. The article highlights the influence of Nikola Tesla's work on transmitting energy through the air, which fueled fictional narratives about weapons that could disrupt electrical systems.

The article then moves into the 1930s and 1940s, discussing how engine-stopping rays became a staple in pulp magazines and films, often wielded by mad scientists or aliens. Examples include "The Thunderer" (1930), "The Planet Juggler" (1908), and "The Conquerors" (1929). The idea of a "death ray" or weapon that could stop machines gained traction, with figures like Guglielmo Marconi being rumored to be developing such a device. The article scrutinizes these rumors, noting Marconi's denials and the scientific implausibility of such weapons at the time. It suggests that the persistent idea of engine-stopping rays in the collective imagination was fueled by a combination of fictional narratives and misinterpretations of real-world events.

Kottmeyer further traces the concept into the post-World War II era, noting its presence in films like "Day the Earth Stood Still" (1951) and "War of the Worlds" (1953). He discusses the 1957 Levelland reports as a landmark event that solidified engine-stopping as a UFO property. The article also touches upon the "foo-fighter" rumors of World War II and early UFO reports that suggested electromagnetic interference. The author concludes that while many reported engine-stopping incidents can be explained by mundane causes or misidentifications, the idea has become deeply embedded in the culture of UFO beliefs, partly due to its prevalence in fiction and the persistent allure of mysterious technological capabilities.

Article: "The 1930s would see an array of films about devices designed to stop machines..." (continuation of "Engine Stoppers")

This section continues the exploration of how devices designed to stop machines became a recurring theme in 1930s cinema and literature, often linked to UFOs or advanced technology. The article notes that these devices gave possessors control over machines, offering a sense of freedom from the fear of losing human control to technology. Examples cited include films like "Shadow of the Eagle" (1932), "The Mystery Squadron" (1933), and "Ace Drummond" (1936), which featured ray-projecting devices that rendered planes and machinery inoperable. The article highlights "Ghost Patrol" (1936) where a character invents a super ray to stop mail planes. It also mentions "Murder in the Air" (1940) with an inertia projector that paralyzes electric currents. The "Crimson Ghost" (1946) serial featured a "cyclotrode" that short-circuited electrical currents. The article also revisits Harold Sherman's story "The Green Man" (1946), where an alien stops a car motor with a ray. The emergence of the flying saucer era in 1947 saw early reports linking UFOs to "foo-fighter" rumors and suggestions that they might be radar-controlled objects designed to foul ignition systems.

The article then discusses the July 1947 reports of "plate-like objects" hovering over power lines in Hollywood, accompanied by radio static, which could be explained by coronal discharge. It also mentions Fred Johnson's testimony about seeing similar objects with a side-to-side motion that caused a compass needle to wave. The article notes that while these reports might have mundane explanations, they contributed to the idea that saucers were propelled by magnetic drives that created electromagnetic effects.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Magonia include the historical development of UFO lore, the intersection of folklore and alleged UFO phenomena, and the critical examination of ufology as a field of study. The magazine adopts a skeptical yet open-minded stance, questioning unsubstantiated claims while acknowledging the persistence of certain phenomena and their cultural impact. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between scientific inquiry and speculative or entertainment-driven narratives. The editorial stance, particularly in the editorial notes, is that ufology has not proven itself as a rigorous scientific discipline and that its subject matter is better understood through more conventional academic fields. The articles explore how fictional narratives, particularly in science fiction, have shaped public perception of UFOs and their capabilities, including the concept of electromagnetic interference. The magazine encourages a critical approach to interpreting contemporary vision and belief, particularly concerning unexplained phenomena.

This issue of Magonia, dated Autumn 1980, is titled "A LIFETIME OF CURSES" and features a cover price of 40p. The issue delves into the complex relationship between folklore, mythology, and UFO narratives, exploring how these elements intertwine and influence our understanding of unexplained phenomena.

Key Articles and Themes

Conspiracy Theories and the "World Conspiracy"

The issue begins by examining the growth of conspiracy theorizing, tracing its roots from reactions to the French Revolution and the Protocols of Zion to contemporary ideas of a world conspiracy controlling human society. Roger Sandell's series "From Conspirators to Contactees" is highlighted, which looks at the development of these ideas.

UFOs as Modern Folklore

A significant portion of the magazine focuses on the idea that UFO encounters and abduction accounts can be viewed as a form of modern folklore. This perspective suggests that the entities and experiences described are not necessarily literal extraterrestrial encounters but rather manifestations of deep-seated cultural myths and psychological archetypes.

The Influence of Cultural Background on Perceptions

It is argued that cultural backgrounds, including traditional myths, literature, and even personal experiences, shape how individuals interpret and report unusual phenomena. The issue notes that neurologists have recognized how the content of hallucinations can be influenced by a sufferer's cultural and personal background.

The Role of Psychological Syndromes

The magazine emphasizes the importance of studying UFO experiences as psychological syndromes, regardless of their objective reality or potential fabrication. These reports offer insights into common psychological patterns and how individuals process extraordinary events.

Social Constructionism and Reality

Simon Danser's book "Myths of Reality" is reviewed, which introduces the concept of social constructionism. This theory posits that our understanding of reality is shaped by shared cultural myths and assumptions, and that UFO narratives can be seen as a modern expression of these constructs.

Folklore Motifs in UFO Narratives

The issue draws parallels between traditional fairy lore and UFO narratives, identifying common motifs such as fairy rings and crop circles, fairy courtship and marriage, and supernatural beings. These parallels suggest a continuity in human imagination and storytelling.

Specific Cases and Examples

While not detailing specific UFO cases in depth, the issue references various researchers and their work, including Peter Rogerson's INTCAT, and mentions cases like the Eugenio Siragusa telepathic contact and the Betty and Barney Hill encounter.

Back Issues and Publications

Information is provided about the availability of back issues of Magonia and MUFOB, as well as the Merseyside UFO Bulletin, catering to readers interested in the magazine's past content.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the interpretation of UFO phenomena through the lens of folklore, mythology, and psychology. The editorial stance appears to favor a critical and analytical approach, suggesting that while the objective reality of UFOs may be debated, the cultural and psychological significance of these narratives is undeniable. The magazine encourages readers to consider the underlying societal and psychological factors that contribute to the formation and persistence of UFO beliefs, rather than solely focusing on the literal interpretation of encounters.