Magonia - No 91 - 2006 02

Magazine Overview

MAGONIA 91 is the issue incorporating MUFOB 138, dated February 2006. The magazine is edited by John Rimmer, with John Harney as Associate Editor and Peter Rogerson as Reviews Editor. It is published in the United Kingdom.

Roger Sandell Memorial Essay Competition

This issue announces the third Roger Sandell Memorial Essay Competition, established to honor the memory of their friend and colleague Roger Sandell, who died ten years prior. The competition invites essays on the subject of Conspiracy Theories, encouraging analysis of their history, development, societal impact, and influence. While the magazine is UFO-oriented, it acknowledges the interconnectedness of ufology with other conspiracy theories, such as those surrounding the Kennedy assassination and the Satanic Abuse panic, areas where Sandell was considered an expert. A secondary theme for the competition is the question of whether ufology can be considered a science or 'proto-science'. The prize for the best essay is £100, with winning entries potentially published in Magonia. Entries should be approximately 6-7000 words in English and submitted by June 1, 2006.

Article: Playboy, The Saturday Evening Post, and the Vanishing X-15 Pilot's Return

This article by Curtis Peebles investigates the claim, originating from a 1968 conversation between Dr. Robert Wood and Dr. James E. McDonald, that Douglas test pilot Gene May was abducted during an X-15 flight in the early 1960s. The story, which involved May and the aircraft being released after three hours, also appeared in Ann Druffel's book 'Firestorm: Dr. James E. McDonald's Fight For UFO Science' and was heard by an X-15 engineer at a UFO convention. Peebles asserts that these stories were "bogus on several levels," notably because Gene May never flew the X-15 aircraft.

Peebles traces the potential origins of the abduction narrative to science fiction. One influence cited is William Sabrot's story "Control Somnambule," published in the May 1962 issue of Playboy. This story features an astronaut named Paul Davenport who is abducted in space, examined under hypnosis, and later has his memory of the event suppressed. The similarities to the X-15 abduction story, particularly the "missing time" and examination under hypnosis, are noted.

Another potential influence is Graham Doar's science fiction story "The Outer Limit," published in the December 24, 1949, issue of The Saturday Evening Post. This story features a test pilot named "Bill" flying an experimental aircraft, the "X2JTO," who encounters a metallic ellipsoid object and is taken aboard a larger spaceship. The aliens, described as "presences" due to "brilliant emanations," conduct physical examinations, including a gastrointestinal examination and the creation of a tattoo-like marking on the pilot's large intestine. The pilot is then returned with his memory of the event suppressed. Peebles notes that "The Outer Limit" was widely dramatized on radio and television, potentially reaching a large audience.

Peebles argues that the X-15 abduction story, as told by Dr. Wood and others, likely emerged later, possibly influenced by these science fiction narratives. He suggests that the story was adapted to fit the X-15 context, with Gene May being substituted for the fictional pilot "Bill." Peebles critiques Mr. Reid's defense of the May abduction story, arguing that Reid's points are based on irrelevancies and a misinterpretation of the fictional aircraft's design. Peebles concludes that the real event that "The Outer Limit" may have been based on was the death of Capt. Thomas F. Mantell in January 1948, who crashed while chasing a bright metallic object.

The article also touches upon the nature of abduction narratives, comparing them to zoological studies of wild animals, where creatures are trapped, examined, and tagged. The "Control Somnambule" story is seen as suggesting that humans in such encounters play the role of the gazelle being studied by the aliens.

Article: The Devil's Dozen

This article by Gareth J. Medway discusses the significance of the number thirteen in witchcraft. Medway disputes the theory, proposed by Stan Gooch and echoed by Rossell Hope Robbins, that the number thirteen in a witch coven originated as a blasphemous parody of Christianity's imitation of Christ and his twelve disciples. Medway cites Gooch's book 'Guardians of the Ancient Wisdom' and Robbins's 'A Razor for a Goat,' noting that Robbins provides no evidence for this claim. Medway points out that while thirteen may not have universal mystic significance, there are cultures that counted the year in thirteen months. He also notes that the early Church attempted to discourage witchcraft.

Back Issues

Information is provided on available back issues of MUFOB and Magonia, with prices and contact details for ordering.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Magonia focuses on the intersection of conspiracy theories, ufology, and the influence of science fiction. The editorial stance appears critical and analytical, aiming to debunk unsubstantiated claims and trace the origins of popular narratives. The magazine actively engages with its readership through an essay competition and by publishing detailed articles that dissect historical accounts and their potential influences. The inclusion of historical context, such as the discussion of witchcraft and the Mantell incident, alongside contemporary UFO phenomena, suggests a broad scope within the realm of anomalous phenomena and belief systems. The magazine demonstrates a commitment to rigorous examination, even when challenging established narratives within its readership.

This issue of Magonia, titled 'Aliens: Why They Are Here' by Brian Appleyard, explores the pervasive presence of 'aliens' and witchcraft in culture, drawing parallels between their historical and contemporary manifestations. The magazine delves into the evolution of witchcraft beliefs, the nature of covens, and the influence of folklore on societal fears and perceptions.

The Cultural Presence of Aliens and Witchcraft

Brian Appleyard's book is central to the discussion, observing that whether or not 'nuts and bolts' UFOs exist, aliens have become a part of our culture, much like witchcraft did historically. The article contrasts the historical persecution of witches with their current cultural presence, suggesting that both phenomena, despite their different contexts, represent a similar integration into societal consciousness.

The Origins and Evolution of Witchcraft Beliefs

The issue traces the origins of witchcraft beliefs, moving from early Christian theology to pagan influences. It highlights the practice of women believing they flew at night with the Goddess Diana, and Charlemagne's capital offense for witchcraft. The shift around 1400, where the Inquisition promoted belief in witchcraft, leading to organized persecutions, is noted. The 'Burning Times' lasted for three hundred years. Modern historians initially focused on the Burning Times, leading to the impression that witchcraft was purely a Christian invention, a view encouraged by anti-clerical writers. However, the article suggests separating prehistoric beliefs from Christian ones, citing archaic folk customs like drawing blood to remove a curse.

The number thirteen in a coven is discussed, with sources indicating it was a common belief, possibly surviving from pagan times. The article examines the 'Witch-ride' folktale from Iceland and a similar Scottish legend, suggesting Norse origins and survival through Viking settlers. The author posits that the idea of thirteen in a coven might stem from northern European folklore, possibly related to Odin and the Valkyries, who were often depicted as twelve or thirteen in number.

Margaret Murray's theory of the Witch Cult in Western Europe, which suggested covens of thirteen were the normal method of organization, is mentioned. While criticized, the theory is seen as having preserved elements of pagan belief. The article notes that contemporary witch covens still regard thirteen as the ideal number, though difficult to arrange.

The Satanism Scare and Folklore

The issue connects the modern Satanism scare of the 1980s and 1990s to earlier beliefs and persecuting mindsets, particularly in America. Historians and sociologists have focused on contemporary societal factors, but the article suggests an unbroken tradition of witch beliefs may have fueled the Satanism scare. It discusses how allegations of satanic ritual abuse have been linked to nineteenth-century anti-Satanist propaganda and the demonology of the Middle Ages. The influence of adult survivors' narratives, which described 'kinky adult sex, homosexuality, drug taking and suburban wife-swapping,' is noted, along with the later inclusion of child abuse motifs.

Ozark folklore, as studied by Vance Randolph, is presented as a crucible for understanding these beliefs. Randolph's work documented folklore about witches, including the belief in witches being changed into horses and ridden by others. The article draws comparisons between Ozark witch-cult practices and those described by Gerald Gardner, suggesting a possible survival of elements of a witch-cult from the sixteenth century onwards.

The issue highlights the persistence of archaic beliefs in rural communities, such as the Ozarks, where 'medieval society with modern technology' coexists. The fear of witchcraft and the 'savage hatred' beneath the surface of seemingly genial hospitality are described. The article suggests that the spread of new religious movements and the economic and social dislocation of the 1980s created a climate favorable to irrational fears of secret satanic conspiracies, with the Satanism scare serving as a model for later panics.

UFO Cases and Investigations

The notorious Socorro sighting of April 24, 1964, involving police officer Lonnie Zamora, is examined. Various explanations are discussed, including a hot-air balloon, a Lunar Surveyor test, a hoax, and a mirage. The article criticizes the 'pick-and-mix' approach to solving UFO cases, which it argues prevents ufology from being taken seriously by mainstream scientists and politicians.

The Warminster mystery is also detailed, described as the biggest UFO event on the planet in the 1960s and early 1970s. The book 'In Alien Heat' by Steve Dewey and John Reis is reviewed, charting the development of the phenomenon from auditory events to a full-blown UFO mystery. The role of Arthur Shuttlewood in promoting the Warminster story is highlighted, as is the influence of 'Englishness' in its reception. The article notes the lack of military involvement and US interest in the Warminster case, distinguishing it from Rendlesham.

Book Reviews

The issue includes several book reviews:

• Sacred Places. Prehistory and Popular Imagination by Bob Trubshaw: This book is described as profoundly Fortean, viewing beliefs about the past as devices for supplying meaning and significance. It explores European notions of landscape, the construction of the British myth of the rural idyll, and the influence of Postmodernism on archaeology.
• Thunderbirds: America's living legends of giant birds by Mark A Hall: This collection of reports about large birds is presented as evidence for a 'claws-and-feathers bird,' but the lack of physical evidence is noted.
• Sheldrake and His Critics: the sense of being glared at edited by Anthony Freeman: This special issue of the Journal of Consciousness Studies examines Rupert Sheldrake's claims about sensing being stared at, and how science deals with 'heresy'.
• In Alien Heat: The Warminster Mystery Revisited by Steve Dewey and John Reis: This book is praised for its meticulous research and documentation of the Warminster UFO phenomenon, offering a historical and social context.
• An Introduction to Parapsychology by Harvey J. Irwin: This is described as a standard textbook defining parapsychology as the scientific study of experiences outside conventional scientific understanding. It covers anecdotal and laboratory evidence for 'psi and survival.'
• Alien Rock: the rock and roll extraterrestrial connection by Michael C. Luckman: This book explores the connection between rock music and UFOs, suggesting that rock stars' interest in UFOs reflects their tendency to embrace fads.

Hold the Back Page

This section discusses a BBC TV program about children involved in 'Satanic Abuse' scandals from the early 1990s. It highlights the persistence of 'satanic abuse' beliefs within social work departments and the influence of figures like Laurie Matthew in promoting these ideas. The section also touches upon the Roswell incident and a theory involving 'anthropomorphic test dummies' and 'mental defectives' from state asylums, suggesting a potential cover-up of a cover-up.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Magonia include the enduring presence of folklore and archaic beliefs in modern society, the cultural integration of phenomena like witchcraft and UFOs, and the critical examination of claims within ufology and parapsychology. The magazine adopts a stance that is skeptical of simplistic explanations but open to exploring complex historical and cultural connections. It emphasizes the importance of rigorous research and documentation, while also acknowledging the subjective and often irrational nature of belief systems. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, seeking to understand the 'why' behind these phenomena rather than just the 'what.' The magazine also highlights the role of media and social work in shaping public perception and perpetuating moral panics.