Magonia - No 94 - 2007 01

Magazine Overview

Title: Magonia
Issue: Number 94
Date: January 2007
Subtitle: contemporaryvisionandbelief

This issue of Magonia, a publication focused on contemporary vision and belief, features a cover story on William Dudley Pelley, a figure associated with "UN-AMERICAN activities." The issue delves into the historical, religious, philosophical, political, and folkloric antecedents of contactee and abduction phenomena, examining how these ideas have evolved and manifested over time.

Editorial Notes

The editorial section highlights the impressive level of UFO research and organization in Sweden, particularly through the organization UFO Sverige and its extensive Archive for UFO Research. The editor, John Rimmer, expresses a sense of despondency when comparing the Swedish situation to that in the UK, noting the collapse of BUFORA and the lack of a national forum for UFO research. He praises the professionalism of the Swedish archive, which has even received a grant from the Swedish government, and contrasts this with the disappearance of BUFORA's library and case reports. The editor questions how a smaller European country can achieve such a standard of UFO organization and research, playfully suggesting IKEA flat-pack furniture as a possible explanation.

Beyond the Reality Barrier by Careth J. Medway

This article explores the historical roots of concepts that would later become associated with the "New Age" movement and UFO contactee narratives. It begins with Jacob Ilive in the 18th century, who asserted the plurality of worlds and that Earth is hell, justifying his views with biblical passages. The concept of multiple inhabited worlds, or "mansions," was further developed by Emanuel Swedenborg, who claimed to have mystical visions and communicate with spirits, teaching that spirits and angels were formerly human beings who had evolved into higher states.

Swedenborg's ideas about multiple worlds, where human races evolve and move to higher planes, are presented as a precursor to later extraterrestrial contact narratives. The article also touches upon the influence of Hindu and Buddhist scriptures on the concept of other worlds. The term "New Age" itself is linked to Swedenborg's ideas.

The development of the Theosophical Society by Madame Blavatsky is discussed, including her theory of "root races" and lost continents like Atlantis and Lemuria. Blavatsky's disciples, Annie Besant and Charles Leadbeater, expanded on these ideas, incorporating evolutionary cycles on other planets and "Helpers from outside." The article references Blavatsky's "Lords of the Flame," who were said to have arrived from Venus to guide human evolution.

Other figures and movements are examined, including Yogi Ramacharaka and his "Fourteen Lectures on Yogi Philosophy," which discussed spiritual evolution across planets. The influence of spiritualism in the 19th century led to works like "Oahspe," which described celestial vehicles. The article notes the establishment of communities like Kathleen Tingley's in California, which combined various religious and mystical elements.

Max Heindel's Rosicrucian society and its complex scheme of human evolution involving beings from Venus and Mercury are mentioned. The article also discusses George Adamski, who claimed to receive messages from "Universal Laws" and "Universal Progressive Christianity," and his alleged contact with Venusians.

Frederick S. Oliver's manuscript "A Dweller on Two Planets," dictated by an entity named Phylos the Tibetan, is presented as a significant work that described Atlantean civilization and aerial ships. The idea of hidden worlds within Mount Shasta and a "Lothinian Brotherhood" is also explored.

The article highlights the growing interest in spiritual and occult ideas in California, with examples like the Rosicrucian society founded by Max Heindel and the Self-Realization Fellowship established by Paramhansa Yogananda.

The Rise of Contactee Narratives

The article continues to trace the development of ideas that would fuel contactee stories. It mentions Guy Ballard and Edna Ballard, who published messages from "Saint Germain" and promoted a "Save America" program. Their movement, the "I AM" movement, drew on concepts of "Ascended Masters" and spiritual journeys.

The concept of "I AM" as a representation of the true self, distinct from the physical body, is explained, drawing parallels with Baird Spalding's "Life and Teaching of the Masters of the Far East." The article notes that the "I AM" movement continued after Guy Ballard's death.

Dana Howard's account of a journey to Venus is presented, along with her description of the "gem-studded" rocket-shaped craft. The article questions the nature of these journeys, whether they were mental events or actual physical travel, and notes that Howard herself pondered this.

The article then discusses the popularization of flying saucer theories in the 1950s, citing Donald Keyhoe's article "The Flying Saucers are Real" and books like Frank Scully's "Behind the Flying Saucers." The idea of alien spacecraft, often depicted as piloted by humanoids from Venus or intelligent insects from Mars, entered popular culture through films like "The Thing" and "The Day the Earth Stood Still."

Several contactee accounts are detailed: Lyman H. Streeter's experience of amnesia and a perceived trip to a large hall; Calvin Girvin's astral journey to Venus; and Orfeo Angelucci's experience of being on another world, described as a remnant of the planet Lucifer.

The article also examines Cecil Michael's account of a flying saucer sighting and a subsequent trip aboard a saucer, which he described as physically real but also as a vision. The narrative of the "Mighty I AM" and the struggle against "entities" opposing their work is mentioned, with references to "Lords of the Flame" from Venus.

UFOs in America 1947 and Early Sightings

The article references a publication titled "UFOs in America 1947," which contains original documents and newspaper reports of UFO sightings. It notes the deletion of witness names in some accounts, raising questions about the confidentiality of U.S. government information.

Early reports of alleged crashed saucers are discussed, including a case in Wisconsin where a "disc" was found to be a "circular saw blade," and another in Maryland involving a "Gulf Oil sign" and various electronic components. A report of "smoking remains" in Nebraska was identified as tobacco ash.

A Gallup poll from August 1947 indicated that a significant portion of the public was unsure about the nature of UFOs, with responses ranging from "imagination or mirages" to "US secret weapons" and "hoaxes." Notably, few believed they came from outer space at that time.

Dr. Mead Layne of the Borderland Sciences Research Foundation is mentioned for his early interest in UFOs, particularly a "black, torpedo-shaped" craft sighted in San Diego. He received information from a medium named Mark Probert, who described the ship as coming from "west of the moon" and its occupants as peaceful beings trying to contact Earth.

Probert's subsequent work produced descriptions of seven types of alien ships, including "doughnut-shaped craft." The article notes that the scientific explanations for UFO propulsion methods, such as those described by an entity named "Alan," were complex and dated, referencing the Japanese physicist Yukawa.

The article concludes by noting that many flying saucer entities conveyed spiritual messages, often in terms familiar to New Agers, speaking of the evils of Earth and the intervention of wise beings from Venus.

Further Contactee Accounts and Scientific Skepticism

The article continues to explore various contactee accounts and the scientific skepticism surrounding them. It mentions William Ferguson's "My Trip To Mars," which describes an "expanded state of being" rather than physical travel. Elizabeth Klarer's account of visiting the planet Meton and bearing a child to a Metonite is presented, along with the observation that this violated apartheid laws.

When questioned about evidence, Klarer showed a potted plant, which was later identified as an ordinary maidenhair fern. The author suggests this does not necessarily invalidate her account, given the possibility of similar flora on Meton.

The article notes that by the 1950s, scientific understanding of planets like Jupiter and Neptune indicated they were unsuitable for life, and others were highly dubious. The Venera 4 probe's findings in 1967 confirmed Venus's uninhabitability.

Despite scientific understanding, science fiction writers and contactees continued to propose unusual scenarios, such as an episode of "Dr Who" set on Pluto. The article points out the anomaly of some aliens seeming to know less about astronomy than humans.

Dan Martin's account of encountering a lady astronaut from Mercury is recounted, highlighting the scientific implausibility of life on Mercury due to its proximity to the sun. The author suggests that such anomalies indicate that some contactees may have been imagining their experiences.

Cecil Michael's "Round Trip to Hell in a Flying Saucer" is mentioned, detailing a trip aboard a saucer that felt real but was later interpreted as a vision. The article notes the lack of information about Michael's religious background.

The article touches upon the propulsion methods of flying saucers, quoting an entity named "Alan" who described a process involving platinum and "binding energy particles." The author finds this explanation curious, given its connection to 1950s terminology and the rapid replacement of the term "binding energy particle" with "meson."

Many flying saucer entities conveyed spiritual messages, often speaking of the evils of Earth and the intervention of wise beings from Venus. The article notes that in Britain, the subject was espoused by individuals with occult backgrounds, such as Lord Hugh Dowding, former Chief Marshal of the RAF.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the historical development of ideas surrounding multiple worlds, spiritual evolution, and extraterrestrial contact. The magazine explores the intersection of religion, philosophy, folklore, and occultism in shaping these narratives. There is a clear focus on the "New Age" movement and its precursors, tracing the lineage of ideas from figures like Swedenborg and Blavatsky to later contactees.

The editorial stance, as expressed in the "Editorial Notes," is one of admiration for organized and professional UFO research, exemplified by Sweden's UFO Sverige. There is a critical view of the state of UFO research in the UK, lamenting the loss of resources and infrastructure. The magazine appears to be skeptical of large, national UFO groups, preferring the idea of focused research by smaller, dedicated individuals, yet acknowledges the potential value of a centralized archive and publication.

This issue of "Visions Before Midnight" focuses on the historical and psychological underpinnings of the UFO and abduction phenomenon, exploring its connections to folklore, witchcraft, and religious impulses. The cover features a striking black and white photograph of a man's face, overlaid with the title and sub-titles that clearly define the issue's thematic scope.

Theosophy, Spiritualism, and Early UFO Writers

The article begins by discussing early writers in the field, such as Brinsley le Poer Trench, who was a practising spiritualist. Desmond Leslie is highlighted as a significant figure, a former RAF fighter pilot whose writings blended Catholic faith with Spiritualist and Theosophical literature. Leslie's work, particularly his manuscript that would become "Flying Saucers Have Landed," drew heavily on sources like W. J. Crawford and Helena Blavatsky, referencing concepts like 'The Royal Order of Tibet' and 'The Space Brothers.' His narrative also incorporated ideas about 'Lords of the Flame' from Venus, dating their arrival to ancient times. The book was later combined with George Adamski's narrative, a contactee known for his New Age philosophy.

Adamski's post-war books were ghost-written, and his early work, "Pioneers of Space," was admitted fiction, yet bore resemblances to his later factual accounts. The text mentions entities like 'Oara,' a 'planetary representative of Saturn,' who communicated via ouija board. The article also touches upon the personal anecdotes of contactees, including a quote from Adamski about facing his 'Maker' and a cynical remark from Ray Stanford about the 'Royal Order of Tibet' and Prohibition.

Parallels with Pre-1947 Narratives and 'Contactee' Experiences

The issue draws parallels between pre-1947 and post-1947 narratives, citing examples of mystical experiences involving crystal cups and radiant glows, such as those described by Guy Ballard and Orfeo Angelucci. It notes potential connections between contactees like Guy Ballard and George Hunt Williamson with far-right politics, suggesting Williamson may have been introduced to Adamski by William Dudley Pelley. The article also addresses the criticism of racism associated with descriptions of blonde, blue-eyed aliens.

The 'Psychosocial Hypothesis' and Historical Connections

The article strongly advocates for the 'psychosocial hypothesis,' suggesting that UFO phenomena are modern manifestations of ancient paranormal encounters, rooted in the human psyche's religious and mystical impulses. It posits that modern UFO sightings are scientistic expressions of these deep-seated impulses, akin to myths of encounters with angels, demons, elves, and ghosts. Examples like George King's Aetherius Society and Ruth Norman's Unarius sect are cited as UFO religions.

Witchcraft and Abduction: A Historical Link

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to drawing parallels between contemporary UFO abduction experiences and medieval witchcraft cases. The author, David Sivier, argues that the conduct of abduction researchers mirrors that of medieval witchfinders. He points to the similarities in the descriptions of entities, such as the diminutive 'Greys' in abduction cases and the 'familiars' of witches, and the predatory nature of these encounters. The article references John Sterne's "Demonlatry" and Matthew Hopkins' methods, suggesting that many witchcraft confessions arose from psychological pressures and possibly even sleep paralysis, similar to modern abduction accounts.

Demonic Encounters and Sleep Paralysis

The text explores how demonic encounters, particularly those involving sexually predatory 'incubi' and 'succubi,' may have originated in visions during hypnopogic states, akin to sleep paralysis. Anne Boreham's confession of seeing 'ugly men' fighting and having use of her body is presented as an example. The article notes that while modern abductees are subjected to high-tech dissection tables, the violation is conceptually similar to historical accounts. The paradoxically asexual yet sexually predatory nature of both historical demonic entities and modern aliens is highlighted.

The 'Alien' as a Modern Demon

The article posits that the 'alien' is a modern iteration of the 'demon,' fulfilling a similar psychological role. It suggests that the 'machine elves' produced by DMT experiences might be autonomous, yet alienated, sections of the human psyche. The emotional states of abductees are also paralleled with the motivations of purported witches victimised by Hopkins and Sterne, who were often targeted during periods of psychological vulnerability.

Historical Parallels in Folklore and Religious Experience

The issue delves into historical parallels beyond witchcraft, examining folklore and religious experiences. It discusses the 'interrupted journey' narratives found in nineteenth-century folklore, where travellers encounter alluring but dangerous supernatural entities. Examples include the 'spectral girls' seen by two young men in Orkney and Eugenio Siragusa's encounter with 'silver clad figures' near Mount Etna. These experiences are linked to the psychological stresses of long journeys and trance-like states.

The 'Canon Episcopi' and Illusory Nature of Phenomena

The article references the 'Canon Episcopi,' a medieval church document that considered some demonic phenomena to be illusory. This is contrasted with contemporary ufologists who insist on the objective reality of UFOs. The text suggests that the medieval churchmen may have been correct in recognizing the illusory nature of many supernatural phenomena, including witches' Sabbaths, and that modern UFOs might be updated versions of these 'supernatural flying ships.'

'Futurehype' and Technological Predictions

In the book reviews section, Bob Seidensticker's "Futurehype: The Myths of Technological Change" is discussed. Seidensticker argues that technological change is not unprecedented and that predictions about the future often reflect the anxieties and hopes of the present era. The review contrasts these predictions with the rapid evolution of UFO narratives, from airships to aliens with 'magical' medical procedures and hybrid babies.

ESP and Anomalies

Another book review covers Dean Radin's "Entangled Minds: Extrasensory Experiences in a Quantum Reality" and Sally Rhine Feather and Michael Schmicker's "The Gift: ESP." The review notes Radin's experiments suggesting that the human brain might be more complex than currently understood, but expresses skepticism about claims involving earthworms and random number generators. The review of Feather's work highlights the challenge of convincing skeptics with anecdotal evidence of ESP and anomalies.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the historical continuity of paranormal experiences, the psychological roots of UFO and abduction phenomena, and the critique of literal interpretations of these events. The editorial stance is clearly aligned with the psychosocial hypothesis, viewing UFO encounters as a modern manifestation of ancient human psychological and religious impulses, rather than evidence of extraterrestrial visitation. The issue emphasizes the importance of understanding these phenomena within their historical and cultural contexts, drawing strong parallels between medieval witchcraft and contemporary abductions.