Magonia - No 99 - 2009 04

Magazine Overview

Magonia 99: The Final Print Issue

This issue, dated April 2009, marks the end of Magonia's print run, a publication that has evolved from the Merseyside UFO Bulletin, which began in 1968. The magazine, under the editorship of John Rimmer, with John Harney as Associate Editor and Peter Rogerson as Reviews Editor, reflects on its long history and the state of ufology.

Editorial Notes and Reflections

The leading editorial, "A FEW FINAL EDITORIAL NOTES," by John Rimmer, discusses the reasons for ending the publication. Rimmer expresses disappointment with the perceived lack of progress in UFO research, describing it as an "endless scrutiny of issues that were once considered settled." He contrasts the current situation with the early days of MUFOB, recalling battles with established UFO organizations and celebrating the shift towards a more informal, voluntary network of individual researchers with expertise. Rimmer highlights Magonia's role in bringing the work of French researchers to British readers in the 1980s and notes the positive developments, such as the collaboration between ufologists and the government agency for publicizing Ministry of Defence records.

Historical Exploration: Spiritualism and Interplanetary Beliefs

Several articles delve into historical aspects of belief in life beyond Earth and related phenomena. Gareth J. Medway's article, "Mediums, Mystics and Martians," explores the 19th-century fascination with Spiritualism and the concept of inhabited planets. It details séances in Cadiz in 1853, where spirits discussed the emancipation of women and the distribution of harmonies across solar system globes. The article discusses Allan Kardec's spiritualist philosophy, which posited the universe as a collection of 'mansions' for incarnate spirits, and Camille Flammarion's astronomical theories about life on other planets.

Medway also examines the claims of Andrew Jackson Davis, who described life on various planets, including Venus and Mars, and the visions of Ellen Gould White, who reported seeing worlds with multiple moons. The article touches upon the idea of 'earth-lights' and the historical belief in canals on Mars, popularized by Schiaparelli and Flammarion. It also recounts the bizarre claims of William Herschel regarding the sun being a cool, inhabited world beneath its luminous atmosphere.

Early UFO Reports and Contactee Narratives

The issue revisits early UFO phenomena and related narratives. It discusses the 'airship' craze of the late 19th century, with reports of sightings in the US, and the Aurora, Texas, UFO crash of 1897, where an alien pilot was allegedly buried. The article touches upon the claims of Arthur Bryant, who reported an encounter with a UFO and its occupants in Scoriton, Devon, in 1965, shortly after the death of George Adamski, a prominent contactee.

Ufology's Trajectory and Skepticism

Jerome Clark's piece, "A Testable Hypothesis, 1947," offers a skeptical perspective, predicting that the 'flying disc' reports of 1947 would fade and that unexplained sightings would be technically unaccounted for due to lack of information, rather than indicating genuine anomalies. Clark suggests that most sightings would be attributable to prosaic origins or the province of individuals with psychological issues or a propensity for hoaxing. He posits that scientific authorities would rarely experience unexplainable sightings and that mental health professionals would eventually identify belief in flying discs as a symptom of mental disorder.

Clark's article, presented in the "25 YEARS AGO" section, is contrasted with the current state of ufology. The editorial notes that while Clark's earlier skepticism was perhaps more pronounced, the magazine's own journey has been one of critical inquiry. The issue also includes a letter from Paul Deveraux defending the 'earth-lights' hypothesis and a mention of the demise of 'Flying Saucer Review'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a critical yet open-minded approach to ufology, emphasizing rigorous research and a healthy skepticism towards sensational claims. It highlights the importance of historical context and the evolution of ideas within the field. The editorial stance, particularly in the final issue, reflects a sense of accomplishment in contributing to the discourse while acknowledging the ongoing challenges and perceived stagnation in achieving definitive progress in understanding UFO phenomena. The emphasis shifts from debunking to understanding the social and psychological aspects of belief, and the importance of individual researchers over bureaucratic organizations. The commitment to preserving the historical record through the online archive signifies a continued dedication to the subject matter.

This issue of "NORTHERN ECHOES" (Volume 2, Issue 11, dated January 1968) features a retrospective commentary by Peter Rogerson, reflecting on forty years of "Magonia" and the broader field of ufology. The magazine, published by Magonia, originates from the United Kingdom and is written in English.

Peter Rogerson's Forty-Year Reflection

Rogerson begins by acknowledging the longevity of the publication, tracing its origins back to the Merseyside UFO Group Newsletter in 1965. This was followed by John Harney's takeover and renaming to 'Bulletin' in 1966, and then the founding of the original Merseyside UFO Bulletin in January 1968. He notes the stark contrast between the world of 1968, with its limited technology, and the present day. Early issues were produced on typewriters and duplicated, reflecting a different era of information dissemination.

He recounts the formation of a 'triumvirate' with John Harney and John Rimmer, and later a 'second great triumvirate' with Roger Sandell. The magazine was eventually renamed Magonia. Rogerson describes these as "glory years" where new ideas were explored. He touches upon the challenges faced in the early 1980s and the expansion of the editorial team in the late 1980s to include Nigel Watson, Mick Goss, and Robert Rankin. A significant moment highlighted is their stand against the Satanic abuse myth, spearheaded by Roger Sandell.

The commentary then addresses the rise of alien abductions and the 'Abduction Finders General', noting a shift in focus. Rogerson expresses a growing skepticism over the years, stating his personal position as one of "skeptical agnosticism." He observes that while many UFO reports are difficult to explain, they do not necessarily provide evidence for folk explanations. He criticizes the tendency to "sex things up" for commercial reasons and the preference for convoluted paranormal explanations over straightforward ones.

Rogerson discusses the tendency for writers to rely on personal ego and esoteric knowledge, contrasting this with the reality that anyone can be mistaken. He emphasizes the need for actual evidence for extraordinary claims, noting the lack of neutral investigation into such matters. He also touches upon the social phenomenon of belief, where giving something a name, like "Shadow People," can summon it into existence and solidify a new belief system.

The UFO as an Anti-Scientific Symbol

An article by John Rimmer, originally published in MUFOB, is featured, discussing the UFO's adoption by the underground and alternative culture in the late 1960s as a symbol of opposition to a mainstream society dominated by industrial, scientific, and militaristic complexes. The article describes how underground magazines combined UFO imagery with psychedelic graphics and mystical symbolism. Rimmer notes that this era saw a move towards "New Ufology."

The article highlights the public's ambivalent attitude towards UFOs, often met with laughter but also an admission that "there could be something in it." It suggests a contradiction between the public's desire for novelty and a growing anti-scientific, neo-Luddite movement. The UFO is presented as a symbol of this movement, a "Holy Grail" representing a retreat from scientific progress and a yearning for a pre-scientific world view.

Rimmer critiques the tendency to explain UFOs in terms of spacecraft or plasma, suggesting that perhaps they are simply phenomena to be marveled at. He references Carl Jung's view of the UFO as a symbol of wholeness and permanence, and its potential representation of purity in a sullied world. The article also touches upon the perceived connection between UFO occupants and mythical figures like dwarfs and elves.

Book Reviews

The issue includes several book reviews:

• "Big Brain: the origins and future of human intelligence" by Gary Lynch and Richard Grainger: Reviewed by Peter Rogerson, this book is described as a classic example of pseudoscience, where authors with expertise in one field venture into areas outside their specialization. The review critiques the authors' speculation about the Boskop Man and their connection to UFO imagery, suggesting it's a recycled idea that does a disservice to science.
• "Counterknowledge: how we surrendered to conspiracy theories, quack medicine, bogus science and fake history" by Damian Thompson: Rogerson expresses a paradoxical reaction, agreeing with the complaints about pseudoscience but disagreeing with the overall approach. He criticizes the book for not fully acknowledging the capitalist drive of publishers and universities and for its perceived anti-Islam rhetoric. The review highlights Thompson's stance against the publishing industry and his adherence to a particular worldview.
• "Beyond UFOs: the search for extraterrestrial life and its astonishing implications for our future" by Jeffrey Bennett: Reviewed by Rogerson, this book is noted for its exploration of possible alien habitats and philosophical issues surrounding extraterrestrial life. Rogerson questions the notion of "advanced" aliens and suggests that the focus on human-like projects misses the point of true alienness.
• "Why Aren't They Here: the question of life on other worlds" by Surendra Verma: Also reviewed by Rogerson, this book is seen as a whistle-stop tour of the history of belief in ETs, with a strong core of faith in the author's writing. Rogerson points out the Fermi Paradox and the contradictory ideas enthusiasts hold about aliens.
• "Laboratories of Faith: mesmerism, spiritism and occultism in modern France" by John Warne Monroe: This review discusses the development of spiritualism and psychical research in France, focusing on Allan Kardec and the ideology of Spiritism. It notes the parallels between early spiritualist claims and modern abduction narratives.
• "A World of UFOs" by Chris A. Rutkowski: Reviewed as a summary of the UFO situation in 2008, the review finds the book to be largely pointless, adding little new information. It lists well-known UFO cases and bizarre encounters but is criticized for its lack of depth and reliance on older material.
• "Psychology and the Occult" by C. G. Jung: This reissue of Jung's papers is welcomed, with the reviewer noting that his earlier, more clinical pieces have stood the test of time better than his later speculations. The review draws parallels between Jung's investigation of a teenage medium and modern abduction stories.
• "UFOs in the Headlines: Real Reporting on a Real Phenomenon" by Rob Simone: This book is described as a nostalgia fest of UFO stories from British newspapers of the 1950s. The review notes the mix of believer and skeptical material and criticizes the less substantial sections of the book.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the history and evolution of ufology, the increasing role of skepticism, and the cultural significance of the UFO phenomenon. There is a consistent critical examination of claims, with an emphasis on evidence and a questioning of the more speculative or paranormal explanations. The editorial stance, as reflected in Rogerson's commentary and the book reviews, leans towards a rational and skeptical approach, while acknowledging the enduring appeal and cultural impact of UFO beliefs. The magazine appears to be moving away from uncritical acceptance of phenomena and towards a more nuanced, analytical perspective, often highlighting the psychological and social aspects of belief systems.