Magonia Supplement - No 25 - 2000 03

Magazine Overview

Title: MAGONIA Monthly Supplement
Issue: No. 25
Date: March 2000
Editor: JOHN HARNEY

This issue of the Magonia Monthly Supplement focuses on internal controversies and debates within British ufology, alongside reviews of relevant books.

Editorial

The editorial section, penned by John Rimmer, addresses the ongoing criticism of Jenny Randles regarding her stance on UFO abduction stories. Rimmer suggests that those who are quick to condemn Randles might consider a different target. He quotes Nick Pope from his book 'The Uninvited,' who firmly believes in an extraterrestrial explanation for abduction phenomena, stating that a literal interpretation of witness reports is correct. Pope is noted to be speaking at an Intruders Foundation conference in New York on May 6th, alongside other prominent figures like Dr. John Mack, Dr. Bruce Maccabee, and Budd Hopkins, with abductees participating in a panel discussion.

The Troubled Small World of British UFology

John Rimmer's main article details a series of controversies that have recently shaken the British ufology community. The article begins with the breakup of BUFORA, a national organization, due to bureaucratic practices, leading to the formation of the research-focused group UFOIN. However, UFOIN soon faced its own crisis when Larry O'Hara, a political researcher, accused ufologist Tim Matthews (also known as Tim Hepple) of having a history with extremist political organizations, including the British National Party and the Green Anarchist movement. O'Hara's booklet, 'At War With the Universe,' elaborates on these complexities. Matthews's preferred UFO theory, which suggests secret weapons developed by Nazi scientists during WWII, is also discussed.

Initially, many ufologists seemed to rally around Matthews, but after reviewing O'Hara's pamphlet, some doubts emerged about Matthews/Hepple's suitability for the UFOIN team. Counter-intuitively, Matthews then resigned from UFOIN before being elected and announced the formation of his own group, the 'National UFO Research Association.' The article notes that this new group's members will have no say in its policy or leadership.

The article then shifts to Kevin McClure, a respected researcher and writer on ufology, who has been critical of how some investigators handle abduction cases, particularly concerning the impact on vulnerable individuals. McClure recently criticized Tony Dodd for his handling of a supposed abduction case involving a young boy. McClure's publication, 'Abduction Watch,' calls for responsible ufologists to abandon all abduction investigations. This idea has also been discussed among UFOIN members.

Kevin McClure has also issued an 'Open Letter' to Jenny Randles, criticizing her book 'The Complete Book of Aliens and Abductions.' McClure feels Randles does not unambiguously endorse the idea that no human has been abducted by physically real space aliens and questions her precise numbering of abduction cases in Britain (87). Rimmer defends Randles, suggesting McClure's reading is perverse and that her use of terms like 'abduction cases' or 'reports' does not equate to endorsing their physical reality. Rimmer offers a disclaimer for UFO authors, emphasizing the need for cautious language like 'alleged,' 'supposed,' and 'apparent.'

McClure's valid point, however, is that if Randles has identified 87 'best evidence' cases in Britain, they warrant re-investigation. He requests Randles to release information about these cases. Rimmer notes a contradiction, as McClure has previously criticized investigators for releasing personal details of witnesses, yet now asks for such information. Despite this, Rimmer believes a careful re-investigation of many of these cases could be valuable, as the individuals involved likely have experience with investigators.

Rimmer concludes by quoting a passage from Randles's book that he believes Kevin and all serious researchers will endorse, which questions the ethics of using hypnotic regression to extract 'memories of a terrible nature' and the subsequent impact on witnesses who are left to 'face a lifetime of torment.'

Literary Criticism

Reviews by Peter Rogerson

1. Danny Sullivan. *Ley Lines: A Comprehensive Guide to Alignments*, Piatkus, 1999. £16.99.
Peter Rogerson reviews Danny Sullivan's book, which explores the history of ley hunting. The first part covers the movement from Alfred Watkins's era, portraying Watkins as a practical man interested in ancient trade routes rather than a mystic. The review notes how more mystical individuals in the 1960s counter-culture reformed ley hunting, influenced by theories like Aimé Michel's orthoteny and figures such as Tony Duncan Wedd, Jimmy Goddard, and Philip Hesselton. John Michell, associated with 'flying saucers and fairies' and earth mysteries, is also mentioned.

Rogerson observes that modern ley hunting has toned down its mystical effusions and is attempting to align with archaeological establishments. He is less sure about Paul Devereux's modern interpretation of 'spirit lines,' finding it not necessarily wrong but not clearly established. A significant criticism is the book's repeated assertion of traditions without documentation, highlighting the potential for bias and outdated ideas in folklore collected by amateurs.

Rogerson questions the role of 'spirit lines' in traditional ghost lore and suggests that the belief in spirits moving in straight lines might stem from observing light, such as moonbeams and sunbeams, traveling in straight lines. Despite these reservations, he considers the book a good popular introduction for newcomers to ley hunting.

2. Dana Redfield. *Summoned: Encounters with Alien Intelligence*, Hampton Roads Books, 1999. £14.99.
This book is reviewed as featuring writings by Dana Redfield, who is described as a writer, abductee, and 'silent contactee' and channeler. The channelled writings are characterized as barely coherent, exhibiting hypergraphia and automatic writing. The book also includes a diary of dreams and nocturnal experiences, identified as hypnogogic and hypnopompic experiences, with occasional sleep paralysis. Redfield's life account, including six brief marriages, is hinted at as possibly stemming from underlying personal issues rather than alien abduction. The review suggests that her claimed childhood experiences could have been interpreted as a child abuse narrative under different circumstances.

Letter

Christopher Allan, Stoke-on-Trent

Christopher Allan responds to a previous article titled 'British ufology born yet again?' He suspects the new organization NUFORA has two purposes: to make ufology acceptable to mainstream science and to provoke BUFORA. Allan questions NUFORA's claims of 'objective research' and 'highest standards of investigation,' particularly regarding the requirement for investigators to undergo formal training and pass examinations. He wonders about the qualifications and appointment of these 'examiners' and requests details on NUFORA's book list and a sample examination paper. He also notes the announcement of a team of 'consultants' and expresses skepticism about their actual involvement, comparing them to established organizations like NICAP and MUFON. Allan shares the views expressed about NUFORA's meaning, purpose, and expected lifespan.

Next Issue

The next issue will feature Martin Kottmeyer on spacesuited aliens in 'Diving to Earth.'

Contact Information

MAGONIA Monthly Supplement is available on their website (www.magonia.demon.co.uk). Printed copies are sent to a select few. Letters and short articles are welcome and will be considered for publication unless otherwise indicated. Contributions should be sent to the Editor, John Harney, at 27 Enid Wood House, High Street, Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 1LN, UK. Contact details include fax (01344 482709) and email ([email protected]).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently addresses the complexities and controversies within the field of ufology, particularly in Britain. There is a critical examination of research methodologies, the ethics of investigating abduction cases, and the personal conduct of prominent figures in the field. The editorial stance appears to favor a cautious, evidence-based approach, questioning unsubstantiated claims and highlighting potential exploitation of witnesses. The magazine also engages with broader topics related to belief systems, such as ley lines, and provides a platform for critical reviews and reader feedback, fostering a debate within the ufological community.