Magonia Supplement - No 31 - 2000 09

Magazine Overview

MAGONIA Monthly Supplement, Issue No. 31, dated September 2000, is a publication focused on interpreting contemporary vision and belief. Edited by John Harney, this issue delves into various topics related to ufology, science fiction, and literary criticism.

Editorial: The Arnold Case and Pelicanists

The editorial addresses the ongoing debate surrounding James Easton's re-examination of the Arnold case. Easton's suggestion that the UFOs sighted were likely pelicans has provoked strong reactions from American ufologists, who view it as an attempt to dismantle cherished UFO reports. Jerome Clark is quoted as referring to those who prefer natural explanations as 'pelicanists.' The core of the argument appears to hinge on whether Arnold accurately estimated the distance of the objects. The editorial concludes that the 'pelicanists' are likely to emerge as the victors in this debate.

Article: Bees From a Dying Planet

This article, by Martin Kottmeyer, explores the connection between science fiction and UFO reports, particularly focusing on abduction narratives. It posits that many abduction motifs are derived from science fiction, but also considers the reverse possibility: that science fiction writers draw inspiration from genuine UFO reports. The article highlights Dennis Wheatley's 1952 novel, 'Star of Ill-Omen,' as a significant example. Wheatley, known for his occult thrillers, researched his stories extensively. In 'Star of Ill-Omen,' the plot involves giant humanoid Martians who are slaves to intelligent insects called 'bee-beetles.' These Martians plan to conquer Earth using atom bombs, seeking help from a captured physicist to manufacture them. The humanoids eventually rebel and destroy the Martians after learning the bee-beetles lack a sting. The protagonists escape back to Earth in a flying saucer, which then explodes.

The article notes that Wheatley's book is not particularly readable, with much of the narrative focused on a tedious voyage to Mars. It suggests that the bee-beetles may be inspired by the speculations of Gerald Heard. The author also discusses details within the novel that echo later UFO lore, such as objects bursting into flames and the functional, unornamented interiors of saucers, drawing parallels with the Maury Island story and the Ubatuba incident. The concept of aliens using telepathy to control humanoids and showing them films of Earth's history is also mentioned, with a comparison to the later concept of Greys. The article touches upon early 1950s speculations about Mars being a potential abode for intelligent life, citing Percival Lowell's geological theories, which have since been disproven by space exploration.

Literary Criticism

This section features reviews of several books:

Children of the Night: Of Vampires and Vampirism by Tony Thorne

Reviewed by Peter Rogerson, this book examines the history and contemporary fascination with vampires, tracing their roots from classical antiquity to modern subcultures. Thorne notes the emergence of alien abductors as a modern manifestation of the liminal zone between sleep and waking, merging traditional themes with pseudo-science and science fiction.

Life on Other Worlds and How to Find It by Stuart Clark

Reviewed by Peter Rogerson, this book offers a general overview of the search for extraterrestrial life (SETI). Clark discusses speciesist and ethno-historical arguments and touches on the religious appeal of SETI. The reviewer critiques Clark's notion of the 'principle of plenitude' as nonsensical.

Real Fairies: True Accounts of Meetings with Nature Spirits by David Tame

Reviewed by Peter Rogerson, this book includes occult and new age speculation, but also accounts of 'fairy sightings' that reflect 19th-century fairy illustrations. It mentions mysterious vehicle stoppages, accidents, sightings of 'little men,' and withered crops at Broxted in Sussex, drawing parallels to the Stocksbridge affair.

Here Be Dragons: The Scientific Quest for Extraterrestrial Life by David Koerner and Simon LeVay

Reviewed by Peter Rogerson, this book presents an overview of the debate on extraterrestrial life, interviewing various experts. The reviewers note that the book concludes that UFO reports do not represent evidence for alien visitation. It also discusses the lack of imagination in envisioning aliens that differ significantly from human forms and ambitions.

Voices of the Rocks: Lost Civilisations and the Catastrophes which Destroyed Them by Robert M. Schoch and Robert Aquinas McNally

Reviewed by Peter Rogerson, this book links apocalyptic speculation about killer asteroids with heterodox archaeology, particularly concerning Egypt and the Sphinx's age. The reviewer questions Schoch's understanding of historical motivations, particularly regarding the burning of ancient cities.

Letter: The Four-yearly UFO Ritual

Christopher D. Allan of Stoke-on-Trent writes about the recurring 'Four-yearly UFO Ritual' in the US, where ufologists question presidential candidates about releasing secret UFO files. He notes that elected presidents typically delegate or ignore these requests, leading to disappointment among UFO enthusiasts. Allan questions whether a similar ritual occurs in the UK or other countries, suspecting it does not.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of belief, contemporary vision, and unexplained phenomena. There is a critical stance towards unsubstantiated claims within ufology, as evidenced by the editorial's discussion of the Arnold case and the literary reviews' skepticism towards alien visitation theories. The publication also examines how cultural narratives, particularly science fiction and folklore, influence perceptions of the unexplained. The editorial stance appears to favor rational explanations and critical analysis while acknowledging the enduring fascination with mysteries and the unknown.