Magonia Supplement - No 33 - 2001 02 14

Magazine Overview

Title: MAGONIA Supplement
Issue: No. 33
Date: 14 February 2001

This issue of Magonia Supplement focuses on literary criticism related to paranormal phenomena, alongside reader contributions and editorial announcements. It features a review of Raymond Moody's book, discussions on historical cases, and a change in publication frequency.

Literary Criticism: 'The Last Laugh' by Raymond A. Moody

Peter Rogerson reviews Raymond A. Moody's book, 'The Last Laugh: A New Philosophy of Near Death Experiences, Apparitions and the Paranormal.' Rogerson notes that Moody, accused of being an 'entertainer,' accepts this label, viewing the paranormal as part of entertainment. Moody coins the phrase 'playful paranormalist' to describe those who focus on the stories as human experiences rather than debating their literal truth. The review highlights Moody's argument that paranormal narratives, like literature and performing arts, transport us to 'other worlds,' emphasizing the appeal of their ambiguous and unknown quality. Rogerson agrees that the lack of progress in paranormal fields stems from a reluctance to 'solve' mysteries, which would eliminate the jobs of both believers and skeptics. The connection between the paranormal and showbiz is explored, citing examples like Uri Geller, Daniel Douglas Home, the Davenport brothers, and the Fox sisters. Moody's ideas are linked to the work of anthropologist Victor Turner and Rogan Taylor's 'Death and Resurrection Show,' which posits the showbiz superstar as a descendant of the shaman.

Moody argues for embracing the 'comic potential' of the paranormal, seeing its absurdity as a way to transcend the boundaries of everyday reason. This perspective is echoed in ufology, where stories are sometimes called 'a festival of absurdity,' and it illuminates the 'play-like nature' of abduction narratives, involving a willing suspension of disbelief. Rogerson points out that this perspective makes criticisms like Phil Klass's demand for FBI intervention in the Linda Napolitano case absurd, comparing it to calling the police to investigate a soap opera murder.

Moody also suggests moving beyond a literal interpretation of experiences, arguing that narratives express encounters with the 'paranormal, the occult, the uncanny, weird, awesome, outlandish, supernatural, fey, spooky, enchanted, strange, unknown, beyond,' and other terms hinting at something outside the socially constructed world. These concepts resonate with anthropological notions of 'wilderness' and theological ideas of the 'other,' as well as Turner's concepts of communitas and liminality.

While appreciating Moody's sense of the comic, Rogerson suspects he has a less fine sense of the tragic, noting that Moody acknowledges the dark nature of entertainment but does not fully incorporate it into his general vision. The review concludes that the book, though potentially controversial in academic circles, is worth reading and not easy in places.

Letters to the Editor

Fatima Events and UFO Phenomena

Joaquim Fernandes, from the Center for Transdisciplinary Study on Consciousness at the University Fernando Pessoa, Porto, Portugal, responds to a review of Stanley L. Jacky's book 'God and the Sun at Fatima.' Fernandes asserts that he and colleague Fina d'Armada published a more critical and non-apologetic analysis of the 1917 Fatima events in 1982 with their book 'The Fatima Apparitions and the UFO Phenomenon.' He criticizes Jacky's book for relying on religious documents edited in 1992 and 1999 by a Catholic commission, and suggests that Lucia dos Santos's 'Third Secret' was influenced by the Jesuits. Fernandes emphasizes the importance of using the Portuguese language and original documents for research, lamenting the repetition of third-hand reports full of errors.

Fernandes presents new data regarding the 'solar phenomenon' on October 13, 1917:
1. Witnesses reporting physical sensations and effects were within a 70x100 meter area near the 'contact spot.' These witnesses noted intense heat and sudden drying of their clothes, with some reports of healing.
2. The 'solar phenomenon' was observed by independent witnesses at four distant spots (15-30 km away), who insisted it was not the Sun falling but another object.
3. Fernandes questions Menzel's 'halo hypothesis,' asking if it could explain all three cited effects and complex paths of movement, and requests scientific literature to verify such claims.

He concludes by stating that they are following strict historical and scientific methods, not UFO fanaticism, and seek new ideas from foreign scientists, not easy speculations based on biased interpretations or Catholic dogmas.

Rendlesham Case Errors

Christopher D. Allan of Stoke-on-Trent writes about alleged factual errors in books concerning the Rendlesham Forest incident. He notes Georgina Bruni found over 50 errors in a chapter on Rendlesham in 'The UFOs That Never Were.' He also mentions that Larry Warren claims to have identified 197 factual errors in Georgina Bruni's book 'You Can't Tell the People!' Allan suggests that Jenny Randles might be able to comment on errors in the Warren/Robbins book 'Left at East Gate.' He questions why the Rendlesham case is so 'littered with errors' and attributes it to 'cover-up guys' spreading disinformation, calling for a definitive book.

Miscellaneous Observations

• Nigel Watson of Plympton, Devon, comments on several items:
• He recalls a report from Magonia 72 about streams of audio tape with curses found outside churches and at road junctions, linking it to a story about a UFO witness named Peggy who saw two men stringing silver tape over telephone lines near her home in 1967.
• He references Fortean Times numbers 121 and 122 regarding background information on the Zapruder film of President Kennedy's assassination and wonders what will happen next.
• Watson expresses concern about Fortean Times using 'blatantly recycled material,' citing an article by Roy Bainton titled 'Spirits in the Sky' which he believes is a version of an earlier article by the same author in Uri Geller's 'Encounters Magazine.'

Editorial

The editorial announces a change in Magonia's publication schedule. The magazine is dropping 'Monthly' from its title and will now be published whenever sufficient material is available, as the input has become too irregular for a monthly schedule. The editors note that when people react to controversial items, they tend to argue elsewhere rather than sending comments to Magonia. They express gratitude to those who have sent items and hope for continued contributions.

MAGONIA Readers' Meetings

Information is provided for regular readers' meetings held on the first Sunday of each month from 19:15 to 22:30 at The Railway pub in Putney, London. The location is near Putney Station (South West Trains) and East Putney station (District Line). Food is available until 22:00, and a selection of real ales is offered.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Magonia Supplement demonstrates a commitment to rigorous, historically-based research into paranormal phenomena, as evidenced by the letters concerning the Fatima and Rendlesham cases. The editorial stance appears to favor critical analysis and a move away from speculative or 'easy' interpretations. The magazine also acknowledges the entertainment and narrative aspects of paranormal claims, as discussed in the review of Moody's book, but maintains a focus on factual accuracy and historical methods. The shift to an irregular publication schedule suggests a dedication to quality content over strict periodicity, driven by the availability of substantial contributions and the nature of reader engagement with controversial topics.