Magonia Supplement - No 62 - 2006 08 03

Magazine Overview

Title: MAGONIA Supplement
Issue: No. 62
Date: 3 August 2006

This issue of Magonia Supplement, edited by John Harney, features a primary article by M.J. Graeber titled "MINISAUCERS," which delves into a specific category of UFO experiences. The supplement also includes a report by John Rimmer on a conference in Blackpool, a literary criticism section by Peter Rogerson, and an editorial on the nature of UFO evidence.

MINISAUCERS by M.J. Graeber

M.J. Graeber introduces the concept of "Dynamic Displays" (DDs), which he previously discussed in Magonia. These displays are seen as specific to the observer's unconscious psychical status, offering a "Symbolic Representation" of inner emotional tensions, anxiety, and repressed fear, acting as a "release valve." This article focuses on a particular type of DD: "Minisaucers," or miniature unidentified flying objects encountered indoors.

Graeber notes that while such reports are less common than traditional sightings, they deserve attention. He mentions that Minisaucers are often thought to be Alien Monitoring devices used for abduction preparation. Some reports describe them as tiny spheres or globs of light flitting about or hovering, while others suggest they can create atmospheric tears through which alien creatures might enter.

He draws parallels to the "foo fighters" of World War II, which Allied investigators failed to identify. He also references the mysterious "Ghost Rockets" seen after WWII, which preceded the modern UFO era, and the seminal Kenneth Arnold sighting in 1947 that coined the term "Flying Saucer."

Minisaucer Case Study No. 1 - Close encounter inside the office

This case involves Joe Delaney, a university student who, while catnapping during a late-night lunch break, became aware of a dark, fluttering object near the ceiling. Initially mistaking it for a bat, he soon realized it was a black cylindrical object, about six to eight inches long and an inch and a half in diameter, silently wobbling. He described its shape as hexagonal, reminiscent of an antique rifle's barrel. When he threw his jacket at it, the object evaded capture. Graeber notes the object's unusual configuration, oscillatory motion, and noiseless performance as consistent with a Flying Saucer, albeit in miniature.

Minisaucer Case Study No. 2 - Another interactive encounter

Mr. Greene, a businessman, awoke to a "big black spot" clinging to his bedroom ceiling. Initially fearing it was a spider, he observed it closely and realized it was a convexly contoured oddity, like a cherry-filled chocolate cordial with a matte black finish. His fears subsided as the object, without apparent appendages, began to move precisely in unison with his thoughts, gliding to a halt, and then vanishing into a minute central point. The observation lasted about 50-60 seconds, with four distinct movements. Investigative notes suggest the object's movements were deliberate and smoothly executed, and it appeared solid. Graeber suggests that if this had occurred outdoors, it would likely be considered a significant UFO sighting, possibly involving telepathic communion.

Minisaucer Case Study No. 3 - A close encounter in the park

This case involves Erik, a 23-year-old man who encountered a small disc of white light on the ground in a park. The light moved directly in front of him, matching his pace whether he jogged or stopped. Erik initially feared it was a rifle's laser beam but found no source. He later suspected it might be a trick from his deceased grandmother, "Bubby," whom he deeply missed. The light appeared luminous and seemed to come from beneath the snow layer. Erik's experience was investigated by MUFON researcher George Morgan and psychologist Stan Brewster. Graeber speculates that Erik's rejection of a psychological explanation might stem from a fear of dismissing the encounter as unreal, and suggests the event could have been a beneficial display related to his grief.

A possible clue regarding the true nature of Minisaucer events

Graeber proposes a "Dual Process of Perception" (DPP) theory, suggesting that Minisaucer sightings might be a mixture of unconsciously generated dream imagery and conscious perception of real-world elements. This "dual process" could occur during the REM phases of sleep, where brain wave patterns resemble those of wakefulness. He notes that witnesses often report a "pronounced sense of presence" and the ability to critically evaluate the object, which aligns with characteristics observed in both UFO phenomena and sleep-related experiences like "Old Hag Assaults."

Graeber concludes this section by posing provocative questions about whether these events are merely ufoological nonsense or if ufology is a science or proto-science, leaving the interpretation to the readers.

OH, I DO LIKE TO BE BESIDE THE SEASIDE! by John Rimmer

John Rimmer recounts his experience of being invited to speak at a conference organized by LAPIS (Lancashire Anomalous Phenomena Investigation Society) in Blackpool. He chose to speak about the "Warminster UFO wave" of the late sixties and early seventies, a topic he had some involvement in.

The conference featured other speakers: Philip Mantle discussed the "alien autopsy" film; Richard Freeman spoke about his adventures hunting mysterious animals; and Mike Hallowell presented on "childhood Imaginary Friends." Rimmer notes that the autopsy film was later revealed to be a hoax. He also touches upon Magonia's "psycho-social" viewpoint regarding mystery animals, contrasting it with Richard Freeman's more literal interpretation.

Rimmer's own contribution focused on positioning Warminster as a center for a "peculiarly English UFO and contactee narrative," distinct from the American tradition. He suggests a potential rediscovery of the English UFO tradition, referencing authors like Steve Dewey, John Ries, Andy Roberts, and Dave Clarke.

Despite a smaller-than-hoped-for audience, Rimmer found the conference excellent, with a friendly atmosphere, good location, knowledgeable audience, and a wide range of topics. He and his wife opted out of an impromptu sky-watch to explore Blackpool.

LITERARY CRITICISM

Reviews by Peter Rogerson

The Cock Lane Ghost: murder, sex and haunting in Dr Johnson's London by Paul Chambers:

This book details the 18th-century scandal of the Cock Lane ghost, involving Richard Parsons, his daughter Betty, and the alleged haunting of his house. The ghost, claiming to be Fanny, Parsons's deceased wife, accused her "husband" of poisoning her. The scandal divided London and pitted the Anglican establishment against the Methodists, with John Wesley being a notable believer.

Will Storr Versus The Supernatural: one man's search for the truth about ghosts by Will Storr:

Loaded journalist Will Storr embarks on a transatlantic ghost-hunting expedition, interviewing various figures in the paranormal field, including demonologists, ghost hunters, psychical researchers, and the Vatican's top exorcist. The review notes that Storr's encounters often strike skeptics as examples of the power of suggestion, and warns against the assumption that paranormal investigators are always honest.

The Joy of Sects: an a-z of cults, cranks and religious eccentrics by Sam Jordison:

This book is described as presenting non-mainstream religious movements as a "freak show." The review suggests that while some beliefs are strange, the distinction between "cults" and "mainstream" religions is often blurred by history and community acceptance. It posits that religions serve as surrogate tribes, providing cultural identity and self-esteem, and are often concerned with controlling sexual behavior and maintaining social hierarchies.

Editorial

The editorial discusses the common characteristic of "best" UFO reports lacking independent witnesses. It highlights the unreliability of eyewitness testimony, even from trained observers like pilots and police officers, citing findings by Hynek and Hendry. Science writer Ian Ridpath's "UFO Uncertainty Principle" is quoted, stating that a UFO sighting cannot be both highly reliable and highly specific. The editorial argues that accepting single-witness reports as evidence for extraordinary events hinders ufology's acceptance by the scientific community.

MAGONIA WEB SITES

This section provides links to various Magonia-related online resources, including the main Magonia website, Magonia Extra (archives of MUFORG Bulletin), Magonia Supplement (HTML editions), and the Magonia Blog.

MAGONIA READERS' MEETINGS

Information is provided for informal monthly meetings for Magonia readers in the London area, held on the first Sunday of each month at The Railway pub near Putney station.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the nature of UFO experiences, particularly "Minisaucers," and their potential psychological interpretations. The editorial stance is critical of the unreliability of UFO evidence, emphasizing the need for corroboration and cautioning against accepting anecdotal accounts without scrutiny. There is a clear distinction made between ufology as a potential science and its current state as a field often reliant on subjective experiences. The issue also touches upon the history of UFO research and the cultural context of paranormal beliefs.