Missing Link - 1994 05-06 - no 132

Magazine Overview

Title: THE MISSING LINK
Issue: Number 132
Volume: 14
Date: May/June 1994
Publisher: Living Light Productions
Country: USA
Price: $2.95

This issue of The Missing Link delves into various unexplained phenomena, from alleged alien abductions and near-death experiences to reports of global strangeness and unusual sightings.

Contents

The magazine features a diverse range of articles, including:

• SOMETHING STRANGE IS GOING ON: A report from Leeds, England, detailing Maria's account of alien abduction, including physical evidence and unexplained pregnancies.
• A MOVIE REVIEW: A critique of the film "UNDENIABLE EVIDENCE," examining its portrayal of abduction scenarios.
• A MOST UNUSUAL PICTURE OF THE VIRGIN MARY: An account of a photograph taken in Medjugorje that appears to show the Virgin Mary holding rosaries.
• DANNY BOY: An update on Danny Hamilton's experiences, focusing on the recurring significance of the number 14 in his life and his upcoming tour.
• MESSAGES (NDE): A personal account by Kris Williams of her near-death experience, detailing encounters with deceased relatives and profound shifts in perception.
• A LIST OF ZINES THE M.L. EXCHANGES WITH: A directory of other publications that The Missing Link exchanges with.
• CHAOS POLICE
• STANDING IN SILENCE (Heads on Easter Island)
• ON PROCESSING ENCOUNTERS
• DEAR AILEEN
• ARE ALIENS ALREADY HERE?
• UFO BELIEVERS TRY TO END STIGMA
• WORD PUZZLE
• MANY REPORT LIGHTS (Buffalo, Wyoming)
• MESSAGE FROM SHERI GOULD

World is getting curiouser and curiouser, magazine says

This article, a report from Reuters, highlights findings from Britain's Fortean Times and its 1993 Strangeness Index. The index recorded a 3.5 percent increase in reported strange phenomena worldwide. While some phenomena like crop circles and spontaneously combusting people are reportedly easing off, others such as bizarre deaths, apparitions, and close encounters with paranormal entities are on the rise. The Fortean Times editors receive numerous letters daily, with the Philippines being noted as a country with a high incidence of strange occurrences. The magazine's editors meticulously sift through various publications to document these events, including accounts of incorruptible bodies and mass hysteria.

SOMETHING STRANGE IS GOING ON: Maria's Story

Maria, a 32-year-old woman from Leeds, England, recounts vivid memories of being abducted and experiencing two pregnancies that inexplicably "disappeared." She describes seeing a large wheel of light outside her house, being compelled by an internal voice to look at a light on the wall, and subsequently waking up with dirty feet and blood on her pillow. She reports physical injuries, including a patch of missing hair and seven pin pricks on her finger. Her GP referred her to a hospital consultant who recorded unusual cellular damage. Maria recalls being walked down a corridor by three small, bronze-colored men who smelled of rotten mushrooms, and being placed on a metallic table. She experienced pain at the back of her head, suggesting where her hair was removed, and a glass tube was inserted up her nose. She also recounts an earlier memory of being four years old when a blue light and long, skinny hands reached for her, leaving bruises. Maria believes the abductors are not extraterrestrials but entities that are "here, all around us." Her husband, initially skeptical, now acknowledges the reality of these events.

A MOVIE REVIEW: UNDENIABLE EVIDENCE

This review critiques the film "UNDENIABLE EVIDENCE," finding it to be a compilation of abduction tropes that borders on comedy. The reviewer notes the film's depiction of an abductee who initially doesn't remember his experiences, his wife's disbelief, and the presence of government agents (Feds) monitoring the situation. The review points out specific plot elements, such as a spaceship hovering over a house, instruments malfunctioning, and a craft crashing like the Roswell incident. It also mentions the inclusion of Native American characters and a reference to the Umatilla Indian Reservation. The reviewer questions the geographical accuracy of the military bases mentioned and highlights a plot point where the abductee is taken to an underground base and interacts with a dying alien. The film concludes with the abductee and his wife having a child, despite the alien claiming to be the last of its line, suggesting a manipulation of history. The reviewer suggests the film is best enjoyed for its humorous aspects, especially for those familiar with abduction research.

A MOST UNUSUAL PICTURE OF THE VIRGIN MARY

This short piece describes a photograph taken by a woman from Arizona in Medjugorje, where she claims Our Lady appeared. The developed film revealed an image of Our Lady holding two rosaries, one longer and one shorter, in each hand. This detail reportedly astounded Carmalite nuns, who considered it proof of authenticity because of the distinct rosaries. The image is noted as a laser copy of a laser copy, and her gown is described as glowing.

DANNY BOY: The Significance of the Number 14

This section revisits the story of "Danny Boy" (Danny Hamilton), who has been plagued by the number 14. The author explains that while some articles detailing Danny's story have been misplaced, he will provide a synopsis. Danny met the author in Memphis and shared an unusual story that intrigued him. The number 14 has led Danny to a deeper understanding of himself. The author notes seeing the number 14 appear five times in one day. Danny is embarking on a tour of Nordic countries in August, which is expected to be widely reported. He predicts something significant will occur on April 14th, and notes that August 14th is the last day of his biggest festival in Scandinavia. He also connects this date to Gladys Presley's passing and his own arrival at Graceland Gates. Danny believes these events are part of God's purpose to save souls and mentions his band, ROCKIT 88. He will be overseas from June 28 to August 21, 1994.

MESSAGES (NDE) by Kris Williams

Kris Williams recounts her near-death experience (NDE) that occurred on April 27, 1993, when she was admitted to Northwest Hospital in a coma with a temperature of 101 and critically low blood pressure. She describes not traveling through a tunnel but simply being "there," where she met her deceased Uncle Al. Unlike her own contract, Uncle Al's was not tied to a specific age. She also encountered other deceased relatives, including her father's siblings and her Grandpa Mitchell Shults, who conveyed messages for their living children. Williams describes the experience as a vivid, all-at-once communication, unlike anything experienced on Earth. She felt surrounded by thousands of people offering loving support, giving her the choice to stay or return. Upon returning to her body, she found it painful and difficult to adjust. She describes learning to speak and exist again as being on "The Flat Planet," a two-dimensional reality. Her sensitivity to emotions has been greatly amplified, allowing her to perceive the emotional states of others intensely. She also recounts a memory of almost dying at age three and her parents' prayers. The article includes an editor's note stating that Kris Williams passed away on November 16, 1993, from a heart attack. Her husband and sister reported that her heart resumed beating momentarily when they approached her body, suggesting a spiritual acknowledgment rather than a desire to return.

A LIST OF ZINES THE M.L. EXCHANGES WITH

This section provides a directory of various publications that The Missing Link magazine exchanges with, offering brief descriptions and contact information. These include:

• THE PHOENIX NEWSLETTER: Focusing on headlines, Bigfoot, and other topics.
• CAMBRIDGE UFO RESEARCH GROUP: Covering local UFO information and periodicals from Canada.
• IANDS: Publishing "Near Death Experience" accounts.
• NEW MILLENNIAL STAR: Covering conspiracies, government, health, UFOs, and related phenomena.
• NEXUS: A broad magazine covering conspiracies, U.S. government, health, UFOs, and related phenomena.
• AURA-Z: A publication with articles on UFOs and related phenomena, published in multiple languages.
• AFU NEWSLETTER: Focused on UFOs, aiming to preserve documents and make material available through an open archives institution.
• WOULD YOU BELIEVE?: Featuring historical and current articles on related phenomena.
• THE GHOST TRACKERS NEWSLETTER: The official publication of the Ghost Research Society.
• CELESTIAL CONTACTS: Devoted to contacts with aliens.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the unexplained and the paranormal, with a strong emphasis on UFOs, alien abductions, and near-death experiences. The magazine appears to present these topics with an open mind, encouraging readers to trust their own experiences and explore the "strangeness" of the world. The editorial stance seems to be one of curiosity and investigation into phenomena that lie beyond conventional understanding, providing a platform for personal accounts and reports of unusual events. The inclusion of various zines and newsletters suggests a community of like-minded individuals and a desire to share information across different publications in the field.

Title: The Missing Link
Issue: 132
Date: May/June 1994

This issue of The Missing Link delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena, paranormal experiences, and extraterrestrial contact, offering a mix of publication reviews, investigative articles, personal accounts, and historical perspectives.

Publication Reviews

The issue begins with a section reviewing several newsletters and magazines focused on UFOs and the paranormal. These include:

• Celestial Contacts: A newsletter for individuals interested in cooperative work and information sharing regarding contacts with 'Celestials'.
• UFO and Paranormal Perceptions: Published by Brent Raynes and Dr. Greg Little, this publication covers UFOs, Native American philosophy, and paranormal events.
• Space Newsletter: Published by Harold Egeln, Jr., it stands for 'Support Program for Abductees Contact Encounters' and deals with contactee-related phenomena.
• International UFO Library Magazine: Featuring well-known writers, this magazine is noted for its extensive coverage of UFOs and related topics.
• The Star Beacon: An 8-year-old metaphysical and UFO newsletter.
• The Gate: A quarterly publication.
• Enigmas: Described as a favorite, this journal investigates strange phenomena and covers UFOs extensively, integrating topics from other mentioned magazines.
• The 101 Times: A newsletter focusing on the apparitions of Mary and Jesus, urging readers to spread messages.

Chaos Police: Are UFOs Real or Disinformation?

Michael Vinter's article, 'Chaos Police,' questions the nature of UFO phenomena, exploring whether they are misinterpretations of natural events, parapsychological occurrences, or deliberate disinformation. The author references a UFO conference in Sheffield where the organizer, Mantle, stated that despite investigating hundreds of cases, he found no evidence of extraterrestrial involvement. Vinter also touches upon Carl Jung's concept of synchronicity and draws a parallel between the conference organizer's name and that of airforce pilot Mantell, who died chasing a non-existent UFO. The article discusses how figures like John A. Keel, initially investigating UFOs, later dismissed extraterrestrial origins. Vinter suggests that a system of disinformation, possibly favored by government security, might be used to obscure information. The piece also explores the human need for mystery, citing examples like the Abominable Snowman and the Loch Ness Monster, and then delves into a specific incident involving a sighting on Loch Ness, supported by sonar data from Project Urquart.

Government Secrecy and Electronic Voice Phenomenon (EVP)

Further into the 'Chaos Police' article, Vinter discusses the US authorities' consistent refutation of UFO existence since the Blue Book project. He presents a letter from the Department of Defense, dated July 17, 1989, obtained via a Freedom of Information Act request, which states that disclosing UFO-related material compiled since 1980 could cause 'exceptionally grave damage to the National Security.' This statement is highlighted as a significant contradiction, implying that a non-existent phenomenon poses a threat. The article also references a TOP SECRET information report concerning the Electronic Voice Phenomenon (EVP), which suggests that strange voices picked up on tape recorders could be emissions from a mysterious agency in deep space or from military frequencies, posing a potential threat to national security. The report recommends meeting public requests for information with denials and lack of interest. These documents were reportedly provided by Raymond Castle, a retired audio technician.

Easter Island: Standing in Silence

This section features photography by Sheila Metzner and an article originally from 'American Way' magazine. It focuses on Easter Island, famous for its over 600 colossal stone statues, the moai. Metzner traveled to the island, also known as Rapa Nui, to photograph these statues. The article describes the mystery surrounding their origin, with speculations ranging from ancient astronauts to inhabitants of a submerged continent. Metzner's journal entries convey the profound experience of witnessing the moai, describing their silent, enigmatic presence. The history of the island is touched upon, including its discovery by Dutch Admiral Jakob Roggeveen in 1722, subsequent visits by explorers like James Cook, the devastating impact of Peruvian slave raiders in 1862, and the arrival of missionaries. An educated guess places an extensive population on the island around AD 380, with later immigrants possibly carving larger statues. The moai were created from the yellowish tuff of the Rano Raraku volcano and were raised in pits before being finished and erected on ceremonial bases called ahus. The article notes that a civil war around AD 1680 led to the toppling of the statues. For years, the island was inhabited by sheep and a small native population, until missionaries settled in 1864 and Chile took formal possession in 1888. The island's isolation is emphasized, with annual naval ship visits for wool and supplies being the only outside contact for a long time. Metzner's guide, archaeologist Edmundo Edwards, recalled a time with no electricity or roads.

Volunteers Search Cornfield After Reports of Fallen UFO

A news report from the Herald Journal (Syracuse, NY, April 15, 1994) details a search in Oswegatchie, Northern New York, for an object witnesses reported seeing fall from the sky. Dozens of volunteers, aided by an Army helicopter with infrared night vision devices, combed a cornfield. At least four people reported seeing an object with two rows of bright red lights, described as shaped like a plane, that dropped into the field. Despite the search, nothing was found. Witnesses described the object as not resembling any conventional aircraft. Airport authorities in Ogdensburg and Burlington, VT, reported no incoming aircraft transmissions.

Correction and Front Cover Photograph

This section includes a correction regarding a previous month's cover, apologizing for an error in description and promising to receive covers directly from the printer in the future. It also explains that the front cover photograph was taken by Aileen during a sunset, and it was a unique shot within a series of four frames. Another similar picture was sent by Bill Reimer, reportedly from someone in Texas who experienced a similar beam of light.

On Processing Encounters with Extraterrestrial Intelligence

Janet E. Colli, M.A., writes about the controversial topic of extraterrestrial encounters and their psychological impact. The article notes that ten years prior, specializing in this field could have been career suicide for clinical psychologists, but a 1991 Roper poll suggested that one in fifty adult Americans may have undergone UFO abductions or related phenomena. The author and Tom Beck explore therapeutic work with individuals who have had such encounters, emphasizing that contact itself can be traumatic, causing wide-ranging psychological and physiological effects.

Three case studies illustrate the distress experienced:

• Alice: Traumatized at age two by a 'monster,' she later experienced multiple out-of-body experiences and 'spirit guide' visits. After a missing time incident in college, she felt like a 'rape victim' for three years. Seeing Whitley Strieber's book 'Communion' triggered memories, and a dental procedure led to a flashback of three aliens.
• Nancy: At eight, she saw a green triangular light and later discovered identical scars on her tailbone, remembering a 'round room.' She suffers from asthma, digestive problems, and depression, feeling alienated from society. She found similarities to her experiences in 'Communion.'
• Bob: A pilot preoccupied with space programs and UFOlogy, he had an early childhood dream of confronting three 'beings.' His experiences with drugs and altered states amplified his fear of loss of control. He cannot account for his body terror when scenes from 'Communion' are shown.

The article explains that understanding of ETI contact effects has evolved, with researchers now recognizing a multitude of signs and symptoms that may indicate an abduction, even without a UFO sighting. Paranormal phenomena like out-of-body experiences are also considered residual effects of ETI contact. Abductees may exhibit symptoms of traumatic stress reaction, such as Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD), with diagnostic criteria including amnesia, flashbacks, insomnia, and distress at events resembling the traumatic event.

The article also discusses the challenges faced by mental health professionals in dealing with these experiences, suggesting the term 'experienced anomalous trauma' to encompass events that lead to PTSD but cannot be proven 'real.' The therapeutic approach focuses on abuse, utilizing imagery work, dreams, role-play, and artwork to help clients access and unfold memories. The body's signals are used to uncover the unique process by which individuals protected themselves. Hypnosis is mentioned as a method for uncovering memories, but the article emphasizes that the safest and least intrusive methodology involves imagery work and process-oriented psychology.

Information About the Contacts

This section, a letter from Edward Barth to Aileen, discusses communications with the Semjase Star Center and Billy Meier. Barth shares an 'Information About the Contacts' sheet, detailing contact periods over eleven years:

• 1942-1953: Contact with Sfath, Semjase's grandfather.
• 1953-1964: Contact with Asket, a woman from the Dal Universe.
• 1975-1986: Contact with Semjase, her father Ptaah, Quetzal, and other Pleiadians.

It recounts Semjase's accident on Earth on December 15, 1977, her return to Erra for healing, and subsequent contacts that resumed on May 20, 1978, until March 26, 1981. Semjase left Earth again in March 1981 and returned in January 1984, with her last contact on February 3, 1984. A brain collapse in November 1984 led to her being brought to a brother-nation of the Pleiadians in the Dal Universe, where Asket also belongs. Semjase is recovering but has lost much of her knowledge and must relearn everything, a process expected to take about 70 years. She is currently in the Dal Universe. The earliest Semjase is expected to return is in 2054. Contacts continued with Ptaah, Quetzal, and others until January 29, 1986. In 1989, contacts resumed with Ptaah and were expected to continue for eleven years.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the exploration of unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs and extraterrestrial contact. There's a strong emphasis on investigating these topics, questioning official narratives, and understanding the psychological and societal implications of such encounters. The magazine appears to provide a platform for diverse perspectives, from reviews of specialized publications to personal accounts and investigative journalism. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry, acknowledging the controversial nature of the subjects while presenting information and encouraging critical thinking. The inclusion of a cartoon and a correction note suggests a more personal and engaged approach to content delivery.

This issue of The Missing Link, dated May/June 1994, features a cover story titled "Are aliens already here?" which highlights the controversial research of Harvard psychiatrist John E. Mack into alien abductions. The magazine also includes reports on recent UFO sightings, a protest for government disclosure, and a personal encounter with a strange creature.

John E. Mack's Research on Alien Abductions

The lead article profiles Dr. John E. Mack, a Harvard psychiatrist who, after initially dismissing the idea, became deeply involved in researching alien abduction experiences. He met Budd Hopkins, a New York artist known for his work with abductees, and was compelled by what he found. Mack concluded that the individuals claiming abduction were "solid people, of sound mind" and that "something important" was occurring. Over three years, nearly 100 self-proclaimed "experiencers" contacted Mack. His research, funded by the Center for Psychology and Social Change, has led to his book "Abduction: Human Encounters With Aliens." Despite his impeccable credentials, Mack faces significant skepticism from colleagues, with some viewing his work as an "embarrassment" to Harvard. George Vaillant, a Harvard professor, offered a favorable blurb for Mack's book but described it as a potential metaphor. Mack himself emphasizes his agnosticism, stating he takes the abductees' stories seriously but does not necessarily believe they conform to our current understanding of physical reality. He theorizes that extraterrestrials might originate from another dimension or parallel universe. Mack is pursuing further research, comparing abductees with victims of traumatic experiences and studying UFO abductions worldwide, predicting that within a few years, abduction experiences will be a subject of numerous academic theses.

Skepticism and Counterarguments

Philip J. Klass, publisher of Skeptics UFO Newsletter, remains a prominent debunker, stating he has yet to find a credible UFO case that cannot be explained prosaically. He questions why, if aliens are engaging in crossbreeding, they don't abduct Olympic athletes, and why no physical souvenirs are ever brought back. Klass believes that many abductees are attention-seekers, appearing on talk shows like Oprah Winfrey and Jerry Springer. He warns that the "abduction cult" is dangerous and will cause more people to suffer from fear.

UFO investigators Kevin D. Randle and Donald R. Schmitt, while convinced of an extraterrestrial craft crash near Roswell, N.M., in 1947, are not convinced that aliens are abducting humans. They point to the lack of tangible physical evidence in abduction cases, relying heavily on subconscious recall through hypnosis, which they deem unreliable. They suggest that support groups can perpetuate the idea of abduction.

UFO Sightings and Phenomena

The issue includes reports of unusual lights sighted in the skies. A "crop circle"-like phenomenon was reported in Shelby, North Carolina, where blades of grass were bent into a pattern visible from an airplane. Residents Candy Hurtig and her husband noticed the pattern on a wheat field. While some, like Wesley Mullinax, suggest natural causes such as storms, the phenomenon is described as fascinating and looking like something "from up above just came down."

Several accounts detail strange lights seen over Johnson County, Wyoming, on March 2 and March 7, 1994. People described bright, pulsating lights, some in groups, glowing yellow-white or reddish-yellow, and appearing to move at high speeds or hover. These sightings were also reported in eastern-central Michigan the following night, with descriptions matching those from Wyoming. The Michigan sightings were tracked on weather radar and garnered national media attention, including features on CBS's "48-Hours" and Larry King Live.

Sherri Gould, Associate Director of the UFO Contact Center, International, reported sightings over Buffalo, Wyoming, in March 1994, describing them as bright, pulsating, and sometimes triangle-shaped. She also recounts a personal sighting on March 14 of three bright lights near her home. Gould believes these sightings are related to Arcturans and that there will be increasing sky activity and social acceptance of such phenomena.

Close Encounter in Mount Rainier Area

Brian Canfield, an 18-year-old high school senior, reported a close encounter in the Mount Rainier area. His truck died, and he witnessed a tall, winged creature, described as nine feet tall with blue-tinted fur, yellowish eyes, and sharp teeth, descend near his vehicle. Canfield was frightened but felt out of place rather than threatened. The creature unfolded its wings and flew away, after which his truck started. He drew a sketch of the creature, which some friends nicknamed "Batsquatch." The encounter left him deeply unsettled.

Protest for Government Disclosure

A protest was held in front of the White House by "Operation Right to Know," a group advocating for the U.S. government to release approximately 20,000 pages of documents related to UFOs. Protesters believe that acknowledging the truth of events like the Roswell crash would legitimize the study of Ufology. Larry W. Bryant is pursuing a lawsuit to obtain autopsy reports of alleged alien bodies recovered from Roswell.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently explores the tension between belief and skepticism regarding UFO phenomena and alien encounters. It highlights the work of researchers like John E. Mack who are attempting to legitimize the study of these topics, while also presenting the views of debunkers who demand concrete physical evidence. The magazine appears to lean towards presenting unexplained phenomena as worthy of serious consideration, even if definitive proof is lacking, encouraging readers to remain open-minded and question conventional explanations. The editorial stance seems to be one of encouraging critical thinking and openness to possibilities beyond the immediately explainable, as suggested by the puzzle and the concluding quote, "Never laugh at anyone's dreams."