MUFOB - New series - No 13

Magazine Overview

This issue of MUFOB, titled "Strange Awakenings," published in Winter 1978/9 as New Series 13, is a UK-based informal journal devoted to ufology and related subjects. It is edited by John Rimmer, with an editorial panel consisting of John Harney, Peter Rogerson, and Roger Sandell. The magazine is available by subscription and welcomes contributions.

Editorial Notes

The editorial section addresses an issue with BUFORA Journal regarding an unauthorized reprint of a review. The editor of BUFORA Journal, Mr. Norman Oliver, has apologized and assured steps will be taken to prevent recurrence. The magazine also announces an increase in subscription rates to £1.75 per annum due to rising costs, while also increasing the regular page count to twenty. An offer is reiterated to extend subscriptions by one issue for each new subscriber introduced.

Strange Awakenings: Keith Basterfield

This lengthy article by Keith Basterfield explores the phenomenon of "Strange Awakenings," proposing that many UFO close encounters, particularly those occurring in the early morning hours, might be explained as hypnopompic or hypnopompic imagery. These are psychological phenomena occurring between sleep and wakefulness, characterized by vivid, realistic, and sometimes bizarre visual or auditory experiences.

Basterfield details the case of Miss R., who reported seeing an egg-shaped object and figures while traveling in a semi-trailer. He analyzes this case and others, suggesting that the clarity of detail, unusual color, and lighting described are consistent with these imagery states. He contrasts "deliberate" encounters (where the witness is awake) with "accidental" ones (where the witness is asleep and woken).

The article discusses the prevalence of such imagery, citing surveys indicating that 51-77% of healthy individuals experience it. Basterfield argues that the content of these images can be so realistic that they are indistinguishable from reality, and that a desire to see UFOs might play a role in their manifestation.

He presents a table of "Table One" cases, summarizing nocturnal awakenings that may be explained by hypnopompic imagery, including incidents from Australia, Spain, and the USA. The author concludes that while many UFO cases might be explained by this psychological phenomenon, further research is needed to clarify the role of images in these experiences and to determine if they could even explain "abduction" scenarios.

Towards a Revisionist History of Ufology: Peter Rogerson

Peter Rogerson's article challenges the common belief that the UFO phenomenon is ancient and directly linked to folklore like fairy beliefs. He argues that while parallels exist, they do not constitute a true "fairy faith" or a coherent mythology.

Rogerson suggests that UFO beliefs are more likely the result of separate social panics, rumors, and contemporary mythologies, organized around the "flying saucer" concept. He points out that the content of UFO reports has evolved over time, from airline pilots encountering machines in the sky to modern "close encounters" and "abductions."

He critiques the idea that UFO waves are necessarily caused by sporadic physical phenomena, suggesting temporal cycles are more likely generated by social factors. Rogerson also questions the role of the media in sensationalizing UFO events, arguing that it reinforces stereotypes and discourages serious academic interest, particularly from physical scientists.

The author emphasizes that while the media may be impressionable, the focus should be on gathering firsthand reports and inspiring confidence in the general public, rather than engaging in "publicity mongering."

Book Reviews

The issue includes several book reviews:

• "Sungods in Exile" by Karyl Robin-Evans: Reviewed critically by Peter Rogerson, this book is accused of being a sensationalized mishmash of Tibetan descriptions and von Daniken-style theories, lacking credible evidence and potentially being fictional.

• "Mind Reach" by Russell Targ and Harold Puthoff: Reviewed by P.R., this book details experiments with alleged psychics at Stanford Research Institute. While finding the authors' scientific approach impressive, the reviewer notes a lack of detail and a disappointing enthusiastic recital of ESP benefits at the end.

• "Ultimate Encounter: the true story of a UFO kidnapping" by Bill Barry: Reviewed by P.R., this book is described as focusing on the interactions of characters in the Travis Walton case, offering some interesting sidelights but not rising above superficial treatment.

• "The mask of time: the mystery factor in timeslips, precognition and hindsight" by Joan Forman: Reviewed by P.R., this book is noted for its phenomenological descriptions of timeslip experiences, which share similarities with alleged UFO encounters, such as silvery lights, unusual silence, and distortions.

• "Close Encounter at Kelly and others of 1955" by Isobel Davis: Reviewed by P.R., this book is presented as a detailed account of the Kelly-Hopkinsville humanoid encounter, highlighting its "absurdity" and the non-human nature of the beings involved.

Other Articles and Sections

• "So long as they spell your name right..." by John Rimmer: This article discusses the recent media attention on UFOs, including an alleged "kidnap" of an Australian pilot, a flap in Italy, and the New Zealand UFO film. Rimmer expresses skepticism about the sensationalism and suggests that government agencies are unlikely to become publicly involved in ufology.

• INTCAT (International Catalogue of Type I UFO Records): This section, compiled by Peter Rogerson, lists numerous UFO sightings and encounters from various locations and dates, providing brief descriptions and references.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the psychological and sociological aspects of UFO beliefs. The magazine actively questions the conventional extraterrestrial hypothesis (ETH), proposing alternative explanations rooted in psychology (hypnopompic imagery) and social dynamics (panic, folklore). The editorial stance is critical of sensationalism and advocates for a more rigorous, evidence-based approach to ufology, emphasizing the need for academic interest and a move away from publicity stunts. There is a clear skepticism towards claims lacking substantial evidence, particularly those presented in a sensational manner.

This document is page 20 of a magazine issue, identified as issue number 20. The raw date from the postmark is '21 MCH 1979', which translates to March 21, 1979. The publication appears to be based in the United Kingdom, given the return address. The content focuses on UFOs, humanoids, and related phenomena.

Content Analysis

The page discusses several intriguing cases and studies related to UFOs and alleged encounters with non-human beings.

Case Studies and Theories

One case mentioned involves a family's experience with alleged visitations, which led to police and reporter attention. The author, identified as Ms. Davis, attempts to fit this case into a 'nuts and bolts' Extra-Terrestrial Hypothesis (ETH) framework, but the text suggests this approach strains the evidence and that a 'haunting' theory might be more appropriate.

Historical Studies by Ted Bloecher

The second part of the discussed work features studies by Ted Bloecher on the history of Close Encounters of the Third Kind (CE3) in the United States up to 1955. This section presents selected cases from 1955 that are described as incompatible with simple explanations like 'nuts and bolts' or basic psychological theories.

Specific Encounters

• Several specific, unusual encounters are highlighted:
• Robert Hunicutt: The chef encountered a group of 'lop-sided beings' standing by the roadside in Branch Hill.
• Ms. Syinmonds: This individual reported seeing 'long nosed dwarves'.
• Children at Riverside: Ghostly craft and beings were encountered by children in Riverside.
• David Ankenbrandt: This individual had a startling encounter with a strange aircraft. He found himself paralysed and confronted by a 6-foot-tall man in a skisuit who spoke in a high-pitched voice. The humanoid warned Ankenbrandt to tell the government that if there were any more wars, 'they' would take over. The same incident reportedly occurred at the same place 48 hours later. Ankenbrandt chose not to engage with what the text calls the 'Adamski circus' and disappeared from the scene.

Mass Panic and Hoaxes

The text also mentions a 'humanoid wave' that caused mass panic in parts of Cincinnati, Ohio, where hoaxers were also involved.

Bigfoot Reports

The volume includes discussions of a couple of Bigfoot reports, notably described as 'small Bigfeet'. The author, Bloecher, is presented as perhaps too readily convinced that these sightings refer to a primitive hominid. The text posits that the significance of Bigfoot reports lies more in the public's conception of what a 'missing link' should look like, rather than in the existence of a literal hominid.

Illustrations and Investigation Quality

The volume is described as well-illustrated with maps, diagrams, and drawings. The investigations detailed within are noted for their commendable thoroughness, providing an example of the depth a competent investigation should achieve.

Recommendation

The publication is highly recommended for individuals seriously studying the UFO problem, as indicated by the initial 'FR' (likely the reviewer's initials).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this excerpt are the complexity and often inexplicable nature of UFO and humanoid encounters, the limitations of conventional explanations (both technological and psychological), and the importance of detailed, thorough investigation. The editorial stance appears to favor open-mindedness towards unusual phenomena, while critically examining the evidence and potential interpretations. There is a clear skepticism towards overly simplistic explanations and a recognition of the psychological and cultural factors influencing perceptions of these events.