MUFOB - New series - No 15

Magazine Overview

Title: MUFOB
Issue: New Series 15
Date: Summer 1979
Publisher: MUFOB
Editor: John Rimmer

This issue of MUFOB, the Metempirical UFO Bulletin, announces a significant change: its upcoming transformation into a new magazine titled MAGONIA. The editors explain that this change reflects a broader perspective, viewing the UFO mystery as part of a wider enigma encompassing visions, rumors, beliefs, and human experience. The new title, 'Magonia', is drawn from medieval European lore and Jacques Vallee's work, signifying a fabled land of visions.

Editorial: The Road to Magonia

In the editorial, John Rimmer reflects on the evolution of MUFOB since its restart in 1975. He notes the shift from a local emphasis to a broader scope, attracting readers beyond the original 'Merseyside UFO Bulletin' readership. The magazine has become more than just a bulletin for UFO enthusiasts. The impending 50th issue marks the transition to MAGONIA, a move intended to legitimize the magazine's policy of publishing a wide range of material connected to UFOs, and to attract writers who can discuss its infinite ramifications from diverse perspectives.

Main Feature: Deception and Perception

The central article examines Jacques Vallee's controversial book, 'Messengers of Deception'. The reviewer, while agreeing that UFO experiences produce psychological effects, expresses reservations about Vallee's concept of 'psychic technology'. The article discusses how the 'myth' of extraterrestrial intervention, as promoted by UFO cults, can lead to reliance on faith, rejection of science, and authoritarian belief systems. Vallee's personal anecdotes about contactees and cult leaders are highlighted, along with his observations on the appeal of these groups, particularly to those seeking security in a changing world. The review also draws connections between modern UFO cults and historical fascist movements, citing examples like William Dudley Pelley and the 'International Zionist Conspiracy'.

The reviewer notes Vallee's examination of cattle mutilations and his suggestion of psychological warfare as a possible explanation. However, the reviewer questions whether Vallee's focus on intelligence agencies or small groups is a way of avoiding deeper questions about the nature of belief systems. The article concludes that UFOs may be less a cause than a result of social malaise, and that the surrender of human ingenuity leads to a desire for divine intervention.

Allen H. Greenfield: Confessions of a Ufologist

Allen H. Greenfield, a noted American ufologist, shares his personal journey from being a 'true believer' in the extraterrestrial hypothesis (ETH) to a skeptical viewpoint. He recounts his early involvement with NICAP and other UFO organizations, witnessing the evolution of UFO theories from ETH to more psychological and paranormal explanations. Greenfield notes the rigid, almost dogmatic, definition of 'ufologist' that excludes skepticism, creating a 'de facto belief system' within the field. He discusses how cases once considered strong evidence for conventional explanations are now viewed with doubt. Greenfield's shift is attributed to a critical examination of the evidence and the structure of ufology itself, leading him to a more balanced perspective. He emphasizes that while he may be wrong about UFOs, the universe holds more mystery and beauty than previously imagined.

Book Reviews

Alien Intelligence by Stuart Holroyd

Reviewed by P.R., this book attempts to examine 'non-human intelligence' but is criticized for its uncritical use of outdated and discredited sources, such as the Hamilton kidnapping hoax and Lunan's messages from Bootes. The review points out factual errors, like the misidentification of a famous ectoplasmic materialization. The reviewer questions the book's intellectual consistency, suggesting it might be a compilation of two separate works.

Miracles by Geoffrey Ashe

Reviewed by P.R., Ashe's book attempts to link biblical miracles with the supernatural powers of Lamas and suggests that meaningful coincidences are minor miracles. The review criticizes Ashe's reliance on Madame David-Neel's accounts and his literal interpretation of biblical miracles. Ashe's approval of Lourdes but not Fatima is noted, with the review suggesting the Fatima messages were influenced by the Salazar dictatorship and clerical fascism. The review also touches on Ashe's ideas about synchronicity and 'The Divine', suggesting alternative terms like 'the numinous' or 'Magonia' might be more suitable.

The Uninvited: a true story by Clive Harold

Reviewed by P.R., this book, though presented as a true story about the Ripperstone Farm case, is analyzed for its UFO-related themes. The review highlights the parallels between the 'giant' haunting the family and poltergeist phenomena, and how media publicity about UFOs might have structured the experiences into a UFO narrative rather than a spiritualist one. The case is seen as an example of 'Social Haunting' and a secularization of traditional beliefs, where the motor-car, like the UFO, takes on attributes of a diabolic machine. The review notes the lack of sociological and psychological analysis in the reporting of such cases.

Into Thin Air: people who disappear by Paul Begg

Reviewed by P.R., this book is praised for its thorough research into alleged 'mysterious disappearances', going back to original sources. The review notes that the book effectively debunks several myths, including the 'mystery of the missing Norfolks' and the Bermuda Triangle. It also criticizes UFO writers for spreading unsubstantiated stories.

Dirk Van Der Werff: UFOs... By Appointment!

This report, submitted via the UFO Investigators' Network, details the experiences of Rodney Stewart, a young man who believes he can communicate with UFOs. Stewart's experiences began during a period of emotional upheaval, where he found solace in the belief of 'Space People' watching over Earth. After meditating and focusing on symbols from George Hunt Williamson's work, he reported seeing a star-like object that moved in an unusual way. He later saw a small silver disc trailing a jetliner. The report also includes Stewart's accounts of paranormal experiences, such as a dart disappearing and a vision of a Victorian table with wilting flowers that revived. Stewart believes UFOs are actual craft piloted by benevolent beings, with hostile UFOs representing opposing forces.

Peter Rogerson: An Abduction Syndrome in Haitian Folklore

Peter Rogerson draws parallels between popular accounts of 'white slave' traffic and modern UFO abduction stories. He examines information from Alfred Metraux's 'Voodoo in Haiti', detailing the 'auto-tigre' or 'motor-zobop' – a car said to abduct people. The case of Divoine Joseph, who experienced being blinded by a white light, losing consciousness, and waking surrounded by masked people, is presented as an example. Rogerson notes similarities to fairy abduction beliefs and European panics about the 'white slave traffic', suggesting a secularization of traditional beliefs where the motor-car replaced the diabolic machine. He also points out similarities between Haitian beliefs and modern UFO-lore, such as the 'loup-garou' and the epiphanies of Voodoo lore.

Letters

John Hind from Belfast writes to challenge Peter Rogerson's review of 'Worlds Beyond', arguing that Vallee's quote about the emergence of man was intended to highlight the irrational component in society, not to beat down aspirations. Hind praises figures like Gerard O'Neill for their vision and criticizes the current 'cynical mood' of the seventies. He suggests that ufologists, with their yearning for salvation from the stars, fit into this mood and are, in comparison to visionaries, 'crushing bores'.

Notes

This section announces a new large-format illustrated book, 'Mysteries of the World', edited by Christopher Pick, which will include a section on UFOs written by John Rimmer. It also mentions the BUFORA International Convention, where MUFOB's editors met overseas readers. The note offers constructive criticism on the convention's format, suggesting advance circulation of papers and more time for discussion periods.

Books Reviewed

• Alien Intelligence by Stuart Holroyd: Criticized for uncritical use of sources and factual errors.
• Miracles by Geoffrey Ashe: Examines biblical miracles and supernatural powers, with a critique of the Fatima messages.
• The Uninvited: a true story by Clive Harold: Analyzes a Ripperstone Farm case for its UFO-related themes and 'Social Haunting' aspects.
• Into Thin Air: people who disappear by Paul Begg: Praised for its thorough research and debunking of several mysteries.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the evolving nature of ufology, moving beyond simple 'nuts and bolts' explanations to encompass psychological, sociological, and even folkloric dimensions. The editorial stance, particularly with the impending name change to MAGONIA, is one of broadening the scope of inquiry, acknowledging that the UFO phenomenon may be intertwined with deeper aspects of human consciousness and belief systems. There is a clear move away from a purely materialistic or extraterrestrial explanation towards a more nuanced understanding that includes the role of belief, perception, and cultural narratives. The issue also highlights the critical examination of evidence and the challenges of maintaining objectivity within the field of ufology, as exemplified by Allen H. Greenfield's personal journey.

This document is a review of the book "UFOs: a British Viewpoint" by Jenny Randles and Peter Warrington, published by Hale in 1979 with a cover price of £5.25. The review is from issue number 20 of a publication, dated October 30, 1979. The reviewer, identified as JR, provides a detailed critique of the book's content and approach to the UFO phenomenon.

Book Review: UFOs: a British Viewpoint

Content and Approach The reviewer notes that Jenny Randles is considered a controversial figure within the British UFO scene. Despite this, the book is largely described as a "sober and interesting account of the contemporary range of the UFO mystery." It primarily features up-to-date UK reports, largely drawn from UFOIN reports. The book addresses potential pitfalls such as military involvement, which it examines sensibly, and physical evidence, which it notes is not proven. A chapter dedicated to the role of UFO investigators and groups is mentioned, which might provoke some reactions but is not seen as intentionally inflammatory.

The core of the book is an exposition of an "amended Hynek classification scheme," presented in a format similar to Allen Hynek's "UFO Experience." While many of the cases discussed may not be new to avid UFO magazine readers, the book collects them in book form for the first time.

Subjective Dimensions and the 'Gary' Affair Towards the end, the authors delve into the more "contentious subjective dimensions of the UFO experience." They detail their own involvements with the notorious 'Gary' affair, offering the general reader insight into the "wieder shores of ufology" while maintaining a rational approach.

Criticism of the Conclusion The reviewer states that if the book had concluded before the final chapter, it would have been recommended "almost without serious reservation." However, the final chapter is seen as destroying the credibility painstakingly built up in the preceding pages. This chapter reportedly reverts to the realm of "'vibrations' and idle speculation." After carefully explaining the dubious and equivocal nature of physical and photographic evidence, and highlighting the essentially subjective character of the experience, the authors (or at least one of them) seem to backtrack. They are accused of "desparately cobble[ing] together a vague, crypto-scientific 'explanation'" to ultimately align with the slogan: "UFOs are real". The reviewer believes that the reasons for this shift are eloquently explained in a piece by Allen Greenfield elsewhere in the magazine.

Recommendation The reviewer's final recommendation is to read the book "up to page 218." Beyond that point, the reviewer suggests the reader is "on your own."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance The review highlights a tension between a rational, evidence-based approach to UFO reports and a more speculative, subjective interpretation. The publication appears to feature contributions from figures like Allen Greenfield, suggesting an interest in a broad spectrum of UFO-related topics, including those that venture into less conventional explanations. The editorial stance, as reflected in this review, seems to value critical analysis and empirical evidence, while acknowledging the complex and often subjective nature of the UFO phenomenon. The reviewer's direct quote indicates a preference for grounded analysis over speculative conclusions, even within the context of UFO research.