New Ufologist - No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: New Ufologist
Issue: 1
Date: 1994
Publisher: The New Ufologist
Country: United Kingdom
Price: £2.50

This inaugural issue of "New Ufologist" presents itself as an experimental concept, aiming to build into a lasting and worthwhile publication. It is positioned as a journal tied to no group and without a set doctrine, committed to publishing material on any aspect of UFOlogy that contributes to serious, scientific debate. While acknowledging the extraterrestrial hypothesis, the magazine intends to focus more on objective, rational theories, but will not reject meritorious contributions based on their content alone. The editorial team has funded this first edition, with future plans for an open editorial gathering where readers can influence content. The publication aims to be a European journal of UFOlogy and seeks international contributions.

A unique aspect highlighted is that any profits will be reinvested into UFO research, forming a research fund for which applications will be open. The journal is intended to be informative and responsible, suitable for presentation to skeptical colleagues. It distinguishes itself from other groups by not needing to fund meetings or administration, with all income going directly to research and case investigation on an open, accountable, and democratic basis.

Key Articles and Themes

Earthlights: The Abduction Connection

Authored by Paul Devereux, this article presents crucial new research linking "Earthlights" (also known as "BOLs" or "earth lights") to abduction experiences. Devereux suggests that these phenomena are an exotic form of natural energy originating from Earth, possibly related to earthquake lights and ball lightning, but with distinctions. These lights are terrain-related, often found in areas with geological characteristics like faulting and mineral deposits. Theories suggest they are produced by tectonic stress fields. Ethnologically, they are interpreted as spirits or supernatural phenomena across various cultures. The article details their characteristics, including shape, size, behaviour (emerging from the ground, hovering, rapid movement, shapeshifting), and electromagnetic aspects. A significant characteristic is their apparent sentience and interaction with observers. The author hypothesizes that electromagnetic fields associated with Earthlights might affect brain function, potentially triggering "abduction" experiences, linking external phenomena to altered states of consciousness (ASC).

Beyond UFology: Meeting With The Alien

This article by Paul Devereux argues that mainstream ufology's focus on unidentified objects in the sky as extraterrestrial craft and UFO "abductions" as human interactions with these craft are running on separate tracks. Devereux proposes that "abductions" relate to human consciousness and altered states, while "things-seen-in-the-sky" relate to poorly understood aspects of environmental nature. He suggests a "meeting with the alien" awaits at the end of both lines, but these "aliens" are different from the familiar ET concept and require a shift beyond current understanding. The article explores the "alien within" (abduction experiences) and the "alien without" (physical phenomena like Earthlights).

The Alien Within: Consciousness and Abduction

This section delves into the interpretation of abduction experiences as altered states of consciousness (ASC). It notes that many abductees enter these states in a quiescent or light trance, similar to lucid dreams, where experiences feel real and three-dimensional. The article links this ability to dissociate and enter ASCs to psychological factors, including a higher incidence of child abuse among abductees. This dissociation is compared to the skills of shamans who act as "walkers between the worlds." The text suggests that modern Western societies, with their mechanization and lack of spiritual life, lack the cultural context for these states, leading to their interpretation as "abduction" scenarios.

DMT and Alien Encounters

The article discusses the role of DMT (dimethyltryptamine), a powerful hallucinogen that occurs naturally in humans, in inducing intense ASCs. Terence McKenna, an authority on hallucinogens, describes DMT experiences as "encounters with... 'alien' intelligences," where users meet entities described as "self-transforming machine elves" or "fractal elves." These entities communicate in a language that is difficult to translate into English. Researcher Peter Meyer notes the impressiveness of these apparent alien contacts in DMT experiences, suggesting they deserve serious investigation. Dr. Rick Strassman is conducting a U.S. Federal government-funded research program at the University of New Mexico to investigate why DMT occurs naturally in the human brain.

The Alien Without: Earthlights and Physics

This section examines Earthlights as physical phenomena. While acknowledging that most UFO sightings are explainable by mundane causes, it posits that genuinely unknown phenomena exist. The author believes Earthlights are an exotic form of natural energy, possibly related to earthquake lights and ball lightning. Research into these "earth light zones" reveals correlations with geological faulting and seismic history. Michael Persinger's Tectonic Stress Theory suggests that strain fields during tectonic flexing produce electrical and geomagnetic changes, leading to light phenomena. Ethnological interpretations vary widely, from spirits to fiery dragons. The article notes that some cultures have built temples to observe these lights. The physical characteristics of Earthlights are described, including their ability to assume coherent shapes, exhibit mass and weightlessness, and rapidly turn "on" and "off." Bizarre reported characteristics include mental effects on people who get close, such as confusion and amnesia, and ASCs with hallucinatory material. The article also touches upon the concept of zero-point energy (ZPE) as a potential physical framework for understanding these phenomena.

Crop Circles and Animal Mutilation

Briefly mentioned on the cover and in the contents, these topics are also featured. Paul Fuller and Jenny Randles discuss "Crop Circles - Do They Have a Future and Did They Have a Past." Albert Budden examines "Ball-Lightning and Animal Mutilation Cases," exploring the link between these phenomena.

Other Content

The issue also includes an "Editorial," "Talking point," "The House On The Moors" (Part One) by Jenny Randles, "The Skeptical View," and "Sightings Update." The "Editorial Panel" includes Albert Budden, Paul Fuller, Rodney Howarth, Michael Hudson, Jenny Randles, and Mike Wootten. The editorial address is provided as The New UFOlogist, 71 Knight Avenue, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 8PY, with a fax number of 0227 764589.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "New Ufologist" strongly emphasizes a scientific and investigative approach to UFOlogy, moving beyond sensationalism and fixed doctrines. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, encouraging contributions that foster serious debate. A recurring theme is the exploration of phenomena that challenge conventional understanding, such as Earthlights and their potential connection to consciousness and abduction experiences. The magazine seeks to bridge the gap between subjective experiences (like those induced by DMT or reported in abductions) and physical phenomena (like Earthlights), suggesting that the "alien" encountered may be more internal or natural than extraterrestrial. The publication's commitment to funding UFO research and its independent, reader-influenced editorial process are key aspects of its identity. The issue also highlights the importance of psychological factors, such as dissociation and altered states of consciousness, in understanding reported anomalous experiences.

This issue of 'The New UFOlogist' delves into several intriguing and often controversial topics within the realm of unexplained phenomena. The primary focus is on the potential link between ball lightning and animal mutilation cases, alongside a comprehensive examination of crop circle hoaxing and the speculative nature of Zero Point Energy (ZPE) and its connection to consciousness.

Ball-Lightning and Animal Mutilation Cases

Albert Budden's article posits that animal mutilations are a complex mix of natural phenomena and human copycat activity, often muddying the waters around genuine events. He argues that the characteristic clean incisions, bloodless amputations, and tissue stripping seen in animal mutilations can be explained by ball lightning. Budden describes how ball lightning, a transient energetic center of electrical and thermal energy, can interact with an animal's body as a means to earth. The 'shell' of the ball lightning, composed of an intensely energetic ionised plasma at thousands of degrees, molds itself to the animal's contours and produces the described trauma through extreme heat and electro-thermal action. The process involves volatization and dehydration of tissues, explaining the absence of blood and the missing body parts. David Turner's new theory of ball lightning, submitted to the Royal Society, supports this by modeling ionic conditions in humid air and proposing a structure of concentric shells around a hot plasma core, which he believes is responsible for many animal mutilation cases.

An example case is presented: the Westbury White Horse Mutilation from July 30, 1990. A white horse was found dead with its sex organ and left ear cleanly removed, exhibiting signs of agony and bloodless incisions. The author suggests this was caused by a lightning strike on the summit of the hill, leading to ball lightning that then struck the horse, causing the described trauma. The article notes that the UK experienced thundery weather on that day.

The issue also touches upon the year 1993 being sprinkled with reports of horse mutilations in the Home Counties of the UK, with suspects being detained. Budden concludes that while the juxtaposition of the White Horse hill and the mutilated horse is uncanny, pure chance should be considered, especially as white horses are called 'greys'.

Crop Circles - Do They Have A Future And Did They Have a Past

Paul Fuller and Jenny Randles investigate the extent of crop circle hoaxing. They highlight the explosive claims made by Doug Bower and Dave Chorley in 1991, who asserted they had been making crop circles for over a decade, including early formations in Wessex. The article also mentions the exposure of a second group of hoaxers, the United Bureau of Investigation (U.B.I.). The authors note that there are now over 30 individuals or groups known to be involved in crop circle hoaxing in Britain alone, with overseas cases also noted. This realization has caused alarm in the research community, questioning the existence of any 'real' crop circles.

The article details the 'Doug and Dave Phenomenon', including meetings where Bower presented photographic evidence strengthening his claim of making circles since the mid-1970s. This evidence included original photographs of Westbury formations from 1980 and previously unseen formations at Cheesefoot Head and Litchfield. Ken Brown, a researcher, compiled maps of locations where Doug and Dave allegedly created over 40 unpublicised circles. This evidence is presented as deeply damaging to the concept of genuine crop circles, implying that most circles from the 1980s and 1990s were man-made hoaxes.

The section "Back-down" discusses how many leading crop circle researchers have accepted that most modern circles are hoaxes. Terence Meaden, Jenny Randles, and the author were among the first to publicly accept Doug and Dave's claims. They had previously argued that hoaxing was a possibility due to escalating patterns and the tendency for circles to appear at locations associated with UFO mythology. The article criticizes other researchers, like Colin Andrews and Pat Delgado, for allegedly admitting privately that only a few circles were genuine. George Wingfield accused Doug and Dave of being government agents involved in a disinformation plot.

"The Current Situation" section critiques the UFO community for falling for audacious hoaxes and failing to apply Occam's Razor, instead promoting exotic explanations. The authors recount being threatened with legal action and called liars for suggesting hoaxing. They argue that UFO proponents, by embracing crop circles as proof of alien mythology, betrayed the subject's history. The article criticizes professional skeptics for being unhelpful in basic research, often resorting to saying "We told you so" without conducting their own investigations. It also points out that some skeptics dismiss all eyewitness testimony and claim there are no photographs of sharp-edged crop circles predating Doug and Dave's work.

Zero Point Energy and Consciousness

Physicist Hal Puthoff explains that Zero Point Energy (ZPE) exists in the vacuum and its fluctuations can cause particles to form spontaneously. While this energy sea is normally uniform, scientists are exploring ways to extract it, potentially leading to new technologies and electronics. The article draws a parallel between ZPE and concepts like 'ch'i', 'ki', and 'prana' found in esoteric philosophies. It suggests that ZPE might interact with consciousness, as neurons operate at near-quantum levels and originate from this energy sea. The author speculates that 'earth lights' could be a form of consciousness, an 'alien without' that has inhabited the planet for a long time. Research efforts are underway, including work with the International Consciousness Research Laboratories (ICRL) and the reconstituted "Project Hessdalen".

Talking Point

This section covers several brief news items. A joint declaration by three American UFO groups on May 6, 1994, called for an amnesty for witnesses to the Roswell UFO crash. An American financial investigations department began a document search in government archives related to Roswell. A TV movie and a cinema release about Roswell are mentioned, with Steven Spielberg planning a movie for 1997. Several upcoming UFO book titles are listed, including "WITHOUT CONSENT" and "The Complete book of UFOs". A new seven-part TV series produced by LWT, "Strange but true?", is mentioned, with some episodes featuring UFO themes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of unexplained phenomena through scientific inquiry and skepticism, the potential for natural explanations (like ball lightning) for events often attributed to the exotic, and the exploration of consciousness as a fundamental aspect of reality. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious investigation, encouraging a rational approach to anomalies and distinguishing between genuine phenomena and human-made hoaxes or misinterpretations. There is a strong emphasis on applying scientific methods and critical thinking to the study of UFOs and related subjects, while also acknowledging the possibility of consciousness playing a role in phenomena not yet fully understood.

This issue of The New UFOlogist, Issue 1, focuses heavily on the phenomenon of crop circles, examining historical evidence, challenging skeptical viewpoints, and exploring potential explanations. The magazine aims to provide a balanced perspective by including contributions from both proponents and critics of UFOlogy.

The Case for a Genuine Crop Circle Phenomenon

The article argues that the crop circle phenomenon is not a recent invention solely attributed to hoaxers like Doug and Dave. It presents several historical cases that predate their activities, including:

• Versailles, France, 1909: A stationary whirlwind created a circular trace in a dirt road, witnessed by multiple people and reported in L'Astronomie.
• Orebro, Sweden, 1972: A pair of double rings appeared in a field, with measurements and photographs taken by the UFO Sweden Group, noting sharply defined edges and a swirl pattern.
• Wokurna, Australia, 1973: A small, sharp-edged circle was discovered near a hill, which is relevant to Meaden's atmospheric eddy vortex theory.
• Bordertown, Canada, 1973: Nine swirled patches were found in an oat field, with surviving photographs and measurements.
• Rossburn, Canada, 1977: The UFO Research Manitoba team documented and photographed 11 small swirled patches in a wheat field, arranged around a telegraph line.
• Evenlode, England, 1960: A pair of double rings attracted significant public attention and were featured in the press and UFO magazines. Sketches indicate a sharply defined pattern.

The author points out that these six events span 68 years and cover six different nations, directly contradicting the skeptics' claim that crop circles are a recent phenomenon limited to Southern England.

Anecdotal Recollections of Historical Crop Circles

Beyond documented cases, the magazine includes anecdotal accounts of features resembling crop circles that date back before World War II:

• Christine Dutton (1914-1956): Recalled seeing numerous crop circles on her husband's farm in Maiden Bradley, Wiltshire.
• Paul Germany (mid-1930s): Witnessed whirlwinds creating crop circles near Helions Bumpstead, Essex-Cambridgeshire border. Local farm labourers suggested these had been appearing since the 1860s.
• Kathleen Skin (July 1934): Claimed to have seen a whirlwind create two crop circles in Eversden, near Cambridge, with the farmer attributing them to wind.
• Mrs Jean Songhurst (circa 1930s): Recalled crop circles in County Donegal, Ireland, which farmers kept quiet about due to potential financial ruin.
• Thurso, Scotland (1890s): Circles also appeared on her uncle's farm.

The article also notes modern witnesses who claim to have seen crop circles being formed by whirlwinds, such as Melvyn Bell (1983) and Ray Barnes (July 1982), who described whirlwinds creating circles with debris and in conjunction with thunderstorms.

Embarrassing Questions

This section directly challenges professional skeptics by posing critical questions:

• If all crop circles are man-made hoaxes, what explains the historical evidence and photographs predating Doug and Dave?
• Why have witnesses reported crop circles dating back to the 1930s and earlier?
• Given that Doug and Dave based their hoax on the Tully reeds circles of 1966, could they have merely mimicked a natural event?

The author criticizes the outright dismissal of eyewitness testimony by skeptics, arguing that while memory can be fallible, the entire legal profession relies on it. They draw parallels to historical scientific skepticism, such as the initial rejection of meteorites by astronomers, which was eventually overcome by accumulated evidence.

The article contends that skeptics are guilty of turning science on its head by dismissing eyewitness testimony out-of-hand. It suggests that even when a witness misperceives a star as a UFO, the star was real, and the witness's mind already possesses a model of what UFOs look like. By dismissing testimony, skeptics miss phenomena like the star and the human mind-set.

The author posits that the existence of both crop circles and wind currents, both recorded on film, suggests that some crop circles might be meteorologically produced, a hypothesis supported by historical cases and farmers' beliefs. Recent laboratory experiments by Professor Y.H. Ohtsuki are also cited, yet skeptics reportedly ignore this contrary evidence.

Meaden's Plasma Vortex Theory

Dr. Terence Meaden's 1989 book, "The Circles Effect and Its Mysteries," proposed that most crop circle hoaxes were created by a spinning, electrically-charged, ionized vortex with unusual properties. This "plasma vortex" theory, further developed in "Circles From The Sky" (1991) with contributions from atmospheric physicists, was met with ridicule from the crop circle community and a lukewarm reception from meteorologists. However, some UFO researchers found Meaden's explanations to be mundane and meteorologically based. The theory was used by Professor Y.H. Ohtsuki to explain a radar-visual UFO case, and atmospheric research specialists discussed it at a 1990 conference. The author and colleagues applied Meaden's theory to intractable UFO cases, finding it a testable scientific explanation.

Despite the initial enthusiasm, the article notes that since 1990, the extent of crop circle hoaxing has become apparent, and Meaden's theory has been widely discredited. The author acknowledges Meaden may have been over-optimistic in trying to explain complex pictograms but suggests that, like Alexander Fleming's accidental discovery of penicillin or Newton's theory of gravity, errors can lead to scientific advancement. The possibility is raised that Meaden, in attempting to explain the hoax, may have stumbled upon a novel atmospheric mechanism that could be misinterpreted as an exotic UFO.

Challenge

The article challenges professional skeptics to explain several points:

• What eyewitnesses are seeing if all crop circles are hoaxes.
• The origin of the belief in meteorological explanations for crop circles.
• Why alleged hoaxers, after creating simple patterns like the Tully reeds circles (1966) or the Wokurna circle (1973), did not progress to creating massive pictograms, unlike Doug and Dave.

The author emphasizes that science progresses through faults and mistakes and that by dismissing the subject entirely, skeptics might be missing something important. The New UFOlogy offers to publish a response from any skeptical organization.

The House On The Moors

This section, by Jenny Randles, begins an investigation into a "window area contact case" in the Todmorden area of northern England, known for UFO activity. The Alan Godfrey abduction story from 1980 is highlighted as a significant case. Randles notes that the area has a high incidence of close encounter cases. She suggests that the phenomenon might be linked to geophysical or atmospheric processes, or potentially electronic pollution, referencing the work of Paul Devereux, Dr. Terence Meaden, and Albert Budden.

A new, undiscussed case from 1993 involving a witness named Elsie is introduced. Elsie reported seeing unknown faces in mirrors and claimed to visualize TV pictures by looking into window glass. Her childhood experiences, including a severe fall and apparent communication with a deceased neighbor, are presented as potentially linked to her later experiences.

The Skeptical View

This regular column aims to present direct views from leading skeptical authorities. The editorial team acknowledges this might not be popular with all UFOlogists but believes it's essential for objectivity. The column introduces Steuart Campbell's book, "The UFO Mystery: Solved!", which argues that many UFO sightings are actually mirages of stars and planets under unusual atmospheric conditions. The author applauds Campbell's attempt to find rational solutions but notes that Campbell tends to overplay his hand, applying his theory too broadly. An example cited is the Alan Godfrey abduction case, which Campbell suggests might be a mirage of Venus, despite evidence suggesting the witness was driving away from the planet's direction.

The author expresses a suspicion that some cases are forced to fit Campbell's theory, which might distract from the book's otherwise sensible arguments. However, they conclude that Campbell is onto something and that his book is worth attention, though perhaps not as a solution to most UFO sightings.

Sightings Update

This section provides summaries of recent UFO and IFO (Identified Flying Object) cases investigated by the magazine's team. It encourages investigators to submit details of their cases. The column includes:

• January 16, 1994: Plas Newton. Four witnesses reported a hovering oval object with red, blue, and white lights that changed color and flew away. The investigator concluded it was similar to an airship.
• February 22, 1994: Linwood, Lincolnshire. A triangular formation of lights was observed moving southeast. The lights made no sound and filled a large area of the sky. The investigator suggested it might be the same phenomenon seen in other Lincolnshire cases, possibly related to refuelling exercises.

An advertisement for BUFORA's UFO NEWSFILE is also included, offering information on UFO stories and subscriptions. A mention of the Stairway To Heaven Bulletin Board System for UFO discussions is also present.

Calendar

The issue includes a calendar of upcoming UFO-related events:

• June 30, 1994: Falkirk Town Hall, Falkirk, Scotland - "UFOs Fact or Fiction" event with speakers Malcolm Robinson and Philip Mantle.
• August 27-28, 1994: Blackpool, Lancashire - A two-day conference organized by the Lancashire Aerial Phenomena Investigation Society, featuring speakers like Albert Budden, Dr. Serena Roney-Dougal, Lucy Pringle, Philip Mantle, and Jenny Randles.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the historical investigation of crop circles, the challenge to skeptical dismissal of eyewitness testimony, and the exploration of meteorological and atmospheric explanations for phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging the examination of evidence that might be overlooked by both proponents and skeptics, and advocating for a more objective and less dismissive approach to UFOlogy. The magazine aims to bridge the gap between believers and skeptics by presenting diverse viewpoints and encouraging debate.

Title: The New UFOlogist
Issue: 1
Date: Not explicitly stated, but references articles from April/May 1994 and a letter dated 12th August 1993, suggesting publication around late 1994.
Publisher: The New UFOlogist
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English
Document Type: Magazine Issue

New Ice Ring Case From Scotland

This section, authored by Paul Fuller, details a new case of ice rings reported in Scotland. It references a previous summary of ice ring cases by Bob Rickard in Fortean Times (FT74). The article highlights that these ice ring phenomena attract similar theories to crop circles, including meteorological, hydrological, hoax, or alien intelligence explanations.

A correspondent, identified only as 'JHD', sent anonymous photographs of ice rings observed in Scotland in August 1993. One photograph shows a double set of rings approximately 10 meters into a wide river, with possible inner rings very close to the center. The quality of the photocopy makes precise details difficult to ascertain. Another photograph depicts a 'ringed single' formation: a central hole about 2-3 meters across, surrounded by a ring of ice 1-2 meters wide, and then an outer ring of similar width. The river in both photographs is estimated to be about 30 meters wide. The formations are presumed to have occurred during winter.

These Scottish cases are compared to previously reported incidents, specifically the double rings on the Charles River in Waltham, Massachusetts (January 1991), and a formation featured on the back cover of 'The Crop Watcher' (issue 8), which also had a central hole. The article notes that running water was visible in the foreground of these comparable cases.

The author discusses the significance of ice rings, suggesting they represent a natural phenomenon with a thin historical record, much like crop circles. He points out that UFO Sweden only published accounts of ice rings in 1987, despite their potential historical presence. The article questions why, if ice rings are a natural phenomenon, earlier accounts were not promoted by ufologists. The possibility of unidentified flying objects being linked to ice ring phenomena is also raised, drawing a parallel to crop circle investigations.

Paul Fuller is pursuing further documentation, having received 16 computer listings from the National Monuments Record. He intends to visit the Royal Commission on the Historical Monuments in Swindon to search for photographic proof of anecdotal crop circle reports collected since the mid-1980s. The article acknowledges the Wessex Skeptics' point that historical photographs do not definitively prove that ancient crop circles were not man-made, but emphasizes that such evidence would be a significant step forward for the crop circle debate.

False Memory Verdict Angers Therapists

This section reports on a significant legal precedent set in California concerning alien abduction researchers. A court awarded half a million dollars in damages against two therapists who allegedly implanted a false memory of childhood incest in a 23-year-old patient, Holly Ramona, during hypnotic regression sessions. The case, brought by Holly's father, Gary Ramona, highlighted the use of hypnotic regression and sodium anytal (mistakenly believed to be a 'truth serum'). Holly Ramona, who had no conscious recollection of abuse, accused her father of abuse between the ages of five and sixteen following the therapy.

Gary Ramona claimed the jury accepted that Holly's memories were the result of the therapists' 'drugs and quackery'. The article suggests this verdict, if upheld, could alarm those in UFO research who use regression hypnosis to uncover alleged UFO encounters. It notes that many hypnotists involved in UFO research are not fully qualified and often have pre-existing beliefs in alien intelligence.

The British UFO Research Association imposed a moratorium on hypnotic regression techniques in 1988 due to concerns about witness well-being. However, this was not universally adopted by other UFO groups. The article mentions the formation of the False Memory Syndrome Foundation in North America to assist victims of this technique, which is described as a method of legitimizing sensational claims.

According to 'The Times', over 400 families in Britain are reportedly suffering from similar false claims induced by regression hypnosis. The article concludes by expressing hope that these developments will halt the use of this 'highly dubious technique' in UFOlogy.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine's stance appears to be critical of unsubstantiated claims and the methods used to generate them, particularly in the context of UFOlogy. There is a strong emphasis on seeking verifiable evidence and historical documentation, as seen in the discussion of ice rings and crop circles. The editorial also expresses concern over the potential for abuse and misinterpretation of psychological techniques like hypnotic regression, advocating for rigorous scientific standards and ethical practices within the field of UFO research. The magazine aims to present a more grounded and critical approach to paranormal phenomena.