NIVFO-Bulletin - 1983 No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: NIVFO bulletin
Issue: 1.83
Volume: 3. ÅRGANG
Date: 1983
Publisher: NORSK INSTITUTT FOR VITENSKAPELIG FORSKNING OG OPPLYSNING
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian
ISSN: 0800-0360
Price: Kr. 80,-

Main Cover Story: "UFO-bortförelser» - En hypotese som kan etterprøves

The cover of this issue prominently features the headline "UFO-bortförelser» EN HYPOTESE SOM KAN ETTERPRØVES" (UFO Abductions - A Hypothesis That Can Be Tested), signaling the start of an extensive series by Dr. Alvin H. Lawson. The article introduces Lawson's hypothesis concerning alleged near-contact experiences of the third kind. It questions whether reported abductions, often recounted under hypnosis, are objective events or psychological constructs. Lawson's work suggests that the striking similarities in these accounts, across numerous individuals, point towards psychological processes rather than physical encounters. These similarities are compared to phenomena like drug-induced hallucinations, near-death experiences, religious ecstasies, shamanic trances, and particularly, the reliving of birth trauma.

The Birth Trauma Connection

Psychiatrist Stanislav Grof, a proponent of Otto Rank's theories and experienced in therapeutic use of LSD, believes that many of his patients relive their birth trauma (FT) under LSD sessions. These experiences, while seemingly tied to the biological birth process, are described as a reliving of the trauma. Grof's work is considered significant for ufology because these relived FT narratives offer a substantial collection of parallels to the beliefs of those claiming UFO abduction. The study of these parallels could help determine whether abductions are psychological or physical events.

Lawson notes that many individuals describe LSD-induced fantasies involving contact with beings from other worlds, dimensions, or universes, often mentioning 'flying saucers' and science-fiction scenarios reminiscent of 'Star Trek'. Grof's findings suggest that UFO-related narratives are a common element in psychiatric therapy programs utilizing LSD or other hallucinogens. Reports from areas like palliative care also indicate that terminally ill patients often have spontaneous fantasies of abduction during certain drug therapies. This contradicts claims by researchers like Berthold Schwarzé about a lack of UFO-related fantasies among psychiatric patients.

Grof's work partially confirms the results of an experimental series from 1977 concerning imagined abductions, raising doubts about the psychological reality of CE III (close encounter of the third kind) events and the reliability of data obtained through hypnosis. While the 1977 series attempted to distinguish 'real' CE III events, Grof concluded that the shared imagery and events made certainty difficult. The current study emphasizes that FT data can be obtained through hypnosis as well as drug use, suggesting that the presence of FT narratives in abduction accounts provides ufologists with a criterion to differentiate between false and potentially real events.

Critical Analysis of Birth Trauma Narratives

While Grof acknowledges the prevalence of prenatal or birth-related concepts in various human endeavors (anthropology, mythology, therapies, rituals, religious ceremonies), he cautions against establishing a direct causal link between specific experiences and these concepts. Grof's FT studies also include non-FT data, such as hallucinations, autobiographical details, and imagined experiences, which are related to the central nervous system rather than birth or UFOs. However, the significance lies in the demonstrable parallels between FT and CE III narratives within the complex of psychological processes explored during the investigation of reliving experiences.

Lawson posits that the numerous similarities between abduction reports and other psychological processes suggest that abductions can be mental rather than physical experiences. The structure and sequence of abduction narratives align with major prenatal events, supporting the idea that abductees unconsciously use the birth process as a template for a fantasized abduction experience. Given the contemporary tendency to interpret the UFO phenomenon through extraterrestrial or bizarre hypotheses, Lawson views the abduction component as a psychological process.

He also touches upon the credibility of hypnosis, noting that in hypnotic regression of FT and alleged UFO abductees, data from at least three non-FT and four non-UFO sources could be falsified. This underscores the need for caution when interpreting 'evidence' obtained under hypnosis.

Stadiums of Birth and Abduction Parallels

The numerous parallels between uniform abduction accounts suggest a common source, likely related to birth experiences and associated traumas, which are universal phenomena. Grof describes four prenatal stages as 'matrices' (clichés) due to their significant impact on personality development. These stages are:

• Stadium I: First contact with the mother.
• Stadium II: Vigorous start of the birth process.
• Stadium III: Symbiosis (synergy) with the mother.
• Stadium IV: Separation from the mother.

Each stadium shows FT narratives with many abduction parallels. The article presents a table comparing these stages with typical events reported in CE III and abduction cases, drawing from sources like Higdon, Hopkins, Spaur, Walton, Andreasson, and Garden Grove. These parallels are observed in events such as 'clear light', 'paralysis', 'struck by rays', 'lifted through a tube', 'metallic sound', 'change in size', and 'large rooms'. The sequence of events in birth traumas and abductions often differs, with FT subjects moving between stages, mirroring the varied accounts of abductees.

Bud Hopkins' book, 'Missing Time', is mentioned, with the author's surname cited for cases that appear to be imagined abductions. The article asserts that regardless of the physical reality of these experiences, they produce similar visual imagery and events as 'real' CE III cases, supporting the UFO-experience thesis.

Mysterious Object Sighted Near Bodø Airport

This issue also features a report titled "MYSTISK OBJEKT SETT FRA BODØ LUFTHAVN" (Mysterious Object Seen From Bodø Airport). On January 16, 1983, five employees at the Bodø Airport weather service observed a highly unusual object. They ruled out explanations like aircraft, birds, or ball lightning. The object was described as elongated and cylindrical, stationary at times, and emitting a metallic glint with a vapor trail. The observation lasted for two to three minutes before the object disappeared behind a cloud bank. Radar was not in operation at the time due to low traffic. Weather conditions were noted as not conducive to other known phenomena. The report includes meteorological data such as wind direction and strength, temperature, and cloud cover. Investigations by NIVFO NORD, including detailed examination and attempts to find a reasonable explanation, have so far been unsuccessful. The sighting was also reported in local press and the newspaper Verdens Gang.

An overview map of the Salten region is included, likely to contextualize the Bodø sighting.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

NIVFO bulletin positions itself as "A critical forum for off-beat litteratur and pseudo-vitenskap" (A critical forum for off-beat literature and pseudoscience). The magazine consistently explores controversial research topics, including the UFO phenomenon. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unexplained phenomena, while also critically examining the psychological and potential misinterpretations of such events, as exemplified by the detailed analysis of UFO abductions through the lens of birth trauma. The publication encourages reader engagement by asking them to inform friends and acquire new subscribers.

Title: UFO-Kontakt
Issue: 1983
Volume: 1
Publisher: NIVFO
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of UFO-Kontakt from 1983 is dedicated to documenting and analyzing numerous reports of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and other unexplained aerial phenomena observed across Norway. The magazine features detailed accounts from witnesses, often accompanied by analysis from the Norwegian Institute for UFO Research (NIVFO).

Key Articles and Reports

Hessdalen Incident (September 18-19, 1980)

This section details an observation by August Holen and two hunting companions in Hessdalen. They reported seeing three disc-shaped objects with domes, described as "large lumps of rock candy" with a beautiful red color, hovering a few meters above the ground. The objects emitted a humming sound and had a traditional saucer shape with a dome. They were observed to have a 'brim' and a small antenna. The objects then tilted simultaneously, accelerated rapidly, and disappeared over the mountains in about 10 seconds. Holen described the air as feeling "thick" and as if oxygen was being consumed. The objects' material was described as resembling corrugated iron or glass, with small holes around the brim.

UFO Over Marnadal (October 15, 1982)

A witness from Marnadal reported seeing a bright, fiery sphere with a reddish hue and a blue front, followed by a tail of smoke or steam. The object hovered over the valley, illuminating the surroundings, and was later seen ascending again. The witness estimated its diameter to be about one meter and its distance to be approximately 2,300 meters.

Nightly 'Sound Mystery' in Bygstad

Residents of Bygstad have been disturbed by unexplained nightly sounds for several weeks. The sounds, described as a mixture of engine hum and howling, have caused unease. Johannes Bygstad reported hearing these sounds up to ten times, often waking him and his dog. He described the phenomenon as unlike anything he had heard before, not comparable to aircraft, cars, animals, or weather. The sounds typically lasted for about a minute and seemed to originate from the northwest, moving east and then southwest before disappearing.

Unusual Light Over Rubbestadneset (November 1, 1982)

A witness reported seeing an unusual light ascending rapidly, possibly from Stokksund or the sea. The object resembled an old-fashioned hot air balloon with flames underneath and strings leading upwards, appearing to sway in the wind and move in a northerly direction. The witness described it as having a "tingest" and moving higher before becoming less distinct.

UFO Over Lysaker and Stabekk (October 8, 1982)

Rolf Heggemnes, a 17-year-old student, reported seeing a powerful luminous fireball over the Lysaker-Stabekk area. He observed that the streetlights in the vicinity flickered and dimmed as if the object was drawing power from the electrical grid. The phenomenon was also noted in Åsveien and Hammerstadveien. After the object moved away, the lighting returned to normal. Checks with the local power company revealed no irregularities.

Mysterious 'Miniflys' Over Holsen

Leif Nydal from Holsen reported an encounter with up to ten "fly-like" objects flying at high speed over the valley. These objects, described as being the size of swans and having a gray color, moved in formation and disappeared behind the mountains within five seconds. Nydal noted that the objects had no visible wing movement, despite strong side winds, and appeared metallic. He ruled out birds and stated he did not believe in UFOs but reported the phenomenon.

UFO Over Singsås

Several people in Singsås reported seeing a luminous object, described as being the size of a small moon, moving at high speed without making any sound. The object was observed both in the morning and afternoon, primarily over Fjesetbakkene, with some sightings of unidentified flying objects on Kotsøy. The object seen over Fjesetbakkene was yellow-white, while the one on Kotsøy was described as red and spherical.

"Spy Activity or Extraterrestrial Beings?" (November 20, 1982)

Steinar Nygård, Pål Thoresen, and Kjell Nordstad reported observing two objects near Hvam in Skedsmo. Described as resembling "clumps of rock candy" and having dark patches, these objects hovered at low altitude and moved slowly. Nygård described the heat and silence, stating he felt scared and hid behind a container. The objects were later described as looking like "scrap heaps" and having a shape similar to five connected cars. They moved towards Skjetten and then ascended, with one heading towards Kjelleråsen and Lahaugmoen. The entire event lasted about 15 minutes. Three small planes from Kjeller Airport took off during the observation, with one nearly colliding with the objects.

Bjørgen/Gauldalen Sighting (November 20, 1982)

Bjørn Wolden reported observing an elliptical or "thick cigar" shaped object emitting a red light in front and a white light in the back. The object was seen hovering and then gliding under Engesberget, making a turn and disappearing over Singsås. The witness estimated the object's size to be about 2.5 cm at arm's length and noted no audible sound.

Commentary and Analysis

The issue includes commentary from NIVFO, discussing the nature of these sightings. The article "Et Pseudo-eksperiment i parapsykologi" (A Pseudo-Experiment in Parapsychology) is continued from a previous page, discussing extraordinary cases reported within parapsychology. The commentary on the Hessdalen sighting notes the unusual description of the objects and questions whether August Holen might have been influenced by other reports. The possibility of polarized light is suggested to explain why the objects were visible to the naked eye but not through binoculars. The publication also introduces "UFO-OBSERVATØREN," an internal NIVFO publication for field researchers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents witness testimonies of unexplained aerial phenomena, ranging from luminous objects and strange lights to unusual sounds and atmospheric disturbances. The editorial stance appears to be one of open investigation and documentation, encouraging witnesses to come forward and providing a platform for sharing these experiences. While not explicitly stating a belief in extraterrestrial origins, the reports and commentary suggest a serious consideration of anomalous phenomena that defy conventional explanations. The recurring theme is the persistent occurrence of these unexplained events across various regions of Norway, prompting questions about their nature and origin.

This issue of NIVFO-BULLETIN, NR. 4/82, published by NIVFO LANDSREGION NORD, focuses on unexplained phenomena, including a UFO sighting, a scientific investigation into a bog phenomenon, and a review of books on mysticism and UFOs.

UFO Sighting in Haltdalen

The issue details a UFO sighting that occurred on November 12, 1982, between 20:00 and 20:10 in Haltdalen/Gauldalen, Norway. The witness, an 18-year-old male known to NIVFO, described the object as torpedo-shaped and silver-blank, with lights and no audible sound. The object was observed flying slowly down the valley, stopping, and changing direction by 90 degrees before moving over the hill. The witness estimated the object's length to be approximately 20 meters and its speed to be around 50 km/h. The report, sourced from NIVFO, includes a sketch showing a bright light resembling a flash and a blinking red light. The witness first saw the object in a westerly direction and it disappeared towards the north.

Debunking the Soviet-Argentinian UFO Event

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to explaining the dramatic UFO observations reported in the Soviet Union and Argentina in 1980 and 1981. James E. Oberg, a computer expert from NASA's Johnson Space Center and author on UFOs, is presented as the leading investigator who has uncovered a prosaic explanation. According to Oberg, the widely reported sightings were actually the launch phases of the Soviet military 'Early Warning' satellite, Kosmos 1188, from the secret Plesetsk center. The 'object' seen by thousands in central Russia was the rocket's first stage illuminated by the midnight sun. An hour later, in South America, people saw the final stage as it entered orbit. Oberg criticizes the sensationalist media for not analyzing the events critically and points out inconsistencies in the reporting, such as the delayed reporting of the Argentinian event compared to the Soviet one. He argues that many UFO reports are filled with exaggerated or fabricated details, making them unreliable. Oberg also touches upon the potential for Soviet security services to use UFO reports as a cover for secret military space programs.

The Bog Phenomenon on Andøya

Another article investigates a 'bog phenomenon' at Skogvoll, Andøya, Norway. Information was collected by NIVFO LANDSREGION NORD and sent to the Institute for Biology and Geology at the University of Tromsø. Dosent Karl-Dag Vorren initially suggested a gas explosion might explain the movement of a large peat bog, leaving a shallow, flat-bottomed hole. However, after further study and discussion with Professor Tore Vorren, the theory evolved to consider wind and cryogenic processes (frost heave) in the peat. During winter, frost can cause the peat to heave and crack. In spring, wind and water can erode these weak points, creating vertical walls that are then hollowed out. Melting from above and below can cause the peat to become lighter, especially if it's dry. The article suggests that strong winds on Andøya could potentially lift and move these peat flakes, similar to erosion observed in palsas (mounds of earth and vegetation over permafrost) in Finnmark, though typically that process is more gradual. NIVFO plans to conduct further measurements in May, and the Institute for Biology and Geology, along with Norsk Inst.for Vitenskapelig Forskning og Opplysning, will assess the situation later.

Book Reviews

'Mysticism and Mysteries'

The magazine reviews a book titled 'Mysticism and Mysteries,' published by Det Bestes forlag in 1982. The book, with over 350 illustrations, covers a wide range of topics including UFOs, clairvoyance, reincarnation, ghosts, magic, and astrology. The review highlights that the book presents information objectively, without endorsing or denying controversial subjects, and aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the 'mystical and mysterious.' It notes that about 20 pages are dedicated to UFOs.

'UFO-mysteriet i Hessdalen'

Another book reviewed is 'UFO-mysteriet i Hessdalen' by Arne Wisth, published by BLADKOMPANIET A.S. The book is described as a 'world sensation' and focuses on the numerous UFO observations made in a limited area over a long period. The price is listed as 96 Norwegian Kroner.

Other Items

There is a brief mention of a 'pseudo-experiment in parapsychology' discussing the unlikelihood of coincidental events, such as remembering a person shortly before learning of their death. The article uses statistical calculations to argue that such events are not necessarily indicative of telepathy. There is also a short piece titled 'Stone Age Beliefs' from the Skeptical Inquirer, commenting on a 'Holistic healing seminar' advertised in FATE magazine, and a mention of a claim by Michael Smith that the Shroud of Turin's imprint is not of Christ but of the Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO phenomena, unexplained natural events, and the critical examination of extraordinary claims. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards sensationalism, favoring scientific investigation and rational explanations, as exemplified by James E. Oberg's analysis of the Soviet-Argentinian UFO event and the investigation into the Andøya bog phenomenon. The magazine aims to present information on these topics in a balanced and informative manner, encouraging readers to critically assess the evidence.