NIVFO-Bulletin - 1986 No 2

Magazine Overview

This issue of the NIVFO bulletin, volume 6, number 2-86, published by NORSK INSTITUTT FOR VITENSKAPELIG FORSKNING OG OPPLYSNING (NIVFO) in Norway, features a critical examination of New Age theories and pseudoscientific methodologies. The cover prominently displays a cartoon of monkeys and a headline questioning the 'Hundredth Monkey Phenomenon' as a prime example of pseudoscientific reasoning. The issue includes a table of contents listing articles on the 'Hundredth Monkey', the Rendlesham case, the Exeter UFO incident, astrology, yoga, and a piece on ancient Egypt.

The Hundredth Monkey Phenomenon: A Critique of Pseudoscientific Methodology

The main article, titled 'DEN HUNDREDE APEN' (The Hundredth Monkey), authored by K. Stenødegård, thoroughly dissects Lyall Watson's popularization of the 'Hundredth Monkey Phenomenon'. The author argues that Watson's account, which suggests a spontaneous spread of behavior (like sweet potato washing) among Japanese macaques after a critical number learned it, is a prime example of pseudoscientific methodology. Stenødegård meticulously analyzes the scientific sources cited by Watson, including works by Japanese primatologists like Imanishi, Kawai, Kawamura, and Tsumori. The article contends that Watson misrepresented the data, selectively omitted information, and even 'improvised' details to fit his narrative of a supernatural phenomenon.

Stenødegård highlights that the scientific literature, particularly Kawai's detailed accounts, shows a gradual, normal learning process within the Koshima monkey troop, not a sudden, inexplicable event in 1958. The number of monkeys washing sweet potatoes increased steadily over several years, and the spread to other islands, when observed, was not a mass, spontaneous event but rather isolated instances. The author criticizes Watson's tendency to dismiss natural explanations like cultural transmission and instead invoke extraordinary claims.

The article further details Watson's methods, including 'hiding information sources' by claiming scientists are reluctant to speak for fear of ridicule, and promoting a relativistic epistemology where a belief becomes reality if enough people accept it. Stenødegård concludes that Watson's narrative is not supported by the evidence he himself presents and serves as a cautionary tale about how pseudoscience operates.

Other Articles and Features

Rendlesham Forest Incident

This case is listed in the table of contents, indicating it is covered within the issue, though detailed content is not provided in the scanned pages.

UFO Classic / Exeter 1965

Another topic mentioned in the table of contents, suggesting coverage of this well-known UFO sighting.

Astrology

An article titled 'ASTROLOGI - del II' (Astrology - Part II) is featured, indicating a continuation of a discussion on the subject.

Yoga and Suicide

An article titled 'PRAKTISERING AV YOGA KAN FØRE TIL SELVMORD' (Practicing Yoga Can Lead to Suicide) is listed, suggesting a critical or cautionary perspective on yoga.

Melodi Grand Prix in Ancient Egypt?

This intriguing title, 'MELODI GRAND PRIX I DET GAMLE EGYPT ?' (Melody Grand Prix in Ancient Egypt?), suggests a speculative or historical piece exploring unusual connections.

J. Allen Hynek: ER DØD (Is Dead)

The issue includes an obituary for J. Allen Hynek, a significant figure in ufology, who passed away in May 1910. The article, signed 'K.S.', recounts Hynek's career, from his early role as a consultant for the US Air Force's UFO investigations ('Project Sign' and 'Blue Book') to his later shift towards a more enthusiastic stance on UFOs and his founding of the Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS). The author notes Hynek's ambivalence regarding the factual nature of UFO reports despite his extensive experience. The obituary highlights Hynek's lasting association with ufology, comparing it to Darwin's with evolution and Freud's with dreams.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this issue is the critical examination of pseudoscientific claims, particularly the 'Hundredth Monkey Phenomenon'. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical, advocating for rigorous scientific methodology and a reliance on verifiable evidence. The article by Stenødegård exemplifies this by dissecting and debunking a popular New Age concept using the very sources it purports to support. The inclusion of topics like astrology and a critical look at yoga further suggests a broad interest in phenomena often associated with the New Age, but approached with a discerning, scientific lens. The obituary for J. Allen Hynek also reflects a nuanced view, acknowledging his importance while noting his theoretical ambivalence.

This issue of Magonia, titled 'UFO-KLASSIKER', dated December 1985, focuses on two prominent UFO cases: the Rendlesham Forest incident and the Exeter, New Hampshire sightings. The magazine aims to shed light on these events, offering analysis and potential explanations.

Rendlesham-Saken (The Rendlesham Case)

The article begins by referencing earlier reports in NIVFO-BULLETIN and articles by Ian Ridpath, noting that ufologists have continued to focus on the 'mystery' despite potential explanations. The authors express a desire to clarify misunderstandings surrounding the Rendlesham case.

Colonel Halt's Account and Investigation

Upon the release of Colonel Halt's audio recording, the article examines the events of late December 1980 in Rendlesham Forest. Halt reported seeing lights around 0300 on December 27th, leading security guards to investigate. They observed a hovering object and later found imprints in the ground. The following evening, Halt and others measured radioactivity and saw a 'red, sun-like light' through the trees, which seemed to emit glowing particles and break into five separate white objects. Later, three star-like objects were seen in the sky, moving rapidly with red, green, and blue lights.

However, investigations suggest Halt may have been mistaken about the dates. Police records indicate lights were reported at 0411 on December 26th, with ground tremors noted at 1030 the same day. A large fireball (meteor) was observed over southern England at 0250 on December 26th, and it's documented that the light seen by the patrol was this meteor.

The article suggests that those unfamiliar with fireballs might mistake them for nearby falling objects. The initial motivation for the patrol to search the forest was the possibility of a crashed aircraft. The patrol might have mistaken navigation lights for UFOs, although the Orford Ness lighthouse, 8.6 km away, is considered unlikely to have caused the confusion.

The audio recording details radioactivity measurements and observations of unidentified lights. The timing of the events described by Halt in his memorandum points to the night of December 28th-29th.

Analysis of Halt's Observations

Colonel Halt's audio transcript (0148 onwards) describes strange animal sounds, followed by the observation of a 'very strange, little red light' approximately a quarter to half a mile away, at about 120 degrees from their position. The light reappeared, and the patrol moved closer. The light eventually extinguished, leading Halt to believe it was not an ordinary object.

As they approached the forest edge, they observed more lights. The transcript mentions 'two lights! One to the right and one to the left!' and exclaims, 'IT IS COMING THIS WAY, IT IS DEFINITELY COMING THIS WAY! FRAGMENTS ARE SPRAYING FROM IT - THIS IS STRANGE!' Halt instructs to keep flashlights off, noting something 'very, very strange' and that 'pieces are falling from it again!' The lights moved, and the observers moved towards the treeline. Using binoculars, they described the object as having a hollow center, like a blinking eye, and being so bright it was almost burning.

Further observations noted up to five lights moving side to side, not pulsing but glowing with red flashes. They crossed a stream and saw more lights in the sky. At 02.44, they observed lights about 110 degrees, near the horizon, moving and flashing red. By 03.05, they noted 'strange, flashing bluffs' that were sporadic.

Alternative Explanations for Rendlesham Lights

At 03.15, two 'half-moon shaped' objects with colored lights appeared to the north, possibly 5-10 miles away. These later became full circles or ellipses. At 03.15, an object appeared 10 degrees south, while the northern objects moved away. An object from the south approached them, described as a 'beam directed at the ground.' By 03.30, the southern object seemed to lose altitude. At 04.00, an object hovered over Woodbridge Base at 5-10 degrees above the horizon with irregular movements and similar light beams.

Ian Ridpath concluded that the first light described on the tape was from the Orford Ness lighthouse, which blinks every five seconds. However, the bearing reported by Halt (110-120 degrees magnetic) differs from the lighthouse's bearing (100 degrees magnetic). A light source at 115 degrees magnetic (110 true) is identified as the Shipwash lightship, 18.2 km away. Its light pattern (three rapid pulses every 20 seconds) matches the description, as do its direction and intermittent nature.

The article discusses the possibility that the second light could have been the Outer Gabbard lightship, 44 km away, which flashes four times every 20 seconds. The lights were observed 5 degrees apart, consistent with two light sources. The article notes that no prominent astronomical objects were visible in that direction at the time.

Identifying Other Lights

The two 'strange' objects seen to the north at 0305 UT were likely the stars Deneb and Vega. The object to the south might have been the star Sirius, though it would have set in the southwest. The article suggests that atmospheric turbulence can cause stars near the horizon to appear to jump and emit spectral colors. The fading of Sirius as it set could explain its unusual effects.

If Halt and his team mistook lighthouses and stars for something mysterious, their earlier report might also be explained by misinterpretation. The red and blue lights could have been the star Spica, low on the eastern horizon. The reports might be a result of misinterpreting conventional stimuli. The disturbance of farm animals is not surprising, and lights seen in the forest could have originated from Halt's own group. Lights seen before moonrise could have been Jupiter and Saturn.

Ridpath's analysis of the radioactivity measurements confirmed they were normal. The article concludes that for those convinced of a landed spaceship, simple data would be unconvincing.

Rumors and Misinformation

Halt's inability to identify the lights and his attribution of mystical qualities led to rumors circulating at Woodbridge Base. The common knowledge of UFO myths likely caused some personnel to exaggerate the events into stories of alien landings. Without a clear explanation, such myths are hard to stop.

This process was fueled by personnel who intentionally spread rumors, either as a joke or out of genuine belief. Halt himself may have embellished his account to Butler and Street. The article suggests that substance abuse among USAF personnel could have contributed to their difficulty in distinguishing fact from fantasy. Official secrecy or lack of transparency worsened the situation, making it appear the military was hiding something when they were merely ignorant.

The BSR investigation primarily collected rumors and reports from individuals connected to Woodbridge Base or living nearby. Many reports were generated simply because BSR requested them. The article mentions Halt's son creating a story for profit, suggesting others might do the same for amusement or to impress.

Butler and Street are described as naive and inexperienced, while the BUFORA investigator should have reached correct conclusions. Her subjective stance on UFO reports led her astray. She believes Halt's audio tape was forged, suggesting a deliberate attempt by the USAF to expose its own personnel's incompetence. Her willingness to co-author a sensational book raises questions about her judgment.

A RAF commander at Bentwaters summarized the situation: 'Two completely unscientific investigators' had exaggerated the story, causing problems for him and the base. A flight soldier who told 'ridiculous stories' was sent home. The article implies that the BSR narrative of events in Randlesham Forest resembled the movie 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind'. The truth, according to the article, is that USAF personnel, due to their ignorance of natural and artificial phenomena, initiated a rumor that BSR, also out of ignorance, broadcasted. It's described as a study in incompetence and the futility of gullible investigators.

Exeter, 1965

This section focuses on the UFO incident in Exeter, New Hampshire, in 1965, which became famous following the book "Incident at Exeter" by John G. Fuller.

The September 3rd Sighting

The most dramatic observation during the 1965 UFO wave occurred on September 3rd. The witnesses were Norman J. Muscarello (18), police officer David R. Hunt (28), and police officer Eugene Bertrand (30).

Norman Muscarello recounts hitchhiking on Highway 150 near Exeter around 2 AM on September 3rd. He saw five bright, red lights hovering over a house about 30 meters away, in a line at about a 60-degree angle. The lights illuminated the entire area and moved erratically, sometimes like a falling leaf. They descended behind trees and a house, then reappeared, always moving at a 60-degree angle. Only one light was illuminated at a time, pulsing in a specific rhythm (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1). The lights were so bright that the object itself was not visible. He observed them for about 15 minutes before they disappeared behind trees and seemed to descend towards a field.

At one point, the lights appeared to come very close, causing him to jump into a ditch to avoid being hit.

After the lights vanished, Muscarello got a ride to the Exeter police station and reported what he had seen.

Eugene Bertrand's Account

Police officer Eugene Bertrand Jr. was on patrol on the morning of September 3rd on Highway 108 near Exeter. He noticed a car parked by the roadside and stopped. The female driver was very upset and said a light had followed her and stopped above her car.

Bertrand stayed for about 15 minutes but saw nothing unusual. He then drove to the Exeter police station, where he met Norman Muscarello. Muscarello told him about seeing powerful red lights over a field. Bertrand decided to drive Muscarello back to the sighting location.

Upon arriving at the observation site, they left the car and walked about 15 meters when a group of five powerful red lights appeared behind a cluster of trees near them. The lights were incredibly bright and illuminated intermittently. The lights began to move around over the field. At one point, they came so close that Bertrand threw himself on the ground and prepared to draw his pistol.

David Hunt's Account

Police officer David Hunt received a call from Bertrand at 02:55 and drove to the location, where he also saw the lights. His description of the lights and their movements was consistent with the other two witnesses. The lights were so bright that he was unable to see any form. There was no sound or vibration, but the farm animals in the area were agitated.

As the lights approached them again, Muscarello and Hunt ran to the patrol car. Hunt called police officer David Hunt, who arrived minutes later. Hunt also observed the lights, which were still over the field but not as close as before. The lights moved away into the distance at the same altitude, always in a straight line at a 60-degree angle. The lower lights were always in front when the object moved.

Official Investigation and Conclusion

According to an observation report dated September 15, 1965, from Pease Air Force Base, the weather that night was clear with unlimited visibility and a light west wind. The report concluded that at the current time, there was no possible explanation for the observation. The three observers were described as sensible and credible, especially the two police officers. Nothing was found at the site to explain what they saw. Pease AFB had five B-47 aircraft in the air during the observation period, but the report stated they were unlikely to be connected to the observation.

Shortly after the Exeter lights disappeared, police officer Reginald 'Scratch' Toland received a call from a hysterical man in a phone booth claiming a flying saucer had flown directly towards him. The call was abruptly cut off, and the man could not be traced.

Journalist John G. Fuller learned about the Exeter case through the UFO organization NICAP and wrote an article for 'Saturday Review'. This led to a book deal with G.P. Putnam, who hired Fuller to write a book about the Exeter observations. Fuller spent over a month in Exeter, interviewing over 60 people who had seen unexplained things in the sky, often near high-voltage power lines, during the fall of 1965.

Fuller found that Muscarello and his mother were deeply affected by the incident, waiting for nearly three weeks for another sighting. Other people drove around at night, parking near power lines hoping to see the Exeter UFO. Fuller claims to have participated in some of these observation tours and witnessed a high-flying, red-orange disk being chased by a jet fighter.

Betjent Hunt points to the spot where he saw the lights. Betjent Bertrand, who served in the air force for four years, is certain that the object he saw was neither a plane, a helicopter, nor a balloon.

Other Observations and Official Statements

Several other observations from the Exeter wave are mentioned:

• Mrs. Jalbert and her four teenage sons claimed to have repeatedly observed a brilliant, silvery object hovering over high-voltage lines near their home, with blinking lights of many colors. They stated the lights were so bright one could read a book by them. They also reported that when the object appeared, a plane would sometimes appear and 'chase' it.
• Two young people at Hampton Beach reported seeing an object fly in from the sea. It pursued their car at very low altitude, despite their attempts to outrun it.
• Mrs. Blodgett reported seeing a 'brilliant and blinding' fireball only 30 meters away. It hovered over the treetops and rotated rapidly.

On October 27, 1965, the Pentagon issued a press release stating that after intensive investigation, a natural explanation had been found for the UFO observations on September 3rd in Exeter, New Hampshire. A spokesperson said that reports of 'many objects in the area' were consistent with air force activities at high altitude during an exercise over Westover, Massachusetts, at the time. The Pentagon also mentioned 'temperature inversion,' a phenomenon where cold air is trapped between warmer air layers, causing stars to appear to dance and blink. The spokesperson stated, 'We believe that what people saw that night were stars and planets in unusual formations.'

This press release, apparently the official explanation, was met with surprise and skepticism, not just in Exeter.

Project Blue Book's Involvement

About a month later, police officers Bertrand and Hunt received an undated letter from Major Hector Quintanilla, then head of Project Blue Book. The letter stated that the observation by Bertrand, Hunt, and Muscarello had been investigated by personnel from Pease Air Force Base, and their report had been sent to their office at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The letter acknowledged the significant media attention the case had received, including articles in 'Saturday Review' and information released by the National Investigation Committee on Aerial Phenomena. The air force had received an inquiry about the reason for the report and stated that their investigation suggested a possible connection to the air force exercise 'Big Blast,' which involved five B-47 aircraft in the area. To finalize their investigation, they needed to know if the witnesses saw any aircraft in the area during that time, independently or in connection with the observed objects.

The image accompanying this section shows Norman Muscarello, police officers David Hunt, Eugene Bertrand, and 'Scratch' Toland, published in the 'Manchester Union Leader' on September 6, 1965. Toland was the first to hear about Muscarello's encounter with a UFO.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents a skeptical yet open-minded approach to UFO phenomena. For the Rendlesham incident, the editorial stance leans towards misidentification of natural phenomena (meteors, lighthouses) and conventional aircraft, attributing the 'mystery' to a combination of witness misinterpretation and the spread of rumors. For the Exeter case, while acknowledging the witnesses' sincerity, the magazine highlights the official explanations provided by the Pentagon and Project Blue Book, focusing on military exercises and atmospheric conditions. The underlying theme is that many UFO sightings can be explained by mundane causes, and that a lack of understanding, coupled with sensationalism and rumor-mongering, often inflates these events into 'mysteries'. The magazine aims to provide rational explanations and debunk sensational claims, emphasizing the importance of critical analysis and factual investigation over belief in extraordinary phenomena.

This issue of UFO-NYT, dated September/October 1983 (Volume 8, Issue 5/1984), critically examines the famous Exeter UFO incident and delves into the scientific validity of astrology, particularly the 'Mars Effect'. The magazine features articles written in Norwegian, with a focus on providing a skeptical yet thorough analysis of paranormal phenomena.

Exeter-UFOet Kritisk Sett (The Exeter UFO Critically Examined)

The lead article scrutinizes the Exeter UFO incident, a series of sightings reported in 1965. It begins by referencing a letter from officers Bertrand and Hunt to Quintanilla, questioning the official conclusion that the case was closed. The letter points out inaccuracies in the initial report and highlights Bertrand's experience as a pilot, suggesting that the observed objects might have been conventional aircraft, possibly related to military exercises.

Further analysis by UFO skeptic Robert Sheaffer is presented, who investigated the Exeter sightings. Sheaffer found that many reports lacked crucial details like dates and precise observation times. He also noted that the objects were often reported as coming from the sea and, remarkably, seemed to follow a timetable related to Jupiter's visibility. Other observations were suggested to align with the appearances of Venus and Saturn. Sheaffer acknowledges that planets cannot perform the maneuvers attributed to the Exeter UFO but attributes such perceptions to human sensory limitations and imagination, citing Jenny Randles' work on misidentification of the moon.

Dr. Donald Menzel is mentioned as believing that mass hysteria played a significant role in the Exeter UFO wave. Philip Klass's plasma theory is also discussed, suggesting that the luminous objects could be corona discharges from ionized air along high-voltage power lines. The article notes that weather conditions during the UFO wave were ideal for such phenomena, and the proximity to the sea could have led to salt accumulation on power lines, further contributing to corona discharges.

The article draws parallels between the Exeter wave and the Hessdalen phenomenon in Norway, suggesting that both might have natural explanations and are amplified by public curiosity. The witnesses, including Muscarello, Bertrand, and Hunt, remain convinced they saw something inexplicable, even years later.

In 1980, a group of journalists from Exeter High School revisited the case, interviewing witnesses. Betjent Hunt stated, "Something happened, and we told it as it happened, and that's probably all one can do."

The article includes a list of sources, predominantly books and articles related to UFOs and skepticism, dating from 1967 to 1983.

Kommenterer (Commentary)

This section offers a commentary on the Exeter UFO case, agreeing with Kim Møller Hansen's assertion that the case might not be as mysterious as it seems and drawing parallels with the Hessdalen phenomenon. The commentary suggests that John G. Fuller, a known UFO proponent, may have influenced his research and writing. It reiterates the possibility of mass hysteria and the role of curiosity in amplifying sightings. The commentary specifically points to the high-voltage power lines and the timing related to Jupiter as significant clues.

It also references the Condon report, which noted similarities between the Exeter UFOs and ball lightning in terms of color, sound, dynamics, duration, and size. The variation in reported sizes, from a basketball to 60 meters, is attributed to difficulties in judging distances at night. The proximity to the sea and potential salt on power lines are again mentioned as factors contributing to corona discharges, a phenomenon that also occurs in dry weather.

Astrologi (Astrology)

This extensive section, authored by Audun Eckhoff, critically examines astrology as a discipline, questioning whether it can be considered a science.

Står det skrevet i stjernene? (Is it Written in the Stars?)

Eckhoff begins by analyzing astrological columns in the Los Angeles Times, arguing that astrology interprets the meaning of the stars as a social phenomenon rather than society as a reflection of the cosmos. He notes that astrology offers meaning to the seemingly meaningless and that the interconnectedness of phenomena is central to its tenets. However, he contrasts this with scientific observation, suggesting that while facts are important, astrology does not enslave individuals to them.

He discusses how prophecies can become self-fulfilling, particularly in personal development, potentially leading to destructive outcomes by limiting personal freedom, regardless of theoretical distinctions between fatalism and non-fatalism.

Psykisk avhengighet og selvdydkelse (Psychological Dependence and Self-Worship)

Eckhoff highlights the psychological dependence fostered by astrology, which preys on feelings of powerlessness and inadequacy in modern society. He suggests that in a complex, bureaucratic world, people seek something to anchor themselves to, and astrology provides this by projecting individual experiences onto the stars.

He also identifies narcissism as a key aspect, where individuals, feeling insignificant in society, find importance through their astrological charts. This is linked to the psychological trend of 'psychologization' and the refined astrology that emphasizes the individual's uniqueness through celestial configurations.

Er astrologi vitenskap? (Is Astrology Science?)

Eckhoff addresses the question of astrology's scientific status. He notes that while some astrologers shy away from claiming it as science, preferring to view it as a mythical discipline, others attempt to align it with scientific methods. He outlines the two phases of applied astrology: the 'setup' (calculating astronomical configurations) and the 'interpretation' (assigning meaning to these configurations).

He discusses the falsification criterion, proposed by Karl Popper, which suggests that a scientific hypothesis must be testable and potentially disprovable. Eckhoff questions whether astrology, particularly its non-fatalistic aspects, can meet this criterion. He points out that disciplines like psychoanalysis and Darwinism, which are considered scientific, also struggle with strict falsification, while physics and astronomy fare better.

Eckhoff references the work of L.E. Jerome, who argues against astrology based on its magical elements and psychological needs, and Steven Goldberg, who suggests that while astrology's theoretical questions are worth considering, its claims need rigorous scientific evaluation.

Som i himmelen, så og på jorden? (As in Heaven, So on Earth?)

This section explores the principle of correspondence or analogy in astrological interpretation, where the microcosm (individual) is seen as reflecting the macrocosm (universe). This principle is shared with various forms of magic. An example given is the planet Mars, symbolizing war, which is linked to its red appearance and associated with blood and iron in ancient warfare.

Two main approaches to evaluating astrology's scientific claims are discussed: empirical testing of astrological correlations and theoretical assessment based on scientific criteria. The concept of a 'demarcation criterion' to distinguish science from pseudoscience is mentioned.

Mars-effekten (The Mars Effect)

This part focuses on the 'Mars Effect,' a statistical claim popularized by French statisticians and psychologists Michel and Francoise Gauquelin. They asserted that Mars appears more frequently above the eastern horizon at birth for top athletes. The Gauquelins' research, conducted in France and other European countries, initially suggested statistical evidence supporting this hypothesis. However, their findings were met with skepticism and were re-examined by a group including Paul Kurtz, Marvin Zelen, and George Abell from CSICOP.

Subsequent studies in the USA, involving 408 top athletes, generally failed to confirm the Mars Effect. The Gauquelins, however, maintained their findings, attributing discrepancies to specific birth conditions (natural births) and the selection of athletes whose names were prominent in sports. They excluded basketball players from their analysis due to a perceived lack of Mars Effect in European studies.

Kurtz, Zelen, and Abell criticized the Gauquelins' methodology, suggesting statistical empiricism (adjusting criteria after data collection). The Gauquelins later conducted another study of 432 European athletes, again claiming confirmation of the Mars Effect, but this study was not independently reviewed by CSICOP.

The commentary highlights the difficulty in achieving consensus on such controversial topics, with debates continuing over selection criteria and methodological issues, even when presented with 'facts'.

Stjernene som tilflukt (The Stars as Refuge)

Eckhoff observes that interest in astrology, like other occult disciplines, surges during times of crisis, hardship, and social upheaval. Astrology offers simple solutions to complex problems by projecting them onto the stars or into the realm of demonic forces. This trend was evident during feudal dissolution in the late Middle Ages, in post-WWI Germany, and is seen in today's crisis-ridden Western world.

He notes that 'professional astrology' and 'popular astrology' are often at odds. While professional astrologers struggle to statistically validate their interpretations, some reject reason and science, embracing occult traditions. For those who cannot accept irrationalism, few alternatives remain, potentially leading to a rejection of astrology until it can provide universally accepted results.

Stjernene ned på jorden? (Stars Down to Earth?)

This final section discusses the argument that astrology represents a cultural tradition and a repository of human experience accumulated over millennia, citing depth psychologist Carl G. Jung. Jung believed astrology was a source of psychological knowledge and a valuable tool for understanding ancient worldviews. However, Eckhoff argues that invoking Jung's support for astrology is a double-edged sword. While it opens the door to understanding astrology as a projection of human desires and characteristics onto the cosmos, it diminishes astrology's core claim of a correspondence between celestial movements and earthly events. In this view, the stars become mirrors of human qualities, and the task is to bring these human characteristics back to where they belong: within people themselves.

Noter og Referanser (Notes and References)

A list of 12 references is provided, citing various publications from 1972 to 1983, including books, articles, and reports from organizations like The Humanist, CSICOP, and The Sceptical Inquirer. The article itself is noted as originally being published in HUMANIST no. 6, July 1982.

Astrology Courses

Two astrology courses, 'Astrologi I' and 'Astrologi II', are advertised, offered by Dag Knapstad at Prinsensgt. 4b, room 302 (Tuesdays) and room 301 (Thursdays) respectively, starting in September 1985. The courses are part of 'FRIUNDERVISNINGEN' in Trondheim and cover basic astrological concepts, horoscopes, and more advanced topics like transits and synastry.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO phenomena and the scientific evaluation of astrology. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical, favoring empirical evidence, scientific methodology, and logical explanations over unsubstantiated claims or anecdotal accounts. The magazine aims to debunk paranormal claims by presenting scientific counterarguments and highlighting the flaws in pseudoscientific reasoning. The parallels drawn between different UFO cases (Exeter and Hessdalen) and the detailed critique of astrological claims suggest a consistent editorial policy of promoting critical thinking and scientific literacy.

Title: Para-nyt
Issue: nr. 1/1986
Date: October 21, 1985 (as per source citation)
Publisher: NIVFO
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian

This issue of Para-nyt features two main articles. The first, by a Danish missiologist, warns about the dangers of practicing yoga, while the second offers a humorous astroarchaeological interpretation of an ancient Egyptian relief.

Yoga Can Lead to Suicide

The lead article, based on a seminar in Trondheim, presents the views of Danish missiologist Johannes Aagaard, a dosent at the University of Aarhus and an expert in new religious movements. Aagaard issues a strong warning against practicing yoga, claiming that in Denmark, several people have committed suicide after taking up the practice.

According to Aagaard, yoga is, by definition, a practice of meditating oneself away from problems, leaving them untreated. He asserts that a person practicing yoga, a 'yogi,' claims to have no problems. In the worst-case scenario, this detachment leads to problems growing so large that the individual can no longer cope, ultimately choosing to take their own life.

When questioned if it's too harsh to blame an 'innocent relaxation technique' for suicide cases, Aagaard clarifies that yoga is not a relaxation technique at all. Instead, he describes it as a Hindu ritual where various yogic techniques are used to induce a Hindu consciousness in the practitioner. He states that yoga has nothing to do with relaxation, energy, or gymnastics, comparing the claim that yoga is gymnastics to claiming that Holy Communion is the same as doing squats. He characterizes yoga as 'acrobatics to lock the body in immobility.'

Many practitioners claim yoga helps them relax and breathe better. Aagaard dismisses this, stating that yoga's breathing exercises do not improve respiration but create abnormal breathing patterns, either too high or too low. He further contends that practicing yoga leads to practitioners adopting a Hindu mindset.

He explains that a person regularly practicing yoga will eventually begin to live in a different relationship with the world, developing a different mentality. He argues that yoga acts as a painkiller for stress and worries, not solving the problems but suppressing them. This, he claims, makes Hinduism an 'opium' for the practitioner, leading to introspection and an inability to see their problems.

Aagaard also states that practicing yoga means placing oneself 'under the influence of foreign spirits.' He believes that a yoga practitioner will eventually start believing in reincarnation and the law of karma, accepting that 'what happens, happens' and that evil cannot be changed.

Aagaard, who has studied new religious movements for over 30 years and visited India multiple times, has run the Dialog-centeret since 1873. This center provides information, enlightenment, and help for new religious groups, detailing their activities and scope. The Dialog-centeret also assists members of new religious groups who wish to leave these organizations. Aagaard notes that ignorance within the Danish church is significant and that the Dialog-centeret works with young people from the West in India.

The article cites Adresseavisen for October 21, 1985, and refers to NIVFO-Bulletin No. 2/1984, page 9, which mentions a VG report about a Norwegian student who 'meditated himself to death.'

Melody Grand Prix in Ancient Egypt?

The second article, written by Willy Wegner for Para-nyt nr. 1/1986, humorously explores the field of astroarchaeology. Wegner, a journalist for Para-nyt, attempts to apply astroarchaeological methods to an ancient Egyptian relief, hoping to be appointed an honorary member of the Tut-Ankh-Amon Institute.

He notes the recent increase in astroarchaeological literature, citing Danish authors like Frede Melhedegard, Werner B. Isen, Bjarno Finderup, and Leif Kjær, who are associated with the Tut-Ankh-Amon Institute. Wegner observes that astroarchaeologists, along with UFO enthusiasts, seem to be alone in treating their hobby and beliefs as science.

Wegner then presents his interpretation of an Egyptian relief. He describes a seated figure, whom he identifies as a singer with heavy makeup, holding what he believes is an advanced wireless microphone in her left hand. Her right hand is making a gesture he likens to the 'electric boogie' dance, or perhaps signaling the audience to quiet down.

Beneath the singer's stool, he sees a dog, which he interprets as a logo or advertisement for a record label like HMV (His Master's Voice), symbolizing that the song is being recorded. Behind the singer stands a person, either a man with bulging trousers or a woman who has practiced 'body shaping,' whom Wegner identifies as a fan seeking an autograph.

Despite the advanced 'technology' depicted, Wegner humorously notes the absence of the ballpoint pen. He reveals that the illustration is a relief from Ashait's limestone sarcophagus, dated to approximately 2050 BCE. Ashait was not only a singer but also the daughter of King Mentuhotep II.

Wegner acknowledges that his friends consider his interpretation sensational and have diagnosed him with 'Dänikikinitis,' calling his explanation 'a crazy Frede.' However, he challenges them to prove him wrong.

He promises further proof in a future issue, intending to demonstrate that punk rock is not a new phenomenon but originated in the ancient Inca empire.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Para-nyt appears to engage with fringe topics, presenting both serious warnings about new religious movements and a lighthearted critique of pseudo-archaeology. The editorial stance seems to be one of critical inquiry, questioning the claims of both yoga practitioners and astroarchaeologists while providing information on alternative beliefs and practices. The magazine also highlights its own publications and references, such as the NIVFO-Bulletin, indicating a focus on providing specialized information to its readership.