NIVFO-Bulletin - 1986 No 3

Magazine Overview

This issue of the NIVFO bulletin, number 3-86, published by the Norwegian Institute for Scientific Research and Enlightenment (NIVFO), a Norwegian section of CSICOP, focuses on the critical examination of pseudoscientific phenomena. The cover prominently features the 'KIRLIAN-EFFEKTEN' (Kirlian Effect) as the lead story, alongside other articles on theosophy, antroposophy, and UFOs. The issue is dated March 1986 and has an ISSN of 0800-0360.

Articles and Content

LEDER (Editorial)

The editorial, titled 'LEDER', addresses the common misunderstanding of science versus pseudoscience. It argues that contrary to popular belief, pseudoscience often represents a closed-minded adherence to dogma, while science is characterized by an open, questioning approach. The editorial emphasizes that true security lies not in fixed conclusions but in the scientific process of inquiry, evidence gathering, and the willingness to revise beliefs. It contrasts this with pseudoscientific beliefs, which are often held rigidly due to a desire for comfort and certainty, lacking a rational system for forming or changing conclusions. The author highlights the appeal of pseudoscience in providing easy answers and comfort, while science offers the strength of understanding and the beauty of confronting the unknown rationally.

KIRLIAN-EFFEKTEN (The Kirlian Effect)

This article discusses the Kirlian effect, which emerged in the 1970s. It was claimed that the aura emitted by human objects like fingers, as well as plants and animals, provided information about an individual's physiological, psychological, and physical state, referred to as 'life force' or 'bioplasma'. The article notes that literature on Kirlian photography often reports studies conducted in an atmosphere of mysticism. However, it states that these claims are now being scientifically investigated.

ANTROPOSOFI, åndsvitenskap eller diktning? (Antroposophy, Spiritual Science or Poetry?)

Authored by K.E. Steffens, this article critically examines Antroposophy, a movement founded by Rudolf Steiner. It begins by posing the question of whether Steiner's teachings on world development, human constitution, karma, reincarnation, and cosmic influences are spiritual science or mere poetry. The article traces the origins of modern occultism to the tension between faith and knowledge, and the human need for spiritual frameworks. It delves into the history of Theosophy, founded by Helena Blavatsky, whom Steffens describes as a liar and deceiver, though also acknowledging her charismatic personality. The article scrutinizes Blavatsky's works, 'Isis Unveiled' and 'The Secret Doctrine', suggesting they are largely derived from existing literary sources rather than esoteric traditions. It highlights the role of Annie Besant and Henry Olcott in the Theosophical movement. The article then focuses on Rudolf Steiner, his early involvement with Theosophy as General Secretary of its German branch, and his later break to form Antroposophy. Steffens questions Steiner's attempts to distance himself from his Theosophical past, citing critical analyses of Steiner's writings that suggest a tendency to 'literary forgery' and a manipulation of his life story to fit his ideals. The article concludes that while Steiner may have been a sincere individual, the hagiographic portrayals of him by Antroposophists are problematic, and their claims of 'spiritual science' lack a solid, harmonious worldview. It specifically mentions Steiner's narrative of 'Buddha on Mars' as an example of his fantastical teachings.

ANNIE BESANT

This section provides a biographical sketch of Annie Besant, a key figure in Theosophy. It details her journey from liberal and deistic views to atheism and then to socialism, before finding spiritual fulfillment in Theosophy. It mentions her role in leading the Theosophical Society after Blavatsky and her collaboration with Charles Leadbeater. The text notes that Besant's work, along with Blavatsky's, forms a significant part of modern Theosophy and is also a component of Rudolf Steiner's Antroposophy.

RUDOLF STEINER: BUDDHA PÅ MARS (Rudolf Steiner: Buddha on Mars)

This article presents a narrative from Rudolf Steiner's work, describing a spiritual congress where Buddha was tasked with taking up residence on Mars in 1604 to fulfill a mission. This event is presented as a cosmic sacrifice, analogous to Christ's sacrifice at Golgata. The article explains that Steiner discussed this theme in his writings on post-death experiences and Christ's impulse. It also notes that Steiner's teachings on the 'dragon' (modern scientific naturalism) are not seen as a successful conquest by the author, and that Antroposophy's 'spiritual science' does not provide a stable worldview. The article cites critics who suggest Steiner's work is a compilation of occult traditions, with the 'Buddha on Mars' narrative being a unique element.

Other Content

The issue also includes a list of articles and topics covered, such as 'ADAMSKI FØRT BAK LYSET' (Adamski Revealed), '"BLØDENDE STATUE"' ('Bleeding Statue'), 'UFO I AL' (UFO in All), 'THE ROYAL SOCIETY SNAKKER UT' (The Royal Society Speaks Out), and 'NATURE SLÅR TIL MOT PARAVITENSKAP' (Nature Strikes Against Pseudoscience). There is also information on subscriptions and contact details for the editorial staff.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of pseudoscientific and occult movements like Theosophy and Antroposophy, the contrast between science and pseudoscience, and the importance of skepticism. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of scientific rationalism and critical thinking, viewing these movements with suspicion and highlighting their reliance on faith, authority, and unsubstantiated claims rather than empirical evidence and logical reasoning. The bulletin aims to debunk or at least critically analyze claims that lack scientific validation, positioning itself as a defender of rational inquiry against what it perceives as irrational or mystical beliefs.

This issue of UFO-NYT, dated 1982, features a cover story on the "Tully Classic" UFO incident in Australia from January 1966. It also includes a discussion on the Kirlian effect and its photographic representations.

The Tully Classic: A UFO Sighting in Australia The main article, "Tully, Australien 1966," by Kim Møller Hansen, details a UFO sighting by George Pedley, a banana farmer from Euramo, Queensland. On January 19, 1966, Pedley heard a high-pitched whistling sound while driving his tractor through a marshy area. He then witnessed a "spaceship" ascend rapidly from a lagoon called "Horseshoe Lagoon." Pedley described the object as bluish-grey, 7.5 meters in diameter and nearly 3 meters high, spinning at high speed before ascending vertically and then diving sharply southwest at a fantastic speed, disappearing within seconds.

Upon investigating the site, Pedley discovered a circular imprint approximately 10 meters in diameter. The reeds within the imprint were pressed down, dead, and swirled counter-clockwise, as if subjected to immense rotational pressure. Pedley also reported smelling sulfur in the area after the object vanished. He noted that his tractor engine had begun to falter and eventually stopped, though he attributed this to himself. Alf McDonald, who examined the mossy ground, stated that an "unusual force" had pulled the reeds up by the roots.

Further investigation revealed two more imprints, referred to as "nests," found by other sugarcane farmers, Tom Warren and Hank Penning, about 25 meters away. These imprints were about 3 meters in diameter, with reeds laid down clockwise and counter-clockwise respectively. Near the first imprint, a rectangular section of grass, 1.5 x 2 meters, was found to have been cut off at water level and moved.

Within a week, more imprints appeared. Another farmer and his nephew found two more, measuring 3.5 and 2.5 meters in diameter, with signs of burnt reeds. The marsh area quickly became a tourist attraction.

Berlingske Tidende reported on the incident, quoting journalist Ben Davie who mentioned that Albert Pennisi, the landowner, had dreamt of a flying saucer landing on his property the night before Pedley's observation.

Alternative Explanations and Investigations The article explores various explanations for the Tully event. Ufologist Stab Seers had samples from Pedley's imprint analyzed at the University of Brisbane, and the Australian Air Force (RAAF) also received samples. Physicist G. Taylor found low beta radiation in the samples, which he attributed to natural background radiation. Dr. R. Langdon suggested the reeds might have died due to flooding, but this was questioned by Pedley's account of the reeds being green and lush the previous day.

Australian ufologist Bill Chalker points out that the reeds were torn up and turned brown within 12 hours, a process that would normally take three days if they were simply flooded. Chalker, who gained access to RAAF and Ministry of Defence UFO archives in January 1982, found a report on the Tully incident. The RAAF's initial statement on February 11, 1966, cautiously stated that investigations "showed nothing significant" and that the imprint "could be caused by strong turbulence, which is normal during thunderstorms and often occurs in North Queensland at this time of year." The RAAF suggested the event could be a "waterspout."

The RAAF report from January 1966 described the object as a dull grey, 8 meters long and 3 meters wide, ascending vertically. The sound observed was a "sizzling" noise. The imprint was described as an almost round area, about 8 x 10 meters, with grass bent clockwise and reeds pulled up. No burn marks were observed, and no smell of burning was reported. The RAAF's most likely explanation was a "Willy-Willy" (cyclone) that bent the reeds and sucked up loose material, forming a "flying saucer" before disappearing. The report noted that "sizzling" sounds are often associated with "Willy-Willies."

Bill Chalker found this explanation unsatisfactory because the weather was fine and sunny at the time of the observation, and there was no loose material scattered around. The article also notes the similarity to circular imprints found in a cornfield at Cheesefoot Head, England, which were attributed to whirlwinds.

Despite the whirlwind hypothesis being considered plausible by the RAAF and Dr. Meaden, Chalker and Keith Basterfield, described as among Australia's most serious ufologists, believe the Tully imprints remain a mystery.

The Kirlian Effect The second major section of the magazine delves into the "Kirlian Effect," an interesting photographic phenomenon. Arleen J. Watkins and William S. Bickel explain that Kirlian photography involves sending high-voltage, high-frequency discharge through an earthed object placed on film, creating a glow called an "aura." This aura can be captured on photographic paper or film and appears as a faint glow around the edges of the image.

The article discusses the popular interest in Kirlian photography that emerged in the 1970s, with claims that the aura contained information about an object's physiological, psychological, and physical state, or "life forces" and "bioplasma" in the case of plants and animals.

The authors present five "claims" (PASTAND) about Kirlian photography and offer their own analysis:

Claim 1: The aura is related to "life energy" or "bioplasma." The authors refute this, noting that auras appear on inanimate objects like coins and metal objects, suggesting it's not "bioplasma."

Claim 2: The aura represents the object's condition based on its size, shape, intensity, and structure. The authors show examples of finger auras that vary significantly even within short time intervals, suggesting that if the aura represented condition, these changes would imply rapid shifts in mental or physical state, which they find unlikely. They attribute these differences to a lack of experimental control.

Claim 3: Sharp boundaries between auras indicate incompatibility. The authors explain that sharp boundaries are due to the absence of electron movement in the film plane, creating a null potential, and are a result of well-known physical laws, not incompatibility.

Claim 4: Color Kirlian photographs reveal new parameters of color and color distribution, with claims that colors indicate emotions (red for anger, blue for calmness). The authors state that while they did not take color photos, their examination of recent studies raises similar questions about the interpretation of color as they did for black and white images.

Claim 5: The "phantom leaf effect," where an aura appears from a leaf even after it has been removed, is discussed. The authors state they did not observe this effect in their photographs and attribute any similar appearances to smudges or dirt.

The authors conclude that while Kirlian photography is easy to produce, the technique involves many parameters and complex interactions. They list 22 parameters that need to be controlled, grouped into electronic/mechanical aspects, samples/environment, film/process, and photographic image/interpretation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance The magazine's stance appears to be one of critical inquiry into UFO phenomena and related claims. While presenting the details of the Tully incident and the Kirlian effect, the articles emphasize scientific investigation, alternative explanations, and the need for rigorous experimental control. The editorial tone leans towards skepticism regarding unsubstantiated claims, favoring explanations grounded in known physical laws and phenomena, while acknowledging that some cases, like Tully, may remain mysterious. The inclusion of quotes from various individuals, including ufologists and scientists, suggests an effort to present a balanced, albeit critical, perspective.

Title: UFO I ÅL
Issue: 4/85
Volume: 10
Date: Spring 1986 (Cover date)
Publisher: NIVFO (Norwegian Association for UFO Research)
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian

This issue of UFO I ÅL, a Norwegian publication focused on UFO phenomena and related topics, presents a diverse range of articles, investigations, and reports. It critically examines claims of paranormal activity, UFO sightings, and unusual phenomena, often seeking rational explanations or highlighting methodological flaws in research.

Kirlian Photography and Its Limitations

The issue begins with a detailed discussion of Kirlian photography, exploring the 'auras' produced by various objects and individuals. The text emphasizes that these phenomena are essentially corona discharges in gases, influenced by factors such as air composition, pressure, humidity, and the electrical properties of the sample. The authors conclude that there is no need to invoke psychic phenomena to explain Kirlian auras, attributing variations to physical parameters like exposure time, conductivity, and photographic processes. They criticize researchers who fail to standardize their methods or control variables, making replication of results difficult. The article suggests that while Kirlian photography can be visually fascinating, its connection to 'life force' or 'bioplasma' is largely unsubstantiated and prone to sensationalism.

Debunking the Adamski Hoax

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to exposing the George Adamski UFO contact case as a hoax. It details how James Moseley, a prominent figure in the UFO community, admitted to fabricating letters in 1957, including one purportedly from the U.S. State Department confirming Adamski's contacts with 'space people'. These letters were sent to various UFO researchers and figures to sow confusion. The article notes that the FBI investigated the misuse of official stationery rather than the UFO claims themselves.

The Weeping Statue of Quebec

Another case examined is the 'weeping' statue of the Virgin Mary in Quebec, which attracted considerable media attention for allegedly shedding tears of blood. The investigation revealed that the 'tears' were composed of animal fat and vegetable oil, debunking the miraculous claims. The owner of the statue, Claudette and Maurice Girouard, had a history of practicing medicine without a license, and it was later revealed that a man named Jean-Guy Beauregard regularly supplied the statue with oil and his own blood, coerced by hypnosis.

UFO Sightings and Ground Traces in Norway

The magazine reports on two specific incidents in Norway:

1. Light Phenomena in Al i Hallingdal: On July 12, 1986, Torfinn Tonning and his family observed two luminous points, one larger and brighter, described as elliptical with a mushroom-like protrusion and three 'fields' that gave off 'blitz-like' flashes. The lights moved and eventually faded.
2. Ground Traces in Synningen, Torpo i Al: Circular ground traces, about 7 meters in diameter, were discovered by farmer Alf Berntsen. Initially, these were considered potential UFO landing sites, especially when linked to the light phenomena. However, further investigation, including soil analysis and consultation with local authorities and newspapers, suggested that the traces were likely caused by the emptying of a manure tank. The dry, impermeable nature of the soil was noted as a characteristic shared with 'witch rings' formed by certain fungi, which are often misinterpreted as UFO traces.

Book Reviews and Other Topics

"Menneskesinnets Gåter" (Riddles of the Human Mind)

This section reviews a book by Hans and Michael Eysenck, published by Tiden Norsk Forlag in 1982. The book, described as an international collaboration, explores the human mind, behavior, and the nervous system. It is noted for its extensive illustrations and accessible language, covering topics from animal behavior to the practical applications of psychology. The review highlights the authors' objective approach and their focus on observable, practical aspects of psychology.

"ULØST MYSTERIUM ?" (Unsolved Mystery?)

This article critiques a book by Poul Fersling titled "Naturligt, Overnaturligt" (Natural, Supernatural). The review focuses on Fersling's discussion of the stigmatist Therese Neumann, a Bavarian peasant woman who reportedly abstained from food, sleep, and menstruation for decades. The reviewer disputes Fersling's claim that Neumann's case is an unsolved mystery, suggesting that evidence of food smuggling was suppressed and that her cessation of sleep and menstruation is difficult to verify due to a lack of thorough medical supervision. The article also briefly touches upon the concept of stigmata as a result of suggestion.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Throughout the issue, there is a consistent emphasis on critical thinking, skepticism, and the importance of scientific methodology. The editors of UFO I ÅL appear to favor rational explanations and are quick to debunk claims that lack empirical evidence or rely on sensationalism. The magazine actively seeks to differentiate between genuine phenomena and hoaxes, misinterpretations, or pseudoscience. The recurring themes include UFO sightings, paranormal claims, and psychological phenomena, all examined through a lens of critical inquiry and a demand for verifiable evidence. The editorial stance is clearly one of promoting a scientific and skeptical approach to these often-mysterious subjects.

Title: The Skeptical Inquirer
Issue: Vol. 10 nr.4/86
Date: April 1986
Publisher: The Skeptical Inquirer
Country: USA
Language: English

Articles

THE ROYAL SOCIETY SNAKKER UT...

The Royal Society, Britain's foremost scientific society, has released a report advocating for a united effort to enhance public understanding of science. The report suggests that increased knowledge of nature and scientific discoveries will equip individuals to resist pseudoscientific information. It highlights that an uninformed public is particularly vulnerable to misleading ideas concerning diets or alternative medicine. The society believes that improving the public's ability to discern the plausible from the implausible is a key benefit of greater scientific literacy.

NATURE SLAR TIL MOT PARAVITENSKAP (Nature Strikes Against Pseudoscience)

The English journal Nature published a strongly critical article on paranormal claims, described as one of the most significant critical analyses to appear in a leading scientific journal in many years. The six-page cover story by psychologist and CSICOP member David Marks is a follow-up to his earlier, more concise report on differing viewpoints. The article's opening summary is blunt: "Pseudoscience has so far been unable to produce a single repeatable result, and until it does, it will continue to be regarded as a disjointed collection of belief systems wrapped in fantasy, illusion, and error."

The article reviews how paranormal researchers have failed to provide hard evidence for extrasensory perception (ESP) and precognition, referencing numerous critical studies from the past decade. It then explores the psychological factors contributing to paranormal beliefs, such as mental imagery, expectations, subjective validation, and the desire to believe, which can create perceived links between cause and effect that deviate from chance levels.

The article is presented as more than just a valuable summary for skeptics. Given Nature's wide readership and respected status, it is expected to reach scientists who might not typically engage with literature that scrutinizes paranormal claims.

NY FORENING I SVERIGE (New Association in Sweden)

An article in Folkvett nr. 3/85 introduces a new organization called FRI (Föreningen Rädda Individen), which began its activities in September 1984. FRI was founded by relatives of individuals who had been drawn into the Scientology sect. The founders felt it was time to resist the Scientology movement, with a clear goal: to open the eyes of those who had joined and prevent others from falling victim. A key tenet in FRI's statutes is a commitment to "expose and prevent the misuse of religious, psychological, and scientific concepts."

From its inception, FRI has actively sought to inform authorities and others through letters and discussions about its existence and its intention to respond to any reported misuse or deception. The article notes that while the Scientology movement may not be as prominent in Norway yet, it does exist there. Observing that parents have sometimes published appeals in newspapers about young people who have suffered greatly, even committing suicide as a result of joining various sects, the author suggests that opportunities may exist to form a similar organization in Norway.

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Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the promotion of scientific literacy and critical thinking to counter the spread of pseudoscience and unsubstantiated beliefs. The Skeptical Inquirer consistently advocates for evidence-based reasoning and highlights the importance of scientific scrutiny in evaluating extraordinary claims. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical of paranormal phenomena and critical of movements like Scientology that are perceived as exploiting individuals through deceptive practices. The magazine also serves as a platform for disseminating information about organizations dedicated to critical inquiry and combating misinformation.