Northern UFO News - No 73

Magazine Overview

NORTHERN UFOLOGY - JUNE 1980 (Issue 73)

This issue of Northern UFology, published by the Northern UFO Network (NUFON), focuses on the intriguing and often controversial link between UFO sightings and psychic phenomena. The cover art depicts a mystical scene with a cloaked figure and a crystal ball, posing the question: "UFO'S AND PSYCHIC PHENOMENA - IS THERE A LINK?"

Editorial: "No doubt about it?"

Editor Jenny Randles reflects on the growing integration of Ufology into popular culture, citing a hit song by Hot Chocolate about UFOs. She questions whether UFOs are definitively real and urges readers to be aware of personal biases in interpreting phenomena. Randles addresses the trend towards 'paranormalism' within Ufology, acknowledging Bob Morrell's view that it might be a 'last desperate attempt' by new ufologists. However, she argues that exploring paranormal overlaps is a 'fruitful new area of exploration' and not necessarily a sign of desperation. She emphasizes the importance of rigorous testing and willingness to accept negative results. Randles also mentions the ongoing discussion about 'PROJECT UAP', an initiative aimed at objectively investigating the evidence for novel stimuli in UFO reports. She also notes an upcoming symposium on the UFO/Psychic link in London.

News Round-up

The news section announces the editor's new address and congratulates UFOIN member Shirley McIver on receiving a grant for her Ph.D. research in UFO-related fields. It highlights the increasing cost of photocopying NUFON and UFOIN reports and the urgent need for an external copier. Donations are encouraged to fund this. Syd Henley is the contact for donations and copying requests, with a note to submit files in black ink. Plans are underway to upgrade the index facilities at HQ, with a new index sheet and a comprehensive index of UFOIN reports and NUFON cases being prepared.

Plans Drawn Up For A British Group Conference

Details are provided about a potential joint conference between NUFON and MAUFOG, aiming for a full weekend affair in the Midlands around January 1981. Themes suggested include a code of ethics for UFO investigation and 'avenues of UFO research'. The conference aims to foster UK liaison and may involve SUFON, potentially creating a three-way venture. Volunteers are sought for the organizing working party.

Magazine Reviews

Reviews cover FSR (including a UFOIN report on the Llanerchymedd case), UFO RESEARCH REVIEW (NUFOIS), MAGIC SAUCER, ASWR, UFO INSIGHT, LANTERN, and FORTEAN TIMES. The review of UFO INSIGHT mentions a book by Paul Deveraux due in 1981.

Investigations

This section presents a table of UFO investigations, detailing date, time, location, investigator, and a low definition level evaluation. Cases include sightings of lights, a silver cone, a silver-grey disc, and a 'meat loaf' shaped object. Report statistics indicate 9 cases investigated, with 4 classified as Insufficient, 1 as Venus, 1 as Flare, and 1 as Satellite.

Postscript to the Rainhill Landing

This section revisits the classic Rainhill landing case (7531), noting that Daniel Chevaux and his family reported seeing a similar object on the same night, providing corroborating details and sketches.

Case 7134: Tarvin, Cheshire

This case from August 1971 involved a witness observing a white light moving NE. While the investigator suggested it was a satellite, the witness reported feeling relaxed and a sense of being watched, leading to a 'CEl Psycho' classification.

Another Child Repeater CE4 investigation by David Clark

This article details an investigation by David Clark into a witness named Simon who reported multiple experiences, including seeing an orange globe, a silvery figure, and a hole being drilled in the ground. The investigation found footprints and burnt leaves, but samples and plastercasts were lost.

UFOS AND PSYCHIC PHENOMENA - IS THERE A LINK? (Articles)

JIGSAW by David Sydeserff

Sydeserff, co-organiser of the Scottish UFO Network, posits that paranormal phenomena, including ghosts, hauntings, and ESP, are integral to understanding the broader 'Fortean phenomena'. He notes connections in UFO cases involving sudden disappearances, levitation, and 'psychic overlaps', suggesting a possible psychological trick or influence of external factors. He also mentions government research into ESP and 'falls from the sky' (FAFROTSKIES), drawing parallels with the Maury Island UFO case and mystery animals like Sasquatch. Sydeserff believes Ufology is not the most important piece of the puzzle.

PATRICIA & THE SIXTH SENSE by Patricia Austin

Austin argues that modern society is cynical about phenomena like fairies and spirits, which were once widely accepted. She defines 'psychic' as having a sixth sense, enabling direct information access or perception beyond normal senses. She notes that psychic experiences can involve seeing things without retinal stimulus and affecting matter. Austin suggests that intense magnetic fields might trigger psychic experiences and that UFO contacts could be linked to this. She also references ancient beliefs and healing phenomena, suggesting that humans have the inherent capability to manipulate matter. She posits that an external stimulus, possibly a magnetic field, is required to trigger these experiences, and that UFO sightings and psychic phenomena would be more common in dense populations if not for this trigger.

UFOLOGY & THE SIXTH SENSE Cont... by Stanley Singer

Singer discusses the possibility that strange balls of fire, like ball lightning, may be intensified atmospheric fields combined with induced magnetic fields. He suggests that conditions conducive to ball lightning might also stimulate the psychic centre in the brain. He highlights a profound unity between psychic and physical phenomena, suggesting that a sixth sense can provide access to information for survival.

COMPARING UFOLOGY & PARAPSYCHOLOGY by Kevin McClure

McClure, an UFOIN member and associate of the Society for Psychical Research, emphasizes the similarities in investigation methods and challenges between Ufology and parapsychology. He notes that both fields often deal with fleeting, vaguely observed events reported by witnesses in a fragile mental state. McClure stresses the need for careful, sympathetic, and intelligent investigators. He points out that unexplained phenomena in both fields often lead to similar conclusions. He suggests that the residue of unexplained events, after conventional explanations are exhausted, is where the two disciplines converge. He also mentions 'witness-inspired events' in Ufology and the 'experimenter effect' in parapsychology, urging a consideration of investigators' motives and the psychological make-up of witnesses.

THE UFO PARADOX: Can Poltergeists Help? by Hilary Evans

Evans suggests that poltergeists and UFOs share similarities, including 'restraint' in their behaviour, operating within the limits of potential reality. He argues that both phenomena, while strange, are not entirely inexplicable and that their actions are theoretically within human capability. Evans proposes that both poltergeist and UFO phenomena are human in origin, though not necessarily mere figments of imagination. He suggests a 'double-decker construct' for the UFO phenomenon: a basic, neutral 'real' phenomenon overlaid by individual percipient characteristics. He believes that both ufologists and psychical researchers should look for a force or entity that is autonomous but operates within understandable limits. He proposes that a collaborative approach between poltergeist investigators and ufologists, and even the inclusion of an occultist, could be beneficial.

PSYGENICS - One answer to the enigma? by Andy Collins

Collins, a UFOIN investigator, asserts that UFOs and psychic abilities are linked to the human mind and percipients. He argues that the UFO fraternity should focus on psychology and sociology rather than solely on collecting reports. Collins notes that many UFO percipients exhibit psychic abilities, such as seeing ghosts or experiencing poltergeist outbreaks, and that over 50% of 'impersonal sightings' and 75% of 'personalised' or close encounter claims could be termed psychic. He defines 'psychic' as a heightened state of mind and body, often hereditary, leading to a different experience of reality. He introduces the term 'psygenic' to describe individuals with a higher number of such traits, suggesting they are more prone to UFO encounters. He cites examples like the Aveley abduction and the Paul Grant case as evidence.

PSYGENICS One answer to the enigma? Cont...

Collins further discusses the 'psygenic' theory, noting that contactees like Jean Hingley and figures from the USA, such as Betty Hill and Stella Lansing, exhibit these traits. He suggests that these individuals may be more able to perceive the phenomenon or are of particular interest to UFO occupants. He mentions that while some researchers are interested in these theories, others dismiss them as fantasy. Collins highlights the work of Brad Steiger on 'Star People', who reportedly possess psychic abilities and experience paranormal phenomena, aligning with the 'psygenic' concept. He also notes that Parasearch investigations use specific questions to understand witnesses better and identify potential 'psygenic' traits.

OBJECTIVITY - the key to the mystery by Martin Keatman

Keatman, a UFOIN investigator, defines parapsychology as the science of psychic phenomena, encompassing subjective experiences like ESP (clairvoyance, telepathy, precognition) and objective effects like psychokinesis. He notes that these phenomena have historically been excluded from scientific study due to their non-physical nature. Keatman states that providing evidence for psychic phenomena is challenging, as most readers likely already hold strong views on the subject.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the potential interconnectedness of UFO phenomena and psychic abilities. The editorial stance, as articulated by Jenny Randles, is one of open-minded inquiry, emphasizing rigorous investigation and a willingness to explore new avenues, even if they venture into the paranormal. There's a clear push for more objective and scientific approaches to understanding these complex phenomena, while acknowledging the subjective experiences of witnesses. The articles collectively suggest that the human mind and its potential, perhaps enhanced by genetic predispositions ('psygenic'), play a crucial role in both the perception and manifestation of these events.

Title: NORTHERN UFOLOGY
Issue: 10
Volume: 10
Date: 1980 (inferred from references)
Publisher: NORTHERN UFOLOGY
Country: UK
Language: English

This issue of NORTHERN UFOLOGY delves into the contentious relationship between UFOs and psychic phenomena, exploring the divide between 'ETH' (Extraterrestrial Hypothesis) ufologists and 'PLH' (Psychic Linked Hypothesis) ufologists. The articles argue for a more objective and multi-angled approach to UFO research, emphasizing the importance of witness testimony and the potential for psychic elements in reported encounters.

Objectivity: The Key to the Mystery

The lead article, "OBJECTIVITY the key to the mystery," addresses the recent resurgence of arguments between ETH and PLH ufologists. It posits that the primary objections to psychic links come from ETH ufologists, whose reasons are threefold: a lack of personal psychic experience, a subconscious psychological need to believe in beings from outer space, and a tendency to dismiss cases with psychic overtones. The author argues that this approach is inherently subjective and leads to biased research, as data that doesn't fit preconceived theories is ignored. This results in a lack of information regarding the psychic background of witnesses, rendering much research invalid or biased.

The article stresses that ufologists must not ignore data simply because it doesn't fit their theories, and conversely, PLH ufologists should not dismiss 'crashed saucer' data. A multi-angled study is deemed necessary to discover the true nature of the phenomenon. Scientific reports are deemed incomplete without examining the claimant's psychological, physiological, and sociological position. Several British cases are presented as evidence that close encounter UFO percipients often claim psychic experiences. Examples include Norman Oliver's work involving psychometry and UFO contacts, Joyce Bowles' poltergeist experiences before a Hampshire CE4 in 1976, and Pauline Coombes' experiences at Ripperston Farm.

The author concludes that while many people have isolated unusual experiences, UFO percipients often report numerous different psychic events, suggesting a significant underlying connection. The article encourages investigators to probe psychic backgrounds and to research thoroughly before making uninformed comments, to avoid appearing subjective and ill-informed.

The Modern Approach to UFOLOGY

Stephen Banks, a UFOIN investigator and analytical chemist, contributes "THE MODERN APPROACH TO UFOLOGY." He notes that the concept of a 'psychic' UFO phenomenon often sparks debate, with arguments often lacking constructive treatment. However, he asserts that data collected by ufologists worldwide points to a self-evident answer: a strong link between UFOs and psychic phenomena.

Banks highlights that for over a century, psychic phenomena have been studied by various individuals and bodies, leading to the cataloging of inexplicable events. His research indicates that 80-90% of TRUE UFO witnesses have claimed paranormal experiences, though extracting this data can be challenging. He criticizes ufologists who dismiss cases with paranormal overtones as 'unobjective,' arguing that the investigator who delves into these areas is the truly objective one. He contrasts this with those who promote hypotheses based on externalized, objective phenomena with little supporting evidence.

The article emphasizes that top investigators in the UK now consider the witness as the most important feature of any UFO report, a stance that supports the pro-psychic viewpoint. Banks suggests that Ufology has often been quasi-religious, with participants seeking a belief system. He references works by John Keel and Jacques Vallee, which attempted to analyze the frame of reference connecting diverse phenomena like fairy lore, incubus, succubus, and Spiritualism.

Banks describes a transitional phase in UFO study, with 'New Ufology' emerging. He notes the recording of classic parallels with psychic events, the identification of witness archetypes, and a greater acceptance among ufologists of the need to be open-minded. Links with the Society for Psychical Research (SPR) are fostering this progress.

He points to scientists like Pierre Guerin and Jacques Vallee questioning modern physics, suggesting that paranormal phenomena may be linked by shared experiences and that the nature of reality itself is up for debate. Vallee's perspective is that Cartesian coordinates for space-time may need to be re-evaluated, and his interest in UFOs stems from learning about the limitations of the space-time model rather than expecting visits from space beings.

• Banks lists several indicators of a strong UFO/psychic link:
• Both psychic and UFO experiences often involve a 'release' for a traumatized witness.
• The nature of the events is molded by the individual's belief systems.
• Many UFO witnesses allege paranormal experiences, and vice versa.
• Psygenic traits are displayed in both UFO and paranormal witnesses.
• Contact with 'higher beings' (UFOs, spirits, etc.) is essentially the same principle.
• Both phenomena are 'will of the wisp' and difficult to verify in a laboratory.
• Successive phases of contact with spirits and ufonauts are semi-religious.
• Messages given by both phenomena are spurious and ambiguous.

Banks concludes that the UFO phenomenon is fundamentally a parapsychological problem, an extension of older psychic phenomena into a contemporary context. He believes this conclusion is supported by the facts and the concept of the collective subconscious.

Two Sides of a Bad Penny

Jenny Randlės' contribution, "TWO SIDES OF A BAD PENNY," expresses surprise at the extent of support for a relationship between UFOs and psychic phenomena in response to the issue's theme. She notes that while the topic is controversial, no one has argued against a link, with seven people producing arguments supporting it.

Randlės wonders if this reflects the views of modern ufologists or just the magazine's readership. She acknowledges the fascinating theses propounded by others, including Stephen Banks. She states that her own book, "UFOs: A British Viewpoint" (co-authored with Peter Warrington), was not primarily intended to promote the UFO-Psychic link but that it inevitably became a focus.

She asserts that the answer to the question of a link is unequivocally 'yes,' citing undeniable evidence. She further categorizes UFO phenomena into two distinct types:

a) Physical phenomena without paranormal overlap: These are likely natural in origin and amenable to scientific analysis. Examples include unknowns in the LOW, MEDIUM, and INST categories of UFO reports. However, some TRUE UFOs in the CE1 and CE2 classes might be related to such phenomena, as natural occurrences can create objective effects.

b) Psychic-orientated phenomena: These may be termed subjective and tend to relate to CE3 and CE4 cases. Randlės suggests that lower-definition phenomena can be linked to subjective causation and may be 'spin-off' events.

Randlės acknowledges the problems associated with this field, particularly the disdain some people hold for parapsychology. She argues that regardless of personal feelings about ghosts, poltergeists, or ESP, people claim such experiences with a degree of evidence suspiciously similar to abduction claims. She posits that a human experience might be utilized in both UFO and psychic phenomena, or an external catalyst could be responsible.

She concludes by suggesting that our conception of reality might be limited, akin to stone-age man's insight into nuclear physics, and that we are still far from understanding the full picture. Ufology, science, and life itself are presented as ongoing journeys of discovery.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the strong and undeniable link between UFO phenomena and psychic experiences. The articles challenge the traditional ETH-centric view of ufology, advocating for a more inclusive and objective approach that considers the psychological and subjective aspects of witness testimony. There is a clear editorial stance favoring the integration of parapsychological research into UFO studies, suggesting that the UFO phenomenon may, in essence, be a modern manifestation of older psychic phenomena. The issue highlights the need for open-mindedness and thorough investigation, moving beyond preconceived notions to understand the complex nature of these experiences.