ParaPhenomena - no 1 - 1995

Magazine Overview

Title: ParaPHENOMENA
Issue: No. 1
Year: 1995

This inaugural issue of ParaPhenomena magazine, dated 1995, presents itself as a non-profit publication dedicated to investigating and disseminating information on the paranormal, the unknown, and psychic phenomena. The title itself, suggested by Lee Winterson of the Bristol UFO Research Group, embodies 'the paranormal' and 'unknown and strange phenomena,' setting the scope for exploring 'everything in this universe and in others, other dimensions, and other spheres of reality.' The magazine welcomes articles and contributions from interested individuals and is supported by its readers.

Editorial Staff and Contributors

The core staff includes Edward Harris as Editor & Layout, Julie Fuller as Co-Worker (Investigation), Brian Smith as Psychic Investigator, and Elaine Ibiricu as Psychic & Investigator. Contributors for this issue are listed as David Fuller, Cabi L. (Germany), and David Beirne, who serves as the Correspondence Editor. The magazine is printed and published at 16, Newton Green, Great Dunmow, Essex, England.

Key Articles and Themes

"IN THE BEGINNING" by Edvard Harris

Edward Harris's introductory piece, "In The Beginning," explores the concept of the spirit world and life after death. He posits that the spirit world is a 'mind world,' formed by collective human thought over millions of years. Harris suggests that our beliefs influence our experience in the spirit realms, and that the spirit world is composed of 'mind vibrations' that are as solid as our physical reality. He theorizes that the first human thought in the nascent spirit realm created light and solid objects, establishing the foundation for this dimension. The article also touches upon the role of Jesus in potentially opening access to these spiritual planes and discusses the possibility of creating 'ghosts' through collective thought.

Harris also addresses the question of whether we live after we die, stating that physical evidence suggests 'yes.' He highlights the sadness of not being able to see or hear departed loved ones but suggests that technology and psychic research are working towards bridging this gap. He mentions the concept of 'astral telephones' and his own idea for an 'astral or spirit Television.' The article concludes by introducing the concept of Out-of-Body Experiences (OBEs) as a way to briefly visit the spirit world.

"MY OUT OF BODY EXPERIENCE" by Julie Fuller

Julie Fuller shares a personal account of an OBE that occurred in 1986 during a hospital operation. She describes floating out of her body, observing the medical team trying to revive her after she went into cardiac arrest. Fuller recounts feeling relaxed and peaceful during the experience and states that it has removed her fear of dying.

"Research Institute Shows People a Way Out of Their Bodies" by Bob Ortega

This article reports on the Monroe Institute in Faber, Virginia, founded by Robert Monroe. The institute is dedicated to the study and teaching of altered states of consciousness, particularly OBEs. The article describes the Gateway course, which aims to teach participants how to consciously leave their bodies and explore other dimensions or times. It mentions Robert Monroe's own extensive OBEs and his development of patented processes using audio signals to induce altered brain-wave states. The report includes testimonials from participants and discusses the potential for OBEs to provide proof of an afterlife.

"Travel Without Your Body" (Out-of-the-body experiences)

This section compiles several accounts of near-death and out-of-body experiences. One account details a car accident in Tanzania in 1964, where the individual experienced an OBE, observing the collision from above. Another section, "The Vanishing Lady," by David Fuller, describes seeing an apparition of a woman float over a ditch. "Little People Shadows" by Angela Harris recounts seeing shadows in a hallway. The article "More Shadows Seen" by Sean Ballard also reports shadow sightings. The section concludes by presenting evidence for the existence of souls and an afterlife, referencing a hospital experiment and a scientific particle test.

"TEACHINGS FROM THE OTHER SIDE"

This section continues the exploration of the spirit world, drawing from knowledge gathered by psychics and mediums. Fred Sculthorpe, an astral traveler, is quoted stating that learning about the afterlife makes the transition easier. The article suggests that everything manufactured on Earth has a spiritual counterpart, including the magazine itself. It discusses boundaries within spirit regions, the concept of 'spirit' people being solid to themselves, and the idea that the spirit world can be renamed. The text also describes the spirit world as having elements similar to Earth, such as aeroplanes and libraries, and that ambitions can be fulfilled there.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are life after death, the nature of the spirit world, and out-of-body experiences. The magazine adopts an investigative and open-minded stance, presenting theories and personal accounts related to the paranormal and psychic phenomena. There is a clear emphasis on the power of thought and consciousness in shaping reality, both in this life and in the afterlife. The editorial stance appears to be one of seeking evidence and sharing experiences to demystify these complex subjects.

This issue of PARA-PHENOΜΕΝΑ, Volume 1, Issue 1, dated August 30, 1989, focuses on a variety of paranormal topics, with a prominent feature on 'HEALING' on the cover. The magazine, published by Cosmology News in England, presents a collection of personal experiences, reported phenomena, and discussions on spiritual and psychic matters.

True Ghost Stories

The issue begins with 'TRUE GHOST STORIES,' highlighting hauntings in various locations. A lighthouse in Pensacola Bay, Florida, is said to be haunted by Isabella Ingraham, the former keeper's wife, who died alone. An Annapolis-trained navy officer reported hearing breaking champagne glasses and laughter at the lighthouse. Another account from a visiting Dutch doctor describes an overturned easy chair and missing clothes in the former keeper's quarters.

Spirits Haunt Hotels

The Brookdale Lodge near Boulder Creek, California, is presented as a domain of ghosts. Bill Gilbert and his family purchased the lodge in 1990 and discovered unseen residents. Phenomena reported include machines turning on, cold spots, a moving gardenia-like fragrance, and sounds of big band music and laughter in the derelict Mermaid Room. A ghost of a little girl named Sarah, who drowned 50 years ago in a nearby creek, is also mentioned. Two ministers performed a 'house blessing' at the request of Kim Gilbert, hearing unnerving noises from the water heater.

The Animal Ghosts

A story recounts a young man waiting for his girlfriend who was approached by a white cat. The cat felt cold, and after it vanished, the girlfriend revealed it was her cat that had died over a year prior.

Psychic Cat Sees Spirit

This section details an incident reported in Cat Magazine in 1971, where a cat named Tiger reacted to a manifestation. Winifred McGranville described her cat's reaction to an apparition of a woman while she was weaving. Later, Winifred heard a lid drop and sensed she was not alone. Her cat, Tiger, walked to a box and looked at it. Winifred later had a psychic vision of a woman in a rich gown who seemed displeased with her tapestry and vanished.

The Ouija Experiment

Brian and Amanda Smith recount their experience using a ouija board to obtain a secondhand flute with spirit help. In December 1986, they used the board to ask Amanda's grandad for a flute recommendation. The spirit selected a flute from a catalogue that was out of sight. When they found the flute was too expensive, the spirit selected another. Later, a newspaper advertised a similar flute at a lower price. Another spirit named Vera also assisted, but the chosen flute was unsuitable. The section notes that ouija boards are not toys and are discouraged by some spiritualists, but Brian has had no negative experiences, only feeling a sense of 'someone pushing it'.

Other News etc.

Search for Pat...

This brief section mentions the shock of a friend, known for 23 years, becoming ill, not being diagnosed in time, and passing away in hospital.

Aspects of Mediumship: A Lecture by Alan Albiston (Medium)

Medium Alan Albiston discusses various aspects of mediumship at a meeting in Bishop's Stortford. He explains the differences between Psychic, Medium, and Clairvoyance, and mentions Clairaudience (hearing spirits). Albiston states he experiences all of these and can sense or feel spirits. He notes the pressure on mediums to perform and the difficulty in contacting specific individuals. He shares that messages can come when he is relaxed, like in the bath, or when spirits know he is attending a meeting. He emphasizes that mediums have different working methods, some using aids like screens or music, while others use psychometry. He likens the inability to get a message to a television switched off. Albiston also touches upon 'end of the pier' psychics and their gifts, mentioning Tarot cards and the ancient practice of Runes and the Chinese I-Ching. He discusses Astrology and Sand readings. During an experiment, he demonstrated how mediums receive messages, stating, 'Evidence of survival is better than proof of.' He explains it's not telepathy if the information isn't already in one's head. He notes that some people are easier to read than others. He mentions that spirits can come to offer support or stay around their families. Alan also states that animals are psychic and can see spirits.

Albiston explains that psychic abilities may be innate but can be diminished by modern living. He describes mediums as normal people who have developed their abilities over time, emphasizing the need for relaxation and patience, as forcing it can block the connection. He states that spirits want people to develop slowly and accurately, and that mediums are used as instruments. He shares an anecdote about Ed. Harris receiving impressions of 'chickens' from a lady's watch, which was correct as her family once had a poultry farm. Julie Fuller received impressions of 'peace' and 'whirling happiness' from a gold bracelet. Alan also mentions that readings can be obtained from flowers. During a question time, Alan addressed amusing questions, including why spirits can't remember their names but recall specific details from decades ago. David Fuller asked about the Karma effect.

The section notes a distressing case where an aunt who died of a severe illness took 30 years to come through to a person. It also mentions Mrs. Grace Kennedy, a medium from Canvey Island, who was met at a previous meeting and might help the new magazine.

A Letter Our First...

Elaine Ibiricu writes, expressing anticipation for ParaPhenomena and hoping it will be as enjoyable as previous magazines. She notes that her contributions may dwindle due to her current life circumstances but expects to contribute more after finishing her studies in September.

Notice:

This section explains that due to the high cost of international postage from England, PP is currently only for UK readers. It mentions that the magazine replaces COSMOLOGY NEWS and invites comments.

Healing

This section features a photograph of stroke victim Derrick Collins with bio-energy therapist John Ditchburn. It discusses various forms of healing, from Lourdes, France, to 'strange other-land-cults' and spiritual/etheric healings. Most healings involve laying on of hands, spiritual transfer from spirit healers, or transferring etheric energy. The editor thanks Stanley of Hartlepool for a clip.

British healers treat 300 patients in Iceland

This article, by June Wright, reports on the interest in Bio Energy and local therapist John Ditchburn, with dozens of people visiting his premises in Hartlepool for remarkable results. The article emphasizes that healing is based on commonsense and that science will eventually prove energy transfer is possible. Testimonials from patients like Derek Collins (heart attack recovery) and a woman with arthritis highlight the effectiveness of John's treatments. The article contrasts the fees of a London healer (£75/hour) with John's approach, where a fee is optional. John aims to help his local community without financial worry.

Another article details the 12th visit of British healers Eileen and Lilanthea Hambling to Iceland. They worked at a spiritual retreat organized by Icelandic Spiritualists Jon Sigurgeirsson and Dr. Ulfur Ragnarsson. The retreat was Horace's idea, Eileen's trance medium husband, to help people heal away from their usual environments. Thirty-five patients attended, with many wanting to extend their stay. The treatments by Eileen and Lilanthea were supplemented by talks on colour treatment and philosophy. Nightly meditation was conducted by the healers. Among the patients were a woman with suspected multiple sclerosis who improved significantly, a road accident victim who discarded his sticks, and a man with arthritis who found the healing wonderful. A former Member of the Icelandic Parliament, who had to forgo her political career due to heart trouble, found new hope. An Icelandic doctor's wife persuaded her husband to try the treatment, and he was delighted. Lilanthea's dream was to see spiritual retreats worldwide. The demand for healers led to Eileen extending her visit by three weeks. The article concludes with an anecdote about sick animals from neighboring farms appearing outside the building, drawn by the healers' presence, and Lilanthea helping a seriously sick dog.

My Personal Experience with the Unknown

This section features two personal accounts.

Gabi L. (In Germany)

Gabi L. recounts an experience at age 15 when she was alone at home and felt a presence. A chair moved away from the table as if someone wanted to sit. Her mother, upon hearing the story, was not surprised and said it was her dead mother. Gabi's mother also had an experience where she heard her dead mother calling her name and saw her standing at the end of the bed, warning about her brother being in trouble, which turned out to be true. Gabi also recounts an experience six years prior when her sister-in-law was killed during childbirth. While caring for the baby, Gabi felt a presence, believing it was her sister-in-law watching over the baby, and promised to always keep an eye on him.

German Account

A German account (translated by Gabi L.) describes a similar experience of feeling not alone while sitting at a table reading a book. A chair moved away from the table. The narrator, aged 15, had never heard of 'real' ghosts before and ran to her mother, who confirmed it was her dead mother. The mother also had an experience of hearing her dead mother's voice calling her name and warning about her brother. The narrator also recounts an experience six years ago when her sister-in-law died during childbirth. While caring for the baby, she felt a presence, believed to be her sister-in-law, and promised to watch over the baby.

Fortean Type Phenomena

Introduction

This section defines 'Fortean' as coming from Charles Forte, who collected strange stories. 'Fortean Phenomena' is now widely used to mean the strange and unknown. PP features Fortean also.

The Vanishing Man

A case from 1978, believed to be from Scotland, is described where two men were working in a steel room. One man completely vanished into thin air, unnerving his co-worker, who required psychiatric care for years. This is compared to the Philadelphia experiment. The vanished man has never returned, and his co-worker refuses to talk about it.

Oddities

This subsection lists brief, unusual news items:

• April 1995: Postal staff lined hedge-mounted letter boxes with copper strips to deter snails attracted by human saliva on gummed letters.
• A bus conductor made his last trip on a single-decker bus to his funeral.
• June 1995: Surgeons removed an 11-stone tumor from a Texas woman who had feared surgery for 15 years.

Legend of the 'green people'

This is an old tale from East Anglia, England, handed down for hundreds of years. It was first written down seven hundred years ago by Ralph of Goggeshall and later by William of Newbridge. The story is about 'Green people' who stayed in England, learned English, and told of where they came from. The tale made a significant impression at the time.

The Story of the Green People (Continued)

The story continues with peasants finding two green children, a boy and a girl, in pits. The children were frightened and spoke in a strange way. They indicated they were hungry but refused offered food. They were taken to the Lord of the Manor. They only ate beans. The boy died, but the girl learned English and told her story. She described coming from a green country where the sun never shines, with a constant green glow. She spoke of seeing a brighter land across a broad river. While tending sheep, she and her brother followed them into a cave. They heard beautiful bells and followed the sound, climbing through the cave. They emerged into sunlight, were blinded, and found themselves in a deep pit with no entrance to the cave. The girl stayed with the Lord of the Manor, learned to eat human food, lost her green color, married, but often returned to the wolf-pits. The editor speculates about little green men living underground and the continuous green light possibly being sunlight filtering through water.

Editor's Notes on the Story:

1. It could be another dimension with a pathway that has now closed.
2. It might be a story told by parents to children, mistaken for truth.
3. It could be a true story, with potential for descendants to be found if records exist.

Advertisements

• WORLD UFO JOURNAL: For information on unidentified flying objects.
• ENIGMAS Journal: For paranormal topics in Scotland and elsewhere.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of PARA-PHENOΜΕΝΑ explores a wide range of paranormal phenomena, including ghost sightings, hauntings, spirit communication, and healing. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, presenting personal accounts and reported events without overt skepticism. The magazine aims to provide a platform for readers to share their experiences and learn about various aspects of the unexplained. The inclusion of 'Fortean Type Phenomena' suggests an interest in unusual and unexplained events beyond typical ghost stories. The focus on healing, particularly bio-energy healing, highlights a spiritual or alternative approach to well-being. The magazine seems to cater to an audience interested in the spiritual, psychic, and mysterious aspects of life.

This issue of the "PARANORMAL DIARY OF THE ANERLEY SCHOOL HAUNTINGS" features an article by David Beirne, who introduces himself as a medium with a reputation for good repute, claiming to have acquired the respect of his clients since 1974. He states that he and a spirit guide named Fabian will dedicate their time to readers through the magazine for sittings, emphasizing that he does not charge fees as he considers his ability a gift.

Beirne explains that he inherited his gift from his grandmother, who was a gifted palmist and a staunch member of the spiritualist church of East London. His father is also a strong believer. His first personal encounter with his spirit guide, Fabian, occurred at his home in Clapton, London, Essex, when he was guided to look into a cupboard he believed to be empty, where he discovered a portrait of Fabian, which has hung in his living room for over twenty years.

He mentions having clients from Braintree and London and that he also makes visits to London. His catchphrase is "I never close." He then proceeds to provide factual accounts concerning Anerley School, stating that these accounts are true statements from former parents of children who attended the school.

Anerley School Hauntings

Beirne recounts that during the War of 1939-45, the school had air raid shelters built underneath. He speculates that given the school's likely pre-1930s or Victorian structure, these shelters might have originally served as storage cellars. A sad fact, he notes, is that the school was hit during the war, resulting in many deaths. However, he cannot confirm the exact number of fatalities. He states that around the 1970s, the cries of children were occasionally heard coming from the basements during morning assemblies. The doors to these shelters are now closed. The story is told of a caretaker who entered the basement and emerged with greying hair after an encounter with a presence. This account was reportedly shared by Mrs. Clarke of Bermonsey, who had a child attending the school.

Around 1986, Beirne and others visited Anerley to investigate. They found the entire school fenced off, presumably to deter trespassers. A sitting was held, and a "great tragic wrong" was sensed about the school. To prevent them from returning, the author's car reportedly died after their visit to Anerley School. Beirne concludes that they were not made welcome by the "darkness of the shelters." He has not returned since, but the school, as he knows it, remains in use in the SE20 area.

Beirne offers to provide written statements of these incidents to attest to their authenticity. He also mentions that in the next issue, he will discuss a factual possession of a man following an Ouija session and its associated dangers.

Quote for the World

The issue concludes with a quote: "WHEN MAN HAS COVERED EVERY BLADE OF GRASS WITH CEMENT, AND POLLUTED ALL OF THE WORLD...ONLY THEN HE WILL SEE HE CAN'T EAT THE MONEY HE HAS IN THE BANK."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are paranormal activity, specifically hauntings linked to historical events (WWII), spiritualism, and personal mediumship. The editorial stance, as presented by David Beirne, is one of direct experience and factual reporting, offering verification for his claims. There is a clear belief in the existence of spirits and paranormal presences, with a cautionary undertone regarding dangerous practices like Ouija sessions. The inclusion of the environmental quote suggests a broader concern for humanity's impact on the world, possibly linking destructive human actions to negative spiritual or energetic consequences.