The Paraufologist

Magazine Overview

Title: The Paraufologist
Issue: Volume One, Number Two
Date: December 15, 1970
Publisher: Allen H. Greenfield
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of The Paraufologist, edited and published by Allen H. Greenfield, is not available through commercial subscription but can be accessed via a free mailing list. Readers are invited to submit comments.

Unexplained Events in the Daily Press

The lead article, "EXPLOSIONS, POISONINGS AND OTHER ITEMS IN THE DAILY PRESS," highlights several intriguing incidents reported in newspapers. One such event, detailed in The Atlanta Journal on October 7, 1970, described an unexplained explosion on October 6th, accompanied by sightings of fiery material falling from the sky. The incident remained officially unexplained about a month later, as indicated by a reply from an official to whom the publisher had written.

The article suggests a method for readers to find their own unusual phenomena: by purchasing numerous out-of-town newspapers and looking for odd items such as lightning strikes or disappearances. While cautioning against forcing a pattern, the author notes that even a random day can reveal "quite a bit" of unusual phenomena interest. An example cited is an item from The Nashville Tennessean on December 13, 1970, documenting a wave of unexplained animal poisonings in a small area of Nashville, where over twenty animals were affected within a month.

Another item from the same day's Nashville Tennessean mentions the unusual death of Walter Knox Winchester on December 11, 1953. Winchester was reportedly walking rapidly down railroad tracks, looking up at the sky, and failed to move when a train approached, despite the engineer's warnings.

Reviews

Today's Witches by Susy Smith

This review examines Susy Smith's book, which explores the witchcraft cult. The reviewer notes that estimates of the size of the witchcraft and Satanism cults vary widely, citing figures from True magazine, The Paraufologist, and Arthur Lyons Jr. The reviewer distinguishes between witchcraft and Satanism, suggesting the latter might be a negative subcult within "witchcraft philosophy." The author, Smith, states she has friends who are witches and was initiated into a white witches' church, though she is not a witch herself. The book covers primitive rituals in Haiti, an American case of personal disruption via witchcraft, and an encounter in South America.

The reviewer expresses deep concern about the implications of the witchcraft scene, suggesting that the current era might be the beginning of one that includes a "psi factor." While witches could potentially guide the world into the responsible use of new powers, the reviewer remains guarded due to historical instances of fanaticism and violence. The potential for misuse of psychic forces is highlighted, drawing a parallel to atomic energy. The reviewer suggests that responsible parapsychological research is needed, though improvement in its current status is desired.

The Psychic Reader edited by Martin Ebon

This review describes "The Psychic Reader" as a volume suitable for those seeking a balanced view of psychic research, from telepathic experiences to paranormal photography and life-after-death. It mentions sections on Helena Blavatsky, induced telepathy by George Mavros, and Ted Serios discussed by Eva Hodges.

A specific chapter recounts an experience with an apparition by Nathaniel Hawthorne in a Boston library. Hawthorne reportedly saw an elderly minister named Harris, who had passed away, at the library. The incident is noted as being recorded in a letter written by Hawthorne many years after the phenomenon, with Hawthorne unsure of the exact time lag.

The Other People by Pat A. Brisco Powell

This review discusses a work of fiction that explores a subculture of individuals like vampires and werewolves within modern civilization. These creatures are described as having evolved as natural enemies of man but have adapted to human society. The reviewer notes similarities between the fictional world depicted and the "shadow world" of certain aspects of unusual phenomena research.

The First Law of Physics by Allen H. Greenfield

This is a surreal, allegorical narrative by the publisher, Allen H. Greenfield. It begins with a voice declaring, "I am the god of physics, and I have decided to change the rules." The narrator experiences a series of bizarre events, including encounters with an elderly wino, a reunion with a long-lost aunt, and a journey to "The Old Mine" in Rhode Island. The narrative culminates in a confrontation with the "god of physics," who is revealed to be the Chairman of the Woonsocket Chamber of Commerce. The story is filled with nonsensical dialogue and events, ultimately leading to a realization that the "rules" have indeed changed, with the narrator finding himself underwater and hearing the voice again.

Preliminary Notes Towards a History of the Private Unidentified Flying Object Field in the United States

This extensive outline provides a detailed chronological and thematic history of UFOlogy in the United States, from the 1940s to the beginning of the 1970s. It is divided into several major sections:

• "THREPRENPOLOGY" OF THE 1940s: Covers Kenneth Arnold, the "preufology structure" of the 1940s (Borderland Sciences Research Associates, The Fortean Society, The Shaver Mystery), and the dawn of the 1950s with early books and articles.
• THE UFOLOGY MOVEMENT OF THE 1950s: Details the activities of Albert K. Bender (IFSB), George Adamski, and other personalities and organizations like Gray Barker and James W. Moseley.
• A BRIEF LOOK AT SIGHTING REPORTS DURING THE 1950s: Lists a huge number of cases, including French cases, photographic cases (Mcminnville, Adamski), the Utah movie, the Montana movie, the Lubbock lights, and the 1957 wave.
• AMERICAN UFOLOGY IN THE 1960s: Discusses the teen ufology movement, new personalities, cases, publicity, governmental interest, the Condon Committee, and the turning-point and decline of the decade. It also covers another generation of ufologists and their publications.
• UFOLOGY AT THE BEGINNING OF THE 1970s: Touches on the sighting report lag, the 1970 Congress of Scientific UFOlogists, and continued interest in the movement.

The outline meticulously lists individuals, publications, organizations, and specific events within the UFO field.

Commentary

Allen H. Greenfield provides a commentary on the preceding outline, acknowledging the late hour of its completion. He expresses the belief that the subject of UFOlogy history is worthy of a book but doubts he will write one himself. He offers the outline for use by other writers, suggesting it could serve as a basis for articles or a book. He notes that the outline itself may serve a purpose by helping those who already know about UFOlogy history to flesh out their understanding, and for those who don't, to gain something from it.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the reporting of unexplained phenomena in the mainstream press, the history and development of UFOlogy as a field of study, and explorations into witchcraft and psychic phenomena. The editorial stance, as expressed by Allen H. Greenfield, is one of open inquiry into unusual events, a critical yet engaged approach to paranormal topics, and a dedication to documenting the history of UFOlogy. There is a cautious skepticism regarding sensationalism but a clear interest in the potential implications of phenomena that challenge conventional understanding.