THE PARAUFOLOGIST

Magazine Overview

Title: THE PARAUFOLOGIST
Issue: VOLUME ONE, NUMBER FOUR

This issue of The Paraufologist focuses on the multifaceted nature of unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs, and their potential connections to mythology, psychology, and subjective experience. It includes excerpts from Allen H. Greenfield's novel "THE SHAMAN'S FACE," which explores a contactee case and other unusual occurrences in South Carolina, alongside discussions on the broader implications of ufology and the nature of reality.

Content Highlights

Excerpt from "THE SHAMAN'S FACE"

The issue features material from Allen H. Greenfield's novel, "THE SHAMAN'S FACE," described as a "paraufological novel." The narrative follows UFO investigator Louderton from Columbus, Georgia, who initially is skeptical of the contact experience of Henry Kenasis. Louderton is drawn into the investigation after local ufologists present a more favorable view of Kenasis's claims and following a local outbreak of unusual phenomena. The story picks up as Louderton visits the home of a ufologist named Jeffy (Jeffrey Margretson), who has been involved with the UFO problem for a long time and is geographically close to the Kenasis situation.

Jeffy recounts his involvement with the UFO problem and his personal experiences, which are comparable to the narrator's. The conversation touches upon other reports from the area, including a mention of a "yeti, an abominable snowman." The narrator expresses reservations about participating in a "yeti-hunt" involving guns, emphasizing a preference for observation over confrontation, and a concern for potential danger. Jeffy reassures him that only cameras will be used.

The narrative then describes a fruitless "yeti-chase" in South Carolina, which involved walking through fields in the dark. No "big hairy thing" or tracks were found. A farmer who guided them recounted seeing the "hairy thing" twice at sunset, describing it as looking somewhat like a bear or gorilla but not exactly either. The creature reportedly vanished on the second sighting. The farmer's reports began shortly after Kenasis made his original report, leading the investigators to suspect a connection.

"THE MYTH OF UFOLOGY" - I. THE UNSOLVED PROBLEM

This section delves into the theoretical aspects of UFO phenomena. The author recounts a personal experience of hearing loud, unexplained noises, which he initially dismisses as potentially the dog or his mind playing tricks. He then references Ted Serios and psychic photography, questioning whether UFOs and other phenomena are merely products of mental processes. The author argues that this line of thought, while potentially unconventional, could challenge man's understanding of reality.

The text itemizes several aspects of the phenomenon: its broad and deep nature dating back to early times, the lack of a clear-cut explanation despite extensive efforts, the manifestation of other unusual phenomena like "ghosts," and the emerging research in parapsychology suggesting the possibility of a non-apparent human sense.

"THE MYTH OF UFOLOGY" - II. REBIRTH OF A MYTH

This section quotes Peter Rogerson from the Merseyside UFO Bulletin, who states that the UFO phenomenon presents a profound challenge to our physical and psychological concepts of reality, blurring the lines between objectivity and subjectivity. Rogerson suggests that UFO manifestations might be facets of a single, mythological event, possibly arising from the subconscious.

The article further explores the concept of "mythological forms" and the "subconscious mind," questioning how objective reality is defined. It posits that the UFO phenomenon, in terms of reactions to it, constitutes a "mythic cycle." Peter Kor's observations from "REALM OF THE SAUCERS" are cited, outlining the progressive development of the "Saucer Saga" from an unknown phenomenon to the creation of a modern existential world-view and a new myth.

The text distinguishes between the phenomenon itself and the human reaction to it, suggesting that meaningful scientific knowledge might be gained from studying the latter. It raises the possibility that UFOs might originate from the inner portions of the human mind rather than from outer space, linking the increase in sightings to growing irrationality and "apocalyptophilia."

However, the possibility of an objective, albeit subtle, origin for the myth is not dismissed. Quotes from Kor suggest that our experience is governed by our physical-psychic constitution, and that scientific instruments can detect forces but not perceive intelligence. Flying saucers are described as existing in an "underworld" region of the earth, beyond ordinary human experience. The section revisits the parapsychology point about a non-apparent sense within man, suggesting that fringe phenomena might be subjective manifestations influenced by subtle, objective forces.

"THE MAN IN THE NEXT CELL"

This is a fictional narrative by Allen H. Greenfield, presented as a personal account written in a prison cell. The narrator has no memory of how he arrived there, only that he was tired after work and then woke up in the dungeon. He finds that the attendants cannot talk and do not react even when a prisoner is choked to death. The narrator attempts to gather information from other inmates. One inmate has forgotten his name and origin, speaking with a heavy accent. Another, Tommy Hamilton, claims he was napping in his London office in 1958 and woke up in the cell. A third inmate, an old man with a long beard, claims to be "Almighty God," who was creating a world in a distant galaxy before finding himself in the cell.

The narrator establishes a connection with the inmate claiming to be God. Through a "cell-to-cell grapevine," he learns that the prison is a honeycomb of cells, attendants appear and disappear as needed, and no one knows why they are there. The inmates are of various backgrounds, and rumors suggest non-human inmates in distant sectors. Each cell holds only one prisoner, all receiving the same treatment, including daily beatings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature of unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs, and the human mind's interpretation and reaction to them. There's a strong emphasis on the idea that these phenomena might be deeply connected to mythology, the subconscious, and subjective experience, challenging conventional notions of reality. The publication seems to lean towards exploring these psychological and mythological interpretations, while still acknowledging the possibility of objective, though perhaps elusive, origins. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these complex and often mysterious aspects of human experience and perception.

This issue of UFO Universe, dated 1977, presents a deeply personal and surreal narrative that blurs the lines between a prisoner's experience, metaphysical speculation, and potential extraterrestrial or otherworldly encounters. The primary content is a first-person account of an individual's time in a mysterious and brutal confinement.

The Prison Experience

The narrator describes a place where theories about their location were rampant, ranging from it being hell itself, a Martian prison, a CIA plot, or a communist-orchestrated hoax. The inmates endured unexplained daily beatings from silent attendants, who were described as possessing unnatural strength. The narrator initially struggled to maintain his sanity but eventually developed a deep-seated hatred and a determination to escape.

The Escape Plan

Driven by frustration and madness, the narrator devised an escape plan. He noted that mealtime attendants sometimes carried baseball-bat-shaped clubs and were occasionally alone. His first attempt to escape by feigning unconsciousness failed. He then waited for a more opportune moment, specifically for an attendant with a bat who was alone. After approximately 94 or 95 days, such an opportunity arose. The narrator successfully overpowered the attendant, striking him with the club and taking his keys.

The Escape with 'God'

Upon securing the keys, the narrator called out to other inmates, offering them freedom, but none responded, too frightened or too insane to act. Only one inmate, whom the narrator refers to as 'God', agreed to join him. This companion revealed himself to be 'Almighty God', claiming to have been trapped in this place for 'half of time' and needing to return to the universe. Together, they navigated dark, unlighted tunnels. At a fork in the path, they decided to split up to increase the chances of at least one of them escaping. 'God' took the left fork, and the narrator took the right.

Return to the Cell and New Neighbor

The narrator's journey through the darkness eventually led him back to his cell, a phenomenon reportedly experienced by others. He found 'God's' cell empty, suggesting his companion had not returned. Weeks later, a new, unpleasant character occupied 'God's' old cell. This individual identified himself to the narrator as "Idiot! How dare you speak to the King of the Netherworld, Satan Almighty!" The narrator expressed his wish for this new neighbor to be moved, lamenting the change in his surroundings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue delves into themes of confinement, the human psyche under duress, the nature of reality and belief (particularly concerning hell, divine intervention, and demonic presence), and the persistent human drive for freedom. The narrative's tone is introspective and somewhat detached, even when describing extreme circumstances. The editorial stance, as suggested by the publication's title and the content, appears to be interested in exploring unusual, potentially paranormal, or unexplained phenomena through personal testimony and speculative narratives. The inclusion of 'God' and 'Satan' as characters in an escape scenario from a place theorized to be hell or an alien prison suggests an open-minded approach to the boundaries of reality and belief systems.