RECOLLECTIONS

Magazine Overview

Title: RECOLLECTIONS
Issue: Volume 3 Issue 1
Date: 1996
Publisher: THE AUSTRALIAN UFO ABDUCTION STUDY CENTRE
Country: Australia
Focus: UFO Abduction phenomena, personal accounts, research, and literature reviews.

Newsletter Introduction

The first edition of the Recollections Newsletter for 1996 is presented, with the editor, Keith Basterfield, announcing the acquisition of new computer equipment. He welcomes feedback from readers and emphasizes the network nature of the Study Centre. The title "Recollections" is explained as referring to the growing number of people reporting memories they are certain are not dreams. The editor outlines plans to feature more first-hand accounts and report on international developments in UFO abduction research, seeking reader assistance. The newsletter also notes the potential publication of two books on Australian abductions in 1996, which is seen as a positive step for raising the profile of the subject.

Inside This Issue

The issue highlights several sections: First-hand accounts, From the literature, New books, Feedback, and Research News.

First Hand Accounts: Warwick's Recollections

This section details the experiences of a young man named Warwick, who approached the Study Centre with a series of recollections he believed were more than dreams. His first recollection, from age 5-6 in Goulburn, NSW, involved an "ultra-violet/blue" light in his bedroom, his bedclothes being pulled, and seeing a large head gazing at him. He later felt frightened and could not describe the being. He also recalled being carried down the hallway, with a figure with a big head following him.

Another recollection involved seeing a dark, oval-shaped UFO take off, with a being standing next to him, leading him to question if it was a dream. Subsequent "dreams" involved themes of running down a warped corridor, unable to wake himself. A more recent experience involved being held down on a bed, attempting to get a good look at the entity, and waking up. He described the being as grey, about 120cm tall, and mentally conveying a thought to "Go back to sleep."

Warwick also recounted an incident where he felt clammy hands on his face, tasted blood, and found a sore inside his lip with a triangular mark. He recalled gagging as something was placed down his throat.

When asked about childhood incidents, Warwick remembered becoming hysterical on a cousin's farm around age 4-6, leading to him being taken home. He also mentioned a history of nosebleeds and marks on his body different from scars.

Warwick believes he has been chosen for some reason and that beings of some kind do not want him to be afraid. He thinks there is a government cover-up regarding the UFO phenomenon and that the truth will eventually be revealed.

He also registered a positive response to interacting with electrical equipment, noting an ability to interfere with radios' reception, and thought he had experienced pre-cognitive dreams.

New Books

"The Watchers II" by Raymond Fowler: This book is described as exploring the complex and unusual experiences of Betty Luca (nee Andreasson). The review highlights Fowler's conviction that the paraphysical component of UFO abduction experiences must be responsibly investigated. The book covers Bob Luca's experiences and Betty's subsequent abductions, with extensive transcripts and Betty's artistic renditions. The review notes the book's in-depth examination of parallels between abduction phenomena, folklore, and precedents, and its comparison of abduction patterns with Betty's events. A surprising aspect is Fowler's idea of an intimate connection between UFO abduction and near-death experiences (NDEs), suggesting they are "different sides of the same paraphysical cause!"

"UFOs: Psychic Encounters" by Albert Budden: This book is presented as a paperback exploring psychic explanations for close encounters. It introduces Budden's "Electro-Staging Hypothesis," suggesting that close encounters are produced by the human mind in altered states of consciousness combined with natural and artificial radiation. The review mentions Budden's view that abduction scenarios are a "symbolic acting out" or "psychodrama." The book examines people who are electrically sensitive and experience symptoms like blackouts, and discusses the effect of electrical fields and unidentified atmospheric phenomena like earthlights. It also weaves in Jenny Randles' "Oz factor" and the UK Aveley abduction event. The work is described as challenging for ETH proponents but raises constructive viewpoints.

From the Literature

Review of "UFO-NYT" (August 1995 issue): This article reviews the current status of the abduction phenomenon and its social context in Australia, featuring an article by the author in the Danish UFO group SUFOI's newsstand publication. The piece covers the period 1993-1994, media attention, and the formation of the Study Centre.

Review of MUFON Journal (October 1995): This section discusses an article by Paul Devereux titled "Meeting With The Alien." Devereux separates UFO sightings from alien abductions, believing they have separate causes. His interpretation of abduction experiences is guided by the acceptance that they occur in an altered state (ASC). He suggests that some abductions may be due to "Earthlights" (terrain-related energy packets that can cause amnesia and ASCs). Devereux's approach is described as challenging, suggesting that ASC experiences are almost inseparable from waking reality.

Review of MUFON Journal (September 1995): This section covers an article by hypnotherapist Donna Higbee, who notes a growing trend among experiencers to view their abductions as beneficial for spiritual growth. Higbee's research indicates that some abductees express years of anger and confusion, then later announce that the aliens are not so bad after all, attributing positive motives to the abductors for spiritual growth and planetary healing. The article concludes by reminding readers that the true nature of these events is unknown.

Research News

The 1954 UFO Wave: The 1957 Villas Boas case is cited as a precursor to modern abductions. The author browsed documents on the 1954 UFO wave, noting that entities encountered in those days almost invariably left when confronted. In some cases, witnesses were paralyzed to enable the entity to depart, which could be interpreted as attempted abductions. Examples of specific cases from France, Iran, and Venezuela are mentioned, including an incident in Chico, Venezuela, where four small beings attacked two young men near a highway in an attempt to kidnap one.

Sleep Paralysis: The newsletter discusses sleep paralysis, a phenomenon frequently reported by abduction experiencers and recognized in medical literature. It occurs during REM sleep when muscle tone is almost non-existent, leading to a feeling of being partially awake and asleep, often accompanied by increased anxiety, hallucinations, and distorted time perception. The author is researching the relevance of this topic to abductions and seeks input from anyone who has experienced sleep paralysis during an abduction.

Eddie Bullard's Research: Folklorist Eddie Bullard's work is highlighted, focusing on the questions of investigator responsibility and the influence of abductee beliefs on their accounts. Bullard conducted a questionnaire survey of abduction researchers, including the author. The results, appearing in "Alien Discussions," cover beings, examination, and aftereffects. An expanded version of this article is presented as a new book.

Presentation

An Adelaide psychologist and the editor gave a presentation titled "Recovering Memories Through Hypnosis" at the 14th Annual Conference of the Psychologists Council of SA Inc. on November 4, 1995. Topics included psychological explanations for abductions, the role of hypnosis, and how practitioners should approach clients presenting with abduction-related details.

Feedback

Exploding Head Syndrome: The newsletter revisits the "Exploding Head Syndrome," a phenomenon involving an explosive noise inside the head, which can occur between sleep and awake. It is mentioned that some experiencers have wondered if it is related to their abductions. A reader shared her experience with the syndrome and inquired if others had experienced it, under what circumstances, and if they had noticed a timing correlation with episodes.

An Urgent Message

An urgent message from Greenleaf Publications requests support for Dr. Karla Turner, a UFO abduction researcher and author, who has contracted a fatal form of cancer. A nonprofit fund has been set up to help with her treatment expenses, with donation details provided.

Conference

An International Conference is announced to be held in Brisbane from October 11th-13th, 1996, organized by Glennys Mackay, Queensland State Director for the US based MUFON. Whitley Strieber is listed as an invited guest. Contact details are provided for further information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around personal accounts of UFO abductions, the psychological aspects of these experiences, and the investigation into their causes. There is a strong emphasis on collecting and sharing "recollections" from experiencers, suggesting a belief that these memories hold significant truths. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry and research, seeking to understand the phenomenon through various lenses, including psychological, parapsychological, and even physiological factors like sleep paralysis and electrical sensitivity. The inclusion of book reviews and literature summaries indicates a commitment to staying abreast of current research and theories in the field. The newsletter also highlights the importance of government transparency and the eventual revelation of truth regarding UFOs. The editor actively solicits reader feedback, reinforcing the idea of a collaborative research effort.