Skeptic - 1993 - Vol 7 No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: The Skeptic
Issue: Volume 7, Number 1
Date: January/February 1993
Publisher: The Skeptic
Country: UK
Price: £1.85

This issue of The Skeptic magazine, dated January/February 1993, presents a collection of articles that critically examine paranormal claims and promote a skeptical viewpoint. The cover prominently features "The Truth about Tarot," suggesting a debunking of its divinatory powers, and also highlights other articles such as "Skeptics in Hong Kong," "The Near-Death Experience," "Skeptical Predictions for 1993," and "Snake Oil for the 90s."

Articles and Features

The Truth about Tarot

The cover story delves into the nature of Tarot cards, likely questioning their validity as a tool for prediction or insight.

Also in this issue:

• Skeptics in Hong Kong: This article, written by Rebecca Bradley and Tso Wung-Wai, explores the paranormal landscape in Hong Kong, contrasting the beliefs and practices of the expatriate community with those of the ethnic Chinese population. It details the formation of the Research Committee on Unexplained Phenomena, which rigorously tested various paranormal claimants, finding that phenomena often disappeared under scrutiny or were explicable by non-paranormal means. The article highlights the challenges of bridging cultural divides in skepticism and the efforts to foster rationalism.
• The Near-Death Experience: While not detailed on the cover, this topic is listed as an article, suggesting an examination of NDEs from a skeptical perspective.
• Skeptical Predictions for 1993: Authored by Marjorie Mackintosh, this piece offers humorous and satirical predictions for the year, often linking public figures and events to pseudoscientific or paranormal concepts. Predictions include Nancy Reagan's astrologer, John Major's out-of-body experiences, Prince Charles's telepathic abilities, the consideration of psychic surgeons in NHS hospitals, Madonna's encounters, and Norman Lamont's economic forecasts being attributed to psychic powers.
• Snake Oil for the 90s: This title suggests an exposé of fraudulent or dubious products and services marketed to the public, likely focusing on New Age or alternative health claims.

Hilary Evans' Paranormal Picture Gallery

Page 2 features a "Paranormal Picture Gallery" by Hilary Evans, showcasing an illustration from "La Domenica del Corriere" dated 6 August 1961. The accompanying text describes an anecdote about Ugo Tonarelli of Piombara, Italy, who was allegedly swindled by gypsies who convinced him he was under a malevolent spell and needed to pay 1,600,000 lira for a counter-magic cure. The story highlights the gullibility of individuals and the predatory nature of some paranormal practitioners.

Hits and Misses by Steve Donnelly

• This section contains several short reports:
• Britain Leads US: Steve Donnelly observes that while American tabloids like the National Inquirer have shifted away from paranormal content, British tabloids appear to be more saturated with such topics, suggesting Britain might be the more paranormal-obsessed nation.
• Sucking the Lifeblood: This report discusses the resurgence of paranormal beliefs in the former USSR, specifically mentioning a poll in Vologda, Russia, where an "energy vampire" was identified as a significant fear, followed by witches and "silly bosses."
• DisCERNing Observers: This piece details how physicists at CERN discovered that minute variations in the energy of accelerated particles in the Large Hadron Collider were caused by Earth tides, demonstrating a subtle but measurable physical influence on a highly sensitive scientific instrument.
• Plutonic Investments: This section warns readers about the astrological "square of Pluto and Saturn" predicted for March and November 1993, which, according to astrologer Daniel Pallant, has historically coincided with stock market falls. It suggests that investors in nuclear weapons might consider selling their shares.

New Age Divorce

This article discusses the commercialization of New Age beliefs, using the example of JZ Knight, a famous New Age channeller. Her ex-husband, Jeffrey Knight, is suing her for using mind-control techniques to force him into accepting a small divorce settlement, claiming he helped her amass millions by charging devotees for messages from "Ramtha," a supposed Cro-Magnon fugitive from Atlantis.

The Lady Appears

This section addresses the increasing popularity of Old Age beliefs, specifically focusing on apparitions of the Virgin Mary (BVM). It mentions well-known appearances at Lourdes and Fatima, and a current visitation in Medjugorje, former Yugoslavia. The article highlights an unusual case in Marlboro, New Jersey, where Joseph Januszkiewicz claims to be visited by the BVM. It also discusses a case in Chile where a statue of the Virgin Mary was reported to be weeping blood, but DNA tests revealed the blood belonged to the statue's owner, Mr. Renato Nuñez, who stated, "If it's my blood it's a divine miracle." The article touches on the economic impact of these sites, like Lourdes, and the hope for miracles and funding.

Ask Professor Mesmo

This is a Q&A column where "Professor Mesmo" (identified as John Alouisius Mesmo, formerly Dr Montana Smith) responds to psychic questions. In this issue, Professor Mesmo replies to a challenge from Randy Clark, who offered $1000 for scientifically controlled demonstrations of paranormal feats. Professor Mesmo dismisses the challenge, explaining that paranormal events cannot be demonstrated scientifically, require belief, and are sensitive to negative thoughts. He uses complex, pseudoscientific jargon and threatens to sue for defamation.

Obituary: Charles Honorton

Written by Susan Blackmore, this obituary mourns the death of Charles Honorton, a significant figure in parapsychology, who died on November 4, 1992, at the age of 46. Blackmore reflects on her differing views on the paranormal but acknowledges Honorton's dedication to rigorous research. The article details the "Ganzfeld Debate" between Honorton and Ray Hyman, discussing Honorton's research on the psi-Ganzfeld technique and Hyman's critique of its methodology and statistical significance. Honorton's subsequent meta-analysis and the development of an automated Ganzfeld testing procedure are highlighted as crucial contributions. Blackmore expresses deep regret that Honorton will not be able to repeat his experiments in the UK, emphasizing the blow his death represents to parapsychology.

Crossword Solution

The crossword solution from a previous issue is provided, along with congratulations to the winner, D.F. Gibbs, who will receive a UFO-delivered book. The section also promotes Prometheus Books, a publisher of skeptical literature.

Contacts

This section lists contact information for various skeptical organizations, including U.K. Skeptics, London Student Skeptics, Wessex Skeptics, and electronic mail contacts for information and subscriptions. It also provides details for the UK Distributor of Prometheus Books and Skeptical Inquirer.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of The Skeptic revolve around the critical examination of paranormal claims, pseudoscientific practices, and New Age beliefs. The magazine consistently adopts a skeptical and rationalist stance, aiming to expose fraud, challenge unsubstantiated claims, and promote scientific methodology. Articles like "The Truth about Tarot," "Skeptical Predictions for 1993," and the reports on Hong Kong's paranormal scene exemplify this approach. The obituary for Charles Honorton, while acknowledging his work in parapsychology, also frames it within the context of scientific debate and skepticism, particularly through the discussion of the Ganzfeld experiments and the "Ganzfeld Debate." The magazine appears to be a platform for disseminating critical thinking and evidence-based analysis on topics often associated with pseudoscience and the paranormal.

This issue of The Skeptic, dated January/February 1993, features a cover story titled "The Theft of the Tarot Pack" by Daf Tregear, which examines the history and occultist associations of the Tarot. Other articles include "A Healthy Dose of Sarsaparilla" by Jerome Cosyn, "A Test for Reincarnation" by Val Dobson, and "Tunnel Vision" by Brian W. Haines, which critically analyzes near-death experiences.

The Theft of the Tarot Pack

Daf Tregear's article traces the historical development of the Tarot pack, noting that current historical evidence indicates regular playing cards were used for games before 1377, with Tarot cards appearing around 1440, designed for play rather than fortune-telling. The practice of fortune-telling with playing cards emerged in Europe in the 18th century, with the Tarot pack being adopted for cartomancy in the 1780s, initially in France.

The article details the structure of the Tarot pack, typically consisting of 78 cards: 56 suit cards and 22 picture cards (trumps). The game of Tarot originated in Italy between 1420 and 1440, with variations in the number of cards used. The term 'tarocchi' became 'tarot' in English.

The beginning of the occultist tradition is attributed to Antoine Court de Gébelin (1719–1784), a Protestant pastor and Freemason. In his work "Le Monde Primitif," published between 1773 and 1782, he presented an essay on the Tarot pack in 1781. Gébelin believed the Tarot pack symbolized ancient Egyptian religion and doctrine, proposing an etymology for 'Tarot' from ancient Egyptian words meaning 'royal road.' He also linked the 22 trump cards to the Hebrew alphabet. His ideas were further developed by a fortune-teller named 'Etteilla' (Alliette), who popularized fortune-telling with Tarot cards and created a 'corrected' Tarot pack in 1783.

Eliphas Lévi (Alphonse-Louis Constant) gave a new impetus to the occultist use of the Tarot with his publications in the mid-19th century. Lévi viewed the Tarot as a source of magical doctrine and symbolism, the 'universal key of magical works.' He adopted the 'traditional Tarot pack' as the Tarot de Marseille, unaware of its actual history. His approach emphasized theory over practice, making occultism accessible without requiring adherence to specific religious beliefs or lifestyles.

The transmission of French neo-occultism and the Tarot mystique to Britain occurred between 1886 and 1911, largely through the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. This order, founded by Dr. Wynn Westcott, used manuscripts (later found to be forgeries) as authority. The order's magic was a blend of Hermeticism, Cabala, and Tarot symbolism. A.E. Waite, a prominent member, translated Lévi's work and published "The Mysteries of Magic." S.L. Mathers contributed to the occultist nomenclature of Tarot cards in English, mistakenly associating the 'Coins' suit with 'Pentangles' instead of talismans.

Arthur Edward Waite's "The Key to the Tarot" (1910), accompanying a Pamela Coleman-Smith designed pack, perpetuated the 'pentacles' mistake. Many occultist Tarot packs incorporated unwarranted features, deviating from traditional designs. The article notes that modern Tarot writers, including Aleister Crowley, often dispute each other's interpretations of card attributions and meanings, with no consensus.

The article concludes that occultist theories of the Tarot are inconsistent with ascertainable historical facts, and that the popularity of cartomantic Tarot packs is particularly among 'New Age' thinkers.

A Healthy Dose of Sarsaparilla

Jerome Cosyn's article satirizes the marketing of health products, contrasting the naive claims of 19th-century advertisements, like that for Ayer's Sarsaparilla, with the sophisticated, scientifically-backed (or seemingly so) advertising of the 1990s. Cosyn argues that while people today are more aware and critical, they are still susceptible to persuasive marketing, especially when it appears to be supported by expert testimony and data.

A Test for Reincarnation

Val Dobson critically examines claims of reincarnation, using the example of Joan Grant, a novelist who claimed her books were biographies of past lives. Dobson questions the credibility of such claims, particularly when they lack practical demonstration of skills from alleged previous lifetimes. She proposes that individuals claiming reincarnation should be required to prove their past-life knowledge through practical application, such as recreating historical crafts or demonstrating forgotten skills, rather than relying solely on anecdotal evidence.

Tunnel Vision

Brian W. Haines offers a skeptical perspective on near-death experiences (NDEs). He argues that the concept of NDEs is problematic because there is no way to verify the experience of being near death, as death is irreversible. Haines draws on his own experiences of facing mortal danger to suggest that what people report as NDEs are likely subjective interpretations influenced by conditioning and the body's physiological responses to extreme stress, rather than glimpses into an afterlife. He dismisses common NDE elements like tunnels of light or life reviews as illusions or misinterpretations of sensory input.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of The Skeptic consistently adopts a critical and skeptical stance towards subjects often presented as mysterious or supernatural. The articles on Tarot, reincarnation, and near-death experiences aim to demystify these phenomena by grounding them in historical research, psychological interpretation, and logical analysis. The magazine promotes a rational approach, questioning unsubstantiated claims and encouraging readers to rely on evidence and critical thinking. The editorial stance is clearly against pseudoscience and in favor of empirical evidence and scientific inquiry.

Title: The Skeptic
Issue: January/February 1993
Publisher: The Skeptic
Country: UK
Language: English
ISSN: 0952-0709
Cover Headline: Skeptic at Large

Main Article: Skeptic at Large by Wendy M Grossman

Wendy M Grossman discusses the role of publishers in the dissemination of information versus marketing. She recounts a lunch with executives from 'Universal Books' who, despite publishing sound computer books, also produce 'tripe' in other sections, such as books on spontaneous human combustion and creationism. Grossman argues that publishers often prioritize sales over accuracy, contributing to the respectability of New Age beliefs. She highlights the difficulty for skeptical books to get published because they lack the 'controversy' that sells. The article touches on censorship, the frustration of seeing myths perpetuated, and the need for education to enable informed decisions about information.

Reviews

Hidden Memories: Voices and Visions from Within by Robert A Baker

Reviewed by an unnamed author, this book is praised for its fascinating exploration of 'cryptamnesia' as an explanation for New Age phenomena like channeling and past-life regressions. The reviewer notes that Baker attributes these phenomena to the unconscious mind filling in blanks with creative imagery or confabulation, often influenced by therapists or group leaders. While recommending the book to both skeptics and New Agers, the reviewer expresses concern that Baker's treatment is almost uniformly negative, ignoring the potentially creative and helpful side of the unconscious mind, as utilized in Jungian psychotherapy.

Les Science Paralleles, ou la Sagesse des Fous by Marc Hallet

Reviewed by Mike Rutter, this book by Marc Hallet is presented as a skeptical tour through 'parallel sciences' such as pyramidology, catastrophism, and UFOs. Rutter commends Hallet's no-nonsense approach and his ability to pack a lot of information into a concise format. However, he notes Hallet's skepticism might be too dismissive of phenomena like ESP and that he misses the point of Charles Fort's work. A significant criticism is the arbitrariness of Hallet's references and his reliance on secondary sources. The review also touches upon the global spread of credulity and charlatanism, citing examples of welcomed figures in Eastern Europe and the US.

Reincarnation Therapy by Ingrid Vallieres

Reviewed by an unnamed author, this book by Ingrid Vallieres, a reincarnation therapist, aims to show how RT can heal body, mind, and spirit by addressing past-life events. The reviewer notes that while Vallieres states she won't attempt to prove reincarnation, she implies that death is not the end and that souls assess past lives to address issues in new ones. The reviewer points out contradictions in Vallieres' arguments and suggests that her methods, like hypnosis, rely on suggestion and the placebo response. The reviewer hopes Baker's ideas could be extended to explore the unconscious mind for health and self-understanding.

The Celtic Lunar Zodiac: How to Interpret Your Moon Sign by Helena Paterson

Reviewed by Dave Snowdon, this book is described as complementing the solar zodiac. Snowdon is critical of the 'New Age' tendency for conflicting ideas and calls 'complement' a 'weasel word'. He notes Paterson's use of the 'is said to' ploy and her reliance on figures like Madame Blavatsky and Iolo Morganwg. The review points out the book's tendency to reduce legends to 'solar myths' and its inclusion of Atlanteans. Snowdon also critiques the astrological descriptions, finding them vague and adaptable, and questions the book's approach to human evil.

Palmistry: How to Chart the Lines of Your Life by Roz Levine

Reviewed by Robin Allen, this book is deemed inappropriate for a skeptical magazine as palmistry lacks empirical support. Allen suggests it offers 'Barnum material' for cold readings but finds the mnemonic algorithms inferior to Tarot and astrology. He notes the physical contact in palmistry gives it an edge but intends to stick with Fenton and Hone for lines.

Events

A romp through the story of PSI

This section describes a lecture by Ian Rowland at Goldsmith College, London University, on December 1, 1992. The event is characterized as a 'high-spirited canter through the history of psi' with demonstrations of psychic phenomena, including telepathy, spirit intervention, channelling, psychic surgery, and psychometry. Rowland, a member of the UK Skeptics, is noted for his ability to combine serious research with entertainment, presenting 'deceptive arts' in a way that baffles the audience.

Letters

Allen responds

Robin Allen responds to criticism regarding his review of the Crop Circles competition. He defends his skepticism by highlighting the subjective nature of circle authentication and the potential for researchers to be influenced by hoaxers. He acknowledges that his initial assessment of all involved might have been too harsh and apologizes for any misjudgments. Allen reiterates his belief that the phenomenon of crop circles remains an open question but maintains that the antics of cerealogists sometimes merit a skeptical response.

Goodness Gracious!

Stephen Tyndale-Biscoe writes to question the use of exclamation marks in The Skeptic, suggesting they should be reserved for denoting exclamations like 'Help!' or 'Get your finger out of my eye!', rather than for general emphasis.

Wrong way up

S G Hughes suggests that the picture accompanying an article on 'Alien Communication' might be viewed upside down and could depict the Cerne Abbas Giant, with the crop circles design serving as a warning about sexual activity.

Attitude problems

Yilmaz Magurtzey criticizes Professor Clements' suggestion that James Randi is the solution for overly credulous individuals. Magurtzey argues that Randi's approach is dogmatic and condescending, serving to demonstrate the stupidity of believers rather than offering genuine explanation or constructive dialogue.

Burger snap

Janet Bord refers to Steuart Campbell's article on ball lightning and asks for an analysis of a photograph taken by Werner Burger in 1978, which was published in the Journal of Meteorology.

Mind and physics

Tim Axon comments on Alan Jones' criticisms of Eugene Wigner's view on quantum mechanics and consciousness. Axon agrees that it's difficult to believe consciousness alone collapses the wave-function of the universe. He argues that Wigner's premise is anti-solipsistic and focuses on when physical attributes take on definite values, not the origin of physical systems. Axon shares the skepticism regarding this solution to quantum mechanics problems but emphasizes the importance of taking quantum theory seriously, noting that its interpretations do not support paranormal phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of The Skeptic revolve around critical examination of pseudoscientific claims, the role of media and publishing in promoting such ideas, and the importance of skepticism and scientific literacy. The magazine consistently adopts a critical and analytical stance, questioning unsubstantiated claims and advocating for evidence-based reasoning. There is a clear emphasis on debunking paranormal phenomena and New Age beliefs while also engaging in nuanced discussions about complex scientific and philosophical issues like quantum mechanics.