Skywatch - No 38

Magazine Overview

Title: MAPIT SKYWATCH
Issue: No.38
Date: December-January 1980/81
Publisher: MAPIT
Editor: David Rees
Editorial Address: 92 Hillcrest Road, Offerton, Stockport, Cheshire, SK2 5SE, England.
Tel No: 061-483 4210

Skywatch is described as an informal publication on ufology and related subjects. The views of contributors are not necessarily those of the Editorial team. Reproduction of items is permitted with notification to the Editor.

Letters to the Editor

The issue opens with a letter from Richard Heiden in Wisconsin, USA, who thanks David Rees for issue 36 and the 2nd special. Heiden requests any available back issues and the 1st special. Heiden then critically reviews the article on Jack Webb's "Project UFO" television series, correcting inaccuracies regarding producer William Coleman's role in Project Blue Book and Webb's alleged 'liberation' of files under the Freedom of Information Act. Heiden clarifies that Coleman was not the head of Blue Book during the '60s and that Webb did not liberate files, but rather used publicly released files from 1976 for a series that premiered in 1978. Heiden also disputes Webb's claim of authenticity, stating the depicted incidents were distorted or fictional.

Another letter from an unnamed reader praises Skywatch 37 for its balanced approach. The writer mentions a debate about a simulated war between Tony Pace, John Hind, and himself, and discusses the 'moon explanation' for UFO sightings, referencing evidence that seemed to preclude it. The writer expresses a desire to understand how such experiences are generated and questions being labeled a 'pseudo-scientist' or 'myth-maker'.

Jenny Randlas from Warrington, Cheshire, writes about the importance of Allen Greenfields' paper on UFO process, calling it thought-provoking and the most important article read in years. Randlas agrees with the 'closed loop idea' in UFO process and discusses how ufologists tend to attract cases that emphasize their personal stance. She clarifies that she investigates various types of cases, not just CE3 or CE4, and that Ufain was created to focus on these cases. She also notes the 'investigator attraction effect' and endorses Allen's article, urging readers to remember its message.

Articles

MENTAL COMMUNICATIONS AND PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTURBANCE by MARK MORAVEC

This article examines claims of "mental communication" with UFO entities, proposing that such reports may stem from psychological disturbance rather than genuine telepathy. Moravec presents three case studies:

Case 1: Mr.A.
Mr.A. reported a UFO sighting and experiences of his mind being controlled by "they." He also believes in impending natural disasters as punishment. Moravec analyzes Mr.A.'s background, including isolation, job difficulties, and past suicidal thoughts, suggesting his experiences are typical of "paranoid schizophrenics" and that he has incorporated UFO material into his delusions.

Case 2: Mrs.B.
Mrs.B. claims three UFO sightings and ongoing harassment by "entities" and scientologists. Her experiences include misplaced clothing, malfunctioning electronics, and telepathic control. Moravec interprets these as symptoms of paranoid schizophrenia, with delusions of reference and persecution. He suggests her experiences may have been triggered by her divorce four years prior, leading her to seek a label for her difficulties.

Case 3: Mr.C.
Mr.C. reports seeing "beautiful spiritual lights" and having "voice" contacts, interpreting them as potential UFO bases or spirits. He also claims spiritual gifts like dowsing and psychometry. Moravec suggests the sightings could be flares or misidentified objects, and that his "voices" are likely hallucinations. Mr.C.'s background of a nervous breakdown, profound isolation, and marriage breakup likely contributed to his experiences, which appear to be delusions incorporating UFO and psychic lore.

Case 4: Mrs.D.
Mrs.D. reports five UFO sightings, including a large cigar-shaped object and smaller ones, and a "flying saucer." She also claims to have experienced hallucinations of "letters" in the sky and visions of Christ. Moravec suggests some sightings might be misidentifications or exaggerations, and that physiological effects could be due to fear. Her experiences with "letters" and visions are deemed hallucinatory. Mrs.D.'s background of isolation, loneliness, divorce, and a past period of amnesia, along with her mystical background, likely contributed to her psychological disturbance.

Moravec outlines common factors and "warning signs" for psychological disturbance in relation to UFO reports, including delusions, hallucinations, autism, vagueness, single witness accounts, isolation, old age, and extensive reading of UFO lore. He also notes background factors like being an immigrant, unstable work history, and difficulties in personal relationships.

Evaluating Mental Communication Cases

Moravec further categorizes psychological disturbances into neuroses and psychoses, with psychoses featuring hallucinations, delusions, loose associations, and isolation. He argues that the individuals in the case studies display psychotic behavior. The article discusses the "mixture hypothesis," suggesting that while some cases might be explained by psychological delusions, others could involve genuine UFO experiences triggering psychotic reactions, though none of the examined cases fully meet the criteria for this hypothesis.

Case 5: Mr.E.
Mr.E. reported seeing a bright, silver-white, cigar-shaped object. He felt "feelings" transmitted from the object and described the day as "spiritual." Moravec suggests the sighting stimulus could be a distant balloon or aircraft, and Mr.E.'s religious convictions led to a spiritual interpretation, confirming his belief in God.

The article concludes that while some mental communication cases can be explained as delusions of psychologically disturbed individuals, others might involve psychotic delusions triggered by objectively real UFO events.

Reviews

BOOKS

Signs of the Gods by Erich Von Daniken
Published by Souvenir Press, this book is presented as a continuation of Von Daniken's previous works, focusing on the 'Ark of the Covenant' and suggesting its continued existence. The reviewer notes that Von Daniken "has cornered the market" with his astronaut-themed writings and that the book is likely to appeal to his existing readership. The reviewer quotes Clifford Wilson, who describes Von Daniken's method as taking conjectures, accenting them as facts, building far-fetched theories, and presenting them as credible, a method the reviewer finds questionable.

The Janos People by Frank Johnson
This book recounts the alleged abduction/regressive recall experiences of five witnesses with "Janos people." The reviewer finds the book sensational but not in a positive way, questioning Johnson's leading questions to witnesses, particularly children. The reviewer notes Johnson's complete belief in the story and compares it to Harold's "The Uninvited," suggesting it belongs in a science-fiction section. The reviewer also mentions Kevin McClure's comment that Britain now has its own Daniken, implying the book's potential popularity.

Round Trip to Hell in a Flying Saucer by Cecil Michael
This is a brief mention of a book published by Roofhopper Enterprises Inc., with details on its length, price, and availability.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the interpretation of UFO phenomena, with a strong emphasis on psychological explanations. The articles, particularly Mark Moravec's extensive analysis, explore the possibility that many reported UFO experiences and claims of mental communication are rooted in psychological disturbances such as paranoid schizophrenia, delusions, and hallucinations. The magazine appears to adopt a critical but open-minded stance, presenting various viewpoints and case studies while encouraging readers to consider alternative explanations beyond the purely ufological. The letters section also reflects this engagement, with correspondents debating interpretations and sharing their perspectives on UFO research and methodology. The reviews of books by Erich Von Daniken and Frank Johnson suggest a critical approach to sensationalist or unverified claims within the ufology field.

Magazine Title: Skywatch

Issue Date: December 1980/January 1981 (No. 38)

Publisher: Not explicitly stated, but associated with MAPIT.

Country of Publication: United Kingdom

Language: English

Cover Description:

The cover features a headline about a 'Bizarre Story' and an illustration of a UFO. The magazine title 'Skywatch' is prominently displayed.

Key Articles and Content:

Book Reviews:

• 'The Uninvited' by Michael (Vantage Press, 1955): This book is described as a reprint of an original that tells the bizarre story of Michael, an auto-mechanic visited by aliens who take him to hell. The reviewer found it nonsensical and laughable, advising people to read it only as a part of ufology history best forgotten.
• 'The Interrupted Journey' by John G. Fuller: Published by Souvenir Press, this book is an in-depth investigation into the abduction case of Betty and Barney Hill. It includes an updated foreword and epilogue with details of a hypnotic session with the Hills, Benjamin Simon, Fuller, and Allen Hynek. The reviewer recommends it for serious students of the subject as an update to a case that has stood the test of time.
• 'Photographs of the Unknown' by Robert Rickard and Richard Kelly: Published by New English Library, this large format book contains around 300 photographs of the paranormal, including UFOs, psychic phenomena, and the Enfield Poltergeist case. The reviewer praises the collection and hopes for a second volume.

Conference Report:

• NOTES FROM A PARALLEL UNIVERSE - THE BIRMINGHAM NUFON CONFERENCE 11.10.80: Advertised with the theme "Close Encounters in the Past, Present and Future," this conference is described as not having pretensions to objectivity or scientific method. It was seen as a day devoted to UFOlogy rather than UFOs, focusing on our approach and response to the phenomenon. The reviewer covered the 'past' by looking at religious experiences, noting consistent characteristics in early entity cases triggered by balls of light.

Analysis of UFO Groups and Investigation:

• Martin Keatman's 'Acceptance Levels': Keatman's paper examined UFO and occupant experiences, suggesting that people see what they expect. The reviewer notes that while Keatman is criticized, his live investigation is difficult.
• Andy Collins and John Day: Andy Collins spoke about the 'Aveley case' and the 'New Age' survivor concept, derived from dreams and visions of John and Sue Day following their abduction. The reviewer found John Day to have a guru-like presence but questioned the objective truth of his claims, noting that valuable information was withheld for publication.
• Frank Johnson's 'The Janos People': This book, sold at the conference, is criticized for its uncritical presentation and poor evidence. The reviewer suggests Johnson's beliefs dictated the investigation and notes his telepathic claims and dismissal of psychological theories.
• Jenny Randles: Randles presented a survey of CE3 and CE4 cases, emphasizing the need for detailed analysis of collected material. She is praised for her diligence and high standards in running an investigation network.
• UFO RESEARCH: TROUBLE ON THE GROUND by CHRIS RUTKOWSKI: This article discusses the infighting between rival UFO groups in Britain and America, attributing it to human nature, differences of opinion, and lack of self-criticism. It highlights the challenges of coordinating research and the difficulty in establishing objective quality standards.
• Attitudes in UFOlogy: The article categorizes ufologists into 'left', 'right', and 'middle of the road' groups. It argues that all approaches, including psychic-oriented ones, can contribute to UFO theories, and that personal conflicts hinder progress. The importance of a central depository for UFO reports is suggested.

MAPIT NEWSDESK:

• General Update: The newsdesk notes a quiet year for actual UFO sightings in 1980, with many investigated cases turning out to be IFOs (Identified Flying Objects). The New Year will feature more interesting cases from 1980.
• Magazine News: 'Alpha' magazine may cease publication due to financial reasons.
• New Books: Mentions Raymond Dranke's upcoming book 'Titans in Antiquity', 'Astronauts of Ancient Japan' by Vaughan M Greene, and Charles Berlitz's 'The Roswell Incident'.
• Publications: 'UAP Encounters' issue 2 is available. Subscription to Bufora has increased.
• Book Reviews:
• 'Genesis' by W.A.Harbinson: Described as the first pornographic fictional book on UFOs and Ufology, involving controversial interview techniques.
• Cassette Tapes: A selection of UFO-related cassette tapes are available from Reginald Bradbury.
• NUFOR (Southwest): Re-named their group 'Probe' and magazine 'The Probe Report'.
• Arthur Shuttlewood's book 'Warning from Flying Friends': Available from Ian Mrzyglod.
• Films: 'Hangar 18' and 'The UFO Chronicles' are mentioned.
• Jenny Randles' new books: 'UFC STUDY' (March) and 'WINDOW ON ANOTHER WORLD' (co-written with Paul Whetnall) are announced. A fourth book on 'time anomalies' is also in progress.
• Sphere books: 'Tarotmania' by Jan Woudhuysen and 'Your Innate Psychic Powers' by Jean Burns are noted.
• Meetings: A meeting between Probe (Bristol), Fufor, and Manit took place.
• 2nd LONDON INTERNATIONAL UFO RESEARCH CONGRESS: Scheduled for May 24-25, 1981, organized by BUFOPA. An eminent panel of speakers from the US and Europe is expected. The congress aims to bridge the gap between ufologists and the scientific establishment.
• Publications: 'Flying Saucer Treasure Trove' (a booklet of names and addresses) and the 'UFO Research Directory' are available from Gene Duplantier.

The End Bits:

• Quotes: Includes humorous quotes about horses, office rules, and holding the fort.
• Subscription Information: Details for subscribing to MAPIT and SKYWATCH are provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance:

The magazine consistently covers UFO sightings, investigations, and related phenomena. There is a strong emphasis on book and magazine reviews, as well as reports from conferences and events within the ufology community. The editorial stance appears to favor a critical but open-minded approach to UFO research, acknowledging the importance of scientific method while also recognizing the value of diverse perspectives and personal experiences. There is a clear concern about internal conflicts and rivalries within the UFO community, with an encouragement for constructive dialogue and a unified approach to investigation. The magazine also seems to promote a more 'scientific' or 'objective' form of ufology, as evidenced by the criticism of purely belief-based approaches and the emphasis on evidence and analysis. The upcoming London International UFO Research Congress is presented as an effort to integrate ufology with the scientific establishment, explicitly stating that the 'cultist fringe will not be welcome'. The magazine also features a 'newsdesk' section that acts as a clearinghouse for information on new publications, films, and events in the field.