Skywatch - No 39

Magazine Overview

Title: SKYWATCH
Issue: No. 39
Date: May-June 1981
Publisher: Mapit Skywatch
Country: England

This issue of SKYWATCH, an informal publication on ufology and related subjects, delves deeply into the psychological underpinnings of UFO experiences. It questions the nature of these phenomena, exploring the possibility that many reports stem from the witness's own mind rather than external events.

Readers' Letters

The issue opens with letters from readers. Magda Graham thanks David Rees for Skywatch 38, noting the overlap between occultism and ufology and expressing a dislike for the 'beings from a ruined world' trope. Stuart Campbell also commends Mark Moravec's article on psychological disturbance, emphasizing the importance of considering psychoses as a cause for UFO reports and suggesting that professional psychotherapists could contribute valuable insights.

CE3S or CE3G? By Hilary Evans

Hilary Evans introduces the concept of 'High and Low Strangeness' in UFO phenomena. He posits that the strangeness of UFOs leads many to disbelieve them entirely, while others struggle to reconcile reality with fantasy. Evans explores the dichotomy of 'yes-sayers' who believe in UFOs and pilots, and 'no-sayers' who attribute sightings solely to illusions. He proposes that reasonable people find themselves uncomfortable with these extremes and seeks a way to differentiate between factual reports and illusory ones, using the metaphor of 'sheep' (real) and 'goats' (imaginary).

Evans outlines four yardsticks to help separate real sightings from imaginary ones:
1. How real does the entity seem? (Scale from hallucinations to holograms)
2. How believable is the appearance and behaviour? (By everyday reality standards)
3. How witness-oriented was the experience? (Did it relate to personal circumstances?)
4. How motivated was the witness to see such an entity? (Was there unconscious desire?)

Applying these to the George Adamsky case, Evans concludes it was a 'goat' due to high witness-orientation and motivation. Conversely, the case of Monsieur Masse in a lavender field in 1965 is deemed a 'sheep' due to its believability and lack of individual bias.

Evans also shares his own investigations, including a case where a journalist attributed harassments to UFO entities, which he concluded were a consequence of her state of mind – a 'space-age scapegoat'.

The Sheep/Goat Metaphor and Psychological Factors

Evans further elaborates on the 'sheep/goat' metaphor, suggesting that many UFO reports are subjective and driven by psychological factors. He argues that the 'paranoid' individual, who once projected spiritual upsets onto celestial visions, now uses UFO entities as a carrier for their burdens. He discusses how the unconscious mind can induce a 'divided-self' situation, creating hallucinations that appear as reality. The form of these hallucinations is often influenced by contemporary symbols, with UFO-entities being a common choice in the modern era.

Evans acknowledges that while this explains the mechanism, it doesn't explain the 'why'. He suggests that personal crises, guilt, loneliness, or career failures can motivate individuals to exteriorize these feelings as UFO sightings, with the UFO-entity serving as an appropriate 'saviour' archetype.

He then presents a case currently under investigation where the witness has easily recognizable motivations and a stable environment, posing the question of what triggered her alleged experience. Evans suggests that emotional turbulence, even in individuals with normal mental dispositions, can lead to private fantasy experiences as a way of externalizing internal dilemmas, referencing Jung's work on adolescent psychology.

UFOs and the Unconscious Mind

Evans proposes a model where an individual experiencing a spiritual or emotional crisis may unconsciously create a UFO-entity experience as a rescue mechanism. This can involve an altered state of consciousness or a spontaneous one, leading to a 'divided-self' situation where the unconscious projects a hallucination. The form of this hallucination is influenced by contemporary symbols, making UFO-entities a likely manifestation in the current age. He concludes that such cases are CE3G (goats), not CE3S (sheep).

References

The article includes a comprehensive list of references, citing works by Mark Moravec, George Adamski, Peter McKellar, John Rimmer, and others, related to mental communications, psychology, and UFO phenomena.

UFOLOGY - A SUBJECT IN SEARCH OF AN IDENTITY By Robert Morrell

Robert Morrell addresses the chaotic state of ufology, attributing it to personality clashes and a lack of standardized definitions. He criticizes infantile cultists and those who seek 'mystery' without rigorous investigation. Morrell highlights the need for agreed terminology, citing Professor John Taylor's emphasis on objective explanation in science. He notes that efforts to clarify definitions, such as those by BUFORA, have been met with limited success, perpetuating confusion.

Morrell argues that ufology's identity is tied to the concept of 'flight' and unexplained aerial phenomena. He criticizes the tendency to group disparate phenomena under the umbrella term 'ufology,' suggesting it dilutes the subject. He advocates for a research approach similar to archaeology, where minute details are crucial, and criticizes the advice to ignore minutiae, as given by Janet and Colin Bord.

He expresses concern about the 'paranormalist school of pseudo-ufology,' which readily accepts suspect concepts like ESP without rigorous proof. Morrell points out that while serious parapsychologists exercise care, others are too willing to accept far-fetched ideas, leading to a neglect of witness veracity. He cites studies suggesting that UFO manifestations might be linked to 'psychopathologically aberrant reporters,' emphasizing the need to investigate the witness as much as the claim.

Morrell discusses the difficulty in evaluating mental processes and criticizes amateur ufological 'psychologists' who accept data based on social status. He notes that psychological studies, including regressive hypnosis, have shown that people without UFO experience can produce similar data to witnesses, and that psychological factors can collectively influence human behavior. This raises the question of whether mentally generated experiences should be considered part of ufology.

He argues that if ufology is to gain scientific credibility, it must embrace specialization and rigorous methodology. He criticizes the lack of agreed definitions and the tendency to avoid scientific explanation, suggesting this is characteristic of cultists rather than genuine researchers. He concludes that until ufologists can bring order to the chaotic situation, ufology will remain a subject without a clear identity.

MAPIT NEWSDESK

This section provides updates on the magazine and the ufology community. The editor apologizes for the late arrival of the issue due to the printer's operation. News includes:

• Flying Saucer Review has increased its subscription rates.
• The UFO Group 'Search West' has released its first magazine.
• New book recommendations include 'Harmonic 288' by Bruce Cathie, 'This House is Haunted' by Guy Lyen Playfair, 'Into Thin Air' by Paul Begg, and 'Alien Quest' by George Leonard.
• A new science fiction and fantasy magazine, 'Triple Echo', is available.
• The Federation of UFO Research published a case history of a possible CE/EM effect case at Wimboldsley, Cheshire.
• Further book recommendations include 'UFO Study' by Jenny Randles, 'The Kaikoura UFOs' by Bill Startup and Neil Illingworth, and 'Are we Being Watched?' by Janet and Colin Ford.
• Reviews of these books will appear in the next issue.

MIDDLE UFOLOGY: Or How to Sit on the Fence without Falling Off. Jenny Randles.

Jenny Randles expresses her appreciation for SKYWATCH magazine and FUFOR's methodology. She defines 'Middle Ufology' as a balanced approach that avoids the extremes of 'Exotic Ufology' (focusing on 'nuts and bolts') and 'New Ufology' (leaning heavily on psychology). She sees MAGONIA as a representative of the latter, providing socio-cultural insights.

Randles identifies with the approach of Australian ufologists like Keith Basterfield and Mark Moravec, and American Allen Greenfield. She notes the lack of a prominent British 'Middle Ufologist' but believes others share this perspective. She feels that while large conferences are enjoyable, their contribution to ufological understanding is limited.

Middle Ufology's strength lies in its lack of pre-conception. Unlike 'exotic' ufologists who tend to believe UFOs are something specific (spaceships, lights, etc.), Middle Ufologists are open-minded. They accept stories from all witnesses equally, regardless of their background, and sift evidence to generate questions rather than seeking to prove or disprove hypotheses. Randles contrasts this with the tendency to exteriorize personal issues into UFO experiences, which she believes can become obsessive.

She emphasizes that while physical evidence is less prominent than 'exotic' ufologists might believe, it is not non-existent. She criticizes the tendency to dismiss or explain away phenomena, comparing it to finding a coin and discarding it without considering its value.

Randles provides an example of Bernard Delair's study of a December 31, 1978, event where hundreds reported an anomalous aerial phenomenon. Delair contends it was an unknown UFO, but Randles suggests it was likely the re-entry of the COSMOS 1068 satellite, citing witness testimony correlations with earlier events like the ZOND IV re-entry and a fireball meteor.

She concludes that the choice is between Delair's view of a unique phenomenon or the 'M.O.D.'s' view of misperceived events. Despite Bernard Delair's expertise, Randles believes the question is not one of mere belief but of logical deduction.

The Value of Open-Minded Investigation

Randles reiterates that the value of this approach lies in revealing truths about the UFO enigma and simplifying complex aspects, such as the correlation between psychopathic disturbance and CE4 reports. Middle Ufologists are characterized by their honesty in admitting they don't know what UFOs are, or even if they exist. They can listen to skeptics without becoming defensive, are not shackled by belief, and view explanations as triumphs that stimulate further questions.

She describes this approach as a potential 'shot of adrenalin' for open-minded investigators, providing a catalyst to continue their research. She acknowledges that some may find this obvious, while others on the extremes might dismiss it. Randles offers an example of Bernard Delair's study of a December 31, 1978, event, where hundreds reported an anomalous aerial phenomenon. Delair calculated that three separate UFOs were present, viewing this as extraordinary. Randles, however, suggests that the witness testimony, while compelling, aligns with past studies of similar natural events, such as the re-entry of the COSMOS 1068 satellite, and the ZOND IV re-entry.

She concludes that the choice is between accepting Delair's assertion of a unique phenomenon or the more conventional explanation of misperceived events. While acknowledging Delair's expertise, Randles emphasizes that the question is not one of belief but of logical reasoning.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the psychological dimensions of UFO experiences, the challenge of defining ufology, and the importance of rigorous, evidence-based investigation. The magazine advocates for a balanced, open-minded approach to ufology, emphasizing critical thinking and the need to distinguish between genuine phenomena and psychological projections. The editorial stance appears to favor a scientific and methodical approach, questioning unsubstantiated claims and encouraging a deeper understanding of the witness and the context of their experiences.

This issue of MAPIT and SKYWATCH, published in April 1981, focuses on the concept of 'Middle Ufology' and the establishment of a comprehensive UFO Resources Centre. The publication is a joint effort by MAPIT and FUFOR, with a subscription cost of £3.00 for 6 issues and single copies at 35p.

Middle Ufology and Research Approach

The lead article discusses the importance of 'Middle Ufology,' advocating for a balanced approach that avoids rigid standpoints and encourages engagement with diverse perspectives within the UFO field. The author emphasizes that the question of 'who is right' is less important than understanding what UFO reports tell us about eyewitness testimony and potential misidentifications. The COSMOS 1068 incident is cited as a valuable case study for scientific research. The author expresses optimism about 'Middle Ufology' and hopes more researchers will adopt this approach. Despite initial setbacks in forming a research project, the author is proceeding independently with a book project, aiming to publish the results of a one-year pilot study, possibly in 1983.

The author clarifies that being a Ufologist does not necessitate rigid beliefs and that moving across the UFO spectrum is acceptable. They stress the importance of associating with all colleagues, regardless of their position on the spectrum, and lament the prevalence of 'wars' and personality clashes within the subject. The author believes that disagreement is healthy and prevents atrophy, contrasting this with a perceived tendency for some to avoid challenging questions that might 'rock the boat.' Relations with BUFORA, considered adversaries, are described as amiable, highlighting the essential nature of open communication.

MAPIT Resources Centre

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to the proposed MAPIT Resources Centre, a joint initiative with FUFOR. The need for accessible information is highlighted as a fundamental requirement for research in subjects like Ufology, psychic phenomena, and Earth mysteries. The centre aims to provide a comprehensive, indexed collection of reference material in a central location, including subjects beyond Ufology, and to establish a long-term archival record. To facilitate this, a 'Sinclair ZX-81' computer has been acquired for indexing, with plans for a General Index, Subject Index, and Abstract Index. The centre will be accessible to researchers, the media, freelance writers, and individuals seeking answers to specific queries. Information can be obtained via telephone, mail, photocopying, or personal visits. The long-term plans include forming a team of translators and acquiring a quality photo-copier.

The information sheet compiled for this project seeks support from various sources. Editors are encouraged to donate copies of their publications, and donations of newsclippings, old magazines, tapes, photographs, and case-histories are welcomed. A support fund has been established to aid in the purchase of collections and individual items. The MAPIT contact is David Rees at 92 Hillcrest Road, Offerton, Stockport, Cheshire, SK2 5SE, England (Tel: 061-4834210). The information sheet was published jointly with FUFOR, located at 30 Charlesworth Street, Crewe, Cheshire, England.

Advertisements and Other Items

The issue includes advertisements for various publications and services related to fortean, paranormal, and UFO topics. These include:

• FORTEAN TIMES: A magazine of strange phenomena.
• THE LEY HUNTER: A magazine on Ley Lines and Earth mysteries.
• UFO INSIGHT: A publication from FUFOR.
• REVELATION: A journal for occult students and spiritual seekers.
• MAGIC SAUCER: A magazine for young UFO enthusiasts.
• STARS AND RUMOURS OF STARS: An account of UFO, Fortean, Psychic, and Religious events in North Wales, 1905.
• FORESIGHT: A bi-monthly magazine on spiritual evolution.
• GNOME NEWS: The publication of the Gnome Club of Great Britain.
• ANCIENT ALIENS: Offering 'Power Secrete Free'.
• UFO NEWSCLIPPING SERVICE: A monthly report of UFO news from the United States and around the world, provided by Lucius Farish.
• UFO CASSETTES: Recordings available on topics such as 'Are other worlds watching us?', 'Are UFOs Real?', 'News and views and Christ's return,' 'Out of this World,' and 'UFOs and religion.'

Additionally, there is a listing for tapes by Reginald Eradbury.

The End Bits

This section contains a collection of miscellaneous quotes and comments:

• A quote about balancing family budgets.
• A comment on television 'prime time'.
• A reflection on the old maxim about crying over spilled milk.
• An amusing comment from a boy defining a myth.
• A definition of a 1981 baby sitter.
• A brief report on a 'Burning Ambition' suicide bid that failed due to lack of matches.
• An announcement for a symposium on Extraterrestrial Experience and related subjects to be held at the Belgrave Hotel, City Road, Chester, on Saturday, 27th June, with contact details for Lynne and Tony Halsall.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature of UFO research, the importance of open-mindedness and comprehensive data collection, and the practicalities of establishing and supporting a dedicated information resource. The editorial stance promotes a scientific, yet inclusive, approach to Ufology, emphasizing collaboration and the critical examination of evidence over dogmatic adherence to specific theories. The establishment of the MAPIT Resources Centre signifies a commitment to long-term archival efforts and making information accessible to a wider audience. The inclusion of various advertisements and miscellaneous items reflects the diverse interests within the fortean and UFO communities.