THE SOUTH LINCS. U.F.O. STUDY GROUP NEWSLETTER

Magazine Overview

Title: THE SOUTH LINCS. U.F.O. STUDY GROUP NEWSLETTER
Issue: NUMBER 46
Date: FEBRUARY 1973

This newsletter from The South Lincs. U.F.O. Study Group presents a unique perspective on UFO phenomena, primarily arguing that they are not physical craft from other planets but rather astral projections. The publication is largely text-based, with a handwritten aesthetic, and covers a range of related topics.

UFOs as Astral Phenomena

The central thesis of the newsletter, introduced on the cover and elaborated within, is that UFOs are astral projections. This theory is attributed to spiritual leader Paul Twitchell, who discusses these phenomena in 'The New Cosmic Star'. The newsletter explains that individuals who are followers of Eckankar are aware of these planes beyond the physical universe, including the astral, causal, mental, etheric, and soul planes. These planes are described as co-existing with the physical universe. The argument is made that UFOs are a natural manifestation of the psychic world, not visitors from outer space or government secrets. People who see UFOs are said to possess some clairvoyance, and their experiences are likened to religious or emotional occurrences.

The newsletter suggests that these astral projections can appear very real and solid, with flaming engines and lights, but are ultimately images perceived by those who project and receive them. It notes that some people have an intuitive ability to see these astral manifestations, explaining why UFO sightings might be noticed by only a few individuals in the vicinity. Historical examples are used to support the idea that the form of these phenomena is dependent on the prevailing technology and understanding of the time; for instance, Ezekial's 'wheel' represented the ultimate technology of his era, while medieval UFOs resembled air balloons.

Spiritism and Psychic Experiences

The newsletter draws a parallel between UFO experiences and those related to spiritism. An extract describes a person's frightening experience with what they perceived as a "guide" or entity, leading to confusion and fear. This account is presented as typical of individuals seeking help from clergy after engaging in spiritism, and the newsletter implies a similarity in the psychological and spiritual nature of these encounters to some UFO cases. The narrative highlights a struggle with internal voices, fear of madness, and a feeling of being trapped, ultimately concluding with a sense of spiritual deception.

Scientific and Miscellaneous Notes

Beyond the core theme of astral projections, the newsletter includes several short, distinct articles:

• The Earth Is Putting On Weight: This section, referencing Robert Chapman and the Sunday Express, discusses how the Earth is gaining weight from cosmic dust and debris collected daily. It notes that while the moon is losing topsoil due to impacts from space rocks, the Earth's mass increase is infinitesimally small over geological timescales.
• Space Shots: This brief note mentions that Russia has conducted 616 space launchings since the first Sputnik, with a recent launch of the satellite Prognoz 3 intended to study solar activity.
• Vitrified Forts: The newsletter describes vitrified forts as ancient defensive structures whose stones have been turned into a glass-like material by fire, noting their common occurrence in Scotland, Ireland, France, and Germany.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary stance of this newsletter is to demystify UFOs by reinterpreting them through a spiritual and psychic lens, specifically within the framework of Eckankar teachings. It dismisses conventional explanations involving extraterrestrial visitation or advanced technology. The editorial tone is assertive in presenting this alternative view, using anecdotal evidence and spiritual philosophy to support its claims. The inclusion of diverse, albeit brief, topics like the Earth's weight gain and space launches suggests an interest in broader scientific and historical curiosities, but always filtered through a perspective that prioritizes spiritual or psychic interpretations over purely material or conventional scientific ones.