SPI Enigmas - no 17

Magazine Overview

ENIGMA'S, Issue No. 17, dated August/September 1989, is a bi-monthly publication from Strange Phenomena Investigations (SPI). The magazine focuses on a wide range of unusual occurrences, including UFOs, ghosts, hauntings, and other paranormal topics. The cover features a striking graphic of flying saucers and the bold title "STRANGE PHENOMENA INVESTIGATIONS ENIGMA'S", with a price of £1 and the issue date clearly marked. A prominent announcement highlights upcoming lectures by Jenny Randles in Scotland.

Editorial: How Gullible Are We?

The editorial, penned by Malcolm Robinson, questions the public's susceptibility to believing everything they read about UFOs and ghosts. Robinson argues that while an open mind is important, critical evaluation of sources is crucial, citing instances of retracted stories in the press and the potential for misinformation in paranormal literature. He shares his personal journey of investigating UFOs, initially drawn to the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH), but finding through research with BUFORA that approximately 95% of UFO reports can be explained by natural phenomena. Despite this, he emphasizes the need for continued research with an open mind, not solely focused on the ETH.

SPI Case Research: The Tolbooth, A Haunted Restaurant?

This section details SPI's investigation into alleged paranormal events at The Tolbooth, a former jailhouse turned restaurant in Stirling, Scotland. The investigation began after an article in the Scottish Daily Record on December 15, 1988. SPI researchers Malcolm Robinson and Ronald Halliday interviewed Ann Coyle, the manageress, who insisted the events were not a publicity stunt. The phenomena reported include crying sounds, chains being dragged, chairs moving, doors opening and closing, a suffocating feeling, voices from behind curtains, pools of water appearing, and cutlery being rearranged overnight. The article also touches upon the building's history as a former jail and mentions public executions that took place nearby, raising the question of whether these disturbances are related to unrest from those buried in the courtyard.

Through the "Ether"

Written by Frank McKay, this article explores the concept of the 'ether' as a medium for transmitting phenomena beyond the physical senses. McKay draws parallels between modern technology like radio and television, which transmit signals through an 'ether', and the potential for 'spirit visions' or 'spirit voices' to be transmitted similarly. He discusses how 'sensitives' or mediums might be 'tuned in' to receive these transmissions, likening it to tuning a radio. The article also touches upon the idea of prayer as a form of ethereal transmission to a divine force.

Interview with Dr. Bruce Maccabee

Malcolm Robinson interviews Dr. Bruce Maccabee, an American physicist with extensive experience in UFO research, particularly the New Zealand UFO sightings of 1978. Dr. Maccabee discusses his interest in UFOs stemming from unexplained sightings, his belief that UFOs are 'real solid objects', and the possibility of government cover-ups, though he suspects the U.S. Air Force more than the CIA. He also comments on the use of hypnosis in UFO cases, cautioning that it can generate evidence rather than retrieve it, and stresses the importance of physical effects and multiple witnesses for credibility. Regarding the New Zealand sightings, he mentions radar involvement and a filmed event. Dr. Maccabee expresses skepticism about the 'extraterrestrial hypothesis' as the sole explanation and suggests that UFOs might not make open contact for fear of destroying human civilization.

Letters to the Editor

This section features correspondence from readers, primarily discussing the writings of Michael Roll. Heather Turnbull comments on Roll's article, offering a Christian perspective and questioning the basis of his claims without scientific proof. Tam O'Neil criticizes Roll for making claims of 'proofs and facts' without substantiating them, particularly regarding 'mathematical proof' of survival after death. Michael Holl, in a reply, questions why the magazine gives space to O'Neil, comparing him to a Flat Earth Society member. The Editor responds, stating the journal aims to be inclusive of different viewpoints, even skeptics.

Daniel Dunglas Home (1833-1886)

Authored by Ron Halliday, this article provides a biographical sketch of Daniel Dunglas Home, a renowned 19th-century medium. Home, born in Scotland but raised in America, became famous for his mediumistic abilities, including levitation and materialization. He was investigated by scientists like Sir William Crookes and gained international recognition, associating with figures like Emperor Napoleon III and Tsar Nicholas of Russia. The article notes his brief flirtation with Roman Catholicism before joining the Greek Orthodox Church and his burial in France.

ICUR London UFO Congress Report

This report covers the International Committee For UFO Research (ICUR) Congress held in London in July 1989. The editor attended, noting the event's focus on topics such as 'Balls of Light', 'Corn Circles', 'Gulf Breeze', and 'Abduction Debate'. The report mentions discussions about the state of UFO research organizations like CUFOS and MUFON, and highlights lectures, including one on 'Balls Of Light' by Hilary Evans and an abduction debate.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the unexplained, with a strong emphasis on UFOs and paranormal phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, encouraging critical thinking and the presentation of evidence, rather than blind acceptance of theories. There is a clear desire to differentiate genuine research from sensationalism or hoaxes. The inclusion of historical figures like Daniel Dunglas Home and discussions on spiritualism suggest a broad interest in phenomena that challenge conventional scientific understanding. The magazine also seems to foster a sense of community among researchers and enthusiasts, as evidenced by the event reports and letters to the editor.

Title: ENIGMA'S
Issue: AUG/SEP 1989
Document Type: Magazine Issue
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Original Language: English

This issue of ENIGMA'S magazine, dated August/September 1989, delves into various aspects of the paranormal, with a strong focus on UFOlogy, ghosts, and unexplained phenomena. The content is derived from a congress and various reports, featuring lectures, personal accounts, and updates from research organizations.

Congress Reports and Lectures

The magazine extensively covers a congress, detailing several lectures and presentations. Claude Mauge of France presented on "An Attempt to Define The UFO." Philip Mantle discussed the Barnsley UFO hoax, which involved three photographs of an alleged UFO taken by Peter Beard that were later proven to be hoaxed after significant investment in analysis.

Ken Philips gave a talk on the Anamnesis Form and its utility in UFO witness work, suggesting its applicability to ghost and poltergeist investigations as well. Bertil Kuhleman from Sweden spoke on "Making a stand on the UFO Subject," making a bold prediction that significant events regarding UFOlogy would occur within the next 12 months, urging people to adopt a "passive state of mind" to communicate with "aliens."

Paul Fuller presented research on "corn Circles," the strange circular patterns found in wheat and corn fields, exploring possibilities like hoaxes and animal mating, but leaning towards a "wind phenomenon" as a cause, though questioning its ability to account for intricate patterns.

Cynthia Hind delivered an illustrated lecture on UFO sightings in Africa, noting that many black Africans, even those in remote areas without modern conveniences, report classic UFO shapes similar to those seen worldwide. Albert Budden, a BUFORA Investigator, suggested that top UFO investigators should visit Africa to study this "uncontaminated" UFO situation.

The highly anticipated "Gulf Breeze issue" was also discussed, concerning UFO photographs taken by a man and his wife in Pensacola, Florida. Walt Andrus, head of MUFON, presented on this topic, with Dr. Bruce Maccabee, a Navy physicist, also believing in the authenticity of the photos.

The congress also included a "film night" featuring "the UFO Experience," a documentary on "circles," an Alan Godfrey hypnotic regression session, and another film.

International Contributions and Research

Italian colleagues Maurizio Verga and Gian Paolo Grassino presented a paper on UFO research in Italy, which is slated for future feature in ENIGMA'S. Elsie Oakenson, a British Abductee, shared her experience of a UFO abduction, interviewed by Tony Walters on behalf of SPI.

Mary Heitman, an SPI member, found the Sunday session worthwhile. John Spencer of BUFORA emphasized the importance of researchers not leading UFO Abductees, stressing the need for careful research to avoid hindering future progress.

Walt Andrus revisited the Gulf Breeze photos, sparking a debate with a photographic expert in the audience. Jenny Randles discussed the "Abduction Meeting," outlining 12 thought-out points for future research on abductions.

SPI Updates and Activities

SPI (Strange Phenomena Investigations) reported on the lack of interest for their research project at Loch Morar concerning "Morag," the Scottish water monster, but planned to return the following year. They also met with the new lead singer of the Scottish rock group CE IV, John McBride, and discussed boosting The Scottish UFO Society.

SPI member Steven Hall reported that the British National Skywatch on July 27th was a "non-event" in Scotland due to heavy overcast skies, a typical occurrence after a fine spell of weather. SPI aims to hold a "Scottish Skywatch" later in the year.

SPI is also trying to trace Billy Gibbons, a "Psychical Researcher" who was formerly from Stranraer, Scotland, and had been in the Congo Basin searching for "Dinasaurs."

Book Reviews and Features

Book Review: The Vertical Plane by Ken Webster is reviewed. The book details a two-year correspondence with a 16th-century man named "LUKAS" who communicated via a BBC microcomputer and written messages. The reviewer found the book well-written, believable, and a significant contribution to paranormal literature.

Book Review: Ghostly Experiences by Malcolm Robinson (Part One) explores ghosts and hauntings. It includes accounts of ghostly visitors, with individuals feeling they were in full awareness of their senses. One account features Mrs. Fox from Lingwood Norwich, who witnessed the apparition of a young man she had cared for, who had recently passed away. Another case involves Mr. Young from Invergowrie, Scotland, who saw his mother and son approaching the house when they were already inside.

Other Noteworthy Items

"Sex Spook?": A humorous story from The Sun about a divorcee named Lynn Arkley and her alleged nocturnal encounters with a ghost.

UFOCALL: Introduced as the first regularly updated national UFO news and information service available by telephone.

Jason at Coasters: A brief mention of "Aussie" heartthrob Jason Donovan appearing at a disco.

Nessie's Back?: Reports the first official sighting of the Loch Ness Monster for the year, with a large unidentified "blip" on sonar.

Scot 'Cured' At Lourdes: A brief report from The Scottish Sunday Post about an elderly Alloa man being cured of back pain after a visit to Lourdes.

Notice Board: Features upcoming lectures and events, including a lecture by Professor Archie Roy on "The Challenge Of Psychical Research" in Stirling, and BUFORA lectures on "The Bromley Poltergeist" and "What Proof Do They Want?"

Upcoming Features: The journal promises future articles on "Earth Lights And UFOs," "Mysterious Circles Phenomenon," "UFO Sightings In Yakima Indian Reservation," "Swiss UFO repeater witness Eduard Meier," and "Astronomical Background Of Megalithic Sites."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, alleged hoaxes, and the investigation of paranormal phenomena, including ghosts and hauntings. There is a clear emphasis on reporting on conferences and lectures, presenting diverse viewpoints within the UFO and paranormal research communities. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging readers to participate and contribute to the field, while also maintaining a critical eye on evidence, as seen in the discussion of the Barnsley UFO hoax and the Gulf Breeze photographs. The magazine also highlights the importance of careful research methodology, particularly in dealing with abductees. There's a blend of serious investigation and lighter, more anecdotal content, reflecting a broad interest in the unexplained.