SPI Enigmas - no 19

Magazine Overview

ENIGMAS No. 19, published in February/March 1990 by Strange Phenomena Investigations (S.P.I.), is a journal dedicated to exploring unusual occurrences and the frontiers of science. The magazine aims to provide unbiased accounts of phenomena, including ghosts, UFOs, and other 'weird and wonderful phenomena'. The editorial stance emphasizes an open mind and a commitment to investigating and researching these subjects to establish a firmer foundation for understanding.

Editorial

The editorial section highlights the enduring nature of table tapping, a phenomenon popular during the Victorian Spiritualist era. The editor recounts a personal experience at a friend's house in Alloa, Scotland, where a table exhibited distinct movements, responding to questions and spelling out messages through tapping. The editor expresses amazement at the phenomenon, noting that while trickery is possible, the accuracy of information conveyed suggests something more. The article touches upon the 'dancing' of the table and the common practice of using a sequence of raps to communicate.

Contents

• The issue features a diverse range of articles including:
• Editorial
• 'The Next Step' by Frank McKay
• 'Alien Contact Or Armageddon?' by Various Authors
• Competition
• SPI Lecture to the SSPR
• 'Psychic Phenomena' by Lee Butchart
• SPI Visit Batley
• Letters To The Editor
• CE IV Interview
• 'The Newhaven Willow Tree' by Ron Halliday
• 'Ghostly Experiences Part 3'
• 'Seeking Beyond' by Bill Gibbons
• SPI Case Research Work (Jean Smith Case)
• Newsdesk

The Next Step by Frank McKay

This article delves into the concept of reincarnation and the possibility of spirits inhabiting new bodies. It references Harry Houdini's alleged vow to contact loved ones from the grave and explores how his spirit might have been reincarnated before making contact. The author discusses the challenges faced by a reincarnated spirit in a new body, particularly a baby's, and how the Ego's development is limited by the physical and mental capabilities of the host. The article suggests that cases of children exhibiting advanced knowledge or talents at a young age could support the theory of reincarnation. It also touches upon the idea of a previous adult Ego returning in an adult body, where the mental faculties are developed but the Ego is absent.

The author further explores the idea of an invading Ego causing schizophrenia, questioning whether such an Ego would mention the afterlife or previous lives. The article emphasizes that phenomena cannot always be analyzed scientifically and that many aspects of reality elude current scientific understanding. It highlights the 'enquiring mind's' refusal to let go of phenomena and suggests that while scientists may dismiss certain notions, they often rally around colleagues whose 'way out' ideas are proven correct. The piece concludes by suggesting that the pursuit of understanding the unknown, like climbing Everest, is a continuous journey, and that the world's 'powers-that-be' may be overwhelmed by spiritual and intangible realities.

Alien Contact Or Armageddon?

This section presents four case studies of individuals who claim to have had 'alien contact'. These cases, investigated by UFO researchers, suggest that the experiences could be the result of contact with another form of consciousness rather than extraterrestrial beings. The article notes that Close Encounters of the 4th kind (CE4) often occur during altered states of consciousness, potentially within the mind or the collective unconscious. The cases share common themes of future warnings, impending doom, and the possibility of an Armageddon beginning around 1992. The authors suggest that these messages, regardless of their source (mediums, spirit world, dreams, or alien contacts), are processed through the subconscious mind. The article posits that the world is entering a period of upheaval due to pollution, ecological destruction, and nuclear threats, and that sensitives are picking up these warnings, often expressed through images of alien contact.

Case 1: Gary Harlow (Northamptonshire)

Gary Harlow, who first approached UFOlogist Jenny Randles in 1975, claims to have seen a luminous disc-shaped object and experienced a sensation of looking down on himself from it. He later connected this experience to a Bible passage, gaining a new awareness and believing he has a mission to perform involving the changing of mankind's consciousness and the fulfillment of biblical prophecies, particularly those in Revelation.

Case 2: David Rogers (Coventry)

David Rogers has had UFO contact and psychic experiences since childhood. His first sighting was of a strange light, and later he experienced personal appearances of non-human entities and was transported onto a craft. He has experienced 'missing time' and developed clairvoyance, receiving psychic messages about a future nuclear holocaust and a natural catastrophe, with survivors continuing in a new society. He believes a specific artifact will be retrieved for future use.

Case 3: Patricia Mee (Manchester)

Patricia Mee has felt a sense of alien contact since the age of six, experiencing 'funny feelings' and a feeling of being followed. She describes a secret childhood playmate resembling the alien from Whitley Strieber's 'Communion'. Patricia feels different from others and believes she has a specific task to perform, involving meeting similar people to impart information about Earth's dangerous future and spiritual changes.

Case 4: Graham Allen (Staffordshire)

Graham Allen experienced a 'missing time' event in 1979, driving an inexplicable distance in a short period. He later began receiving information about time, space, gravity, and pollution, experiencing severe headaches. In 1987, he had a spontaneous recall of the event, seeing a golden yellow haze, a man with a dog, and strange faces. He has since had regular contact with extraterrestrial beings, asking questions and receiving answers, and feels a need to share his experiences, believing that severe physical and spiritual changes will occur around 1992.

Psychic Phenomena by Lee Butchart

This article explores the theoretical basis of psychic phenomena, arguing that ideas once considered outlandish, like a round Earth, were eventually proven correct. The author highlights that many scientists, particularly nuclear physicists, are becoming receptive to psychic phenomena. The article discusses quantum mechanics, the EPR effect, and the 'Parallel Universe' theory, suggesting that multiple universes may coexist and that phenomena like telepathy could be explained by information exchange across these planes. It posits that reality as perceived by humans is only a fraction of what truly exists, with much of the universe being invisible. The author suggests that the supernatural and paranormal are not outside the laws of physics but rather operate within a multi-dimensional framework. Professor F. A. Wolf's quote suggests that in these parallel universes, all who have lived, are living, and will live are simultaneously alive.

The article concludes that the physics allows for composite human structures, including 'etheric/astral spirit bodies' from parallel universes, and that consciousness can detach from the physical body at death to function at a different level. The author offers to send more information on the theory of life after death to anyone who sends a stamped addressed envelope.

SPI Visit Batley

This report details a visit by an SPI member and a female colleague to Philip Mantle, a contactee and member of the Independant UFO Network (IUN), in Batley, Yorkshire. The visit involved discussions about UFOlogy in the UK and US, and a trip to Carleton Moor, a site known for UFO sightings and 'spooklights'. They also visited the location of the 'Cracoe Fell case', an alleged UFO sighting that was later attributed to ice crystals. The report mentions that YUFOS (Yorkshire UFO Society) had a different interpretation of the Cracoe Fell incident. The SPI members also visited a local Spiritualist church, where the medium's performance was deemed unsatisfactory. They met with other IUN members, Andy Roberts and Dave Clark, who have contributed to a book on 'Earth Lights'.

SPI Lecture to the SSPR

Ron Halliday recounts SPI's lecture to the Scottish Society For Psychical Research (SSPR) on ghost and poltergeist cases. Unfortunately, Malcolm Robinson was unable to attend. The lecture covered SPI's investigation of the Tolbooth haunting in Stirling, where alleged paranormal events, including apparitions and unexplained noises, were reported. The SPI team, including two psychics, experienced sightings and recorded sounds, though technical issues with recording equipment were noted. The lecture was followed by questions and suggestions for future investigations, with SSPR members expressing interest in SPI's other activities like UFO research and the Loch Morar Project. The meeting also included an update on the SSPR's 'Livingston Case' investigation.

Competition Time

ENIGMAS readers are invited to participate in a competition to win books from SPI's collection. The first question asks for the presumed true identity of Cedric Allingham, the second for the location of Britain's longest Ley Line, and the third whether the Cottingly Fairies were proven hoaxes. Answers should be sent on a postcard to the Editorial address.

Letters To The Editor

One letter from a reader discusses the concept of life on other planets, agreeing that an infinite universe likely contains infinite planets but questioning the probability of life evolving in the same way as on Earth. The reader expresses belief in the Big Bang theory, instigated by God, and suggests that Christ's visit was to address mankind's behavior. The letter also touches on the nature of God as a superior intelligence and acknowledges the existence of UFOs, suggesting they do not land publicly due to the intelligence of their occupants. The reader expresses a belief that while God knows what is happening, humans may not fully understand it in their lifetimes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation of unexplained phenomena, including UFOs, psychic experiences, hauntings, and the nature of consciousness and reality. There is a strong emphasis on personal testimony and case studies, presented with an open-minded approach. The magazine encourages readers to question established norms and explore possibilities beyond conventional scientific understanding. The editorial stance is one of seeking knowledge and understanding through research and open inquiry, acknowledging that many aspects of existence remain mysterious and require further investigation.

Title: ENIGMAS
Issue: FEB/MARCH 1990
Volume: 1990
Publisher: ENIGMAS
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of ENIGMAS magazine delves into a variety of paranormal and UFO-related topics, featuring an interview with the band CE IV, personal accounts of ghostly experiences, local legends, and UFO research news.

Letters to the Editor

Several readers share their thoughts and experiences. Heather Turnbull from Grangemouth muses on faith and the existence of God, questioning the need for proof. Lindy Whitehurst from Dallas discusses a Tass report about a Soviet UFO landing, attributing it to new journalists and children playing in a park, and notes that the case was proven to be a hoax. G.E. Wallwork from Worsley Manchester offers a perspective on UFOs, suggesting that many claimed sightings are Unidentified Aerial Objects (UAOs) and that extraterrestrial visits might have occurred in ancient times. Tony Sandy from Norfolk discusses the nature of reality, consciousness, and the difference between dispersed and concentrated states of being.

CE IV Interview (Part Two)

This section features an interview with two members of the Glasgow rock group CE IV, Malcolm Robinson (interviewer), Brian McMullen Senior, and Brian McMullen Junior. The band is dedicated to bringing the UFO message to the world through their music. They discuss the progression of their music, the possibility of producing their 'Abduction' album on stage, and their aspirations for CE IV to become number one in the album charts. They explain their songwriting process as a combination of ideas from band members, emphasizing that it's rarely from one person alone. They address the question of whether there's enough UFO subject matter to cover, noting that the 'Abduction' theme is significant but that new listeners might still find it fresh. The interview touches upon the idea of collecting UFO incident forms from fans and the evolution of their stage presence, including the use of a small alien figure named 'Gabriel'. They discuss the challenges of creating the atmosphere for their 'Abduction' album, focusing on how to make an alien sound and the overall sonic experience.

The Newhaven Willow Tree

Written by Ron Halliday, this article recounts the legend of an ancient willow tree in Newhaven, Scotland. The tree was associated with the prosperity of the fishing village. The legend involves a young wife waiting for her husband's boat, a sudden squall, and the boat's disappearance. The grief-stricken wife died on the spot, cradling her child. A woven strand from her cradle supposedly took root and grew into the legendary willow. The tree's fate was linked to the arrival of trawlers, which threatened the fishermen's livelihood, fulfilling a prophecy when a branch broke off. The article also touches upon the community's resilience and the role of Reverend James Fairbairn in their survival.

Ghostly Experiences Part 3

This section presents two personal accounts of paranormal encounters. The first involves three young girls who reported seeing a strange, pure white entity with no features attempting to climb a wall. The entity disappeared when car headlights shone on it. The second account comes from a lady referred to as Mrs. Baxter, who recounts a premonition of her grandmother's death at the exact time she heard 'wings flapping' while cleaning offices. She also shares experiences from a flat in Benhauser, Germany, including missing items, rearranged objects, and unexplained sounds, which she attributed to a mischievous entity she nicknamed 'Flossie'. She also describes seeing a gray foggy shape that seemed to disintegrate.

Ghostly Experiences Part 4

This part continues the 'Ghostly Experiences' series. The author recounts hearing her deceased friend Anne's voice in her head, which later proved to be a premonition of Anne's pregnancy. The article also mentions a separate account of 'astral projections' and vivid dreams of past lives, such as being a spitfire pilot or tank commander. The author invites readers to share their own ghostly experiences.

S.P.I. Case Research Work

This segment details an investigation into the experiences of Mrs. Jean Smith. Paul McKay, an SPI researcher, reports on an exorcism conducted by two Church of Scotland ministers, Donald Bartle and Robert Pearson, at Mrs. Smith's home. The ministers perceived a 'presence' around Jean. The article also mentions that the Alloa Christian Spiritualist Church was consulted, with a medium perceiving a tall thin gentleman and an old lady's face. The segment concludes by introducing Andrew Davie's theory about the influence of Earth's magnetic fields on strange phenomena.

News Desh

This section includes several short items. A 'Well I Never?' piece recounts a table tilting session that accurately predicted the return of the author's brother from Finland on a specific date. 'Rencontres de Lyon' announces the 4th European UFO Congress in Lyon, France. 'Phantoms of the Sky T. Shirt' offers a T-shirt with a UFO design for sale. Details are provided for the 'Phantoms of the Sky Sheffield UFO Conference', including venue information, seating, and available books. Finally, 'UFO - Line' is advertised as an information service for UFO phenomenon updates.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, alien encounters, ghostly phenomena, psychic abilities, and local legends. The magazine appears to maintain an open-minded stance towards these subjects, presenting personal accounts and research findings without immediate dismissal, while also acknowledging hoaxes and the need for critical evaluation. The editorial stance encourages reader participation by inviting them to share their own experiences.