SPI Enigmas - no 23

Magazine Overview

Title: ENIGMAS
Issue: 23
Date: February-March 1991
Publisher: Strange Phenomena Investigations (S.P.I.)
Country: UK
Price: £1.50

This issue of ENIGMAS, the journal of Strange Phenomena Investigations (S.P.I.), delves into a variety of unexplained occurrences and paranormal topics. The cover prominently features the title and issue details, along with a general description of the magazine's content: "UNBIASED ACCOUNTS INVOLVING UNUSUAL OCCURRENCES AND, AS YET.... UNDISCOVERED SCIENCES.... GHOSTS.... U.F.O.'S AND OTHER ITEMS OF WEIRD AND WONDERFUL PHENOMENA!."

Malcolm Robinson serves as the Editor, with Ronald Halliday as Consultant Editor and Lorraine Anderson as Secretary. The magazine is published bi-monthly and is available via subscription.

Editorial: Personal Experiences

In the editorial, Editor Malcolm Robinson shares personal paranormal experiences that have shaped his understanding of the strange world. He recounts an incident from his childhood in Tullibody where shoes he threw against a couch inexplicably stopped mid-air and flew through a window. Another experience involved seeing a vision of cowboys and Indians on a small, clear square on a chest of drawers. Robinson also briefly mentions seeing a tubular object in the sky over Skegness and a half-circle orange shape near Loch Ness, emphasizing that these personal encounters opened his mind to the paranormal.

Contents

• The issue features a diverse range of articles, including:
• Editorial (Page 3-4)
• Life Without End by Anthony North (Page 5)
• K.G.B. & C.E.3. by V.D. Musinski (Page 7)
• Press Report (Page 10)
• August UFO Congress (Page 11)
• Letters to the Editor (Page 13)
• The Practical UFOlogist by Brian McMullen Snr (Page 15)
• Psychic Beginings by Lorraine Anderson (Page 18)
• Elementals at Loch Morar? by Ian Shanes & Ron Halliday (Page 19)
• Scottish UFO Cases by Ken Higgens (Page 32)

Life Without End by Anthony North

Anthony North explores the paradox of an infinite universe, questioning how it can have a beginning and an end. He discusses scientific possibilities like a curved space-time and the philosophical implications of our finite existence versus the concept of infinity. North suggests that our perception of reality might be a 'delusion' evolved for survival, and that a higher truth of infinity may be accessible by breaking through Earth-bound consciousness.

K.G.B. and C.E.3. Part One by V.D. Musinski

This article details UFO sightings over Russia, focusing on an incident involving A. Pyatkin near Shedrino. Pyatkin encountered a strange object resembling a parachute canopy emitting milky light. The object disappeared instantly, but Pyatkin felt a vibration. The report also mentions a large red ball seen by road police, which transformed into a 'flying saucer'. The article touches upon alleged KGB interference in investigations and the difficulties faced by UFO researchers in the Soviet Union, including the suppression of evidence and the pressure to conform to official narratives. It also describes experiments with watches in a suspected UFO landing zone, noting discrepancies in timekeeping.

Search for twilight zone trouser clue

This piece reports on the examination of Robert Taylor's trousers, which were allegedly ripped by extraterrestrial machinery during a UFO encounter near Dechmont Law in 1979. The trousers, which had previously undergone police and forensic examination, were to be tested by psychics for psychometric readings. The incident involved a 30ft object and two spiky creatures, and resulted in unexplained depressions in the ground. A plaque commemorating the event is to be erected.

6th International UFO Congress

Details are provided for the 6th International UFO Congress to be held in Sheffield from August 16-18, 1991. The event, organized by ICUR, MUFON, BUFORA, and IUN, will feature speakers from around the world discussing UFOs. The congress will also host a concert by the Scottish rock band CEIV. Confirmed speakers include Charles Hickson, Budd Hopkins, and Jenny Randles. The event includes a congress dinner and a cocktail party.

CEIV

CEIV is a band formed in 1984 with an interest in music and ufology. They have recorded an abduction-themed tape and use music as a medium to convey messages about mysteries and the future. The article encourages attendance at their concert in Sheffield.

Letters to the Editor

Two letters address the identification of a UFO sighting on New Year's Eve 1978. Peter Houch of MUFORA suggests it was the re-entry of the Russian satellite Cosmos 1068, labeling it an 'IFO' (Identified Flying Object) rather than a UFO. Ken Higgens of SRUFO acknowledges the possibility of the Cosmos 1068 re-entry but notes that the witness was sure it was closer than a satellite re-entry, and other large objects have been reported in the area.

A third letter from Sajid Hussain questions why strange phenomena always seem to be on the brink of reality and imagination.

The Practical Ufologist by Brian McMullen (Snr)

Brian McMullen (Snr) discusses the study of UFOlogy, noting its lack of serious recognition and the negative influence of tabloid media. He calls for a public awareness campaign and emphasizes the importance of genuine responses to witnesses. McMullen lists respected authors in the field, including J. Allen Hyneck, Jacques Vallee, and Jenny Randles, and recommends the movie 'Close Encounters Of The Third Kind' as being based on true reports.

Psychic Beginings by Lorraine Anderson

Lorraine Anderson shares her early psychic experiences, starting around age seven. Raised in a spiritualist family, she recounts an experience where she was drawn to her sister's cot and saw a baby apparition. She also describes an incident where a cutlery drawer flew open and its contents scattered, and a flower lifting from a vase to greet her.

Elementals At Loch Morar? by Ian Shanes And Ron Halliday

This article continues the investigation into phenomena at Loch Morar. It discusses the presence of 'elementals' and fairy-type creatures in the area, linking them to local legends. Ian Shanes reports encounters with small, friendly fairy-like beings and later, a more unsettling experience with a man whose feet were cloven. The investigation also involved visiting Eilean Ban island, which once housed a Catholic seminary.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the paranormal, UFOs, and unexplained phenomena with an open-minded approach, encouraging personal accounts and investigations. The editorial stance appears to be one of seeking a deeper understanding of reality and the universe, acknowledging the limitations of current scientific paradigms and embracing the possibility of phenomena beyond conventional explanation. There's a strong emphasis on personal experience and the collection of evidence, even if it challenges established beliefs. The publication also serves as a platform for promoting events and resources within the ufology and paranormal community.

ENIGMAS, February/March 1991 issue, is a magazine dedicated to exploring paranormal phenomena, UFOs, and unexplained mysteries. This issue features a range of articles, personal accounts, and investigative reports.

Articles and Investigations

Elemental Encounters and Psychic Investigations

The issue begins with an account of an investigation near Loch Morar, Scotland, by Ian Shanes and Ron Halliday. They encountered what they described as 'elf/fairy folk' or 'elementals,' and a lizard-like creature. The area was noted for its strong psychic energy, and an elf child reportedly provided information about the 'elementals' habitat and their use of the marsh for transportation. While no direct link to the 'Morag' mystery was established, the area was considered significant for psychic contact. An Ouija board session suggested that these 'elementals' were observing the investigators, finding them 'mad'.

Blairgowrie: UFO Capital of Scotland

An article by Lewis Thomson highlights Blairgowrie, Scotland, as a 'UFO Capital' due to a significant number of crop circles and UFO sightings. The Strange Phenomena Investigations (SPI) group is investigating whether these occurrences are linked to high-energy 'ley-lines' running under the town. Reports include balls of fire, spaceships making circles in crop fields, and UFOs with flashing lights. Local police, however, attribute some sightings to the Northern Lights.

The Anatomy of a Hoax: 'Flying Saucer From Mars'

Peter Hough details an investigation into the authorship of the book 'Flying Saucer From Mars.' Investigators Christopher Allan and Steuart Campbell suspected astronomer Patrick Moore. Computer analysis using stylometry initially pointed towards Arthur C. Clarke but ultimately failed to definitively link the book to Moore. The hoax was later admitted by Peter Davies, a journalist and friend of Moore, who confessed to rewriting the manuscript to disguise the original author's style. Comparisons of telescope photographs also provided evidence.

The Worst Kept Secret: Patrick Moore's Involvement

Jenny Randles interviewed Michael Bentine, who confirmed Patrick Moore's involvement in the 'Flying Saucer From Mars' hoax. Moore reportedly became defensive and hostile when questioned about the affair. The article suggests Moore's silence and attitude were aimed at discrediting UFO enthusiasts.

Scottish UFO Cases by Ken Higgens

This section presents several UFO case reports from Scotland:

• West Lothian UFO: A family reported multiple sightings of a bright white light that approached their home, hovered, and later left a circle of flattened grass. Dowsing tests on the circle yielded positive results.
• Armadale UFO: An elderly lady reported seeing an object shaped like the letter 'N' and later a rhombus-shaped object.
• UFO Light Beam: A family traveling between Aberdeen and Dundee witnessed a powerful beam of light enter their car.
• UFO Light Beam 2: Two bakers reported a beam of light entering their car while traveling near Kessock bridge.
• UFO Activity at Nigg and Surrounding Area: Mr. and Mrs. S. reported witnessing a beam of light and a large flash coinciding with an earthquake.
• Scottish Crop Circles: A letter from George Wingfield of the Centre for Crop Circle Studies suggests affiliation with SRUFO to investigate crop circles in Scotland.

Fireside Tales (but true)

This section features personal accounts of paranormal experiences:

• York Apparition: A visitor to York reported seeing a shadow resembling a praying woman near an old tower, later identified as part of St. Mary's Abbey fortifications.
• Where's the Gate?: A story about a group of friends who became disoriented in a field, unable to find the gate they entered through. The field was later associated with unexplained structural issues in nearby bungalows.
• Her Son's 'Touch'?: A woman recounts an experience where she felt a hand touch her face while looking at a photograph of her deceased son, believing it to be his attempt to communicate.

How It Started For Me?

A personal account of a man's spiritual awakening, beginning with a sensation of flying through the sky, leading him to explore spiritualism and psychic development. He describes experiences of being transported and developing healing abilities.

The Old Woman

A personal account of a young woman who saw an apparition of an old woman sitting on a couch in her new home.

Rocketed Over Flying Saucer Plaque Plans

This article discusses a dispute between Strange Phenomena Investigations (SPI) and the Livingston Development Corporation regarding a plaque to commemorate the Dechmont Law UFO encounter. SPI expressed dissatisfaction with the proposed inscription and the lack of an unveiling ceremony.

Astral Projection

David Hunter discusses near-death experiences and astral projection, describing stages such as noise, the tunnel effect, the 'being of light,' and the astral body. He suggests these experiences can leave individuals unafraid of death.

News Desk

This section provides brief news items:

• Formation of a King Arthur Society in Cumbria.
• A planned hunt for the Loch Ness Monster by witches and warlocks.
• The Indian government outlawing beeing buried alive.
• A discussion on spiritual gifts from the Bible, referencing Jehovah's Witnesses.
• Announcements for BUFORA lectures on Hypnotic Regression and Abduction experiences.
• A new address for Malcolm Robinson.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, crop circles, psychic phenomena, and personal accounts of unexplained experiences. The magazine appears to adopt an open-minded stance towards these subjects, encouraging investigation and the sharing of experiences. The editorial stance, as expressed by Malcolm Robinson, acknowledges the complexities of the world, including conflicts like the Gulf crisis, and suggests that humanity's inability to resolve its own issues might be why extraterrestrial beings have not intervened more directly. There's a clear interest in uncovering mysteries and understanding humanity's place in the cosmos.