SPI Enigmas - no 24

Magazine Overview

Title: ENIGMAS
Issue: 24
Date: May/June 1991
Publisher: Strange Phenomena Investigations (SPI)
Country: United Kingdom
Price: £1.50

This issue of ENIGMAS, the journal of Strange Phenomena Investigations (SPI), is dedicated to exploring unusual occurrences and undiscovered sciences. The magazine is published bi-monthly and is available via subscription.

Editorial

The editorial, written by Malcolm Robinson, emphasizes the importance of attending UFO congresses, such as the one hosted by BUFORA, IUN, MUFON, and ICUR in August. Robinson highlights that these events offer a chance to connect with fellow researchers and gain diverse perspectives on the UFO subject from various countries. He notes the tendency for the UK to be more conservative in its belief in UFOs compared to other nations, suggesting a 'belief-orientated system' influenced by media hype. The editor stresses the need for 'concrete UFO evidence' beyond witness testimony and the importance of practical scientists and physicists engaging in UFO research to uncover the truth.

SPI: Purpose and Aims

The article outlines the purpose of Strange Phenomena Investigations (SPI) as an organization dedicated to investigating strange phenomena across various categories, including hauntings, poltergeist events, UFO sightings, and psychic events. SPI aims to collect, research, and publish accounts of these phenomena to inform the public and establish a firmer foundation for understanding. The organization maintains an open mind regarding the nature of these events and seeks to find answers through continued research.

Key Articles and Features

The Return of Helen Duncan by Alan Cleaver

This article recounts a seance where a medium, Rita Goold, allegedly channeled Helen Duncan, a materialisation medium who died in 1956. Gena Brealy, Helen Duncan's daughter, was present and verified details of her mother's life through the communication. The seance involved phenomena such as tilting tables, apports (carnations and a red rose), and the use of a trumpet for spirit voices. The communication was described as highly personal, with Helen Duncan sharing details about her life and offering advice to her daughter. The article notes that Gena Brealy has since passed away but maintained her belief in the authenticity of the communication.

The Great Leveller by Anthony North

Anthony North explores the concept of multiple levels of consciousness, drawing parallels between medical states (hypnosis, epilepsy), spiritualism (astral planes), Buddhism (enlightenment), and yoga (chakras). He discusses Carl Jung's theories of personal and collective unconsciousness and Rupert Sheldrake's concept of the 'morphogenetic field'. North also touches upon the idea of 'Gaia' or Earth Consciousness and speculates on the connection between mind and the quantum field, suggesting that matter itself might be an illusion of reality.

Grappling With The Intangible by Peter Hough

Peter Hough discusses the challenges of researching the paranormal, which he describes as 'etherical' and lacking real substance. He highlights the difficulty in presenting objective research when faced with 'lunatics' who claim certainties without proof and the media's preference for 'believers' and 'non-believers' over nuanced discussion. Hough emphasizes that the intangible nature of phenomena can be attractive to researchers but also makes them susceptible to skepticism and ridicule, especially when evidence like photographs challenges preconceived notions.

Anatomy Of A Hoax: A Reply By Jenny Randles

Jenny Randles responds to an article by Peter Hough concerning a Scottish UFO incident near Lossiemouth in 1954. Randles clarifies her discussion with Michael Bentine regarding Patrick Moore's alleged involvement in a hoax book. She states that her conversation with Bentine was more nuanced than presented and that she did not imply Moore had written the Allingham book. Randles also addresses her interaction with a Daily Star gossip columnist, explaining her assumption that the story originated from the Magonia article by Allan and Campbell. She concludes that while rumors persist about Moore's involvement, there is no definitive proof, and she wishes for a clear denial to resolve the speculation.

The Practical Ufologist by Brian McMullen (snr)

Brian McMullen provides practical advice for aspiring UFOlogists, emphasizing the importance of skywatching and proper identification techniques. He suggests that better coordination among UFO organizations could lead to more effective future studies. McMullen advocates for a systematic approach, including the use of astronomy basics, binoculars, cameras, and tape recorders. He shares an anecdote about a personal UFO sighting experience and the dismissive response from university astronomers. The article also includes a section on essential tools for skywatchers and recommends specific photographic and recording equipment.

A Visit To Mr Freeman At Blairgowrie by Ken Higgens

This report details an investigation into a UFO sighting experienced by Mrs. Freeman in 1984. The incident involved a luminous object and a beam of light. Subsequent events included Mrs. Freeman developing apparent healing powers, followed by a deterioration in her health. The report also mentions unusual occurrences such as a group of men walking into a neighbor's house and a sudden drop in temperature. Mr. Freeman Jr. also reported witnessing a flaming meteor. The property where the sighting occurred is noted as being for sale with no offers despite numerous inquiries.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of the paranormal, UFOlogy, and spiritualism, often questioning conventional scientific explanations. There is a strong emphasis on personal testimony and the challenges of proving the intangible. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, encouraging scientific rigor while acknowledging the limitations of current understanding. The publication aims to present unbiased accounts and foster a deeper understanding of phenomena that lie beyond mainstream acceptance.

This issue of ENIGMAS magazine, dated May/June 1991, features a cover story titled "TALKING TO STRANGERS." by Kevin McClure, which critically examines Spiritualism and its evolution. The magazine also includes articles on UFOs, crop circles, personal paranormal experiences, and psychometry.

Talking to Strangers. by Kevin McClure

Kevin McClure offers a critical perspective on Spiritualism, noting its historical significance but questioning its current relevance and ability to provide evidence for survival after death. He contrasts the past era of materialization and ectoplasm with modern mediumship, suggesting that while he respects the work of some mediums, the overall presentation often lacks verifiable proof. McClure expresses skepticism about the effectiveness of current platform clairvoyance, where mediums relay messages from the deceased without audience participation or two-way communication. He also touches upon the shift in Spiritualism towards Christianity and the 'New Age,' finding these beliefs mutually exclusive with the concept of individual survival after death.

Mr Freeman Jnr's Claims

The issue details claims made by Mr. Freeman Jnr, including a childhood experience of being cured of a kidney disorder after seeing a 'blinding light.' He also reported seeing a black balloon at ground level and mentioned his sister's poltergeist encounter in South Africa and family use of a Ouija board. The article notes his acquaintance with Mrs. Proctor, who witnessed a UFO, and his knowledge of crop circles and lights above Ardblair Estate. Mr. Freeman is described as a genuine, sincere person with no obvious interest in personal gain, and he admitted to not having strong religious beliefs.

Additional Supporting Investigation or Evidence

Ken Higgens contacted Blairgowrie police regarding UFO reports and current activity, but the police were unaware of UFO reports, though aware of crop circles at Ardblair. Higgens was asked to request archives from 1984-85.

Conclusions and Recommendations

Mr. Freeman Jnr was assessed as a genuine person. The recommendations suggest further research into the reported incidents by Ken Higgens, Ron Halliday, and Malcolm Robinson.

Famous Quotes

Two quotes are featured: one from Jenny Randles suggesting children's paranormal experiences stem from open-mindedness, and another from Jacques Vallee stating the UFO phenomenon appears Inter-Dimensional rather than Extraterrestrial.

Watch Out for the Swirls. by Jim Melesciuc

This article discusses the emergence of 'English Swirls' (crop circles) in the US, comparing them to earlier 'Saucer Nests' and 'Landing Traces.' It notes that these flattened areas lack the rough damage associated with weather or human activity. The article references historical crop circle phenomena in New Zealand in 1969-70 and mentions UFO researcher Ted Philips' view that these traces are significant. Melesciuc expresses disillusionment with explanations that attempt to fit the circles into meteorological theories, suggesting that the configurations might be designed to offset such explanations. The article questions the origin of these swirls, considering natural phenomena, hoaxes, and investigator subjectivity.

"Mystery Swirls" and UFOs

The article notes the lack of reported landings or nocturnal lights associated with US 'mystery swirls.' It mentions speculation by a MUFON representative linking a Milan, Illinois swirl to a UFO. In Indiana, a teenager admitted to creating circles as a hoax, inspired by a TV segment. In Gulf Breeze, Florida, mystery circles were investigated, with agricultural experts suggesting CO2 might have been used to create patterns in the grass.

"Fireside Tales (but true)"

This section presents personal accounts:

• Time Slip: A woman recounts an experience where her friend's music room appeared to have been re-furnished since her last visit, only to be told by her friend that the room was exactly as it had been the previous week, and that her late husband had shown her the room as it was in the 1950s. She also experienced a searing pain in her wrist, which she links to her husband's injury when installing a fireplace.
• One Day at a Time, Sweet Spirit?: A married woman describes hearing a man's voice singing along to Lena Martell's song 'One Day At A Time' when she played it. Initially thinking she was going mad, she later discovered that her mother and brother also heard the man's voice, but her mother insisted it was Lena singing when she replayed the record. The man was identified as a young chap from Perth who had been dead for 40 years.
• The Floating Man in Black?: A woman recounts getting lost as a nine-year-old and being followed by a floating figure dressed in black, who seemed to emit a 'lovely glow.' She was found at midnight, and the figure was not seen by others.

Letters to the Editor

• Spontaneous Human Combustion: Peter A. Hough is researching and writing a book on spontaneous human combustion and is seeking information on possible cases and opinions.
• Nessie Sighting: I. SO BEL METCALFE reports seeing a large wake and two distinct humps in dark water, suggesting a large creature diving in a Scottish loch.
• Holiday Sighting: A letter describes a sighting during a holiday tour of Scotland, involving a large wake and two distinct humps in the water, possibly a large creature.

Psychometry Test on Robert Taylor's Trousers

Malcolm Robinson details plans for a psychometry test on Robert Taylor's trousers, allegedly ripped during a UFO encounter in Livingston in 1979. The test aims to uncover more facts about the incident. Six mediums will participate, with controls in place. The article notes that the information about the test had leaked to the press. A preliminary test was conducted with Carl Aylward, who perceived 'three small people,' a dog 'knocked out,' and a needle being inserted into Bob's eye. He also sensed Bob being 'lifted up' and experiencing pain. The article questions whether these perceptions were genuine or fabricated, given Carl's prior knowledge of the case.

For What It's Worth. by Malcolm Robinson

Malcolm Robinson interviews Father Gregory Brusey about a sighting in Loch Ness in October 1971. Father Brusey and a guest witnessed turbulence and a 'black neck' about five to six feet out of the water, moving slowly before disappearing. Brusey also recounts an earlier experience of seeing a head moving fast across the water. The article notes that such sightings are often attributed to alcohol consumption in the area.

News Desk

• Crop Circle Hoax: A crop circle formation at Leetside Farm near Duns, Scotland, was revealed to be a hoax, created by three individuals using a wooden batten and steel pin.
• Peter Day UFO Film: Steuart Campbell, investigator in the Livingston UFO case, has obtained the accident report for an F-III aircraft, which some believe accounts for the object Peter Day filmed in 1973.
• What a Catch: A 'water monster' caught in Lake Stafford, California, was identified as a 150 lb Sturgeon.
• Sexy Spook?: Reports of a ghost at Ardoe House in Aberdeen, identified as Katherine Ogston, who died in 1908. Another ghost, a 'grey lady,' is said to roam Quo thquan Lodge.
• A Ghostly Tour: The Clyde Valley Tourist Board is planning a 'gnost tour' around Craignethen Castle, said to be haunted by Mary Queen of Scots.

Looking Back Through The SPI Files

This section features an interview with Father Gregory Brusey about his Loch Ness sighting in 1971. He describes witnessing a disturbance and a 'black neck' approximately five to six feet out of the water. He also recounts an earlier sighting of a head moving fast across the water. The article notes that such sightings are often attributed to drinking local whisky, but Father Brusey's account is given more credence due to his status as a clergyman.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores paranormal phenomena, including UFOs, crop circles, alleged hauntings, and personal psychic experiences. There is a critical examination of Spiritualism and a focus on investigative research, particularly through the SPI organization. The editorial stance appears to be open to exploring various unexplained phenomena while maintaining a degree of skepticism and emphasizing the need for evidence and controlled investigation. The magazine also features personal accounts and letters from readers, contributing to a community-driven approach to exploring the unexplained.