SPI Enigmas - no 30

Magazine Overview

Title: ENIGMAS
Issue: NOV/DEC 1992
Volume: 3
Publisher: Strange Phenomena Investigations (S.P.I.)
Country: Scotland
Price: £2.00

This issue of ENIGMAS, the journal of Strange Phenomena Investigations, presents a diverse range of articles on unexplained phenomena, UFOs, hauntings, and alleged government cover-ups. The magazine is edited by Malcolm Robinson and published bi-monthly.

Editorial

The editorial by Malcolm Robinson reflects on his attendance at the ET or not ET UFO Conference in August 1992, where he met American UFOlogist William Moore. Robinson recounts discussions about alleged U.S. government cover-ups concerning captured aliens and secret bases in Nevada. He expresses admiration for Moore's knowledge and involvement in UFO cases. The editorial also touches upon the debunking of the Gulf Breeze road shot, the prevalence of 'ballony' researchers in the U.S. seeking to profit from untruthful cases, and reservations about Budd Hopkins' hypnotic application in abduction cases. Philip Klass is also mentioned as a debunker seeking attention. The editorial highlights how confidence tricksters have duped researchers, citing the Aztec UFO crash book and Leonard Stringfield's crash retrieval stories as examples. It also mentions how even Stanton Friedman was reportedly misled by a story about Gerald Anderson claiming to have seen a crashed UFO and aliens in New Mexico as a child.

The 'Miracle of the Sun' at Fatima

This article by Steuart Campbell, reprinted from the Journal of Meteorology, offers a scientific explanation for the 'miracle of the sun' witnessed at Fatima, Portugal, on October 13, 1917. Campbell suggests that the phenomenon, observed by 70,000 to 100,000 people, was not a divine intervention but rather the result of fine dust particles collected in the upper atmosphere. He describes how this dust cloud could have altered the sun's appearance, causing it to appear as a disc with a clean-cut rim, luminous and shining, and changing the colors of the sky and landscape to shades of amethyst, yellow, and blue. The article details eyewitness accounts, including that of Dr. Almeida Garret, who described the sun spinning and appearing to descend. Campbell discusses potential sources of the dust, considering volcanic explosions and sand/dust storms, and concludes that a volcanic explosion is the most likely cause, noting the remarkable coincidence of the dust cloud passing over Fatima at the time of the predicted miracle. The article includes acknowledgments to various meteorological and geological institutions.

An editor's note by Malcolm Robinson defends the re-publication of Campbell's controversial article, emphasizing the importance of scientific and meteorological explanations for miracles and UFO sightings. A letter to the editor from R. Prichard offers an alternative meteorological explanation for the Fatima event, suggesting the dust could have originated from the Sahara and been carried by atmospheric currents.

S.P.I. Case Research Work: Alleged Haunting in Sauchie, Central Scotland

This section details an investigation by SPI into alleged hauntings in three houses in Sauchie, Scotland, from February to March 1987. The houses, built in 1937, were reportedly experiencing strange footsteps, noises, bangs, smells, and phenomena originating from the loft area. The investigation involved interviews with witnesses, including Mrs. Carol Harrison and her daughter Linda, and Mrs. Eleanor Power. SPI consulted experts from Cambridge University and Glasgow University but received no assistance. The case became more intriguing with the testimony of Mrs. Power's eleven-year-old son, David, who claimed to be visited by a strange man and woman with a baby.

The investigation documented various events, including footsteps, banging noises from the loft, a 'swishing' sound, and strange feelings experienced by Carol on a specific stair. Many incidents occurred when Carol's daughter Michelle was present. Eleanor Power reported her television set switching on and off and a reflection of an unrecognized face appearing in a glass door. Michelle's boyfriend reported hearing Michelle calling him, only to find her asleep downstairs. Carol's mother also reported seeing Carol come downstairs dressed in a nightgown she didn't own, and Carol denied being upstairs. Growling noises from a cupboard also frightened her.

During a second visit, SPI found the living room filled with sleeping bags and camp beds, as the families from the three houses had moved in together due to the disturbances. The article mentions a collie dog named Lassie barking in Tommy's room and scratching at the door, with blood found on the bedroom floor, the source of which was unexplained. Young Ian Power, Eleanor's son, reported being woken by a transparent man and woman holding a baby, who expressed dislike for the dog next door. The woman asked Ian his name and said they were looking after the baby. The article notes that Eleanor had lost two babies in childbirth. The possibility of the case being a hoax for better housing was considered.

The investigation extended to a visit to the Alloa Christian Spiritualist Church, where committee members heard footsteps above them in a locked room. The article concludes by stating that the next issue would reveal what transpired during a planned visit to the families' homes, promising a frightening and unexpected story.

Sheffield UFO Conference August 1992

This report covers the I.U.N. Conference held in Sheffield, England, on August 15-16, 1992, with the theme 'E.T. or not E.T. - is that the question?'. The conference focused on alleged alien content of UFO encounters. The author, Malcolm Robinson, attended with William Moore and Philip Mantle. The event featured lectures by various speakers:

• Norman Oliver: Discussed cases including a red humming object and a tall man in white coveralls photographed in the UK, the Billy Meier crop circle hoaxes, the Dyfed Enigma, and a floating alien sighting. He speculated that some incidents might be related to witchcraft and suggested that humans might be considered 'property'.
• Graham Allen: An abductee who shared his experience for the first time, including car radio interference, strange dreams of grey faces, and sightings of UFOs and triangular objects. His case was raised in the House of Commons by MP Bill Cash.
• Albert Budden: Presented research on the Rowley Regis case, involving small winged creatures who entered a home, discussed religion and politics, and directed beams of light. The creatures departed in an oval-shaped craft.
• Jenny Randles: Discussed the Rendlesham Forest incident, suggesting a possible cover-up by both UK and US authorities and the possibility of a man-made secret device disguised as a UFO.
• William Moore: Gave his first lecture in England, focusing on the Roswell New Mexico case. He discussed the finding of wreckage, the government's denial, and the subsequent discovery of a second crash site. Moore also presented slides of the MJ 12 documents and the controversy surrounding them.
• John A. Keel: Discussed Fugo balloons as a possible explanation for some debris, the Kecksburg UFO crash (identifying it as a hydrogen bomb), and his investigation into the 'Mothman' sightings in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, noting UFO sightings and Men in Black encounters.
• Dr John Shaw: Lectured on the psychological perspectives of UFO abductions, stating that psychologists 'can't explain the UFO Enigma'.
• Robert France: A contactee who recounted an incident involving Mrs. Shelagh Gill, who reported encountering gossamer threads, hypnotic regression revealing a reptilian alien, and an implant. Shelagh later had a discussion with a strange man who moved in stages.

The conference concluded with a vote of thanks by Philip Mantle, and the author expressed his appreciation for William Moore and the event.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of UFOs, alien encounters, government secrecy, and unexplained phenomena such as hauntings and alleged miracles. The editorial stance appears to favor scientific inquiry and rational explanations where possible, as seen in the Fatima article, while also acknowledging the persistent nature of unexplained events and the need for continued investigation. There is a critical view of some aspects of the UFO community, with mentions of researchers seeking profit and the potential for disinformation. The magazine aims to present unbiased accounts and encourage open-mindedness.

This issue of ENIGMAS, dated November-December 1992, delves into a variety of paranormal and unexplained phenomena, with a strong focus on the dark allure of Beachy Head, psychic experiences, and UFO theories.

The Lure Of Doom At Beachy Head.

The lead article by Kevin & Ingrid Carlyon explores the tragic reputation of Beachy Head in East Sussex, England, as a notorious suicide spot, second only to the Golden Gate Bridge in the USA. The article highlights recent high-profile suicides, including that of David Scarboro (Mark Fowler in Eastenders) and a mother and her two children. It discusses the historical context of the area, mentioning legends of human sacrifice by Druids and the symbolic act of rolling victims from the cliff. The piece also touches upon the belief that the Roman leader Safo jumped to achieve immortality and a 16th-century priest thrown from the cliffs for alleged sorcery. Local history recounts followers of St Wilfred taking their own lives in the 6th century due to crop failure. The authors note that many people approaching the edge of the cliff claim to feel an 'evil feeling' or a compulsion to jump.

Dr. Surtees, a retired doctor from Eastbourne Hospital, is interviewed regarding the increasing fatality rate at Beachy Head. He dismisses supernatural theories, attributing the phenomenon to publicity and the 'fashion' of suicide, noting a rise from 27 deaths between 1905-1913 to an average of 15 per year in recent times. He believes stress and mental problems are the primary causes. Despite numerous attempts by local churches to address the issue, 1990 saw a record 25 suicides. The article also recounts anecdotes of a mysterious black-robed figure seen at the Head and strange voices heard by visitors.

Interview With Khwaja Shamsuddin

By Sajid Hussain, this section features an interview with Khwaja Shamsuddin, a spiritualist, conducted in August 1992 in Glasgow. Khwaja discusses his realization of psychic spiritual powers at a young age and identifies his spiritual guide as Mohammed Azeem Bakhiya, also known as Qalander Peba Avliya. He explains the 'Azeemi' philosophy, which aims to spread a message of peace and love, portraying God as a 'motherly deity' rather than one of wrath. Khwaja mentions that his students come from all walks of life and that a book written by his teacher predicted a future figure who would challenge corruption and bring order. He also touches upon predictions of world catastrophe after 2006, involving floods. Regarding the Big Bang theory, Khwaja believes it is a creation of matter and gases, but that the ultimate source is God, whose existence scientists are reluctant to accept. He describes the human aura as a body of light, consisting of 72,000 layers, with the physical body being healthy if the mind is positive, and the aura becoming ill with negative thoughts.

Psychic Projections and the UFO Contact Abductions

Written by Alan Crowe, this article explores the theory that UFO close encounters and abductions might stem from 'psychic projection' – the subconscious mind of the percipient generating external manifestations. The author introduces 'Recurrent Psychokinesis' (RSKP) as a potential mechanism, suggesting that heightened emotions or tension can induce an 'altered state of consciousness' where paranormal phenomena like object movement, precognition, ESP, and telepathy can occur. Serious scientific research into RSPK is ongoing in the UK, USA, and CIS. The article posits that UFO encounters and abductions could be outlets for deep-rooted emotional problems, with the subconscious mind projecting images and sounds that seem real.

The Facts Ain't Always What They Seem!

Malcolm Robinson investigates several cases, starting with the alleged 'screaming skull' of Tobermory Bay. He recounts how the skull, found by diver Buster Crabbe, was part of a hotel sale and was associated with severe headaches and strange occurrences, including a headless body washing ashore. The hotel owner eventually sold the property, and the skull's story was later admitted to be embellished for publicity. A subsequent letter from the hotel proprietor confirms the story was used for marketing and that the skull was allegedly returned to the bay, though its exact fate remains mysterious.

Robinson then details strange incidents during rehearsals for a play at Crathes Castle, Scotland, including a technician falling, a fire extinguisher falling, and a director's car rolling downhill. He also discusses the castle's alleged ghosts, including the 'green lady' and Lady Agnes Burnett. The article mentions the discovery of a woman and child's skeletons during renovations and the persistent smell of cigar smoke, attributed to a former inhabitant.

Well Was It "Nessie"?

This section examines the controversy surrounding a video purportedly showing the Loch Ness Monster. The article notes that initial media reports were inconclusive, with explanations ranging from 'wave' to 'seal'. Professor Peter Meadows of Glasgow University, initially skeptical, found the video impressive after repeated viewings, stating the object was animate, warm-blooded, and roughly four to twelve feet long. He ruled out seals, surface logs, and waves, though he remains undecided about it being 'Nessie'. Steuart Campbell, a science writer, offers a counter-argument, suggesting the phenomenon could be a rare 'interference effect' between wakes caused by large vessels in the loch, creating a large hump of water and foam.

Other News & Reviews

This section includes brief mentions of a potential Glasgow UFO Society being formed, a pop-rock group called Blaise that incorporates UFO and Arthurian mythology into their lyrics, and a call for reports from individuals who have experienced archetypal 'Merlin Figure' phenomena. It also features letters to the editor, including one from Ian Shanes discussing the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligences and another from Edward Harris exploring the concept of spirit worlds and interdimensional travel.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the unexplained, the paranormal, and the mysterious. Beachy Head's dark history, the nature of psychic phenomena, the possibility of UFOs being linked to the human subconscious, and the enduring enigma of the Loch Ness Monster are all explored. The magazine seems to adopt an open-minded but critical stance, presenting various theories and anecdotal evidence while also acknowledging skeptical viewpoints and the role of publicity and psychological factors in some phenomena. The editorial stance encourages readers to consider different perspectives and to investigate further.

Title: news desh
Issue: NOV-DEC 1992
Volume: 40
Date: November-December 1992

This issue of "news desh" (Vol. 40) delves into a variety of unexplained phenomena, local mysteries, and news from the UFO community. The magazine features reports on stolen plaques, cryptid searches, unusual encounters, and new publications.

News and Reports

Livingston UFO Incident Plaque

The cover story highlights the theft of a plaque commemorating a UFO incident near Livingston. Dean Swift of the Livingston Development Corporation assures that the plaque will be replaced and more securely fixed, addressing concerns about its repeated disappearance.

Cryptid Sightings

Reports include sightings of a black puma-like cat near Cockburnspath and Duns in Berwickshire, though no animals were reported savaged. In a more exotic pursuit, Billy Gibbons is preparing for another expedition to the Congo to search for the legendary Mokele Mbembe, a creature described as dinosaur-like, following an unsuccessful previous trip.

Goatfell Encounter

A significant report details an encounter on Goatfell, Arran's highest peak. Peter Kelly and a companion heard a "howling creature" and saw a "shadowy figure" bounding away across the snow. They discovered footprints measuring 18 inches long and 11 inches wide, prompting speculation about local folklore concerning large beings.

Personal Notes and Corrections

The editor apologizes for an error regarding the placement of the CE IV radio documentary "The UFOlogists" on a music tape. Details of CE IV recordings are included, recommended for their quality.

New UFO Journal

A new magazine, "WORLD UFO JOURNAL," is announced. Priced at £1.50, it focuses on government cover-ups, famous sightings, and related topics. Its editor is Edward Harris, formerly of "COSMOLOGY NEWSLINK."

Editorial Notes and Schedule

Due to extensive coverage of the Sheffield UFO Conference, articles by Ren Halliday on the Scottish Landscape and Part Three of "The Alvina Scott: Abduction Case" were omitted. The editor also notes the challenges of being an editor. The magazine has been expanded by four pages as a "Christmas present" to readers.

People and Organizations

Key individuals mentioned include Dean Swift of the Livingston Development Corporation, Prian (associated with a recording), Billy Gibbons (cryptid hunter), Peter Kelly (Goatfell encounter witness), John Keel (author, photographed with an unidentified person), Fergus Storrier (new BUFCRS Scottish Regional Investigator Coordinator), Ken Higgins (previous coordinator), Ren Halliday (writer), and Edward Harris (editor of "WORLD UFO JOURNAL").

Organizations mentioned are the Livingston Development Corporation, the rock group CE IV, BUFCRS, and the new "WORLD UFO JOURNAL" and "COSMOLOGY NEWSLINK."

Locations

Locations featured in reports include Livingston, Cockburnspath, Duns, Berwickshire, the Congo, Goatfell (Arran), Arbroath, Sheffield, and Great Dunmow (Essex).

Object Characteristics

The description of the "shadowy figure" on Goatfell includes its shape as "shadowy figure" and its behavior as "bounding away." Physical trace evidence consisted of "Footprints measuring 18 inches long and 11 inches wide."

Themes

This issue covers themes of UFO Incidents, Cryptids (Mokele Mbembe, Puma-like cat, Yeti), Mysterious Encounters, and UFO Publications.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently reports on unexplained phenomena, local mysteries, and UFO-related news. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, providing a platform for witness accounts and investigative reports. The editor expresses a desire to engage readers, evidenced by the question about a larger format for the magazine and the inclusion of extra pages for the festive season. The closing remarks wish readers well for the holidays, reinforcing a sense of community among subscribers.