SPI Enigmas - no 33

Magazine Overview

Title: ENIGMAS
Subtitle: THE JOURNAL OF STRANGE PHENOMENA INVESTIGATIONS
Issue: 33
Volume: 3
Date: August-September 1993
Price: £2.00
Publisher: STRANGE PHENOMENA INVESTIGATIONS (SPI)

This issue of ENIGMAS, the journal of strange phenomena investigations, is packed with diverse and intriguing articles. The cover prominently features the headline "UFOs - still buzzing around!" alongside an image of a Japanese TV crew investigating the Bonnybridge UFO mystery. The contents list promises a wide array of topics, from poltergeists and man-apes to interviews and abduction cases.

Editorial: Messengers Of Destiny

The editorial section introduces the video documentary "Messengers Of Destiny," which is highly recommended by the editor. The video focuses on a wave of UFO sightings in Mexico City in 1991-1992, particularly during a total solar eclipse. The sightings involved a silvery disc-shaped object, captured on video by numerous individuals. The editorial notes the significance of the Mexican government's 'open' acceptance of these sightings and mentions the Japanese TV crew's involvement in interviewing the Mayor of Atlixco. It also touches upon Mayan prophecies concerning the eclipse and potential 'Cosmic Awareness' and 'Earth Changes.' The editor emphasizes the video's impact, suggesting it surpasses other UFO films and strongly urges readers to see it. Information is provided on how to obtain the video.

"Flying Saucers in East Germany"

This section presents an account from 1952, based on the sworn testimony of Oscar Linke, a former mayor from Gleimershausen, West Berlin. Linke, who escaped from the Soviet Zone with his family, describes an object resembling a huge frying pan, approximately 15 meters in diameter, landing in a forest clearing. He observed two men in shiny metallic clothing stooped over something on the ground. The object had a conical tower, rows of holes, and emitted a hum. It rose and rotated, disappearing towards Stockheim. Linke found a circular opening in the ground matching the conical tower's shape, convincing him of the reality of the event. He expresses his initial belief that it was a Soviet military machine and his fear due to the Soviets' secrecy.

Poltergeist Pandemonium (Part Two)

Written by Peter Hough, this article continues the exploration of poltergeist phenomena. It references scientists Hans J. Eysenck and Carl Sargent, who noted a strong core of cases with evidence for psychokinesis (PK). The article recounts a case in Speke, Merseyside, in June 1986, involving a mother and daughter, Shirley and Elizabeth Kane, where furniture and china were smashed. A priest, Father Paul Montgomery, was called but found the situation beyond him. The article questions whether spontaneous PK can explain all poltergeist activity, including footsteps and apparitions, and raises the possibility of a 'medium' being present. It then details a bizarre case from Connecticut investigated by Paul Eno, involving the Sanford family and their neighbors. This poltergeist moved objects, caused loud knocks, and exhibited terrifying red eyes at windows. The article suggests that suppressed emotional energy might have fueled the entity. It concludes by questioning if modern parapsychologists are wrong.

Man-Apes of Eastern Australia (Part I)

This article by Rex Gilroy, an Australian correspondent, explores sightings of strange "man-apes" in Australia. Gilroy argues that creatures like the "Abominable Snowman" are not confined to the Himalayas and have been reported in Australia since early European settlement. These creatures are known by various names, including "Yowie" and "Doolagahl" in Australia. Descriptions from aborigines and modern eyewitnesses depict them as terrifying, hairy, up to 2.6m tall, with muscular bodies, powerful arms, and large hands. They walked upright with a stooped gait, had receding foreheads, and thick eyebrow ridges. The article discusses the possibility of these creatures being related to Gigantopithecus, a giant ape that lived millions of years ago. It mentions fossil jaws and footprints found in Asia and Australia that resemble those of Gigantopithecus. The article suggests that the Yowie and Bigfoot may have migrated from Asia via land bridges during the last ice age.

The William Moore Interview (Part Two)

This is the continuation of an interview with American UFOlogist William Moore, conducted at the Sheffield UFO Congress. Moore discusses the discovery of the Cutler Twining memo, which he believes is a genuine document related to UFOs. He addresses accusations of planting the document, asserting its authenticity. The interview also touches upon ex-President Jimmy Carter's interest in UFOs and his campaign promise to review government UFO documentation. Moore expresses frustration with the incompetence and sensationalism within the UFO community, advocating for a more professional and funded approach to investigations. He also discusses the challenges of obtaining information from government archives due to ongoing classification.

Physically Meeting "Dead" People

Michael Roll shares his perspective on survival after death, influenced by his rationalist mother and the work of scientists like Arthur Koestler, Ronald Pearson, Sir William Crookes, and Sir Oliver Lodge. Roll believes that the mind and brain are separate and that life force operates on another wavelength. He recounts experiences of being reunited with deceased relatives, facilitated by mediums like Rita Goold. He asserts that this phenomenon provides scientific proof that death is not the end and that communication with the deceased is possible through modern methods. Roll criticizes the suppression of this information by materialists and the media.

The Alvina Scott Abduction Case (Part 4)

This section continues the account of Alvina Scott's abduction experience, detailing a hypnosis regression interview conducted by Lorne Goldfader. Alvina describes being re-contacted by E.T.s and waking up in a room that she believes is an "embryo fertilization room." She mentions encountering a woman named Ruthie Baxter and describes the E.T.s as looking human but with a greenish-grey skin when seen without an illusion. Alvina expresses strong feelings that the abduction is negative and connected to other abductees. She speculates that the E.T.s might be using embryos and fetuses for some purpose, possibly related to human flesh or processing. She also mentions being healed by the E.T.s and believes they use mind links to create illusions.

A Mysterious Portrait of Nessie

This article by Bob Rickard discusses the controversy surrounding photographs of the Loch Ness Monster, specifically focusing on images taken by Anthony "Doc" Shiels. The author acknowledges that Shiels, a stage magician, may not inspire confidence in skeptics, but notes that his Nessie photos are among the clearest known. Rickard highlights Shiels's claims of having joined with other magicians to raise monstrous denizens in lakes, aided by witches. Despite criticism, Shiels maintains the authenticity of his photographs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of ENIGMAS consistently explores the unexplained and the paranormal, with a strong focus on UFO phenomena, including sightings, investigations, and abduction accounts. The magazine also delves into other mysterious subjects like poltergeists, cryptids (man-apes, Nessie), and the nature of consciousness and survival after death. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, presenting evidence and eyewitness accounts without necessarily endorsing a single viewpoint. There is a clear emphasis on gathering and disseminating information, encouraging readers to draw their own conclusions. The magazine also seems to advocate for a more rigorous and professional approach to studying these phenomena, as expressed in the interview with William Moore.

Themes: UFOs, Poltergeist, Man-apes, Abduction, Nessie, Survival after death.
Tags: UFO sightings, Bonnybridge, Japanese film crew, Poltergeist, Man-apes, Yowie, Bigfoot, William Moore, Alvina Scott, Abduction, Nessie, Loch Ness Monster, Survival after death, Psychokinesis, UFO Congress.

This issue of ENIGMAS magazine, dated August-September 1993, focuses on a range of unexplained phenomena, with prominent features on the Loch Ness Monster and UFO sightings. The cover headline, "Hi-tech hunters go all out for Nessie," signals a deep dive into the ongoing investigation of the legendary creature.

The Cumbernauld Nessie Photograph

The magazine presents a detailed analysis of a photograph of the Loch Ness Monster, referred to as the 'Cumbernauld Nessie photograph,' taken by an individual identified only as 'H' and later compared to 'Doc's' own photographs (ANS-2). 'Doc,' a long-time acquaintance of the publication's editor, is described as a credible source with an 'admirable fortean attitude.' The article scrutinizes the similarities and differences between the two images, noting the head and neck shape, markings, and musculature as similar, while differences in grain structure, wave patterns, lighting, and neck angle are also observed. Colin Bord's assessment, summarized in the article, concludes that while the similarities are remarkable, the Cumbernauld Nessie photograph is not a simple reversed version of Doc's ANS-2. The possibility of airbrush retouching is considered but deemed highly complex and costly. Doc himself speculates about the photo being a 'cleverly constructed muppet' or a deliberate hoax to discredit his own work.

The article also touches upon the mysterious identity of 'H' and the woman, Ms MacLachlan, who provided the slide. Her account of taking the photo during a cycling holiday in the Loch Ness area is presented, along with questions about how she knew H and had a direct line to Doc. The author expresses a personal inability to accept the argument that if the Cumbernauld Nessie photo is fake, then Doc's 1977 pictures are also fakes, deeming it 'in-nuendo, not logic.' Despite his anxieties, Doc is credited with passing the photo on for publication.

Japanese Film Crew Probes Bonnybridge UFO Mystery

Another significant feature covers the visit of a Japanese TV crew from Nippon Television Network to Bonnybridge, Scotland, a known UFO hotspot. Led by Junichi Yaoi, the crew aimed to film UFO witnesses for a two-hour special, which was expected to reach 24 million viewers in Japan. The article details the crew's activities, including interviews with witnesses, re-enactments of sightings, and public meetings. Councillor Billy Buchanan is highlighted for his role in facilitating the visit and promoting Bonnybridge as a global UFO capital. The report also mentions the crew's interest in other UFO cases and alleged government documents concerning alien spacecraft. The visit generated significant local and international media attention, despite some negative press and skepticism.

Project Urquart and Loch Ness Exploration

The magazine provides an update on 'Project Urquart,' a research initiative exploring Loch Ness. A presentation at the Royal Geographical Society revealed findings from the first phase, including a detailed three-dimensional map of the loch and the discovery that it is deeper than previously thought. The project aims to move beyond a 'one-dimensional image' of Loch Ness and harvest its environmental knowledge. Mysterious objects, described as 'stepping stones' lying in a regular path across the loch floor, were also mentioned. Theories about these objects range from sonar targets used for calibration by the Ministry of Defence in the 1960s to World War I mines dumped in the loch.

Other Articles and Sections

Several other articles and sections contribute to the issue's diverse content:

• Where Does Spirit Go At Death? by Lee Walsh, explores philosophical and scientific perspectives on death, life span, and the nature of consciousness, referencing historical figures and longevity in the Hunza region.
• News From The Back by Malcolm Robinson, provides updates on SPI (Society for Psychical Research) activities, including public lectures and skywatch programs, and reviews the UFO movie 'Fire In The Sky.'
• UFO's: Fact, Fraud or Fantasy by Malcolm Robinson, reports on the Sheffield Independent UFO Network Congress, featuring speakers like Ole Johnny Braenne and Philip Mantle, and discussing cases such as the Spitsbergen crash hoax.
• Letters to the Editor includes correspondence on various topics, from UFO sightings and paranormal experiences to the search for the Ark of the Covenant and the construction of ancient megalithic sites.
• Temporal Anomalies by Mack R. Haldner, discusses the concept of 'temporal anomalies' as a potential explanation for various unexplained phenomena like the Loch Ness Monster and ghosts.
• UFOlogy and Research sections feature reviews of UFO-related music and books, and calls for collaboration on research into ley lines and UFO signaling.
• Cattle Mutilation is discussed in the context of Linda Moulton Howe's presentation, exploring theories linking these events to extraterrestrial activity.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent mysteries surrounding the Loch Ness Monster and UFO phenomena. The magazine adopts an investigative and open-minded stance, presenting evidence, witness accounts, and expert analyses while acknowledging the possibility of hoaxes and the need for further research. There is a clear effort to bridge the gap between anecdotal evidence and scientific inquiry, encouraging readers to consider a wide range of possibilities beyond conventional explanations. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging critical thinking and open discussion on these complex subjects.

This issue of ENIGMAS, dated August-September 1993, covers the 40th and 41st volumes, with a focus on the 1993 IUN UFO Congress. The magazine features reports from the congress, discussions on various UFO cases, and paranormal phenomena.

IUN 1993 UFO Congress Report

The report details the proceedings of the IUN UFO Congress, highlighting key speakers and their presentations. Linda Moulton Howe discussed various types of alien entities and abduction scenarios, including aliens entering through bedroom walls. Budd Hopkins presented a strange photographic case from Australia involving a silver ball and a hovering UFO that abducted a family. Paul Devereux spoke about "Earth-lights" as geophysical energies, citing examples like lights appearing over faulting areas and bodies of water, and their potential misinterpretation as UFOs. Cynthia Hind, an African UFO expert, also lectured, though the reporter missed most of her talk. Reverend Donald Thomas from England discussed UFOlogical topics, including the shooting down of an Atlas missile by a UFO, the R.A.F. Bentwaters case, the death of Thomas Mantell, and the disappearance of pilot Fredrick Valentich.

Andy Collins presented his work on "strange lights" over Loch Ness and paranormal phenomena, suggesting a link to the Great Glen Fault. He also shared views that UFOs are not necessarily nuts-and-bolts alien spacecraft, but possibly "critters" living in the sky, an idea he explored after reading about Orgone Energy.

During the lunch break, Jenny Randles showed film footage allegedly showing UFOs, including a disc-shaped object filmed in Canada in 1991. The report notes debate over the film's authenticity and origin.

The congress concluded with Chairman Philip Mantle thanking attendees and hosts. The reporter expressed gratitude to Philip Mantle and Susan Henderson for their hospitality.

UFO Sightings and Cases in Scotland

The magazine features a report on a visit to Bonnybridge and Livingston, Scotland, described as UFO "hot spots." Two American prize winners from a competition related to the film "Fire In The Sky" visited these locations. The report details meetings with UFO witnesses and Councillor Billy Buchanan. A lecture was given on the history of UFO activity in the area, and news items from Scottish Television were shown. Photographs were taken on the moors behind Bonnybridge.

The report also covers the Dechmont Woods incident, Scotland's most famous UFO case, which occurred to forestry worker Robert Taylor in November 1979. The incident involved two small spherical balls emerging from a large UFO and attaching to Taylor's trousers. SPI (Scotland's leading paranormal journal) had previously commemorated this event by erecting a cairn with a plaque, although the plaque had been stolen.

Radio Discussion and Media

A segment discusses an Eddie Mair Radio Scotland show concerning the Bonnybridge UFO sightings. The reporter criticizes co-presenter Steve McKenna for comparing UFOlogists to trainspotters wearing anoraks, while UFOlogist Tony Dodd defended the academic and professional standing of many UFOlogists. The show featured taped guests including Tony Dodd, Jenny Randles, Timothy Good, Ralph Noyes, and Bob Ochler. The public phone-in segment is described as descending into silliness with a caller filming an "unidentified frying object" in a fish and chip shop.

A Nippon UFO T.V. special, a two-hour documentary including footage from Bonnybridge, was scheduled to air to 24 million people on October 10th. SPI planned to show a copy at a public meeting.

Other Paranormal Cases

SPI is investigating a case involving a small plastic child's guitar that plays itself every morning at 1:00 AM with no batteries. A young girl is believed to have been psychically picked up by family members, a claim confirmed by a local medium. This case is described as challenging and will be detailed in a future issue.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes SPI as Scotland's leading paranormal journal. There is a strong emphasis on reporting UFO sightings and encounters within Scotland, particularly in areas like Bonnybridge and Livingston. The editorial stance appears to be open to various explanations for UFO phenomena, including unconventional theories like "critters" living in the sky, while also acknowledging more traditional explanations. The magazine also highlights the professional and academic backgrounds of many UFOlogists, countering dismissive attitudes. There is a clear effort to document and commemorate significant UFO events, such as the Dechmont Woods incident.