SPI Enigmas - no 38

Magazine Overview

Title: ENIGMAS
Issue: 38
Date: November-December 1994
Price: £2.00

This issue of ENIGMAS, 'The Journal of Strange Phenomena Investigations', edited by Malcolm Robinson, offers a diverse collection of articles, personal accounts, and book reviews centered around UFOs, psychic phenomena, and unexplained mysteries.

Editorial

The editorial, penned by Malcolm Robinson, opens with a lighthearted anecdote about lucky charms and amulets, transitioning into a discussion about belief and its power. He recounts a local newspaper article about a 'voodoo doll' named 'Shuggie' that a woman, Christine Bryce, believed was causing her a string of misfortunes. The editorial highlights the prevalence of belief in such objects and the psychological impact they can have. A footnote further details the 'Shuggie' doll, mentioning a peculiar incident where a photocopier jammed immediately after copying its photograph, adding to the sense of mystery.

Articles and Features

Mystery of UFO Sightings

This section features accounts from Derek Lauder, detailing his UFO sightings over several years. He describes a 'Cepheus Object' in 1966 that appeared to cover a star, a disc-shaped craft observed in 1968, and various unusual lights seen between 1966 and 1973. Lauder also recounts an encounter in Roslin Glen where an object responded to his torch signals with white light, initiating a form of communication. He also describes a strange UFO seen in 1977 that emitted colored sparks and a dark lens-shaped object in 1979. Further sightings include an orange object over the Firth of Forth in 1982, which resolved into two lights, and a bright white light in 1987 that also appeared to be two distinct lights.

Letters to the Editor

Several letters from readers share their experiences and perspectives:

• Mrs Davidson (Shetland Isles) reports a glowing orange ball in the sky in 1986, from which a smaller red ball emerged and ascended rapidly.
• Jason Glennon (Blackpool, England) describes an encounter in Germany where a 'thing' appeared at the foot of his bed, which he perceived as female and non-harmful, though a sense of dread accompanied the experience.
• Mr J. Garside (Billingham, England) expresses his interest in the analysis of abductions, questioning the reliance on Strieber's 'Communion' and the fragmented recall of abductees. He also touches upon the nature of aliens and their alleged use of 'screen memories' to cover up abductions.
• Lee Walsh (Damariscotta, ME, USA) discusses his skepticism regarding UFO abduction cases and the 'ET hypothesis', agreeing with Jacque Vallee's points about deceptions and hoaxes. He argues that the lack of tangible evidence for crashed saucers or alien bodies, despite millions of alleged abductions, suggests a 'supernatural' rather than extraterrestrial origin.
• A. Cyril Marystone (Bronx, New York, USA) further elaborates on the lack of physical evidence for UFOs and alien bodies, suggesting that the phenomena might be 'supernatural' and perpetrated by 'aliens (demons)' rather than humans. He also references Budd Hopkins' work on 'Abduction And Deception'.

Book Reviews

The magazine features several book reviews:

• 'Without Consent' by Carl Nagaitis and Philip Mantle is reviewed by Malcolm Robinson. The book examines British UFO abduction cases, offering alternative explanations beyond the 'visiting aliens' theory and is recommended for its balanced approach.
• 'Cropcircle Apocalypse' by John Macnish is reviewed by Malcolm Robinson. This book investigates crop circles, suggesting that most are hoaxes, with single circles possibly representing the true mystery.
• 'Without a Trace & The Philadelphia Experiment' by Charles Berlitz and William Moore is reviewed by Malcolm Robinson. It covers the Bermuda Triangle disappearances and the alleged Philadelphia Experiment, questioning the lack of further investigation into the latter.
• 'Unlock Your Psychic Powers' by Richard Lawrence is reviewed by Malcolm Robinson. This book aims to teach various psychic abilities, though the reviewer feels it could offer more depth on each subject.
• 'Time Travel. (Fact Fiction, or Possibility?)' by Jenny Randles is reviewed by Malcolm Robinson. It explores humanity's fascination with time travel, referencing cinema, science fiction, and suggesting that mental capabilities might be key to achieving it.
• 'The Complete Book on UFOs' by Jenny Randles and Peter Hough is reviewed by Malcolm Robinson. This comprehensive book covers UFO history, from the 1880s airship wave to modern cases, including photographs and illustrations.
• 'Has Science Confirmed Life After Death?' (Video) presented by Michael Roll is reviewed by Malcolm Robinson. The reviewer, a spiritualist, praises the video for its compelling presentation of evidence for life after death.
• 'The Moving Statue of Ballinspittle' by Lionel Beer is reviewed by Daphne Plowman. The book details the phenomena of a statue appearing to move in Ballinspittle, Ireland, in 1985, and other similar religious masonry events, including a desecration incident.

Other Features

• 'Mystery Space Craft spotted over Falkirk': This news item reports on sightings of unusual objects in the sky over Falkirk and surrounding areas in August 1994, including a silver cigar-shaped object and a 'catherine wheel' type object.
• 'SPI Statement on the A70 UFO case': This likely refers to a statement from Strange Phenomena Investigations regarding a specific UFO case.
• 'Roswell, The Unpopular Theory': This article likely explores alternative theories surrounding the Roswell incident.
• 'SPI Newsdesk': This section provides updates and news from Strange Phenomena Investigations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of unexplained phenomena, particularly UFO sightings and alleged alien abductions, and the exploration of psychic abilities and beliefs. The magazine maintains an open-minded approach, presenting various accounts and theories without necessarily endorsing any single viewpoint. The editorial stance, as reflected in Malcolm Robinson's writing, is one of curiosity and a desire to explore the unexplained, while also critically examining evidence and potential hoaxes. There is a clear emphasis on personal testimony and anecdotal evidence, alongside reviews of books and media that delve into these subjects. The magazine also highlights the importance of British contributions to UFOlogy, contrasting them with some of the more sensationalist approaches seen elsewhere.

This issue of ENIGMAS, dated November-December 1994, delves into a variety of paranormal topics, with a strong focus on UFO sightings in Scotland and the phenomenon of electrical hypersensitivity. The magazine features reports from investigators, personal accounts, and a review of other paranormal publications.

UFOs Return to Falkirk

The lead story highlights a series of UFO sightings in the Falkirk District, UK, prompting local Councillor Billy Buchanan to take action. Buchanan, who has been collecting reports for two years, is frustrated by the Ministry of Defence's lack of response and plans to present his case directly to Prime Minister John Major. The article details sightings of a "diamond-shaped light" observed by dozens of locals, including witness Jane Shaw, who initially disbelieved in UFOs but was convinced by her experience. The local police confirmed no other reports apart from Jane Shaw's. Malcolm Robinson reports on Buchanan's efforts, emphasizing the need for a serious inquiry and the potential for SPI (Strange Phenomena Investigations) to escalate the matter if necessary.

A related article from "The Sun" newspaper on October 6th, 1994, titled "GIVE US MAJOR PROBE ON UFOS," echoes the sentiment of local frustration, with UFO spotters urging John Major to launch an investigation due to being branded "loonies." Councillor Billy Buchanan is quoted as saying the "media circus has made locals look as if they're bonkers" and that the "local people and the village have suffered cruelly from ridicule."

Electrical Hypersensitivity

Albert Budden contributes an article titled "ELECTRICAL HYPERSENSITIVITY," exploring the connection between this condition and UFO experiences. Budden posits that individuals with electrical hypersensitivity (EH), often found in "hot spots" near power sources, may hallucinate figures and experiences that are indistinguishable from reality. He presents a list of 25 questions designed to identify EH, suggesting that abductees/contactees are likely to answer "yes" to most of them. The article details symptoms such as "black-outs," radar or microwave hearing, bright lights, and the "exploding head syndrome," linking them to exposure to electromagnetic fields.

Fireside Tales (but true)

This section features personal accounts of strange experiences:

Flashing to UFOs!

Lee Walsh recounts an experience from 1979 in the Texas desert where he and two friends attempted to communicate with a UFO using flashlight signals. After two nights of no response, on the third night, a large, bright object appeared and flashed back. Walsh describes the interaction as "pretty scared" and notes that while some of the flashing made sense, other parts had no discernible meaning.

Beautiful Music, But From Where?

Mrs B. Murkoff from London describes hearing beautiful music, initially mistaking it for tinnitus relief. The music, described as orchestral and heavenly, was accompanied by the manifestation of a beautiful, glittering building. The music abruptly stopped after she asked for it to be softer, and she has not heard it or seen the building since.

Old Lady Proves Spirit Survival

Patricia Lines shares a story from World War II where her mother saw the spirit of an old lady who was supposed to be in hospital, only to learn the next morning that the woman had passed away that night.

It's O.K. It's Only Uncle John!

John R. Mallon recounts hearing loud groans and thumping sounds from his grandmother's attic at age 16. He later learned these sounds were typical of his great uncle John, a collier, who would get drunk on Fridays and sleep in the attic.

S.P.I. Case Research Work

S.P.I. Kilsyth Haunting Case August 1994

Malcolm Robinson reports on an investigation by SPI into a haunting at Patricia Canavan's home in Kilsyth. The house was reportedly cold, with taps and lights turning on/off, and strange noises. Patricia's young son reported seeing a "man." SPI, including psychic Helen Walters, spent a night investigating. They experienced phenomena like "cob-webby touches" and saw "small bright lights." Helen Walters reportedly moved on three spirits, including a young boy named Sandy, though one "elderly gentleman" was reluctant to leave.

The Scottish Press Get Wind of the Story

This section details SPI's negative experience with the Scottish Sun newspaper regarding the Kilsyth haunting case. SPI felt the newspaper sensationalized the story, using headlines like "I WANT AN EXORCIST" and "PAT GETS READY TO SPOOK HER GHOSTS," misrepresenting SPI as "exorcists" rather than researchers. SPI vowed never to work with the Scottish Sun again.

Gone But Not Forgotten!

SPI conducted a night investigation at Patricia Canavan's home with a reporter and photographer from the Scottish Sun present. They used various methods to detect paranormal activity, including placing paper under ornaments, using compasses, thermometers, and video cameras. The article notes the reporter left early, and SPI later regretted choosing the Scottish Sun for publicity.

Andrew Swan Case: Close Encounter with 'UFO' Shocks Driver

John Jenkins reports on a UFO sighting by Andrew Swan on July 30th, 1994, near Armadale. Swan witnessed a large, silent, "upside down pyramid" object that hovered and then moved off at high speed. The object caused his car to lose power, and police were called. The Ministry of Defence acknowledged the report, stating their interest is solely in potential threats to UK air defenses. Jenkins notes similarities to a 1992 Bonnybridge sighting and the commonality of power loss in close-proximity UFO encounters. Swan also reported a vivid dream of the event with engine sounds.

Magazine Review

This section provides brief reviews of various paranormal and UFO-related publications, including:

• Northern UFO News: Features information on UFOs, crop circles, and departure from BUFORA.
• The Skeptic: Covers articles on "The Saucer Error" and "The Myth of the Flying Saucer."
• Fortean Times: A comprehensive magazine covering ghosts, UFOs, cryptids, and strange phenomena.
• Southampton UFO Group Newsletter: Focuses on UFOs and crop circles.
• Annals of the Enquiring: A quarterly publication on UFOs, the paranormal, and the bizarre.
• Animals & Men: Journal of the Centre for Fortean Zoology, covering strange creatures.
• The Crop Watcher: A magazine focused on crop circle phenomena.
• Info Journal: Deals with strange and unknown "beasts" and articles on pyramids.
• Bill Knell's UFO Newsletter: Covers UFOs in Canada and other UFO-related topics.
• Magonia: Offers a more skeptical view of UFOlogy, with articles on "Alienating Fancies" and "Screen Memories."
• Ghost Trackers Newsletter: Features gripping ghostly stories.
• Andover Unexplained Phenomena Newsletter: Focuses on UFO sightings.
• Aura-Z: A multi-lingual magazine covering UFOs, hypnosis, and paranormal topics.
• MUFON UFO Journal: Features articles on the MUFON UFO Symposium and Roswell.
• The Missing Link: Focuses on the E.T. perspective rather than just sightings.
• Skylink: Packed with information on UFOs, E.Ts, Abductions, and crop circles.
• Journal of Scientific Exploration: The official publication of the International Society for Scientific Exploration, with research from professionals in various scientific fields.

Slightly Weird

This section presents more personal accounts of paranormal experiences:

• Angels, Ghosts, and Paranormal Phenomena: A woman recounts seeing her deceased mother with an angel at age four, and later experiencing unexplained events in a new flat, including footsteps, a "wizzened" face, dragging chains, and a ceiling collapse.
• Ghosts, Ghosts, and More Ghosts! Teresa Fleming describes a distressing five-month period in a flat where she experienced phenomena like an electric kettle switching on, a knitting needle disappearing, and an "awful" feeling, leading her to move out.
• Jessica Shaw shares experiences of seeing a tall nun who beckoned her, and later an old lady in black sitting on her bed, which a medium confirmed was a spirit presence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, particularly in Scotland, and paranormal phenomena such as hauntings and spirit encounters. There is a clear stance supporting the investigation of these phenomena, with SPI actively involved in research and case work. The magazine also highlights the potential link between electrical hypersensitivity and anomalous experiences. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, advocating for serious inquiry into these matters, while also expressing frustration with media sensationalism and official inaction.

Title: ENIGMAS
Issue: NOV-DEC 1994
Publisher: SPI (Strange Phenomena Investigations)
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of ENIGMAS, published by SPI, delves into significant UFO and paranormal cases. The cover prominently features an article titled "Roswell The Unpopular Theory" by Lee Walsh, alongside news and ongoing research updates from SPI.

S.P.I. Statement on A.70 U.F.O. Case

This section details the A70 Tarbrax Incident, a case SPI has been researching extensively. Due to inaccurate reporting by the press, SPI has decided to withhold further information until their research is complete, possibly publishing a detailed booklet in the future. The incident, which occurred on August 17, 1992, involved Garry Wood and Colin Wright driving on the A70 road near Tarbrax in West Lothian, Scotland. They encountered a disc-shaped object hovering 20 feet above the road. As Garry accelerated, a "silver shimmering curtain" fell onto the car, resulting in a period of "total blackness" for the occupants. They found themselves further down the road, driving on the wrong side, and later discovered they had lost time. Hypnotic regression sessions conducted with the witnesses, facilitated by hypnotherapist Helen Walters, have provided extensive information suggesting a significant event occurred. SPI is investigating whether this was a UFO abduction or a "shared road psychosis."

Roswell The Unpopular Theory

Written by Lee Walsh, this article challenges the conventional narrative of the Roswell, New Mexico, 1947 incident. Walsh suggests that the recovered craft was not extraterrestrial but a terrestrial "spy" balloon, part of Project Mogul, designed to monitor the Soviet Union. He posits that the cover-up involved promoting the alien spaceship story to distract from the true nature of the event. The theory further suggests that the "occupants" might have been robotic, used in experimental craft. Walsh questions the logic of an advanced extraterrestrial race needing to abduct humans for study or having their craft crash so easily. He proposes that the persistent mystery surrounding Roswell serves to keep the public engaged while the real issues are obscured.

News Desk

This section provides various updates and short reports:

• "Without Consent" Book: A new book by Philip Mantle and Carl Nagaitis is mentioned, with a particular chapter on "aliens & sex" being serialized in the Daily Star, which allegedly used a misleading drawing. SPI clarifies that Ian Macpherson, who provided a UFO photograph, never stated he saw an alien creature near the UFO.
• Doomsday Comet: A report about a large comet, 3.1 miles wide, potentially hitting Earth on August 14, 2116, is briefly noted.
• IUFOPRA: Information is provided about the Irish UFO and Paranormal Research Association (IUFOPRA), encouraging readers to contact them for their newsletter and journal.
• Abduction Case: A lady has reported to SPI that she believes she was abducted by aliens and has moved house multiple times, experiencing silent phone calls upon moving.
• 1995 UFO Conferences: Details are given for two upcoming UFO conferences: one in Warblington, England, on April 22, 1995, and a larger international congress in Sheffield, England, on August 19-20, 1995, organized by BUFORA.
• SPI Lectures: SPI announces two upcoming lectures: one on November 23rd by John Plowman on "Castles, Cairns, and coloured lines" (Ley-Lines), and another on December 12th with a speaker yet to be confirmed.

Psychic Readings & Ongoing Research

This section offers psychic and clairvoyant readings through doodles and psychometry, with submissions to be sent to Leslie at ENIGMAS. SPI also mentions its ongoing research, including the A70 case, three ghost cases, and the editor's personal experience in a haunted house. The next issue is slated for February-March 1995.

We'd Like to Hear From You

ENIGMAS invites readers to report UFO sightings or paranormal tales to the Editor. They request typed or printed submissions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores UFO sightings, potential abductions, and the broader paranormal. There's a strong emphasis on critical analysis, particularly regarding media reporting and official explanations, as seen in the A70 case and the Roswell article. The editorial stance, represented by Malcolm Robinson, encourages an open mind while maintaining a skeptical approach to sensationalism and misinformation. The magazine promotes the idea that the truth about UFOs and paranormal events is often obscured or deliberately misrepresented, urging readers to seek answers from within and to question established narratives. The recurring theme is the pursuit of unexplained phenomena with a commitment to rigorous research and a critical perspective.