Stockholms UFO-Nytt - 1992 No 4

Magazine Overview

Title: Stockholms UFO-Nytt
Issue: Number 4, 1992
Publisher: Stockholms UFO-förening (Stockholm UFO Association)
Content: This issue is an information bulletin for members of the Stockholms UFO-förening, focusing on Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and related phenomena.

Featured Articles

Från poltergeist till healing (From Poltergeist to Healing)

This extensive article details the life and abilities of Matthew Manning, an English healer. It begins by describing his childhood experiences with strong psychokinetic phenomena, or poltergeist activity, starting in February 1967 when he was eleven. These events included objects moving on their own, furniture being displaced, and unexplained materializations. His father consulted Dr. George Owen, a geneticist and researcher at the Cambridge Society for Psychical Research, who suggested Matthew attend a three-week psychokinesis seminar in Toronto in 1974. Among the participants was Nobel laureate physicist Professor Brian Josephson, who stated that "We are on the threshold of discoveries that could be of utmost importance for physics."

Experiments showed that Matthew could consciously activate his psychic abilities. When connected to an electroencephalograph and electromyograph, his brain activity displayed a unique "ramp function" characterized by increased theta energy and decreased beta energy, while muscle activity remained normal. REM sleep readings indicated he was in a deep sleep state, though he was demonstrably awake. This ramp function was linked to the oldest part of the human brain, possibly a function present in early humans.

Dr. Joel L Whitton, a participant in the Toronto conference, noted that many psychics reported experiencing a strong electric shock before the age of ten. While Matthew didn't recall this, his mother had experienced a severe electric shock three weeks before his birth, raising concerns about a potential miscarriage. Whitton pondered a connection between electric shocks and psychic abilities.

Manning's experiences are documented in his book "The Link." The poltergeist phenomena began on February 18, 1967. Initially, they involved objects like a silver jug falling and later, more significant events such as chairs and tables being overturned, and furniture moving. These incidents often occurred between 7:00 and 7:30 AM. Dr. Owen noted that such outbreaks were often associated with children's presence and typically lasted a few weeks.

After a period of calm, the phenomena resurfaced in 1970 when his parents bought a heavy antique wardrobe. The doors would open on their own, and objects were thrown out. In April 1971, during Easter break, the phenomena escalated dramatically. The wardrobe slid across the floor, Matthew's bed vibrated violently, and the room was left in disarray, resembling a bomb site. The disturbances spread throughout the house, with furniture overturned, pictures torn from walls, and strange writings appearing on walls. Puddles of water formed, and objects were thrown into the air.

When Matthew returned to school after the Easter break, poltergeist phenomena began in his dormitory and others. Beds moved, objects were thrown, and the floor was covered in broken glass and nails. Fourteen table knives were reportedly thrown at walls. The intensity of these events led to parental complaints and concerns from other students. At times, an icy coldness filled the room, followed by glowing lights on the walls, with heat threatening to set the room on fire.

Matthew also explored astral projection, experiencing out-of-body sensations and visualizing his home. He also began to write automatically, producing messages in various languages, which seemed to reduce the poltergeist activity. He also created complex drawings, sometimes signed with the names of famous artists like Albrecht Dürer or Picasso. Experiments with a tape recorder yielded unexplained sounds, including pistol shots and machine-gun fire, mirroring a news report about violence in Northern Ireland.

In late 1973, Uri Geller's arrival in Britain caused a stir. A TV documentary about Geller in January 1974 inspired Matthew to try bending spoons, which he eventually succeeded in doing, along with other metal objects. He found that concentrating less intensely and listening to someone talk about something else made it easier to bend objects.

After leaving school in 1973, Matthew was approached by a publisher and wrote "The Link," which became a bestseller. He then spent years experimenting with scientists before eventually focusing on his work as a healer.

The article also touches upon his healing work, noting that while laboratory results were dramatic (e.g., increasing the death rate of cancer cells by 200-1200%), human healing is more complex due to factors like stress. He emphasizes the importance of patient participation in the healing process. Anecdotes are shared about his success with cancer patients and children with brain injuries, and the role of laughter and crying as stress-relief mechanisms. The article concludes by mentioning that while healing is permitted for most conditions in England, new EU regulations might affect his work.

Matthew Mannings föredrag i Medborgarhuset den 10 juni 1992 (Matthew Manning's Lecture at the Civic Hall on June 10, 1992)

This section summarizes a lecture given by Matthew Manning. After the publication of his book, he was interviewed by journalists who were more interested in sensational aspects than in his healing abilities. He began conducting experiments with scientists, but they focused on his ability to influence circuits or delete computer programs, rather than on helping people. This led him to travel to India in 1977, seeking answers about his life's purpose. During his stay, he experienced a profound sense of unity with nature and felt guided to pursue healing.

From 1977 to 1982, he conducted healing experiments, including influencing the growth of seeds and beans. In Texas, he experimented with cancer cells in vitro, demonstrating a significant increase in cell death (200-1200%) in 27 out of 30 trials. Scientists attempted to replicate these results by shaking the cell cultures, but without success. The experiments were repeated at London University with similar outcomes, yet skepticism persisted.

Manning found that his healing results were less dramatic when working directly with people, attributing this to factors like stress. He believes that patient belief and active participation are crucial for successful healing. The article mentions his dog, Cromwell, who seemed to sense a patient's emotional state. It also describes a healing demonstration for a woman with rheumatism, where she reported significant improvement after Matthew worked on her shoulders and arms.

The article notes that while healing is generally permitted in England for non-sexually transmitted diseases and non-animals, new EU regulations starting January 1st might make his work illegal.

Kontakt med rymdmänniskor – myt eller verklighet? (Contact with Space People – Myth or Reality?)

This section reports on a lecture by Håkan Blomqvist at Barkarby on November 19, 1992. Blomqvist presented the work of AFU (Arkivet för UFO-forskning - The Archive for UFO Research), which he co-founded in 1973. AFU aims for serious UFO research and holds a vast archive of over 2000 titles. Blomqvist discussed his early contact with Sten Lindgren in 1970, who spoke of "space brothers." He has interviewed about sixty contactees, many of whom hold near-religious beliefs about their encounters with extraterrestrials, often viewing them as divine beings.

Blomqvist suggests that the human need for comfort and hope in a world filled with problems might lead people to seek solace in the idea of advanced cosmic beings offering help. He also critiques how the media and certain individuals tend to label anyone expressing optimism about UFOs as a "flying saucer believer," citing psychologist C.G. Ljung as an example. He mentions the criticism faced by Clas Svahn and Anders Liljegren for exposing the Domsten case as a hoax, suggesting that some prefer to maintain classic UFO narratives.

Blomqvist categorizes UFO observations into three groups: light phenomena, pseudomissiles (objects behaving strangely), and classic flying saucers. He recounts a 1969 report of a man who saw a classic UFO-like object while driving a bus outside Härnösand. He highlights that observers who do not immediately attribute sightings to aliens, but rather seek natural explanations, are often more credible.

The article distinguishes between psychic contact cases (receiving mental messages or visions) and physical contact cases (encountering humanoids or craft), with psychic cases being more common. It notes that many contactees report being approached by unusually perfect and peculiar individuals who sometimes disappear inexplicably. Blomqvist concludes that while he cannot definitively confirm extraterrestrial visitation, his critical approach does not entirely dismiss the hypothesis.

Efterlysning! Kontaktpersoner/Fältforskare (Wanted! Contact Persons/Field Researchers)

This section is a call for volunteers interested in UFO research. The Stockholms UFO-förening plans to organize a field research course in Stockholm in the spring and invites interested individuals to contact them for more information. Contact details for the association are provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes serious and critical UFO research, as exemplified by Håkan Blomqvist's approach. It also delves into related paranormal phenomena, such as psychokinesis and healing, as demonstrated by the extensive coverage of Matthew Manning. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging members to engage with the subject matter and contribute to research efforts. The publication serves as a platform for sharing information, case studies, and lectures within the UFO community in Sweden.

Title: UFO-Aktuellt
Issue: 1993-01
Volume: 1993
Publisher: UFO-Sverige
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
Cover Headline: Höj kvalitén på UFO-arbetet (Improve the quality of UFO work)

This issue of UFO-Aktuellt focuses on the quality of UFO research and reporting, with a critical look at the field, particularly in the United States and England, and its implications for Sweden. It highlights the growth of UFO-Sverige and its publication, UFO-Aktuellt, despite the challenges faced by the UFO movement.

Criticism of Ufology

The magazine features a strong critique of contemporary ufology, primarily from Barry Greenwood, published in International UFO Reporter. Greenwood argues that ufology suffers from significant problems concerning the quality of information shared with the public and its relationship with scientific communities, governments, and the media. He likens the current state of ufology to a faulty car, suggesting it is fundamentally flawed. Greenwood points to a history of mistakes, misinterpretations, and factual distortions, allowing unethical and illogical individuals to gain prominence. He laments the internal conflicts within the UFO community, characterized by threats of lawsuits rather than scientific debate.

Jerome Clark, editor of International UFO Reporter, agrees that the "IQ" of ufology has declined in recent decades. Dennis Stacy, editor of Mufon UFO Journal, echoes these concerns, stating that after 45 years of UFO research, it remains easier to find rumors and speculation than concrete physical evidence. Even documents obtained through the Freedom of Information Act are seen as insufficient proof.

Andy Roberts, writing in Fortean Times, discusses Whitley Strieber's theory that UFO phenomena originate from within us rather than from extraterrestrial visitors. Roberts suggests that claims of UFOs as extraterrestrial craft have not withstood scrutiny and are essentially matters of belief.

The Swedish UFO Scene

Clas Svahn, Chairman of UFO-Sverige, presents a more nuanced perspective. While acknowledging the existence of unidentified flying objects, Svahn expresses skepticism about them being extraterrestrial spacecraft. He suggests that many sightings might be psychological phenomena or natural occurrences that are not yet fully understood. He contrasts the Swedish approach with the New Age movement, which he believes often turns inward, seeking self-therapy rather than objective investigation. Svahn advocates for a scientific approach, emphasizing education, critical analysis of firsthand accounts, and considering a wide range of explanations.

UFO-Sverige, founded in 1970, has approximately 2,500 members and publishes "UFO Aktuellt." The organization maintains an archive and a report center that receives about one report every three days. However, only a few cases per year are considered genuinely interesting, often involving nocturnal lights rather than classic "flying saucer" sightings.

Kurt Persson, head of UFO-Sverige's report center, notes that about 95 percent of reported observations can be explained by natural causes. He recounts an incident where reports of two flying saucers chasing each other over Stockholm were later identified as spotlights used for advertising.

Notable Cases and Theories

One of the few individuals who claims to have seen a UFO is Owe Lewitzki, who described two round, metallic objects hovering near his house in 1971. Lewitzki theorizes that these objects might be emissaries from a past or future civilization.

Inga-Lill Wallin, another lecturer, expresses frustration with the proliferation of sensationalist books, articles, and videos about UFOs, criticizing those who promote extreme views and engage in personal attacks. She advocates for a more serious and evidence-based approach to UFO research.

The issue also touches upon the comparison between UFO reports from the USA and the former Soviet Union. American cases are described as more sophisticated, often involving psychological elements and encounters with insect-like or technologically advanced beings. Soviet cases are characterized as more "raw," featuring encounters with robots and beings that can dematerialize or transform.

NASA's Search for Extraterrestrial Life

A press clipping highlights NASA's initiation of a 100 million dollar project to search for intelligent life in space, utilizing new radio telescopes. John Gillingham, heading one of these research centers, believes it is highly probable that many civilizations exist in our galaxy.

A Misidentified Sighting

Inga-Lill Wallin recounts an experience where she observed a cigar-shaped object with a blinking light passing over her house. Initially intrigued, she investigated and contacted Bromma airport. It was confirmed that an ambulance helicopter had landed nearby, explaining the unusual sound and appearance.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO-Aktuellt adopts a critical and analytical stance towards ufology. It emphasizes the need for higher quality research, evidence-based reporting, and a more scientific approach to understanding UFO phenomena. The magazine promotes critical thinking, education, and the exploration of all possible explanations, while acknowledging the enduring mystery of UFOs. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious skepticism towards sensational claims and a desire to elevate the credibility of UFO research through rigorous investigation and open-mindedness.