Strange Daze - number 19

Magazine Overview

Title: Strange Daze
Issue: Hangover Issue
Volume/Date: AD 2000 - January 2000

This issue of Strange Daze, dated January 2000, delves into extraordinary spiritual and scientific journeys as the world enters the new millennium. The editorial, written by Gloria Heather Dixon, reflects on the media's focus on the year 2000 and the complexities of understanding time and consciousness. It highlights discussions from BBC Radio Four's 'In Our Time' program, featuring insights from Roger Penrose and Melvyn Bragg on the nature of consciousness and time.

Key Articles and Themes

Editorial: AD 2000 – At the Threshold of an Extraordinary Human Journey

The editorial opens with New Year wishes and addresses the media-driven hype surrounding the year 2000, questioning its accuracy relative to the actual birth year of Christ. It references an article by Stewart Steven in the Mail on Sunday, which discussed scientific and philosophical problems arising from science's attempts to explain phenomena beyond its current scope, suggesting a closer proximity to understanding 'God'. The piece notes world events, disasters, and debates on medical technology and genetic modification, positioning the twenty-first century as a 'brave and unique new world'. The editorial highlights BBC Radio Four's 'In Our Time' programs discussing consciousness and time, including contributions from Roger Penrose and an exploration of time as an 'aspect of relationship between events' and its strange characteristics in quantum physics. It introduces the issue's articles, including Dr. Louis E. LaGrand's 'After Death Communication – Final Farewells', John Spencer's examination of perception and recall, and Kevin McClure's critical look at the abduction phenomenon.

The Imaginal in Ancient Persian Religion and Modern Experience by Paul Devereux

This section is based on an introductory lecture delivered by Paul Devereux at the 'Otherworld Reality' Conference in London, 1999. Devereux addresses the perceived conceptual poverty in current consciousness studies, aiming to identify new paradigms. He introduces Henri Corbin's concept of the 'Imaginal' – a realm of consciousness with full spatial reality but not physical, where senses can operate. Devereux outlines three factors hindering understanding: the variety of trance-inducing conditions (meditation, fasting, trauma, etc.), the lack of a modern cultural framework for such experiences, and the dominance of materialistic explanations that reduce consciousness to neurophysiological processes. He argues that the 'Imaginal' is not mere dreams or hallucinations but a coherent, stable state of consciousness accessing an alternate reality. The article touches upon Zoroastrian philosophy, which posits multiple bodies or souls for humans, each with its own 'Earth' or environment. The 'Interworld' (Barzakh) is described as a subtle, non-physical realm that mediates between the sensory and the intelligible, a concept that Devereux suggests can be reworked for modern understanding. He notes that the distinction between subject and object is removed in this realm, and at death or in mystic rapture, one can rise through bodies, transforming the perceived Earth.

The Physics of Time Travel by Dr. Michio Kaku

Dr. Michio Kaku, a theoretical physicist, explores the concept of time travel, moving from its fictional portrayal in H.G. Wells' 'The Time Machine' to scientific theories. He discusses the historical skepticism towards time travel, viewing it as the realm of cranks, but notes that advances in quantum gravity are reviving the theory. Kaku outlines several paradoxes associated with time travel, including the 'man with no parents' and the 'man with no past' paradoxes, and the complex 'Jane'/'Jim' paradox involving self-causality. He contrasts Newton's view of time as a linear arrow with Einstein's concept of time as a 'river' affected by gravity. The article highlights Kurt Goedel's mathematical solution to Einstein's equations, which suggested time travel was possible through rotating universes. Kaku mentions that while Einstein was initially disturbed by this possibility, he later dismissed it based on the universe's expansion (Big Bang theory). The practical hurdles to time travel are significant, primarily the enormous energy required (potentially harnessing a star) and the need for a 'theory of everything' to ensure stability, with superstring theory being the leading candidate. Kaku concludes by suggesting that future visitors might indeed appear, and we should not dismiss such possibilities.

How Perception Works; How Recall Works by John Spencer

This article examines how perception and the recall of events are influenced by a collection of imagery from childhood onwards. It questions what this means when a witness attempts to understand and interpret an unknown experience, suggesting that our internal models shape how we perceive and remember events.

It Came From Hollyweird! by Bill Rose

This piece appears to be a light-hearted take on movies and their connection to extraordinary experiences, with Bill Rose humorously engaging with cinematic tropes.

Final Farewells – Does Consciousness Survive Death? by Louis E. LaGrand Ph.D.

Dr. LaGrand examines extraordinary experiences of the bereaved, exploring the idea that consciousness may persist after death. This article likely delves into near-death experiences, communication with the deceased, and the nature of consciousness beyond the physical body.

Strange Places – Glimpses of Other Worlds?

This section likely explores locations that are considered unusual, mysterious, or potentially connected to other dimensions or phenomena, offering glimpses into the unknown.

Sacred Sites – Explores the dark depths of the abduction phenomenon and examines the nature of these disturbing experiences by Kevin McClure

Kevin McClure critically analyzes the abduction phenomenon in ufology. He scrutinizes both the phenomenon itself and the researchers involved, posing challenging questions and drawing potentially startling conclusions about the nature and implications of these experiences.

Events Diary

This section would typically list upcoming events, conferences, or lectures related to the magazine's themes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of the spiritual, the paranormal, and the scientific, particularly concerning consciousness, time, and unexplained phenomena. There is a clear interest in pushing the boundaries of conventional understanding, encouraging critical yet open-minded inquiry into subjects like Ufology, the nature of reality, and the potential for consciousness to exist beyond the physical body. The editorial stance appears to be one of intellectual curiosity, seeking to bridge the gap between mainstream science and more esoteric or fringe subjects, while maintaining a degree of critical rigor, as exemplified by Paul Devereux's lecture and Kevin McClure's article on abductions.

This issue of Strange Daze, identified as issue number 17 and published in 1997, focuses on the complexities of human perception and memory, particularly in the context of unexplained experiences like UFO sightings and close encounters. The lead article, "How Perception Works; How Recall Works" by John Spencer, argues that UFO reports are not objective documentation but rather the witness's attempt to understand an unknown experience, shaped by their pre-existing beliefs and a process of selective memory.

How Perception Works; How Recall Works by John Spencer

John Spencer, Director of Research for the British UFO Research Association (BUFORA), explores the psychological factors influencing how individuals interpret and recall events. He outlines four phases of witness experience:

Phase One: Personification and Threat Assessment

Initially, people tend to personify unknown events, attributing intelligent direction to them as a survival mechanism. The interpretation of a stimulus can be influenced by the witness's prevailing mood or beliefs, leading to perceptions of ghosts in old ruins or aliens in everyday settings.

Phase Two: Selective Confirmation (The Ratchet Effect)

Following an initial impression, individuals seek further clues to confirm their understanding, a process Spencer calls the 'ratchet effect'. Evidence supporting the initial impression is retained, while contradictory evidence is ignored, strengthening the witness's personal views.

Phase Three: Expectation and False Memory

Witnesses then check the event against their expectations, which can lead to the creation of false memories that align with those expectations. This is a normal cognitive process, but it can affect the accuracy of close encounter reports, with variations in descriptions potentially stemming from what individuals expected to see.

Phase Four: Memory Recovery and Hypnosis

When memory accuracy is questioned, or if memory lapses are suspected, techniques like hypnosis are sometimes used to uncover lost information. However, Spencer cautions that hypnosis can inadvertently reinforce false memories or be influenced by the researcher's suggestions, potentially leading the witness to 'experience' and believe in fabricated details.

Spencer emphasizes that the witness's interpretation is filtered through their personal belief systems. If a witness believes they were abducted by aliens, they will seek details that confirm this, downplaying or ignoring contradictory information. This is not unique to UFO experiences but is a fundamental aspect of human cognition. He also notes that investigators' own subjective criteria and beliefs can influence how they interpret witness reports.

Spencer highlights the limitations of verbal communication, stating that only about twenty percent of meaning is conveyed through words, with the rest coming from non-verbal cues. He argues that even diligent researchers can unintentionally lead witnesses, especially under hypnosis.

Experiments Conducted

Spencer describes experiments conducted with ASSAP researchers to test the reliability of hypnosis. In one experiment, a subject under light hypnosis recalled an abduction by aliens, incorporating details from the room, such as cowboy boots worn by someone present, into the fabricated narrative. This demonstrated how external stimuli and researcher suggestions could influence recalled details.

Case Study: John Spencer's 'Suppressed Memory'

Spencer shares a personal account of a cycling accident where he lost consciousness and had significant memory gaps. While details of the journey leading up to the crash eventually returned in stages, the final moments before impact remain inaccessible. He reflects on the difficulty of distinguishing between reality, witness descriptions, and personal imagery when recalling such events, posing the question of how close encounter witnesses can ever be certain of their memories.

Hollywood Sci-Fi Previews

The magazine also features a section on upcoming Hollywood science fiction films, curated by Bill Rose, a regular contributor specializing in aerospace matters.

• Arthur C. Clarke's 'Rendezvous With Rama': A big-budget film adaptation of Clarke's 1973 novel about a 50km long alien worldship arriving in the Solar System, set to star Morgan Freeman.
• Mars Films: Two major films about Mars are in production for 2000: 'Mars', starring Val Kilmer, Gary Oldman, and Carrie Ann-Moss, and 'Mission to Mars', directed by Brian DePalma, rumored to have 'Alien' elements.
• TV Series Revivals: Several TV series are being adapted for the screen, including 'Battlestar Galactica', 'The Man From Uncle', 'Charlie's Angels', 'Mission Impossible II', 'Raiders of the Lost Ark 4', 'Mad Max 4', 'Barbarella 2', a new 'Superman' sequel, and 'The Prisoner'.
• 'Blade 2': Wesley Snipes returns as a vampire hunter.
• Arnold Schwarzenegger's Projects: His next film is 'Doc Savage - Man of Bronze', followed by 'Terminator 3 - Armageddon', directed by James Cameron.
• 'Cosm': A sci-fi movie based on Gregory Benford's novel, potentially too complex for a mass audience, set in a tennis ball-sized universe created at the RHIC.
• Horror Films: Stephen King adaptations include 'Desperation' and 'The Mist'.
• Sequels: 'Hannibal', the sequel to 'Silence of the Lambs', is anticipated.
• Religious/Belief Films: Two controversial films are mentioned: 'The Sky is Falling' about priests discovering God does not exist, and 'The Body' concerning the discovery of Christ's body.
• Supernatural Thrillers: 'What Lies Beneath' starring Harrison Ford and Michelle Pfeiffer, and 'Fatalis Weird' about dangerous animals in Los Angeles.
• 'The Mothman Prophesies': Based on 1960s sightings of moth-like creatures and UFOs in Point Pleasant, West Virginia.
• Cyberpunk Adaptation: William Gibson's 'Neuromancer' is in pre-production.
• Remakes: Sylvester Stallone will star in a remake of 'Get Carter', and a remake of Stanley Kubrick's 'A Clockwork Orange' is proposed.
• Stanley Kubrick Project: Spielberg may direct 'AI' (Artificial Intelligence), a sci-fi script by Kubrick and Brian Aldiss.
• Steven Spielberg Projects: Spielberg will also direct 'Minority Report', based on a Philip K. Dick story, exploring pre-crime technology, and potentially 'AI'.
• Political Action Thrillers: A new 'Jack Ryan' film, 'The Sum of All Fears', starring Harrison Ford, about stopping Palestinian terrorists.
• Historical Drama: Kevin Costner will star in '13 Days', exploring the Cuban Missile Crisis.

After Death Communication: Does Consciousness Survive Physical Death?

This section features extracts from Dr. Louis LaGrand's book, "After Death Communication - Final Farewells," published by Llewellyn Publications. The article, written by Gloria Heather Dixon, discusses Dr. LaGrand's work in grief counseling and his examination of extraordinary experiences where people feel they have received communication from deceased loved ones. These 'after-death communication' (ADC) events can involve seeing, hearing, or sensing the presence of the deceased, and are notable for their spontaneity and the fact that they occur even in non-believers. Dr. LaGrand does not deny the possibility of these experiences being part of another reality. The extracts chosen are the Preface and Chapter Twelve, titled 'Skeptics All'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of the unexplained, human psychology, and popular culture. The editorial stance appears to be one that encourages critical examination of subjective experiences, particularly in the realm of UFOs and paranormal phenomena, while also acknowledging the potential for genuine, albeit difficult-to-verify, experiences. There is a clear interest in how media, particularly Hollywood, shapes public perception of these topics. The inclusion of Dr. LaGrand's work on after-death communication broadens the scope to include other phenomena that challenge conventional understanding of consciousness and reality.

This issue of 'After Death Communication' focuses on 'Final Farewells' and explores the phenomenon of extraordinary experiences in which individuals believe they have been contacted by deceased loved ones. The magazine highlights that these experiences, termed After-Death Communications (ADCs), are not actively sought but rather initiated by the deceased, offering comfort and solace to the bereaved. The publication is dated 1997 and is published by Llewellyn Publications.

After-Death Communication (ADC)

The core of the issue defines ADC as a new field of research into spontaneous contacts with deceased loved ones. It emphasizes that these experiences are not psychic in nature but rather the deceased reaching out to provide comfort. ADCs can occur at any time, often during periods of grief, helping the bereaved cope with loss. Types of ADCs include sensing presence, feeling touch, smelling fragrance, hearing voices, seeing the deceased, and experiencing visions or dreams. Symbolic messages can also be received through objects, animal behavior, or other unexplainable happenings. These phenomena can occur shortly after death or over several years.

The article notes that many people who have had ADCs remain silent due to fear of disbelief or being labeled as mentally unwell. However, with increased openness towards the paranormal and near-death experiences, more people are willing to share. Researcher Andrew Greeley found that 42% of adults reported feeling in touch with someone who had died, with an estimated fifty million people having had such an experience. The interest in ADCs has grown significantly in both the public and professional spheres.

The Role of Skepticism and Perception

Dr. Louis E. LaGrand, the author and a Ph.D. in the field, discusses the nature of skepticism and how it influences our perception of reality. He argues that science is a human invention and not the sole gateway to truth. The article posits that spiritual aspects are an inherent part of humanity and cannot be delegated. It recounts the story of psychiatrist Elisabeth Kubler-Ross being visited by a deceased patient who left a written note as proof of her existence.

Skepticism is presented as a natural human trait, but the issue warns against excessive rigidity. The article explores how perceptions are shaped by individual worldviews and paradigms. It highlights that two people can experience the same event but perceive it differently due to factors like age, self-concept, immediate needs, past experiences, physical condition, and threat. Fear is identified as a major catalyst for threat, narrowing focus and hindering openness to alternative explanations.

Science itself can be threatened by phenomena it cannot explain, leading some professionals to fear their established views might crumble. However, historical figures like Pasteur, Salk, and Einstein faced fears associated with uncharted territories and managed them by giving careful consideration to the unexplainable. The article suggests that deeply held beliefs can lead to dogmatism, and fear of change can make people resistant to new ideas. Physicians' insensitivity to death-related visions is attributed to their fear of criticism and loss of control.

Cultural Influences and Belief Systems

Belief systems are presented as highly influential, shaping behavior and perceptions, often operating at an unconscious level. The article lists common unconscious beliefs associated with grieving, such as grief being brief, sorrow expression being controlled, crying being a sign of weakness, and men needing to be strong. Evidence suggests that beliefs can even affect biology, as seen in studies where patients informed about chemotherapy side effects experienced them, even when given a placebo.

Western civilization's orientation towards scientism and naturalism is discussed, tracing its roots to the Copernican Revolution, which shifted focus from ancient authority to scientific inquiry. This shift diminished the acceptance of mystery, faith, and the extraordinary, leading to the exclusion of phenomena that could not be systematically observed, like visions or apparitions. The scientific revolution is described as a momentous mutation in human affairs.

The Unseen vs. The Seen

The issue contrasts physical reality with non-physical reality. Physical reality is characterized by conscious mind, reason, logic, scientific method, cause and effect, conversations, physical senses, and objective experimentation. Non-physical reality encompasses the unconscious mind, imagination, faith, hope, love, extraordinary experiences, miracle healings, autosuggestion, visualization techniques, visions, intuition, subjective experiences, and the spiritual realm.

Despite the societal overvaluation of physical reality, the article argues that non-physical factors contribute to spiritual development and can provide solace and motivation in the face of loss. It notes that many people utilize invisible elements, like prayer and visualization, to achieve tangible rewards. The author suggests that the materialistic scientific worldview may be inadequate, questioning if gender plays a role in the overemphasis on physical reality, noting that men are often less willing to embrace or share their spiritual experiences.

The article advocates for a balanced approach, encouraging readers to do their homework, become informed about contact experiences, and maintain an open mind. It suggests that while scientific evidence for the unexplainable may be elusive, the sheer volume of reported experiences warrants study. The issue concludes by emphasizing that mystery is a richness of life, and labeling phenomena limits awareness. It suggests that the conventional model of reality does not fully address actual human experience, and spiritual malnutrition is exacerbated by an over-preoccupation with the material world.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are After-Death Communication, the nature of reality (physical vs. non-physical), the role of skepticism and belief systems, and the influence of culture on perception. The editorial stance is one of encouraging an open-minded yet critical exploration of extraordinary experiences, advocating for a balanced perspective that acknowledges the validity of subjective, non-physical realities alongside scientific inquiry. The author promotes the idea that spiritual well-being is an integral part of human experience and that embracing mystery is essential for personal growth.

This issue of Strange Daze, titled 'Stepping Stones to Other Worlds?', delves into paranormal experiences and UFOlogy. It features personal accounts of unusual encounters and a critical analysis of abduction phenomena.

Patricia's Story: A Hotel Haunting and Apparitions

The issue begins with an introduction by Gloria Heather Dixon, who presents the experiences of a woman named Patricia. Patricia recounts an unsettling stay in a thirteenth-century hotel near Cheltenham in May 1996. Upon arriving, she felt a peculiar presence as she climbed the turret-like stairs to her room, number nineteen. This unease continued in her room, where she felt a strange pressure on her back while trying to sleep, forcing her towards the wall. She eventually turned on the light, and the pressure dispersed. She spent the night with all lights on.

The following morning, Patricia shared her experience with friends, who suggested she change rooms. The receptionist confirmed that the maid was afraid to enter room nineteen due to reports of marching footsteps and a forceful presence.

On her third night, Patricia again felt a strong sense of unease and a presence, particularly near the wardrobe. She also observed four white doves outside her window on a turret, which she found very strange. She states she never felt at ease in that room and was shaken by the experience, which was unlike anything she had encountered before.

Patricia then recounts two other significant experiences. The first occurred approximately a week after her husband Ron's burial. While in the bathroom, she heard a voice clearly call her name, "Pat," which she initially dismissed as coming from the radio. However, the voice was distinct and sounded exactly like Ron's. She later heard the same call again.

Her second experience involved seeing an apparition of her husband, Ron, standing in the hall. She describes him very clearly, wearing the blue/grey Harris tweed jacket he often wore. She felt spellbound and amazed, believing he was trying to show himself to her. She asserts she was wide awake and convinced it was Ron's voice and presence, not a product of grief or imagination.

Patricia also mentions other unusual experiences from her life, including seeing a female apparition with an old-fashioned head-dress in Northern Ireland and seeing her brother in Cyprus. The article notes that these experiences, while unusual, were not repeated.

Analysis of UFOlogy and Abduction Claims

The magazine then shifts focus to a critical examination of UFOlogy, particularly abduction phenomena. It highlights two key dates: 1947 (Kenneth Arnold's sighting) and 1981 (Budd Hopkins' book 'Missing Time'). The article posits that UFOlogy has evolved from focusing on physical aerial events to emphasizing personal recollections of experiences that may not be physically observable.

The author expresses skepticism towards abduction claims, arguing that the evidence presented is often poor and that abductionists fail to provide rigorous, verifiable investigations. The piece criticizes the methods used by many abduction researchers, suggesting they often rely on hypnotic regression, which can be prone to suggestibility and misinterpretation. The author contrasts the skills needed to investigate physical phenomena with those required to assess claims based on altered states of consciousness or memory recall.

The article questions the motivations and methodologies of abduction researchers, suggesting that many are amateur, misguided, or even deceitful. It points out that abductionists rarely allow independent, professional examinations of alleged physical evidence (like 'scoop marks' or implants) or medical aftermaths.

The author argues that while abduction might not be a physically real event, there is a moral obligation to address the abductee's evidence and provide support, rather than dismissing them as freaks or liars. The piece suggests that a more appropriate explanation for the phenomenon might be that "They're back, and this time they're perverts," rather than a smooth, developmental transition.

Sacred Sites and Spiritual Experience

Kevin McClure contributes a piece on 'Sacred Sites,' suggesting that spiritual experiences have historically been positive and life-enhancing. He posits that "real sacred sites are the human beings in whom these complex, unfathomable experiences are perceived," and criticizes the framing of these experiences as solely negative or related to abduction. He argues that society should stop desecrating these experiences with the "dark, harsh, and unjustifiable fantasy of abduction."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the nature of extraordinary experiences, ranging from potential hauntings and apparitions to the more controversial realm of UFO abductions. There is a clear editorial stance critical of the methods and claims made by many in the UFO abduction research community, emphasizing the lack of verifiable physical evidence and the potential for psychological explanations. The magazine appears to advocate for a more grounded and critical approach to investigating such phenomena, while also acknowledging the profound impact these experiences can have on individuals, particularly in contexts of bereavement and spiritual seeking.

Title: Strange Daze
Issue: 19
Date: Winter 1999
Publisher: Strange Daze
Country: England
Price: £2.95 per issue

This issue of Strange Daze, titled 'Unopened Files', delves into the complex and often controversial world of UFOlogy, with a particular focus on abduction experiences. The cover features a striking image of Earth with timepieces and the prominent headline 'UNOPENED FILES', hinting at the secrets and investigations within.

The Nature of Abduction Experiences

The lead article, primarily authored by Kevin McClure, challenges the prevailing narratives surrounding UFO abductions. McClure argues that the common understanding of these events, which often involves physical encounters with aliens, is fundamentally flawed. He contends that 'AMT UFOlogy' (which he distinguishes from other forms of UFOlogy by its emphasis on internal experience) presents a different history, one where UFOs or unidentified lights act as triggers or facilitators for internal, spiritual experiences rather than direct physical interactions.

McClure critiques the methods of prominent abduction researchers like John Mack, Budd Hopkins, and David Jacobs, suggesting their approaches are limited by their focus on physical evidence and inadequate knowledge of human history and spirituality. He posits that these experiences, which have been reported throughout history as encounters with gods, demons, spirits, and angels, are fundamentally 'spiritual' in nature. They communicate not through physical senses but in a different, profound way, offering a rich, personal, and potentially enriching experience.

He draws parallels between modern abduction accounts and the experiences of medieval Christian mystics, such as Mother Julian of Norwich and St John of the Cross, suggesting that both groups are describing the same type of non-physical, spiritual encounter. McClure criticizes those who twist these experiences into narratives of depravity, pain, and fear, arguing that they fail to recognize the importance of human spirituality and are, in effect, abusing it.

Critiques of Research Methods

A significant portion of the article is dedicated to critiquing the methods used in abduction research, particularly the reliance on regression hypnosis. McClure, supported by evidence from the Royal College of Psychiatrists and US courts, asserts that regression hypnosis is dangerous, unreliable, and prone to producing false information that aligns with the subject's or hypnotist's expectations. He strongly advises against its use, along with hyperventilation and creative visualization, for retrieving memories of such experiences.

McClure also outlines categories of individuals he believes are unsuitable for dealing with abduction claimants. This includes those who claim to be alien ambassadors or star children, those who believe their abduction is a career choice, and anyone claiming professional qualification in regression hypnosis without proper accreditation. He emphasizes that the issue is not primarily a mental health problem, suggesting that conventional professionals would be of limited help.

Malcolm Robinson's Response

Malcolm Robinson, a researcher featured in the magazine, provides a response regarding his views on hypnosis. He states that after reviewing articles and data sent by Kevin McClure, he has developed 'deep reservations' about the use of hypnosis in UFO abduction research. He recounts the A70 'abduction' case, where witnesses recalled seeing a strange black hovering object, and notes that while hypnosis might have led to elaboration, he now believes it should not be used as a tool for researching these experiences.

BUFORA and Events Diary

The magazine includes a section on 'Events Diary' featuring upcoming lectures and events from The British UFO Research Association (BUFORA) and the Independent UFO Network. BUFORA's fourth annual conference is announced for January 29th, 2000, in Chorley, Lancashire, with speakers like Brian P. James, Gloria Heather Dixon, Rev Lionel Fanthorpe, Billy Devlin, and Brian Allan discussing various UFO and paranormal topics. Other listed organizations include Magonia Magazine, Abduction Watch, Northern UFO News, and several regional investigation groups.

Arnold West Remembered

A heartfelt tribute is paid to Arnold West, a founder member, Vice-President, and Council Member of BUFORA, who passed away on December 8th, 1999. The author, Gloria Heather Dixon, remembers him as a wise and gentle man with an intricate knowledge of UFO history and the people involved in the field. His passing is noted as a significant loss to BUFORA and the wider UFO community.

Editorial Stance and Advertising

The editorial section is headed by Gloria Heather Dixon, with a list of editors and consultants. The magazine's address and subscription details are provided, along with information on advertising. The editorial stance appears to be critical of mainstream abduction narratives and emphasizes a more psychological and spiritual interpretation of UFO phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the re-evaluation of UFO abduction experiences, shifting the focus from physical alien encounters to internal, spiritual, and psychological phenomena. There is a strong critique of the methodologies employed in abduction research, particularly the use of hypnosis, and an emphasis on the historical and cross-cultural nature of such experiences. The editorial stance appears to advocate for a more nuanced understanding that acknowledges the profound impact of these experiences on individuals, while cautioning against sensationalism and potentially harmful research practices. The magazine also serves as a platform for promoting UFO research groups and their events, fostering a community of interest in the unexplained.