Tvarvetenskapliga fenomen - No 1

Magazine Overview

This issue of "Tvärvetenskapliga Fenomen" (Transdisciplinary Phenomena), number 1, published by Hallstahammar's UFO Association, explores a range of unexplained and paranormal topics. The magazine covers subjects such as astronomy, parapsychology, UFOs, archaeology, astrology, telepathy, spiritism, clairvoyance, hypnosis, acupuncture, divination, occultism, and forteana.

Teleportation: What Is It?

The article "Teleportation: What Is It?" investigates the phenomenon of instantaneous travel. It recounts a historical case from October 25, 1593, where a Spanish soldier appeared in Mexico City's Plaza Mayor. His papers indicated he belonged to a regiment stationed in Manila, Philippines, over 14,000 kilometers away. The soldier claimed to have traveled from the Philippines to Mexico, and his appearance coincided with the reported death of the Philippine governor, Don Gomex Peres Dasmarinas, on the same day. Despite the unusual circumstances, the soldier was imprisoned as a deserter. Weeks later, news of the governor's death reached Mexico via a long sea route. The Spanish Inquisition investigated, but the soldier could not explain his journey, only stating it took less time than for a hen to lay an egg. He was sent back to Manila, where testimony confirmed he had been in service there the evening before his appearance in Mexico City.

Before This Pagan Cult Site????

This section discusses a puzzling discovery near Seine-et-Marne in Provins, France, where two cities were found layered one above the other. Beneath medieval structures, archaeologists found underground galleries and halls dating from an earlier, more enigmatic period. These galleries, about 20 meters long, contained inscriptions similar to those from the Bronze and Iron Ages, including symbols of the sun, concentric circles, fish, and skulls. The article speculates whether this was a pagan cult site later taken over by early Christians, who attempted to remove the pagan symbols. The lack of connection between the galleries is also noted as a mystery.

Construction Taken Over????

The article "Construction Taken Over????" examines the archaeological site of Tell Mureybet, 80 km southeast of Aleppo. It highlights a significant but little-known period in human history between the Old Stone Age and the New Stone Age, a time of great change in tools, culture, and lifestyle. Excavations at Tell Mureybet uncovered the remains of a village dating back 11,000 years, predating the New Stone Age by approximately 2,000 years. The settlement was likely established near a river for sustenance. The inhabitants built huts with wooden frames covered in clay-rich soil, creating stable structures. This site was continuously inhabited for a long period, and evidence suggests the worship of a mother goddess in the 8th millennium BC. The article questions whether Tell Mureybet played a crucial role in human development or if its inhabitants adopted ideas, such as house building, from another, undocumented civilization.

Kirlian Photographs

This section introduces Kirlian photography, a technique developed by Russian researchers Semjor and Valentina Kirlian. It involves photographing objects in a high-frequency alternating current field, which reveals colorful luminous phenomena, often described as an 'aura', around the edges of the subject. The article explains that the Kirlian apparatus operates between 70 kHz and several megahertz, requiring strong fields. It suggests that Kirlian photography could potentially help identify acupuncture meridians and energy pathways in the body. The phenomenon of a complete leaf appearing in a photograph even after a part was removed is mentioned, as are changes in the 'aura' based on the subject's mental state. The article also notes that stress, alcohol, and certain narcotics significantly alter the 'aura'.

When the Devil Was Loose in Devon

This piece recounts the mysterious "Devon hoof prints" incident from the winter of 1854-55 in England. During a period of severe cold and thick snow, unusual tracks were discovered stretching over 160 km. The tracks, described as hoof-like, about 10 cm long and 6 cm wide, were found in various locations, including gardens, rooftops, and barns. Locals attributed them to the Devil. The article details how the tracks led into a shed and reappeared on the other side, and how a creature seemed to have passed through a 1.5 cm diameter hole. Some tracks were reportedly made by hot hooves, or even a glowing iron. Attempts to track the creature with dogs were met with fear and howling. Various explanations were proposed, including a badger, a fox, an otter, a crane, wildcats, a donkey, or even a kangaroo. A local biologist suggested it was a badger, while a vicar attributed the tracks to cats. The local population remained fearful, with some refusing to go out after sunset.

The Mountain of Light or Darkness?

This section discusses two myths surrounding the Koh-i-Noor diamond: that its owner will rule the world and that it must never be worn by a man. The diamond's name means "Mountain of Light." Its history is linked to significant political upheavals, including the fall of the Mughal Empire and its acquisition by Nadir Shah of Persia. The diamond later became part of the Sikh Empire's treasury before being taken by the British. It has adorned the heads of three English queens but has never been worn by a British king.

Do Plants Communicate with the Cosmos?

This article explores the hypothesis that plants might be capable of communicating with extraterrestrial intelligences. Dr. George Lawrence at the Ecolain Institute in San Bernadino, California, is investigating whether plants, when integrated with electronic systems, can act as conduits for communication. He notes that plants possess electrodynamic properties and can react to stimuli in a binary fashion. Lawrence's research program includes questions about integrating plants with electronic devices, training them to react to specific events, and testing their potential for extrasensory perception. The article explains that plant cells react to various environmental factors, and their electrical properties can be measured. Electrical stimulation can cause changes in plant cells, and damage elicits measurable electrical responses, known as 'nastic response'. Experiments in space, like those at Moon Garden, observed 'nervous breakdowns' in plants. Dr. Clyde Backster's work with polygraph sensors on plants also showed dramatic reactions when he considered burning a match. Dr. Lawrence's "Project Cyclops" experiment in the Mojave Desert involved plants reacting simultaneously over a 12 km distance, suggesting a connection to cosmic phenomena like quasars or cosmic radiation. These reactions were detected even when radio astronomers could not pick up signals, indicating a biological wavelength unique to plants.

The Monk Who Was a Miracle

This section details the life and alleged miracles of Padre Pio, an Italian Capuchin friar. It begins with an anecdote where General Luigi Cardona, contemplating suicide during World War I after a military defeat, was visited by a monk who dissuaded him. Years later, the general recognized this monk as Padre Pio. Padre Pio, born in 1887, joined a Capuchin monastery at 17. In 1915, he began experiencing pains in his hands, feet, and side, which doctors could not explain. Three years later, he collapsed with wounds resembling the stigmata of Christ's crucifixion. These stigmata, bleeding wounds mirroring Christ's suffering, appeared on several individuals throughout Christian history. While some attribute them to divine intervention, others suggest self-suggestion or even demonic influence. Padre Pio never exploited his stigmata for personal gain, covering his hands when in public. He became a renowned confessor and spiritual advisor. The article mentions his suspension by the Vatican twice due to his fame and the donations he received, eventually leading to his vow of poverty being modified to ensure donations went to the Holy See. Padre Pio was also known for his clairvoyance, including accurately predicting the death of King George V of England and guiding a Monsignor Damioni to his deathbed. He died in 1968, and his followers have since sought his canonization.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores phenomena that lie outside conventional scientific understanding, including historical mysteries, alleged paranormal abilities, and unexplained events. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, presenting cases and theories without necessarily endorsing them as fact but rather as topics worthy of investigation. The inclusion of diverse subjects like teleportation, ancient sites, Kirlian photography, and religious miracles suggests a broad interest in the transdisciplinary and the unexplained.

This issue, identified as number 10, presents a collection of unusual and unexplained phenomena, ranging from ancient discoveries to modern mysteries and alleged encounters with the unknown. The content spans historical accounts, scientific anomalies, and anecdotal evidence, suggesting a focus on the unexplained and the mysterious.

OVANLIGT KONSERVERINGSSÄTT (Unusual Preservation Method)

The issue opens with a remarkable account from 1485. Workers on the Via Appia near Rome discovered a sarcophagus containing the body of an ancient Roman girl. She was described as exceptionally beautiful and remarkably well-preserved, with intact skin, hair, and features. The discovery attracted 20,000 spectators, partly due to claims of a still-burning oil lamp found near the body. Pope Innocentius VIII, however, took an unusual step: he ordered the body to be secretly reburied at night outside Porta Pinciana. A letter from humanist Bartolomei Fonte to Francesco Sasetti details the discovery. Fonte describes how workers, searching for marble, broke through a brick vault twelve feet deep and found a marble sarcophagus. Inside, the body lay face down, covered by a two-finger-thick layer of a fragrant substance. The girl's long black hair was braided and covered with a net of silk and gold thread. Her features were described in detail: small ears, a low forehead, dark eyebrows, peculiar eyes, soft nostrils, red lips slightly parted revealing small white teeth, and a scarlet tongue. Her cheeks, chin, neck, and throat appeared lifelike. Her arms were intact, allowing them to be moved freely. The long, beautiful fingers still had nails, and it would have been impossible to remove them. While her back, hips, and buttocks retained their shape, her chest, stomach, and pelvic area had collapsed when the aromatic crust was removed. Fonte concludes that she was the most beautiful noblewoman from Rome's golden age.

OVANLIGT FENOMEN I CANADA (Unusual Phenomenon in Canada)

This section describes the phenomenon at Magnetic Hill in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada. Cars placed at the bottom of the hill roll uphill on their own, even when the engine is off and brakes are disengaged. This is attributed to a gravitational anomaly, possibly caused by a deep deposit of magnetic iron. The phenomenon affects not only metal objects like cars but also other items such as wooden sticks and rubber balls. Witnesses report feeling disoriented or experiencing a sensation of being pushed by a giant hand. The article suggests that Magnetic Hill might offer clues to understanding antigravity.

HAN SÖGS UPP I TEFAT (He Was Taken Up in a Flying Saucer)

This is an account of a supposed abduction by aliens experienced by a Brazilian sailor named Mario Monteira da Silva. While on night watch, he saw a beam of light that lifted him into a large, metallic-blue room. He experienced ear pain due to rapid changes in air pressure. Inside, he encountered four human-sized beings wearing tunics and helmets that emitted a strong light. He could not see their faces clearly due to the brightness. The beings communicated telepathically, asking how he was, and he replied that he was fine. He observed navigation charts showing twelve planets in our solar system and was told that fireballs were meteors. He was shown the moon, which appeared enormous, and its surface was covered in craters, supposedly from a collision with the sun and another celestial body. The beings walked differently, and although he felt light, he could not move quickly. He noted the absence of weapons and that he was not subjected to any experiments. After a couple of days, he wished to return to his ship and family, and he was returned in the same manner he was taken. The captain advised him to remain silent about the incident.

ÄR TYSTNADENS BERG EN UFO-BAS ??? (Is Silence Mountain a UFO Base???)

This section investigates a mysterious area in the Mopimi desert in Coahuila, Mexico, known as "Tystnadens berg" (Silence Mountain) or "Tystmadens zon" (Silence Zone) due to severe radio interference. The area is characterized by several phenomena: 1. Intense radio interference making transmissions impossible. 2. Frequent meteorite falls. 3. Numerous fossils, some over 60 million years old, along with crystallized mineral fragments. 4. Sporadic, powerful energy concentrations, possibly cosmic or neutron rays. 5. Small desert plants that differ from normal species, likely due to mutation. Notably, an American "Athena" rocket crashed in this area on July 11, 1970, after the area had been under investigation since April 1966. Werner von Braun visited Mexico to propose an observation base in Ceballos, which was rejected. NASA had marked Ceballos and Parral y Allende as ideal landing sites for extraterrestrial visitors. The "Athena" rocket, launched from Utah, landed precisely in this area. It carried a radioactive cobalt capsule, necessitating a cleanup operation. A US military commission spent 24 days investigating the zone, collecting samples and taking infrared photographs. The rocket was recovered, along with 200,000 tons of soil and samples from surrounding areas. The region is rich in tektites and meteorites. Reporter Miguel Ruelas and his team experienced the silence zone firsthand, noting their radios went dead and finding unusual black stones on the roads. Harry de la Pená found a peculiar stone, 3 cm long with a 1 cm diameter, whose hardened core resembled a piece of cable. Other unusual stones resembling screw heads, steel cables with loops, and high-voltage lines were found. Small crystal spheres, similar to etepärlor (amber beads), were also discovered. Animals in the area exhibit disorientation, and dogs become fearful. Tortoises entering the zone lie on their backs and remain so until they die. The section also mentions a Russian probe in 1969 that was on a collision course with a space rock; the rock then changed course, seemingly to avoid the probe, only to crash into Ceballos later. The impact site yielded a metallic powder composed of hollow spheres that may have contained gas. Residents in desert villages report weekly light phenomena in the sky, prompting requests for police protection. In Parral, miners Ruben and Juan Hernández witnessed a glowing, disc-shaped object that illuminated the sky and then rapidly disappeared towards Sierra del Silencio.

DJÄVULSHAVET (Devil's Sea)

This section discusses the "Devil's Sea" or "Devil's Triangle," an area between Japan, Guam, and the Philippines known for unexplained disappearances of ships and aircraft, similar to the Bermuda Triangle. It was declared a danger zone in 1955 after about ten ships vanished in the preceding five years. In 1955, the Japanese research vessel KAIYO MARU 5, sent to investigate the area, also disappeared with its 22 crew members and 5 scientists.

HJULÅNGAREN SOM FÖRSVANN (The Paddle Steamer That Disappeared)

This is the story of the paddle steamer "Iron Mountain," which vanished in broad daylight on the Mississippi River in June 1872. After rounding a river bend with a tow of cotton bales, the ship was never seen again. A few hours later, another paddle steamer, the "Iroquois Chief," had to swerve to avoid colliding with a series of drifting cotton floats. It was discovered that the towline connecting the floats to the "Iron Mountain" had been cleanly cut, not broken, an action typically associated with a ship in distress. The "Iron Mountain," a 55-meter-long vessel with a capacity for 55 passengers and cargo, sailed into oblivion without a trace.

DJURENS SJÄTTE SINNE (Animals' Sixth Sense)

Professor Hans Bender, a psychology professor, has studied the phenomenon of animals possessing a sixth sense. His research, based on 800 documented cases, suggests animals can perceive events beyond normal sensory perception. Examples include a mother rabbit sensing the death of her young, even when they were miles away, through electrodes implanted in her brain. Winston Churchill's cat reportedly fled his room shortly before his death. A dog named Cheri exhibited extreme distress and even bit its owner before the owner's father passed away. The section also mentions a pigeon that found its way to a sick boy in a hospital 20 miles away, and a dog that warned its owner against a woman who subsequently died in a car crash. Another account describes Josef Becker's dog, Strulli, becoming agitated at a tavern just before the building collapsed due to underground excavation, saving Becker's life. Finally, it is suggested that 30,000 people could have been saved from a volcanic eruption on Martinique 70 years prior if they had heeded the animals' warnings.

MILITÄRERNA FÖRSVANN (The Military Disappeared)

This section recounts instances of military units vanishing without a trace. In 1858, 650 French colonial soldiers disappeared while marching 25 kilometers from Saigon in Indochina. More recently, in 1939, troops under Colonel Li Fu Sien, stationed in the hilly terrain outside Nanking, China, disappeared. The article notes that modern military documents describe this as an equally baffling mystery. The section also touches upon the volcanic eruption on Martinique, where animals fled to the sea before the eruption, and their behavior was interpreted as a warning by the islanders, though scientists dismissed it based on seismograph readings. The eruption occurred three days later, proving the animals correct. Another incident during World War II in Freiburg, Germany, involved an anka (duck) known for its sensitivity to air raids. On November 17, 1944, the duck behaved unusually, leaving its usual area and moving through the city. Shortly after, 3,000 people died in a bombing raid, suggesting the duck's behavior may have been a warning.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are unexplained disappearances, anomalous phenomena (gravitational, electromagnetic), alleged encounters with non-human intelligence, and the potential for animals to possess precognitive abilities. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting intriguing cases and phenomena that defy conventional explanation, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond established scientific understanding. There is a clear interest in UFOs, mysterious events, and the unexplained aspects of nature and history.

This issue of UFO-Aktuellt, dated 1977, delves into a variety of unexplained phenomena, focusing on mysterious disappearances and paranormal events. The magazine presents several case studies, ranging from military troop vanishings and ship disappearances to the perplexing absence of bodies after accidents and the historical accounts of haunted locations.

Unexplained Disappearances

Troop Vanishing

The issue begins with an account of a troop of 2,998 men who vanished after leaving their camp. Their rifles were found left behind, and despite extensive searches, no trace of them was ever found. Japanese documents offer no indication of them being taken prisoner, and their disappearance remains a profound mystery.

The Lost Training Ship Köbenhavn

On December 14, the Danish training ship Köbenhavn, carrying 50 young naval cadets on their final school voyage, departed from Montevideo. Shortly after leaving the harbor, the ship vanished without a trace. Incoming ships did not sight it, and no one has any explanation for its disappearance. The cadets' future, which seemed bright, was cut short.

The Mystery of the Missing Bodies

A particularly strange disappearance of bodies occurred after the crash of a twin-engine naval aircraft with 32 people on board on Tahomaylaciären in 1947. While the plane was found two days after the crash, providing ample evidence that no one could have survived the "head-on collision," the bodies of all 32 individuals were never found, despite a reward of 25,000 kronor being offered.

Historical Curiosities and Ancient Practices

High Standard of Ancient Healthcare

This section explores ancient medical practices. A Brahmin book from around 1500 BC describes a method for smallpox vaccination using material from an inflamed blister mixed with blood, suggesting a fever would follow but the disease would be mild. This predates Edward Jenner's work. The ancient Indian physician Sushruta (400 BC) compiled a list of 1,120 diseases and described 121 surgical instruments, also experimenting with plastic surgery. The Chinese emperor Tsin-shi (259-210 BC) reportedly used a "troll mirror" that could "illuminate the bones in the body," functioning similarly to X-rays for diagnosis. The article also notes that Australian aborigines practiced blood transfusions thousands of years before Western medicine, and used oral contraceptives made from plant resin.

England's Worst Haunted House: Borley Rectory

A History of Paranormal Activity

Borley Rectory, a damp and asymmetrical Victorian building on the north bank of the River Stour in Essex, is described as the most haunted house in England. For over a century, reports included phantom carriages, a nun, a headless man, poltergeist phenomena, mysterious footsteps, objects appearing and disappearing, ringing clocks, and ghostly chanting from a nearby church. The rectory was built in 1863, and soon after the Bull family moved in, strange occurrences began, including footsteps, knocking, ringing clocks, and whispers. Daughters reported being slapped, seeing dark figures, and encountering a nun.

Poltergeists and Apparitions

In 1929, poltergeist activity escalated, with objects like pebbles, keys, and medals appearing. One medal bore the head of St. Ignatius and the word "Roma." During the residency of churchwarden Lionel Algernon Eoyster (1930-1935), the family received messages on walls and paper, heard footsteps, and Marianne Eoyster was physically assaulted by an invisible force. Strange odors, often of lavender, were also noted.

Investigations and Fires

In 1931, Edwin Whitehouse visited the rectory and witnessed a fire in a disused room, followed by a flint stone falling. Later, during an exorcism, falling stones hit him and his aunt. In 1937, Harry Price, founder of the British National Laboratory for Psychical Research, recruited a group of 40 investigators. During their observations, objects moved, unexplained sounds were heard, and a thermometer dropped 10 degrees. The rectory burned down in 1939, with witnesses seeing mysterious figures and a young girl. In 1943, excavations at the site uncovered fragments of a woman's skull and religious artifacts.

The Living Mold: A Pulsating Nightmare

The Norman Family's Ordeal

In the summer of 1961, the Norman family in Elkin, USA, purchased a piece of cork matting. Shortly after laying it in their home, a strange odor spread, and Mrs. Norman experienced breathing difficulties. They discovered a thick layer of gray-green mold under the mat that appeared to be pulsating. The mold spread rapidly, affecting furniture and clothing. Grady Norman attempted to clean the area, but the mold returned.

An Unexplained Phenomenon

The pulsating mold behaved as if alive, spreading over objects and causing a burning itch when touched. It resisted all removal attempts and was described as a nightmare. Experts were baffled, unable to identify the substance or explain its behavior. The family was forced to live in an old bus while health experts worked on the problem. Ultimately, the mold was destroyed with a mixture of solution and carbolic acid, but its true nature remained a mystery.

The Man Who Vanished

Disappearance on a Farm

On September 23, 1880, farmer David Lang was on his farm in Gallatin, Tennessee. While walking towards his horses, his wife called him to come into town. He replied he would be there in a few minutes, but never returned. In front of his family and two other men, David Lang vanished into thin air. There was no tree, bush, or hole to explain his disappearance.

A Circle of Grass and a Faint Voice

Seven months later, in April 1881, David Lang's children discovered a circle of yellow grass where he had vanished. As they stood in the circle, Sarah suddenly called for her father. His voice was heard faintly, as if from a distant place, calling for help repeatedly before fading into a whisper and disappearing forever.

The Mummy Cat's Revenge

A Haunted Hotel Renovation

In November 1975, a mummified cat, buried 300 years earlier, was discovered during the renovation of an old mining hotel in Subury, Suffolk, England. According to folklore, burying a cat alive was believed to ward off evil spirits. The discovery of the cat's remains marked the beginning of a series of disasters.

A Chain of Calamities

Three months after construction began on the new hotel, the developers went bankrupt. Shortly after, the mummified cat was moved to an office, which then caught fire and burned to the ground under mysterious circumstances. Another farm where the cat was taken also burned down. The cat itself, however, was found unharmed in both instances. The hotel's new roof collapsed, costing a significant amount to repair, and the broken beam was found at the exact spot where the cat had been discovered. The new owners eventually reburied the cat in its original resting place, and the hotel was completed without further incident.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO-Aktuellt consistently explores the unexplained and the paranormal. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting documented cases and historical accounts of mysterious events, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond conventional explanations. Recurring themes include unexplained disappearances, hauntings, and phenomena that defy scientific understanding, suggesting a fascination with the unknown and a belief in the existence of events that cannot be easily rationalized. The magazine seems to aim at documenting such occurrences and prompting further investigation or contemplation by its readership.