UFO Brigantia issue 43

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO BRIGANTIA
Issue: No. 43
Date: May 1990
Publisher: IUN PUBLICATION
Type: A JOURNAL OF UFO INVESTIGATION

Editorial: The Strangeways Parallel

The editorial, titled "The Satanic Solution," draws a striking parallel between the events at Strangeways prison in Manchester and the common arguments used to support UFO abduction claims. When prisoners emerged, they told remarkably similar, strange, and often horrific tales of torture, death, and kangaroo courts, which initially led authorities and some media to suggest there must be truth to the accounts due to the sheer number of independent reports. The editorial uses this as a case study to illustrate how individuals and groups, when confronted with a situation they cannot deal with (like a prison riot or a perceived mental experience), can channel their experience into narratives that fit the context. This is applied to ufology, particularly abduction scenarios, suggesting that the 'veracity' of reports is not necessarily proof of an objective reality. The author posits that people reporting murder and castration is far stranger than reporting a UFO abduction, thus highlighting the fallibility of witnesses in 'high strangeness' cases. The editorial concludes by noting that this is the last issue before the IUN conference, encouraging members to attend and pick up their July issue.

The Satanic Solution

This article, by D. & T.M. Barclay, explores the theory that the UFO Phenomenon is a manifestation of a Satanic element. It argues that this 'Phenomenon' acts according to recognizable parameters, seeking to 'devour' and ruin lives, rarely offering any real benefit. The authors suggest that the Phenomenon is adept at concealment, even more so than established institutions. They describe its 'ufological' format as fugitive and fleeting, yet willing to 'contact' or 'abduct' individuals under the guise of assisting in a cosmic initiative to 'save the World.' However, the 'messages' from these 'entities' are seen as disruptive doctrines designed to destabilize rather than save. The article questions the purpose of these intrusions, noting that their strategies are counterproductive. It highlights how individuals are often found in isolated spots, and their experiences are framed in a way that appeals to emotions, particularly 'The End Of The World' scenarios. The authors cite examples of predicted apocalypses from the 1950s through the 1980s, and a current prediction for 1992, suggesting a pattern of deception. The article references John A. Keel's speculation about the 'astonishing ufological address' and quotes Leslie Watkins' "The Real Exorcist's" on a 'Satanic Strategy.' It suggests that these 'Demonic deceivers' have succeeded in creating confusion and a lack of consensus about their nature, operating unmolested while their victims are misled. The article draws parallels to the fears expressed by Donald Crowhurst and Whitley Strieber, noting that the strategy of these entities, whether presented as the Virgin Mary, Space Aliens, or 'parahuman visitors,' is to persuade victims they are privy to something momentous, flatter them, and then encourage pride, ultimately leading to despair.

Adventures in the Scam Trade (or Sweet F.A. In Not-So-Sweet S.A.)

This section, by the IUN Crashed Saucer Division, provides an update on the alleged South African UFO crash case previously reported. The IUN remains convinced the case is a hoax, possibly perpetrated for promotional reasons. They note that Henry Azadhel, one of the ufologists involved, initially threatened legal action but later seemed to doubt the case's veracity. The article points out inconsistencies in the 'factual' information provided, such as the document being in English instead of Afrikaans, and the use of 'Squadron Leader' (an RAF term) instead of an SAAF rank. The investigation centers on James van Grunen, who approached people claiming to have information about the crash. YUFOS, another UFO group, also concluded Van Grunen is a hoaxer but claims to have independent information. The IUN dismisses YUFOS's claims of American involvement and exchanged ICBMs for crashed saucers as absurd. They suggest that YUFOS, along with other groups, may be falling for a modern folktale or 'yes please I'll believe anything' type of ufology, possibly being fed the story by aliens who are superhuman or involved in genetic experiments. The article critiques the typical 'covered up' narrative of UFO crash stories, where information is leaked by shadowy figures to UFO groups who then 'save the world.'

The Unknown Self (Part One)

Written by Ian Blake, this article delves into the work of American ufologist John A. Keel, known for books like "Operation Trojan Horse" and "Our Haunted Planet." Blake highlights Keel's recognition that the human mind plays a significant role in the UFO enigma, a theme central to his work. Keel's 'fugue' hypothesis suggests that physical evidence and manifestations in UFO cases might be produced by human beings, possibly unconsciously. The article contrasts this with the prevailing 'ETH' (Extraterrestrial Hypothesis) and notes that many American researchers ignore such psychological aspects. Keel's view is presented as a valuable alternative, especially in light of current split-brain research. The article also explores the intriguing possibility of a connection between the contactee syndrome and poltergeist phenomena, referencing Dr. Nandor Fodor's observations from the 1930s about the human 'focus' in poltergeist cases potentially throwing things without awareness.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO Brigantia consistently questions the veracity of UFO reports and the motivations behind them. The editorial stance, as exemplified by the analysis of the Strangeways incident and the South African crash investigation, is critical and skeptical, leaning towards the idea that many UFO phenomena may be psychological, misinterpretations, or outright hoaxes. The magazine promotes the Independent UFO Network (IUN) as a research and investigation body that is willing to explore controversial ideas but is also committed to uncovering the truth, even if it means debunking popular narratives. There's a recurring theme of 'deception' and 'manipulation,' whether attributed to 'demonic entities,' 'aliens,' or human hoaxers. The magazine encourages readers to conduct their own investigations and to adopt a critical hypothesis, suggesting that accepting the 'Satanic Solution' might offer explanatory accuracy. The overall tone is investigative, challenging, and at times confrontational towards what it perceives as gullibility within the UFO community.

Title: UFO BRIGANTIA
Issue: MAY 1990
Volume: 1
Publisher: Brigantia Books
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

Articles and Content

Poltergeist Phenomena and Psychic Explanations

The issue opens with an examination of poltergeist cases, starting with Mrs. Fielding, a 35-year-old housewife, around whom 'tremendous upheaval' was reported. Initially suspected of causing the disturbances herself, her case is presented as potentially linked to 'possession' or an 'unhappy, vampire-ridden' state. A similar case from St. Issey, Cornwall, in 1941, involving a nine-year-old boy and a flying tin can, is also discussed, referencing Colin Wilson's book 'Poltergeist'. The article draws parallels with the work of William G. Roll, who suggested that poltergeist disturbances could be 'PK effects from the flesh and blood entity'.

The author shares a personal experience from May 5, 1984, where an Olympus XA2 camera was inexplicably transported and all 24 exposures ruined within seconds. This incident, occurring while the author's wife was downstairs and no one else was in the house, is presented as a single-occurrence poltergeist event, unlike cases with multiple disturbances.

Another case involves a harassed-looking woman who claimed to be the victim of an invisible assailant, describing physical harassment like hair pulling and foot tickling. The article notes the lack of fatalities associated with the house and the ineffectiveness of exorcism.

UFO Sighting at Brinklow

A detailed investigation by David Taylor describes an event on September 17th following psychic information received by Rita Gould. Rita, along with Clive Potter, David Rogers, and Joan Bradbury, visited Brinklow, Warwickshire, to locate buried artifacts. They successfully recovered two daggers using dowsing rods. During the drive home, Clive Potter alerted Rita to a movement in the car and a mysterious light above the trees. The light descended to the road, appeared to be coming towards them, and then accelerated past their stationary car at high speed, described as approximately 120 mph. Rita reported seeing a small red light as the white light disappeared. The incident occurred between Monks Kirby and Cloudesley Bush on the Fosse Way, estimated between 11:15-11:30 pm. The weather was cool and dry with an overcast sky.

The investigator, David Taylor, who knows Clive Potter, assesses the case as difficult due to his personal acquaintance with one of the witnesses. He notes that Clive is a respected UFO investigator. The conclusion suggests that the initial impression of a ball of light entering the car was due to a misunderstanding of the wording. While Clive mentioned the light turning into a car, Rita insisted it maintained a height similar to an E-Type Jaguar. The investigator leans towards Rita's testimony, acknowledging Clive's potential perceptual 'filling'. The possibility of ball lightning is considered, with a note from Clive Potter suggesting a synchronicity with the daggers retrieval and the UFO appearance, possibly influenced by a warm front.

'UFOLOGISTS ON TV!' Program Review

Alan Staithes reviews the TV program 'UP FRONT' (which he suggests should have been titled 'UP UFOLOGY'), screened in the Granada region. He describes the studio setting and the participants, including Graham Birdsall of YUFOS, ex-MOD man Ralph Noyes, witnesses Alan Godfrey and Linda Taylor, skeptic Steve Donnelly of the British & Irish Skeptics, and witness Tony Dodd. The program featured a UFO photo over East Lancashire and public sightings. Tony Dodd recounted a sighting, suggesting UFOs act covertly. Steve Donnelly countered by stating 'unexplained' does not mean 'inexplicable'. Harry Harris, a solicitor, questioned the skeptics. Tony Dodd claimed to have spoken to someone in Russia who reported UFOs landing every 48 hours. The program also featured 'Norman', an amateur astronomer, who was challenged by Graham Birdsall regarding recorded UFO instances. The review criticizes the program's sensationalism and the handling of evidence, particularly the MOD's response to Linda Taylor's case.

The review concludes with the program ending abruptly during Ralph Noyes's explanation, and a final segment showing a UFO photo that was revealed to be a hoax, serving as a commentary on misperception.

Book and Journal Reviews

ENIGMAS: The Journal of Strange Phenomena Investigations (SPI): This bi-monthly journal from Malcolm Robinson in Scotland is praised for its support of unusual subjects. The Feb/March issue included articles on table-tapping, psychic phenomena, reincarnation, a 'haunted' willow tree, and news snippets.

Brigantia Books Service: A list of UFO and space age publications is provided, including titles like 'UFO CONTACT FROM THE PLEIADES', 'UFO CRASH AT AZTEC', and 'THE ANTI GRAVITY HANDBOOK'. Contact information for ordering is given.

Upcoming Content

The July issue of UFO BRIGANTIA is announced as a double-sized summer issue, featuring articles on Scottish UFOs, Russian and Eastern European UFO news, a modern-day contactee, critiques of crop circle statements, the origins of MJ-12, and discussions on Strieber and the universe.

UFOS AND PSYCHIC QUESTING

This article by Clive Potter re-introduces the concept of 'psychic questing' in ufology, defining it as the recovery of artifacts or solving mysteries through supernatural means. It explores the relevance of this subjective subject to ufology, noting that many UFO investigators have been involved in psychic questing. The article highlights the work of Andy Collins, Martin Keatman, and Graham Philips, who researched the link between UFOs and psychic phenomena, concluding that there is a connection between UFO witnesses and earlier psychic experiences.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of UFO phenomena with other paranormal and psychological subjects, including poltergeists, psychic abilities, and possession. There is a critical yet open-minded approach to evidence, with a focus on eyewitness accounts and investigative reports. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting diverse viewpoints and cases within the ufology community, while also offering skeptical analysis and reviews of media coverage and publications. The magazine encourages readers to engage with the subject matter, as seen in the book service and upcoming content announcements.

Title: UFO BRIGANTIA
Issue: MAY 1990
Date: May 1990
Content Focus: This issue prominently features the 'UFOs Over Belgium' wave of sightings from late 1989 to early 1990, alongside articles exploring the psychological and psychic aspects of UFO experiences, and an announcement for the 'Phantoms of the Sky' conference.

UFOs Over Belgium

This section details a significant wave of UFO reports from Belgium, primarily occurring between November 1989 and February 1990. The article, authored by Patrick Vidal of SOBEPS and translated by Ken Philips of BUFORA, presents findings from an inquiry into these events. The purpose is to report facts rather than defend specific hypotheses. Reports describe strange, triangular 'aircraft' that appeared phosphorescent. A key incident involved two gendarmes in Eupen on November 29, 1989, who observed a large, triangular 'platform' with bright lights, which then moved towards the N.E. This was not an isolated case; SOBEPS received dozens of reports from witnesses in the following days, with over 600 cases logged by March 1990. Reports originated from various Belgian provinces, including Namur, Charleroi, Flandre, and the Ardennes.

Witnesses described the objects as imposing in size, moving very slowly (estimated at less than 100 km/h), with an almost total absence of sound, and at low altitudes. The lights were often described as powerful and green. Some witnesses reported detecting a noise similar to a small electric motor or gas turbine. The article notes that the general shape was triangular, often with rounded corners, and frequently of immense size, with some estimated to be the size of a football stadium.

Physical effects and effects on the behavior of witnesses and animals were noted, as were electromagnetic effects on public lighting. The Belgian Airforce and Gendarmerie have been contacted, with the Airforce indicating the objects were unknown to them, and an agreement for collaboration was formed with SOBEPS. The Gendarmerie will also transmit UFO report information. Over 15 video sequences and numerous photographs have been collected, with some undergoing analysis in the USA. A report compiling information from about 40 investigators is planned.

Several hypotheses were considered and largely eliminated: 'Canular' (too many people involved, vague duration estimates), hallucinations/misapprehensions (eliminated by video evidence, number of witnesses, and geographic distribution, though the area is familiar with advanced aircraft), drones (NATO apparatus are not that large, and the Belgian defense denied having such machines), lasers/holograms (eliminated by geographic distribution and witness descriptions), natural phenomena (argued against by the repetitive nature and descriptions suggesting material objects), espionage apparatus (objects were not discreet), and Stealth aircraft (Belgium's defense minister and the US Ambassador denied their presence in Belgian airspace).

The phenomenon remains unidentified, and the authors invite communication of similar reports from Great Britain.

Psychic Questing and UFOs

This article delves into the complex relationship between UFO phenomena and psychic experiences. It begins by referencing the 'Green Stone Affair' and the Sunderland family, where a witness, Gaynor Sunderland, was described as a 'UFO medium'. The author notes that witnesses to close encounters often become psychic afterward or have prior psychic experiences, which can include bizarre dreams, out-of-body experiences, apparitions, visions, telepathy, and poltergeist activity. Such experiences are seen as potentially offering insight into the UFO phenomena. The article draws parallels between 'Psychic Contactees' and mediums, suggesting some of their material might be hallucinogenic.

'Repeaters', individuals who experience multiple UFO sightings, are also considered suggestive of a psychic link. The article points out similarities between UFOs and apparitions, including their ability to move through solid objects and appear/disappear, and the occupants' ability to appear like ghosts. Many strange cases are subjective, often involving a single witness, and peak during late night/early morning hours, suggesting a subjective, mind-linked phenomenon.

The author posits that psychic questing is another guise of the changing UFO phenomena, which are part of a wider abnormal reality spectrum. The article mentions Gary, a British contactee who discussed missions to save mankind, buried artifacts, and alien involvement, linking these to the idea that mankind is entering 'End Times' and that sensitive people are inspired to warn of impending Armageddon. The 'Green Stone Affair' is cited as an example of a quest to fight a dark force and avert Armageddon.

John Day's abduction case in Aveley, Essex (1974) is mentioned, where the experience, not attributed to alien agencies, led him to feel attuned to earth forces and mysticism. The article notes that phenomena associated with UFOs are also experienced by those engaged in Psychic Questing, including encounters with apparitional figures that could be interpreted as visions of the Virgin Mary or UFO entities. The author stresses that there is no clear dividing line between UFO phenomena and other phenomena.

During the investigation of the Scoriton Mystery in the 1960s, UFO investigators reportedly received cryptic messages on a tape recorder, directing them to specific locations for further communications aimed at making contact with aliens. Following the Green Stone Affair, incidents described in 'The Eye of Fire' involved witnesses seeing a ball of light that materialized into an 'eye of fire' stone. When this stone was returned, a similar light was seen.

The article questions where 'traditional' ufology ends and 'psychic questing' begins, suggesting UFO-like events are not fundamentally different from other reported phenomena. The UFO phenomenon is described as a 'chameleon-like matrix' that adapts to societal changes. As humanity approaches the millennium, sacrifices are no longer made to Gods or spacemen, but rather poison and destruction are offered, leading to enforced abductions and 'cosmic rape' as a lesson. The 'psychic quest' is seen as an old archetype being revived for the current era.

Letters to the Editor

Hilary Evans (London) writes in response to an article by Ian Blake, agreeing with the suggestion that UFO abductees create their own reality. She cites the case of Kirk Allen, a physicist who fantasized himself into a science fiction scenario involving interplanetary activities, which became so consuming it interfered with his work and led him to psychiatric evaluation. Evans argues that Lennon's case, being a 'Big Name', likely gained attention, but many similar cases might go unreported. She suggests that these experiences, like religious conversions, often occur during life crises and lead to changes in direction, serving to externalize internal experiences and give them an illusion of reality.

Frank Scully, author of 'Behind The Flying Saucers', is quoted as saying, "For myself I believe that Flying Saucers, like girls, are here to stay."

Appeal to Investigators

Ken Philips (BUFORA) appeals to 'BRIGANTIA/IUN' investigators working on PSI-RELATED AND OTHER 'INTRACTABLE' CASES. He explains that after years of engagement, he has developed a method to conduct 'phone interviews using the ANAMNESIS PROTOCOL, which focuses on studying the witness's life memory rather than the UFOs themselves. He offers to interview witnesses and asks investigators to contact him if they wish to have their subjects interviewed.

Phantoms of the Sky Conference

An announcement details the 1st Annual International UFO Conference, 'Phantoms Of The Sky - Ufology Into the '90s', organized by the Independent UFO Network. The conference is scheduled for July 14th & 15th, 1990, at the Sheffield Library Theatre. Speakers include Budd Hopkins (USA) discussing abductions, Peter Hough (UK) on the Ilkley Alien, Dave Clarke & Andy Roberts (UK) on 'Phantoms of the Sky', Jenny Randles (UK) on 'The Death of Ufology', Paul Devereux (UK) on Earthlights & Ufology, and Perry Petrakis (France) on the French UFO scene. Dr. Vladimir V. Rubtsov, MUFON representative for Russia, will also present an overview of ufology in the USSR. The conference will feature a second-hand UFO bookstall, and proceedings will be available. Ticket prices are £4 for Saturday, £5 for Sunday, and £8 for a two-day ticket. Contact details for booking and inquiries are provided.

UFO-LINE Update

This section provides an update on the IUNS UFO-LINE INFORMATION SERVICE, operational since January 1990. It offers up-to-the-minute information on UFO incidents, lectures, conferences, and new books and magazines. Callers are charged 25p per minute off-peak and 38p per minute peak.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature of UFO phenomena, particularly the Belgian sightings, and their potential connection to psychic experiences, consciousness, and psychological factors. There's a strong emphasis on investigation, data collection, and the elimination of conventional explanations. The magazine appears to adopt a stance that UFO phenomena are real, complex, and possibly linked to deeper psychological or even spiritual dimensions, while also acknowledging the possibility of cover-ups and the need for rigorous research. The editorial tone encourages reader participation and information sharing.