UFO Brigantia issue 46

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO BRIGANTIA
Issue: No. 46
Date: November 1990
Publisher: Northern Arts Publishing
Country: UK
Language: English

This issue of UFO BRIGANTIA, subtitled 'Rooting in the ufological dustbin,' is a bi-monthly publication from the Independent UFO Network (IUN). It aims to provide news, gossip, and articles on ufology, welcoming diverse and controversial contributions. The magazine is printed quickly and economically by Northern Arts Publishing.

Editorial: COMMUNION - Is it taking the biscuit?

The editorial, written by Andy Roberts, marks the return of UFO BRIGANTIA after a summer break, noting an increase in strange beliefs and a trend towards ufology merging with the general New Age movement. The editor expresses concern that this could lead to ufology dissipating into the New Age, 'Light Vs Dark' movement. The issue is described as a review of books, magazines, and films from the summer, along with ufological gossip. New case reports are noted as being scarce, with a recommendation to subscribe to Northern UFO News for such content.

The editor discusses the film 'COMMUNION,' based on Whitley Strieber's experiences, and heartily recommends it, calling it the best UFO film ever made, surpassing 'Close Encounters.' Despite its lack of overt UFOs, featuring only ambiguous lights, the editor believes the film best expresses Strieber's experiences. The film's ambiguity and focus on perception are highlighted, with Strieber's experiences described as 'hallucinatory, dreamlike, bizarre.' The editorial notes the film's use of 'faces and masks' imagery, suggesting a statement on ambiguity and the nature of reality. The film is praised for leaving the 'ultimate reality' to the viewer's imagination.

The editorial then draws parallels between the alleged 'Satanic ritual abuse' cases from Lancashire and the belief systems within ufology, particularly abduction phenomena. It questions the lack of hard evidence and the involvement of professionals, suggesting a 'belief flap' imported from the US. The editor notes that such claims often arise in less affluent areas, contrasting with more affluent regions, and links this to a rise in belief in the Devil and religious fundamentalism, as well as 'Dark Gods' theorists who combine devil worship with aliens.

Crop Circles: A Ufologists view

Written by Ken Philips, this article offers an objective perspective on the crop circle phenomenon in Britain. Philips notes that over the last decade, geometric patterns have appeared in crops, formed by layering rather than damage, indicating the agent is not a landing craft. He dismisses several proposed explanations:

1. Stationary whirlwinds: While potentially explaining some patterns, it doesn't account for the increasing complexity and variety.
2. Helicopter down-wash: This causes radial and irregular damage, not circular patterns.
3. Crop type/fungal attack/animal activity: This is deemed weak as similar crops in different regions show different results, and no biological cause has been found.
4. Gigantic hoax: While acknowledging some circles are hoaxes, maintaining such a large-scale, undetected effort is considered improbable.
5. Electro-magnetic, rotating columns: This is presented as a possibility.

Philips concludes that none of these hypotheses fully explain the dynamic and evolving phenomenon. He draws parallels with the genesis of previous phenomena like spiritualism and UFOs, suggesting a pattern of unique, ambiguous manifestations designed to make people think. The ultimate question posed is whether these phenomena are designed by humans or something else.

Corn Fed Turkeys?

Andy Roberts' article offers a more speculative take on crop circles, humorously suggesting they are a 'cosmic Rorschach test' from a higher power to gauge ufologists' suitability for the 'New Age.' He reviews several publications:

• 'CROP CIRCLES - A Mystery Solved' by Jenny Randles & Paul Fuller: Roberts praises this book as the best to date, offering a historical perspective that challenges the idea of crop circles as a new phenomenon. He notes that the authors' focus on the Meaden vortex explanation might alienate some ufologists who see it as 'reductionist ufology.' The book is recommended for its exposition of a core phenomenon that accounts for many circles.

• 'The Crop Watcher' (No. 1, Sept/Oct 1990): Edited by Paul Fuller, Jenny Randles, and David Reynolds, this is a bimonthly publication blending circle cases, facts, gossip, and rumour. It includes reviews and reports, such as one on a mutilated white horse linked to circles mythology.

• 'The Cereologist' (No. 1 Summer 1990): Edited by John Michel, this publication is described as 'New Age tinted' and implicitly accepts crop circles as caused by unknown forces. Roberts finds it less appealing than 'The Crop Watcher,' noting articles on dowsing, 'haunted Wessex,' and 'intelligence' in relation to circle causes. He criticizes the magazine for its 'off the wall theories' and potential to become like FSR (Flying Saucer Review).

Roberts also mentions 'Phantoms of the Sky' by Roberts and Clarke as a significant publication ushering in the ufological 1990s. He suggests that proponents of 'alien intelligences' must now provide proof, while others risk being lost in a sea of unsubstantiated ideas.

Letter to the Independent on Sunday 5/8/90

This section includes a letter from Mr Gordon Joly of London, who suggests that crop circles are not hoaxes but a 'lateral thinking problem' devised by Edward de Bono.

Pictograms and Alien Intelligence

This section discusses the 'pictogram' theory of crop circles, where patterns are interpreted as messages from alien intelligences. The article criticizes this interpretation, comparing it to Erich von Daniken's reading of ancient astronauts into Mayan carvings. It notes that language experts have attempted to translate these 'pictograms,' with one suggesting they resemble Sumerian script. The article also mentions a report from the Bristol YUFOS team suggesting that the same extraterrestrial race that visited the Dogon tribe might be communicating through crop circles. The author expresses skepticism about such interpretations, warning against dwelling too much on crop circles and the potential for lunacy.

The Cereologist and New Age Interpretations

The article critiques the 'pictogram' sham, arguing that it disservices the study of circles by presenting them uncritically. It suggests that many individuals, particularly those seeking belief systems, will latch onto these ideas, creating a circular, self-referencing belief system. The piece warns against mixing natural phenomena and hoaxes with pseudo-mysticism, particularly from 'chanellers' who claim to receive messages from entities. The magazine 'The Cereologist' is singled out for its 'New Age tat' element, with its contributors implying alien intelligence or archetypes like Gaia and the Old Gods are responsible for the circles, sending messages about impending doom. The author expresses concern that this trend is hijacking cereology and ufology for various 'rainbow coloured ends.'

The article notes that media attention shifted from crop circles to events in the Gulf and prophecies about Mars, causing interest in crop circles to drop. It concludes that crop circles are now treated with reverence, akin to UFOs, as manifestations of the same phenomena rather than a collection of hoaxes and unexplained natural events, having achieved 'S.N.A.F.U. status remarkably quickly.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO BRIGANTIA exhibits a critical and somewhat skeptical stance towards certain aspects of ufology and related phenomena. The editorial expresses concern about the blurring lines between ufology and the New Age movement, warning against a loss of critical thinking. While acknowledging the intrigue of phenomena like crop circles and the film 'COMMUNION,' the magazine emphasizes the need for evidence and reasoned analysis. There is a clear distinction made between genuine investigation and what is perceived as unsubstantiated belief or 'belief flaps.' The magazine champions a more grounded, evidence-based approach, even while exploring the more speculative elements of the UFO field. The critique of 'pictograms' and the 'alien intelligence' theories highlights a preference for more conventional explanations or at least a demand for rigorous proof before accepting extraordinary claims. The publication of the IUN, founded on a desire for a more independent and critical approach, underpins this editorial stance.

Title: UFO BRIGANTIA
Issue Date: November 1990
Publisher: Fortean Times
Country of Publication: UK
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of UFO BRIGANTIA delves into various aspects of the paranormal, with a strong focus on crop circles, UFO abduction experiences, and the intersection of UFO phenomena with religion and occult beliefs.

Crop Circles and Advertising

The issue opens by noting the pervasive use of crop circle imagery in advertising during the summer, ranging from football pools to Durex. It mentions that the music magazine SELECT featured an advertisement for the Led Zeppelin 'Remasters' album using a photograph of the Alton Barnes crop circle. Another advertisement in Record Mirror depicted a 'man in black' in a crop circle. The article invites readers to share any other instances of crop circle images used in advertising. It also touches upon the 'crop field circle Rorschach blot test' and its associated clubs and journals, suggesting it has become a popular, albeit potentially credulity-testing, phenomenon.

Film Review: COMMUNION

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to reviewing the film 'COMMUNION', based on Whitley Strieber's best-selling book. The review highlights the book's commercial success and the film's adaptation. It praises the director, Philippe Mora, and the actors, particularly Christopher Walken, for taking a less sensational, more docu-drama approach. The film chronicles Strieber's account of his abduction and examination by 'visitors', and how these experiences affected his family life. The review notes that the film, while faithful to the book, does not draw conclusions about the origin or nature of the visitors, maintaining a noncommittal stance. It also discusses the visual effects and the music by Eric Clapton. The film opened in London on October 12th, with a video release anticipated for April 1991.

The Aveley Abduction Case Report

This section details the Avis family abduction at Aveley, Essex, described as a classic UK abduction case. It emphasizes that this case involved multiple witnesses and was the first in Britain to utilize regressive hypnosis during the investigation. The original investigation was conducted by Andy Collins of the UFO Investigators Network (UFOIN). The report is now available in full, with UFOIN files being made accessible to the public. Information on how to obtain this case report is provided, including costs for UK, Europe, and USA.

Letters to the Editor

Ears to the Ground?

Ralph Noyes of London writes regarding a report on a crop circle hoax claimed by Mr. Colin Vance. Noyes expresses interest in Vance's skill and invites him to demonstrate his hoaxing ability to the Crop Circle Studies (CCCS) Research Panel. He emphasizes the aim is to improve research methods and offers anonymity. The editor replies that they have not yet contacted Vance but expect a statement from him in the January 1991 issue.

Psychics not in misperception - shock, horror, probe

This letter, from Rita Goold and Clive Potter of Leicester, corrects misrepresentations in a previous report about an anomalous light sighting. They clarify that their investigation involved psychic information via automatic writing and dowsing rods, not prior knowledge of artifacts. They detail the sighting of a bright, magnesium-white light that moved and then sped away, emphasizing its unusual nature and the lack of a beam. They argue that the investigator's conclusion of 'confusion' stems from his own preconceived ideas rather than the witnesses' testimony.

Reviews of Paranormal Journals

The magazine includes reviews of several small-press paranormal publications:

• Strange Phenomena Investigations - ENIGMAS: A bi-monthly magazine covering a variety of anomalous phenomena, including UFOs, the Gulf Breeze Hoax, and crop circles. It is praised for being informative and humorous.
• HOBGOBLIN - Alternative Arts Magazine: An A4, 20-page collection of art, poetry, short stories, and comic strips, often related to neo-Paganism and Earth Mysteries. While described as 'wet' in parts, its artwork is noted.
• THE WILD PLACES - A New Journal of the Paranormal: A quarterly journal edited by Kevin McClure, considered to be of high standard, featuring articles on abduction experiences, messages from the dead, and exorcism.
• THE SKEPTIC: A bi-monthly journal offering a rational and humorous look at pseudoscience and the paranormal from a strictly skeptical viewpoint. It is recommended for its objective end of the belief spectrum.

Books for Sale

A list of available books is provided, including titles on abductions, UFOs, and paranormal phenomena, with prices and ordering information for Lionel Beer (Spacelink Books).

Gossip

This section provides a collection of short, often critical, anecdotes and rumours from the ufological community:

• It mentions ongoing issues with the South African case and YUFOS, and a falling out between Tim Good and them.
• Clarke & Roberts' book 'Phantoms of the Sky' is mentioned in relation to allegations of misrepresented evidence.
• Howard Turnpenny's account of the Alan Godfrey 'abduction' case is discussed.
• The new crop-circle journal 'CEREOLOGY' is linked to a group called Fountain International, who believe in 'energy dowsing'.
• Doubts are cast on the American ufology scene, with Budd Hopkins reportedly remarking on Regina Cullen being a likely abductee.
• Tony Dodd's encounter with members of the South African Embassy at a UFO conference is recounted.
• Bob Lazar is reported to have been charged in connection with running a brothel.
• The recent murder of author D. Scott Rogo is noted.
• David Barclay's sulk after the IUN refused him access to files is mentioned.

Sympathy for the Devil

This section explores the connection between UFOs, religion, and the occult, featuring a snippet from the Jehovah's Witnesses magazine AWAKE!. It discusses John H. Andrews' book 'The Extraterrestrials and Their Reality', which suggests similarities between UFO experiences and spiritistic phenomena. Andrews' belief in 'space people' and their messages, including predictions of cataclysmic changes on Earth, is presented. The article then draws parallels with biblical accounts of angels and demons, warning Christians against being misled by 'inspired utterances and teachings of demons' and urging them to focus on obeying God's commands.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores anomalous phenomena from multiple perspectives, including eyewitness accounts, investigative reports, and reviews of both supportive and skeptical publications. There is a clear interest in crop circles and UFO abductions, with a willingness to publish detailed case reports and personal testimonies. The 'Gossip' column suggests a critical and sometimes cynical view of certain figures and organizations within the UFO community. The 'Sympathy for the Devil' section indicates an editorial willingness to engage with religious interpretations of UFO phenomena, albeit with a cautionary tone from a Christian perspective. The overall stance appears to be one of open inquiry into the unexplained, while also acknowledging and presenting critical viewpoints and potential psychological explanations.

Title: UFO BRIGANTIA
Issue: NOVEMBER 1990
Volume: 9
Date: November 1990

This issue of UFO BRIGANTIA delves into significant UFO events and the history of ufology, with a particular focus on Belgium and France.

Belgian Air Force on UFO Alert

The lead story reports on the Belgian air force scrambling two fighter jets to intercept a triangular UFO with three large red lights. Despite the pilots' encounter, the craft evaded capture by zooming away at an incredible speed. The article highlights the unusually high number of UFO sightings in Belgium, with over 10,000 reported in the year, and notes that 80% of these involve triangular-shaped objects. Experts at the Royal Military Academy and the Free University of Brussels are analyzing the data. Physicist Leon Brenig expresses skepticism but acknowledges the strangeness of the situation, suggesting the object could potentially be an ultra-secret new US plane.

French UFology: 40 Years of History

Perry Petrakis provides an extensive overview of the development of ufology in France over four decades. The narrative begins with the post-1947 era, mentioning pioneers like Charles Garreau, Aime Michel, and Marc Thirouin, who founded the Commission d'Etudes Ouranos. The 1954 wave saw a surge in sightings, with numerous cases and public fascination. The late fifties saw the founding of groups like Lumieres dans la Nuit. The 1960s brought important cases, and the GEPA was founded in 1962 with a focus on scientific research.

A significant event in 1965 was the Maurice Masse case, where a farmer witnessed a UFO and its occupants. The 1970s saw a period of relative calm followed by the founding of AESV in 1974. The government's interest in UFOs was seemingly 'officialized' by former Minister of Defence, Robert Galley, and journalist Jean-Claude Bourret's work brought the subject to wider public attention. However, Michel Monnerie's 1977 book, "Et si les ovnis n'existaient pas?" (And what if UFOs did not really exist?), challenged the prevailing UFO narrative, suggesting misinterpretation and psychological factors, which led to a crisis in French ufology and a call for higher research standards.

The establishment of GEPAN by the French Space Agency in 1977 is detailed, with its focus on internal research under Alain Esterle, and later Jean-Jacques Velasco. The article notes GEPAN's eventual unofficial folding in 1988 and transformation into SEPRA. The narrative also touches upon the Jean Migueres case from 1977, involving claims of extraterrestrial contact after a car accident, which was later investigated and found to be questionable.

The article highlights the 1981 Trans-en-Provence case as one of the most scientifically significant, involving a landed object and plant samples showing premature ageing. It also mentions the launch of a UFO hotline by the group in 1984 and their collaboration with radar controllers.

Gulf Breeze: Again

This section revisits the controversial Gulf Breeze case, detailing the "hoax" story involving a model UFO found in the attic of witness Ed Walters' former home. The Pensacola News Journal reportedly replicated the original photos using this model. The article questions the timing of the model's discovery and suggests potential motives for discrediting the case. It also notes discrepancies in the photographic evidence and the possibility of a disinformation game. The investigation into the case is presented as ongoing, with mounting evidence against Ed Walters.

Florida Beach is Highway to Heaven: Six Soldiers Found in Florida AWOL From U.S. Spy Unit

A peculiar report details six soldiers from a US Military Intelligence unit stationed in Germany who allegedly deserted to Gulf Breeze, Florida. According to reports, they believed they were the 'chosen few' or were waiting for the 'rapture'. The article links this to ufology, Christianity, and the concept of the anti-Christ.

Prescience or What?

This short piece critiques a story from the Yorkshire UFO Society's magazine QUEST about Russian mushroom hunters finding a landed UFO, which subsequently led to their deaths from radiation poisoning. The article mocks the story's details and the 'investigation' by Russian UFO enthusiasts, questioning the credibility of such claims and the ufological community's tendency to accept unprovable stories.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the official investigation of UFO phenomena by military and government bodies, the challenges of distinguishing genuine sightings from hoaxes, and the historical development of ufology as a field. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, with a willingness to investigate claims thoroughly, expose potential hoaxes, and question the motives and methodologies of various UFO researchers and organizations. There is a clear emphasis on scientific rigor and a skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims, while still acknowledging the enduring public interest in the UFO phenomenon.

Title: PHANTOMS OF THE SKY
Issue: NOVEMBER 1990
Volume: 32
Publisher: UFO BRIGANTIA
Country: UK
Date: November 1990

This issue features a review by David Barclay of the 'Phantoms of the Sky' conference, an IUN gathering held over two days (July 14-15, 1990) at the Library Theatre in Sheffield. Barclay expresses his admiration for the IUN's events, humorously suggesting aliens might be green with envy.

Conference Review: Phantoms of the Sky

The conference, despite the absence of Russian and French speakers, offered a packed program covering various aspects of ufology. Attendees had access to a wide selection of ufological publications.

Day One Presentations:

• Andy Roberts and Dave Clarke presented a thesis suggesting the Phenomenon indicates a 'Fairy Tale' nature, with their book selling briskly.
• Peter Hough presented his investigation into an event he believes was a genuine confrontation with alien entities, referencing the 'Little Green man' of Ilkley Moor.
• Budd Hopkins focused on abductions, particularly 'American Kind' abductions. He presented distressing evidence suggesting juveniles are targeted by alleged 'Greys', citing illustrations from children who claimed mistreatment. The reviewer notes Hopkins seemed unaware of the historical parallels with demonic intrusions involving children.

Day Two Presentations:

• A lady with firsthand abduction experience presented.
• The Aetherius Society presented.
• Jenny Randles, John Spencer, and Budd Hopkins also presented.
• Elsie Oakensen was described as coherent and convincing.
• Paul Devereux was knowledgeable and entertaining.
• John Spencer discussed the Gulf Breeze case, concluding the interaction was likely genuine.
• Budd Hopkins gave a different presentation, intimating that alien implants had been recovered by surgery and were under scientific scrutiny by unnamed experts and institutions, suggesting the establishment plays a cover-up game.
• Jenny Randles was singled out by the reviewer for her spontaneous and impressive presentation, showcasing her expertise and offering an innovative solution to a persistent mystery.

The reviewer concludes that the two-day event was an unqualified success.

Upcoming Events

BUFORA and IUN Joint Conference 1991

The issue announces the world's biggest UFO conference of 1991, jointly presented by BUFORA and the IUN, to be held at Sheffield Library Theatre from August 16-18, 1991. Confirmed speakers include Jenny Randles (UK) and Odd-Gunnar Roed (Norway), with more to be announced, including 'biggies' from the USA and witnesses to strange UFO encounters.

Attractions include a performance by the rock band CE4, a conference dinner, and a bookstall selling UFO and 'Age' books. The event offers opportunities to meet ufologists.

Tickets: Priced at approximately £6 per day for basic lecture events. Demand is expected to be high, following the sell-out of the 'Phantoms of the Sky' conference. Details and reservations can be obtained by sending a stamped addressed envelope (SAE) to 84 Elland Rd., Brighouse, West Yorkshire, HD6 2QR.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently covers UFO conferences and related research, with a focus on abduction phenomena and the nature of alien encounters. The editorial stance appears to be one of enthusiastic support for ufological investigation and conferences, highlighting the importance of such events for public awareness and information dissemination. There's a critical undertone towards 'the establishment' when discussing cover-ups. The reviewer's personal opinions and biases are evident, particularly in singling out Jenny Randles for praise and in his commentary on Budd Hopkins' presentation.