UFO Brigantia issue 47

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO BRIGANTIA
Issue: No 47
Date: January 1991
Publisher: THE JOURNAL OF THE INDEPENDENT UFO NETWORK
Country: UK
Language: English

This issue of UFO BRIGANTIA, the journal of the Independent UFO Network, presents a critical perspective on ufology, challenging common beliefs and media portrayals of UFO phenomena. The cover features a graphic of the Earth with the text 'UFO'S: THE GLOBAL VIEW 6TH INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS', surrounded by drawings of flying saucers, and a call to action to 'turn the page and go in.....'.

Editorial: The Small Print at the End of Time

The editor apologizes for the late issue due to Christmas and house renovations. He reflects on the triviality of ufology amidst the Gulf War, suggesting it puts beliefs about extraterrestrials and cattle mutilations into perspective. The editorial then focuses on a debate sparked by John Keel's theory in FATE magazine that the Roswell crashed saucer stories originated from a Japanese Fugo bomb balloon crash during WWII. Stanton Friedman strongly refutes this, insisting Roswell was a crashed saucer. Keel's argument is detailed: Fugo balloons were 33 ft diameter paper balloons with gondolas carrying incendiary bombs. Reconstructions of Roswell damage reportedly matched Fugo wreckage, and the 'hieroglyphics' could be Japanese script or pressed flowers from the balloon's construction by children. Keel suggests media contamination is why people 'know' it was a crashed saucer, noting that more people seem to recall the event over time. The editor questions why authorities didn't simply state it was a Fugo balloon, citing Kevin Randle's unsuccessful attempt to get military declassification and Keel's own refusal to see Pentagon files on Fugo balloons in 1965-66.

The editorial criticizes 'pro-ETH' Roswellers for constantly re-inventing the 'ufological wheel' and failing to prove their beliefs. It challenges them to prove Roswell was not a mundane object, acknowledging that balloons and rockets do crash, people misreport, and the UFO myth exists with financial and reputational incentives. Readers interested in Keel's theory are directed to the January 1991 issue of FATE magazine.

The article then shifts to the crop circle mystery, noting that 'normal' ufology is perceived as 'dead' and that 'strangeness fanciers' are preparing for the summer's corn circles. It suggests that if hoaxers stayed home, it would serve those who believe in 'non-human intelligence' behind crop circles right. The editorial draws a parallel with the writings of occultist Kenneth Grant, who discussed 'magickal workings' involving Jack Parsons in 1945-46, suggesting an intelligence that warned about developing technologies. Grant's later interview in SKOOB OCCULT REVIEW is cited, where he stated the message of these intelligences is 'That caution is required in the use of the technologies which man is in process of developing'. The editor sarcastically suggests building a city around a meteorite and forming a religion to ward off such intelligences. He concludes that occultists and magickians have more insight into 'non-human intelligences' than English chanellers and wannabe ufologists. Finally, the editor highlights a letter from a subscriber ('Mrs B.') in YUFOS QUEST magazine who found UFO BRIGANTIA 'hopping mad' and dreaded its arrival, noting the power of the publication to affect minds.

The IUN

The Independent UFO Network (I.U.N.) was formed in September 1987 by former members of WYUFORG, YUFOS, and BUFORA who were dissatisfied with the state of UFO groups and publications in the UK. The I.U.N. describes itself as existing to 'harry silly ufologists and their sad belief systems, subvert ordinariness and to tell it like it really is.' Publicly, they present themselves as a network assisting each other, but in reality, they publish case reports, create long-running hoaxes, and run UFO lectures and courses, emphasizing that they have fun. They admit to having many theories about the UFO enigma but are unsure which is correct.

Contents

The issue includes an editorial, an article titled 'Crop Circles-A Scientific Answer?', subscription news, letters from America, an article on 'The Barnsley UFO', and reviews of 'Dying Worlds, Dying Selves'. The publication is printed by Chaz at Northern Arts Publishing.

Crop Circles - A Scientific Answer?

This article by Jenny Randles and Paul Fuller, originally a draft for a 1990 Oxford Crop Circles Conference presentation, aims to provide an overview of their perspective on crop circles and remind ufologists of basic facts. It begins by questioning how people react to claims of seeing flying saucers, noting a tendency towards hilarity, sympathy, or mild curiosity, while scientists may remain indifferent. The authors define UFOs as 'Unidentified Flying Objects'—anything perceived flying that is not immediately recognized—and distinguish this from 'Unidentifiable' or extraterrestrial spacecraft.

They criticize tabloid reporting for being garbled, sensationalized, and driven by a desire for exciting, fictional explanations that sell copy. The media's narrative often prioritizes 'Mrs Jones sees spaceship' over 'Mrs Jones sees spaceship but it was a weather balloon'. The authors liken the accuracy of typical UFO reports to Star Trek scripts reflecting scientific truth.

The article then details a case from January 20, 1988, involving the Knowles family on the central highway between Perth and Adelaide, Australia. They encountered a funnel of light, described as an egg resting in an egg-cup or a vortex funnel, which swayed, glowed, and disappeared intermittently. During the harrowing experience, the vehicle was seemingly sucked off the road. Peculiar effects included a strange smell (akin to bakelite), a black powder entering the car, and a peculiar alteration in voice pitch. The car burst a tire and careered off the road. Local residents and truck drivers corroborated seeing the light. Daylight revealed fine dust, the smell, and four small dents on the car's roof. The family appeared visibly shocked.

The story was reported to the police, but a TV station intercepted the family, leading to widespread media coverage. Britain saw approximately 150 stories, the largest publicity for a single UFO case on record there. Headlines sensationalized the event, with some escalating the reports to 'craft and alien powers' and even an 'alien beam' destroying the car. The authors note that the case became so far removed from reality that even the witnesses had difficulty recognizing their own accounts.

This reaction, the authors argue, is a common mistake made by both science and the media: assuming a hysterical narrative reflects the actual event, thus dismissing its potential significance. They suggest the Knowles case might be related to the meteorological forces behind the crop circle mystery.

The article presents 'well-established facts' about UFO sightings:

• (i) 75% of UFO sightings are lights in the sky that are usually explicable as aircraft lights, stars, meteors, satellite debris, gas clouds, or even glowing owls. These quickly become 'IFOs' (Identifiable Flying Objects).
• (ii) A few lights defy simple explanation, such as a movie film taken in daylight in Cuddington, Bucks, in 1973. While jet fuel or unusual meteorological conditions are possible, the authors suggest 'window areas' like Hessdalen Valley in Norway and Big Bend National Park in Texas, where similar phenomena occur. They note that Britain has a 'window' in the Pennine Hills, but skepticism and the field's lack of credibility have prevented scientific expeditions.
• (iii) Very few cases involve 'craft', and these are often amorphous shapes interpreted through a human desire for artificial design. Photographs from Trindade Island, for example, were interpreted as craft but likely depicted atmospheric events.

The authors contend that the crop circle mystery is similarly prone to misinterpretation, with a tendency to attribute phenomena to 'alien intelligence' rather than natural processes. They criticize media pundits who act as 'circle research scientists' promoting alien theories. Many people, they suggest, do not want the crop circle mystery solved as it spoils the fun of speculation. They emphasize that 'Never let the facts get in the way of a good story' is a media truism.

Facts of UFO Life

The article outlines several 'Facts of UFO Life' based on years of investigation:

• UFO Fact of Life No. 1: As many as 95% of reported UFO sightings are not true UFOs after investigation. They are misperceptions by individuals unfamiliar with natural phenomena. Allan Hendry's investigation for the US Centre for UFO Studies found that almost 90% of reported UFOs were nocturnal lights, and most were immediately explicable. Only 113 out of 1,307 cases remained unexplained, with some requiring further evaluation.
• UFO Fact of Life No. 2: Millions of witnesses worldwide often see evidence of craft and intelligences that do not exist. This is attributed to a subconscious model common in 20th-century society, shaped by science fiction films, books, and plays that promote the myth of UFOs representing alien intelligences.
• UFO Fact of Life No. 3: The cultural stereotype began with Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting of crescent-shaped objects. The term 'flying saucer' was used to describe their motion, but the public and media interpreted it as the object's shape, leading to artist reconstructions and witness depictions of UFOs as saucer-shaped. This demonstrates how social trends mold and control the phenomenon's form.
• UFO Fact of Life No. 4: UFOs did not originate in 1947. Charles Fort's records show media stories of UFOs from 1890-1940, and historical anecdotal evidence compiled by researchers like Jacques Vallee and Thomas Bullard proves UFOs have been seen throughout ages and interpreted according to the culture of the era. Examples include 'signs from God' in the Middle Ages, 'fantastic airships' in the late 19th century, and 'phantom weapons' from Nazi Germany. The year 1947 is significant because the current social myth took hold, turning light phenomena into alien spacecraft. The authors suggest a new phase is emerging, incorporating crop circles with concepts like greenhouse effects and environmental warnings, shifting the myth from alien spacecraft to 'Cosmic Ecology'.

The authors conclude that if UFOs are the space-age version of a social myth, then assumptions about UFOs and crop circles may be false. They argue that people are inventing ideas stimulated by the 'face-paint' that disguises the real cause of the experience, which is its current mythological disguise.

The Core of the UFO Mystery

The article questions the 'real core' of the UFO phenomenon, suggesting it involves things present throughout history for which science lacks adequate explanations, leading to supernatural myths. It reminds readers that science is not the ultimate summit of knowledge and that new discoveries integrate into our worldview. The authors cite the historical denial of meteorites by astronomers, only for a chemist to prove their extraterrestrial origin, opening a new field of research. Like meteorites and rainbows, UFO phenomena existed before they were understood.

They propose that meteorology might play the role of 'devil's advocate' in understanding UFO data. Strange atmospheric phenomena currently defy full scientific explanation and are often interpreted through the 'myth of the day' or 'cultural tracking'. Encounters are always at the level of modern technology; an alien force would use future technology. The fact that UFO sightings only use 40s and 50s technology suggests the phenomenon is camouflaged by social factors, mistaken for the UFO phenomenon itself.

The magazine advocates for the term UAP (Unidentified Atmospheric Phenomenon) as a more accurate and less myth-laden descriptor for unexplained atmospheric events. They believe the UFO phenomenon is a 'rag-bag assortment of various different UAP', with anything on the fringes of atmospheric science being shunted into this area due to science's fear of ridicule. Ufology, in effect, has become a branch of meteorology.

Two UAP types, along with geophysical events (earthlights), are suggested to have 'more or less SOLVED the UFO mystery', implying that many UFO reports can be explained by these factors rather than alien spacecraft.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO BRIGANTIA adopts a highly critical and skeptical stance towards mainstream ufology, particularly concerning the Roswell incident and crop circles. The editorial and featured articles consistently challenge sensationalized media portrayals and the prevailing 'alien intelligence' narrative. The magazine promotes a rational, scientific approach, emphasizing the role of misperception, cultural influences, and natural phenomena (like meteorology and atmospheric events) in explaining UFO sightings. It advocates for a re-evaluation of the UFO phenomenon, suggesting that much of what is reported is a manifestation of social myths and psychological biases rather than evidence of extraterrestrial visitation. The publication positions itself as a voice of dissent within the UFO community, aiming to 'tell it like it really is' by debunking popular theories and encouraging critical thinking.

UFO BRIGANTIA - January 1991

This issue of UFO BRIGANTIA, dated January 1991, shifts its publication frequency to quarterly. The cover story, "The first of these meteorological UAP is what we might call 'Super Ball Lightning'," introduces a case from Exhall, Warwickshire, on December 30, 1977. A golden ball of light was observed hovering near electricity pylons before accelerating into a cloud, leaving a distinct hole that persisted for several minutes. The article suggests this might be a natural atmospheric phenomenon with an ionizing radiation field.

The 'Meaden Vortex' and Crop Circles

The magazine posits that many UFO records correlate with accepted meteorological phenomena, but extreme or peripherally related forms may be misreported. It introduces the 'Meaden vortex' (dubbed by Dr. Terence Meaden) as a potential explanation for crop circles, aligning with the view that these are natural atmospheric processes. The authors state they have supported Dr. Meaden's work since 1983 and believe a vortex is the basic source of crop circles. They acknowledge that while this view is common within BUFORA, it's not a corporate opinion and some members disagree.

A significant point of divergence from Dr. Meaden is the perceived extent of hoaxing in crop circle phenomena. The authors cite the Daily Mirror's 1983 'quintuplet formation' hoax as an example of increasing hoax prevalence. They suggest a direct correlation between rising reported circles, increased media attention, and hoaxing rates, estimating that many of the 300 crop circles in 1989 were likely hoaxes. They believe hoaxers can create complex formations to suggest artificiality or intelligence, and that likely hoaxer candidates come from the fringes of the UFO movement or those testing gullibility.

Despite acknowledging that not all hoaxes are recognized, the authors assert that a Meaden vortex offers the best solution for basic crop circle types, rejecting claims of 'unknown intelligences' or 'unknown forces'. They have conducted a literature and archive survey of the UFO phenomenon to see if it supports the Meaden vortex concept. They note that if such a vortex exists, it must have been reported before the 1980 Westbury, Wiltshire, crop circles, which first gained national media attention. Earlier vortex sightings would likely have been reported within the context of ufology.

Key Findings from UFO Data Base Survey:

• Pre-1980 Circles: Six 'new' pre-1980 crop circles were found in Great Britain, all outside of Wessex, suggesting the 'Wessex Triangle' might be a media-inspired myth.
• International Cases: Over 20 'new' recorded crop circle cases from countries including Australia, Brazil, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, Sweden, Uruguay, and the USA were identified.
• Geographical Links: Extensive evidence shows close geographical links between crop circle locations, UFO 'windows,' and 'waves' of sightings, as well as vehicle interference and ionization effects.
• Marple, Cheshire Example: A classic illustration involves a cluster of events near Marple, Cheshire, including a car-stop and light phenomena in 1968, a cloud-cigar vortex case in 1974, and a daylight vortex observation with physiological effects and a crop circle in 1988, all within a small area.
• Aylesbury-Tring Area: Similar correlations of crop circles, UFOs, and car stop cases were found, with wind directions correlating to events.
• Meaden Vortex Eyewitness Accounts: A large number of eyewitness observations strongly confirmed Meaden vortices, featuring tornado funnels, unexpected winds, and spinning compass needles, often mistaken for 'alien' UFOs. These cases spanned various UFO experiences, from lights in the sky to car stops and alien kidnaps.
• Physical Characteristics of UAP: Recurrent clues suggest atmospheric vortex effects or ionization, including glowing clouds, physiological symptoms, electro-static attraction, and 'levitation' effects.

Case Study: Salto, Uruguay (February 18, 1977)

A detailed case from Salto, Uruguay, describes a rancher's encounter with a saturn-shaped mass emitting powerful wind, heat, and electrical tingles. The event caused cows to run wild, generator lights to fail, and a dog to die after attacking the UFO. The wiring was burnt out, and the witness developed a rash. Three days later, a 35-foot diameter circle was found flattened in the grass.

The Mundrabilla, Australia Case

This case is re-examined, with witnesses describing a glowing mass like a vortex funnel, exhibiting electrical ionization, upward suction, and downward pressure. Professor Peter Schwerdtfergger suggested a dry electrical storm, but his views were dismissed. Subsequent reports from other motorists on the same night mentioned hurricane-force winds, supporting a meteorological connection.

The 'Federal Hypothesis' and Covert Technology

Another section discusses the 'Federal Hypothesis' (FH), which posits that some UFOs are actually secret government aircraft. Bill Spaulding of Ground Saucer Watch (GSW) argues that the CIA took over UFO investigation in the 1950s, using the 'coverup' narrative to mask high-tech weapon testing. He believes it's unrealistic to keep flying saucers secret for decades and that much of the UFO data is a deliberate trail of misinformation to cover up advanced testing. GSW's research focuses on identifying 'classified' technologies that might be misinterpreted as alien saucers.

Rick A. Hale's Abduction Experience

Rick A. Hale shares his personal account of an abduction experience in Washington, USA, in June 1976. He describes an attempt to contact a UFO using his thoughts and then encountering three tall beings dressed in white suits near Ellensburg. He experienced a numbing fear and a desire to escape. He also noted a beam of white light and a loss of an hour and a half in time.

Subscription News and UFO Models/Videos

The magazine announces its transition to a quarterly publication schedule and an increase in subscription rates to £8. It also includes a section seeking information on UFO models and UFO videos for exchange.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of natural atmospheric explanations for UAP phenomena, particularly 'Super Ball Lightning' and crop circles through the 'Meaden vortex' theory. There's a critical stance towards the extraterrestrial hypothesis (ETH) and a strong emphasis on scientific investigation and the potential for misinterpretation of advanced human technology as alien. The magazine advocates for a more grounded, evidence-based approach to ufology, while acknowledging the complexities and the role of misinformation and hoaxing. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards conventional UFO explanations and a push for meteorological and technological interpretations.

Title: UFO BRIGANTIA
Issue: JANUARY 1991
Date: January 1991

This issue of UFO Brigantia delves into several key areas of ufology, including the potential role of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in unexplained sightings, a review of a significant book on the subject, and a psychological exploration of apocalyptic fears and their connection to UFO phenomena.

Silent Spy Hovers on the Horizon: UAVs and UFOs

The lead article, "Silent spy hovers on the horizon" by Henry Porter, discusses the emergence of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and their potential to be mistaken for UFOs. These small, silent aircraft, capable of surveillance, are being marketed for use by law enforcement and industry. The article notes that UAVs were first developed by the Israeli Defence forces in 1973 and have since evolved significantly. Modern versions, like Boeing's Tracer craft, can stay aloft for extended periods at high altitudes. Canadair's Sentinel is highlighted as a rotary-winged UAV that can hover for hours, equipped with features to avoid radar detection. The article mentions the potential for UAVs to carry sophisticated equipment, including infra-red sensors and chemical sniffers. The use of smaller, hand-launched UAVs like the Pointer by British police is also noted. A specific incident in Barnsley on April 20, 1988, is presented, where witnesses reported a large, triangular-shaped flying object with coloured lights, operated remotely. The report suggests this sighting could be explained as a remotely controlled flying object, raising questions about the operators and the secrecy of the exercise. The article concludes by suggesting that many observers are unaware of what is being flown in the sky and are ill-equipped to identify it.

Book Review: Phantoms of the Sky

This section features a review by Kevin McClure of the book "Phantoms of the Sky" by David Clarke and Andy Roberts. The book is lauded as "Ufology for grown-ups!" and a potential standard for public presentation of the subject. The review highlights that the book does not engage in debunking but rather provides a thorough examination of UFO cases, including names, places, and dates, placing them in an informed historical context. It covers significant events of the 1980s, such as MJ-12 and Rendlesham, as well as earthlights and airships. The review notes the book's exploration of the relationship between investigators and cases, and its inclusion of UK cases like Cracoe and Phantom Helicopters. McClure describes the book's theory as complex but convincing, based on the continuity of core events and perception, and notes its generally skeptical conclusions, suggesting "We are alone. We are not being fished for." A minor point of contention for McClure is the authors' brief suspension of disbelief regarding shamanism. The review strongly recommends the book.

Another brief mention of "Phantoms of the Sky" suggests it would be difficult for even Whitley Strieber to base an experience on.

Book Review: Communion by Ed Conroy

This review by Terry Jones (IUN) examines Ed Conroy's "Communion," which scrutinizes Whitley Strieber's account of his abduction by non-human entities. Conroy's investigation is described as thorough, interviewing all parties involved in the book's publication. The review details the conflict between Strieber and his publisher, Hopkins, over the sensational aspects of the abduction narrative. It notes that Strieber's manuscript was shown to members of MUFON, who also advised him to omit sensational details, but he proceeded to publish them, which alienated him from the UFO fraternity. The review praises Conroy's handling of Strieber's childhood and his interviews with family and friends, constructing an image of Strieber as an intelligent but prankish boy. It also mentions interviews with figures like Jacques Vallee and Nat Laurendi, as well as noted skeptics. The review touches upon Michael Persinger's comments on electromagnetic fields and their influence on the temporal lobe. The speculation in the book about the nature of the 'visitors' is discussed, with Conroy's analysis of Strieber's experiences providing artistic inspiration. The review notes a "darker, sado-masochistic side" to Strieber's personality, suggested by his attempts to gain spiritual awareness from these encounters. Overall, Jones considers the book worthy of any serious researcher's bookshelf.

Dying Worlds, Dying Selves

This extensive article by Martin Kotymeyer explores the pervasive theme of world destruction fantasies across history, religion, and psychology, and its potential connection to the UFO mythos. The article traces the concept from ancient figures like Zarathustra and biblical prophecies to modern science fiction and psychological theories. Kotymeyer discusses how fantasies about global catastrophe are a common feature in psychotic mental universes, citing Freud's interpretation of world-catastrophe beliefs in paranoia. The article examines various psychological conditions, including schizophrenia and paranoia, where such fantasies manifest, often linked to a poorly developed ego and a sense of fragmentation or annihilation. The author notes that these fears can be projected onto the external world, leading to cosmic fears.

The article then connects these psychological underpinnings to UFO experiences and the UFO mythos. It discusses figures like Wilhelm Reich, who believed UFOs were agents of a negative energy causing environmental deterioration and predicted the destruction of Earth. The piece also touches upon the work of Stephen Pulaski, Brian Scott, Cecil Michael, Antonio Nelso Tasca, Betty Andreasson, and PLW, whose experiences with alleged alien encounters often involve themes of destruction, manipulation, and prophecies of global disaster. The article highlights how these narratives can reflect internal psychological states, such as fears of death, disintegration, and loss of identity, projected onto the 'visitors' and the potential fate of the world.

The Dying World of Ufology

This sub-section specifically examines the apocalyptic fears expressed by ufologists over the years, suggesting that ufology itself behaves like a developing paranoid psychosis. It traces these fears back to early UFO authors like Gerald Heard, Frank Scully, and Donald Keyhoe, who expressed concerns about nuclear war, cosmic catastrophes, and the potential for extraterrestrial intervention. The article mentions Harold T. Wilkins, Morris K. Jessup, and Coral Lorenzon, all of whom predicted various doomsday scenarios. The 1960s are described as a particularly manic time for ufology, with figures like James McDonald expressing concerns about environmental issues related to supersonic transport and the potential for a "war of the worlds" scenario. The article notes the recurring theme of UFOs observing or potentially causing cataclysmic events, linking these fears to a broader cultural preoccupation with the end of the world.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO Brigantia consistently explores the intersection of technology, psychology, and the unexplained. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry, presenting information and analyses without outright dismissal or sensationalism. The magazine encourages critical examination of phenomena, whether it be the technological advancements of UAVs or the psychological underpinnings of UFO experiences and apocalyptic beliefs. There is a clear emphasis on presenting a well-researched perspective, as evidenced by the detailed book reviews and the in-depth article on the psychology of world-destruction fantasies. The magazine seems to advocate for a nuanced understanding of UFO phenomena, considering both potential mundane explanations (like UAVs) and deeper psychological and cultural factors that may influence perceptions and reports.

This issue of UFO BRIGANTIA, dated January 1991, is Volume 32, and features a cover headline focused on a psychological analysis of the UFO mythos. The magazine is published by Brigantia and priced at £2.50.

The UFO Mythos: A Psychological Analysis

The central theme of this issue is a deep dive into the psychological underpinnings of the UFO phenomenon. The author posits that the widespread belief in UFOs and related narratives is not necessarily indicative of extraterrestrial visitation, but rather a manifestation of deeper societal anxieties, fears of collapse, and a human need for meaning and self-expression. The article draws upon various authors and their predictions from the 1970s and early 1980s, who linked UFO sightings and narratives to impending doomsday scenarios, earthquakes, famines, and the general degeneration of society.

Historical Context of Doomsday Fears

Authors like Keel are cited for predicting the 1970s would be filled with violence and societal restructuring. Brinsley le Poer Trench, in his book 'Mysterious Visitors,' discussed doomsday prophecies, overpopulation, and global catastrophes, suggesting the saga was nearing a 'denouement.' Peter Rogerson, in 1971, viewed the UFO as a symbol of burgeoning irrationality and the collapse of civilization. Jerome Clark and Loren Coleman similarly saw civilization plunging into an abyss. Otto Binder predicted the annihilation of the human race by natural forces. While these fears have somewhat subsided since the mid-seventies, Jenny Randles is noted as a figure who continued to express concerns, experiencing nightmares of Armageddon and speculating that close encounters might be linked to psychic energy rippling back from such events.

Ufology as a Psychological Defense Mechanism

The article critically examines ufology itself, suggesting that it may be characterized by 'passionate errors' and a habitual faulty ability to discern reality. It proposes that the era of 'apocalyptophilia' has given way to an era of conspiracies, which are rooted in the same psychological defenses that fueled earlier irrational fears. These deeply ingrained beliefs fulfill a personal need for cosmic meaning and self-expression, and may evolve into delusions of grandeur or fantasies of world reconstruction.

Ethical Dilemmas in Addressing UFO Beliefs

Questioning the UFO mythos raises uncomfortable ethical dilemmas. The author highlights the potential for individuals to suffer depression and loss of meaning if their deeply held beliefs are dismantled. The experience of Allen H. Greenfield, described as a 'hero of Middle ufology,' is mentioned; he reportedly experienced a prolonged depression after abandoning his UFO beliefs. This leads to the question of whether to follow the Hippocratic dictum of 'do no harm' or to confront self-deception, regardless of the consequences.

Conclusion and Warning

The author concludes by acknowledging the sensitive nature of the observations and offers a warning to ufologists, urging them to reject the conclusions of the paper and to 'watch your step.' The article implies that a critical, psychological perspective on the UFO phenomenon is necessary, even if it challenges deeply held beliefs within the ufology community.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the psychological interpretation of the UFO phenomenon, framing it as a symptom of societal anxieties, a search for meaning, and a manifestation of conspiracy thinking. The editorial stance appears to be critical of the literal interpretation of UFO sightings, leaning towards a psychological and sociological explanation for the persistence of the UFO mythos. There is a clear emphasis on the potential for self-deception and the psychological defenses that underpin belief systems, urging readers towards a more critical and perhaps less literal engagement with the subject.