UFO Brigantia issue 49

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO BRIGANTIA
Issue: No. 49
Date: August 1991
Publisher: The Journal of the Independent UFO Network
Country: United Kingdom
Cover Headline: "Teenage Mutant Ninja Ufology"

This issue of UFO BRIGANTIA, published quarterly, offers a diverse range of articles on ufology, with a particular emphasis on the psychological and folkloric aspects of alien encounters and the perceived irrationality creeping into crop circle research. The magazine welcomes contributions on any aspect of ufology, encouraging readers to share their thoughts, regardless of how bizarre or controversial.

Editorial

Andy Roberts, the editor, opens the issue by referencing the 6th International UFO Congress, encouraging attendees to have fun and connect with fellow ufologists. He laments the lack of significant new discoveries in ufology in the UK, contrasting it with the sensationalism often found in American UFO journals. Roberts discusses the confusion arising from the multitude of phenomena discussed in ufology, including spirit possession, alien abductions, and paranormal claims, questioning how these conflicting belief systems interact. He also touches upon the work of James Randi, a professional magician known for debunking paranormal claims, and how his rational approach can be disorienting.

Articles

Invasion of the Mind Snatchers by Elizabeth Bird

This article critically examines the phenomenon of alien abduction, particularly as popularized by authors like Whitley Strieber and Budd Hopkins. Bird, an anthropologist, argues that most abduction accounts likely stem from the human psyche rather than extraterrestrial encounters. She explains confabulation, a psychological mechanism where memories are pieced together from various sources, and the concept of fantasy-prone personalities who can elaborate on experiences. The article highlights that hypnosis, often used to recall abductions, does not guarantee accuracy and can even lead to less reliable accounts in suggestible individuals. Bird also discusses hypnopompic hallucinations (waking nightmares) as a potential source for abduction narratives, noting their similarity to historical accounts of demonic encounters. She concludes that while abduction stories are similar due to cultural patterns, the proper response to alleged victims should be concern and help, not amusement or encouragement of delusions.

Dance of the Uncle Sam Humanoids by Terry Jones

Terry Jones, reporting from the United States, offers a critical perspective on American ufology. He expresses reservations about condemning research methods without firsthand experience but focuses on his interactions with Budd Hopkins and his reading of literature concerning 'whistleblowers' like Bob Lazar, John Lear, and William Cooper. These figures claim the US government possesses alien technology and has made deals with 'Greys' for abductions. Jones finds these claims paranoid, particularly the idea of the government knowing abductee addresses. He notes that while Budd Hopkins takes exception to his work being used to support such theories, Jones himself, after observing the abduction phenomenon firsthand, is convinced that something real is happening beyond psychological explanations. He recounts a personal experience at an abductee's apartment where he saw a visitor outlined in a dark cherry red, which he insists was not a hallucination. Jones contrasts the American view of abductions, which involves medical professionals and scientists, with the British perspective, which leans more towards folklore and psychological interpretations, suggesting the ETH (Extraterrestrial Hypothesis) has waned in the UK due to works like 'Passport to Magonia'. He argues that the American approach, despite its flaws, involves more professional investigation.

Just a Kind of Magick? by Rick Hale

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Abduction USA by Rick Hale

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Psst..Wanna Buy A Lost Squadron? by Various

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Stuff by Various

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Reviews by Andy Roberts

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Ads by Various

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Special Feature: Investigating Crop Circles Programme

The magazine includes a detailed program for a weekend event titled "Investigating Crop Circles" held from July 26th to 28th, 1991, in Glastonbury. The event features various speakers and activities, including Tai Chi, exhibitions, crop circle tours, talks on earth energies, leys, and consciousness, dowsing workshops, and musical evenings. The full weekend ticket is priced at £80, with individual day tickets ranging from £20 to £30. The editor expresses skepticism about the relevance of many of these activities to serious ufology, particularly the integration of New Age concepts and the perceived lack of rationalism in crop circle research. He criticizes the event's cost compared to a UFO event and suggests that the focus has shifted from evidence-based investigation to a mystical, folklore-driven approach.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

UFO BRIGANTIA appears to maintain a critical and rational stance on ufology, particularly concerning the New Age movement's influence. The magazine questions sensationalist claims and encourages evidence-based investigation. While acknowledging the psychological aspects of reported phenomena like alien abductions, it also entertains the possibility of genuine, unexplained events, as suggested by Terry Jones's personal experience. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry but with a strong emphasis on distinguishing between genuine investigation and what it perceives as uncritical acceptance of New Age mysticism or unsubstantiated claims.

Title: UFO BRIGANTIA
Issue: AUGUST 1991
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of UFO BRIGANTIA features a blend of ufological investigation, occult exploration, and personal accounts of alleged alien encounters.

Article: The 'Lam' Entity and Magic

The issue delves into the esoteric side of ufology with an article exploring the entity known as 'Lam' and its connection to occult practices, particularly the work of Aleister Crowley. The author, Ian Blake, notes that the magazine's editorial policy is to explore the 'other' non-ETH side of ufology, including what is known as 'magic'. Blake discusses Crowley's 'Amalantrah Working' from 1918, a series of visions and trance-communications involving a wizard named Amalantrah and an entity later identified as Lam. The article highlights Crowley's personal record of Lam, a portrait drawn from life, which is described as having a large, smooth, hairless head, slitlike mouth, and eyes extending around the sides of the face, resembling a typical 'grey' alien occupant.

Kenneth Grant, a successor to Crowley, is mentioned as having received 'strong intimations' that Lam is a focus of extraterrestrial and trans-plutonic energy. The article quotes from 'The Lam Statement', a text for OTO initiates, which outlines a ritual for establishing communion with Lam, involving visual focus on the portrait, mental invocation, and entering the 'Egg of Spirit'. The author acknowledges the difficulty in assessing the claims made for 'LAMeditation' but cautions against dismissing them as pure imagination, suggesting a definite residue of data that cannot be ignored.

Blake draws parallels between 'LAMeditation' and the broader issue of 'contacteeism', noting that such experiences are often solitary. He also connects these experiences to the 'Oz effect', a sense of dissociation reported by UFO witnesses, and suggests that abduction syndrome might have something in common with magic. The article concludes by stating that while the nature of these entities is uncertain, The Lam Statement testifies to the power of the unconscious mind and can be seen as describing a process of self-exploration.

Article: Abduction USA

This section presents the continued recollections of an American abductee, Rick Hale, as revealed to Philip Mantle. Hale recounts experiences under hypnosis, including an examination by a 'wolf being' and an encounter with beings who seemed human. He describes a spacious room with a gray hue and people walking in the background. A man in charge asks Hale what he wants most in the world, to which Hale replies 'peace on earth'.

Hale then describes descending into a sunken bay using square-shaped pillars and seeing another examination table, filling him with dread. He recalls bright white flashing lights, a loud humming sound, and a vibration. He then sees geometrically shaped instruments, possibly probes, and feels like a sacrificial lamb. After the commotion stops, he feels no pain and sits up on the table. He then walks up a stairway through a fog and encounters a man with blonde hair. He is told he is going for a ride.

In a later recollection, Hale describes being near the craft's entrance with three beings and feeling important after one of them says something wonderful. He enters a doorway and finds himself in a dark, cold, musty room with a young girl. He describes her as having long dark hair and a dirty appearance but a pretty face. He feels a strange love for her, and she wants to make love, which confuses him.

He then remembers a hatchway door opening and a doctor waiting for an examination. Hale notes that things are blocked out of his memory, likening each room to a piece of a puzzle. He realizes this section might be a dream he had years ago and considers that the beings might be trying to communicate through a sleep state. He finds relief in thinking these are just dreams, not real alien encounters.

Late News

This section provides brief updates on various UFO-related news:

• Fortean Times: Announced as a new bi-monthly newsstand magazine, praised as the UK's only publically available weird publication.
• Next Issue Preview: The November issue of UFO BRIGANTIA will feature an interview with a famous congress attendee, information on an alleged South African 'UFO crash', and an article on the Belgian UFO wave.
• UFO ALAMO: Reports on an editorial by Jerome Clarke questioning the validity of the Gulf Breeze and MJ-12 incidents, suggesting Roswell is all that remains of the ETH (Extraterrestrial Hypothesis).

Irrefutable Evidence Snippets

This section presents several small news items and reports:

• Corn Circles Blown Away: A Japanese scientist, Professor Hiroshi Kikuchi, claims that high winds picking up dust particles and trapping them in a vortex cause Britain's corn circles.
• Scientists Begin Corn Circles Vigil: Scientists have launched a five-week vigil in Wiltshire to technically record the formation of corn circles using advanced equipment.
• Girl Bites Alien: A Soviet woman claims to have encountered an alien in her bedroom and bitten off a piece of its arm. Tissue samples are reportedly being analyzed.
• Alan's Daytime Date: Alan Godfrey, who claimed to have encountered a UFO as a police officer, is to be interviewed for a BBC television show and is discussing a potential documentary and film based on his experience.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the more unconventional and esoteric aspects of ufology, including connections to magic, occultism, and psychological phenomena. The editorial stance, as stated, is to stress the 'other' non-ETH side of ufology and to mix it up with 'magic', indicating a willingness to consider theories beyond conventional scientific explanations. There is a clear interest in personal accounts of encounters and a critical examination of the evidence, even when it challenges established beliefs.

Title: UFO BRIGANTIA
Issue: AUGUST 1991
Date: August 1991
Character: This issue of UFO Brigantia delves into various aspects of ufology, book reviews, and related anomalous phenomena, with a focus on historical cases and contemporary publications.

Articles and Features

The Lost Squadron Mystery Revisited

The lead article, "...Wanna buy a lost Squadron!", addresses the enduring mystery of Flight 19, which disappeared on December 5th, 1945, from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The case has been a staple of 'Bermuda Triangle' lore and UFO cult beliefs. The article notes that recent news reports about the finding of five planes off the coast of Florida, which were initially thought to be the Lost Squadron, were later debunked. Explorers found planes that corresponded to Flight 19, but subsequent checks revealed they were of an older type. The piece also references John Spencer's book 'UFOS The Definitive Casebook' and mentions an apocryphal radio operator's account of a final message from Flight 19: "Don't come after me. They look like they are from outer space."

A news brief titled "Lost Squadron lost once more" details the disappointment of explorers who discovered five US Navy Avenger planes off Fort Lauderdale, only to find they were not the original Lost Squadron that vanished in 1945. The exploration ship 'Deep See' found a plane number that corresponded to Flight 19, but further checks indicated the planes were of an older model.

The author expresses skepticism about the media's gleeful reporting of the 're-discovery' and highlights a snippet from The Guardian (June 5th, 1991) revealing that the found planes were not Flight 19. This leads to the mention of another 'lost squadron' consisting of five Avenger planes lost in the same area. The article concludes by inviting readers with further information on the "Baffling Case of the Two Lost Squadrons" to share it, anticipating its future coverage in Fortean Times. A quote from Oscar Wilde is used to punctuate the narrative: "To lose one flight 19 may be regarded as a misfortune; to lose both looks like carelessness."

A lengthy quote from Richard Grossinger's "Waiting for the Martian Express" is included, discussing the prophetic nature of UFOs, abductors, and other phenomena, while cautioning against restrictive interpretations that diminish human reality.

Book Reviews

Alien Liaison by Tim Good

A review of Tim Good's 'Alien Liaison' (Century, 1991) discusses a critical review from The Sunday Telegraph which called Good a "breathtakingly credulous young man." The reviewer acknowledges that authors like Good are often motivated by sales rather than rigorous analysis. The book is described as a collection of "travellers tales from the badlands of America's psyche," covering topics such as UFO bases, cattle mutilations, and alleged US administration involvement with aliens. The reviewer notes that while the book lacks deep analysis, it provides a good overview of what is happening in American ufology. The reviewer praises the writing style as accessible, unlike some denser ufological texts.

UFOS THE DEFINITIVE CASEBOOK by John Spencer

This review of John Spencer's 'UFOS The Definitive Casebook' (Hamlyn, 1991) notes that Spencer has reportedly been critical of reviews of his other books, such as 'UFO Encyclopedia'. The reviewer suggests that despite Spencer's claims, the negative reviews are justified. The book is described as having brilliant artwork and maps, but the maps are criticized for their lack of precision in locating sighting areas. The reviewer also questions the accuracy of the 'foo-fighter' section, citing issues with historical context, sources, and potential inaccuracies in photographs.

Specifically regarding 'foo-fighters', the reviewer points out that sightings occurred in all WWII theatres, not just Europe and the Pacific. The Schweinfurt event is clarified as not being a typical foo-fighter event, and the ball-type foo-fighter predated it by two years. The reviewer also disputes the origin of a photograph, suggesting it is from the Pacific theatre and not Germany, and likely depicts ice crystals. The review concludes that while the book is visually appealing, its factual inaccuracies make it less valuable for serious UFO research.

Portraits of Alien Encounters by Nigel Watson

Nigel Watson's self-published book 'Portraits of Alien Encounters' (Valis, 1990) is praised for its professional production quality, comparable to large publishing houses. Watson, with twenty years of experience in UK ufology, is noted for his knowledge. The book examines close encounter cases and the witnesses involved, exploring experiences with angels, poltergeists, and robots. The review highlights the Norman Harrison case, which details information about alien races and their origins. The reviewer suggests the book offers a fascinating examination of human madness, where the experiences are 'mad' even if the people are ordinary. The review also touches upon the case of Paul Bennett, former editor of UFO Brigantia, and how his statements might have been influenced by his interpretation of events. The book is seen as a pertinent look at the challenges of investigating 'high strangeness' cases.

The Magical Revival by Kenneth Grant

This review discusses Kenneth Grant's 'The Magical Revival' (Skoob Books, 1991), an introduction to the occult. The reviewer notes that the occult provides a framework for understanding the human unconscious and anomalous experiences that is deeper than typical implant/abductee narratives. Grant, a student of Aliester Crowley, produced this reprint in the 1970s. The book covers the rise of modern magick and its sources, featuring alien intelligences that are presented as more plausible than those in current UFO lore. The reviewer suggests that the coming Age of Horus, as described by Crowley's contact Aiwaz, indicates a significant planetary change. The book is described as "seriously weird" and requiring "joined up thinking" to understand, but is praised for its beautiful production, excellent index, and bibliography. It is recommended for its potential to broaden perspectives and change lives.

Dark Doctrines

'Dark Doctrines' (New World Publishing, 1991) is a collection of works by various authors, including Ian Blake and Phil Hine. The book covers a wide range of topics, from the supernatural and the Jivaro Head Cult to serial killers, with UFOs not being a primary focus. However, it is described as a "fantastic and varied look at human belief and practice in some very dark corners of the psyche." Phil Hine's chapter, "The Physics of Evocation - A Mythos Perspective," is highlighted for its blend of H.P. Lovecraft, UFOs, Earthlights, belief systems, and consciousness research. The reviewer considers this speculative ufology "at its best," discussed with intelligence and wit. The other chapters are also deemed informative and fascinating, with the book praised for its quality production and the authors' genuine involvement in their subjects.

Ghosts & Legends of the Peak District by David Clarke

David Clarke's book 'Ghosts & Legends of the Peak District' (Jarrold, 1991) is a compilation of local tales, including UFOs, earthlights, stone heads, and screaming skulls. The reviewer notes that Clarke, who was formerly involved with the Handsworth UFO Club, YUFOS, and BUFORA, has now shifted focus to popularizing folklore. The book is praised for its thorough field and library research, presenting stories that have not been widely published before. While the publishers limited the scope for analysis, the book is recommended for those interested in the region's mysteries and for encouraging further research. The reviewer humorously suggests readers might find Clarke out in the Peak District researching with a map and a pasty.

Other Sections

"Coast to Coast" Event

A flyer for an event called "Coast to Coast" is featured, described as a 'rave' by young folk, with a dramatic assertion that aliens are responsible for drug-taking, declining educational standards, and the death of rock 'n' roll.

News Items

Several short news items are included: "How to get rid of Jehovahs Witnesses" (undated newspaper, May 1991), "Why The UFOs Steal Our Lettuce" (a 1979 West German film, noted as not a hit), and a piece about actor Julian McMahon hoping hypnotherapy will help him recall details of a UFO abduction in his garden.

Advertisements and Listings

The issue includes advertisements for various publications and organizations, such as "The Ley Hunter" journal, "Strange Magazine," "Fortean Times," "UFO Newsfile," and official Congress T-shirts. It also lists UFO models and kits available from UFORIA.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores anomalous phenomena, with a particular focus on UFOs, but also encompassing folklore, occultism, and earth mysteries. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, encouraging readers to engage with the subject matter thoughtfully and to question sensationalized or unsubstantiated claims, as seen in the analysis of the Flight 19 mystery and the book reviews. There is a clear appreciation for well-researched material and a skepticism towards overly credulous or purely commercial approaches to ufology.