THE UFO ENIGMA

Magazine Overview

Title: THE UFO ENIGMA
Issue: Volume 5, Number 6
Date: March/April 1985
Publisher: UFO Study Group of Greater St. Louis, Inc.
Type: Newsletter/Magazine

This issue of THE UFO ENIGMA, published by the UFO Study Group of Greater St. Louis, Inc., delves into various aspects of UFOlogy, religion, and the human mind, featuring articles on controversial subjects, upcoming events, and prominent figures in the field.

UFO's, Religion, And Hypnosis

The lead article, "UFO's, Religion, And Hypnosis" by Karen Tellor, reports on the February meeting of the Quad County Mutual UFO Network. The meeting featured Joseph R. Votoupal, a local church head deacon, who presented his theories suggesting that incidents previously considered biblical mysteries might actually be extraterrestrial in origin. Votoupal has researched scriptures and secular material to support his claims. The discussion that followed explored the possibility of demonic spirits being responsible for some UFO phenomena.

The March meeting of the Quad County MUFON Network presented a demonstration of hypnotic regression by Don Mottin, Director of the Mottin and Johnson Institute of Hypnosis. After testing the audience for hypnotic susceptibility, Mottin regressed several volunteers, bringing them back to their childhood. He noted that while he has regressed others to past lives, this demonstration focused on regression to as far back as three years old. Mottin also gave a hypnotic suggestion to the volunteers, making them believe only a few moments had passed, when in reality, they had been hypnotized for nearly 25 minutes. Mottin's institute offers hypnosis for various issues, including smoking cessation, weight loss, and overcoming anxieties, and he has extensive clinical experience, including work with the St. Louis Major Case Squad.

MUFON Symposium Update

"1985 MUFON SYMPOSIUM UPDATE" by Helen C. Hanke highlights the featured speakers for the upcoming symposium: Marge Christensen and Ted Phillips.

Marge Christensen, MUFON National Director of Public Relations and Missouri State Director, has presented numerous lectures and taught UFO courses. She has appeared on radio and television and has been featured in newspapers. Christensen served as a keynote speaker at the 1984 MUFON Symposium and will discuss MUFON's first National UFO Information Week at the 1985 event. This initiative aims to raise public awareness of the UFO phenomenon through various media and events. She is also collaborating with the Center for UFO Studies and the Furd for UFO Research.

Christensen also publishes the "National MUFON Newsletter" for State Directors and the "P.I.P.E. Line" for the Public Information and Public Education Committee. She is an English teacher, advisor to a school newspaper, and Director of Cable TV Programming.

Ted Phillips is described by Dr. J. Allen Hynek as "The world expert in physical traces found at alleged UFO landing sites." Phillips has investigated over 550 UFO reports and compiled a research file on physical trace landing cases from 65 countries. He has participated in scientific programs related to UFO studies and met with United Nations Secretary-General Kurt Waldheim to prepare a resolution for a global UFO investigation.

Other Articles and Announcements

"DOES THE MILITARY SUPPLY UFO'S SPARE PARTS?" by Viola Echele discusses Walter Palmer's report on the "COSMOS, Sky Crash" incident. The article questions whether the military has supportive contact with aliens and suggests the possibility of UFO spare parts being transported by military aircraft. It also theorizes about authority shifting to super-secret agencies.

"TO TELL THE TRUTH" COMES TO THE QUAD COUNTY AREA" by Karen Tellor announces an upcoming Quad County MUFON meeting that will feature a "To Tell the Truth" style panel. Three individuals claiming UFO sightings will be presented, and the audience will quiz them to determine the authenticity of their accounts.

Missouri MUFON Announcements, compiled by Bruce Widaman, includes information on a new P.O. Box for MUFON in Missouri and appointments for Walter Palmer as Assistant State Section Director and Joe Palermo as Director for Public Information. It also mentions that UFO investigators will be notified of the next meeting by mail.

"ST. CHARLES ENJOYS VIDEO OF 'THE BENTWATERS INCIDENT'" by John Ropollo reports on a St. Charles Committee meeting featuring a CNN video presentation of the "Bentwaters Incident" at a U.S. Air Force Base in England. The incident involved an object that left physical traces and was sighted by witnesses, followed by sightings of "sun-like" lights.

An announcement for the 1985 MUFON Symposium details a "Breakfast With The Speakers" event on Sunday, June 30th, offering a buffet breakfast and an opportunity to interact with the speakers. Reservations are required.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the intersection of UFO phenomena with religion and psychology (hypnosis), the organizational efforts and public outreach of MUFON, and the investigation of specific UFO incidents like the Bentwaters case. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry and detailed reporting on UFO-related events and theories, encouraging public participation and awareness within the UFOlogy community.