UFO Reporter - Vol 5 No 4

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO Reporter
Issue Date: December 1996
Volume: 5, Number 4
Publisher: UFO Research (New South Wales)
Country: Australia
Type: Quarterly Publication of UFO Research

Editorial Content

This issue of UFO Reporter delves into various facets of UFO research, with a strong emphasis on abduction phenomena and international cases. The cover prominently features the "Varginha aliens" case, alongside "Mack in Sydney (Part 2)" and "UFO abduction research in NSW".

International UFO Symposium, Brisbane

The editorial section highlights the International UFO Symposium held in Brisbane in October 1996, organized by MUFON (Queensland). The event featured prominent speakers such as Walt Andrus (MUFON Director), Stanton Friedman, John Mack, Whitley Streiber, and Peter Davenport. The symposium aimed to provide an international perspective on UFO research and keep Australian enthusiasts updated with global developments. The editorial also touches upon the media attention surrounding the "ALH84001" meteorite from Mars, suggesting it as another indication of life elsewhere and raising questions about potential scientific suppression of discoveries.

The Varginha Case (20 January 1996)

This section provides a detailed account of the Varginha case in Brazil, based on the presentation by Professor Ademar Gevaerd. The incident involved sightings of a craft, an unusual entity captured by local authorities, and subsequent events including military involvement, medical treatment, and an alleged autopsy by a renowned surgeon. The report notes that Brazilian authorities attempted to cover up the incident, but local UFO investigators were actively collecting eyewitness accounts. The entity was described as small, humanoid, with a large hairless head, brown oily skin, three cranial ridges, large red eyes, and a network of raised reddish veins, emitting an ammonia-like smell.

Mack in Sydney: Exploring Cross-cultural UFO Abduction Experiences

This is the second and concluding part of a public address by Dr. John Mack, a psychiatrist from Harvard University, given in Sydney. Mack discusses his journey into researching UFO abductions, initially viewing them as a spiritual emergency. He describes how his work evolved, leading him to believe that experiencers were reporting genuine phenomena that challenged conventional worldviews. Mack emphasizes the importance of transpersonal psychology in understanding consciousness and experiences beyond the typical materialistic view. He notes that abduction phenomena are not esoteric but involve physical aspects like scoop marks and lesions. Mack highlights the cross-cultural nature of these experiences, finding similar patterns in Brazil, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Europe, and among indigenous Americans. He discusses three fundamental dimensions of the abduction phenomenon: the basic physical/biological relationship with the beings, the informational aspect conveying messages about humanity's problems, and the dimension of human growth, transformation, and spirituality. Mack also shares experiences of individuals who felt they were not from Earth and had agreements with a higher source. The section includes a videotape segment featuring a South African witchdoctor, Creto Motuha, who described a terrifying encounter with beings called "Menindanee", which he considered far worse than other scary experiences he had faced.

Harare, Zimbabwe 1994

This section briefly recounts UFO sightings in Harare, Zimbabwe, in September 1994, where approximately 60 pupils witnessed UFOs and two entities during a school break. The report notes that the children's accounts were consistent and sincere, leading teachers to conclude they had seen something "not of this world".

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO abductions, international UFO cases (particularly Varginha), and the psychological and cross-cultural aspects of these experiences. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into anomalous phenomena, encouraging detailed investigation and the sharing of information, while acknowledging the challenges of mainstream scientific acceptance and potential government secrecy. The publication also promotes its own research efforts, such as the hypnotherapy training for investigators in NSW, and solicits contributions from readers.

UFO Reporter, December 1996

This issue of "UFO Reporter" (Vol. 5, No. 4) from December 1996, published by UFO Research (New South Wales), delves into the complex and often controversial subject of UFO abductions, with a particular focus on research within New South Wales, Australia. The magazine features a main cover headline: "UFO abduction research in New South Wales" and includes a paper presented at the UFOR(QLD) Seminar in August 1996 by Bryan Dickeson.

UFO Abduction Research in New South Wales

Bryan Dickeson's paper, "UFO abduction research in New South Wales," serves as the central piece of this issue. It begins by acknowledging the existence of various Australian UFO abduction cases, such as the Kelly Cahill case (Dandenongs, Victoria, August 1993) and the Longley case (Casino, NSW, March 1996). Dickeson emphasizes that these publicized accounts represent only a fraction of the phenomenon, with many unreported cases sharing common elements, akin to variations on a theme.

The paper outlines the key areas of discussion: the importance of researching UFO abductions, why they have recently gained public attention, the implications of the high number of reported cases, and the risks and benefits for UFO groups involved in such investigations.

Dickeson highlights the influence of a few key individuals and organizations, primarily overseas, in shaping the public perception of abduction research. He traces the origins of UFOR (NSW)'s research program, which began in November 1991. By mid-1992, the organization formally agreed to research UFO abductions, forming a special interest group (SIG). Initially, many Australian ufologists were skeptical, viewing such phenomena as unusual states of mind. However, the arrival of American abduction researcher Budd Hopkins in Sydney in 1992, who described methodologies involving confidentiality, hypnotherapy, and mutual support to recover memories, significantly impacted the Australian scene. Hopkins' visit led to approaches from NSW abductees and attempts to establish support groups, though these models needed adaptation for Australian conditions.

A schism within UFOR in early 1993 led to some members leaving to form their own support group, impacting UFOR's activities. Dickeson subsequently re-established a low-key support network, which also faced infiltration and was eventually abandoned. The current structure, implemented by mid-1993, is a high-confidentiality 'buddy' system where investigators share resources and network their findings.

The paper then delves into the "Roper poll," a survey that asked five questions about UFO abduction-type experiences. The anticipated 'yes' result was 1-2%, but the actual results were approximately 10,000 times higher, suggesting that about 2% of Americans, or 5 million people, have had such experiences. Applying these figures to Australia suggests over 350,000 Australians could be abductees. This staggering figure challenged local preconceptions and prompted investigators to re-examine their work.

Dickeson identifies resource limitations as a major obstacle for Australian investigators, given the country's vastness and sparse population. He also touches upon "other abduction precedents," questioning how such a phenomenon could have been missed and whether it is a genuine "epidemic." He draws parallels with the sociological precedents of sexual assault, noting similarities in personality profiles between abductees and victims of sexual abuse, including low self-esteem, dissociation, and an artistic temperament.

Sexual Abuse Models and Taboos

The article explores the concept of "sexual abuse models" as a lens through which to understand alien abduction phenomena. It notes Australia's high rate of reported sexual assault and suggests that societal taboos surrounding sexual abuse have historically suppressed research, citing Sigmund Freud's "Seduction Theory" as an example. The paper suggests that similar taboos might be at play in concealing the alien abduction phenomenon.

It references a Sydney Morning Herald article from April 1995 about a child abuse case, questioning whether it could be a misidentified alien abduction scenario. The article notes that government welfare agencies like DOCS are unlikely to consider alien abduction as a plausible explanation for child abuse due to public skepticism and the need for more conventional explanations.

Dickeson also discusses the idea that the phenomenon can "re-engineer itself 'from within'," a concept sometimes termed 'brainwashing,' which can lead to unreliability in witness accounts. He suggests that the agency behind abductions might compete with investigators for the abductee's attention, attempting to cover up their activities. In such cases, the most valuable information is often obtained in the initial interviews, with the investigator's primary role shifting to support and rehabilitation.

UFO Abductions and Extreme Trauma

Another section, "UFO abductions and extreme trauma?" by Moira McGhee and Bryan Dickeson, adapted from "The Gosford Files," explores the potential link between UFO abductions and cases of extreme personal trauma, such as youth suicide. McGhee's research on the Central Coast of New South Wales during a recent UFO flap revealed a disturbing number of youth suicides. A Sydney Morning Herald report indicated a significantly higher suicide rate in the area, with over half of the cases involving some form of child sexual abuse, suggesting it as a contributing factor.

The article questions whether a UFO link might be coincidental or if higher-than-normal levels of sexual abuse within the suicide group could be indicative of a connection. It acknowledges the difficulty in obtaining such personal information from government welfare agencies due to confidentiality.

Book Reviews

The issue includes reviews of two recent Australian UFO research books:

• 'Encounter' by Kelly Cahill (Harper and Collins): This book details Kelly Cahill's UFO close-encounter experience in the Victorian Dandenongs in August 1993. It highlights the discovery of multiple witnesses and the physical trace material analysis. The review describes it as a fascinating insight into the people, politics, and methodologies of the incident, and a must for Australian UFO researchers.
• 'The Oz Files' by Bill Chalker (Duffy and Snellgrove): This book is presented as an extensive and up-to-date representation of the UFO phenomenon in Australia, referencing recent abduction cases and historical incidents. The reviewer found it to be the best and most readable account encountered, an excellent reference, and compulsory reading for Australian investigators. Chalker's work with Royal Australian Air Force files is noted as providing valuable insight into the official investigation of the phenomenon in Australia.

Cameron Books Mail Order Catalogue

A prominent advertisement for "CAMERON BOOKS" features a 1997 Mail Order Catalogue, listing categories such as "MYTHS," "INDIGENOUS," "UFOS," "RELIGION," "PHILOSOPHY," "MYSTERIES," "PARANORMAL," "CHANNELING," "HEALTH," and "DIET." Contact details and an address in Hazelbrook, NSW, Australia, are provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the serious investigation of UFO abductions, moving beyond mere anecdotal accounts to explore psychological, sociological, and potential trauma-related aspects. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging rigorous research, acknowledging the complexities and challenges involved, and advocating for greater networking and resource sharing among UFO groups. There is a clear emphasis on the need to understand the phenomenon within a broader societal context, including its potential links to other forms of trauma and abuse, and to overcome societal taboos that may hinder research. The publication also serves as a platform for reviewing relevant literature, promoting the understanding and investigation of UFO phenomena in Australia.