UFO Rivista di Informazione Ufologica - No 05

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO, a Revista di Informazione Ufologica (Magazine of Ufological Information), is dedicated to the phenomenon of UFO abductions, titled "Speciale Abduction" (Special Abduction). Published in June 1988, it is the fifth issue of the third year of publication and costs L. 5,000. The magazine is a semi-annual publication by the Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici (C.I.S.U.).

In This Issue

The editorial explains the decision to dedicate an entire issue to abductions, noting the phenomenon's contradictory nature and its growing prominence, particularly in the United States, where it has become a primary focus of UFO sightings. The issue aims to provide readers with tools to form their own opinions, acknowledging the lack of definitive proof and optimal study methodologies.

Table of Contents

The issue features a special section on Abduction, with articles covering its historical perspective, specific cases, and related folklore. Key articles include:

• Speciale Abduction (Special Abduction) - Page 1
• Il Fenomeno Abduction in Prospettiva Storica (The Abduction Phenomenon in Historical Perspective) by Edoardo Russo - Page 3
• Speciale "Communion" (Special "Communion") - Page 11
• La Mia Esperienza con i Visitatori (My Experience with the Visitors) by Whitley Strieber - Page 11
• Strieber Ieri e Oggi (Strieber Yesterday and Today) - Interview with Danilo Arona - Page 16
• Rapimenti UFO (UFO Abductions) by Thomas E. Bullard - Page 20
• Speciale "Intruders" (Special "Intruders") - Page 25
• Intrusi: I Rapimenti UFO (Intruders: UFO Abductions) by Budd Hopkins - Page 27
• Abduction e Folklore (Abduction and Folklore) by Bertrand Méheust - Page 30
• Le Abduction in Italia (Abductions in Italy) by Paolo Fiorino - Page 35
• Intrusione o Comunione? (Intrusion or Communion?) by Franco Ossola - Page 41

The Abduction Phenomenon in Historical Perspective

Edoardo Russo's article traces the history of UFO abduction studies over twenty years. It begins by discussing the "contactism" of the 1950s, characterized by encounters with benevolent, human-like beings who delivered messages of peace. This era was often associated with religious or cult-like followings, leading to skepticism from ufologists who sought to distance themselves from such phenomena.

The article then moves to the "humanoid encounters" of the 1950s, where beings associated with UFOs were described as small and with non-human features, primarily collecting samples. The late 1960s saw the rise of "new ufology," which explored more open-minded approaches, including the concept of "silent contactees" and the idea that UFOs might be manifestations of a parallel reality or psychological constructs.

The first significant abduction case, Barney and Betty Hill in 1961, is detailed. Their experience, involving a missing time period and subsequent recall under hypnosis of medical examinations by alien beings, became a classic. The case of Antonio Villas Boas in Brazil and the Pascagoula abduction of Charles Hickson and Calvin Parker in 1973 are also highlighted as pivotal events that brought abductions into public discourse.

The article notes the increasing frequency of abduction reports from the mid-1970s onwards, particularly after the publication of books like "Communion" and "Intruders." It also touches upon the debate surrounding the reliability of hypnotic regression in uncovering abduction memories, referencing experiments that suggested the potential for confabulation.

Whitley Strieber's "Communion"

The issue features an excerpt from Whitley Strieber's personal account of his experiences with alien visitors, titled "My Experience with the Visitors." Strieber, a successful author, describes his initial skepticism about UFOs and his terrifying encounters, which he believes are real and not mere psychological phenomena. He recounts repeated encounters with beings he calls "visitors," detailing the fear, confusion, and eventual sense of enrichment these experiences have brought him. Strieber emphasizes the importance of confronting these experiences honestly and without resorting to religious or fantastical interpretations.

He discusses his efforts to validate his experiences through medical and psychological tests, all of which confirmed his sanity and physical health. Strieber suggests that these encounters are not necessarily malevolent but may represent a form of communication or "communion" between different intelligences.

The article also includes an interview with Danilo Arona, who discusses Strieber's previous works, such as "The Hunger" and "The Wolfen," noting recurring themes of superior intelligences attempting to communicate with humanity. Arona suggests that "Communion" continues these themes, exploring the idea of a higher intelligence seeking connection.

Ufologists and Strieber

The magazine addresses the reactions of ufologists to Strieber's book. While initially some were supportive, many became critical, questioning the veracity of his claims and the methods used, particularly hypnotic regression. Some ufologists, like John Rimmer, suggested that the hostility might stem from envy of Strieber's mainstream success. Strieber himself expresses frustration with the ufological community's skepticism, asserting that his experiences are fundamentally spiritual and metaphysical, and that the UFO phenomenon is a significant, albeit mysterious, aspect of reality.

Abduction and Folklore

Bertrand Méheust's article explores the connection between UFO abductions and folklore, suggesting that abduction narratives share common themes with ancient myths and legends of encounters with supernatural beings. He posits that the "UFO image" draws from various cultural elements, creating a modern folklore that reflects societal anxieties and beliefs.

Abductions in Italy

Paolo Fiorino's article examines the situation of abductions in Italy, noting the relative scarcity of significant cases compared to other countries. The article suggests that while the phenomenon is present, it has not manifested with the same intensity or clarity as elsewhere.

Intrusion or Communion?

Franco Ossola's article delves into the interpretation of abduction experiences, questioning whether they represent hostile intrusions or a form of communion. It touches upon the psychological impact on witnesses and the ongoing debate about the nature of these encounters.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently frames UFO abductions as a complex and controversial phenomenon. The editorial stance emphasizes the need for open-minded yet critical study, encouraging readers to form their own opinions based on available evidence. The magazine highlights the growing public interest in abductions, driven by popular books and media attention, and acknowledges the challenges faced by ufologists in investigating and interpreting these experiences. The recurring theme is the profound impact of these alleged encounters on individuals and the ongoing debate about their reality – whether they are genuine extraterrestrial events, psychological phenomena, or a blend of both. The magazine positions itself as a source of information to navigate this complex landscape.

This issue of UFO magazine, dated 1988, focuses on the complex phenomenon of UFO abductions. The cover headline, 'RAPIMENTI UFO,' immediately signals the central theme. The magazine features an interview with Whitley Strieber, author of 'Communion,' and an in-depth study by Thomas E. Bullard comparing abduction cases. It also includes discussions on the psychological aspects, skeptical viewpoints, and the connection between UFO encounters and ancient folklore.

Interview with Whitley Strieber

The interview with Whitley Strieber, conducted by Paolo Toselli, delves into his experiences and his book 'Communion.' Strieber suggests that while his book is largely fiction, there's a core of truth to his experiences. He discusses the theme of 'initiation' and cultural elevation through suffering, present in his earlier works like 'The Hunger' and 'The Wolfen.' Strieber posits that the success of 'Communion' in America is due to a deep-seated 'well of mysticism.' He also expresses his belief that nature itself might be trying to communicate with humanity due to environmental concerns, suggesting that 'visitors' could be part of an evolutionary mechanism to help humanity survive.

Thomas E. Bullard's Comparative Study of Abduction Cases

Thomas E. Bullard, an ethnologist and folklorist, presents a comparative study of 300 abduction cases. He notes the surprising similarities across these reports, leading him to conclude that abductions are not mere chance occurrences or personal fantasies. Bullard explores three hypotheses for these coherences: real experiences, subjective psychological experiences, or stories influenced by cultural traditions. He argues that the consistency in reports, even when influenced by hypnosis, suggests a real event. The study details the typical sequence of events in an abduction, from the UFO's appearance to the physical examination and return of the abductee. Bullard also discusses the physical traces left by abductions and the potential for extraterrestrial genetic experimentation.

The Nature of Abduction: Real or Imaginary?

Bullard's study also considers the possibility that abductions are imaginary events. He points to the dreamlike quality of many experiences, the 'missing time,' and the potential for psychological influences. The recurring themes in abduction narratives are compared to ancient myths and folklore, such as tales of fairies and shamanic initiation rituals. Bullard suggests that these stories might be 're-semantized' versions of older narratives, adapted to a modern, technological context.

Budd Hopkins and 'Intruders'

Budd Hopkins, a prominent researcher in the field, is featured for his book 'Intruders.' Hopkins' work focuses on the 'missing time' phenomenon and the idea that abductees are repeatedly targeted. He presents cases involving alleged genetic experimentation by extraterrestrials, including the creation of human-alien hybrids. Hopkins' research has been influential, sparking public debate and leading to more people coming forward with their abduction stories. However, his methods and conclusions have also faced criticism from skeptics and some ufologists.

Abduction and Folklore

Bertrand Méheust, a professor of philosophy and ufologist, explores the anthropological connections between UFO abductions and primitive folklore. He highlights similarities between modern abduction accounts and ancient myths, such as tales of spirits, initiation rituals, and encounters with supernatural beings. Méheust suggests that these narratives, whether ancient or modern, reflect deep-seated human psychological needs and cultural archetypes. He notes that while the context may change (e.g., from a spirit to an alien, or a cave to a spaceship), the underlying structure of the experience often remains the same.

Case Studies

The magazine presents several case studies from Italy and the USA. These include the experiences of Carl Higdon, Kathie Davis, Mona Stafford, Louise Smith, Elaine Thomas, Megan Elliot, Sandy Larson, and others. These accounts detail encounters with UFOs, alien beings, medical examinations, and periods of missing time, often with physical evidence or lasting psychological effects.

Critiques and Perspectives

The issue also touches upon the critiques of abduction research, particularly from rationalists and skeptics who question the validity of the accounts and the methods used, such as hypnosis. The role of media in sensationalizing the topic is also discussed. Some psychologists suggest that abduction experiences might be explained by psychological phenomena, stress, or the influence of modern mythology.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the mysterious nature of UFO abductions, the debate between objective reality and psychological interpretation, and the surprising parallels between modern accounts and ancient folklore. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various perspectives and case studies while acknowledging the complexity and elusiveness of the phenomenon. The magazine seems to lean towards the idea that there is a genuine, albeit poorly understood, phenomenon at play, which warrants serious investigation.

This issue of "UFO - Rivista di Informazione Ufologica" features an in-depth examination of the "Caso Zanfretta" (The Zanfretta Case), an enigmatic and complex series of alleged UFO encounters and abductions experienced by Fortunato Zanfretta, a night watchman from Genoa, Italy. The main article, "UN ENIGMA IRRISOLTO" (An Unresolved Enigma) by Gian Paolo Grassino, delves into the initial encounters and the subsequent investigations, while Franco Ossola's "L'opinione: INTRUSIONE O COMUNIONE?" (Opinion: INTRUSION OR COMMUNION?) discusses the broader implications of abduction phenomena.

The Zanfretta Case: An Unresolved Enigma

The First Encounter

On the night of December 6, 1978, Fortunato Zanfretta, while on duty in Marzano di Torriglia, reported seeing four lights near an isolated villa. After his car radio failed, he approached the villa on foot. He described a strong push from behind, followed by an encounter with a monstrous, three-meter-tall being with "undulating" skin and a face with "spikes" instead of hair. After the being disappeared, Zanfretta saw a luminous triangular object rising behind the villa. He managed to reach his radio and report the incident, leading to a rescue where he was found in a confused state.

The news of this close encounter quickly spread, making the "Zanfretta case" a significant event in Italian ufology. The case became characterized by Zanfretta's simple account, amplified and distorted by the mass media, attracting the attention of ufologists and journalists.

Hypnosis and the Second Abduction

To clarify the obscure details of his account, Zanfretta underwent regressive hypnosis. During these sessions, he recounted being taken to a brightly lit place by giant beings who placed a hot, painful "helmet" on his head and communicated through a "luminous device." He described the entities as green with yellow triangular eyes, "striped" skin, and pointed ears. These sessions, along with narcoanalysis, revealed a parallel narrative to his conscious memories, detailing periods spent with the "beings."

A second encounter occurred on December 28, 1978, near the Scoffera tunnel. Zanfretta reported losing control of his Fiat 127 in thick fog, with the car driving itself. He then saw a large light and the car stopped. Rescuers found him disoriented, with dry clothes despite the cold and rain. His car's six bullets were missing, and significant footprints, about 50 centimeters long, were found near the vehicle. These tracks were later destroyed by pseudo-ufologists who made casts.

Subsequent hypnosis sessions, some broadcast live, continued to explore Zanfretta's experiences. He described being stripped, subjected to examinations, and interrogated by the beings, who claimed to be a "dispersed" people from the galaxy seeking to settle on Earth due to its suitable atmosphere. He also described the interior of the UFO as much larger than it appeared from the outside, populated by numerous beings.

The Continuation and Evaluation of the Case

Zanfretta's experiences continued between 1979 and 1981, becoming increasingly fantastic, including telepathic contact and visions of ufologists and historical figures aboard the UFO. He was given a "pyramid inside a transparent sphere" as proof of the aliens' existence but inexplicably rejected and destroyed it. Attempts to have "experts" replace him for study were also unsuccessful.

The encounters ended in 1981 without Zanfretta providing definitive physical proof or the threatened definitive abduction. Surveillance devices installed by his company failed to yield concrete results.

Evaluating the Zanfretta case is difficult due to the vast amount of information, including a book by Rino Di Stefano and numerous articles. The quality of information is often poor, sensationalized, and lacking in clear reporting. Zanfretta's life was drastically altered by his public exposure, leading to disbelief, ridicule, and even temporary damage to his work. These factors likely influenced his hypnotic accounts, blending external stimuli with his own fantasies.

The article highlights that the first two encounters are more significant due to fewer external influences and greater collateral confirmations. It laments the lack of thorough, organized investigation at the time, which might have led to a definitive solution.

The case is described as a "book" onto which various individuals projected their own narratives, making it too complex to fully comprehend.

Other Cases and Methodological Considerations

The article briefly mentions another case from Lago d'Idro in 1973, where a witness reported finding strange footprints and experiencing an abduction under hypnosis. The witness described finding strange imprints, dried grass, and later being taken into a "circular room" by four individuals, undergoing touch-based examinations, and seeing images from a seat.

Conclusions on Abduction Research

Several conclusions are drawn regarding abduction phenomena in Italy:

1. The "abduction phenomenon" in Italy is extremely limited.
2. Italian media, with rare exceptions like the Zanfretta case, has not given significant coverage to abductions, often reporting them with sensationalistic and ironic tones.
3. Few investigations have been conducted methodologically and rigorously.
4. Hypnotic regression, though used, has not been fully utilized or controlled by investigators, and in Italy, unlike the US, abduction cases solely emerging under hypnosis are rare.

It is recommended that future field investigations be supported by serious team methodologies, including external consultants from various disciplines (psychologists, doctors, experienced hypnotists) to advance knowledge in this area.

Opinion: Intrusion or Communion?

Franco Ossola's opinion piece discusses the current phase of the UFO phenomenon, characterized by a massive increase in direct contact and abduction reports. He notes the overwhelming number of involved individuals and the global scale of these events.

Ossola questions the true nature of these abduction experiences, pondering whether they represent objective, verifiable events or experiences from other planes of existence. He contrasts the idea of extraterrestrial "intruders" with phenomena of internal, subjective creation.

He analyzes two prominent books on the subject: Budd Hopkins' "Intruders" and Whitley Strieber's "Communion." While both authors present compelling accounts and advocate for open-mindedness, Ossola finds Hopkins' work more convincing. He suggests that Hopkins' objective reporting of others' experiences lends itself to a more grounded narrative, whereas Strieber's first-person account, while intimate, sometimes blurs the lines between external reality and internal psychological experience.

Ossola interprets the entities described in "Communion" as potentially "intratrerrestrial" or manifestations of inner consciousness, drawing parallels to ancient divinities and psychoanalytic concepts. He notes the consistent description of alien eyes in both books – large, oblique, and deep – but suggests that in Hopkins' account, they represent cosmic infinity, while in Strieber's, they symbolize the vastness of consciousness.

Ultimately, Ossola posits that Strieber's experience might be better understood as an "itinerary of awakening consciousness" rather than a purely external adventure, hinting at profound psychological and existential transformations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue heavily focuses on the Zanfretta case, presenting it as a prime example of a complex and unresolved UFO abduction phenomenon in Italy. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, acknowledging the sensationalism surrounding such cases while advocating for more rigorous, multidisciplinary investigation. The article highlights the challenges in separating objective facts from subjective experiences and media influence. The recurring themes include the nature of alien contact, the role of hypnosis in uncovering memories, the impact of mass media, and the psychological dimensions of abduction experiences. The magazine aims to provide detailed accounts and analysis, encouraging a deeper understanding of these enigmatic events.