Ufologen - No 13 - 1974

Magazine Overview

Title: UFOLOGEN
Issue: 13
Date: January-February 1974
Publisher: Arbetsgruppen för ufologi (AFU)
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

Editorial Stance and AFU's Mission

The editorial, written by Håkan Blomqvist, addresses the common assertion that flying saucers are real and represent visits from outer space (the ET hypothesis). Blomqvist argues that while the ET hypothesis is a plausible explanation, it lacks sufficient proof and should be approached with critical open-mindedness, similar to other theories. He criticizes the tendency in some UFO publications to immediately equate flying saucers with extraterrestrial craft, suggesting this is a logical fallacy. The article emphasizes the need for thorough, unbiased research into UFO phenomena.

Arbetsgruppen för ufologi (AFU) is presented not as a formal organization but as an informal collective of UFO research enthusiasts. Its primary goal is to conduct investigations and document UFO-related events, avoiding the administrative burdens of traditional organizations. AFU relies on local representatives to carry out field investigations and collaborates with other UFO groups under the umbrella of "Projekt U.R.D." The magazine "Ufologen" serves as a common organ for active UFO researchers in Scandinavia, not primarily for the general public.

AFU seeks collaborators and representatives across Scandinavia to assist with field research and provide advice, as direct membership is not offered.

Key Articles and Features

"Närobservation utanför Sorunda" (Close Observation near Sorunda) by Håkan Blomqvist

This article details a UFO sighting reported by Arne Andersson on December 31, 1973. Initially, Andersson contacted the editor believing he saw a planet. However, the following day, he described a luminous object he encountered while driving near Ösmo, Sweden. He was very agitated and unconvinced by the planet explanation. Later, around 04:20 AM, near Djursnäs between Nynäshamn and Sorunda, his car was illuminated by an intense blue light. He observed a rod-shaped object floating slowly past his car, emitting white-grey smoke. He estimated its size to be about half a meter long. The light vanished after about 20 seconds, leaving him frightened. The incident is compared to a similar event reported in Valdemarsvik.

Valdemarsvik Sighting

An accompanying report from "Norrköpings Tidningar" describes a similar event in Valdemarsvik on the same morning. Alf Andersson and Östen Österberg reported hearing a loud bang and seeing an intense blue flash that split into two bright points in the sky, resembling aircraft lights but too high and fast to be so.

"Nagas - legenden om ormrasen" (Nagas - The Legend of the Serpent Race) by Håkan Blomqvist

This extensive article explores the theory that flying saucers might be connected to an ancient race of beings described in mythology as the "Nagas" or serpent race. Blomqvist outlines three main categories of UFO origin theories: extraterrestrial, subterranean, and interdimensional. He then focuses on the less common theory linking UFOs to a race of human-reptilian hybrids who originally came from space, had a conflict on Earth, and may still be active.

The article draws parallels between the Nagas in Indian mythology (described as having human-like and serpent-like features, capable of changing form) and UFO phenomena. It references ancient texts like the Vedas and discusses serpent worship in India. The concept of Nagas residing in an underworld is also mentioned. Similar themes are found in Greek mythology, such as the battle between Titans and Olympian gods, with the "Dragon" being a significant figure.

The article also connects the serpent imagery to biblical accounts, particularly the serpent in the Garden of Eden and the figure of Satan, noting that "Satan" spelled backward can resemble "Nagas."

Further connections are made to occult literature, including claims from "Secret of the Andes" and information from a couple in the 1940s who received telepathic messages about a subterranean race. The author John Keel's idea that UFOs are a modern manifestation of ancient phenomena is discussed. The article cites various sources, including M. Doreal's "Flying saucers - an occult viewpoint," which posits that UFOs are connected to the Naga race.

"Myt, verklighet och flygande tefat" (Myth, Reality, and Flying Saucers) by Peter Kor

This article posits that myths, religious narratives, and UFO accounts all share a common theme: the existence of forces and powers beyond human comprehension. It suggests that the "other world" actively influences human surroundings through paranormal phenomena like flying saucers and mysterious beings that communicate with the subconscious. These encounters lead to the formation of mythologies, which serve as a framework for understanding these activities and their perceived dangers.

The author argues that ancient peoples interpreted these experiences literally, fitting them into their existing cultural and psychological contexts. The article touches upon the concept of "flying saucers" as a technological drama that, like ancient epics and religious quests, points to powers beyond human reach.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of UFO sightings, the exploration of alternative and often esoteric theories about their origin (such as the Naga/serpent race hypothesis), and the connection between modern UFO phenomena and ancient myths and occult beliefs. The editorial stance, as expressed by Håkan Blomqvist, favors a critical and evidence-based approach to UFO research, cautioning against jumping to conclusions, particularly regarding the ET hypothesis, while remaining open to the possibility of unknown phenomena.

This issue of "Flying Saucers" magazine, dated October 1967, delves into the nature of reality and paranormal phenomena, contrasting modern scientific approaches with ancient beliefs. It explores the idea that reality may be more than just material substances, referencing Sir James Jeans' theories on non-material components of the universe. The magazine presents numerous eyewitness accounts of UFO sightings across Sweden during late 1973, describing various aerial phenomena. It also touches upon psychological interpretations of these experiences and the concept of a collective subconscious.

The Nature of Reality and Perception

The issue begins by critiquing the modern scientific tendency to dismiss paranormal phenomena, contrasting it with ancient human beliefs. The author argues that the failure to find 'flying objects' or 'gods' led to their categorization as misinterpretations of natural phenomena or psychological delusions. This modern approach, focused on literal, physical evidence, has led humanity to conclude that there is no place for 'gods' or their 'flying saucers.' However, the article questions this conclusion, suggesting that the search has been limited by what humans expect to find – physical locations.

Sir James Jeans is quoted stating that new physics experiments and equations prove the existence of non-material components that do not directly affect our senses but exist outside our space-time experience. These include electromagnetic fields, radiation, energy outflows, and space itself, which possesses mathematical properties describing a subtle structure beyond current analytical capabilities. These non-material components are known through their indirect effects, which can be measured, proving their existence.

The article posits that the physical world as we perceive it is merely an aspect of a larger reality, limited by our senses. The 'other world' is a refined extension of terrestrial matter, containing an invisible, organized activity. This is proposed as the home of 'flying saucers' and 'gods,' which have left no physical trace because they are not part of our physical world.

UFO Sightings and Encounters

The bulk of the magazine is dedicated to a comprehensive report of UFO sightings across Sweden in late 1973. These reports detail numerous instances of unidentified aerial phenomena observed by various individuals and groups.

Key Incidents Reported:

• November 20, 1973, Trelleborg: About ten dark red, round, flat objects were seen moving in a line in the sky, forming an arc before disappearing.
• November 20, 1973, Grängesberg: A strong white light, described as a large sphere with a tail, was observed moving rapidly east-west.
• November 21, 1973, Kungsör: A red sphere with a short tail moved horizontally southwest for 8-10 minutes before vanishing.
• November 21, 1973, Harstad: A large, color-shifting light was seen in the northwest for about five minutes, disappearing and reappearing briefly.
• November 25, 1973, Grängesberg: A strong, pulsating green-blue light moved in an arc, circling and then disappearing eastwards.
• November 28, 1973, Nordmaling: A woman observed a large, oval object with lights along its edge, moving slowly north.
• December 4, 1973, Herrljunga: A round, red object, the size of a football, flew over treetops, stopped, and then ascended rapidly.
• December 4, 1973, Lekåsa: A red lantern-like object moved in the sky without sound.
• December 4, 1973, Ekshärad: Two red rings merged, followed by a red crescent shape, moving slowly west.
• December 7, 1973, Ängelsberg: A glowing orb, pulsating with rainbow colors, moved erratically in the sky.
• December 8, 1973, Stjärnvik: A woman reported seeing an oval-shaped craft with lights along its edge, emitting rainbow colors, moving slowly north.
• December 9, 1973, Malmö: A photographer captured images of a reddish glowing sphere with a long tail, potentially the Kohoutek comet, but the description also aligns with UFO reports.
• December 9, 1973, Nässjö: A bright, deep blue light was observed in the east, described as a cigar-shaped object.
• December 9, 1973, Malmö: Witnesses reported seeing flames around a glowing sphere, with some suggesting it was a spent rocket stage.
• December 11, 1973, Arvidsjaur: A bright, round object with two light points was observed moving and changing direction.
• December 14-15, 1973, Avesta: A glowing red orb was seen hovering at low altitude, emitting smoke-like trails.
• December 14-15, 1973, Avesta: A shiny gold sphere was observed moving rapidly from north to south.
• December 19-20, 1973, Vimmerby: A blue-yellow glowing object, described as a flying saucer, was observed for over an hour, moving in rapid, jerky motions.
• December 20, 1973, Södra Vi: A flying object emitting strong light and blue-yellow sparks was observed for about 45 minutes, moving erratically.
• December 30, 1973, Borlänge: A red, elongated object was seen in the sky.

Analysis and Interpretation

The article discusses the concept of 'falsaries' (hoaxes or misidentifications) in UFO reports. It suggests that while some psychic experiences might be objectively real, the way they are symbolized can create myths rather than literal truths. The author notes that even honest contactees may not be able to bring physical proof of their experiences because they have entered a realm beyond 'matter.'

Regarding physical evidence like photographs, the article argues that dismissing all detailed UFO photos as forgeries is unreasonable. It acknowledges that UFOs might be terrestrial experimental craft. The dilemma in assessing UFO observations is that a seemingly physical craft can suddenly appear non-physical, similar to parapsychological materialization phenomena.

Several reports are analyzed in detail. The phenomenon observed in Malmö on December 9th is discussed, with experts suggesting it might be a spent rocket stage. The article also addresses the possibility of the Kohoutek comet being mistaken for a UFO, but notes discrepancies in timing and location for some sightings.

Psychological and Philosophical Dimensions

The magazine explores the psychological aspects of these encounters. It references deep psychology and hypnosis, which can reveal 'self-governing symbols' and 'beings' and 'places' that appear to have objective existence. These archetypal images are seen as consistent throughout history and share characteristics with UFO experiences. The article suggests that these 'symbols' represent an activity that is normally invisible and too subtle for our senses, residing in the deepest subconscious. This 'collective subconscious' is presented as a gateway to the immaterial world.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the nature of reality beyond physical perception, the interpretation of unexplained aerial phenomena, and the potential connection between UFO sightings and psychological or subconscious experiences. The magazine appears to adopt an open-minded stance, presenting numerous eyewitness accounts and exploring various explanations, from natural phenomena and misidentifications to more speculative theories involving non-material realities and extraterrestrial or interdimensional visitors. The editorial stance encourages a re-evaluation of dismissive attitudes towards such reports, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of the phenomena and their potential implications.

Title: UFO-Aktuellt
Issue: 1
Volume: 1974
Date: 1974
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of UFO-Aktuellt features a variety of articles exploring historical and contemporary accounts of unexplained phenomena, with a strong focus on UFOs and related topics.

Articles

Redaktörsbrev: 19th Century Airships and Keely's 'Dynaspheric Force'

The issue opens with a letter to the editor from Lennart Johansson, who inquires about John Worrell Keely, an inventor from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, who reportedly created model airships in the 19th century. Johansson references a passage from Desmond Leslie's book "Flygande tefat har landat" (Flying Saucers Have Landed), which describes Keely's invention of a model airship weighing about 3.5 kg. This airship was controlled by Keely's 'dynaspheric force,' a concept derived from the understanding of sound (vibrations) and its effect on matter. The passage suggests that Keely's machine operated only when he was present and consciously directed its vibrations. Johansson seeks information about this airship and Keely's other devices, providing his contact details for interested readers.

Literature for the Ufologist: 'The Dragon and the Disc'

This section reviews F.W. Holiday's book "The dragon and the disc" (London, 1973). The review discusses the ongoing debate about the scope of ufology, questioning whether it should encompass all phenomena with parallels to UFOs or be limited to aerial sightings. Holiday's book is presented as contributing to this debate, particularly concerning the potential link between the Loch Ness Monster and UFOs. The review notes that Holiday's research into 'monsters' in Scotland, Ireland, and England leads him to believe they are the same type of phenomenon as UFOs. The reviewer highlights Holiday's observation that ancient human religions were based on observations of two types of phenomena: the dragon and the disc. The dragon symbolized evil, while the disc symbolized good. The review suggests that research into these phenomena should be a primary goal of 20th-century science, though it cautions against amateurish investigations, advocating for expert teams of religious historians, ethnologists, and psychologists.

Book Review: Colin Wilson's 'The Occult'

This section reviews Colin Wilson's book "The occult" (Mayflower Books, England, 1973). While not strictly a UFO literature book, it contains UFO-related material and descriptions of phenomena that may be connected to UFOs. The review highlights Wilson's theories on human development and the reasons for humanity's search for meaning in the occult. Wilson's concept of 'ability x' is discussed, defined as a mental muscle that, when developed, grants individuals the ability to use powers considered occult or mystical. The review mentions that the UFO section of the book is small (12 pages) but contains interesting information. The connection to UFOs is explored through a peculiar contact case involving a Dutch individual named Jack Schwarz, who is described as a yogi with clairvoyant powers. Schwarz recounts an encounter in 1958 on a ship in the Suez Canal where an Arab man called him his master. Later, in Los Angeles, a man claiming to be the same Arab reappeared, stating he belonged to a race that had crash-landed on Earth thousands of years ago and could change their appearance. This individual informed Schwarz that he would become 'God's instrument on Earth.' The reviewer notes that Wilson's book approaches dark subjects positively, emphasizing humanity's potential for higher development.

References and Comments

This section provides references for the review of "The occult," including "The dawn of magic" by Louis Pauwels & Jacques Bergier and mentions an article on Nagas on page 6. It also references the Aetherius Society, led by George King, who was reportedly chosen in 1954 to be the spokesman for Venusians on Earth.

Short News (Kort nytt)

#### Swedish Forteana Magazine: 'Things Magazine'

This news brief announces the upcoming launch of a new Swedish 'fanzine' called "Things Magazine." Readers can obtain it by becoming a member of Club Science Fiction. The magazine is planned to be published four times a year and will feature fortean material. Subscription details are provided.

#### Norwegian Magazine 'Fakta' Ceases Publication

The Norwegian magazine "Fakta" is reported to be shutting down due to economic difficulties and the inability to maintain its standard of original, self-produced material, forcing it to rely heavily on other publications. The final issue, 6/73, was expected in early 1974.

#### Uri Geller: UFO Contactee?

This news item discusses whether the Israeli magician Uri Geller is a UFO contactee. American researcher Dr. Andrija Puharich claims to have been present when Geller entered a flying saucer in the Israeli desert in 1971. Geller himself states that his abilities are channeled through him and may be part of a larger plan involving a super-civilization that controls time. The article notes that Time magazine featured an article on Geller in its March 4th issue.

#### Extraterrestrials in Peru

A report from Lima (TT-Reuter) states that Peruvian scientist Enrique Parra Castaneda claims extraterrestrial beings lived in the Trujillo region of northern Peru 23,000 years ago. He bases this assertion on cave paintings depicting figures resembling spacemen.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the historical and contemporary study of UFOs and related unexplained phenomena. There's a clear interest in exploring the connections between UFOs, ancient myths (dragons), historical inventions (Keely's airships), and psychic abilities (Uri Geller, Jack Schwarz). The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging readers to share information and explore these topics, while also acknowledging the need for rigorous research and expert analysis. The magazine aims to bridge the gap between the seemingly disparate fields of ufology, history, and the occult.