Ufology Notebook Vol 4 No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: UFOLOGY NOTEBOOK
Issue: 4/1
Date: Autumn, 1977
Editor: Allen H. Greenfield

This issue of UFOLOGY NOTEBOOK delves into the concept of a "consciousness-oriented ufology," moving beyond traditional approaches to explore the subjective nature of reality and its connection to UFO phenomena. The cover prominently features the headline "TOWARDS A CONSCIOUSNESS - ORIENTED UFOLOGY" and includes a dedication to Betty Moseley and Peter Sutherland. The issue is edited by Allen H. Greenfield, who also contributes a significant article on the topic.

Editorial Policies and Content

The magazine outlines its distribution policy as free-of-charge, encouraging correspondence and exchange publications. It states a policy of neutrality on the UFO question itself, while aligning with the "middle ufology" movement, which avoids both mainstream administrative organizations and cult-like belief systems. Letters of comment are considered the "life's blood" of the publication, with a general rule of thumb being that it is a public forum for candid discussion.

Key Articles and Correspondence

"Towards a Consciousness-Oriented Ufology" by Allen H. Greenfield

This central article argues that the traditional "middle ufology" movement is insufficient and that a new approach is needed. Greenfield posits that much of our perceived reality, including UFO phenomena, might be mind-produced and subjective. He contrasts "ufological rationalists" (who view the world as objective and subject to rational analysis) with "consciousness-oriented ufologists" (who see reality as an illusion or a consensus hallucination). The article suggests that the malleability and reflectivity of the UFO phenomenon itself question the value of purely objective field research. Greenfield emphasizes that the UFO mystery cannot be "solved" but only "experienced," and that the focus should shift from the phenomenon itself to the people involved and their experiences.

Correspondence and Contributions

The issue includes a significant amount of correspondence, reflecting diverse viewpoints and ongoing discussions within the ufology community:

• Dr. C. Louis Wiedemann (June 16, 1977) writes about the mind's ability to affect objects and images, citing studies by Stella Lansing and Dr. Bert Schwarz. He discusses the concept of reality as mind-produced and the idea of "primordial hypermind" with coexisting illusory realities. Wiedemann also touches on the idea of "psychogenic multiple realities" and the potential for altering illusion.

• John Keel (May 26, 1977) shares a review from a Swedish journal and discusses the work of Tom Bearden, suggesting the "Null Hypothesis" will become a major theory. He also offers a critical perspective on UFO conventions, stating they serve primarily for ego gratification, social activity, and titillation, rather than constructive progress.

• Håkan Blomqvist (June 3, 1977) expresses agreement with Greenfield's approach, describing himself as a "middle-ufologist" combining Keel/Vallee's parallel-reality theory with Greenfield's "subjective hypothesis." He mentions his work with the Arbetsgruppen för ufologi (AFU) group in Sweden, aiming to build a specialized UFO library and spread the "new ufology." Blomqvist raises a concern that extreme subjectivism might lead to the neglect of material reality and other entities.

• Steven Elliott (May 29, 1977) praises Greenfield's editorial method and endorses the 1977 National UFO Conference, advocating for its value to middle ufology. He found Greenfield's dissertation on "Middle Ufology and the Future of UFO Conventions" enlightening and enjoyed the various letters, particularly those from Gene Steinberg and Curt Sutherly.

Editor's Notes and Replies

Allen H. Greenfield provides editor's notes and replies to some correspondents, further elaborating on his views. He addresses the subjective approach, noting that the distinction between objective and subjective reality is difficult and perhaps non-existent. He also comments on the limitations of UFO conventions, agreeing with John Keel's assessment but adding that restrictiveness and ideological limitations hinder their effectiveness. Greenfield suggests that a fundamental restructuring of convention formats is needed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly advocates for a shift in ufological inquiry towards a "consciousness-oriented" perspective. The recurring themes include:

• Subjectivity of Reality: The idea that our perceived reality, including UFO phenomena, is largely a construct of the mind.
• Limitations of Traditional Ufology: Criticism of both "official wing" and "middle ufology" for being too rigid or apathetic.
• Experiential vs. Solvable Mystery: The belief that the UFO enigma is something to be experienced rather than definitively solved through rational means.
• Critique of UFO Conventions: A consistent theme highlighting the ineffectiveness and structural flaws of most UFO conventions.
• Integration with Consciousness Movements: A call for a new ufological alignment that connects with the broader Consciousness Movement.

The editorial stance is clearly in favor of exploring the psychological, subjective, and experiential aspects of ufology, moving away from a purely data-driven, objective approach. The magazine aims to foster a more open, humanistic, and less rigid framework for understanding UFO phenomena.

Title: UFOLOGY NOTEBOOK
Issue: 3/6
Date: May 16, '77 (1977-05-16)

This issue of UFOLOGY NOTEBOOK features a collection of correspondence and articles delving into esoteric topics, primarily focusing on the nature of reality, subjective perception, and extraterrestrial phenomena. The content reflects a deep engagement with ufology, alternative theories, and the challenges of presenting unconventional ideas.

Correspondence and Personal Reflections

The issue opens with a letter from Sgt. Ralph E. Vaughan to Allen, thanking him for a copy of 'Ufology Notebook 3/6'. Vaughan discusses Louis Wiedemann's theory that the world is an illusion, reinforced by collective belief. He agrees that UFOs can be subjective phenomena, influenced by individual beliefs, but argues that subjective wishes and the appearance of 'tulpas' cannot explain all reported sightings. Vaughan posits that universes constantly split into infinite alternate realities, which coexist with ours but are hidden. He suggests UFOs might be explorers from these alternate earths.

Another letter from Peter Sutherland to Mr. Greenfield expresses gratitude for printing his 'déclassé letters' in the 'philosophically) idealistic ufozine'. Sutherland inquires about a machine mentioned in 'Search' magazine that could pick up 'Shaver type dero talk', which supposedly appeared with a plan in 'Hidden World' magazine. He notes that 'Hidden World' is practically impossible to find and asks if the plans could be printed or if anyone has them, offering to pay for xeroxing.

A letter from William A. Retoff to Mr. Greenfield thanks him for the book 'SAUCERS AND SAUCERERS', calling it a 'thoughtful, enlightening account'. Retoff offers two opinions: one unfavorable, comparing 'ufology' (Adamski, Leslie) to the 'myth-structure' of Christianity, which he finds inappropriate. He argues that Adamski did not prophesy a messiah and did not perform miraculous feats like Christ. His favorable opinion commends the chronicling of ufology's history, stating that Greenfield's effort is commendable because he cares enough to do the job.

Another correspondent, writing from 'F-burger, Transylvania', addresses 'Al' and acknowledges owing a printable letter. This writer received the 3/6 issue of UN and was surprised to see their name on the cover. They describe a period of financial collapse and their transition into freelance journalism, which they find 'miserable'. They recount taking on various jobs, including a waiter, dishwasher, and grill cook, before becoming a 'BIGTIME REPORTER' for the LEBANON (Pa.) DAILY PLANET--NEWS. This writer also mentions John Keel and Jim Moseley, and a past job at 'Murry's Steaks' where they narrowly escaped injury from an exploding fusepanel.

Curt, writing from the 'Pennsylvania boondocks', also addresses 'Al' and discusses the 'Ufology Notebook'. Curt mentions being an industrial mechanic before becoming a freelance writer. They then shift to a more serious topic, discussing a notion related to a future 'UFO REPORT' article on the moons of Mars. This notion ties into subjective (paraphysical) concepts and the work of Tom Bearden. Curt recounts the discovery of Mars' moons, Deimos and Phobos, by Asaph Hall in 1877. He notes that in 1944, B.P. Sharpless found Phobos to be in secular acceleration, and in 1960, I.S. Shklovskii suggested that Phobos might be hollow due to insufficient mass to be affected by the Martian atmosphere. Curt then explores the idea that Jonathan Swift's 'Gulliver's Travels' may have influenced the discovery of these moons, questioning whether the belief in the moons preceded their actual appearance. He suggests that years of literature and myth surrounding Martian moons might have paved the way for their emergence, explaining Phobos' low density. Curt concludes by stating that he is now less concerned with the 'hollow moon controversy' and that belief structures can create reality, citing Gene Steinberg's example of medieval beliefs in satanic creatures.

A letter from T. B. Fawlicki to Allen H. Greenfield, Editor & Publisher of UFOLOGY NOTEBOOK, addresses the common theme in the summer edition's correspondence regarding the relationship between subjective illusion and objective reality. Fawlicki questions how a hallucinated Flying Saucer becomes real, how individuals make themselves and others real, and how to escape into other realities. He notes that while established scientists have published proofs, these are suppressed. Fawlicki argues that the issue is the absence of an 'objective model' for examination, leading to abstract speculations that professionals keep exclusive to charge high fees. He criticizes scientists for making subjects difficult for laypeople to understand, comparing it to lawyers' practices. Fawlicki states that many models are available for study, all leading to the same conclusion, but are suppressed. He mentions his own thesis, 'The General Theory of The Integrity Effect', which he is reducing to 'A General Theory of Entertaining Literature' to ensure publication. He describes the physical universe as a five-dimensional hologram, with phase rotation providing coordinates and frequency as another dimension, contrary to Einstein's views. He suggests that consciousness and the flow of time are abstracted from this universal hologram.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the subjective nature of reality, the power of belief in shaping perception and potentially creating phenomena, and the challenges faced by those who explore unconventional scientific and philosophical ideas. The editorial stance, as indicated by the editor's replies and the nature of the published letters, appears to be open to exploring speculative theories, even those that challenge mainstream scientific consensus. The editor's note on Curt's letter, while acknowledging the subjective nature of reality, humorously warns against extreme actions, reinforcing a grounded perspective.

Title: UFology Notebook
Issue: 3/6
Date: May 31, 1977
Publisher: Not specified
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of UFology Notebook explores the intricate relationship between consciousness, reality, and the phenomena of UFOs. It presents a theoretical framework where reality is understood as a holographic projection influenced by collective consciousness and tuning to specific frequencies and phases, which also dictates the flow of time. The publication features a collection of letters and articles that delve into these concepts, drawing from physics, philosophy, and esoteric traditions.

Theoretical Framework: Holograms, Time, and Consciousness

The core of the issue's theoretical discussion revolves around the idea that our shared reality is a holographic construct. Rita Beasley, in her contribution, explains that this reality is created by a collective tuning to a specific range of frequency and phase. The constant rotation of this tuning defines the flow of time, and entities enter and leave our reality as they phase in and out of this frequency range. This concept is further elaborated by referencing the idea of "standing-wave structures" in physics, which can correspond to material particles, virtual entities, or even quarks, depending on their rotational velocity. The author suggests that "photons," "quarks," and pure vibrations influence the structure of these standing waves, drawing a parallel to how the mind controls animal behavior.

Consciousness itself is described not as a localized entity but as a spectrum ranging from physical bodies to images, sequential codes, and "pure intelligence." The common reality is thus a product of shared tuning, and individuals can enter or leave this reality by adjusting their frequency and phase.

UFOs and Perception

The issue connects these concepts to the perception of UFOs. It is suggested that when the cultural consciousness shifts towards a range where UFOs are experienced as physically real, more individuals will report sightings. The appearance of UFOs is linked to the cultural time coinciding with the UFOs' time, allowing them to approach Earth. The perception of a UFO is described as a temporary lapse from the cultural tuning of consciousness, and interaction with a UFO can alter an observer's tuning, potentially leading to disorientation or a perception of derangement by conventional standards.

Esoteric and Philosophical Connections

The publication extensively references various books and authors to support its expansive view of reality and consciousness. Stuart Holroyd's "PSI and the Consciousness Explosion" and June Singer's "Androgyny: Toward A New Theory of Sexuality" are mentioned, suggesting a broader exploration of consciousness. Lyall Watson's "Gifts of Unknown Things" and Richard Bach's "Illusions: The Adventures of A Reluctant Messiah" are also recommended.

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to the work of Carlos Castaneda and his teachings from "don Juan." The author, Rita Beasley, finds Castaneda's exploration of "Shaman" ideas and alternative realities highly relevant to understanding the subjective approach to the UFO problem. She argues that Castaneda's work, whether factual or fictional, aligns with traditional literature on shamanism and magick, and that critics have failed to disprove its validity. The issue includes quotes from Castaneda's followers and teachings, emphasizing concepts like multiple realities, the power of thought, and the nature of existence.

Further philosophical explorations are drawn from Lee Talamonti's "Forbidden Universe," which likens meditation and trance states to dreams and suggests the unconscious merges with ordinary consciousness. The idea that dreams and mental constructions have a reality that can impress upon the physical world is highlighted. Sir William Mackenzie's "polypsychic" theory is mentioned, proposing that mediums act as catalysts for psychic energies, forming new mediumistic personalities through the fusion of psychic elements.

Quotes from "The Fourth Dimension and the Bible" by Wm A Granville suggest that human existence transcends birth and death, implying a higher-dimensional nature. Tom Robbins' novel "Another Roadside Attraction" is cited for its perspective on meaning, suggesting that meaninglessness or a process beyond meaning underlies existence.

Editorial Notes and Correspondents

David L Rees, a correspondent, expresses gratitude for being included on the UFology Notebook mailing list and shares his experiences with various UFO research organizations in the US, noting a general lack of responsiveness and a perceived disconnect between large groups and individual researchers. He contrasts this with the prompt reply received from Allen Greenfield.

Allen H. Greenfield, the editor, addresses the issue of large UFO groups becoming out of touch and emphasizes the importance of direct contact with people. He also discusses the relevance of the Carlos Castaneda material, defending its inclusion by stating that the subjective approach to the UFO problem is interconnected with understanding other aspects of reality.

An "Important Notice" from the editor expresses regret for being unable to attend the National UFO Conference in August due to personal reasons, while still endorsing the conference's efforts to upgrade the event. The notice also clarifies that letters published in the issue may have been retyped and edited for format or legal reasons, with such edits indicated.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the nature of reality as a construct of consciousness, the interconnectedness of physical and mental phenomena, and the exploration of alternative perspectives beyond conventional scientific understanding. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging readers to consider a wide range of theories and sources, including those from esoteric traditions and philosophical explorations, as they relate to the UFO phenomenon. The publication positions itself as a platform for discussing complex and potentially controversial ideas, valuing subjective experience and unconventional approaches to understanding the universe.