Wessex UFO Record - No 04 - 1974

Magazine Overview

Title: WESSEX UFO RECORD
Issue Date: July 1974
Issue Number: 4
Price: 35 p
Cover Headline: VISCOUNT

This issue of the Wessex UFO Record, dated July 1974, features an editorial by Neil Pike discussing the concept of the "Psychological Saucer," drawing parallels with the work of C.G. Jung and Tom Comella. It presents a collection of UFO sightings from the United Kingdom and Spain, alongside an obituary for Dr. Edward U. Condon and a letter from Viscount Weymouth.

Editorial: The Psychological Saucer

Neil Pike revisits his 1965 "BUFORA JOURNAL" observations on the "Psychological Saucer." He recounts a case where a middle-aged lady reported a bizarre flying object with unusual sensory characteristics. Pike concludes that this was likely a "psychological saucer," where a real airborne object, possibly a meteorological balloon, triggered a psychological mechanism leading to a curious illusion. He references C.G. Jung's work, "Flying Saucers - A Modern Myth of Things Seen in the Skies," which explored UFOs from a psychological standpoint and linked them to the Collective Unconscious. Pike also mentions Tom Comella, writing under the pseudonym "Peter Kor," who views UFOs as psychological projections of a non-material reality and a "Sign of the Times," symptomatic of a spiritual vacuum in modern society.

Pike agrees that UFOs resonate deeply within the human psyche but suggests that Jung and Comella's purely psychological explanation might not be the whole truth. He acknowledges that while a hypnotized person can perceive non-existent objects, the existence of UFO photographs, physical effects, and radar confirmations cannot be entirely dismissed. He notes that physical and psychical manifestations are sometimes linked, as in poltergeist cases, and that UFOs are often blamed for ground markings, which could be attributed to natural phenomena like fungus, lightning, or whirlwinds.

Pike questions the assumption of thousands of extra-terrestrial visitations, asking about the lack of debris or wrecks. He posits that UFO phenomena might be due to the activation of an archetype within the Collective Unconscious, possibly influenced by higher intelligences, rather than random occurrences. He quotes Alfred Russel Wallace on the qualities that elevate humanity and suggest higher existences.

Warminster Sightings

Ian Scott of Bromley and Hon McClure of Bournemouth contributed details of an organized sky-watch at Starr Hill, Warminster, on May 18th. Despite ideal weather initially, mist and overcast conditions developed. Between 11.45 p.m. and 3.45 a.m., nineteen sightings were logged. Twelve were identified as satellites. Notably, one satellite-like object changed direction while in the area of the Plough. Between 10.00 and 10.45 p.m., nine lighted objects were observed, with three visible simultaneously. These "aeroforms" were described as silvery-white, flying at approximately 10,000 feet, and some had lights at the fore and aft, unlike satellites. They were noiseless, some moved faster than others, and appeared as pearly buttons with a bright rim and a brilliant centre, some pulsating.

Separately, on Tuesday, March 19th, eight female employees at Beswick's factory in Warminster saw a bright silver ball flash overhead. This incident was reported to have flooded Spanish newspapers with UFO reports.

April Starships at Starr Hill and in Spain

Arthur Shuttlewood reports on an observation group of 21 people at Starr Hill on April 22nd, 1974. Nine lighted objects were seen within 45 minutes, primarily between 10.00 and 10.45 p.m. These objects traced the same aerial path. One was seen through binoculars to have green and red lights at its fore and rear. The objects were silvery-white and appeared to be flying below cloud level at about 10,000 feet. The author questions if they were all satellites, given their simultaneous appearance and the presence of fore and aft lights.

UFO Sightings in Spain

Jack Harraway, based in Spain, provided news cuttings and translations of UFO reports. An article from "Informacion Alicante" on April 4th, 1974, details a sighting in Sallent (Barcelona) on April 3rd, where a UFO appeared at 1,000 metres, emitted an intense light, and disappeared. The witness, Sebastian Junyent Montanya, described a rectangular object, about 40 metres wide and 20 metres high, with incandescent red stripes, which hovered for 10 seconds before departing at high speed. He also saw a smaller, similarly shaped object.

Reports from La Union (Murcia) on March 4th, 1974, mention ten people at a mining enterprise seeing a luminous object. In Vigo on March 31st, a group of nurses reported a red-coloured object. Further sightings were reported in Tarragona on April 2nd, and in Almonaster and Cambrils, where two men described an object like two inverted plates.

A report from Cambrils describes a luminous object moving east to west. From La Estrada (Pontevedra) on April 4th, two girls reported seeing a grey or aluminium-coloured object, the size of a bus with a turret and reflector, which remained motionless before disappearing.

In Villajoyosa, refuse collectors reported seeing a huge reddish-orange light, thought by some to be a UFO. The contractor, Juan Perez Riera, investigated the site the following night but saw nothing unusual.

Pike notes that UFOs are becoming more frequent in countries like France and Spain, with the USA having a spate of sightings from October to December 1973. He suggests Britain may also experience a lively aerial time.

Obituary: Dr. Edward U. Condon

The "Wessex UFO Record" announces the death of Dr. Edward U. Condon, a U.S. physicist aged 72, known as "The Father of the Atom Bomb." He also headed the American Government's sponsored Enquiry on UFOs in the late '60s. Dr. Condon faced criticism for focusing his enquiries on "contactees" and is suggested to have viewed the UFO enigma as a psychological rather than a physical manifestation. The obituary notes his keen sense of humour and his serious approach to his UFO assignment, even joining the British UFO Research Association. His passing is seen as a loss to the U.S. Scientific Establishment.

Letter to the Editor

Viscount Weymouth of Longleat House writes to Mrs. Pike, acknowledging receipt of "Wessex UFO Record No.3." He states he has no personal UFO experiences and that belief in them depends on faith in others' perceptions. He advocates for maintaining a position of aloof independence regarding these "faiths." Weymouth believes there is value in cult activities probing UFO contact with extraterrestrial civilizations but cautions against social paranoia, such as fears of CIA spies. He found the editorial article interesting, noting the logical options presented seemed to be materialism or Berkeley-type mysticism. He prefers to argue that mankind is in a naturally schizoid position of empiricism-mysticism, with validity in both pragmatic and mystical logic.

UFOs at Warminster - Fact or Fiction?

Neil Pike comments on the abundance of UFO literature available, much of which is outdated or unverified. He observes that new ufologists often accept this material at face value, leading to a stagnation of research. Pike notes that prophecies of UFO invasions have not materialized, and intervention by Galactic overseers has not occurred. He suggests that authors claiming to have answers often become "cult" figures. Pike calls for an accurate summary of modern events for future research, stating that Dr. Condon's analysis aimed for this but was met with disapproval from those who prefer UFOs to remain a fanciful mystery. He criticizes the unscientific analysis of data in ufology, often performed by untrained personnel, and points to Warminster as an example of how this approach can lead to factual inaccuracies, with rumour and fantasy being transformed into myth and perceived as fact.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the psychological interpretation of UFO phenomena, the reporting of numerous global UFO sightings (particularly from the UK and Spain), and a critical examination of ufological research methodologies. The editorial stance, as articulated by Neil Pike, leans towards a cautious and analytical approach, acknowledging the psychological aspects of UFO experiences while also advocating for rigorous, fact-based investigation and questioning unsubstantiated claims. The issue also reflects on the broader societal implications of UFO beliefs and pays tribute to a significant figure in UFO research history, Dr. Edward U. Condon.

This issue of "Wessex UFO Record" features a variety of articles, including a critical examination of UFO sightings in Warminster, reports on recent UFO activity in Spain, book reviews, and an in-depth discussion on the topic of possession.

Warminster Sightings

The opening article questions the sensationalism surrounding UFO sightings at Warminster, suggesting that natural phenomena are often misinterpreted. It recounts an incident where an alleged UFO landing in 1973, initially a non-event, became accepted 'fact' due to the enthusiasm of UFO enthusiasts and the presence of witnesses. The author expresses skepticism about alien intelligence manufacturing 'cosmic toys' for amusement. The article also mentions the 'Invisible walker' phenomenon, where footsteps are heard but no body is seen, and notes that some sky-watchers report UFO activity only when they are present.

Following this, a section titled "WARMINSTER SIGHTINGS - CONTINUED" details several specific observations: three intermittent flashes of light near the constellation Hercules, followed by six more objects heading East; an object taking a circular path and flashing erratically; an object moving from North to South, pulsating, followed by a satellite-like object; and a satellite-like object travelling North before blacking out.

UFO Sightings in Spain

Authored by Ruth Rees, this section details recent UFO sightings in Spain, highlighting Antonio Ribera's appointment as ICM for Contact International. Rees recounts a conference where Ribera presented evidence of communications from extraterrestrial beings about ten years prior, and reports of extraterrestrial males living in Southern Spain. The article describes the enthusiastic atmosphere of meetings and the media's coverage of UFOs in Spain, noting that journalists often teased ufologists. A significant event was a spectacular UFO sighting over Malaga, witnessed and photographed by press and radio men. The daily paper "Sur" offered to show the negatives, and devoted two columns to the report, emphasizing its truthfulness. The Malaga sighting involved a great object, estimated at 100 metres and described as cigar-shaped, observed between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. on March 27th. Photographs later revealed two smaller objects emerging from the larger one.

Coinciding with the Malaga sighting, on March 30th, a strange happening was reported in Salamanca where a small van was followed by a UFO, prompting the driver to seek protection from the Guardia Civil. Another incident on March 19th involved a driver in Seville who saw an object approximately 200 metres long and 25 metres wide, described as a 'gigantic cigar,' from which three smaller craft, about three metres in diameter, emerged. The UFO followed the driver for several kilometres.

The article concludes by noting a similar pattern of sightings in Spain as elsewhere in the world and suggests readers interested in the Malaga sighting contact the editor of "SUR." It also proposes a potential twin-town tie-up between Warminster and Malaga.

Cover Photograph

The cover photograph, taken by John Wright in the summer of 1973 at Starr Hill, Warminster, is part of a series intended to create a panoramic view. While nothing unusual was observed at the time, subsequent film development revealed unusual markings in two consecutive frames. One frame shows a large black object, and the next shows lines of force where the object had disappeared. Professional photographic opinion discounts the possibility of fakery or accidental anomalies like lens flare.

Book Reviews

This section reviews three books:

• "MAN & THE STARS" by Duncan Lunan (Price £3-50): A large book dealing with contact with alien civilizations. It examines alleged visits to Earth in prehistoric times, citing Von Daniken's evidence, and analyzes radio echoes from a probe near Epsilon Bootes. The reviewer expresses skepticism about the distance calculations and the evidence for the 'Plurality of Worlds.'
• "UFO'S FROM BEHIND THE IRON CURTAIN" by Ion Hobana & Julien Weverbergh (Price £3-00): A detailed study of UFO visitations in Iron Curtain countries, commended for its extensive research. The book notes that UFOs are as ubiquitous in the USSR as in the West, with familiar report features, but lacking 'Contactee' narratives of the Adamski type.
• "HIDDEN WORLDS" by M.H.J.Th. Van Der Veer & P. Moerman (Price £2-50): Subtitled "Fresh Clues to the Past," this book attempts to suggest the existence of an unknown civilization predating Egypt and Sumeria. The authors reject the idea of spacemen fathering civilization. The reviewer finds the text rambling and diffuse but suggests the proto-civilization was likely located in the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and Bahamas.

All three books are published by Souvenir Press Ltd.

The Metaphysical Research Group

This section advertises The Metaphysical Research Group, which stocks occult equipment and thousands of occult/UFO book titles. They offer a 100-page booklet and equipment lists for 25p. Orders can be placed via mail to their Warminster address.

Possession

Authored by Sri Narayana, this article discusses the topic of possession, prompted by the film "The Exorcist." It begins by defining 'obsession' as being constantly assailed by astral entities, influencing thoughts and actions, and notes that the victim's aura appears jagged. It distinguishes this from 'possession,' where the astral body is driven out, and an intruding entity takes complete control. While obsession can be brought about by habits like alcoholism or drug addiction, severe cases of possession might involve accidents, head injuries, or brain disease.

The author states that most neurotic and psychotic persons are subject to obsession to some degree, influenced by their surroundings. Mental and bodily health are presented as safeguards against undue influence. Possession is described as fortunately rare, and the article cautions against hysterical fear. It differentiates between genuine and pseudo-possession, citing historical cases like Madeleine Bavent and the nuns of Louviers and Loudun as examples of pseudo-possession, attributed to hysteria and exhibitionism rather than spirits.

Real possession is attributed to discarnate human beings dwelling on the lower levels of the Astral Realm, not malevolent spirits. The article references Canon John Pearce Higgins' observations on haunted houses and haunted people, and quotes Emanual Swedenborg. It suggests that figures like Jack-the-Ripper or the Boston Strangler, if discarnate, would be perceived as demonic.

Methods for curing possession are discussed, including applying static electricity using a Wimshurst machine, with the entranced medium acting as a conduit for the dispossessed entity. Similar results can be achieved by a circle of sitters concentrating on the victim. The method was developed by Dr. Carl Wickland and employed by Dr. Alexander Cannon. An Indian yogi's method involves using psychic energy generated by chanting mantras.

The article concludes by stating that while possession is a reality, it is not the awe-inspiring affair suggested by "The Exorcist," but rather a recognized psychic ailment with effective treatments when administered by competent individuals.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, the critical examination of ufological claims, and the exploration of paranormal phenomena such as possession. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious skepticism, advocating for objective approaches and discouraging sensationalism and unsubstantiated trivia in the study of UFOs. The magazine also promotes research into the astral realm and related psychic phenomena.

Title: WESSEX UFO RECORD
Issue Date: 1974
Type: Quarterly publication

Content and Purpose

The "Wessex UFO Record" is a publication dedicated to reporting and studying UFO, Fortean, and Psychical manifestations. It aims to cover phenomena in Wessex and beyond, exploring the implications of such occurrences. The publication is issued quarterly.

Subscription and Editorial Information

Subscriptions are to be addressed to Mrs Sally Pike at 14, St. John's Rd., Warminster, Wilts, BA12-9LY. General correspondence and UFO reports should be sent to Mr Neil Pike. Items and articles for publication should be sent to J. Cleary-Baker, Ph.D., 3, Devenish Road, Weeks, Winchester, Hants, SO22-5EA. The Editor is J. Cleary-Baker, Ph.D., the Associate Editor is Neil Pike, and the Secretary is Sally Pike. Potential contributors are advised to make transfer-charge telephone calls to the Editor or his associates and to seek an appointment before calling upon them.

Advisory Panel

• The publication is supported by an Advisory Panel consisting of:
• Dr. G.G. Doel, MFCS, LRCP, DMRE
• Captain E.I.A. Mackay
• Norman Oliver
• Arthur Shuttlewood
• Hon. Brinsley Le Poor Trench
• Arnold West

Copyright and Disclaimer

Contributors to "Wessex UFO Record" are solely responsible for their views, which are expressed in articles and features. These views do not necessarily represent the opinions of the Editorial Staff. The copyright for "Wessex UFO Record" is held by 'Wessex UFO Record' in 1974.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this publication is the investigation and reporting of unexplained phenomena, specifically UFOs, Fortean events, and psychical occurrences. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry and study, encouraging contributions from the public while maintaining a clear disclaimer that the views expressed are those of the individual contributors and not necessarily the publication itself. The focus on the Wessex region suggests a localized yet broad interest in these subjects.