Wild Places - No 1

Magazine Overview

'The Wild Places: A New Journal of the Paranormal', Issue No. 1, dated September 1990, is the inaugural publication of this magazine. It presents itself as a platform for exploring paranormal phenomena, with a particular focus on UFOs, psychic abilities, and the psychological aspects of belief.

The Ultimate Myth

This extensive article by Hilary Evans explores the ongoing debate surrounding UFO encounters. Evans outlines three distinct hypotheses attempting to explain these experiences:

1. The 'Cosmic Education' Hypothesis: Championed by Leo Sprinkle, this theory posits that extraterrestrial beings are guiding humanity towards a higher level of development, akin to 'cosmic citizens'. Evans finds this hypothesis plausible but weak due to its reliance on unproven assumptions, its anthropomorphic view of alien motivations, the lack of objective evidence, and the curious selection of individuals supposedly receiving this 'education'.
2. The 'Control System' Hypothesis: Proposed by Jacques Vallee, this idea suggests an unidentified power is guiding human development through various historical manifestations, including folklore and ancient texts. Evans notes the impressiveness of this concept but critiques its weakness in explaining the seemingly haphazard and ambiguous deployment of such a powerful force. He also questions why such a system would leave individuals puzzled rather than enlightened.
3. The 'Psychodrama' Hypothesis: Drawing on the work of Swiss psychologist Carl Jung, this hypothesis proposes that encounter experiences are primarily psychological projections originating from the witness's subconscious mind. Jung believed that the subconscious uses projection to convey messages, especially in individuals who are not prone to vivid imagination. Evans finds this hypothesis strongly supported by subsequent events and overwhelmingly favors the view that encounters are internal psychological processes, rather than external interventions. He argues that the stereotyped nature of abduction stories can be explained by the witness's subconscious using familiar cultural narratives to externalize their internal experiences.

The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of discerning the true nature of these experiences, stating that allowing individuals to believe they were abducted by extraterrestrials when the experience was self-created is irresponsible.

The Kansas City Prophets

This section discusses the Kansas City Fellowship (KCF), an evangelical church known for its 'prophecies'. The article, drawing from 'Some Said It Thundered' by Bishop David Pytches and 'Prophecy Today' magazine, details how the KCF gained followers through pronouncements that often involved specific, short-term predictions. While some predictions were accurate (e.g., predicting a drought, an eruption, or specific personal details), others were not meteorologically supported. The section also mentions claims of divine visions, out-of-body experiences, and physical phenomena. Clifford Hill of 'Prophecy Today' views these events as potentially 'occult' or 'demonic', suggesting their authenticity is based on the lack of rational explanation. Despite some admitted errors by those involved, the credibility of the predictions and events has persisted.

News from the Front

This regular feature provides abstracts and reviews of other paranormal and ufological publications. It highlights:

• Amskaya: Newsletter of the Star Fellowship, featuring 'thought communication' with extraterrestrials.
• Caveat Emptor: A New Age Journal with a strong UFO focus, criticizing MJ-12 documents and ufologists.
• The Cereologist: A journal on crop circles, noting a communication advising the use of minds to tune into 'Circle-Makers'.
• The Christian Parapsychologist: A journal covering spiritualism, deliverance ministry, and possession from a biblical perspective.
• Dark Lily: A journal exploring 'atheistic satanism' and disagreements within Satanist groups.
• Flying Saucer Review: Features on UFOs, including the Belgian Wave and U.S. nuclear sites.
• Fortean Times: Covers strange phenomena, cryptozoology, and folklore.
• International UFO Reporter: Critiques the Psychosocial Hypothesis and discusses cases like Lindstrom photographic case.
• The UFO Debate: A lively magazine covering various paranormal topics.
• UFO Quest International: Presents speculative cases and research.
• UFO Times: The journal of BUFORA, featuring articles on UFOs and crop circles.

Real Power? Possession and Exorcism

Kevin McClure's article draws parallels between religious beliefs and political convictions, likening exorcism to fascism or Stalinism due to their shared traits of superiority, self-righteousness, and the justification of purging actions. He argues that the supernatural element in religious belief provides a broader justification for such actions. McClure then outlines the psychological mindset of an individual who believes they can perform exorcisms, listing core beliefs such as the existence of demons, their ability to possess humans, and the exorcist's ability to discern possession.

Expecting the Worst?

This short piece discusses Carmen Rogers' advice in 'Psychic News' regarding physical development circles for pregnant women. Rogers advises against attendance due to the complex physical and psychic energies involved, stating that such circles extract energies from participants and that pregnant women could put their unborn child at risk. The author expresses interest in the revival of physical mediumship and whether such phenomena could be scientifically investigated.

Journal Listings

This section provides contact information and subscription details for all the journals and newsletters mentioned in 'News from the Front', along with several other publications.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to adopt a broad, open-minded approach to the paranormal, presenting various theories and perspectives without necessarily endorsing any single one. There is a clear interest in psychological explanations for paranormal experiences, as evidenced by the in-depth analysis of the 'psychodrama' hypothesis. The editorial stance seems to encourage critical thinking and the examination of evidence, while also acknowledging the subjective nature of many paranormal claims. The inclusion of diverse journal reviews suggests an aim to cover the spectrum of research and discussion within the paranormal field. The magazine also touches upon religious and quasi-religious phenomena, exploring their overlap with paranormal beliefs and psychological states.

Title: End Times Bulletin
Issue: 2
Volume: 1
Date: Circa 1990s
Publisher: Kevin McClure
Cover Headline: getting carried away

This issue of End Times Bulletin delves into the complex and often controversial intersection of religious belief, paranormal phenomena, and societal anxieties, particularly in the context of 'end times' prophecies. The magazine explores themes of demonic possession, exorcism, Christian Fundamentalism, UFO abduction, and the concept of the Rapture, questioning the nature of belief and the evidence presented for these phenomena.

Exorcism and Demonic Possession

The issue begins by examining the increasing respectability of exorcism within Christian churches, noting the presence of diocesan advisers and trained clergy. It cites works like John Richards' 'But Deliver Us From Evil' and 'A Handbook for Christian Exorcists' which formalize the process of casting out demons. The article highlights the theological basis for exorcism, viewing it as a demonstration of Christ's authority. However, it also points out the potential for ridicule if such claims were made by individuals outside religious contexts.

Fundamentalist interpretations of the Bible are presented as taking an even more extreme stance on possession. The magazine references Kevin Logan's 'Paganism and the Occult', which discusses 'controlled anger' as a tool against demons and the concept of generational curses. The article questions the potential for incitement in such rhetoric, drawing parallels to political extremism.

Several authors are cited for their views on demonic possession and its manifestations. Bill Subritzky's 'Demons Defeated' suggests demons can be transferred through sexual intercourse and that conditions like homosexuality, allergies, and heart conditions can be demonic. Frank and Ida Mae Hammond's 'Pigs in the Parlor' posits that everyone needs deliverance, as the enemy has infiltrated all individuals. They also link arthritic spirits to stiff hands and suggest demons can be found in groups or 'colonies'.

The author expresses skepticism regarding the existence of demons, suggesting that psychological and physiological conditions often interpreted as possession may defy conventional diagnosis. While acknowledging the Bible's references to possession, the magazine questions the evidence base, noting that many claims arise after individuals have committed to a belief group, potentially creating a self-fulfilling diagnosis.

UFO Abduction and Paranormal Phenomena

The magazine also explores the realm of UFO abduction, with a regular column titled 'Talking to Strangers' which focuses on encounters with non-human entities. The author shares personal childhood dreams that echo abduction scenarios, including a snowman that prevented waking and a disturbing dream involving a hollow glass tube. While not claiming to be an abductee, the author wonders if such experiences could be influenced by hypnotic regression or subtle psychological pressures.

The article suggests investigating abduction experiences by examining their potential roots in childhood internal experiences. It also touches upon the broader pattern of belief in 'paranormal' events, suggesting that people may be inclined to blame external forces like demons for negative events rather than accepting randomness or lack of control.

The Rapture and End Times Beliefs

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to explaining the theological concept of 'The Rapture'. Drawing from biblical passages in Thessalonians and Corinthians, it describes the event where believers will be caught up in the air to meet Christ. The article clarifies that this event is for 'the Lord's people' and precedes the 'Great Tribulation'.

It references Hal Lindsey's 'The Late Great Planet Earth' as a key influence on popular conceptions of the end of the world, outlining a sequence of events including the Rapture, the Great Tribulation, the Mark of the Beast, and Christ's eventual return to Earth for the Millennial Age. The author finds this theological material intricate and intriguing, suggesting it may be the root of the 'salvation through aerial intervention' idea recurring in research.

Research Contacts and Editorial Stance

The magazine includes a 'Research contacts' section, inviting readers to share their research interests and seek collaboration, particularly in the UFO field. It also features a section on 'Satanic Child Abuse', discussing the difficulties in separating genuine abuse from propaganda and the challenges of achieving balance in media reporting and agency action. The article notes the lack of court evidence for organized Satanic child abuse, suggesting it may be more connected to simple perversion than to a coherent belief system.

Two sources are recommended for those interested in counterbalancing Fundamentalist views: the Sorcerer's Apprentice Fighting Fund (SAFF) and ORCRO magazine, both of which focus on defending the rights and beliefs of witches, magicians, shamans, and pagans.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The editorial, 'In the beginning', reflects on the magazine's purpose and the attitudes towards witnesses of paranormal and religious phenomena. The editor, Kevin McClure, notes a tendency to treat paranormal experiences continuously with religious experiences, suspecting they meet similar needs and may have similar sources. He observes how witnesses are often treated, sometimes harassed or marketed, and how their stories are adapted to current trends. The magazine advocates for treating witnesses with respect, allowing them to define their own narrative and not allowing the investigator's interests to overshadow the witness's life.

The overall stance of the magazine appears to be one of critical inquiry into paranormal and religious claims, particularly those rooted in Christian Fundamentalism. While acknowledging the complexity and the sincerity of some believers, the publication leans towards skepticism regarding the evidence for phenomena like demonic possession and UFO abductions, often seeking rational or psychological explanations. It aims to provide a platform for diverse viewpoints while encouraging a balanced and evidence-based approach to research.