Wild Places - No 4

Magazine Overview

##The Wild Places

Issue: No. 4

Date: Undetermined (appears to be early 1990s based on publication dates of reviewed materials).

Publisher: The Editor, Kevin McClure.

Country: United Kingdom.

Language: English.

Price: £1.65 per single issue in the UK, £6 for a 4-issue subscription. For Europe, £7.50 for a 4-issue subscription, £2 for a single issue. For the USA and Canada, $18 cash for a 4-issue subscription, $5 for a single issue (airmail).

Cover Description: The cover features a black and white illustration of a dramatic landscape with a large, arched light or phenomenon in the sky. The title "The Wild Places" and issue number "No. 4" are prominently displayed below the illustration.

Contents

This issue of "The Wild Places" presents a diverse range of articles and reviews, exploring themes of UFOs, consciousness, spirituality, and skepticism.

Editorial: Talking to Strangers

By Kevin McClure, the editor, this piece questions the motivations behind belief in paranormal phenomena. McClure argues that the perceived 'flaw' in religious apparitions—their appearance only in areas with pre-existing belief—also applies to UFO abduction reports. He suggests that the structured and complex nature of these reports, often appearing only in cultures aware of them, points to a strong influence of cultural conditioning and expectation rather than independent objective reality. He concludes by stating he is no more convinced of the independent existence of alien abductors than of the Virgin Mary.

Architects of an Alien World

By Jenny Randles, this article details her evolving perspective on UFOs after a lecture tour in Australia. Randles recounts a near-revelatory experience on a plane where she concluded that some form of intelligence must be responsible for UFO data, despite her innate skepticism. She discusses her decision to publicly embrace the 'extraterrestrial hypothesis' (ETH) and the strong reactions it provoked. She also touches upon her earlier writings about mind as an energy field, traveling at the speed of light, and the implications for timelessness and spacelessness.

Do we have a spirit?

By Chris Harvey, this article delves into the philosophical and scientific perspectives on the existence of a 'spirit' or non-corporeal consciousness. Harvey contrasts the Cartesian dualism of a 'thinking thing' inhabiting a body with the modern structuralist view that consciousness is purely a product of the physical brain. He advocates for pragmatic research and firsthand evidence, drawing on his own experience of a visual out-of-body experience and subsequent accurate description of a house he had never seen. He concludes that while the idea of a spirit might stem from a fear of death, the evidence suggests its existence.

Psi and Religion: the Historical Connection

By Leslie Price, this article is not fully detailed in the provided pages but is listed in the contents.

Pardon? The Prison Earth Theory

By Martin Kottmeyer, this article is listed in the contents but not detailed in the provided pages.

Occultism - A Postmodern Perspective

By Phil Hine, this article is listed in the contents but not detailed in the provided pages.

End Times Bulletin

This section is listed in the contents but not detailed in the provided pages.

Small Items of Value

By Stan Andrews and Mrs E. Succaiore, this section is listed in the contents but not detailed in the provided pages.

Looking for the Aliens

By Peter Hough, this article is listed in the contents but not detailed in the provided pages.

News From The Front

This extensive section provides reviews and listings of numerous niche publications related to ufology, Forteana, and the paranormal. It includes detailed descriptions of journals such as "Ancient Skies," "Annals of the Enquiring," "Anomaly," "The Black Flame," "Cambridge Ontario UFO Research Group Newsletter," "Fortean Times," "Foaftale News," "The Gate," "Ghost Trackers Newsletter," "Hidden History," "International UFO Reporter," "The Leading Edge," "The Ley Hunter," "Magonia," "The Messenger," "Meyn Mamvro," "The Missing Link," "Mystical Realms," "The New Abyss," "The Noah's Ark Society for Physical Mediumship Newsletter," "Northern Earth Mysteries," "Northern UFO News," "Notes from the Hangar," "Oracle," "Orbiter," "Pagan News," "Pendragon," "The Scientific and Medical Network Newsletter," "The Skeptic," "The Skeptics UFO Newsletter," "Strange Phenomena Investigations," "The Star Beacon," and "UFO Magazine." The reviews offer insights into the content, editorial stance, and availability of these publications, often highlighting their unique contributions to the field.

Back Issues

Information is provided on the availability and contents of Issues One, Two, and Three of "The Wild Places," detailing articles on topics such as possession, exorcism, spirit guides, UFO experiences, Satanic child abuse, end times, alien contact, spiritualism, crop circles, and visions in World War I.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

"The Wild Places" appears to maintain a critical yet open-minded stance towards paranormal phenomena. The editorial emphasizes the importance of examining the psychological and cultural factors that may influence reports of contact and other anomalous experiences. While acknowledging the existence of phenomena that defy conventional explanation, the magazine encourages rigorous investigation and a healthy dose of skepticism. The extensive "News From The Front" section demonstrates a commitment to cataloging and reviewing a wide array of publications in the field, suggesting an aim to provide a comprehensive resource for researchers and enthusiasts. The recurring themes include the nature of consciousness, the possibility of life after death, the interpretation of UFO sightings, and the role of belief systems in shaping our understanding of reality. The magazine seems to encourage a nuanced approach, moving beyond simplistic explanations and embracing the complexity of the unexplained.

This issue of Wild Places magazine, identified as Volume 1, Issue 3, dated June 1993, focuses on the historical and philosophical connections between psychic phenomena ('Psi') and religion, as well as exploring themes in ufology and occultism. The cover headline, "Psi and Religion; the historical connection," by Leslie Price, sets the tone for the issue's exploration of how spiritual beliefs and psychic experiences have intersected throughout history.

Articles and Features

Psi and Religion: The Historical Connection by Leslie Price

Leslie Price examines the evolving interpretations of psychic phenomena, noting how attitudes have shifted from early Christian demonization to Victorian Spiritualist acceptance and modern psychological analysis. The article highlights three presidents of the College of Psychic Studies: Stainton Moses, who believed in celestial guides; Arthur Findlay, who embraced Rationalism and later Spiritualism; and Paul Beard, who integrated rebirth into his outlook. Price discusses how the understanding of phenomena like mediumship has changed, with modern channels potentially leading to wealth. He touches upon the radical strain of Spiritualism advocating social change versus the more conservative, upper-class groups. Arthur Findlay's journey from a prosperous Glasgow family, his rebellion against his parents' faith, and his embrace of Rationalism are detailed. His encounter with Spiritualism through a medium named John Sloan is described, along with his later success as a stockbroker and his prolific writing on the subject. Findlay's rationalist explanation for savior god religions, attributing them to apparitions, is noted. His presidency of the London Spiritualist Alliance ended in dispute over a lecture on Christian origins. Paul Beard, a businessman, is presented as someone who studied trance mediums and depth psychology, advocating rebirth and emphasizing the individual's connection with their spirit guide. The article concludes by pondering the future of the religious significance of psi in an age of channelers.

The 'Prison Earth' Theory by Martin Kottmeyer

Martin Kottmeyer revisits the 'Prison Earth' theory, a notion popular in the 1950s and 60s that suggested Earth was a controlled environment or 'prison world' for humans, possibly by aliens. He notes how this theory, despite its intriguing premise, has largely been forgotten and rarely discussed in contemporary ufology literature. Kottmeyer traces the theory's origins to figures like Harold F. Emridh, John McCoy, Donald Keyhoe, and Ray Palmer, who variously posited that Earth served as a penal colony or a place to exile undesirables. The theory suggested that humans have lost awareness of reality, with their desires controlled by economic systems and materialistic goals, and that aliens might be observing or managing this 'colony'. Ray Palmer considered it a 'brilliant but dangerous' idea, potentially explaining the absence of alien contact by suggesting humans are 'misfits' or 'scum of the galaxy'. Kottmeyer argues that the theory's decline coincided with ufology becoming more optimistic in the 1970s, moving away from the darker, more pessimistic interpretations of the 1950s. He concludes that while the theory was amusing, it offered a bleak outlook and that the current understanding of human potential is more hopeful.

Occultism: A Postmodern Perspective by Phil Hine

Phil Hine explores the nature and role of occultism in contemporary postmodern society. He questions whether the occult is merely 'half-baked psychobabble' or something more, noting that the term itself implies secrecy and the supernatural. Hine argues that in a society saturated with information and rapid change, occultism offers a sense of connection to historical time and a feeling of personal control. He describes how occult symbols and practices have become commodified and integrated into mainstream culture. Hine differentiates between popular occultism, which he sees as challenging nothing, and unpopular occultism, which confronts taboos and fears to foster understanding. He highlights the tension between science and the occult, noting that while science relies on logic, the occult explores areas beyond scientific explanation. Magick and mysticism are presented as two poles within the occult, with magick focusing on action-in-the-world and mysticism on transcending reality. Hine suggests that occultism can be an 'escape route' from consensus reality, leading individuals to explore deeper questions about themselves and their place in the world. He emphasizes that understanding, rather than merely explaining, is key, and that while the past offers context, the present is dynamic and individuals shape their own futures.

End Times Bulletin

This section reflects on the concept of a 'personal End Time' as a means of control during times of pressure or desperation. It draws parallels with religious experiences like confession and conversion, and notes how individuals involved in Spiritualism or UFO research may withdraw due to the lack of positive proof or the need for respite. The bulletin also includes a 'WANTED' section seeking names and addresses of active UFO groups and publications for a comprehensive directory.

Small Items of Value

This section features shorter articles and commentaries. Mrs E. Succamore shares her experience of spiritual survival and contact with deceased loved ones, detailing a period of intense auditory phenomena that eventually led her to Spiritualist churches and a belief in life's continuity. She also expresses skepticism towards the supernatural but acknowledges phenomena beyond known natural laws, relying on intuition as an 'armchair investigator'. Stan Andrews responds to Phil Hine's article on magick, emphasizing the need for practical 'situation programmes' and ingredients for rituals to succeed, rather than relying solely on self-belief or expecting desires to materialize from nothing.

Future Plans

The editor outlines plans for future issues, including an increase in page count and a commitment to reflecting the diverse interests of readers. They express a desire for more reader contributions and promise new columns and features, including an expanded 'News from the Front' section and closer ties with international publications.

Looking for the Aliens by Peter Hough

Peter Hough discusses his work with Jenny Randles on UFO abduction cases. He notes that abductees rarely interpret their experiences as extraterrestrial, with that label often applied by ufologists. Hough highlights the difficulty in determining the factual basis of these cases, as abductees come from diverse backgrounds and lead normal lives, except for these experiences. He suggests that while some mental health experts find these accounts unprecedented, they may have a psychological and a 'reality' basis. Hough describes the typical components of an abduction experience, from the initial feeling of something happening to the examination and receiving of personal information. He points out that the experience often feels like a bad science fiction plot, lacking sophistication, and that the purely psychological explanation is challenged by the consistency of these narratives.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of the unexplained, spirituality, and belief systems. There's a clear interest in historical perspectives on psychic phenomena and ufology, contrasting past beliefs with contemporary understanding. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various theories and personal experiences while maintaining a degree of critical analysis, particularly evident in Kottmeyer's discussion of the 'Prison Earth' theory and Hough's examination of abduction narratives. The importance of intuition and personal belief is also a recurring theme, as seen in the contributions from Mrs. Succamore and Stan Andrews. The magazine seems to cater to a readership interested in alternative explanations for phenomena and a deeper understanding of consciousness and reality beyond mainstream scientific or religious paradigms.

This issue of UFO Data Magazine, Volume 4, Issue 19, published in 1992, carries the cover headline "ALIENS - ARE THEY REAL?". The magazine explores the multifaceted alien concept, examining its presence in UFO phenomena, science fiction, horror literature, and even religious visions. It features interviews with prominent figures in science fiction and physics, alongside discussions on psychological interpretations of alleged encounters.

The Alien Concept: Beyond Reality and Fantasy

The issue begins by addressing the nature of alien abductions, noting that they are often shared experiences with common elements, sometimes including ground traces. It questions whether the distinction between 'actual' alien encounters and 'fantasy generated' experiences has become invalid, suggesting that aliens, or the idea of them, are deeply ingrained in human culture, reflected in art, literature, and nightmares. The magazine's approach is to synthesize various aspects of the alien phenomenon, including science fiction, UFOs, and the SETI program, which had recently received significant funding for research.

Interviews and Expert Opinions

The magazine features interviews with science fiction authors Bob Shaw, Ramsey Campbell, David Langford, John Grant, and Arthur C. Clarke, discussing how aliens have been portrayed in fiction and film. Physicists Professor Paul Davies and Professor Sir Francis Graham-Smith offer their perspectives. The SETI Institute in California provided material, and the issue also touches upon statements from retired US military personnel regarding alleged UFO retrievals and revisits the Ancient Astronaut theory.

Bob Shaw expresses a sense of wonder about the possibility of extraterrestrial life but critiques science fiction for often portraying aliens as merely human-like beings. Ramsey Campbell views aliens in horror as metaphors for indifferent, powerful forces, drawing parallels with H.P. Lovecraft's mythos. He suggests that this 'indifference' in abduction cases is culturally damaging, diminishing the perceived importance of humanity.

Physicist Professor Paul Davies states that he finds UFO reports intriguing but is cautious, suggesting they might be explained as psychological experiences, comparing claimants to Paul on the road to Damascus. He does not dismiss the accounts outright but refrains from accepting them as direct evidence of extraterrestrial intelligence.

Historical and Cultural Perspectives

The issue references Carl Jung's 1959 work, "Flying Saucers - A Modern Myth of Things Seen in the Sky," noting his suspicion about the alien concept and his confusion over UFO cases tracked by radar. The search for aliens is described as complex, uncertain whether it involves human-generated phantoms, physical extraterrestrials, or a hybrid. The magazine also mentions the book "Looking for the Aliens" by Peter Hough and Jenny Randles, published in March 1992.

Visions of the Virgin Mary in Africa

A separate section, "BVM," reports on visions of the Virgin Mary occurring in various parts of Africa, as detailed in The Tablet (29.2.92). In Southern Rwanda, pupils at a Catholic boarding school reported visions starting in 1981, with one girl experiencing them for eight years. These events attracted large crowds, with some witnesses claiming to see unusual natural phenomena like the sun's horizontal division or dancing stars. Similarly, in Southern Uganda, a girl's visions in 1987 drew crowds of 40,000 pilgrims, who also reported cosmic signs involving celestial bodies. The report notes a cross-cultural element, with Muslim children also sharing visionary experiences. The article mentions that AIDS has been associated with claims of healing during these visions. It concludes by noting that the themes of devotion, fasting, and renunciation persist in these Marian visions, similar to historical accounts.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the ambiguity surrounding UFO phenomena and alien encounters, leaning towards psychological and cultural interpretations while acknowledging the intriguing nature of the reports. There is a critical examination of how aliens are represented in popular culture and a recognition of the deep-seated human fascination with the unknown. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various viewpoints from scientists, authors, and witnesses without definitively concluding on the nature of UFOs or alien intelligence. The inclusion of Marian visions suggests a broader interest in anomalous experiences and belief systems.