Wolf Ghost Stories: Encounters, Paranormal and UFOs

By Priscilla Garduno

E-Book Time, LLC • 6598 Pumpkin Road • Montgomery, AL 36108

2008, 104 pages, • ISBN: 978-1-59824-823-4

Website: www.e-booktime.com

Reviewed by Brent Raynes

Author, storyteller, and artist Priscilla Garduno Wolf has put many of her wonderful and thought-provoking stories from friends, family, and a few of her own personal accounts that center in the San Luis Valley region of Colorado, into this intriguing book. This, after all, is where she grew up, and contained within the pages of this book is a fascinating collection of supernatural stories, with bone chilling tales of demon dogs, phantom hitch hikers, and UFOs. There’s even a personal daylight Bigfoot encounter Priscilla describes from when she was 14 years old (back in 1958). Afterwards there were many UFO sightings in the area too. Coincidence?

As her grandfather said: they lived next to the gates to other worlds. Could that be the explanation for all of the strange activity reported in this area down through the years? (Readers may wish to read my Reality Checking column in this issue, as it describes my recent tour through this area with Priscilla).

This book also contains a collection of photographs and illustrations depicting supernatural and otherworldly encounters. An enjoyable reading adventure.

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UFOs Over New York: A True History of Extraterrestrial Encounters in the Empire State

By Preston Dennett

Schiffer Publishing Ltd. • 4880 Lower Valley Road • Atglen, PA 19310

2008, 256 pages, $16.99 • ISBN: 978-0-7643-2974-6

Reviewed by Brent Raynes

Over the years, a lot of fascinating, if not downright highly significant UFO sightings have been documented in the state of New York. At last, an author has collected and assembled this massive mountain of data into an enjoyable, informative reading experience.

Whether a beginner or an old ufological veteran, this book contains page after page of fascinating details of straight, regular UFO sightings, if you will, to close encounters and alien abductions. Also included are stories told by celebrities like John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix, Neal Sedaka, Muhammad Ali, as well as chilling stories of the men in black and reports of UFO crashes. There’s even an alien abduction account from 1929!

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SOUL SAMPLES: Personal Explorations in Reincarnation And UFO Experiences

By Dr. R. Leo Sprinkle PHD

Granite Publishing • Columbus , N.C. • 1999, softcover, 296 pgs.

Reviewed by Joe Fex

A surprisingly personal inside look at the life, evolution and thoughts of veteran psychologist Dr. R. Leo Sprinkle. Sprinkle tells the story of his own journey into the unknown after over 50 years of scientific study and excess of whopping 500+ hypnotic regression sessions exploring potential UFO experiences. Both thought provoking and enlightening, Dr. Sprinkle produces a comprehensive scientific assessment along with personal perspectives as to the potential meanings of paranormal manifestations within the human consciousness experience we call “reality”. Sprinkle delves deeply into the UFO abduction and contactee phenomenon to reveal greater possibilities regarding the experience and to outline his theory that a cosmic consciousness conditioning program designed to enlighten and evolve the direction of human intelligence and cultivate the human soul may be taking place.

A very highly disciplined scientist, Dr. Sprinkle expresses the need for more critical and open minded thought within research and contends that these experiences are not as random as they might appear and that a more personal event is actually taking place, whether consciously or unconsciously perceived by the experiencer. As an trained and skilled psychologist, he demonstrates the benefits of compassionately drawing an experience from the witness and the delicate art of guidance and allowing the witness to discover their own personal definitions of it as opposed to the typical “defining” (In general psychology as well as abduction research) the event for the witness by telling them what they have and have not experienced, pro or con, having not been there or experienced it themselves! An approach all too prevalent, in both psychology as well as UFO abduction research.

Expect the abstract of the typical “grey alien/surgical” aspects of the abduction phenomenon so profusely pounded into the public by media to sensationalize and instill a hypersensitivity of fear, as it is more focused on the less media indulged abduction, contact, and psychic UFO encounters that offer a better understanding of why we have such experiences and how a shift in our attitudes towards such events could hold the key towards a higher development for mankind. Sprinkle has unified philosophy, science, spirituality and paranormal science (Fields of research normally kept separate and isolated) to formulate and pioneer new and productive approaches to the abduction phenomenon as well as for self-exploration.

Soul Samples reviews Sprinkle’s personal thoughts after a lifetime of study and direct experience and the potential meaning behind the UFO experience for us as individuals and for mankind as well, delivered with all the grace and wit that has become trademark for this founding father of scientific UFOlogy, Past-Life/Reincarnation and Psychic studies. Overflowing with straight data in a section dedicated to scientific methodology and study results, models, surveys, exercises and psychological principles for the reader to contemplate with a wealth of philosophical perspectives, includes sources, bibliography and full index!

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The NEW SINS

By David Byrne

McSweeney’s Books • Brooklyn , N.Y. • 2001, hardbound, 93 pgs.

Reviewed by Joe Fex

A remarkable work of spiritual growth and self-recognition from pop-culture icon and philosophical guru David Byrne. The former Talking Heads front-man invites us on a journey to explore the very nature of what we perceive, the structure of such concepts as our views of spirituality, of good and evil, heaven and Hell, demons and gods, justice and charity, all while delivering his own special style of sarcastic humor for a straight-forward approach as to how to apprehend one’s own spiritual and personal self-perceptions. Best described in Byrne’s own words:

“This book is for everyone. It is written in plain language, allowing both professional and lay person to derive sustenance and pleasure from its pages. It is made to be carried. The book can be consulted at any time of day and in any place---its perfect size fits a purse or jacket---think of it as a laptop for the soul.”

“This is not the I Ching, nor a book of dream interpretation or a horoscope. However, like those esoteric references, it may be consulted in times of indecision and doubt. It will describe, in plain, day-to-day language, how to react, behave and respond in new and unfamiliar situations. It is for all faiths, all creeds and all races.”

Byrne’s New Sins definitely lives up to his description and its practical no-nonsense approach allows it to be simplified without the loss of philosophical or esoteric depth, providing an eye-opening insight into the “inner-self”. The content is presented in an entirely plastic form, which is to say, that it is applicable to any belief system by demonstrating those universal truths found in all religious and spiritual teachings. Profusely illustrated with color photos taken by Byrne to inspire and stimulate, he challenges us to re-examine and re-define ourselves and the structure of our belief systems through an exercise of philosophical thought. The perfect companion to any religious text or paradigm.

Whether you’re seeking spiritual guidance, religious confirmation or self exploration The New Sins provides a wealth of stimulating insights to contemplate. Boldly honest in its approach, full of wisdom, wit, and vision. Presented in an elegant pocketbook format, all text is also available in Spanish by simply flipping the book upside-down!

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UFOs and BIGFOOT SIGHTINGS In ALABAMA

By Wyatt Cox

2004, softcover, 121 pgs.

ISBN: 1-59113-470-6

Reviewed by Joe Fex

An impressive assembly of Alabama paranormal history including but not limited to UFOs, Bigfoot, Phantom “Spook” Lights, Cattle Mutilations and even the occasional Phantom Kangaroos!. Cox provides a well rounded collection of eyewitness reports as well as news releases from as far back as the mid 1930s in a chronology of intriguing strangeness including the local UFO and Monster waves of the early 1970s. Straightforward and critical, Cox examines several of the various possibilities for explanation and potential implications for that which remains unexplained and encourages the reader to consider all available data before formulating any intelligent opinions. Several chapters are dedicated to specific flap waves of various kinds as well as a few more famous Alabama cases such as the “Falkville Monster”, the Mutilations of Fyfe and the Earth Lights of St. Florian by which the author bears his own compelling witness testimony and provides his own photographic evidence of. A pleasant and often humorous compilation of cases, perfect for while traveling or for those interested in charting multiple phenomena in localized regions.

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ALIEN AGENDA

By Jim Marrs

Perennial/HarperCollins • New York , N.Y.

2000, hardcover, 434 pgs.

Reviewed by Joe Fex

Just about every aspect of the UFO phenomenon is diligently presented in this Marrs masterpiece! A comprehensive chronicle of UFOlogy from the beginning to present for the full briefing of the UFO mystery! A fantastic step by step through all the main aspects of the field diligently outlined by one of America’s most notable journalists and most widely recognized UFO and Conspiracy investigative researchers! Noted authority Jim Marrs takes you on an incredible trip through the seemingly endless array of elements involved with the UFO phenomenon and reveals the startling implications of extraterrestrial occupation of the Earth and of control and influence over humankind. If you’ve ever had an interest in UFOs, consider this book the 101 introductory crash-course on the history of all things relative to the UFO mystery! If you’re a more avid reader or engaged in research, Alien Agenda is a handy reference book and a reliable resource to add to your library! Fully indexed and full chapter by chapter references to sources! What more could the UFO enthusiast or dedicated researcher ask for!?!

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DVD Review

The Madness of Sherlock Holmes: Conan Doyle and the Realm of the Fairies

With Philip Gardiner

Reality Films

Website: www.reality-entertainment.com

Also: www.gardinersworld.com

Reviewed by W. Ritchie Benedict

While researching some old newspapers on microfilm, I discovered that Sir Arthuf Conan Doyle once visited my home town of Calgary, some 85 years ago, in 1923. I have wondered since whether my grandparents, who lived only blocks away, had ever thought to attend his lecture, which by all accounts created somewhat of a sensation. Sir Arthur showed slides of spirit manifestations which the newspapers duly reported. The building that was the scene of the lecture is a parking lot today, but I am sure he would have been delighted to learn that the building next door is reputed to have a haunted wine cellar. It was once a funeral home, but is now occupied by a restaurant.

Conan Doyle will forever be known as the creator of the famous detective Sherlock Holmes, and for his investigations into spiritualism and life after death. He was friends with the great stage magician Harry Houdini, until they later had a falling out. There are other stranger facets of his character that this film brings to light. For starters, I had no idea that Doyle’s middle name was Ignatius, and he had been educated in the Jesuit mystical tradition. He was rejected for political office due to possible involvement in Papish plots, a throwback in attitudes to the 1600s to be sure. Conan Doyle’s influence on modern pop culture continues to this very day. Think about it, a character obsessed by logic who has a somewhat irracible doctor friend. Spock/Sherlock anyone?

James Bond and his creator Ian Fleming owe a debt to Doyle, especially with regard to the phrase “License To Kill,” which was jokingly employed by the Sherlock Holmes author in a sketch to celebrate his graduation from medical school. The Jesuit connection may also have been responsible for the creation of the super secret organization of evil in the Fleming tales. Ironically, the American author Poe fascinated Conan Doyle with logical detection of crime, and Poe too had a mystical bent.

Doyle found himself drawn to theosophy and the Victorian occult society, the order of the Golden Dawn. His friendship with the magician Harry Houdini worked on two levels. He may have been interested in the logical manner magical illusions were constructed, while at the same time suspecting that Houdini was using paranormal abilities unconsciously. The logical and the emotional were constantly at war within Doyle’s consciousness.

As a medical man, Doyle would certainly be aware of the streak of madness within his family, and the necessity of keeping the darkness at bay within his own mind. His father was epileptic, a disease associated with religious hysteria. He was also an alcoholic, and died in an asylum. An uncle was a talented artist, obsessed with fairies, elves and folklore. This was later reflected in Doyle’s conviction that the Fairies of Cottingly, photographed by two young girls, were a genuine phenomenon. His investigation of this case earned him a lot of criticism and scorn for being so gullible. Conan Doyle revolted against his Catholic faith but could not disown his deep desire for the spiritual and proof of life after death. He toyed with freemasonry, theosophy and many other alternate dogmas of the day.

The notion would in alchemy and the Chinese symbol of the Tao, of opposites uniting to find a whole, finds its perfect expression in the character of Professor Moriarity, the “Napoleon of Crime” and the archenemy of Sherlock Holmes. In the vintage depictions of Moriarity, he even resembles Holmes physically (i.e., the same tall, angular physique), not to mention the same penetrating intelligence. In short, he is what Holmes would have become had he turned to a life of crime instead of detection. The opposites unite in what appears to be death, when Holmes clutches Moriarity as they are swept over Reichenback Falls. Hoswever, like the phoenix that rises from its own ashes, Homes eventually reappears to take on a new case. Perhaps Doyle himself was unaware how he was tapping into symbology, but the forces that motivate creation from the unconscious were definitely at work in him.

The imagery in this film is suburb, and there are razor sharp snippets of vintage film, including an interview with Conan Doyle himself for the newsreels. If there is one minor flaw, it is that perhaps the flipping through copies of period books and illustrations is just a tad too long. Otherwise, the narration by Gardiner is spot on, and shows he knows a great deal about his subject. There is a film trailer at the end about James Bond and Ian Fleming that hints that will be the next project in hand. We will be waiting with anticipation. This is a documentary well-worth seeing.