FATE magazine

Monster-Hunting Madness

Just occasionally, within the realm of Cryptozoology, the actual act of looking for mysterious beasts is not the strangest part of the adventure…

Skinwalkers: What on Earth…?

In a remote area of Northeastern Utah lies a peculiar piece of land known to many as the ‘Skinwalker Ranch.’ In recent years, it has drawn the attention of people from all walks of life, curious as to what the truth is behind the fantastical stories that emanate from within its perimeter. The 480-acre property that has earned a reputation for being a ‘Paranormal Disneyland’ would certainly stand out to anyone who came upon it, right? Wrong. In this case, looks truly are deceiving. To the naked eye, it’s just an ordinary cattle ranch, but to the locals (and various researchers) it is much, much more. The Ute Indian nation native to the area consider it to be ‘the path of the skinwalker’ and never step foot on it.

So what exactly are skinwalkers? To put it simply, they are considered to be powerful shape-shifting entities that were sent as a curse upon the Utes by the Navajos to reek havoc and cause terror – which they most certainly have. Everything from sightings of Sasquatch to cattle mutilations, poltergeist activity, to strange lights and UFOs have been reported in the area for decades, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a local who hasn’t seen or experienced something out of the ordinary. Harder still, however, is getting anyone to open up and tell you about it. People are afraid that talking about the skinwalkers actually brings their presence into your life, so it is no wonder that most people keep their experiences or ideas about them to themselves.

Fortunately for me, I was introduced to several people who were not only willing to talk about the ranch and the wide range of phenomena reportedly occurring in the area, but who actually agreed to take me to a neighboring property to see the ranch for myself. ‘Alien Dave’ Rosenfeld heads the Utah UFO Hunters organization and is a close personal friend. I met him at a MUFON meeting in Salt Lake City in late 2006 where a group of individuals were discussing their experiences out near the ranch. They profiled a recently published book entitled Hunt for the Skinwalker, written by Colm Kelleher, Ph.D. and George Knapp which I immediately went in search for to purchase and devour. I discussed the ranch at length with Dave (who has a rather extensive amount of information on the ranch listed on his website,) and decided that I could not make an adequate judgment of the reported phenomena without going there myself. I am no stranger to the area of Utah in which the ranch lies. I was born and raised in the state, and continue to have family members living in that area today.

I have spent two overnight visits peering onto the ranch with a small group of individuals also interested in the goings on. Did I see UFOs? No. Did Bigfoot make an appearance? Not while I was there. Several odd things did occur, including strange and sudden shifts in emotion, shadowy apparitions appearing out of nowhere, noises I could not identify, and odd lights moving about the homestead on the property. I believe I may have experienced a small amount of missing time… but that’s for a future post.

*The ranch is private property. Trespassing is strictly prohibited.*

For more information on the Skinwalker Ranch please visit The Official Utah UFO Hunters Website & http://www.huntfortheskinwalker.com

Welcome to our new blogger: April Slaughter

April Slaughter

April Slaughter is a long time paranormal enthusiast who began her journey into the unknown at the tender age of eight when her family moved into a home rife with activity.

Unsatisfied by vague answers to her questions, April began to study various phenomena and was eventually inspired to pursue a career in the paranormal field. Her mentoring began under the direction of Chris and Nancy Peterson of the Utah Ghost Hunters Society in 2002 and she eventually went on to create and manage her own research team.

Along with her investigative partner James Boley, the pair managed one of Utah’s first paranormal organizations to research all areas of phenomena including hauntings, cryptozoology, psychical research, UFOs and more. April also joined forces with ‘Alien Dave’ Rosenfeld, Director of the Utah UFO Hunters (UUFOH) and became an active member of his organization.

In 2006, April submitted her first article to TAPS Paramagazine (published by The Atlantic Paranormal Society and the SciFi Channel’s Ghost Hunters), entitled The Haunting of Lehi Hospital. She was asked to continue writing for the publication as a staff journalist and also became the magazine’s Customer Service Manager. April was presented with the opportunity to travel with Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson to represent the magazine at different events, also assisting with TAPS’ merchandising and visiting some of the most famous haunts in the country. She moved with her twin daughters from Utah to Rhode Island to work in the magazine office in 2007.

April met and married Allen Slaughter (also an investigator) in July of that year eventually relocating to Texas while continuing to write for TAPS.

In January of 2008, April and Allen founded The Paranormal Source, Inc. – a non-profit research and education corporation based in the Dallas area. The Paranormal Source has created a unique network of experts consisting of some of the most well-respected names in the paranormal field to serve on their Advisory Board of Directors, including such notables as Rosemary Ellen Guiley, John Zaffis, and Loren Coleman. The Paranormal Source, Inc. is also proud to be a TAPS Family Member for the state of Texas. As the Executive Director, April manages the investigative team, marketing for the corporation, and is also often asked to speak at various paranormal functions.

April is one of only a handful of people to own two of the highly controversial Frank’s Boxes (engineered and built specifically for her by Frank Sumption of Colorado). Her current studies include a focus on experimentation with these devices, as well as others currently available for research in Electronic Voice Phenomena and Instrumental Transcommunication (EVP & ITC).

She is working on several upcoming publishing projects and continues to investigate all things paranormal.

April and her husband enjoy a quiet life just outside of Dallas and spend their time beyond the paranormal laughing and playing with their girls and a white Miniature Schnauzer named Dexter.

–
April Slaughter
www.paranormalsource.com

Lecturing on the Chupacabras

If you happen to be in Austin, Texas this coming weekend, the following may interest you: it’s a lecture that monster-hunter Jonathan Downes will be giving on the subject of the so-called “Texas Chupacabras” that has been in the news so much recently. The photo above shows Jon at Dallas, Texas’ infamous Grassy Knoll two days ago, when he was in town and hung out with me for a couple of days. Here’s all the details from the organizer, S. Miles Lewis:

The Anomaly Archives Presents: Fortean Cryptozoologist Jonathan Downes
Saturday, March 20th 1:30-3:30pm CST
12593 Research Blvd., Suite 302, Austin, Texas 78759
www.AnomalyArchives.org
“Cryptozoology’s answer to Hunter Thompson” – Nick Redfern

The Anomaly Archives welcomes British Fortean researcher Jon Downes to Austin, Texas for a lecture on all things anomalous, Fortean, cryptozoological and UFOlogical. Please join us at the Anomaly Archives lending library (located at 12593 Research Blvd., Suite 302) from 1 to 5pm, Saturday, March 20th for an enlightening lecture from one of the world’s leading cryptozoological field investigators.

This lecture event is FREE, however, a $5 donation is respectfully requested for those wishing to help support the Anomaly Archives in its non-profit community education, outreach and research efforts.

Jonathan Downes is the Director of the British-based Center for Fortean Zoology, the world’s only full-time group dedicated to the investigation of unknown animals, including Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, Ogopogo, and the Abominable Snowman.

In both 1998 and 2004, Jon traveled to the island of Puerto Rico in search of the deadly, blood-sucking creature known as the Chupacabras – a beast that has been linked with a large amount of UFO activity, including UFO crashes, on the island.

Jon will be speaking about his two expeditions, findings, theories and conclusions as to what the creature may be. Jon will also reveal the very latest news on his quest to find out the truth concerning the so-called Texas Chupacabras.

Are the beasts of Puerto Rico and Texas one and the same? Or, is something even stranger going on? Don’t miss this rare chance to see Jon Downes expose the truth of this strange and sensational mystery.

Jonathan Downes is the author and co-author of numerous books on the subjects of Fortean phenomena, especially cryptozoological critters such as Owlman, Monster of the Mere and others. Besides his research, writing and activism, Jon Downes is also an accomplished film maker having worked on over 7 films. He also produces a regular online video series for the Centre for Fortean Zoology called On The Track (Of Unknown Animals).

Vernal Equinox

You can read more about the Vernal Equinox in the March 1994 FATE

Spring Cometh

The Vernal Equinox, March 20, is the first day of spring. On that date, the day and night are approximately equal, and the days keep getting longer until the Summer Solstice, the first day of summer in June.

The Equinox marks the instant in time when the Sun crosses the celestial equator, which is simply the equator of the Earth projected onto the celestial sphere. The path of the Sun is called the ecliptic, and it is inclined 23.26 degrees from the equator. The two points where the ecliptic and the equator cross are the equinoctial points. The point of the Vernal Equinox is called the “first point of Aries,” even though, due to precession, it is now in the constellation of Pisces. For purposes of astrology and navigation, the point of the Vernal Equinox is the beginning of the Zodiac at 0 degrees of Aries. Read the rest of this entry »

Shirley Maclaine Radio

Last week, I was interviewed by actress Shirley Maclaine – on the subject of my Contactees book – for her Independent Expression Radio show. She had a lot of interesting ideas and thoughts about the UFO controversy, and a lot of ground was covered; including the cases of George Van Tassel, George Adamski and Truman Bethurum. Here’s the link for those who may want to listen in to the episode, which is now online.

Van Tassel 100

As you may know, I have for many years had a deep interest in the Contactee/Space-Brother movement, which culminated in the publication of my book Contactees: A History of Alien-Human Interaction in December of last year.

One of the chapters in the book focuses upon one of the most legendary of all the Contactees of the 1950s: George Van Tassel of Giant Rock and Integratron fame (the picture above was taken by me when I visited the Integratron in 2008). Van Tassel was a fascinating character and had an equally fascinating life that saw him mixing with the likes of the legendary Howard Hughes when Van Tassel worked for Hughes Aircraft. Not only that: Van Tassel became the subject of an extensive FBI surveillance file, and his conferences out at Giant Rock, California attracted literally thousands at their height.

So, you may wonder, why am I mentioning this today? Simple: it was 100 years ago today that Van Tassel was born. Happy birthday George, wherever you may now be!

And for those who want to learn more about Van Tassel, click right here.

Peter Robbins on Rendlesham

Good friend Peter Robbins will be speaking on March 25 about his research (and co-authored book with Larry Warren: Left at East Gate) into what is arguably Britain’s most famous UFO event: the UFO landing at Rendlesham Forest, Suffolk in December 1980. If you happen to be in Niagra County, NY on the 25th, you won’t want to miss this presentation from one of Ufology’s best and most eloquent speakers.

Here’s the press-release where you can learn more:

NIAGARA COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE, NY

Peter Robbins
Bentwaters UFO Case

Peter Robbins has been involved in UFO studies for twenty-five years – as a researcher, investigator, writer, lecturer, best-selling author and currently as Executive Assistant to Budd Hopkins’ Intruders Foundation. He also serves as head of the UFO Media Group of Central Park Media Corporation and is Editor-In-Chief of the ground-breaking website UFOcity.com.

Mr. Robbins will discuss recent developments in the famous Bentwaters UFO case of 1980, which is detailed in his and Larry Warren’s book Left at East Gate. On three successive nights, the US airbase at Bentwaters, United Kingdom experienced a series of unearthly events. Bentwaters military police and their commanders were drawn into the nearby Rendlesham forest to investigate strange light phenomena linked to mysterious craft that violated their air and radar space. They encountered, and even touched, luminous vehicles, which sent light beams probing into nuclear weapons bunkers. They observed and experienced the effects of close encounters of the UFO kind on animals and humans alike. And some of these American servicemen would experience the ultimate encounter – confrontation with the inhuman occupants of these alien vehicles.

Peter Robbins Appearing at

NCCC (Niagara County Community College)

Thursday, March 25th, 2010 at 7:00 PM at the Humanities and Social Sciences Building E in Room E-140 – Parking in Lot #1

Admission is free but a voluntary donation of $3.00 to benefit Niagara Hospice will be collected at the door.

Tales of the Texas Chupacabras

If you happen to be in the Dallas-Fort Worth area this coming Sunday, you may want to come along to the monthly meeting of the Dallas-Fort Worth Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) group.

The speaker will be none other than my good friend, Jon Downes: the head-honcho of the British-based Center for Fortean Zoology. Jon is deep in the heart of the Lone Star State right now, investigating the so-called “Texas Chupacabras” phenomenon. And, he’ll be revealing his thoughts, theories and ideas at the MUFON gig this Sunday.

In 2004, Jon and I went on an expedition to Puerto Rico in search of the island’s very own Chupacabras – an investigation that Jon will also be discussing in his presentation, and which was the subject of his book, Island of Paradise.

For those wanting to attend Jon’s lecture, and to find details of time, location and more, click right here.

Beware the Ides of March!

Beware the Ides of March!

The “Ides” was the day of the full Moon in March, May, July, and October in ancient Rome. The term is Latin and means “half division.” The Ides of March was a feast day for Mars, the god of war, and military parades were held on that day. The Ides was considered auspicious by the Romans–at least it was before 44 b.c. Read the rest of this entry »

Welcome our new blogger Nick Redfern

Nick Redfern

Nick Redfern is originally from England and lives in Dallas, Texas. He is the author of many books, including Contactees; Science Fiction Secrets; There’s Something in the Woods; Strange Secrets; On the Trail of the Saucer Spies; and Memoirs of a Monster Hunter.

 He has appeared on numerous TV shows, including Monster Quest; UFO Hunters; Proof Positive; Countdown; and Paranatural. He can be contacted at his website, nickredfern.com

Nick Redfern Trails The Cardiff Giant

Nick Redfern Reviews “The Cryptoterrestrials”

Over the course of the last 60 years or so, the world of Ufology has spawned a truly huge number of books: many very good indeed, a not-insignificant number very bad, and a great deal hovering precariously somewhere in between. Just occasionally, however, a title comes along that is truly revolutionary, ground-breaking and – as far as its potential implications are concerned – thought-provoking in the extreme. Read the rest of this entry »

ROSEMARY ELLEN GUILEY NEWSLETTER MARCH 2010

ROSEMARY ELLEN GUILEY NEWSLETTER MARCH 2010
www.visionaryliving.com
“At the Crossroads of Time, Space and Infinity”

It’s been a long, hard winter for us all, and I’ve spent most of it burrowed in at home in Connecticut writing and developing new projects.  In this issue: a few news items, upcoming events, and this month’s feature article, “The Future Newspaper Psychic Skill Builder,” a technique for improving your psychic ability. Read the rest of this entry »

If you are into Spirit Communications You’re Gonna Love This:The P-SB7 Frequency Sweep Radio from DAS

 Several years ago, in what now seems like a whole different world, I sat with a long -time friend and waxed poetic about the possibilities of real time spirit communications in the modern era. At that point Frank Sumption had about four of his hand made boxes in the field and word was filtering down about what users were hearing. Back then, getting a box was almost impossible, but the promise of being able to talk with the departed was tantalizing. Read the rest of this entry »

You Don’t Have to be Psychic to be a Good Paranormal Investigator

Probably the biggest problem found in field investigations involving paranormal activities can be centered on just how reliable the original reports are and the question of witness credibility. This is the keystone to the methodology utilized by the Association for the Study of Unexplained Phenomenon from its inception and the big difference found between us and the other seekers for the truth. Simply stated, the ASUP is grounded in using techniques found in every police training manual and utilized by student journalists around the globe. These techniques are both basic and effective in virtually every case. Read the rest of this entry »

Miracles: Response to Veronica Leuken mail

Blessed_Virgin

Some weeks ago I posted a blog on Miracles and the Blessed Virgin Mary, in which included a short take on Veronica Leuken, a Bayside N.Y. housewife who claimed to have had some 300 miraculous contacts with Mary, many while at meetings at the former Vatican Pavilion at the World’s Fair site in Flushing Meadow Park.  The personal response to this part of the blog was in a word, overwhelming.

It appears that the late Mrs. Leuken still has abundant followers, a website cataloguing her visions and messages received and a defense against anyone who suggests that the paranormal activity surrounding her was anything but a true visitation from Mary.  The bulk of the mail suggested that I had written about Leuken, basing my comments on well documented responses from the Catholic Church, who had specifically cautioned the woman to cease and desist her “ministry.” Read the rest of this entry »

Rosemary Ellen Guiley Newsletter February 2010

Rosemary Ellen Guiley

ROSEMARY ELLEN GUILEY NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2010

Hi Folks,

Imbolc greetings this month – February 2 marked midwinter.  I’ve been deep into writing since the turn of the year – just as well with all the snow!

In this issue, some announcements, upcoming events, and my recent personal experience with “money apports.” Read the rest of this entry »

Miracles Revisited: Other Mysteries and Conclusion

Raising of Lazarus by Carl Heinrich Bloch

In our journey through the Western World’s catalogue of what are commonly called miracles, we have turned our back on some rather striking examples of what fits our definition in Eastern culture. We have discussed the creation of the Tulpa in previous papers, as well as other rarely discussed mysteries found largely in the Orient.  But those are topics to be revisited sometime in the future, or by those better versed in those cultures.  For the moment, I would like to take a look at the largest single set of miracles we encounter, a phenomenon we see virtually every day; the miracle of spontaneous healings. Read the rest of this entry »

Miracles: Mass Sightings

Knock Basilica Visitations Ireland

Last time, we discussed Marian visitations such as Lourdes and Fatima, a religious theme that is well known worldwide, but was limited as far as actual viewers. This section on miracles will look at another kind of visitation, those involving mass sightings where multiple witnesses, sometimes in the thousands report seeing the identical apparitions. Please remember, it is our purpose here to investigate such cases with an eye to strictly paranormal explanations. Read the rest of this entry »