Alien Dawn

1. The UFO Phenomenon Defies Simple Explanations

As I went on writing Alien Dawn, the real problem soon became clear to me; i.e, that some accounts of eye-witness ‘encounters’ sound so silly that you suspect they were dreamed up by the cartoonist who created Tom and Jerry.

Complex and contradictory evidence. The UFO phenomenon is characterized by a wide range of sightings and encounters, from simple lights in the sky to elaborate abduction scenarios. Many accounts are so bizarre that they strain credulity, making it difficult to dismiss the entire subject as mere hysteria or trickery.

The problem of "deliberate unbelievableness." Many UFO stories seem designed to excite incredulity, as if they were intended to be dismissed. This "deliberate unbelievableness" makes it difficult to take even well-documented cases seriously.

The blurring of lines between UFOs and the paranormal. The UFO phenomenon often overlaps with other paranormal phenomena, such as poltergeist activity, telepathy, and precognition. This blurring of lines makes it difficult to study UFOs in isolation, as they seem to be part of a larger, more complex reality.

2. High Strangeness Blurs Reality and the Paranormal

What Keel’s book seems to show is that there is no clear dividing line between UFO phenomena and the ‘paranormal’—for example, poltergeist activity, telepathy, and precognition.

The "Oz Factor" and altered states of consciousness. UFO encounters are often accompanied by a sense of unreality, a feeling that the normal rules of reality no longer apply. Witnesses may experience missing time, altered perceptions, and a sense of being in a different dimension.

The role of folklore and mythology. Many UFO encounters bear striking resemblances to traditional folklore and mythology, with aliens taking on the roles of fairies, demons, or other supernatural beings. This suggests that the UFO phenomenon may be tapping into archetypal patterns of human consciousness.

The importance of subjective experience. The UFO phenomenon is not simply a matter of objective facts and physical evidence. It is also deeply intertwined with subjective experience, with witnesses often reporting profound emotional, psychological, and spiritual effects.

3. A History of Deception and Control

There seems to be a ‘deliberate unbelievableness’ about many of these stories, as if they were designed to excite incredulity.

Official cover-ups and disinformation. Governments and military organizations have often been accused of covering up information about UFOs, either to avoid public panic or to conceal advanced technology. This alleged cover-up has fueled conspiracy theories and made it difficult to discern the truth about UFOs.

The manipulation of belief systems. Some UFO entities seem to be actively manipulating human belief systems, spreading disinformation and creating confusion. This suggests that the UFO phenomenon may be a form of psychological warfare, aimed at influencing human consciousness.

The problem of distinguishing truth from falsehood. It is often difficult to distinguish between genuine UFO encounters and hoaxes, misinterpretations, or psychological projections. This makes it challenging to study the phenomenon scientifically and to arrive at definitive conclusions.

4. The Power of Belief and the Limits of Science

I remained convinced that most people are interested in the paranormal for the wrong reasons—out of a kind of escapism—but felt nevertheless that the evidence for ghosts or poltergeists or precognition is as strong as the evidence for atoms and electrons.

The limitations of scientific materialism. The scientific method, with its emphasis on objectivity and empirical evidence, may be inadequate for studying the UFO phenomenon, which often involves subjective experiences and non-physical phenomena. A purely materialistic worldview may blind us to the true nature of reality.

The importance of open-minded inquiry. To understand the UFO phenomenon, it is necessary to approach the subject with an open mind, willing to consider all possibilities, no matter how strange or unconventional. This requires a willingness to challenge our assumptions and to question the limits of our knowledge.

The role of belief in shaping reality. Our beliefs and expectations can influence our perceptions and experiences. This suggests that the UFO phenomenon may be shaped, in part, by our own collective consciousness.

5. Exploring the Fourth Dimension and Beyond

I had learned of the phenomenon of ‘alien abduction’ in the autumn of 1994, at a ‘Fortfest’ in Washington D.C., organised by Phyllis Benjamin, when I attended a lecture by David Jacobs, a professor at Temple University in Philadelphia, called ‘Abduction and the Paranormal’.

The concept of higher dimensions. Some theories suggest that UFOs may originate from other dimensions, beyond our ordinary three-dimensional space. These higher dimensions may be governed by different laws of physics, allowing for phenomena that seem impossible in our world.

The holographic universe. The holographic principle suggests that our universe may be a projection from a higher-dimensional reality, much like a hologram is a projection from a two-dimensional surface. This could explain the interconnectedness of all things and the ability of consciousness to influence reality.

The limitations of human perception. Our senses are limited in their ability to perceive the full spectrum of reality. It is possible that UFOs and other paranormal phenomena exist outside the range of our ordinary perception, requiring us to develop new ways of sensing and understanding the world.

6. The Role of Consciousness in Shaping Reality

My own impression, gained from what abductees have told me, is that consciousness expansion and personal transformation is a basic aspect of the abduction phenomenon.

The power of the mind to influence reality. Quantum physics suggests that the observer plays a crucial role in shaping the outcome of experiments. This raises the possibility that consciousness may be a fundamental force in the universe, capable of influencing physical reality.

The potential for human evolution. Some theories suggest that the UFO phenomenon is a catalyst for human evolution, pushing us to develop new psychic abilities and to expand our consciousness. This could lead to a transformation of human society and a new understanding of our place in the cosmos.

The need for spiritual growth. Many UFO contactees and abductees report that they have been told to change their lives, to become more compassionate, and to take better care of the planet. This suggests that the UFO phenomenon may be a call for spiritual awakening and a transformation of human values.

7. Ancient Astronauts and the Fish Gods

In one of his fragments, Alexander Polyhistor describes how there appeared from the Persian Gulf ‘an animal who was endowed with reason, who was called Oannes’.

The theory of ancient astronauts. This theory suggests that extraterrestrial beings visited Earth in the remote past and influenced the development of human civilization. Evidence for this theory is often found in ancient myths, legends, and artifacts.

The fish gods of Sumerian mythology. The Sumerian god Oannes, who emerged from the sea to teach humanity the arts of civilization, may be a representation of an extraterrestrial contact. This theory is supported by the Dogon tribe's knowledge of Sirius B, a star invisible to the naked eye.

The worldwide maritime civilization. Maps of the Ancient Sea Kings suggest that a worldwide maritime civilization existed around 7000 BC, possessing advanced knowledge of geography and cartography. This civilization may have been influenced by extraterrestrial visitors.

8. Crop Circles as a Form of Communication

Hawkins’s geometrical and musical demonstrations convinced me that many crop circles were created by alien life forms.

Mathematical and geometrical complexity. Some crop circles contain complex geometrical theorems and mathematical ratios, suggesting a high degree of intelligence in their makers. These patterns are unlikely to have been created by hoaxers.

Musical ratios and the diatonic scale. Many crop circles contain musical ratios, corresponding to the notes of the diatonic scale. The odds of this happening by chance are extremely low, suggesting that the circle makers are communicating through music.

The responsiveness of circle makers. The circle makers seem to respond to the thoughts and suggestions of investigators, creating patterns that reflect their expectations or desires. This suggests that the circle makers are intelligent and aware of human consciousness.

9. The Abduction Phenomenon: A Breeding Program?

The title was The Threat, and it expressed the conviction that the aim of the abductions was to slowly replace the human race with a race of hybrids—a combination of humans and aliens.

Medical examinations and reproductive procedures. Abductees often report being subjected to medical examinations and reproductive procedures, such as the insertion of probes into their bodies or the removal of eggs and sperm. This suggests that the aliens are interested in human reproduction.

The creation of hybrids. Some abductees report seeing hybrid children on board UFOs, suggesting that the aliens are attempting to create a new race of beings that are part human and part alien. This raises ethical questions about the aliens' motives and the future of humanity.

Consciousness expansion and personal transformation. Some abductees report that their experiences have led to a change in their consciousness and a greater awareness of their connection to the universe. This suggests that the abduction phenomenon may be a catalyst for human evolution.

10. The Importance of Open-Minded Inquiry

I am an encyclopedist by temperament, and when, in 1997, a publisher asked me to write a book about UFOs, I immediately decided that I would try to make it the most comprehensive study of the subject so far.

The need for a comprehensive approach. The UFO phenomenon is complex and multifaceted, requiring a comprehensive approach that takes into account all available evidence, from eyewitness accounts to scientific data. It is important to avoid simplistic explanations and to be willing to consider all possibilities.

The value of skepticism and critical thinking. While it is important to be open-minded, it is also necessary to be skeptical and to subject all claims to critical scrutiny. This requires a willingness to question our assumptions and to challenge the limits of our knowledge.

The pursuit of truth, wherever it may lead. The ultimate goal of inquiry is to discover the truth, even if it challenges our beliefs or makes us uncomfortable. This requires a willingness to follow the evidence wherever it may lead, even if it takes us to strange and unexpected places.

Last updated: April 14, 2025