Communion - Fact or Fiction?

Many ATS members out there are most likely familiar with this topic if they have had any interest in the subject of Ufology and alien abduction. Communion was a book written by Whitley Streiber, a well renowned author of fiction, back in 1987. A susequent movie was made in 1989. The book highlighted Mr. Streiber's personal account of alien abduction, regressive hypnotherapy and the impacts that it had on him.

Strieber’s accounts are profound. Author of “The Wolfen” also, there is no doubt that this man is a fine fictional author. In 1985 Strieber read Jenny Randles’ book “Science and the UFOs”, and reacted in horror to its contents regarding alien abductions. He realised that many of his nightmares and partial memories might hide a hidden truth, and contacted researcher Budd Hopkins. Budd conducted hypnosis on Strieber and, sure enough, the memories of a terrifying ordeal at the hands of the Greys emerged. The next couple of years saw Strieber piecing together the abduction jigsaw from his emerging memories of these events, and then publication of the account of his experiences.

Being a well-known author, his book was publicised widely and sold well. Its success reflected his brilliance at portraying his quest to come to grips with what had happened to him. Filled with self-doubt, but also passionate advocacy of his claims, he opened the eyes of the reader to the terrifying implications of the abduction experience. Few other authors have been able to relate this human angle so vividly.

This book had a profound impact on me as a reader. Communion was one of the very first books to actually detail alien abduction, and one of the first to introduce the grays into the mainstream. The actual dialogue from the account, while under hypnosis, was absolutely riveting (and terrifying). Unfortunately, his success as an author of fine fiction served to be his Achilles heel when attempting to gain credibility among mainstream media.

One point that I would like to make is that many UFO researchers have noted the artistic abilities exhibited by people who claim encounters with aliens. Often they are seen to experience a drastic change in their lives after their encounter, becoming more talented on many levels, more acutely aware of environmental concerns regarding the Earth, even discovering psychic and other paranormal abilities. Their UFO experiences seem to catalyse a certain New Age awareness and spiritual evolution. Does this connection lead us to the inference that many artistic people are, in fact, abductees with hidden memories of a lifetime of ‘communion’?

Developing this line of reasoning, one could see how the Strieber experience is a real one. Like the chicken and the egg, the pattern of alien encounters through his life, repressed into the deep sub-conscious for many years, created in him the ability to write so well. His horror stories may have reflected the bubbling up of these screen memories into his consciousness. The werewolves as his artistic depictions, but screening the personal reality of the Greys.

My question, did you find his account in the book credible and if so is there obvious proof in his writing? Is psychic ability or ESP the direct result of alien abduction? Do you believe that there is substance to his claim as an abductee? Is regressive hypnotherapy reliable? Or was this book simply the work of a masterful writer of fiction and nothing more?


Cover from the actual book - still disturbing to this day! ...lol




[edit on 6-3-2006 by BlackOps719]

I believe you meant to put up a different picture......the cover of communion?

Still not sure what to make of Whitley's story. I always found it very interesting and the book with the face on it stuck with me for years and years to present day. I was a big fan of the movie when it was released and sometimes I'll offer it to watch to someone who I meet that shares an interest in the subject and for whatever reasons hasn't seen the movie before.....

Good summary of the history of Whitley by the way.......

Seeing as how I'm in my 20's......I haven't had much of a chance to research much about the story on the level I'd like to.....I'm sure there's others here who can offer up a better opinion on it.
But I found it convincing personally....(all lack of research aside lol)
Either way.....Whitley had an interesting story to read about....

I never had an opportunity to see the movie (I do love Chris Walken, great actor) but the book, wow, the book had a huge impact on me. It was honestly the single biggest reason why I developed an interest in Ufology and abduction. The recount that he gives while under hynosis will send chills up and down your spine. Like you said, really a great work of fiction even if the story was not factual. IMO I tend to believe him.

I always remember some of the details like ...

W: "Are you angels?"

A: "Not as you know"

W: "Will I remember you?"

A: "No. There are those that may tamper with your mind"


And that information reminded me of this .....

"Your resilience will artificially decrease, independently of your own will. Such technologies exist that affect your body as well as your mind. Such plans are on the way."


All I can say is, please you people of power with trillions of dollars don't hate us humans. I'll tell you something true. I gave my wild young kitten love and wild young bunny love and they became lovely.

earth-care-day.tripod.com...

and...

www.theaircar.com...

Are lovely !!

I never heard of the guy till after I had seen things myself. but after watching the movie, theres no doubt in my mind he is telling somewhat a bit of truth. the way he captured them and portrayed them, it was too close to the mark. the scene where it peeks at him from behind the dresser or whatever it was about made me want to die from anxiety.