On the night of December 26, 1985, Whitley Strieber was staying at his secluded cabin in upstate New York with his wife, Anne, and their young son. The cabin, located in a wooded area, provided a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. Strieber had gone to bed early after enjoying Christmas dinner leftovers with his family.
The Encounter
Around 3:00 AM, Strieber was abruptly awakened by a strange noise. He initially thought it might be an intruder or a wild animal, but what he experienced next was far beyond anything he could have imagined. Strieber found himself paralyzed and unable to move. He then noticed several small, non-human entities in his bedroom. These beings, which he later described as having large, dark eyes and thin, spindly bodies, carried him out of his bed and into the woods surrounding his cabin.
The Examination
Strieber was taken to a tent-like structure in the woods, where he was subjected to various physical examinations and procedures. He described the experience as profoundly traumatic and invasive. The beings conducted a series of tests on him, including inserting a needle into his head and performing a rectal probe. Strieber also reported experiencing an erection and ejaculation during the encounter, which added to his confusion and distress. The entire experience left him feeling violated and terrified.
Physical and Emotional Impact
Immediate Aftermath
In the days following the abduction, Strieber struggled to make sense of what had happened to him. He experienced a range of physical symptoms, including headaches, nausea, and fatigue. He also had vivid and disturbing memories of the encounter, which he initially tried to dismiss as a bad dream or hallucination. However, the intensity and clarity of the memories made it difficult for him to ignore or rationalize them away.
Emotional Trauma
The emotional impact of the abduction was profound. Strieber felt a deep sense of fear and vulnerability, and he struggled with feelings of isolation and disbelief. He found it difficult to talk about the experience with others, fearing ridicule and skepticism. The trauma of the encounter also affected his relationship with his wife and son, as he grappled with the psychological aftermath of the event.
Writing "Communion"
Decision to Write
Despite his initial reluctance to share his experience, Strieber eventually decided to write about the abduction. He felt a compelling need to document what had happened to him and to seek answers to the many questions that haunted him. In 1987, he published "Communion: A True Story," a non-fiction account of his encounter with the non-human entities.
Content of the Book
"Communion" details Strieber's abduction experience, including the physical examinations and the emotional and psychological impact of the event. The book also explores Strieber's attempts to understand and come to terms with what had happened to him. He delves into the possibility of extraterrestrial life and the broader implications of alien encounters. The book includes illustrations of the beings he encountered, which have become iconic images in the field of UFO research.
Public Reaction
"Communion" became a bestseller and brought Strieber's story to a wide audience. The book sparked intense interest and debate, with readers divided on the authenticity of Strieber's account. Some people believed his story and saw it as evidence of extraterrestrial visitation, while others were skeptical and questioned the validity of his claims. The book's success also led to a film adaptation in 1989, starring Christopher Walken as Strieber.
Controversy and Skepticism
Criticism and Doubt
Strieber's account of his abduction has been met with significant skepticism and criticism. Some skeptics argue that his experience could be explained by sleep paralysis, a condition in which a person is temporarily unable to move or speak while falling asleep or waking up. Others suggest that Strieber's memories of the encounter may have been influenced by psychological factors, such as stress or trauma.
Support from Believers
Despite the skepticism, Strieber has also received support from many people who believe in the reality of alien abductions. His detailed and vivid descriptions of the beings and the procedures he underwent have resonated with others who claim to have had similar experiences. Strieber's willingness to speak openly about his encounter has helped to bring attention to the phenomenon and has encouraged others to share their own stories.
Ongoing Exploration
Subsequent Books
Following the publication of "Communion," Strieber continued to explore and write about his experiences with non-human entities. He published several follow-up books, including "Transformation" (1988), "Breakthrough" (1995), and "Solving the Communion Enigma" (2011). These books delve deeper into his encounters and the broader implications of alien contact. Strieber also explores the possibility that the beings he encountered may be interdimensional rather than extraterrestrial.
Unknown Country and Dreamland
In addition to his books, Strieber has created a platform for discussing paranormal phenomena through his website, Unknown Country. The site features articles, podcasts, and other content related to UFOs, alien encounters, and other mysterious topics. Strieber also hosts a podcast called "Dreamland," where he interviews guests and discusses various aspects of the paranormal.
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