Lt. Col. Thomas Bearden Discusses UFOs and Paranormal Phenomena: Excerpts from “Excalibur Briefing”
In 1971, while completing my Master of Science in nuclear engineering at Georgia Tech, I developed an initial, rudimentary theory of perception, which was eventually published in 1973 after numerous revisions. By this time, I had become deeply immersed in the study of paranormal phenomena, particularly unidentified flying objects (UFOs). Having witnessed several UFOs since my first encounter in 1950, I no longer perceived these occurrences as mere anomalies. Instead, I was convinced that they represented a new dimension of reality experienced by many.
During that period, UFO organizations appeared to be at odds with one another. For nearly twenty-five years, most researchers focused on the extraterrestrial hypothesis, assuming that UFO encounters were the result of visitors from distant planets—like young adventurers from Planet X of Star Y hopping into an old spacecraft for a joyride to Earth. This narrow approach led to a selective cataloging of UFO sightings that matched this narrative while ignoring those that did not. The majority of reported incidents consisted of mysterious lights in the night sky, far removed from the notion of metallic spaceships. Moreover, many contactee cases—particularly those involving communication and abduction—were deemed too far-fetched for serious consideration by engineers and scientists. Nonetheless, the prevailing belief among UFO enthusiasts was that Earth was indeed being visited by advanced extraterrestrial beings, leading them to search for tangible spacecraft.
The tabloids contributed to the confusion, overflowing with sensational stories about an alleged UFO invasion of Earth. If these supposed invaders had such advanced technology, why had they spent decades merely darting around the rural countryside and terrifying residents instead of launching a decisive landing? It seemed clear that few were approaching the phenomena with objectivity. When analyzed without predetermined biases, the strangeness of the events became exponentially more apparent.
I began to see connections between various unexplained phenomena; for example, exploring Sasquatch would ultimately bring one to investigate UFOs and, subsequently, other paranormal occurrences. It became evident that these phenomena were different expressions of an overarching reality. This reality involved both mind and matter, prompting the need for an innovative scientific framework that integrated both elements.
Upon realizing the collective nature of the human unconscious, everything started to click. The patterns of UFO sightings began to make sense, as did the phenomena of cattle mutilations. Borrowing concepts from Jungian psychology, I proposed that archetypes reside within each human mind. Additionally, I identified layers of unconsciousness situated between the collective unconscious and individual consciousness.
An archetype ignited from the collective unconscious emerges through a mechanism of unconscious levels of tuning. The reality that manifests is shaped by the pressure of and content within these levels, as well as the biases of individuals who observe the phenomena. All tulpoidal manifestations, those which materialize from this collective unconscious, are driven by this process, often arising from unresolved conflicts in deeper unconscious layers. Given the inherent instability of most minds, this tuning tends to be erratic, resulting in tulpoidal phenomena that are typically short-lived, lasting just a few minutes to a few hours.
Manifestations such as angels, imps, UFOs, Sasquatch, the Loch Ness monster, and many others are all products of the same fundamental process—including cattle mutilations. When enough collective unconsciousness is saturated with the idea of fairies, for example, a real, tangible fairy may occasionally emerge, functioning as a direct modulation of a more primitive archetype representing humanity. This fairy may exhibit typical behavior, such as posing riddles or bestowing gold coins that cannot be examined, or they will be lost.
During its stable phase, any tulpoidal materialization can present physical reality—leaving tracks, operating spacecraft, breaking branches, and even interacting with humans.
Just as an individual’s dreams reflect their unresolved conflicts, so too do the materialized tulpo
Lt. Col. Thomas Bearden’s exploration of UFOs and paranormal phenomena presents a fascinating intersection of science, psychology, and the human experience. His perspective challenges the conventional extraterrestrial hypothesis, advocating instead for a more nuanced understanding of UFO phenomena as manifestations rooted in the collective unconscious.
Bearden’s assertion that these phenomena may be interconnected suggests a deeper, perhaps symbolic, reflection of human fears, desires, and unresolved conflicts. By positing that the entities and phenomena we categorize—whether UFOs, cryptids, or supernatural beings—arise from the same psychological mechanisms, he invites us to reconsider our interpretations of these experiences. This approach emphasizes the importance of the observer’s mind and societal context in shaping perceptions of reality.
Moreover, his use of the term “tulpoidal” to describe these manifestations implies that they are not merely figments of imagination but can have tangible effects on the world. This raises intriguing questions about the nature of reality and consciousness, prompting further inquiry into how collective beliefs and experiences shape our understanding of the unknown.
Bearden’s work beckons us to approach the study of UFOs and related phenomena with an open mind, challenging us to explore the complexities of human consciousness and the myriad ways it interacts with perceived reality. His insights could pave the way for a new science that bridges the gap between mind and matter, offering a holistic understanding of our place within the broader mysteries of existence. The implications are profound, suggesting that in examining the bizarre and unexplained, we might also glean insights about ourselves and our shared psyche.