The 1987 Communion Phenomenon
Whitley Strieber’s Legacy and Its Impact on UFO Discourse
Whitley Strieber’s 1987 book "Communion: A True Story" brought the alien abduction phenomenon to mainstream attention and became a defining text in UFO literature. The account detailed Strieber's personal experiences with strange, nonhuman entities during a holiday at a remote cabin in upstate New York. These events, unsettling and mysterious, resonated with readers and sparked widespread discussion about the nature of alien encounters.
Strieber’s narrative stood out for its matter-of-fact tone and focus on both the psychological and cultural impact of his experiences. His work raised new questions about memory, fear, and humanity’s place in the universe. "Communion" remains a significant reference in conversations around unexplained phenomena and the broader legacy of UFO encounters.
Overview of the 1987 Communion Phenomenon
Whitley Strieber’s 1987 book Communion brought alien abduction claims into mainstream attention. The book’s impact extended beyond literature, influencing how ufology and extraterrestrial encounters were discussed in public and academic spaces.
Defining Whitley Strieber’s Experience
Communion recounts Strieber’s detailed memories of abduction by nonhuman entities, later referred to as “the visitors.” He describes episodes of lost time and vivid flashbacks, some recalled through hypnosis. These accounts include encounters with beings he could not identify as human.
The book is framed as a true story, based on Strieber’s own investigation into his experiences. His account includes psychological distress, efforts to connect the events to UFO phenomena, and ongoing attempts to communicate with the visitors.
Strieber’s openness about ambiguity—questioning whether the experience was psychological, physical, or a combination—helped his narrative stand out in the literature of alien abduction. His story added nuance to the growing field of abduction claims within ufology.
Historical Context of Alien Abduction Claims
Before Communion, reports of alien abduction had circulated in the United States, but cases were rarely publicized outside ufology circles. Early instances like the 1961 Betty and Barney Hill case set precedents, but the phenomenon remained marginal until the 1980s.
The publication of Communion occurred during a period of increasing UFO sightings and growing interest in extraterrestrials in popular culture. This era also saw the rise of support groups for people reporting abductions and more serious attention from some psychologists and researchers.
Strieber’s book coincided with a wave of similar reports, contributing to the idea that alien abduction was a significant, recurring phenomenon. The mainstream success of Communion shifted how alien abductions were perceived, moving the topic into broader public discussion.
Public Response and Cultural Influence
Upon release, Communion became a bestseller, sparking national debates about the reality of UFO encounters and abduction experiences. Media coverage amplified Strieber’s story, with interviews, talk shows, and adaptations into other formats, including a feature film.
The book’s cover art—depicting the now-iconic “Grey” alien—became embedded in popular imagery of extraterrestrials. Strieber’s work influenced not only UFO enthusiasts but also skeptics and academics, prompting renewed examination of how such claims fit into American culture.
The phenomenon spurred new interest in the field of ufology, with researchers cataloging abduction accounts and exploring psychological, cultural, and scientific explanations. Strieber’s experience also led to ongoing discussions about belief, memory, and the human search for meaning in unexplained events.
Whitley Strieber and His Literary Legacy
Whitley Strieber is recognized for his unique blend of speculative fiction, horror, and memoir, with Communion standing out as a central work. His books contributed to both science fiction and discussions around unexplained phenomena, influencing readers and writers.
Biography of Whitley Strieber
Born in 1945 in San Antonio, Texas, Whitley Strieber studied at the University of Texas at Austin before pursuing a career in advertising and then writing. Setting out with short stories and poetry, he soon transitioned to full-length novels.
Strieber’s early works leaned toward science fiction and horror, but in 1987 his personal account, Communion: A True Story, shifted his public image. He claimed encounters with non-human entities, documenting his experiences in memoir format.
His openness about these controversial experiences drew widespread attention, polarizing both skeptics and believers. Strieber’s willingness to explore subjects beyond traditional fiction distinguished his literary path.
Impact on Science Fiction and Drama
Strieber’s influence reached beyond novels, affecting science fiction and drama as genres. He introduced themes of alien contact, existential fear, and human vulnerability through a realistic lens, departing from purely fantastical storytelling.
Communion blended memoir and dramatic narrative, promoting a style that combined personal testimony with speculative elements. This approach sparked broader conversations not just in reading circles but also in media adaptations, including film.
His genre-crossing technique inspired authors to merge autobiography with epic or saga-like storytelling, broadening what science fiction and paranormal drama could explore. The ripple effect can be seen in later works that balance intimate confessions with imaginative scenarios.
Other Notable Books and Novels
Strieber authored several impactful books beyond Communion. Noteworthy novels include The Wolfen (1978) and The Hunger (1981), both renowned for their horror elements and adapted into feature films.
He also collaborated with James Kunetka on Warday: And the Journey Onward (1984), a speculative epic about post-nuclear America. Strieber’s bibliography includes ventures into poetry, short fiction, and nonfiction, often probing themes of catastrophe, transformation, and the limits of human experience.
A partial list of his books:
Title Genre Year The Wolfen Horror/Sci-Fi 1978 The Hunger Horror 1981 Communion Memoir/Drama 1987 Warday Science Fiction 1984
Exploring ‘Communion’: Themes and Symbolism
Whitley Strieber’s Communion delves into the complex landscape of alien encounters, exploring the boundaries of reality, memory, and belief. Through personal narrative and evocative storytelling, the book reflects deep anxieties and questions about humanity's place in the universe.
Core Narratives and Personal Encounters
Communion centers on Strieber’s experiences with what he believes to be extraterrestrial contact. He describes a series of vivid and sometimes frightening close encounters that began in 1985. The narrative is intensely personal, focusing on his memory gaps, physical evidence, and emotional turmoil.
The book does not stick solely to alien encounters; it frequently blurs lines between spirits, demons, and traditional folklore. Strieber’s storytelling conveys a sense of psychological and existential uncertainty, leaving open the possibility that these experiences stem from sources beyond standard extraterrestrial explanations.
The narrative invites readers to question the reliability of perception and memory. It also examines the broader implications of first contact, not as a triumphant event, but as a deeply unsettling personal ordeal.
Symbolism of Extraterrestrial Life
Strieber uses the figure of the alien as a powerful symbol. Rather than depicting extraterrestrial life as wholly scientific or benevolent, the book often associates these beings with the unknown, the uncanny, and even the spiritual.
Encounters with these entities echo traditional tales of spirits, demons, and visitors from other realms. This layered approach reflects enduring human concerns about what lies beyond everyday experience.
Romantic elements are largely absent, with interactions driven by fear, curiosity, and vulnerability. The ambiguity in the aliens’ motives and appearance heightens the symbolic tension between hope for transcendence and fear of annihilation.
Comparison with Other Alien Encounter Stories
Unlike many alien encounter accounts that focus on overtly physical abductions or government conspiracies, Communion stands out for its psychological depth and introspective tone. The experiences are not easily categorized, and Strieber’s narrative resists simple answers.
A comparison table:
Feature Communion Typical Encounters Tone Intimate, ambiguous Sensational, explicit Entities Aliens, spirits, demons Aliens only Focus Psychological, symbolic Physical, factual Emotional Content Fear, confusion Suspense, fear, action
Where other stories often close with resolution or revelation, Communion leaves readers in ambiguity. This approach encourages reflection on deeper questions about contact with the unknown, rather than providing clear conclusions.
Alien Abduction: Fact, Fiction, and Controversy
Whitley Strieber’s Communion brought the alien abduction phenomenon into public debate. Questions pushed forward included the reliability of memories recovered under hypnosis, accusations of fabrication, and whether experiences could be psychological or spiritual rather than physical.
The Role of Hypnosis and Hypnotic Regression
Following his experiences, Strieber used hypnosis and hypnotic regression to recover details. Hypnosis is often utilized in alien abduction cases to access supposedly hidden or repressed memories, with sessions sometimes revealing vivid encounters with extraterrestrial beings.
However, hypnosis and regression remain controversial. Critics note that such techniques can lead to confabulation—false memories unintentionally created under suggestion. Some researchers argue that hypnotherapy can blur the line between fact and fiction, raising doubts about the authenticity of many abduction accounts.
Despite skepticism, many individuals report hypnosis as a powerful tool for understanding their experiences. Reports retrieved through regression often include descriptions of nightmares, feelings of paralysis, and encounters with non-human entities. These recurring details contribute to the widespread narrative found in abduction literature.
Skepticism and Claims of Lying
Strieber’s claims were met with both belief and intense doubt. Skeptics point to inconsistencies in personal testimonies and the lack of physical evidence. Some argue that stories like Communion are fabricated or exaggerated for attention, financial gain, or due to psychological needs.
Others argue that supposed abductees may not be intentionally lying, but could be misinterpreting ordinary experiences as extraordinary events. Sleep paralysis—where individuals awaken but cannot move, often accompanied by hallucinations—is frequently cited as a plausible explanation for abduction stories.
Public figures and debunkers sometimes allege that authors like Strieber are perpetuating myths. Yet, the emotional conviction demonstrated by many claimants complicates the narrative, making it challenging to discern intention or truth in such cases.
Psychological and Spiritual Interpretations
Alien abduction experiences are not always viewed as literal physical events. Some psychologists propose that such memories are shaped by trauma, cultural influences, and the subconscious mind. Nightmares and waking dreams, potentially intensified by anxiety or prior media exposure, can contribute to these vivid scenarios.
Others suggest more metaphysical possibilities. Practitioners of channeling or meditation report contact with spiritual beings, describing encounters similar to abductions but interpreted as messages from higher realms. Beliefs in reincarnation and journeys between lives have also been linked to the phenomenon, reframing it as spiritual rather than material.
This dual lens—one psychological, the other spiritual—frames alien abduction experiences in varied and sometimes overlapping ways. These interpretations have fueled ongoing research into both the mind and the possibility of non-material realities.
Scientific Inquiry Into the Communion Phenomenon
The Communion phenomenon fostered increased scientific scrutiny surrounding alien abductions and UFO-related claims. Researchers, government agencies, and academics have examined purported encounters using documented investigations, technical inquiries, and critical analysis.
Academic Perspectives and Case Studies
Academic researchers have approached the Communion phenomenon through psychological, sociological, and medical frameworks. Case studies, often drawn from reports similar to Whitley Strieber’s, are analyzed for patterns in testimony, consistency of detail, and possible psychological explanations.
Studies often focus on sleep paralysis, false memory formation, and the influence of popular culture. Clinical psychologists sometimes relate supposed alien abductions to dissociative experiences or trauma-induced hallucinations. Despite the absence of consensus, scholarly literature—such as entries in the UFO Encyclopedia—reveals steady interest in understanding abductee experiences beyond mere anecdote.
A few researchers argue that cultural and environmental factors contribute to recurring themes in abduction narratives. These analyses are usually grounded in interviews, longitudinal studies, and meta-analyses of reported incidents.
UFO Investigations and Declassified Documents
Official investigations, such as Project Blue Book run by the U.S. Air Force, collected thousands of UFO reports from 1952 to 1969. Their findings, now declassified, include statistical tables and technical discussions that clarify the frequency and quality of reported encounters.
The Air Technical Intelligence Center and its later Technical Intelligence Division often acted as analytical hubs for unexplained sightings, sometimes coordinating recommendations for further study. Additional federal agencies—including the National Security Agency and the FBI—collected intelligence and interviewed witnesses, though their files rarely substantiated extraordinary claims.
Declassified reports typically emphasized misidentifications, atmospheric phenomena, or hoaxes. Only a small fraction of cases remained unexplained, which fueled continued interest among both the public and private researchers.
The Condon Report and Government Involvement
The Condon Report, produced by the University of Colorado under Air Force contract in 1968, marked a pivotal moment in official UFO research. Led by physicist Edward Condon, the study systematically reviewed high-profile cases to evaluate the scientific merit of UFO reports.
The report concluded that further extensive study of UFOs was unlikely to yield significant scientific knowledge. This finding influenced federal policy, leading to the closure of Project Blue Book and a reduction in government-funded UFO investigations.
While the report is often cited as ending official interest, some skeptics argue that later declassified documents show ongoing, if limited, government surveillance of UFO reports. The Condon Report’s methodology and conclusions remain central in academic debates about the proper scope of scientific inquiry into unexplained aerial phenomena.
Influence on Ufology and Popular Culture
Communion’s release in 1987 sharply increased mainstream interest in alien abductions and shifted how both the public and UFO communities understood and debated encounters with unidentified flying objects. The book and its cover art influenced cultural depictions of “the Greys” and prompted significant public and media attention.
UFO Sightings and Mass Media Coverage
Following Communion’s publication, reports of UFO sightings and abduction claims grew, with many describing experiences and alien imagery closely matching those detailed by Whitley Strieber. The book’s cover image, featuring a large-headed, dark-eyed alien, quickly became an enduring archetype in media and witness accounts.
TV programs, newspapers, and magazines started to treat abduction narratives more seriously. Major news outlets covered Strieber’s claims, sparking debates about the reality of alien encounters. As a result, the 1980s and early 1990s saw a notable rise in televised specials and documentaries examining UFOs, which contributed further to the public’s awareness and discussion of the phenomenon.
UFO Organizations and Community Response
Communion sparked intense interest and division within UFO organizations. Groups such as MUFON (Mutual UFO Network) and CUFOS (Center for UFO Studies) saw increases in reported abductions, many citing similarities with Strieber’s narrative.
Some researchers and organizers viewed the book as a pivotal work that encouraged more victims or “experiencers” to come forward. However, skepticism remained strong among other factions, who questioned the book’s accuracy and Strieber’s methods. The influx of reports also led to more systematic attempts at cataloging and analyzing abduction cases, shifting some of the focus within ufology toward psychological and sociological aspects.
Comparisons with Roswell and Historic Cases
Communion’s impact is often compared to the Roswell incident of 1947 and earlier flying saucer reports, but with notable differences. While Roswell centered on the recovery of alleged debris from a crashed object, Strieber’s account focused on personal, subjective encounters with non-human intelligence.
Unlike earlier “space brothers” stories, which typically described benevolent contactees, Communion’s influence normalized the depiction of emotionally charged, sometimes fearful abduction experiences. This marked a shift in public perception—from viewing UFOs as distant flying saucers to entities actively interacting with individuals.
These parallels and contrasts continue to inform both academic discussion and popular debate about the evolution of UFO narratives in Western culture.
Prominent Figures and Related Works
Interest in alien abduction accounts intensified in the late 20th century, leading to scholarly and investigative work by psychologists, historians, and experiencers. Several key individuals and landmark publications shaped public understanding and debate around these claims.
John E. Mack and Psychiatric Perspectives
John E. Mack, a psychiatrist and professor at Harvard Medical School, played a major role in legitimizing the study of alien abduction experiences. Rather than dismissing reports as delusions, Mack interviewed hundreds of self-described abductees and published books such as Abduction: Human Encounters with Aliens.
He argued that while evidence for physical encounters was lacking, the psychological impacts were profound and genuine. Mack’s approach opened clinical discussions about belief, trauma, and anomalous experiences. His work provoked controversy among colleagues but attracted considerable media attention and inspired further academic inquiry into the phenomenon.
David M. Jacobs and Karla Turner’s Contributions
David M. Jacobs, a historian, focused on documenting and analyzing abduction claims using structured interviews and hypnosis. Jacobs authored books like Secret Life and The Threat, proposing that abductees reported consistent themes, including genetic experimentation and hybridization.
Karla Turner, an academic and self-reported abductee, added a critical voice to abduction literature. She emphasized the complex, sometimes traumatic aspects of these experiences in works such as Taken, and advocated for transparency and support for experiencers. Turner’s perspective challenged optimistic or neutral portrayals, contributing to broader debates within the field.
The Interrupted Journey and the Hill Abduction
One of the most influential cases in UFO literature is the reported abduction of Betty and Barney Hill in 1961. Their account became widely known through John G. Fuller’s 1966 book The Interrupted Journey.
This case introduced recurring motifs later seen in abduction reports: lost time, medical examinations, and beings described as nonhuman. The Hill case set a precedent for both the tone and structure of subsequent abduction narratives, shaping investigations and public expectations for decades. Their story remains a touchstone in both scholarly and popular works on the phenomenon.
Spirituality, New Age, and the Supernatural
During the late 1980s, ideas about spiritual beings, altered states, and personal transformation influenced how readers interpreted Strieber’s Communion. The book’s themes found common ground with the growing interest in New Age practices, mystical experiences, and supernatural beliefs.
The New Age Movement and Belief Systems
The New Age movement gained momentum in the 1980s, blending elements from Eastern philosophies, Western esoteric traditions, and contemporary spirituality. Many people who read Communion found connections between Strieber’s encounters and concepts from this movement.
Key New Age beliefs included the presence of spiritual beings, universal consciousness, and the idea that humans could access hidden knowledge through non-traditional means. Readers who identified with the New Age often interpreted Strieber's alien visitors as spiritual entities or guides rather than literal extraterrestrials. This perspective viewed his experiences as part of a broader spiritual transformation.
Main Features of New Age Beliefs Related to Communion:
Belief Description Spiritual beings Existence of entities beyond physical reality Universal consciousness A shared spiritual awareness unifying all people Hidden knowledge Esoteric wisdom accessible through intuition or altered states
Channeling, Out-of-Body Experiences, and Reincarnation
Practices like channeling, out-of-body experiences (OBEs), and beliefs in reincarnation were central to both the New Age ethos and discussions inspired by Communion. Channeling involves communicating with non-physical entities or spirits. Some readers and theorists interpreted Strieber’s contact experiences as forms of psychic communication or channeling.
Out-of-body experiences, where individuals report leaving their physical bodies, are frequently described in paranormal literature. Strieber’s detailed accounts of paralysis, altered perception, and encounters with unknown beings bore similarities to OBE narratives often reported by New Age practitioners. Reincarnation—the belief in rebirth after death—overlapped with the idea of soul evolution, a theme some drew from Strieber's transformative journey.
Common Practices and Beliefs:
Channeling: Receiving messages or inspiration from spiritual entities
OBEs: Experiencing consciousness outside the physical body
Reincarnation: Multiple lifetimes for spiritual growth
Witches, Healing Crystals, and Theosophy
Interest in witchcraft, healing crystals, and Theosophy reached new heights in the same decade. Practitioners of modern witchcraft (often called Wicca) and users of healing crystals emphasized the empowerment of the individual and personal interaction with spiritual forces.
Crystals were believed to store and transmit spiritual energies, providing protection and healing—concepts that paralleled Strieber’s descriptions of psychic defense against unknown forces. Theosophy, an influential esoteric tradition, taught about spiritual hierarchies and invisible realms that mirrored the ambiguous beings in Communion. Strieber’s narrative provided a bridge between older occult ideas and emerging New Age interpretations.
Table: Key Concepts
Practice/Belief Focus Relation to Communion Witchcraft/Wicca Rituals, spiritual empowerment Defense against unknown Healing Crystals Energy healing, protection Psychic defense Theosophy Invisible beings, higher worlds Spiritual context for beings
Legacy of ‘Communion’ in Literature and Media
Whitley Strieber’s Communion had a significant impact on the landscape of both nonfiction and science fiction. Its blend of autobiography and speculation has influenced readers, critics, and creators across various media.
Book Reviews and Critical Reception
Upon release in 1987, Communion received intense scrutiny and a wide range of reviews from both popular and literary critics. Some praised the book’s honest, first-person approach to the alien abduction phenomenon. Others questioned Strieber’s credibility or regarded the narrative as blurring lines between fact and fiction.
Notably, mainstream media outlets recognized the book’s influence, with the New York Times acknowledging it as a bestseller that resonated with many readers who reported similar experiences. Skeptics in the science fiction community debated its classification, sometimes seeing it as a novelistic take on a classic UFO tale rather than a strict memoir.
The book’s mix of suspense, speculation, and personal struggle sparked further debate among academics, with some viewing it as a new form of “cosmic voyage” literature focused on exploring unexplained phenomena and their implications for humanity.
Adaptations and Related Media
Communion’s popularity led to several adaptations, most notably a 1989 film starring Christopher Walken as Strieber. The film tried to capture the ambiguous tone and unsettling atmosphere of the book, resulting in polarized reviews. Some viewers appreciated its psychological depth, while others criticized its pacing and tone.
The story also inspired various documentaries and podcasts exploring the credibility of alien abduction narratives. Collectible editions, book reprints, and special anniversary releases kept the topic in public discussion.
Table: Media Adaptations of Communion
Year Type Key Features 1989 Feature Film Christopher Walken; psychological focus 1990s TV documentaries Interviews with Strieber; UFO experts 2007 Audiobook edition Narrated by the author
Lasting Influence on Modern Alien Narratives
Strieber’s Communion became a touchstone for modern alien abduction stories, helping to shape subsequent novels and films in science fiction. The book’s depiction of “the visitors” as mysterious and morally ambiguous set a template for later representations of extraterrestrials, replacing older, more simplistic portrayals.
Authors in the genre began to explore abduction as a psychological and cultural phenomenon rather than just a source of horror or spectacle. This perspective appears in works ranging from speculative fiction to memoirs, and even inspired academic studies on the cultural impact of alien abduction experiences.
Communion remains cited by writers and filmmakers as an influence, marking a shift from traditional “space invasion” tropes to stories characterized by ambiguity, internal conflict, and deeper existential questions framed as cosmic voyages.
Contemporary Perspectives and Continuing Impact
Communion’s publication in 1987 influenced public perceptions of UFOs, alien abductions, and the challenges faced by those who report such experiences. Strieber’s work continues to shape debates around the legitimacy and psychological effects of contactee encounters.
Modern UFO Phenomenon and Contactee Trauma
Recent years have seen renewed interest in the UFO phenomenon, informed by government releases and continued reports of unidentified aerial encounters. Strieber’s detailed accounts, including descriptions of memory gaps and lingering fear, provided early insight into what is now called contactee trauma.
People who describe encounters often report symptoms resembling post-traumatic stress disorder. These include sleep disturbances, anxiety, and a persistent sense of unreality. Clinical approaches increasingly seek to validate the emotional impact of such events, regardless of their objective truth.
Many modern research studies incorporate interview techniques and trauma-informed care when working with alleged contactees. Advocacy groups and psychological support networks offer resources for individuals struggling with the aftereffects of such encounters.
Recent Developments and Ongoing Debates
Discussions on extraterrestrial life remain active in both scientific and public circles. The release of military footage documenting unexplained aerial phenomena in the 2020s prompted new investigations by both government agencies and independent researchers.
Despite increased transparency, the question of whether UFO sightings represent evidence of extraterrestrial life remains unresolved. Strieber’s narrative continues to be referenced by both skeptics and believers in these debates.
Scholarly analysis often distinguishes between physical evidence and experiential accounts. This division highlights the challenges in evaluating personal testimony related to UFO encounters and abduction scenarios. Debates persist about the appropriate balance between open inquiry and scientific rigor.
