Whitley Strieber: Communion and the Grey Alien Encounter (1985)

Whitley Strieber’s “Communion” and the Grey Alien Encounter (1985)

Whitley Strieber’s 1985 book Communion remains a pivotal work in the modern history of alien abduction cases, detailing his experiences with what he claims were extraterrestrial beings. The encounter is significant not only for its vivid first-person account but also for Strieber’s willingness to share extensive details about the event and subsequent investigations.

Background and Early Life

Whitley Strieber was born on April 4, 1945, in Brooklyn, New York. He grew up in a family of modest means; his father, Joseph Strieber, owned a small plumbing business. Strieber pursued a career as an author early on, publishing his first novel Alpha and Omega in 1976. It was during this period that he began experiencing strange phenomena.

The Encounter at 2:30 AM

The pivotal event occurred on September 24, 1985, just after midnight, while Strieber was living with his wife, Jeanne, and daughter, Rebecca, in the rural hamlet of Goshen, New York. Around 2:30 AM, Strieber awoke to find himself in a small room that appeared to be part of an underground structure. The room was filled with a bluish light, and he saw two beings standing before him.

Description of the Beings

Strieber described the beings as having large heads, big dark eyes, no noses or visible ears, and pale skin. They wore what he believed were suits similar to those worn by astronauts. These beings, whom Strieber later termed “grey aliens,” communicated telepathically, and one of them appeared to be in charge.

The Telepathic Interaction

The grey alien leader asked Strieber questions about his background, family, and professional life. It was during this interaction that Strieber felt a profound sense of fear and helplessness, but also a strange mixture of awe and clarity.

The Physical Examination

Strieber claims the beings then conducted a physical examination on him. They used a device that scanned various parts of his body and took blood samples. According to Strieber, they were particularly interested in his eyes, which the beings claimed could be used for “extraordinary purposes.”

Post-Encounter Experience

After the encounter ended around 5:30 AM, Strieber returned to his bedroom and attempted to go back to sleep. He reported experiencing a strong sense of relief but also lingering feelings of unease. In the days that followed, he noticed changes in his physical appearance, including a slight droop on one side of his face.

The Search for Answers

Strieber’s experiences intrigued him enough to seek out answers. He began researching alien abductions and contacted other individuals who claimed similar encounters. One such contact was Budd Hopkins, an investigative writer known for his work in the field of UFO phenomena.

Investigating the Encounter

Hopkins helped Strieber document his experience in detail and encouraged him to share it publicly. Together, they conducted preliminary investigations that included interviews with witnesses and a review of available literature on alien abductions.

Public Release and Controversy

In 1985, Strieber published Communion through Warner Books. The book detailed his encounter and the subsequent investigation. While some readers found it compelling, others dismissed it as fiction or pseudoscience. Despite this, the book became a bestseller and helped to popularize the concept of alien abduction experiences.

Follow-Up Encounters

Strieber experienced several more encounters over the years, including one in 1986 where he claims to have been taken into an underground facility for further examinations. These events were documented in his subsequent books The Hill: A True Story and Orderly and Extremely Professional, which explored his experiences in greater depth.

The Impact on Public Perception

Strieber’s work had a significant impact on the public perception of alien abduction cases. His detailed account, combined with the growing interest in UFO phenomena during the 1980s, helped to legitimize such claims within certain circles. However, scientific and skeptical communities maintained their skepticism.

Current Status and Ongoing Mystery

Today, Whitley Strieber’s experiences remain a topic of debate among paranormal enthusiasts and skeptics alike. While many continue to believe in his story, others argue that it is either a fabrication or an example of mass hysteria. The grey alien encounter has become emblematic of the broader phenomenon of alien abductions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What evidence do we have for the authenticity of Whitley Strieber’s experiences?

A: While there are no definitive physical or documentary evidences that can conclusively prove the authenticity of his encounters, Strieber has provided detailed descriptions and consistent accounts over time. Additionally, the credibility of his claims is supported by his background in writing and his willingness to document the events meticulously.

Q: How did Whitley Strieber come to believe he was abducted?

A: According to Strieber, the experience began with vague sensations and dreams that gradually became more vivid and detailed over time. His belief solidified after he had documented numerous encounters and conducted preliminary research into the field of UFO phenomena.

Q: Are there any scientific studies or investigations into alien abductions?

A: There have been limited scientific studies, primarily focused on collecting data from reported cases rather than directly investigating individual claims. Organizations like the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) and the National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP) have documented numerous accounts but lack concrete evidence.

Q: How does the grey alien encounter in *Communion* compare to other abduction experiences?

A: Strieber’s account is notably detailed, with specific descriptions of the aliens’ physical appearance and the nature of the examinations. Many others describe similar encounters involving beings with large heads and limited facial features, suggesting a possible commonality among these experiences.

Q: What impact did *Communion* have on popular culture?

A: The book significantly contributed to the mainstream awareness of alien abduction phenomena. It helped to create a narrative that resonated with many people who felt they had similar experiences but lacked the confidence or resources to share them publicly.