In the realm of the mysterious and the unexplained, few sources capture the curiosity and wonder quite like Fortean Times. Known for delving into strange phenomena, bizarre sightings, and extraordinary experiences, Fortean Times has long been a beacon for those who have encountered the inexplicable firsthand. Among its most compelling features are the personal stories submitted by readers—accounts that bring to life the mysteries that continue to baffle and intrigue us. In this article, we explore the theme of “Fortean Times It Happened To Me,” sharing some of the most fascinating personal encounters with the strange, and examining what makes these stories so compelling and enduring.
Understanding Fortean Experiences
Before diving into specific stories, it’s important to understand what characterizes a “Fortean” experience. Named after Charles Fort, an early 20th-century researcher of unexplained phenomena, these encounters often share common features:
Common Traits of Fortean Encounters
- Unexpectedness: The experience occurs without warning and often defies logical explanation.
- Personal Impact: The event leaves a lasting impression on the witness, sometimes challenging their worldview.
- Unexplained Phenomena: The events involve strange sights, sounds, or sensations that lack a clear cause.
- Recurrent Themes: Encounters with UFOs, ghostly apparitions, cryptids, time slips, and mysterious objects are common.
- Community Sharing: Witnesses often seek out others’ stories, sharing and validating each other’s experiences.
Fortean stories are unique because they are often deeply personal, yet they connect to larger themes of mystery and the unknown. These stories continue to resonate because they remind us of the vastness of what we do not yet understand.
Personal Accounts of the Unexplained
Many readers and enthusiasts have shared their own “it happened to me” stories in Fortean Times, revealing encounters that challenge conventional explanations. Here are some of the most compelling categories of these personal experiences:
UFO Sightings and Alien Encounters
One of the most enduring Fortean themes involves sightings of unidentified flying objects and potential alien encounters.
- Close Encounters of the First Kind: Witnessing an unidentified object in the sky without further interaction.
- Close Encounters of the Second Kind: Observing physical effects, such as scorched ground or electromagnetic anomalies, linked to a UFO sighting.
- Close Encounters of the Third Kind: Seeing or interacting with beings associated with the UFOs.
Example Story: A reader recounts seeing a luminous craft hover silently over a rural field at night. As they watched, the object emitted beams of light, and shortly after, their car’s radio and electronics malfunctioned. Despite attempts to document the sighting, no craft was ever found, leaving them convinced they had witnessed something extraordinary.
Ghostly Encounters and Apparitions
Many Fortean stories involve encounters with spirits or apparitions, often in familiar locations like homes, hospitals, or historic sites.
- Residual Hauntings: Repeating scenes of past events, like a ghostly figure walking along a corridor.
- Intelligent Hauntings: Interacting with a conscious entity that responds to questions or stimuli.
- Poltergeist Activity: Objects moving without explanation, strange noises, or unexplained disturbances.
Example Story: A woman describes waking up in the middle of the night to see a translucent figure standing at the foot of her bed. The figure was dressed in Victorian clothing, and after a brief moment, vanished. When she investigated, she found her house to be built on an old estate, fueling her belief that she had encountered a residual spirit.
Mysterious Creatures and Cryptids
Stories of cryptids—creatures that are claimed to exist but lack scientific confirmation—are a staple of Fortean lore.
- Bigfoot/Sasquatch: Sightings of large, ape-like beings in remote forests.
- Chupacabra: Reports of a creature draining livestock’s blood in rural areas.
- Lake Monsters: Sightings of strange creatures in lakes and rivers, like the Loch Ness Monster.
Example Story: An angler recounts seeing a massive, ape-like figure crossing a mountain trail at dawn. The creature was covered in dark hair and moved swiftly, disappearing into the woods. Witnesses have debated whether this was a known animal or something more mysterious.
Time Slips and Anomalous Experiences
Time slips are phenomena where individuals feel they have temporarily traveled through time or experienced altered perceptions of reality.
- Sudden Time Displacement: Feeling as if time has sped up or slowed down unexpectedly.
- Historical Reenactments: Seeing or experiencing moments from the past as if they are happening in real-time.
- Out-of-Place Artifacts: Discovering items that don’t belong to the current era.
Example Story: A hiker reports walking through a forest and suddenly finding himself in a scene resembling a 19th-century village, complete with period clothing and horse-drawn carriages. When he blinked, everything returned to normal, leaving him puzzled about the nature of the experience.
Why Do These Stories Matter?
Personal Fortean stories are more than just tales of the bizarre—they serve several important functions:
The Role of Personal Testimonies
- Validation of the Unknown: They provide evidence, however anecdotal, that mysterious phenomena are real and worthy of investigation.
- Community Building: Sharing these stories fosters a sense of connection among those interested in the unexplained.
- Challenging Paradigms: They encourage skeptics and scientists to consider alternative explanations beyond conventional science.
- Inspiration for Inquiry: Personal accounts often lead to further research, exploration, and curiosity about the universe.
The Limitations and Cautions
While compelling, personal stories also require critical evaluation:
- Memory can be imperfect, and perceptions may be influenced by suggestibility or psychological factors.
- Some experiences may have natural explanations, such as reflections, hallucinations, or environmental factors.
- Authenticity is difficult to verify, so stories should be approached with an open but critical mind.
Conclusion: Embracing the Mystery
The stories shared in Fortean Times—those “it happened to me” accounts—highlight humanity’s enduring fascination with the unknown. These personal narratives serve as a bridge between skepticism and wonder, inviting us to keep an open mind and remain curious about the mysteries that surround us. Whether witnessing a UFO, encountering a ghost, or experiencing a strange time slip, these stories remind us that the universe still holds many secrets waiting to be uncovered.
As we continue to explore and document these experiences, it’s vital to approach them with both curiosity and critical thinking. Fortean Times encourages us to embrace the mystery, to listen to those who have had strange encounters, and to keep questioning the nature of reality itself. After all, the truth may be stranger—and more fascinating—than we can imagine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'Fortean Times' and how does it relate to personal stories?
'Fortean Times' is a magazine dedicated to strange phenomena, mysteries, and unexplained events, often featuring personal stories from readers about their own experiences with the strange and paranormal.
How can I submit my 'It Happened to Me' story to Fortean Times?
You can submit your story through the Fortean Times website's submissions page, often including guidelines on how to share your personal encounter for possible publication.
What are some common themes in 'It Happened to Me' stories in Fortean Times?
Common themes include encounters with unexplained creatures, UFO sightings, ghostly encounters, time slips, and other bizarre personal experiences.
Are 'It Happened to Me' stories in Fortean Times verified or anecdotal?
Most stories are anecdotal, shared by individuals, and are not officially verified, but they contribute to the broader discussion of unexplained phenomena.
Why do 'It Happened to Me' stories resonate with Fortean Times readers?
These stories resonate because they tap into universal curiosity about the unknown, personalizes mysterious phenomena, and often challenge conventional explanations.
Has Fortean Times ever featured stories about personal experiences with cryptids or mysterious creatures?
Yes, many issues have featured reader stories about encounters with cryptids like Bigfoot, Mothman, or other mysterious beings, adding to the folklore and mystery.
What is the significance of sharing personal 'It Happened to Me' stories in Fortean Times community?
Sharing these stories fosters a sense of community among enthusiasts, preserves personal experiences, and encourages open discussion of unexplained events.
Can reading 'It Happened to Me' stories in Fortean Times help in understanding unexplained phenomena?
While these stories are anecdotal, they can provide valuable insights, inspire further investigation, and deepen interest in the mysteries of the unknown.
