Book SummaryCommunion, by Whitley Strieber

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Communion

The author scrutinizes his interactions with extraterrestrial entities and dissects his memories using techniques to recover them, which are enabled through hypnotic assistance.

In this part of the book, the writer explores his personal interactions with beings from other worlds and investigates how hypnotherapy can help in retrieving memories that were once concealed. Strieber recounts his experiences with remarkable lucidity, while acknowledging the complex task of integrating these events into his understanding.

The narrative starts with an account of the writer's initial encounter with entities from a different dimension.

Strieber recounts pivotal experiences from two distinct dates, the first being October 4, 1985, followed by another on December 26 of the same year, each taking place at his remote cabin in upstate New York. Strieber, initially skeptical regarding unidentified flying objects and extraterrestrial entities, found his encounters prompting him to consider the possibility that he was facing an enigmatic event.

The author delivers a detailed description of the appearance and behavior of the entities during the incidents that occurred in December 1985 and March 1986.

The incidents took place on December 26, 1985. Strieber recounts being awakened by an unusual humming sound coming from the area of his home reserved for leisure and entertaining guests. He then notices a small being, standing at a height of about three and a half feet, wearing a curved cap and a mask over its face. The being wore a protective chest piece featuring a pattern of concentric circles emanating from a central point. Strieber later remembered being rendered motionless and transported to a secluded depression in the woods. There, he encountered two more beings – one clad in a garment of soft beige hue, and the other making its presence known solely by sporadic motions. Subsequently, he is transferred to another location, specifically a compact, circular chamber where he observes various entities, including robust beings clad in blue uniforms, and a taller, thin entity with large, slanted, dark eyes. He experiences intense fear and dread, feeling completely under their control. He felt drained and suffered physical aftereffects due to the forceful entry into his brain and the ensuing medical interventions.

The date was March 15, 1986. Strieber describes waking up to a piercing feeling in his shoulder and noticing three small figures dressed in blue, standing still next to his bed. Strieber attempts to turn on a lamp but finds that his body is paralyzed. During his encounter, a slender entity of notable height appeared beside his sleeping area, characterized by its prominent, deeply set eyes. The being appeared to be wearing a crudely fashioned imitation of a blue suit, with the material resembling cardboard. Although gripped by an intense fear, the author manages to muster a smile. After they vanished, he once more succumbed to slumber. A child, merely seven years of age and unaware of the concepts of UFOs or extraterrestrial entities, noticed a diminutive, glowing craft moving smoothly through the air in front of the home.

Context

• The humming sound Strieber describes is a common motif in reported alien abduction cases, often associated with the presence of UFOs or the onset of an encounter.
• The curved cap and mask could symbolize anonymity and otherness, emphasizing the beings' alien nature and the mystery surrounding their intentions.
• This is the transitional state of consciousness between wakefulness and sleep, where vivid dreams or hallucinations can occur, potentially contributing to experiences of being transported or encountering entities.
• The setting of a secluded depression in the woods is a typical motif in abduction stories, often symbolizing isolation and vulnerability.
• The scientific community generally remains skeptical of abduction claims, often attributing them to psychological, neurological, or cultural factors rather than physical events.
• Some researchers suggest that these experiences might be...

Communion Summary The author contemplates the potential significance and consequences of his interactions with beings from beyond Earth.

This section explores Strieber's reflections on the fundamental nature of the probe and the beings, as well as their potential motives and methods. Strieber explores multiple theories, remaining open to diverse possibilities while emphasizing careful observation and thorough analysis.

The author harbors mixed feelings about the true nature of the entity.

Strieber's conviction in the reality of the occurrences grows stronger, and he persistently grapples with comprehending the true nature of the entities he encountered. He explores a range of possibilities, including extraterrestrial entities and creatures from alternate dimensions. He acknowledges the limitations of our current understanding, underscoring the absence of definitive evidence to back any specific hypothesis. The enduring uncertainty underscores the complexity and the current limitations of our scientific and cultural frameworks when it comes to understanding such an enigmatic occurrence.

Considering various hypotheses, from extraterrestrial beings to interdimensional entities.

Strieber delves into various hypotheses about the nature and genesis of the entity he encountered.

• Strieber contemplates the...

Communion Summary Perspectives from historical, scholarly, and legendary standpoints on interactions with beings from other dimensions.

The book explores Strieber's experiences in greater detail, placing them in the broader context of historical, scientific, and symbolic significance related to contact with extraterrestrial entities. Strieber weaves together historical accounts, scientific research, ancient mythologies and symbolism, offering a richer perspective that challenges simplistic explanations.

Comparable experiences have been documented throughout human history.

Strieber underscores the importance of interpreting events within the framework of their historical backdrop. He suggests that the annals of history are filled with remarkable encounters and observations of the heavens, which suggest that the origins of these visitors from beyond our planet could stretch back further than is widely believed. These narratives, often dismissed as unfounded legends, might provide substantial insight into the characteristics and recurring themes found in these encounters.

The author's experiences are remarkably similar to age-old tales involving mystical entities such as sprites, goblins, and a host of supernatural spirits.

Strieber draws attention to the striking resemblance between his experiences...