The Whitley Strieber Abduction

On December 26, 1985, horror novelist Whitley Strieber had an experience at his upstate New York cabin that would change his life—and influence how the world imagines aliens. His account, published as “Communion” (1987), became a cultural phenomenon and defined the modern image of alien visitors.

The Author

Whitley Strieber was:

• A successful horror novelist
• Author of “The Wolfen” and “The Hunger”
• Living in a cabin in upstate New York
• Had no prior interest in UFOs

The Night

On December 26, 1985:

• Strieber woke to a strange presence
• He saw small beings in his bedroom
• He was taken from his cabin
• He experienced medical procedures

The Beings

Strieber described multiple types:

• Small beings with large black eyes
• Thin, grey-skinned creatures
• A female being who communicated
• Different types working together

The Experience

He recalled:

• Being paralyzed
• Medical examination procedures
• A rectal probe
• Communication through thoughts
• Being returned to his bed

Memory Recovery

The full memory emerged through:

• Hypnotic regression
• Dreams and flashbacks
• Gradual recall over months
• Therapeutic exploration

”Communion”

His book became:

• A #1 New York Times bestseller
• A cultural phenomenon
• Required reading in UFO circles
• A defining text of abduction experiences

The Cover

Ted Seth Jacobs’ painting:

• Featured on the book cover
• Showed a being with huge dark eyes
• Became iconic worldwide
• Defined alien appearance in popular culture

Impact on Alien Imagery

Strieber’s description influenced:

• How people describe aliens
• Popular culture depictions
• The “grey alien” archetype
• Subsequent abduction reports

Strieber’s Interpretation

Unlike many abductees, Strieber:

• Avoided concluding they were extraterrestrial
• Called them “the visitors”
• Explored spiritual interpretations
• Maintained ambiguity about their nature

Ongoing Experiences

Strieber reported:

• Continued encounters over years
• Wrote multiple sequels
• Developed complex theories
• Maintained public presence

Criticism

Critics argued:

• A horror novelist invented a horror
• Hypnosis created false memories
• The account was too profitable
• Dates and details changed

Defense

Supporters noted:

• His willingness to be tested
• Consistency of core narrative
• Other family members’ experiences
• His thoughtful analysis

Significance

Strieber’s case is significant for:

• Defining modern alien imagery
• Bringing abduction to mainstream
• Bestseller status legitimizing topic
• Thoughtful exploration of experience
• Cultural influence on how we imagine aliens

Legacy

Whether genuine encounter, elaborate fiction, or something in between, Whitley Strieber’s “Communion” changed how the world thinks about alien contact. The image of beings with large black eyes—now ubiquitous—traces directly to his account.