When Whitley Strieber had his cabin in upstate New York, he often had groups of friends up to see if it would be possible for them to encounter the visitors. On many occassions, extraordinary events took place.

One such event occurred in the Autumn of 1988. The Striebers’ friends Raven Dana and Lorie Barnes had been staying at the cabin, and were awakened in the middle of the night, confronted by the physical presence of the visitors. The events are described in Strieber’s book Breakthrough, and are the subject of a Dreamland special. (This special is not in our archive, which was started in 2004. It is from prior to that date.)

Click on each image to view an enlargement.

This is the cabin where Whitley Strieber experienced the December 26, 1985 close encounter that led to the writing of Communion and the long series of encounters and interactions with unknown beings that resulted in the further books Transformation and Breakthrough. The cabin is near Kingston, New York, and is situated in an area where there is a great deal of underground iron.

It was from this bed that Whitley was taken at approximately three in the morning of the 26th. He has never been certain what happened, except that the experience was far more vivid than any dream.

This circle of stones was built at the spot where Whitley’s encounters first started. The circle of stones were later moved, due to vandalism.

This is the living room. In Transformation, Whitley related that he had taken one of his cats with him during an encounter situation, “for a reality test.” He took the cat from the back of this couch.

The ‘cabin group’ having dinner together. Raven Dana, Lorie Barnes and a number of others are present. Most of these people were friends of Whitley and Anne’s before the Communion experience. Many of the people at that table had close encounters at the cabin.

This is Raven Dana the morning after her encounter at the cabin. Her eyes are still swollen from her allergic reaction.

Raven is writing an account of her experience.

Lorie Barnes on the morning after her encounter.

27 Comments

  1. Hello, I thought about contacting you for over 20 years now. I have had an experience with a UFO who followed me home every night. I decided to bring my friend home one night to tell her about these and see if they would come. They did! She was scared to death! Also while I lived in this house these UFO’s have come down very quickly…..the house went dark without electricity….also we followed them around our neighborhood and was lead into a remote area. We did not go. There are many other things that happened that are so extraordinary. My boyfriend (a podiatry student at the time) thought I was crazy. After we separated..he told me he went to a site where he knew that what I told him was true. He always said I was nuts and then all of a sudden he called me after he married his student to tell me he knew that I was right all along. I had an encounter with the UFO in the 70’s….all I had to do was will it to come to me…It did! I was so scared! It came above me right in front of my house….It was the color of silver or gray and it went over my head…and disappeared overhead into the sky. Also I had many other experiences…my younger brother and sister with me….We opened the front door and these things were in the cul de sac across the street from us….I willed them down. My little sister was with me and they started darting down like in a snap…a light year…so totally crazy! My sister said shut the front door. When we did….the lights went out in our home. I have suffered other events. Like men in black driving next to me in cars when I moved away from this area and into NY. They followed. So many stories. I should have written a book by now. You are the only person who can help me….Perhaps you can consider emailing me or calling me. I want to write my story.

  2. Does any of these comments go to Whitley at all? Just wondering. I read of of his books and I was scared to death to go to sleep. Because of my encounters I suffered from thyroid and heart problems and I know it was from these experiences. Every November I look in the skies and wonder if they are there. I think now because I am older they do not need me. My younger sister suffers from experiences when she was young….Indians in her bedroom. Being lifted in her bed. I think she was a victim of these extraterrestrials. I did not give in to them but I think she did. I have alot of info that would be helpful. And perhaps a new book for you. Real live information. My ex would even confirm this even though we have been separated for over 25 years. I need to contact you and talk to you!

  3. Mr. Strieber, I am re-reading Communion, 1st reading was back with Art Bell. The one item I’ve noticed is that all the people you’ve described as adbucted or taken have been people of talent/intelligence and of a passive nature. That’s not a critializem. What I don’t read is of people who taken have an aggressive personality, ie: military soldiers, athlete persons, people who are strong willed leaders. Have you found this to be otherwise? Could the “hive mind” be unable to handle this aggressive nature or perhaps fear it or just interested because “they” know nothing woiuld be productive. Very interesting, No? Also regarding your climate change interest. I am sure you have noticed the geoenginnering spraying in our skies and a daily bases. I’ve witnessed this for over 10 years. No one knows what is sprayed, why or be who and no, it’s not contrails, these streams last hours depending on the high altitude winds. I’v counted 27 trails over the
    sacramento, Ca valley in one day, in all directions and crisscrossing, north, south, east and west. These trails go from horizon to horizon. Perhaps you would go to geoengineeringwatch.org, maybe offer an opinion? Thank you for sharing your talent as an author. Best always, Sharon/Elk Grove, Ca.

  4. I recently heard you do the sensing exercise but cannot find the right episode. Can you send a link?
    Thank you!

  5. Hi Whitley, I have been following you since Communion was published, but my interest in strange phenomena dates back to the early 70’s. I’ve read most of your books and in the nineties I was a subscriber to the Communion letters. However, I just subscribed to the website for the first time today. Please don’t be offended but I intermittently question whether you are a charlatan. Or perhaps it’s that I hope you’re a charlatan. Then I wonder – why would he do this? Why would he reveal such painful events to the detriment of his life and career?
    Anyway, I just want to tell you that if I could pick 5 people from history to have dinner with you would be one of them.
    Although I’m trained in a field that demands adherence to proven facts and honest observation I’m also intuitive. So I’m fascinated and I want to explore. You may find these comments pointless or mundane but I felt compelled to write you. Hopefully I can shake my apprehension, fears and skepticism, and pursue something that just seems to ring true.
    I have some black pages in my book of life. After one of my worst face plants I got myself straightened out and a mentor asked what I thought of myself. I wrote him this:
    Grateful for the opportunities
    Even when I fell
    Learned my lessons and I didn’t go to hell
    In the end I’ll find my place
    A steaming pile of bones with a grin on it’s face
    Honest, unselfish, of service to others
    I found some integrity and I won’t run for cover.

    I know I’m taking a chance and probably sound wacky to your subscribers (forgive me) but I’d like to know directly from you… Any recommendations on next steps for someone like me?

  6. Mr. Strieber,
    After having had a UFO experience In 1991,(Actually there were two) It changed my life forever.
    After my experience, I read your book Communion and anything else I could get my hands on about UFOs. It was frustrating to me because It felt like there was such a big gap between the scientific aspect and the spiritual. And a lot of malarkey in between. You and John Mack were two of the authors at the time who I could relate.
    I stumbled upon your Dreamland podcast about six months ago. When I heard your voice for the first time, I got chills because it was so incredibly familiar to me. You have such interesting and informative guests on your show. I thank you for that from the bottom of my heart. It’s helped to alleviate the self doubt that I often feel when it comes to these subjects.
    I do have a question for you.
    I’m wondering what you think of Steven Greer and the CE5 initiative. Part of me is elated by it, and there’s a part of me that doesn’t trust him.
    I’m not sure why. I’m also feeling worried about our government seemingly to be disclosing UFO evidence. Especially when it’s headed by Marco Rubio, and mostly reported on Fox News with Tucker Carlson. It’s sending up red flags in my mind. I don’t know who to trust.
    I am curious as to how do you feel about it yourself.
    I hope that you are well and good,

    Megan Harper

  7. Author

    I know this: we do have souls and we do live on past this life. After our lives are finished, we see ourselves in our truth. If you have lived as a deceiver, this is a terrible experience.

    As far as speaking about specific individuals is concerned, I cannot judge. You must find your own counsel in your mind and heart.

    I am sure that there is ample information both good and bad that you can find on the Internet to research the individuals you mention. Then you’ll have to draw your own conclusions.

    In the Dreamland I recently did with Mark Sims, I recall that he mentions an experience he had at one of Dr. Greer’s events. He also speaks of Dr. Greer. You might listen to this.

    1. Thank you for your reply Mr. Strieber.
      I believe your wife was correct.
      “It’s just a game”
      😉

  8. Author

    She said “it’s a game,” not “just a game”. There is a huge difference there. I think that it is probably quite a serious game.

    1. I stand corrected and I apologize.
      I was thinking also of the comedian Bill Hicks. Who said “ remember, it’s just a ride.” My mind tends to get more jumbled as I age.
      I hope I haven’t offended you by miss quoting your late wife.

      1. Author

        Not at all! It would take a whole lot more than that to offend this old leatherback.

  9. Mr. Strieber, who would I contact now regarding a piece of metal discovered in my foot, confirmed by MRI? I heard a repeat of your interview with Dr. Roger Leir today, and I couldn’t believe it. Several years ago I actually had a radiologist berate me for not telling him that I had a piece of metal in my foot. I told him I didn’t have any such thing, and never had an open injury there either. He had me go back and look at his computer screen and showed it to me, and he said under his breath “why do I keep finding these things?”

  10. Greetings Whitley Strieber.
    Firstly, thank you for sharing with all of us. The work you do is beyond invaluable to the rest of us. Its just after 2 am at the time of this writing. I feel I have been given a grasp on the subject… claustrophobia.
    It still kinda baffles me that the universe is TOO small. I had a dream of being pulled into a tumbled pile of bed sheets and covers. I couldnt get out, being pulled down and down. It wasnt lack of control that was so frightening, but the fear of not breathing freely. It was abject terror. Maybe thats why they want to share the human experience. Maybe they want to hide in our ignorance. I dont know. Escaping reality by watching TV.
    I try to impress on my little boy that fear is something to be conquered. Fear is what you mostly generate inside your own mind. I try to be a good example for him, and he believes I fear nothing. When it comes to your children, there is ALWAYS fear at every corner. But this…. expansion of consciousness… Jeremy V. would talk about that “being one with everything” … maybe thats the issue. Maybe… its not the room getting smaller, but you getting bigger! At 2am, stream of consciousness can sure look weird when its typed.
    I felt the need to share. Thanks for the space to put it in.
    HG

  11. Hi: I read Communion just after we moved into a big house with no curtains. I loved the idea of being able to leave my windows uncovered after having lived in a big city all of my life. Besides the fact that this was naive, I found I couldn’t sit by a window to read, because I only saw my own reflection when I looked out into the yard.. Paralyzed! But I read on, because my father had always told us of a signing of the traditional cupola-saucer in the late forties or early fifties. I read every article or book that I found. But yours was truly fear generating. I wanted to write because 1) I’ve read many of your books. 2) I am a Catholic convert who has moved on the a Methodist church, but …. I’ call myself a graduated Catholic. 3) My son, when he was about three years old, had started saying ‘kin’ for ‘yes.’ I didn’t know why, but I’d heard that kids do odd things with words sometimes A man who was waiting for my husband to get ready to go out asked me,”Excuse me, but are you Jewish?” I was curious about that, and the man told me that my son was using the Hebrew word for ‘yes.’ I’ve always believed in miracles and supernatural things, from my parental upbringing and explaining my Catholicism, I believe. 4) I’ve been trying to understand quantum physics, the Shroud of Turin, the Resurrection, etc. I built a connection in my feeble understanding, and I was gratified to read your books and find some degree of agreement. Just wanted to share that. Enjoying all your books and podcasts.

  12. Hi there. I am a new subscriber and I’m interested in watching or listening to the communion hypnosis sessions. How do I find them on here? Thank you.

  13. Hi there; I have been on your e-mail list for several years and just subscribed. I am writing regarding missing time, coupled with possible bi-location. This occurred on November 19, 2020 and lasted for several hours.
    I parked in the garage at work at 7:40AM, a 7 minute walk into my office, would place me there just before 7:50. My co-worker states that I did not arrive until 8:20AM. At which time I hung up my coat, sat down at my desk, turned on the computer and sat there stating at 1 screen for the rest of the day until 2:30pm. She spoke to me, she says at 11:00am, and asked me if I was all right. I got up, took a couple of steps toward her and said, ‘I am not myself today, I will be fine tomorrow’. I turned back toward my desk and sat down. She called 2 supervisors to come take a look and see if I was having a stroke, or what was happening. They both said to just keep a look out for me.
    At approximately 2:30pm I felt like I was coming out of thick fog, I couldn’t quite see the computer, my fingers kept pushing computer buttons, my mind felt like it was crawling out of a dark hole. I was saying to myself, why can’t I do this, I’ve been doing this for 22 years. Funny, about that time I heard a voice in my head saying, ‘Well you are 80 years old now.” I retired June 30, 2021. I do not know where my actual consciousness was during that entire time. But I feel that I was at a meeting. It was definitely scary. Luckily, I was working in a hospital, so I was in safe hands. I should say that I am an evidential, physical and trance medium, who has had OBE experiences since the age of 15, and Lucid Dreams and Astral projection experiences for almost as long.
    Thank you for your taking time to read this. C. Clewley

  14. My guys follow me everywhere. Just came home from a holiday in Cyprus from Scotland. First night relaxing on the porch and bang there they were.

    I worked on oil rigs in the North Sea for years. They were regular visitors out there.

  15. Mr. Strieber, I am a huge fan.
    I cannot shake the thought it is so dangerous to call the visitors demons. Organized religion can only understand the paranormal through the lens of their doctrine. To label what cannot be explained as demonic can only lead to misunderstanding, distrust and violence. This is how witch trials get started.
    Still, I respect your willingness to hear all points of view.
    What you do is so valuable-Thank you

  16. Hope Whitley, who is such a gift to this evolutionary process, might see this communication and for all the others who read this. There is an amazing scientist and seer named Elizabeth Wood who lives in Ecuador who speaks of becoming Homo Luminous–our next step– who transmits amazing knowledge regarding human history and earth changes. She is accessible over the internet which she says should really be Indra’s Net! I send you blessings of peace.

  17. Hi Whitley, I am a retired nurse at age 76 and have followed and read most of your books since Communion first came out. I recall one night sleeping and waking up suddenly after hearing 3 loud knocks somewhere in my house. No one else heard them. I have never doubted what you wrote or talked about as I have had strange happenings, but can’t recall ever actually meeting the others. I look forward to reading THEM on my kindle.
    I loved the book you wrote with your wife about the afterlife, as people call it. I know it is just a door to go through….a continued life of bigger and better knowledge. I lost my 52 year old daughter last March and have had messages from her that no one can deny. I know I have friends who help me out or give me advice once in a while and I thank them when it happens, but don’t know exactly who they are.
    I have taken part of a writing course and wish to put together a book about the strange things which have happened to me, because I want people to realize how they may have odd or unusual happenings too. Most people refuse to talk about them. I want people to realize the fantastic world they live in and to accept themselves as special and important to this life.
    I also want people to realize how fortunate they are to be living on this wonderful planet of ours, and want them to think about decreasing their carbon footprint so this world continues to thrive with all of its flora and fauna.
    I feel the others are to a degree watching out for us and trying to help in the only ways they know how, as they may have gone through terrible times on their own planets.
    I am also a T.M. meditator and have been studying Buddhism since I was a teenager. I try to meditate early each morning when possible. I would like to be able to communicate with the others, but don’t know that my knowledge is of any use to them.
    I will continue to listen to you and read your books as I like them all.
    I was wondering what your thoughts are on the latest show I have seen on TV called Disclosure with Steve Greer. We saw information there we had not seen before. Interesting.
    Please know there are those of us who truly value your work and all of the time and effort you have put into informing the public of this wonderous situation which is ongoing. You are a really fortunate person to have had so much experience with them. Much thanks for all that you have accomplished. We are so lucky to be conscious in this universe, at this time. Too bad so many take their lives here and now for granted. I can be contacted at gveej@yahoo.com. thanks.

  18. I would like to thank Mr Strieber and the Unknown Country team for making it possible to buy an autographed hardcover copy of Communion at long last. The international postage is perfectly priced, bravo!

    I’m sure I’ll mirror the comments of countless other people when I say that this means a lot to me.

    As a soul who is navigating infinity, walking a path that, at times, seems solitary, reading, reflecting and scrambling through life’s ups and downs has been joyous because of the work of Mr and Mrs Strieber and the Unknown Country team.

    Saturday mornings since 2001 have been Dreamland and I lack the words to express my gratitude.

    Thank you.

    Peace.

  19. I work for SavantX and we’ve developed a new GenAI tool that allows users to search against their own content with the power of a large language model like ChatGPT. Our Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) engine vectorizes the content to send to the LLM. We’ve just released SEEKER and already some researchers and authors, such as Richard Dolan, have become big fans using it to search across tens of thousands of pages of research materials. Richard calls himself a SEEKER-addict now and uses it every day. He’s loaded tons of historic files to help him with his new books. And he uses it to help him respond to the thousands of emails he receives each month by loading submitted manuscripts and getting a rapid read on what they contain.

    You might want to check out SEEKER at https://www.seekerchat.ai/

    I’d also be pleased to give you and/or your team a demo of SEEKER’s capabilities by VTC.

    All the best,
    Jeff

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