Busqueda Boletin - No 38

Magazine Overview

Title: Búsqueda
Issue: 38
Date: September 1991

This issue of the bulletin "Búsqueda" focuses on UFOs and parapsychology, featuring a diverse range of articles that explore sightings, theories, historical perspectives, and personal experiences.

Editorial

The editorial expresses gratitude for the response to a "SOS" call for articles, acknowledging the busy summer period. It highlights that some received articles will be published in this and subsequent issues. The editorial also mentions a letter to the director that seems to have had an effect and introduces the cover article, aiming to contribute to the understanding of the UFO phenomenon and to unite the ufological community.

Cover Story: ¿Existen o son producto de...?

The cover story delves into the enduring fascination with the skies and the emotional responses they evoke, from fear to reverence. It traces the historical interest in celestial phenomena, referencing biblical accounts and the more recent surge of unexplained events since the mid-20th century. The article defines UFOs as a complex and elusive phenomenon with numerous theories about their origin and nature. It notes that while definitive proof remains elusive, millions claim to have seen them, with experts suggesting a significant portion of these sightings are scientifically unexplainable. The text mentions cases of encounters with UFOs and their occupants, as well as physical evidence. It highlights radar detections of incredible speeds and maneuvers, and reports of UFOs causing aircraft and vehicle malfunctions, as well as psychological distress in humans and animals.

The article discusses how UFOs have been registered throughout history, adapting to different cultures and technological eras. It cites examples from the 19th century in San Francisco and Chicago, where objects were described as lighter than air. The phenomenon became more frequent after World War II, with pilot sightings and the 1947 sighting by Ken Arnold, which popularized the term "flying saucer." The physical characteristics of UFOs are described as disconcerting, with numerous varieties cataloged, including luminous, brilliant, and ethereal objects, as well as silent hummers. Their movements and maneuvers are particularly enigmatic, with reports of instant shape-changing, materialization, and dematerialization. Radar has detected incredible aerial maneuvers, such as 90-degree turns at thousands of kilometers per hour. The article touches upon the difficulty of scientific study, with landing traces suggesting mass, while flight characteristics raise questions about their mass. It references Jacques Vallee's idea of UFOs being psychic artifacts and notes the difficulty of interpreting them as conventional spacecraft.

Letters to the Director

Letter from Sr. Miguel Ángel Chamorro: This letter addresses the director's previous "Veredicto" (Verdict) section. The writer expresses enjoyment when the director writes humorously but finds his serious tone in the latest issue to be partisan. He questions the origin of the idea of spiritual and technological extraterrestrials, attributing it to Peruvian historian Carlos Milla. He challenges the director's dismissal of numerous witness testimonies describing various types of extraterrestrials and references individuals like P. Muñoz, the Hill couple, and Paco Padrón who have reported contact. He also points to the vastness of the universe with billions of galaxies and planets, suggesting possibilities for life. The writer criticizes the director's assertion that descriptions of aliens are mental emanations caused by fear or literary skill, arguing that this dismisses the entire field of ufology. He hopes the named individuals will not take the director's comments too seriously and concludes by suggesting the director read the Bible, noting that biblical descriptions of beings are generally angelic and not monstrous.

Letter from M. Semitiel: This letter praises the bulletin for its magnificent content, drawings, jokes, and collaborators, predicting great success.

Response to M. Semitiel: The response humorously dismisses the praise, suggesting it's too flattering and might be from his son.

Letter from Marcial Vendrell (Valencia): The writer questions the relevance of an article on "Health and Nutrition" in a parapsychology magazine, asking what it has to do with parapsychology and UFOs.

Response to Marcial Vendrell: The response humorously explains the connection: good health leads to relaxation, which facilitates contact with extraterrestrials, leading to paranormal powers and messianic messages, which can result in fame through articles and conferences.

Letter from Marta Cano: The writer states that animals do not have souls and shares that her husband prays and attends mass.

Letter from Marcos Andreus (Rubi): The writer, a skeptic, is invited to Montserrat to see mysterious lights and asks for advice on whether to go and what to do there.

Response to Marcos Andreus: The response advises him to go for the experience and enjoy the scenery, but to refrain from commenting or objecting, as this might lead to seeing lights up close. He will likely remain a skeptic but have a fun night.

Letter from Josep Fábregas (Barcelona): The writer asks if UFOs could be causing power outages in his neighborhood, citing a magazine article about UFOs causing blackouts in Puerto Rico.

Response to Josep Fábregas: The response humorously suggests that the cause is not a UFO but a person named Jaro who breaks streetlights to operate in darkness, making it difficult for anyone to see him.

Article: 'Roswell Incident' Researchers Visit

This short piece reports on researchers John Price, Antonio Huneeus, Dr. Roberto Pinotti, and Javier Sierra visiting Roswell, New Mexico, to buy souvenirs related to the Roswell Incident. They express anticipation for a new book and documentary about the incident and its alleged military cover-up.

Article: Cuando los Escépticos Aún Veían OVNIS (When Skeptics Still Saw UFOs)

By José Juan Montejo

This article discusses the phenomenon of former ufologists becoming skeptics. It begins by recounting a 1969 sighting by Félix Ares, a prominent figure in Spanish ufology and later a skeptic associated with ARP (Alternativa Racional a las Paraciencias). The author questions how to explain Ares's past sighting given his current skeptical stance, suggesting that he might attribute it to youthful enthusiasm or misidentification.

The article posits that a significant shift from active ufology to skepticism often stems from disillusionment after years of research yielding inconclusive or fraudulent data. This leads some to abandon the field, adopting a staunchly skeptical position and attempting to convince others of their new viewpoint. The author contrasts this with the idea of a "converso's faith" in religion, where new adherents can be more zealous than lifelong believers.

The author reflects on the shift in Félix Ares's perspective over twenty years, moving from active ufology to denial. He notes that this is not an isolated case, as other members of ARP have undergone similar transformations, often described as "disillusioned investigators of the unusual."

The article then explores the possibility of a "vision" that triggers such a change, drawing a parallel to Saul of Tarsus (St. Paul) in the Bible. It suggests that the lack of clear answers and the accumulation of dubious data might lead to frustration and a desire to "throw in the towel."

The author questions who is right: the skeptics or those who believe the UFO phenomenon is complex and unresolved. He leans towards the latter, quoting Aimé Michel's balanced approach: "To have an open mind to everything, and believe in nothing."

Article: La Inquisición: De la Herejía a la Magia (The Inquisition: From Heresy to Magic)

By Luis Vigil

This historical article traces the evolution of the Inquisition, from its initial focus on heresy to its later intense persecution of witchcraft and magic. It details how Pope Gregory IX established the Inquisition in 1231 to combat heresy. Initially, witchcraft was of secondary concern. However, Pope John XXII (nicknamed the "Witch Pope") significantly intensified the repression of magic through papal bulls starting in 1320, making the persecution of magical practices a matter for inquisitorial tribunals.

The article highlights key historical cases: the trial of the Knights Templar in 1307, instigated by Philip the Fair, which involved accusations of worshipping a silver head (Baphomet), adoring a cat, spitting on the crucifix, and homosexuality. Despite the seemingly ridiculous nature of these charges, confessions were extracted through torture, leading to the order's dissolution and the confiscation of Templar wealth.

Another famous case is that of Joan of Arc in 1440. Accused of witchcraft based on her visions and wearing male attire, she was condemned and burned at the stake, only to be later vindicated and canonized.

The article also details the trial of Gilles de Rais in 1440, a marshal of France and companion of Joan of Arc, who was accused of pederasty, satanism, and necrophilia. His confession of crimes involving the abuse and murder of children, and his subsequent turn to alchemy and witchcraft, led to his execution.

The text emphasizes that witchcraft became the preeminent sin, seen as the antithesis of religion, involving pacts with the Devil and repudiation of Christian teachings. The Inquisition's focus shifted as other heresies were suppressed, leaving more time for witchcraft investigations. The article mentions specific instances of mass burnings of alleged witches across Europe, including in Burlia, Piedmont, Como, Berlin, and Paris, during the 15th and 16th centuries.

It notes that the fervor against witchcraft spread to Protestant countries, with figures like Martin Luther and John Calvin actively persecuting those accused of witchcraft. The article points out that Benedicto Carpzov, a Protestant theologian, advocated for severe torture methods in witch trials. The shift in focus to witchcraft was significant because it represented a clear pagan element, which the Church had always sought to suppress. The article concludes by noting that while the Inquisition was a widespread religious-civic tribunal, Spain, particularly under figures like Torquemada and Philip II, became synonymous with its excesses.

Article: Orubamba, Valle Mágico (Orubamba, Magical Valley)

By Isabel Navas

This article describes a visit to the magical valley of Urubamba in Peru, considered the sacred valley of the Incas and possessing a special magnetism. The author recounts experiences with contactees Elard Fernández Núñez del Prado and Ronal Peter Swanston, who claim to have telepathic contact with extraterrestrials from the Alpha Centauri constellation.

These beings, described as tall (2.50-2.80 meters), slender, with metallic suits and Eurasian features, communicate through mental calls. The extraterrestrials' craft, called "Xendra" or "Sendra," are described as dome-shaped, emitting a pulsating fog that transforms into a light-fabric. Penetration into these craft leads to experiences where time seems to disappear.

Elard Fernández's experiences include being taken to "Apu," a place with oval, three-level houses with amber-gold domes (solar accumulators) and pyramidal flowers emitting light. The inhabitants live without disease or aging, with their biological cycle ending to begin an ethereal life. Their society is governed by ten elders and a crystal and light computer network. The article mentions the transformation of cosmic dust into energy for cellular regeneration and the experience of hearing "music of the spheres" in the 5th dimension.

The author emphasizes the positive and pure vibrations emitted by these contactees, which transform their surroundings into a state of peace and beauty. The article suggests that these experiences, while incredible to some, are common in the Andean region and that many people have had encounters with UFOs and their occupants.

Article: El Síndrome de Diana, la Enfermedad del Siglo XXI (Diana Syndrome, the Disease of the 21st Century)

By Javier Sierra & Josep Guijarro

This article introduces the "Diana Syndrome," a term proposed for a specific type of abduction experience, often referred to as "bedroom visitors." The research, initiated in April 1989, focuses on analyzing the characteristic symptoms of this phenomenon.

The typical episode involves the witness, usually female, experiencing strange phenomena in their bedroom shortly after going to sleep, such as unusual lights or explosions. The witness then experiences muscular rigidity and perceives the presence of beings described as short, weak, macrocephalic, with large, slanted eyes. These beings are described as hostile and are said to abduct the witness, though the details of this process are often unclear.

Following the experience, the abductee is returned to their bedroom, often with no memory of the event (termed "Missing Time" by Hopkins). The article notes that while the existence of an external, possibly extraterrestrial, stimulus is not ruled out, the root of these experiences is believed to lie in the abductee's mind. The phenomenon is also associated with psychosomatic effects such as scars, physical marks, and damage to household items.

The article highlights key personality traits observed in witnesses: a history of anemia (linked to depression, which is central to the syndrome), a state of anxiety, aggression, irritability, and insomnia. It also points to sexual or affective inhibition as a common factor, noting the frequent reports of extraterrestrial interest in sex and cases of alleged alien-induced pregnancies and miscarriages.

The authors mention that the "Diana Syndrome" is sometimes interpreted as a "psychological pregnancy" by psychologists and psychiatrists. The final impression for witnesses is often similar to that of sexual assault victims. Consequently, abductees tend to isolate themselves and seek out others with similar experiences, leading to the success of support groups like the "Intruders Foundation" in the USA.

In advanced stages, a pseudomystical and millenarian tendency is observed, possibly amplified by paranormal experiences like "astral travel." Current research is focusing on the contagion of these symptoms within social circles and methods to halt the expansion of the syndrome.

Article: Puntos de Vista: El Antídoto (Points of View: The Antidote)

By P. Muñoz

This article responds to a previous article on psychic self-defense, disagreeing with its premise. The author argues that the symptoms described (headaches, depression, fatigue, etc.) are indicative of psychosomatic illness and a lack of personality, rather than psychic attacks. He contends that individuals who claim to help in such cases are not "magicians" in the true sense, but rather those who guide individuals towards self-improvement, self-awareness, and constructive activities. The author suggests that the true antidote to psychic distress is kindness, positive thinking, and constructive use of one's time, and in extreme cases, recommending a visit to a psychiatrist.

The author criticizes the article's suggested self-protection techniques (using salt, vinegar, garlic, onions) as impractical and potentially leading to neurosis. He also clarifies that a violet aura does not indicate a psychic attack but something else entirely. The article concludes by expressing concern about the publication of articles that may stimulate suggestible individuals, promote negative thinking, and misrepresent parapsychology, mental power, and magic.

Article: OVNIS PARA COMER Y BAILAR (UFOs for Eating and Dancing)

By Carlos Fernández

This short piece comments on the use of paranormal themes in advertising. It mentions a car advertised with "OVNIPOTENCIA" and a Renault 11 commercial featuring "Close Encounters." The article then discusses UFO-shaped food items, including hamburgers and pastries from a company called Mildred Ramos. It also mentions a "Fiesta de los OVNIS" (UFO Party) organized by the Xanadú discotheque in Porriño, which did not attract a large crowd. The author humorously questions whether the UFO-shaped pastries were named for their shape or their "unidentified" ingredients.

Article: Aseguran que la montaña libera energía (They assure that the mountain releases energy)

This article reports on the sale of the Uritorco hill in Argentina, famous for UFO sightings. The price is stated as $100,000 USD (approximately 10 million pesetas). The sellers claim the hill releases energy and has been visited by numerous individuals seeking contact with extraterrestrials. A local resident, Monir Adur, describes phenomena such as blue lights, disappearing stars and clouds, and an impressive silence, attributing it to a "uraniferous field" and "piezoelectricity." The article mentions legends of a city called Erks and a Greek named Angel Acoglanis who claimed to communicate with its inhabitants. Despite these claims, a merchant is interested in buying the property to install a chairlift.

Article: Las Caras de Bélmez (The Faces of Bélmez)

This section discusses the phenomenon of the "Faces of Bélmez," a case involving apparitions of faces in a house. The author critiques attempts to explain the faces through photographic analysis, considering it excessive. The article references a previous publication in "La Guía" magazine featuring photos taken by Pilar Méndez, which were obtained during an investigation involving Father José Mª Pilón. The author asserts that neither Méndez nor Pilón are capable of creating montages. The article suggests that the faces might be related to a past tragedy in the house, its history as a brothel, or psychophonic recordings of children's voices, potentially representing astral remnants of past events. The article concludes by leaving the interpretation to the readers, framing it as a field open to investigation or speculation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of UFO phenomena, parapsychology, and the paranormal. There's a clear interest in documenting sightings, personal experiences, and research, while also acknowledging and sometimes engaging with skeptical viewpoints. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging readers to consider various possibilities without necessarily endorsing all claims. The inclusion of historical perspectives, such as the Inquisition and witchcraft, suggests a broader interest in unexplained phenomena across different eras. The publication also seems to foster a sense of community among those interested in these topics, as evidenced by the letters section and calls for collaboration.