CERPI - no 02 - mars 1976

Magazine Overview

This is the second issue of CERPI, a French-language magazine dedicated to the study of unexplained phenomena. Published in February 1976, it is identified as Volume 1, Issue 2. The magazine's editorial stance emphasizes objectivity and clarity in exploring diverse subjects, including ufology, spiritism, astronomy, and mysterious archaeological findings. The cover prominently features the CERPI logo and a subtitle indicating its role as a 'Centre d'études de recherches des phénomènes inexpliqués' (Center for studies and research of unexplained phenomena). An illustration on the cover visually represents the magazine's broad scope, encompassing spiritism, ufology, archaeology, and enigmas.

Editorial

The editorial, penned by F. Colombier, addresses the readers as 'Chers Amis' and stresses the importance of reader contributions through articles, ideas, and testimonies to help shape the bulletin into a clear, original, and objective publication. The editorial team aims to provide essential elements and guiding notions on diverse themes rather than attempting to provide exhaustive explanations. The goal is to offer readers a clearer perspective after reading the monthly publication. The editorial also highlights that the current issue will not delve into spiritualist phenomena like poltergeists but will instead focus on the foundational figure of spiritism, Allan Kardec (born Denizard Hippolyte Léon Rivail). It details Kardec's transformation upon learning his name from the spirit Zéphir and his subsequent transcription of messages from spirits, leading to the publication of 'Le Livre des Esprits' (The Book of Spirits) in 1857. The editorial notes the continued devotion at Allan Kardec's tomb in Père Lachaise.

Astronomy Section

The astronomy section features several articles:

Autour du Pôle Nord (Around the North Pole)

This article provides a guide to identifying celestial objects in the northern sky, particularly around the North Star (Polaire). It explains how to locate the Polaire using the Big Dipper (Grande Ourse) and Cassiopeia. It details the relative positions and distances of stars like Mizar and its companion Alcor, and describes the constellations of the Big Dipper and Little Dipper (Petite Ourse), as well as La Chèvre and Cassiopeia. The article suggests using a compass and a star chart to orient oneself and find these constellations.

Nouvelles sur l'Astronomie: Washington 1975 - une nouvelle galaxie (News on Astronomy: Washington 1975 - A New Galaxy)

This piece reports on the discovery of a new galaxy, named SMICKERS by its inventor, Professor Christian Simonson of Northwestern University. Despite being the closest galaxy to Earth, it had remained undetected due to cosmic dust. SMICKERS is composed of 200 million stars and is located approximately 50,000 light-years away. The article includes a definition of a light-year (année-lumière).

Cosmographie: 3°) Étoiles (Cosmography: 3°) Stars)

This article continues a series on cosmography, focusing on stars. It explains that stars are celestial bodies whose angular distances remain constant, forming geometric patterns that have been observed for millennia in ancient monuments and texts. These groups of stars are called constellations. The article notes that constellation names often refer to real or imaginary figures and have evolved over time. It also mentions the International Astronomical Union's division of the sky into constellations. The text distinguishes stars from other celestial bodies like planets and comets. It further discusses the concept of the celestial sphere, defining it as a fictive sphere of immense radius centered on the observer, upon which stars appear fixed.

Dossier Célèbre: "Les Radars Aussi" (Famous Dossier: "Radars Too")

This section presents a detailed account of UFO sightings corroborated by radar. It begins with a quote from Major Edwar Ruppelt of the U.S. Air Force, who headed Project Bluebook, emphasizing the significance of cases where visual sightings are combined with radar detection. The article recounts a specific incident from July 29, 1952, in Michigan, where an unknown object was tracked by radar and intercepted by an F-94 jet. The object, initially estimated to be traveling at 1000 km/h, displayed a bluish light that turned reddish, exhibited extreme maneuverability (including a 180-degree turn), and reached speeds of up to 2200 km/h. The pilot and radar operator observed the object, which seemed to be intentionally evading detection. The article notes that ground-based radars maintained contact for a longer period, observing the object's speed fluctuations and evasive actions. The incident is presented as a case that challenged skepticism, suggesting that UFOs might be capable of detecting and manipulating radar.

Enquête CERPI: De notre secteur de la Charente-Maritime (CERPI Investigation: From our sector of Charente-Maritime)

This report details an investigation into a UFO sighting that occurred on a Tuesday in March 1975, around 11 PM, on the road between Tesson and Pessines in Charente-Maritime, France. Mr. and Mrs. M. M. observed a luminous object, described as immobile at first, with about ten blinking orange lights. The object then moved at high speed, reappearing immobile at an estimated altitude of 300 meters. Mr. M. M. estimated the object to be about 25 meters wide and noted its rapid movements, appearing to be both close and far away almost simultaneously. A low, 'soufflerie' (whirring) sound was detected. The witnesses reported that their car's acceleration was limited to 60 km/h while the object was nearby. The object also seemed to react to the car's headlights, appearing when they were on and disappearing when they were off. Upon reaching their home, they continued to hear the whirring sound for several minutes. Key points noted from the investigation include the engine's significant deceleration, the fear experienced by Mrs. M. M., the exceptional duration of the observation (20 minutes), and the object's extreme accelerations.

Tribune Libre (Free Tribune)

This section features a commentary by D. Turpain, who discusses the criteria for UFO investigators based on the work of J. Allen Hynek, director of the Center for Research at Northwestern University. Hynek emphasizes that investigators must be experienced in witness interrogation, possess comprehensive knowledge of UFO phenomena, be able to recognize misinterpretations of common observations, and have a solid understanding of psychology and physics. They must also be objective, avoid influencing witnesses, and reach the observation site quickly. The author agrees with Hynek's assessment that not everyone is qualified to be an investigator, questioning whether current investigators meet these rigorous standards.

Other Sections

The magazine also includes advertisements for other publications, such as 'Les Cahiers de l'Étrange,' a monthly review of the unusual and parallel knowledge, and lists subscription rates for CERPI itself. The issue concludes with page numbering and a reference to the editorial team.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are ufology, spiritism, and astronomy, presented with an emphasis on objective investigation and factual reporting. The editorial stance is clearly one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging reader participation and aiming for clarity and originality in exploring unexplained phenomena. The magazine seeks to provide information and analysis without succumbing to sensationalism, as indicated by the refusal of political, religious, or purely commercial texts.

This issue of "Courant de Pensée" (Current of Thought) focuses on two main themes: the philosophy of Spiritism and reports of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs), alongside a report on the first annual general assembly of the CERPI organization.

Spiritism: The Doctrine of Allan Kardec

The issue begins with an extensive exploration of Spiritism, presented as a 'current of thought' that CERPI is open to understanding as part of its research into unexplained phenomena. The article introduces Allan Kardec, born H.L. Rivail in Lyon, who became interested in 'table turning' in 1854. His seminal work, "Le Livre des Esprits" (The Book of Spirits), published in 1856, is described as the bible of Spiritism, compiled from communications with his protective spirit. According to this doctrine, Kardec learned that in a past life, during the time of the druids, he lived among the Gauls.

Spiritism is presented as having millions of adherents worldwide, offering hope and consolation by enabling communication with the deceased. It is noted that the doctrine has served as a refuge for many grieving individuals and has achieved a status in some countries, like Brazil, comparable to that of the Catholic religion.

The core tenets of Spiritism are summarized:

• God: Eternal, immutable, immaterial, unique, omnipotent, supremely just and good.
• Creation: God created the universe, encompassing all animated and inanimate beings, both material and immaterial.
• Worlds: The material world comprises visible, corporeal beings, while the immaterial world consists of spirits. The spiritual world is the normal, primitive, eternal realm, existing before and surviving all else. The corporeal world is secondary and could cease to exist without altering the essence of the spiritual world.
• Spirits and Incarnation: Spirits temporarily inhabit a perishable material envelope. Death is the destruction of the grossest envelope, allowing the spirit to regain its ethereal body, which can sometimes be made visible to humans, leading to apparitions. Spirits are real, circumscribed beings, not abstract concepts.
• Spirit Classes: Spirits belong to different classes, varying in power, intelligence, knowledge, and morality. Superior spirits are characterized by perfection, knowledge, and closeness to God (referred to as angels or pure spirits). Inferior spirits are more prone to earthly passions like hatred, envy, jealousy, and pride, and may even take pleasure in evil.
• Progression: Spirits are not permanently fixed in their order; they improve by passing through different stages of the spiritual hierarchy. This improvement occurs through incarnation, which serves as expiation or mission. Material life is an ordeal to be repeated until perfection is achieved, acting as a purification process.
• Reincarnation: Upon leaving a body, the spirit returns to the spiritual world to prepare for a new material existence. This cycle of incarnation is necessary for all spirits, with each existence being progressive, though the pace depends on individual effort. The article clarifies that incarnation occurs only in human form, not animal bodies.
• The Human Being: Man is composed of three parts: the body (material, animalistic), the soul (immaterial spirit incarnated), and the 'perispirit' (a semi-material envelope connecting the soul and body).
• Morality: The moral teaching of superior spirits is summarized by the Golden Rule: "Act towards others as you would wish others to act towards you." Selfishness, pride, and sensuality are seen as passions that tie humans to their animal nature. Detaching from material concerns and loving one's neighbor brings one closer to the spiritual nature.
• Utility and Justice: The strong and powerful should support the weak. Abusing power to oppress others violates divine law. In the spiritual world, hypocrisy is exposed, and past actions are revealed.
• Expiation and Progress: No fault is irremissible; all can be erased through expiation. The multiple existences granted allow individuals to advance towards perfection based on their desire and efforts.

The text notes that the doctrine of reincarnation discussed here differs from metempsychosis, as accepted by certain sects, and this distinction will be explained later in the publication.

CERPI First Annual General Assembly

The second major section details the first annual general assembly of CERPI, held on January 24, 1976, in Saintes (17). The meeting began at 9 PM and included a presentation of the organization's activities.

Attendees: A list of present members includes M. SOURIS, R. SOURIS, C. SOURIS, JM. BERTRAND, J. CHASSERIAUD, JP. CLARTEUILLE, C. LEVY, JM. LOURDIN, J. MARSIN, J. MARSIN, D. MARTINEZ, F. COLOMBIER, G. WÁSKOVISKI, JF LERIAN, D. TURPAIN, D. RESTAUD, and G. JOIANNY.

Apologies: Several members sent their apologies, including Y. CLERFEUILLE, G. GUYONNET, ME. SOURIS, J. COLOMBIER, JP. COLOMBIER, K. COLOMBIER, P. CHERBONNIER, L. SOURIS, J. DAMILLEVILLE, O. DAMILLEVILLE, M. LARQUE, and F. COLOMBIER.

Decisions from the morning Bureau meeting:

• Purchase of an astronomical telescope for 300 F.
• Annual membership fees remain the same (15 F and 7 F).
• Free membership for those joining after October 1st.
• A survey to be conducted among CERPI members and the public.
• The Saturday morning meeting is suppressed, but the afternoon session (2 PM to 5 PM) is maintained.
• The term "OVNI" (UFO) will be included in the Saturday S.O. announcement, with tasks assigned to François COLOMBIER.

Moral Report: The President expressed satisfaction with the organization's progress, noting that while many sectors are doing well, some remain neglected.

Financial Report: The Treasurer reported that besides 250 F in cash, CERPI possessed assets in the form of stickers. The manufacturing costs of these stickers were largely covered, making their sale a net profit.

Bureau Election: The current Bureau d'Administration resigned as per statute IV. Members who had paid their dues in 1975 were eligible to be elected. Following a secret ballot, the new bureau was constituted:

• President: Michel SOURIS (re-elected)
• Treasurer: Claude SOURIS (re-elected)
• Secretary: Robert SOURIS (re-elected)
• 4th Member: Bernard MARSIN
• 5th Member: Elisabeth RESTAU
• 6th Member: Guy WASKOWISKI (for one year)

Guy WASKOWISKI was assigned responsibility for the Astronomy sector. Elisabeth RESTAU agreed to manage the library, which no longer had a dedicated person.

The assembly concluded around 1 AM with the President's statement: "May each of us make CERPI shine in their neighborhood, in their village..."

UFO Sightings (OVNI)

The final section, titled "O.V.N.I. EN FIN D'ANNÉE" (UFOs at Year's End), compiles several reports from December 1975 and January 1976, as mentioned in a broadcast by Maurice C. for ORTF.

• December 1, 1975 (7:45 AM): Near ARCES-SUR-GDE (17), Mine CAILLAUD observed a luminous point followed by a trail, which fell and swirled towards the horizon. (CERPI Inquiry #12).
• December 1, 1975 (around 8 AM): Near LA ROCHELLE (17), Molle DUPEUX saw a luminous point followed by a trail, which rose and swirled into the sky. (CERPI Inquiry in progress, La Rochelle sector).
• December 5, 1975 (9:10 AM and 1:15 PM): A magnetic variation detector installed at Claude SOURIS's home triggered twice. The sky was clear but cloudy, making visual detection of any passage impossible.
• January 24, 1975 (around 8:30 AM): In SAINTES, Mr. RADIGON Claude observed a bright white luminous point, appearing as large as Venus that morning, moving vertically upwards for 5 seconds in the direction of the sun.

The section concludes by noting that 1975 saw the birth of CERPI and also the birth of Murielle CLERFEUILLE, a potential future adherent, with congratulations extended.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores phenomena that lie outside conventional scientific understanding, particularly Spiritism and UFOs. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry and research into these subjects, as evidenced by CERPI's mission statement and its detailed reporting on both philosophical doctrines and empirical observations. The publication aims to inform its readers about these 'inexplicable phenomena' and encourages contributions and testimonies from its readership to further its research. The inclusion of the CERPI assembly report highlights the organizational aspect of the group, showing its structure, leadership, and operational decisions, grounding the more esoteric topics in practical activity.