Chroniques de la CLEU - No 30 - Septembre 1984

Magazine Overview

Title: Les Chroniques de la C.L.E.U.
Issue: No. 30
Date: September 1984
Publisher: Commission Luxembourgeoise d'Etudes Ufologiques (C.L.E.U.)
Country: Luxembourg
Language: French

This issue of "Les Chroniques de la C.L.E.U." is dedicated to exploring the "ETI Myth" (Extraterrestrial Intelligence Myth) from historical, anthropological, and psychological perspectives. The cover features a stylized drawing of multiple stacked flying saucers.

Editorial

The editorial section, written by Christian PETIT, highlights several points. A member, Claude Hallé, visited the site of the Trans-en-Provence landing, took photographs, and met with the witness. This case was discussed during a CNEGU meeting, involving documents from GEPAN and articles from "Lumières dans la Nuit." An article by Claude Hallé and André Pichon on this case is planned for a future issue. Alain Schmitt continues his well-documented articles, with his bibliography to be published separately. The C.L.E.U. has acquired new observational equipment (binoculars and a small telescope) for skywatching. The editorial notes the cessation of many magazines but affirms the commitment to continue publishing "Les Chroniques." It also mentions that the CNEGU's 1982 catalog is included in this issue and expresses hope for reciprocal publicity from other groups. A future event planned is a trip to Paris to visit the "Palais de la Découverte."

Articles and Content

Mythe ETI: fonction et influence historique dans une perspective anthropologique; encastrement dans la révolution copernicéenne et scientifico-technologique. Signification pour la naissance, l'essort, l'efficacité et la tenacité du folklore des soucoupes volantes et du Dänikenisme.

This extensive article by Alain SCHMITT delves into the ETI myth. He argues that the ETI myth is a continuation of ancient themes such as "celestial gods," "cosmological and origin myths," and the "nostalgia for a lost paradise." He traces its roots from prehistoric representations to modern utopian and celestial folklore. The article connects these themes to the concept of the plurality of inhabited worlds (PMH), which originated in scientific and philosophical thought (Galileo, Kepler, Bruno, Descartes) rather than from fiction or theology. The 17th century is noted as a particularly rich period for scientific and philosophical works on the subject.

Schmitt discusses how the ETI myth is linked to various quasi-religious movements like Theosophy, Spiritualism, Mormonism, and parapsychology. He identifies key elements of the ETI myth: the anthropomorphic and philosophical nature of extraterrestrial intelligences, their presumed scientific and moral superiority, and the concept of a "Great Cosmic Alliance."

The article explores the "magical flight" theme, the idea of returning to an "Illud tempus" (lost paradise), and the connection to "Cosmic Voyages" and imaginary journeys. It highlights how these themes have been reinforced by developments in aeronautics and astronautics.

Schmitt examines the historical evolution of these concepts, noting how figures like Heraclitus, Pythagoras, Cardan, Cyrano de Bergerac, Voltaire, Swedenborg, and Joseph Smith contributed to the idea of inhabitants of other worlds or celestial realms. He points out the continuity from ancient legends to modern UFO narratives, where extraterrestrials are often presented as messengers or divine figures.

The article further connects the ETI myth to the "American Adam" myth, suggesting that the desire to discover a "Lost Paradise" in the American West was transposed into the space age with science fiction.

Schmitt analyzes the "Great Alliance" concept, linking it to Swedenborg's "Great Man," Flammarion's "Collective Humanity," and the "Intergalactic Federation" in science fiction. He posits that these are expressions of a desire to belong to a living cosmos.

The article discusses the modern interpretation of PMH as a backdrop for utopian visions and the projection of celestial examples. It notes that inhabitants of celestial worlds are often depicted as superior, more moral, and less troubled than ordinary humans.

Schmitt identifies three major expressions of the remythologization of space in the 20th century: science fiction (SF), exobiology, and Dänikenism/ufology. While exobiology leans towards a rational, scientific-technological language, ufology and Dänikenism exhibit a quasi-religious superstructure, often claiming scientific inspiration from ET knowledge. SF, by definition, occupies a middle ground as fiction.

He also touches upon the shift from Judeo-Christian symbolism to scientific/rational symbolism, noting how Swedenborg (1755) already blended these.

The article examines the transformation of imagery and symbols around the 19th century, with a move from angels and demons to more plausible-sounding adventures of imaginary travelers. This replacement of medieval magical-religious entities with beings from a "space beyond" is attributed to figures like Lavater, Swedenborg, and Oetinger.

Schmitt reviews various authors who have studied UFO phenomena and beliefs, including Jung, Bender, Bauer, and Renard. He notes that many arrived at the conclusion of an "ETI myth" through intuitive or psychological interpretation. He highlights the ambivalence of emotions towards the "Other" and the need for positive contact responses.

He discusses the psychological analysis of "contactees," suggesting that telepathic messages can be phenomena of dissociation and that the central issue is often affective relationships, with motifs of emotional "Ergriffenheit" (being moved), "Führerpersönlichkeit" (leader personality), and soul travel appearing in analyses of contactee cases, mirroring mystical European thought.

Schwonke's formulation of the extraterrestrial as a "deus ex machina" is discussed, as is Mischo's analysis of UFO phenomena at a 1962 congress in Wiesbaden, which arrived at similar conclusions about the psychological nature of UFO beliefs and the eschatological aspect of the belief system.

Mischo's interpretation of the "contactee" experience is summarized: the analysis is limited to observations and congress presentations, but it allows for the construction of a research vector that can yield a specific diagnosis. The testimonies suggest a need to control the witness's capacity for testimony, but deliberate deception is deemed unlikely.

Schmitt concludes that the ETI myth is a modern manifestation of ancient themes, often characterized by a religious or quasi-religious emotional core, and that ufology can be seen as a new form of salvation religion where perfected, mysterious extraterrestrial "leaders" offer redemption.

Other Content:

• List of Personnel: The issue includes a detailed list of C.L.E.U. members and their roles, including President, Secretary, Treasurer, Editor, and correspondents from various countries (France, Luxembourg, Germany, Austria, Mexico, Argentina).
• Table of Contents (AU SOMMAIRE): Lists the articles and sections included in the issue: Editorial, "Mythe ETI" (continued), "Catalogue d'observations du C.N.E.G.U." (1982), "Dans la presse," "Catalogue rétroactif de la C.L.E.U." (continued), and "Divers."
• Affiliation: C.L.E.U. is noted as a member of the C.N.E.G.U. (Comité Nord-Est des Groupements Ufologiques).
• Reproduction Rights: Reproduction is prohibited without authorization from the Commission Luxembourgeoise d'Etudes Ufologiques.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the exploration of the ETI myth as a modern manifestation of ancient human beliefs and desires, particularly the concept of "other worlds" and "other beings." The editorial stance is one of continued investigation and publication of ufological research, despite the decline of other publications. The C.L.E.U. appears to be a serious research group, engaging with scientific, psychological, and anthropological perspectives on UFO phenomena, while acknowledging the quasi-religious and mythological dimensions often associated with it.

This issue of CNEGU, identified as a 1982 catalogue, focuses on unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) and their broader cultural and psychological implications. The publication appears to be a compilation of observations and analyses from various ufological groups, primarily in France and Luxembourg.

Ufology as a Modern Mythology

The issue explores the idea that ufology functions as a modern substitute for religious beliefs, particularly Christian angelology. It suggests that the concept of extraterrestrial intelligences (ETIs) fulfilling roles similar to divine messengers or protectors reflects a deep-seated human need for salvation and guidance. The text references authors like Renard, who views ETIs as possessing divine power and a cosmic messianism, and Däniken, whose work is linked to interpreting gods, demons, and angels within a UFO context. The concept of 'neo-evhemerism' is introduced, where ancient deities are reinterpreted through a UFO lens. The article posits that the Western worldview has shifted from a religious sky to a scientific and atheistic one, which is now giving way to a syncretic belief system where science and para-religious beliefs merge.

Balch and Taylor are cited for their view that ufology belongs to a 'cultic milieu' or 'metaphysical subculture,' where salvation through ETIs is seen as a path to a higher state of existence.

Ashworth's Analysis of New Mythologies

C.E. Ashworth's analysis of 'new myths' is presented, which he categorizes as 'popular science.' This broad category includes topics like astrology, alchemy, Atlantis, extrasensory perception, pyramids, UFOs, and astral projection. Ashworth differentiates 'popular science' from 'popularized science' and from occult or esoteric currents. He identifies two main mythological traditions within popular science: Dänikenisme (linked to UFOs) and Atlanticism (linked to the concept of the Übermensch or 'God-complex').

Ashworth's historical and functional interpretation suggests that Dänikenisme is a variant of prophetic Judaism and Christian millenarianism, combined with Greek mechanistic materialism, akin to a re-writing of Genesis, the Book of Revelations, and Lucretius. Atlanticism, conversely, is described as an idealist doctrine aligned with Greek and Roman humanism, rooted in Platonic philosophy, and fundamentally anti-Christian in its elevation of humanity to divine status.

The author of the article expresses a personal view that while others focus on celestial deities, these authors emphasize eschatological myths. The author sees the ETI myth as one of 'de-origination' and nostalgia for a lost paradise.

The Paradox of UFO Analysis

The author intends to address a paradox in future articles: the essential critiques of UFO analysis often neglect the historical and Dänikenist aspects. The author plans to contextualize the ET myth within the Copernican, Cartesian, and Kantian revolutions, and within the modern mythological space.

CNEGU Activities and Catalogues

The issue details the 12th Session of the NORD-EST COMMITTEE OF UFOLOGICAL GROUPS, organized by Groupe 5255, to be held in October 1984 in Chaumont. Representatives from C.L.E.U. are listed.

An important section provides information on how to complete collections of 'Chroniques de la CLEU,' with details on available back issues and prices for binding by year.

The core of the publication is the 'CATALOGUE D40BSERVATION C.N.E.G.U. ANNEE 1982.' This catalogue is described as an annual, non-exhaustive, chronological list of known alleged unidentified aerospace phenomena (UAP) observations. It includes information on dates, times, locations, witness numbers and qualities, and brief descriptions of the phenomena. A simplified map of Northeastern France and Luxembourg for 1982 is included, indicating cases with a credibility index of 3 or higher.

Case Studies from 1982

Several specific UFO case studies from 1982 are detailed, often with reference numbers, credibility indices (IC), locations, dates, and witness accounts:

• Laignes (21): A sighting of a large, dark object with a yellow dome and orange halo, moving rapidly.
• Laignes (21): An observation of a white, oval, luminous object, but this case is noted as doubtful due to potential fabrication.
• Damas-et-Bettegney (83): Four red, luminous points moving in formation.
• Laferte-sur-Aube (Haute-Marne): A stationary, round, orange-red object that twinkled and disappeared.
• Ancerville (Meuse): A bright white 'ball' with two orange lights, observed by a ufologist.
• Le Thillot (Vosges): A dark, large phenomenon with two white lights and a central orange light, described as 'boomerang-shaped'.
• Zillisheim (Haut-Rhin): A blue light engulfing a car, causing instability and strange noises.
• Semur (21): An oval, flattened, orange-yellow luminous object observed on a mountain.

Additional Cases and Commentary

Further cases are presented, including one from April 1980 near Kembs, where a luminous white ball pursued a car. The issue also includes a section on 'PRECISIONS ET COMMENTAIRES' (Clarifications and Comments), summarizing the observations catalogued up to December 31, 1983, for specific French departments and Luxembourg. The limited number of observations in 1982 and 1983 is noted, leading to a less detailed synthesis than in previous years. The geographical restructuring of CNEGU is also mentioned.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the interpretation of UFO phenomena not just as physical events but as cultural and psychological constructs. The publication explores the idea of UFOs as a component of 'new mythologies' that fill a void left by declining traditional religious beliefs. The Dänikenisme and Atlanticism frameworks are central to understanding how UFOs are integrated into alternative cosmologies. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical analysis, presenting various interpretations while also acknowledging the limitations and potential for fabrication in some cases. The author's personal perspective highlights the ETI myth as a reflection of 'de-origination' and a longing for a lost paradise, suggesting a focus on the symbolic and psychological dimensions of the UFO phenomenon rather than solely on empirical evidence. The publication serves as a record of sightings and a platform for discussing their deeper meanings within a broader cultural and historical context.

This document is the fifth installment of the 'Catalogue rétroactif luxembourgeois' (Luxembourgish retroactive catalogue), published by the COMMISSION LUXEMBOURGEOISE D'ETUDES UFOLOGIQUES (CLEU). It details a series of UFO/UAP (Unidentified Flying Object/Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) sightings primarily from 1977, with a few entries from 1978, occurring in Luxembourg, France, and Germany.

Detailed Sightings

Entry no. 59: Evres-en-Argonne (France), March 19, 1977

At 20:30 hours, five individuals observed two supposed yellow and red balls above Evres-en-Argonne (Meuse). The same evening, another sighting was reported in Longuyon (nearby). The reference is to the Archives of the C.L.E.U.

Entry no. 60: Differdange (Luxembourg), March 1977

During the evening, a witness in Differdange saw a luminous, disc-shaped object trailing thick smoke above the town. The object emitted no noise, and the sky was clear with no wind or clouds. A photograph was taken, showing a very bright spot followed by a wide trail interspersed with light and dark areas. The reference is to the Archives of the C.L.E.U.

Entry no. 61: Brottnach (France), March 12, 1977

At 21:20 hours, two witnesses in Brottnach (54) observed a conical object rotating on itself. The object was topped with ten red lights. The reference is to the Archives of the C.L.E.U.

Entry no. 62: Aumetz (France), March 1977

• Saturday, March 12, 1977: From 19:45 to 23:00 hours, a witness observed five white, oblong lights about a meter above the ground. These lights seemed to rotate around a central axis and were possibly topped by a semi-spherical module.
• Sunday, March 13, 1977: The same witness made the same observation.
• Monday, March 14, 1977: The same witness made the same observation again.
• Monday, March 14, 1977 (later): Around 20:00 hours, a group of young people observed five objects moving in a straight line from Ottange. The four peripheral objects were red, while the central one was white. All objects were flashing. The four red lights rotated around the central object.
• Tuesday, March 15, 1977: Around 20:00 hours, a Mrs. X observed a group of eight lights on the ground near where a trace was found. Each light differed in color (yellow, green, or red) from its neighbors, and the group seemed to rotate around a central axis. The witness noted the difference in color and a trembling movement, observed with binoculars. Two other people could potentially confirm this observation, but they could not be reached.

Continuation of Entry no. 62 (from page 2):

A group of witnesses observed four lights evolving less than 200 meters away. One object was red and appeared to be composed of two parts, while the others were white. The red object became stationary, while the other three oscillated. After a few minutes, the white lights moved north. Shortly after, the red object also moved off towards the southeast.

Wednesday, March 16, 1977: At 20:00 hours, a new witness observed four or five luminous points rotating around a fixed point a few meters above the ground. Simultaneously, another object with two gyroscopes appeared higher in the sky and moved towards the group of rotating lights (near the observed trace). At 22:00 hours, the witness could still see the initial objects, but the other one was no longer visible.

Thursday, March 17, 1977: At 19:30 hours, the same witness observed an object with two gyroscopes, identical to the one observed the previous day, crossing the sky in a straight line.

Friday, March 18, 1977: Between 20:00 and 20:30 hours (half an hour after the first inquiry on the site), the same witness observed the same object following the trajectory seen on Wednesday, March 16. As the witness lost sight of it, another person claimed to have seen it ascend to a high altitude at very high speed.

Entry no. 63: Arlon (Belgium), September 13/14, 1977

At 22:00 hours, two people observed a luminous object with orange pulsations in the sky over Arlon (Belgian Luxembourg). It is noted that a military area is located near the observation site. The reference is to the Archives of the C.L.E.U.

Entry no. 64: Lasauvage (Luxembourg), October 26, 1978

Returning from an evening out, a couple of motorists observed an orange-colored ball in the sky. Intrigued, the driver stopped the car in a secluded spot and used the headlights to signal. The object approached rapidly and stopped in front of them, rotating gently and illuminating the ground with two powerful headlights. The object then took on the appearance of a triangle surrounded by multicolored flashing lights. After a few seconds, it moved away, resuming its orange ball shape, and disappeared into the night. Another passing motorist allegedly also observed the phenomenon. The witnesses were very shaken by this observation. The reference is to the Archives of the C.L.E.U.

Entry no. 65: Trèves (Germany), November 25, 1978

Chris Owens, serving in the Federal Republic of Germany, was with his wife Pam (19 years old and pregnant) and their first child, Bryan (20 months old), visiting friends near Trèves. At 22:00 hours, they decided to return home. A few minutes later, while driving towards Trèves, Chris had the impression that an unusual object was flying over the highway. He stopped the car and observed a metallic vessel about thirty meters long, seemingly floating in the air, with a flashing red light underneath emitting red light beams. Chris showed the object to Pam, and they continued their journey. Upon arriving in Trèves, they noted the time as 23:50, which seemed impossible given that they had left their friends' home nearly two hours earlier, and the journey normally takes less than an hour. Pam and Chris were convinced they had seen a UFO but did not attach much importance to it at the time.

Continuation of Entry no. 65 (from page 3):

Months later, Chris was transferred to the United States and stationed at Ford Ord, California. Pam, who had given birth to a normal baby girl named Keli, became increasingly intrigued by their experience, particularly the unexplained time discrepancy on the drive from Trèves. She contacted ufological researchers who, after various tests, subjected her to hypnotic regression. During the regression, Pam recounted that she had been taken into the flying object where humanoids, described as 'mummy-like' with thin noses and lipless mouths, performed a thorough biological examination on her. She recalled being paralyzed but conscious, and a voice reassured her. The humanoids spoke without moving their mouths, and one of them inserted a silver needle about fifteen centimeters long under her navel, despite her protests about being pregnant. She later found a small reddish button at that spot. Pam believes these beings had a medical interest in understanding human biology and reproduction. The recordings of Pam Owens' hypnotic regression were analyzed by C.R. Mc Quiston, an inventor of a lie detector, who concluded she was telling the truth.

CLEU Membership and Activities

The document also details the structure and benefits of membership in the CLEU. There are three membership levels:

• Membre actif enquêteur (Active Investigator): 500 FB plus a photo. Benefits include receiving CLEU Chronicles, the right to publish articles, participation in activities, free entry to conferences, the possibility of becoming an investigator, and a free CLEU sticker.
• Membre correspondant (Corresponding Member): 350 FB. Benefits include receiving CLEU Chronicles and providing written or spoken information gathered from the press or their surroundings, plus a free CLEU sticker.
• Membre sympathisant (Sympathizer): 200 FB. Benefits include supporting the commission and receiving a free CLEU sticker.

Information is also provided on how to join, including bank account details for Luxembourg and international transfers. The CLEU emphasizes that it relies on its members for financial support and requests members to send in press clippings with origin and date specified.

Upcoming Events and Contacts

A calendar of upcoming events is listed:

• October 6-7, 1984: C.N.E.G.U. meeting in Chaumont, organized by the Groupe 5255.
• October 20, 1984: Debate dinner at Restaurant Hang-Chow, Differdange.
• November 16, 1984: Work meeting (location to be defined).
• December 15, 1984: General assembly at Restaurant Hang-Chow, followed by a year-end dinner.

The CLEU is seeking a new office space as 'La Fiorentina' restaurant has closed permanently.

Contents of Issue no. 31

Issue no. 31 (not included in this scan) featured an article on an observation in Trans-en-Provence with landing and traces, written by Claude Hallé and André Pichon, and a continuation of an article by Alain Schmitt about the Ariane launcher.

Contact Addresses

Addresses are provided for ufological organizations in Belgium (SOBEPS), France (LDLN), Germany (Ufo Nachrichten), Switzerland (AESV), and Luxembourg (C.L.E.U.).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the detailed reporting and cataloging of UFO/UAP sightings, emphasizing witness testimonies and providing factual accounts. The CLEU appears to be a dedicated organization focused on ufological research, relying on member contributions and actively seeking to expand its reach and knowledge base. The editorial stance is one of serious investigation and documentation of anomalous aerial phenomena.