Clypeus - 1970 - Vol 7 No 3-4

Magazine Overview

Title: CLYPEUS
Issue: 29
Volume: VII
Date: 2nd semester 1970
Publisher: CLYPEUS
Country: Italy
Language: Italian

CLYPEUS, subtitled 'NUOVE FRONTIERE DELLA SCIENZA' (New Frontiers of Science), is a magazine dedicated to exploring unconventional scientific topics, including space, history, archaeology, and fringe subjects. This issue, number 29, is dated the second semester of 1970.

Editorial: 'COSE STRANE' (Strange Things)

The editorial, attributed to A. Michel (with 'involuntary collaboration' from A.Michel), discusses prehistoric art from the Paleolithic era (30,000 to 10,000 BC) in Europe, particularly in the region of southwestern France and the Cantabrian Mountains of Spain. It highlights the sophisticated artistic skill of these ancient peoples, comparing them to Renaissance artists. The article notes that alongside realistic depictions of animals (horses, bison, mammoths, ibises), there are incomprehensible signs and paintings that have long been overlooked by scholars. However, these signs are found to be similar across different caves, even those geographically distant. The editorial questions the motivation behind these depictions, especially when they represent forms whose non-existence was later proven, referencing the 'Condon Report'. The article concludes by thanking Monsieur Michel.

Article: 'Il "papiro Tulli" torna a far parlare di se' (The "Tulli Papyrus" is Talking About Itself Again)

Authored by Solas Boncompagni, this article revisits the 'Tulli papyrus' (also known as the 'meteorological papyrus'), a topic previously covered by Clypeus. The investigation involves correspondence with the Vatican and the University of St. Louis. It reveals that the Vatican does not possess microfilm of Egyptian papyri from the Vatican Library. Personal correspondence from Mgr. Nolli indicates that Boris de Rachewiltz stated the 'Tulli papyrus' was never in Vatican collections. It was reportedly seen in 1934 in the hands of a Cairo antiquarian named Tano. The transcription from hieratic to hieroglyphic was done by E. Drioton, who believed the papyrus was not magical but described the fall of a meteorite. It is suggested that the papyrus might have been acquired by a private collector or the Cairo Museum, or is still with Tano. The article notes that this does not necessarily imply the papyrus is a fake, as alluded to by Dr. Ramberg. It concludes that the 'meteorological papyrus' or 'Tulli papyrus' could be authentic and may still exist, but its nature remains unclear.

A follow-up letter from Mons. Gianfranco Nolli, Inspector of the Gregorian Egyptian Museum at the Vatican, dated December 12, 1969, reiterates that the 'meteorological papyrus' or 'Tulli papyrus' was never owned by the Vatican Museums or Library. It confirms that Professor Tulli saw the papyrus in 1934 with antiquarian Tano in Cairo. E. Drioton transcribed it and believed it described a meteorite, not magic. The papyrus was not purchased by Tulli due to its high price, and it might have been acquired by a private individual, the Cairo Museum, or remain with Tano. Nolli apologizes for not being able to provide more concrete information.

Article: 'L'altro volto' (The Other Face)

Authored by Roberto D'Amico, this section presents cases of missing UFO photographic evidence, drawing from 'FLYING SAUCER REVIEW'.

• March 4, 1969, Tully, Queensland, Australia: Two photographic observation stations were set up. After a UFO sighting, 16 frames of film were exposed, but the film canister returned from Kodak was empty. The stamp on the canister was also found to be incorrect for the weight of an empty container. Two helicopters from the RAAF were seen in the area shortly after the film's disappearance.
• Easter 1954, Australia: Approximately two hundred photographs of an object seen alongside an Austin Sedan were 'borrowed' by the RAAF and never returned.
• July 7, 1961, North Queensland, Australia: The negative of an observed 'thing' was sent to Kodak, but the company stated it was never sent.
• May 27, 1965, morning: Many photographs taken by an airline pilot of a UFO were 'confiscated' by authorities.

The article questions the whereabouts of this documentation, especially after the closure of Project 'Blue Book'. It also includes a formal request made at the AAAS Congress in Boston (December 1969) to the Secretary of the Air Force. The request, signed by various scientists, urges the preservation of all Project Blue Book materials, the declassification of documents from the Aerial Phenomena Section at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, and the annual review of remaining classified documents for declassification.

Article: 'Raggiunsero i Vichinghi la costa americana del Pacifico?' (Did the Vikings Reach the Pacific Coast of America?)

Authored by Andrew E. Rothovius, translated by Roberto D'Amico, this article explores the possibility of Viking voyages reaching the Pacific coast of North America. It references a Vinland map and remains of Norwegian colonies found in Newfoundland and northern Labrador. The article suggests that during a warmer period in the Northern Hemisphere (10th-11th centuries), Vikings might have navigated the Northwest Passage. Evidence cited includes a tribal tradition of the Seri Indians on Tiburon Island in the Gulf of California, who speak of 'Men-who-come-from-Afar' with white beards and hair. These strangers reportedly hunted whales and built boats from reeds. The legend states they sailed south, their ship wrecked, and survivors integrated with the Mayo tribe, explaining the presence of blond hair and blue eyes in some Mayo descendants. The article also mentions a study on climatological studies in Northwest America presented at a Meteorological Conference in Toronto in 1953, which cites these legends. Further evidence includes a report from the widow of Santiago Socio, who claims her husband found the hull of an old ship with round shields in a canyon near Tecate, Mexico. Additionally, Louis and Myrtle Botts of Julian, California, reportedly found a dragon-shaped prow near Ague Caliente Springs, but a Long Beach earthquake caused a landslide that buried the site before further investigation.

The article also includes a map of Greenland, Norway, Iceland, and surrounding areas, and a detail from the 'Pietra Hönen' (1605 circa), which mentions Vinland in its runic inscription.

Other Content

• Collaborators: A list of collaborators is provided, including Luciana Monticone, Solas Boncompagni, Giordano Bruni, Roberto D'Amico, Franco Fossati, Fulcanelli, Renzo Alessandri, Alessandro Antonielli, Phil Aster, Adriano Ceppa, Bill Fargo, Raymond W. Drake, Remo Fedi, Renato Gatto, Sandro Gleaner, Serge Hutin, Peter Kolosimo, Sandro Lovari, Renzo Rossotti, Caterina Serafin, and Roberto Temporini.
• Magazine Description: CLYPEUS covers scientific topics of the avant-garde, unconventional literature and art, and all information interesting for the spatial, historical, and archaeological sectors. The magazine is sent to scholars, libraries, cultural institutions, and publishers worldwide.
• Copyright: Copyright is held by "CLYPEUS".
• Responsible Director: Gianni V. Settimo.
• Publication Details: Casella postale 604, 10100 Torino (Italia). Authorized by the Tribunal of Turin No. 1647 of April 28, 1964. All rights reserved. Postal subscription group IV. Paid subscriptions are not accepted (see note on page 50).
• Printing: Printed by "C.L.U.T.", Torino.
• Table of Contents: Includes articles on strange phenomena, the Tulli papyrus, a special on 'the other face', Viking voyages, Etruscan magic, a mysterious people (Gypsies), news snippets, and a note on oxygen from lunar stones.
• Letters to the Editor: A section for reader correspondence is indicated.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

CLYPEUS consistently explores themes of unexplained phenomena, ancient mysteries, and unconventional historical interpretations. The magazine appears to adopt a stance of open inquiry, presenting evidence and theories that challenge mainstream scientific and historical narratives. There is a particular interest in ancient civilizations, their potential connections to advanced knowledge or extraterrestrial influences, and the investigation of UFO sightings and related evidence. The editorial stance seems to be one of encouraging critical examination of these topics, even when evidence is scarce or controversial, as seen in the discussions of the Tulli papyrus and lost UFO photographs. The magazine also engages with academic and scientific communities, as evidenced by the inclusion of articles from 'INFO JOURNAL' and the reporting on the AAAS request regarding Project Blue Book.

This issue of "Clypeus" (Volume IV, Issue 11, dated 1967) is a bimonthly review dedicated to esoteric subjects, published by the cultural group 'Clypeus' with the patronage of the 'Associazione Piemontese di Esobiologia' (A.P.E.) in Turin, Italy. The issue's main cover headline is "DALLE INSOLITE NUBI DELL'ANTICA TEOFANIA AL MITO GRECO DEI CENTAURI" (From the Unusual Clouds of Ancient Theophany to the Greek Myth of the Centaurs).

Thematic Exploration: Clouds in Antiquity and Mythology

The central theme of this issue revolves around the multifaceted role of clouds in ancient literature, mythology, and religious texts, exploring their connection to divine manifestations and mythical events.

Biblical Accounts of Clouds

The article "Enciclopedia" by Solas Boncompagni extensively details the significance of clouds in biblical narratives. It highlights how clouds are frequently used to accompany theophanies (divine appearances) or to signify contact between humans and angelic beings. These clouds are described with various forms (amorphous, rounded, columnar) and colors (white, grey, dark), and exhibit different movements (ascending, descending, horizontal). They are depicted as dense, luminous, fiery, or illuminated, sometimes hovering over specific locations or transporting individuals. The text cites numerous passages from the Old and New Testaments, including:

• Exodus: The "pillar of cloud and fire" that guided the Israelites, the cloud that enveloped Mount Sinai, and the cloud that filled the tabernacle with God's glory.
• Deuteronomy: God speaking from a cloud and the cloud protecting the Israelites.
• Kings: The cloud filling the house of God.
• Psalms: God's throne being a cloud column.
• Isaiah: God appearing on a light cloud.
• Ezekiel: God's chariot being a cloud and fire.
• Matthew, Mark, Luke, John: Christ's transfiguration witnessed in a cloud, his second coming announced to be with clouds, and the ascension of Jesus into heaven on a cloud.
• Acts: The ascension of Jesus into heaven on a cloud.
• Apocryphal texts: The "Book of Enoch" describes a luminous cloud carrying Enoch and the fiery chariot of God. The "Apocalypse of Peter" mentions a white cloud carrying Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. The "Book of Baruch" describes a cloud rising from the sea with white and black waters, mixed with fire. The "Book of Ezra" depicts a man-like figure rising from the sea with the clouds and breathing fire.

The text notes that the biblical cloud is a "sensible symbol of God's presence" and that caliginous darkness frequently accompanies these divine apparitions.

Mythological and Historical References

Beyond biblical accounts, the issue explores other historical and mythological contexts:

• Nils Jacobsen and Juan de Iturbe: The article begins by recounting the story of Nils Jacobsen finding ship remains in the California desert in 1907, possibly from Juan de Iturbe's fleet, which was reportedly trapped in a bay in the Gulf of California around 1615 due to a sudden drop in sea level.
• The Kensington Stone: A section discusses a runic inscription from 1362, referred to as the "Kensington Stone," found near Kensington, Minnesota (though the article places the travelers in Vinland). It describes a group of Swedish and Norwegian travelers who found ten dead men, possibly victims of a disaster.
• Greek Mythology: The article connects clouds to Greek mythology, mentioning "nubigeni" (cloud-born) as an epithet for Centaurs. It suggests that the myth of Isone, father of the Centaurs, who lost his "Cloud" and was punished, highlights this connection. It also references Aristophanes' play "The Birds," which imagines a city in the clouds.
• Ancient Art: The issue presents illustrations and discusses how artists like Piero della Francesca and Masolino da Panicale depicted clouds in their works. Piero della Francesca's fresco "The Legend of the Cross" and Masolino da Panicale's "Miracle of the Snow" feature cloud formations that some interpret as resembling modern UFOs. These are described as "cirro-strati" (cirrostratus clouds).

The "Newport Tower"

A brief note mentions a circular fortress-church called the "Newport Tower," attributed to the Norsemen in the 14th century, located near Narragansett Bay.

Clypeus Publication Information

The "NOTE" section provides details about the magazine itself. "Clypeus" is a bimonthly publication founded in 1964 by the cultural group 'Clypeus' and sponsored by the 'Associazione Piemontese di Esobiologia' (A.P.E.) of Turin. Reproduction of articles requires written permission. The magazine is open to independent scholars and is a correspondent for the "Société pour la diffusion de la Presse" in Brussels. Subscriptions are not free; an annual fee of 2,500 lire ($5) is required for general expenses, covering six issues and the publication of up to ten-word announcements.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the historical and mythological significance of clouds, their role in divine manifestations across different cultures, and the potential for ancient accounts and art to relate to modern phenomena like UFOs. The editorial stance appears to be one of scholarly inquiry into esoteric subjects, drawing from religious texts, mythology, and historical records to explore unusual phenomena and beliefs. The magazine encourages collaboration with independent scholars and aims to provide a platform for discussing topics that bridge ancient traditions with contemporary mysteries.

This issue of Corriere della Sera, dated August 10-12, 1970, delves into ancient history, cartography, linguistics, and the burgeoning topic of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs).

L'America già nota all'epoca dei romani

This article reports on a discovery by scientist Dick Ibarra Grasso during the 39th Congress of Americanists in Lima. He presented evidence of two geographical maps from the Roman imperial age that depict a 'strange land of the East' corresponding to the Pacific coasts of America. The first map, attributed to the Phoenician geographer Marino da Tiro (late 1st century AD), compiled information from merchants. The second map was created by Claudio Tolomeo, an Egyptian Romanized astronomer who modified Marino da Tiro's work. According to Ibarra Grasso, Tolomeo's map shows Europe, Africa, Asia up to China, and a complete Indian Ocean. Beyond the coast of China, it depicts a 'Sinus Magnus' gulf and a 'strange land' that doesn't exist geographically, directing southwards. This land is identified as the American Pacific coast, located behind New Guinea. The article suggests that Paolo del Pozzo Toscanelli in the 15th century revived these maps, which then fell into the hands of Christopher Columbus. With the help of these maps and Marino da Tiro's data, Columbus discovered America from the West. His brother, Bartolomeo Colombo, later created a map based on this knowledge.

L'alfabeto degli Incas decifrato da un tedesco

This report from London, dated August 11, 1970, announces the deciphering of mysterious Inca symbols, previously thought to be mere ornamentation. German anthropologist Thomas Barthel, director of the Egyptology Institute at the University of Tübingen, achieved this breakthrough after years of work. He was aided by Peruvian anthropologist Victoria De La Jara, who had collected Inca cups decorated with small colored squares containing images of birds, geometric designs, trees, and flowers. Professor Barthel demonstrated that these designs were ideograms, similar to those used in modern Chinese writing. The cups collected by De La Jara formed a kind of astronomical calendar, accompanied by the names of Inca deities.

Il Mistero degli U.F.O.

Authored by Michele Magagni, this section addresses the question of what UFOs are. Magagni defines UFO as an acronym for Unidentified Flying Object, used for objects seen in the sky that defy plausible explanation. He states that he, along with millions of others, is convinced that many of these unexplained sightings involve 'flying saucers' (though he notes they come in various shapes) piloted by extraterrestrial beings. Magagni bases his certainty on the analysis of these sightings. He uses a typical example: a luminous object traveling at vertiginous speed, stopping in mid-air, and then moving in the opposite direction at the same speed. He dismisses the possibility of it being an airplane due to atmospheric friction, a meteorite, an optical illusion, or hallucination, as multiple people have witnessed these phenomena from different angles. Magagni concludes that these objects are likely vehicles of extraterrestrial origin, guided by intelligent beings. He speculates on their purpose: they are studying humanity, mapping continents, assessing our offensive and defensive capabilities, and collecting flora and fauna samples before making official contact. The author laments that this significant reality is often ignored or ridiculed, hindering humanity's preparation for an extraterrestrial encounter. The article includes a quote from Magagni about the aliens' study of Earth.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores themes of ancient knowledge, lost civilizations, and the unknown. The articles on Roman maps of America and deciphered Inca writing highlight the possibility of advanced ancient civilizations possessing knowledge beyond what is commonly accepted. The extensive coverage of UFOs indicates a serious interest in the phenomenon, presenting it not as mere fantasy but as a subject worthy of investigation, with a speculative stance on extraterrestrial intelligence and their intentions towards humanity. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into historical mysteries and unexplained phenomena, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond conventional understanding.

This issue of 'Il Resto del Carlino', dated May 18, 1970, features a prominent cover story about a mysterious, airplane-sized luminous object sighted by two young girls in Brindisi and Lecce, Italy. The magazine also includes reports on other UFO sightings, scientific advancements related to space exploration, and discussions on spiritual phenomena.

Cover Story: Mysterious Object in Brindisi and Lecce

The main headline, "Grande come un aereo l'oggetto misterioso visto a Brindisi e Lecce" (As big as an airplane, the mysterious object seen in Brindisi and Lecce), details an encounter that occurred on the night of July 17th near Rosa Marina di Ostuni. Maria Pia Orlando, a 14-year-old girl, along with her father and two sisters, described seeing a luminous object descend from the sky. Initially mistaken for a falling star, the object stopped at tree height, rotated, moved horizontally, and then ascended rapidly like an Apollo spacecraft, leaving a luminous trail. Her sister, Bibl, corroborated the account, describing the object as having a "dish" shape with a luminous dome that turned a glowing reddish-yellow. They estimated its size to be comparable to a DC-9 or Fokker airplane. The report also mentions that other witnesses in the area observed similar phenomena, and while some suggest atmospheric refractions, the possibility of an extraterrestrial origin is not dismissed.

Other UFO Sightings and Incidents

• Argentina: A formation of unidentified flying objects was photographed with excellent results over Bahia Blanca, Argentina. The photographer captured numerous objects moving in the sky, emitting irregular and rapid luminous signals. He had previously seen and photographed UFOs in the same area in 1965.

• Brazil: A police chief and an agent in Lins observed a round, shining silver object with a pale blue halo that ascended vertically and disappeared. Another report from Brazil details an incident on August 8th where four sentinels and a police officer in Itaiaia saw an unidentified object emitting unusual lights and sounds. This occurred near a location where a similar object had previously caused temporary blindness to a police officer, Almiro Martin de Freitas.

• USA: Laurie D. Walther, a 15-year-old from San Mateo, California, reported seeing a UFO on February 10, 1970. He described it as a disc-shaped object with red and blue lights, approximately 17 meters above electrical transmitters.

• USSR: A Japanese merchant ship was reportedly damaged by unidentified metallic debris falling from the sky off the eastern coast of the USSR on July 5, 1969. While the Japanese press suggested it was fragments of a Soviet missile, the government did not officially adopt this version.

• Yugoslavia: Residents of Belgrade reported seeing an unidentified flying object moving at high speed without emitting noise. The object was described as red and moving at an estimated speed of 400-600 km/h. A pilot also observed it, describing it as a prolonged ball with flames rising vertically.

Scientific Advancements and Lunar Colonization

• Oxygen from Lunar Rocks: A significant article details the experiment conducted in Rome by Professor Giovanni De Maria, who successfully isolated gaseous oxygen from lunar rock samples provided by NASA. This breakthrough is presented as a crucial step towards creating artificial atmospheres and potable water on the Moon, making stable lunar bases and colonization more feasible. The article references predictions by Wernher von Braun and other scientists about the potential for lunar bases to serve as intermediate stations for interplanetary travel.

• Water on the Moon: The possibility of finding water on the Moon is explored, citing theories that water could be extracted from ice deposits in shadowed craters or from lunar minerals. Scientists like Urey, Gilvarry, Bielusov, and Gold are mentioned in relation to the potential for water on the Moon.

• Astronomy Congress in Brighton: The magazine reports on a congress of 2300 astronomers from 46 countries in Brighton, England. Scientist Anthony Hewish proposed that any messages from extraterrestrials should not be immediately revealed to the public to allow for thorough scientific analysis. The congress also discussed a radiotelescope capable of predicting the end of the world, developed by Dutch astronomer Hooghoudt.

Spiritual and Esoteric Topics

• Priest Excommunicated for Angelic Communication: In Santiago, Chile, a Spanish priest, Eleuterio Bravo, was excommunicated along with two other priests for participating in spiritualist séances. Father Bravo claims to be in communication with extraterrestrial beings whom he calls "Angels of the Sky," and believes they are guiding humanity towards simplicity and universal love.

• The Count of St. Germain: A reader's inquiry about the enigmatic 18th-century figure, the Count of St. Germain, prompts an extensive article detailing his mysterious life, purported abilities, and numerous alleged sightings after his supposed death. The article touches upon his connections to secret societies and his interactions with European royalty.

• Loch Ness Monster: The ongoing efforts to find the Loch Ness Monster are mentioned, including a new investigation by a group of scientists and an unusual attempt by an American expedition to use a "sex essence" derived from various animals to lure the creature out.

• Spiritual Phenomena Group: An announcement for a group forming to study practical aspects of human spiritual phenomena, such as telepathy, ESP, and clairvoyance, and to explore celestial manifestations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of the unknown, the unexplained, and the potential for life beyond Earth. There is a strong interest in UFO sightings, extraterrestrial contact, and space exploration, often presented with a blend of scientific reporting and speculative inquiry. The editorial stance appears to be open to the possibility of phenomena not yet fully understood by mainstream science, while also acknowledging the importance of scientific investigation and analysis. The inclusion of articles on spiritualism, historical mysteries like the Count of St. Germain, and even the Loch Ness Monster suggests a broad interest in the unconventional and the paranormal.