Clypeus - 1971 - Vol 8 No 6

Magazine Overview

Title: CLYPEUS
Issue: 6
Volume: VIII
Date: November-December 1971
Subtitle: NUOVE FRONTIERE DELLA SCIENZA (New Frontiers of Science)

This issue of Clypeus, a magazine focused on ufology and scientific frontiers, announces a significant transformation for the upcoming year. The editorial highlights that 1972 will see the magazine adopt a new graphic design and become a monthly publication. Readers are advised not to send subscription payments until the January 1972 issue, which will contain the new rates and modalities.

Key Articles and Features

"NO AIDISCHI VOLANTI SOTTOMARINI" (No Submarine Flying Discs) This article, authored by Renato Vesco, delves into the phenomenon of 'submarine flying discs' or 'ghost submarines.' It discusses the theory that these are not natural creatures but extraterrestrial machines. The piece references ufologist A. Moretti's hypothesis linking the Loch Ness Monster with flying discs, suggesting they are related phenomena. The article details sightings of these 'submarine discs' in various locations, including lakes and oceans, and notes diplomatic incidents arising from their appearance in territorial waters. It also touches upon the 'ghost submarine' psychosis that emerged in the late 1940s, particularly concerning alleged Soviet submarine activities near the US coast, and the US Navy's response and investigations.

Editorial: "e con QUESTO..... CLYPEUS continua."

The editorial marks the beginning of the magazine's ninth year and announces a profound transformation for 1972. It emphasizes the magazine's commitment to staying current and fostering a dialogue with its readers. The editorial speaks of a 'test of nine' in renewing its proposals and editorial approach, aiming to improve both the graphic presentation and content. It calls for reader support to expand its reach and influence, framing the year 1972 as a period of change and evolution in the world, mirroring the need for media to reflect these shifts. The piece reflects on humanity's exploration of space, particularly the Moon and Mars, and the potential for encountering other intelligences. It acknowledges the confusion and awe that such developments can inspire, underscoring the need for a collective voice and broader discourse. The editorial concludes by affirming Clypeus's continued existence despite the world's rapid changes and challenges, with its focus on looking towards new horizons.

"CHI CERCA TROVA" (He Who Seeks, Finds) This section contains announcements and requests from readers. It includes information about the formation of the G.U.V. (Gruppo Ufologico Vigevanese), a UFO study group in Vigevano, Italy, seeking members. It also features an advertisement for space stamps (FDC/CM) from USA, USSR, and World Apollo missions, with a free price list available upon request.

"LO ZODIACO" (The Zodiac) by Gennaro D'Amato This article explores the origins and nature of writing and symbolism. The author challenges the theory that characters originated from pictograms and hieroglyphs, as proposed by archaeologist De Rouge. D'Amato argues that the graphic unity of characters suggests a deeper, possibly geometric, principle underlying their formation, linking them to ancient astronomical observations and religious symbolism. The piece discusses the zodiac, its historical development, and its connection to ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Babylonians, and Aryans. It posits that the geometric patterns observed in the stars influenced early human thought and the development of both language and art. The author suggests that the zodiacal signs, along with astronomical divisions of the sky, were fundamental to early religious and scientific understanding, representing concepts like birth, life, death, and immortality.

"IL SERPENTE DI MARE" (The Sea Serpent) by Richard Hennig This article investigates the historical and zoological accounts of sea serpents. It begins by referencing the popular trope of the sea serpent as a journalistic filler during slow news periods. However, the author then presents evidence suggesting that sea serpents, or at least large marine creatures resembling them, have been reported for centuries across the globe. The article cites numerous historical accounts, from ancient Greek and Roman texts to reports from naval officers and sailors in the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries. It discusses the scientific debate, referencing the work of Oudemans, who argued for the existence of a large marine creature, possibly a type of seal or unknown species, rather than a literal serpent. The article details specific sightings, including those from the British corvette 'Daedalus' and the steamship 'Osborne,' and mentions the challenges in scientifically proving the existence of such elusive creatures. It also touches upon the mythological and folkloric aspects of sea serpents, linking them to ancient beliefs and legends.

Other Sections

• FLYING SAUCER REVIEW: A mention of this publication, with its address in London.
• IL GIORNALE DEI MISTERI: An advertisement for this Italian magazine focusing on ufology, clipeology, psychology, parapsychology, and occult sciences.
• C.I.O.V.J. Bulletin: Information about this bulletin directed by Rubens Freire from Montevideo, Uruguay.
• Popol Vuh: A review of the Italian translation of the sacred book of the Quiché people, edited by Adrián Recinos.
• Book Orders: Information on how to order books reviewed in Clypeus via postal account.
• MONDO YOGA: An advertisement for a yoga magazine.
• LA COSMICITA' (The Cosmicity) by Remo FEDI: This article discusses the concept of 'cosmicity,' suggesting that modern physics is moving beyond a purely materialistic view to embrace a more holistic understanding of the universe. It argues that the universe is inherently beautiful ('cosmo') and that all parts are interconnected within a divine order, challenging dualistic thinking and advocating for a spiritual perspective on reality.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Clypeus include the exploration of unexplained phenomena, such as UFOs (particularly the concept of submarine UFOs) and legendary creatures like the sea serpent. There is a strong emphasis on historical documentation and eyewitness accounts, often presented alongside scientific or speculative analysis. The magazine also delves into the origins of human knowledge, including writing, symbolism, and ancient cosmologies like the zodiac. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging readers to engage with these mysteries and contribute to the ongoing dialogue. The transition to a monthly format signals an ambition to broaden its scope and reach, reflecting a dynamic approach to covering 'new frontiers of science.' The article on 'Cosmicity' suggests an underlying philosophical current that seeks to integrate scientific discovery with spiritual or holistic understanding.

This issue of Clypeus, a Rivista di Esosociologia, directed by Gianni V. Settimo and published in Torino, Italy, focuses on a variety of esoteric and ufological topics. The cover prominently features the headline "GLI STRANI BOLIDI DEGLI ANNI '40 NEL CIELO D'ITALIA" (The Strange Fireballs of the 1940s in the Italian Sky), indicating a significant portion of the content is dedicated to aerial phenomena. The issue date is listed as 'Anno 1938' for the article 'Gli strani bolidi degli anni trenta nel cielo d'Italia', but other articles refer to events in the 1940s and 1970s, suggesting a potential discrepancy or that the 'Anno 1938' might be a reference for a specific article's source rather than the issue's publication date. The magazine's publisher is Gianni V. Settimo, and it is in Italian.

Articles and Content

Strange Fireballs in the Italian Sky

The lead article details unusual meteor and fireball sightings in Italy during the 1940s. It highlights a significant observation on August 6, 1947, by Professor Tilve Fussi Mangoni near Sansepolcro (Arezzo), describing a large meteor with a horizontal trajectory, low altitude, and exceptional luminosity, surrounded by yellow and green rings. Further reports focus on events of December 10, 1947, including a magnificent luminous multiple bolide observed near Genoa, composed of three distinct nuclei with varying sizes and trails. Another account from the same date describes a blue-white bolide observed near Busalla (Genoa) that appeared suddenly, followed a perfectly horizontal path, and broke into multiple particles.

Mythological and Ancient Civilizations

Several articles delve into ancient myths and civilizations. One piece explores the figure of Atlante, Posidone, Polifemo, and the volcano of Circeo, examining the mythological significance of the Circeo peninsula and its geological features. It discusses the potential origins of myths and legends from this region, linking them to concepts of ancient deities and the 'Olimpo'. The article also touches upon the biblical narrative of Adam and Eve and the etymology of related terms.

Another section discusses 'cyclopean walls,' questioning their purpose and the advanced engineering required for their construction. It references ancient traditions and the potential for advanced civilizations, drawing parallels with mythological accounts.

Esotericism and Spiritual Evolution

The magazine features several articles on esoteric subjects and spiritual development. One article, "L'ETA DELL'ACQUARIO" (The Age of Aquarius), discusses the transition from the Age of Pisces to the Age of Aquarius, emphasizing a coming 'New Plan of Consciousness' and the spiritual evolution of humanity. It references astronomical predictions and esoteric schools.

Another piece, "LA FELICITA PER VOI, ORA" (Happiness for You, Now), presents a spiritual booklet from Bihar, India, that teaches the law of karma and cause-and-effect as a path to happiness and harmony.

"LA DIMENSIONE UMANA" (The Human Dimension) by Bernardino del Boca analyzes the current state of humanity from both a scientific and esoteric perspective, suggesting that Homo sapiens is still in its 'youth' and has much spiritual growth ahead. It introduces the concept of 'psychosomatics' as a tool for introspection and awakening intuition.

Other Topics

Miscellaneous short reports cover various phenomena: an apparition of the Madonna near Amman, the installation of an electronic alarm system at Stonehenge, the observation that women tend to be more talkative even after death, reports of Yeti footprints in the Everest region, and a historical reenactment of Incas in Belgium. There's also a mention of Frederick William I of Prussia's interest in vampires and the formation of a royal society for vampire science.

Publications and Organizations

The magazine includes reviews and mentions of other publications and organizations. It lists several esoteric and spiritual magazines and centers, such as the 'Loggia Unita dei Teosofi' in Turin, the 'Aquarian Research Foundation' in Philadelphia, and various other international groups focused on spiritual and alternative research. It also features advertisements for books and services related to these fields.

UFOs and Parapsychology

While the cover headline focuses on meteors, the magazine also touches upon UFO phenomena. An article titled "IN ORBITA CON I FRANCOBOLLI" (In Orbit with Stamps) discusses the absence of Emperor Hirohito's portrait on Japanese stamps due to a belief that his image on postage could diminish his divine status. It also mentions Soviet and American interest in Martian exploration and the possibility of extraterrestrial life.

Another section, "JERI - OGGI - DOMANI" (Yesterday - Today - Tomorrow), is a monthly publication on politics, science, and current affairs. The 'Minicronaca' section includes a letter from Arduino Albertini discussing 'ufologia' and suggesting that 'siliceous cotton wool' (ragnatele) descending from the sky might be related to UFOs, contrasting this with the official explanation of spider migration.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Clypeus are the exploration of unusual aerial phenomena (meteors, fireballs, and potentially UFOs), the study of ancient myths and civilizations, and the pursuit of spiritual knowledge and evolution. The magazine appears to adopt an open-minded stance towards alternative explanations for phenomena, often bridging scientific observations with esoteric interpretations and mythological narratives. There's a clear interest in uncovering hidden knowledge and promoting a deeper understanding of humanity's place in the cosmos and its spiritual potential, particularly in the context of the approaching 'Age of Aquarius'. The editorial stance encourages readers to engage with these topics and contribute to the collective search for truth and consciousness.