Clypeus - 1983 - Vol 20 No 81

Magazine Overview

Title: CLYPEUS
Issue: 81
Volume: XX
Date: October-December 1983
Publisher: Gruppo Clypeus
Country: Italy
Language: Italian

This issue of Clypeus is dedicated to exploring various historical legends, mystical concepts, and intriguing phenomena. The cover features a striking illustration of a figure riding a unicorn, setting a tone of fantasy and mystery.

Articles and Content

L'Ebreo Errante (The Wandering Jew)

This extensive article, curated by Gianni Settimo, delves deep into the legend of the Wandering Jew, a figure said to be immortal and condemned to roam the earth for centuries. The legend is presented through various historical accounts, folklore, and traditions from different regions, including Italy, Switzerland, and Germany.

• Origins and Variations: The article traces the legend's roots, mentioning its connection to Maria Savi Lopez's collection and citing Neubaur's bibliography on the subject. It highlights the story of Cartafilo, who allegedly insulted Jesus and was cursed to wander.
• Geographical Appearances: Numerous accounts detail supposed sightings of the Wandering Jew in various locations, such as the Cervino region, Chivasso, Borgofranco, Strambino, and even as far as Armenia. Matteo di Parigi's account from the 13th century is discussed, where an Armenian archbishop spoke of a man named Giuseppe who was present at the Passion and still alive.
• Italian Folklore: The text explores Italian traditions, including the legend of a buried city in Switzerland, and mentions specific locations in the Canavesano region where the figure was reportedly seen.
• Historical References: The article references historical texts and chronicles, including those by Filippo Monsket, Guido Bonatti, and Sigismondo Tizio, which mention figures like Giovanni Buttadeo and his supposed travels.
• The Soldier Malco: The legend of Malco, the soldier who allegedly struck Jesus, is discussed as a possible identification for the Wandering Jew. This tradition is said to have spread throughout Europe.
• Ahasvero: The figure is also identified as Ahasvero, a name appearing in 16th-century accounts, such as the one attributed to Paolo d'Eitzen, who reportedly saw him in Hamburg in 1547.
• "The Flying Man": The article touches upon a related phenomenon described as "the flying man" in Capriata, near Alba, where a mysterious, restless individual was observed.
• Literary and Artistic Depictions: The legend's influence on literature and art is noted, with mentions of Goethe, Beranger, Robert Hammerling, and Gustave Doré.

La Potenza della Parola (The Power of the Word)

Authored by I. G. Noto, this article explores the ancient belief in the power of words and incantations to influence nature and reality.

• Ancient Beliefs: It traces this idea back to ancient civilizations, where rituals and magic were intertwined with religion. The Egyptian Book of the Dead is cited as an example of ancient texts containing magical formulas.
• Magical Formulas: The article discusses the use of magical words, or Mantrams, particularly in India, which are believed to possess immense power, even capable of erasing sins.
• Mantrams in India: It highlights the tradition of Mantrams, emphasizing the strict rules for their recitation and the belief that their efficacy has diminished in the current age (Kali Yuga).
• Examples of Mantrams: Two examples from the abbot Dubois's work are presented, illustrating the power of Mantrams, including the story of King Dasara and the 'Five Letters' Mantram (NAMAH SIVAJA).
• Modern Relevance: The article suggests that while the efficacy of ancient Mantrams may be debated, the belief in the power of words to perform miracles for the living persists.

Other Articles and Sections

• IPOTESI SULLA REINCARNAZIONE (Hypotheses on Reincarnation) by Roberto D'Amico.
• METEOPRESAGI ZOOLOGICI (Zoological Weather Forecasts) by Selene.
• GRAFOLOGIA (Graphology) by Mario Cerrato.
• CROMOTERAPIA (Color Therapy) by Umberto Villata.
• "Il druidismo nell'antica Gallia" (Druidism in Ancient Gaul) and Misteri dei sacerdoti druidi (Mysteries of the Druid Priests) are mentioned as related topics.
• The issue also includes book advertisements for "TRATTATO DI GEOMANZIA," "IL PICCOLO POPOLO," "UFOLOGIA: LE TEORIE EI FATTI," "UFO: CHI SONO, DA DOVE VENGONO, PERCHÈ CI SPIANO," "LE TERRE DEL MITO," and "IL LIBRO DEI DANNATI."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Clypeus revolve around the exploration of ancient myths, legends, and esoteric beliefs. The magazine appears to have an editorial stance that is open to investigating and presenting phenomena that lie outside mainstream scientific understanding, such as the Wandering Jew legend, the power of words, reincarnation, and other unexplained occurrences. The publication aims to be cultural and informative, as stated in its editorial notes, and is distributed free to members of the "Gruppo Clypeus."

This issue of "Il Giornale dei Misteri" from December 1982, titled "IPOTESI SULLA REINCARNAZIONE" (Hypotheses on Reincarnation) and featuring an article by Roberto D'Amico, delves into a variety of esoteric and historical topics, with a particular focus on the power of words and the concept of reincarnation.

The Power of Words: Magic, Charms, and Recognition

The magazine begins by recounting a tale of a "bastardo" (bastard) who transformed dishes into live frogs using mystical words, only to reverse the spell. This leads into a discussion of magical words and their psychological impact, citing the example of an old English lady who found spiritual comfort in the word "MESOPOTAMIA." The article then explores the history and use of the word "ABRACADABRA," detailing how, according to Sereno Sammonico, it was to be written in a triangular form on parchment, sewn into a cross, and worn as an amulet for nine days. After this period, it was to be thrown over the shoulder into a river, along with any illnesses.

The text also lists numerous other powerful names and attributes, such as "JEHOVAH," "TETRAGRAMMATON," "ADONAI," and "AGLA-CRABRON," which were allegedly used by medieval necromancers to summon spirits. The famous cabalistic formula "SESAMO APRITI" (Open Sesame) is also mentioned for its power to overcome obstacles.

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the concept of "MANTRAMS" from India. These are described as magical words used by popular medicine, believed to possess special powers. Indian doctors reportedly consider MANTRAMS essential for the effectiveness of any treatment, and European doctors who do not use them are seen as ignorant by the natives. The article notes that even in Western contexts, specific phrases are used, sometimes with a pseudo-scientific flair, to impress or mystify.

Linguistic curiosities are further explored through examples of words used for recognition and identification. The Vespri Siciliani incident is cited, where the pronunciation of the Sicilian word for "ceci" (chickpeas) differentiated Italians from Frenchmen, leading to the latter's demise. Similarly, the pronunciation of "CHICHESTER CHURCH" during the Saint Brice Day massacre in England distinguished Saxons from Danes. The biblical story of the Ephraimites being identified by their inability to pronounce "SHIBBOLETH" (ear of corn) is also recounted.

The article highlights the use of long and complex words, even in scientific and medical contexts, to create an aura of authority or sophistication. Examples include the scientific term "cloruro di sodio" for salt and the extremely long medical term "IPEREMBRIODROMETROTROFIA" for pregnancy. The use of such "parole potenti" (powerful words) is seen as a way to impress or "épater le bourgeois" (to amaze the bourgeoisie).

Examples of long words from various languages are presented, including humorous or satirical coinages from French authors like Aristophanes and Rabelais, and a remarkably long German compound word describing a steamship company official. The article also mentions a Latin poem composed of "GIGANTEI VERSUS" (giant verses) using "SEQUIPEDALIA VERBA" (words of six feet).

Hypotheses on Reincarnation and Population Growth

The main article by Roberto D'Amico, "Ipotesi sulla reincarnazione," addresses the apparent contradiction between the theory of reincarnation and the exponential growth of the human population. The author presents a calculation by Professor Arthur H. Westing, suggesting that around 50 billion people have "passed" on Earth since 298,000 BC. Westing's graph illustrates population growth over time.

D'Amico argues that reincarnation is not incompatible with population increase. He posits that each individual entity (Ego) undertakes a journey through a series of lives, both involutive and evolutive, with the ultimate goal of returning to God. Since the source of creation is infinite, there is a continuous emanation of entities, meaning beings in different stages of evolution coexist at any given moment.

The article simplifies the concept of reincarnation into cycles and phases, suggesting that the duration of each entity's cycle and the time between lives vary. It proposes that periods of high population density might correspond to significant evolutionary moments for humanity. The increase in population is attributed not only to biological reproduction but also to spiritual evolution, improved material conditions, and better healthcare, leading to longer lifespans and reduced infant mortality.

D'Amico concludes that the growing human population, viewed through the lens of reincarnation, lends humanity greater value, distinguishing it from mere animal proliferation. The article also touches upon the idea that entities may wait for opportune moments to reincarnate, contributing to the creation of necessary preconditions for their desired experiences.

Nature's Balance and Interconnectedness

Further reflections are offered on the relationship between human population growth and the extinction of other species, referencing an article by Gianfranco Bologna. The author questions whether the decrease in animal species, alongside human expansion, is a sign of a larger, natural balancing mechanism at play, adhering to the principle that "nothing is created and nothing is destroyed."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores themes of hidden knowledge, ancient wisdom, and the power of the unseen. The articles on magic words, amulets, and reincarnation suggest a belief in forces and principles that operate beyond conventional scientific understanding. The magazine appears to present these topics with a degree of seriousness, exploring their historical, cultural, and philosophical implications. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry into phenomena that challenge mainstream paradigms, encouraging readers to consider alternative explanations for human existence and the mysteries of the universe. The emphasis on linguistic curiosities and the power of specific words also points to a fascination with the subtle yet potent influence of language and symbolism.

This issue of "Meteopresagi zoologici" (Zoological Weather Omens), edited by Selene, presents a collection of traditional beliefs and observations linking animal behavior to weather prediction. It also features articles on graphology and color therapy.

Zoological Weather Omens

The first section details numerous signs from the animal kingdom that supposedly predict changes in the weather. For instance, if geese are honking and sneezing, or if the green woodpecker is singing unusually, it is a sign of bad weather. Similarly, sparrows gathering and chirping incessantly, peacocks and guinea fowl crying out from trees, robins approaching houses, bats flying lower than usual, and swallows flying close to the ground are all indicators of impending bad weather. Bees returning to their hives early with little pollen, donkeys braying and shaking their ears, horses stamping and neighing, ants rapidly transporting eggs, cats grooming behind their ears, snails emerging, lizards hiding, flies being more bothersome, fish jumping out of the water, spiders falling from their webs, frogs croaking loudly, toads jumping on roads, ruminants smelling the air, cows licking walls, earthworms emerging from the ground, and mice making unusual noise are also listed as omens of bad weather.

Conversely, good weather is predicted when cattle lie on their left side, magpies chatter in the morning, crows face the sun and open their beaks, owls hoot in the evening, bats fly in larger flocks, swallows fly at higher altitudes, spiders hang on their threads, frogs croak more in the evening, and mosquitoes fly in the air.

Specific animal actions are linked to particular weather phenomena, such as ducks diving and shaking their wings indicating wind, dogs rolling on the ground also indicating wind, and dolphins jumping in calm seas suggesting wind from their tail side. Sheep and oxen scraping the ground with their paws and lying close together in autumn are said to predict a storm.

Grafologia (Graphology)

Written by Mario Cerrato, this article discusses the evolving role and optimal figure of a "Capo" (leader) in modern businesses. It argues that in the past, leadership was often centralized in the owner, with employees conforming to their mentality. This led to a mythologized view of the leader as an exceptional individual. However, the article posits that while a leader needs intellectual requisites, competence, and efficiency, they are also human with limitations. The modern leader should possess a predisposition for interpersonal relationships, teamwork, and the ability to make decisions based on collaboration rather than imposition. These skills are seen as natural tendencies rather than solely trainable ones. The article emphasizes that interpersonal skills not only help achieve business objectives but also enable collaborators to perform at their best and find gratification. Decision-making is another crucial trait, involving critical evaluation of proposals and making final choices. The leader must be able to synthesize divergent proposals, manage conflict arising from competition between possible decisions, and take responsibility for the final decision. The article suggests that individuals who are too timid or too exuberant are less suited for decision-making roles. It then explores methods for identifying these characteristics in candidates, highlighting graphology as a superior tool compared to other tests for providing a comprehensive overview of personality and its interaction with psychological characteristics, particularly in the context of professional orientation.

Cromoterapia (Color Therapy)

This section features a Q&A format with Umberto Villata addressing reader inquiries about color therapy.

Mario F. Pino from Turin asks for a color remedy for trigeminal neuralgia, mentioning that acupuncture provides him relief. He heard that colors can be applied to the same acupuncture points and requests suggestions.

Umberto Villata responds by explaining that while colored silks can be used, they are not strictly limited to acupuncture points. For Mario's case, he recommends sewing a medium blue cloth inside socks, extending from the heel to the toes, and wearing them daily, changing them frequently for hygiene. He also suggests applying a 20x20 cm square of fabric to the liver at night, changing it weekly.

Edda d. M. from Turin inquires about color therapy for swollen ankles, a common issue for women who stand a lot. She mentions trying cold showers and walking barefoot for relief.

Villata acknowledges the commonality of the problem and suggests a diuretic herbal decoction made of gramigna, mais, betulla, and frassino. For color therapy, he recommends dark blue anklets, worn preferably during the day and changed weekly.

Alberto I. Rivoli from Turin asks for an anti-hiccup color remedy, as he experiences hiccups after drinking cold liquids, which he would miss during summer.

Villata advises that while abstaining from cold drinks is the best medicine, to mitigate hiccups, one should drink in small sips, holding the liquid in the mouth for a few seconds. He also quotes a saying about living long and healthily, which involves drinking solids and chewing liquids. Regarding a specific anti-hiccup color, he states it doesn't exist but suggests a gray-colored fabric applied to the back, in the area of the first three lumbar vertebrae, for vague-sympathetic symptoms, noting its rapid effect.

The article then delves into the properties of the color red. It is described as a powerful energy activator, rich in calorific rays, and acts as a dilator, dielectric, and alkaline agent. Red stimulates adrenaline production, increases hemoglobin, and body temperature, and boosts cardiac activity. Its resolving and dilating power helps in superficial inflammatory and suppurative processes and can stimulate nervous activity in cases of paralysis. It is also noted as beneficial for hypochromic anemia and chlorosis, as iron emits red rays that can be assimilated by the body, causing a decomposition of saline crystals in the blood and releasing iron. Red is said to strengthen willpower and initiative, but its excess can be harmful. It should be used cautiously in neurological disorders, with daily applications of a few minutes, gradually increasing the duration. Contraindications include the menstrual cycle, as it can negatively influence it by blocking or increasing the flow.

Fortean Times 1973-1983

A small advertisement for "Fortean Times" is present, celebrating "10yrs Reporting Strange Phenomena" and providing a UK address.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to focus on fringe topics, folklore, and alternative health practices, presenting them as subjects of interest and investigation. The editorial stance seems open to exploring traditional beliefs, anecdotal evidence, and unconventional therapies, providing a platform for reader engagement and expert advice within these domains. The inclusion of "Fortean Times" suggests a connection to the broader field of unexplained phenomena.