Clypeus - 1995 - Vol 32 No 99

Magazine Overview

Title: CLYPEUS
Subtitle: CRONACHE DELL'INSOLITO (Chronicles of the Unusual)
Issue: N. 99
Volume: XXXII
Date: April 1995
Publisher: Clypeus
Country: Italy
Language: Italian
Type: Aperiodic magazine founded in 1964.

Editorial Stance and Distribution

The magazine is published for cultural and informational purposes, not speculative ones. It is sent free of charge to members of Gruppo Clypeus and the Società Fortiana Italiana. The editorial staff explicitly states that the published material does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher or the Società Fortiana Italiana, with signed articles being the sole responsibility of their authors. Unsigned pieces are considered to be curated by the editorial staff.

Cover Story: "Un «serpentone» tra i boscimani?" (A "Giant Serpent" Among the Bushmen?)

This article, authored by Paolo Schiavo, explores an illustration from the Treccani Universal Lexicon, Volume III, page 413, depicting a rock painting by the Boscimani people from Southern Rhodesia. The painting shows a large serpent with a group of antelopes and human figures. Schiavo argues that the serpent is depicted realistically, with one antelope beneath its raised body, suggesting it's not merely symbolic but a representation of a real sighting. He notes the realism and simplicity of the artwork, questioning its purpose if not to depict a significant event. He hypothesizes that the painting might be a 'chronicle' of an extraordinary encounter, citing the existence of giant serpents in Southern Africa.

The article then discusses several potential real-world parallels:

• The Lingongole: A serpent-monster reported in the Zambezi River, estimated to be fifteen meters long and thirty centimeters in diameter.
• The BaRotre King's Testimony: A report from the BaRotre king about seeing an immense serpent in the swamps near the Zambezi.
• The 1959 Zaire Photograph: An image of a large reptile, photographed by a Belgian military helicopter, identified by cryptozoologist Barloy as a python measuring 12-14 meters long and 45 cm in diameter.

Schiavo then attempts to calculate the dimensions of the serpent in the rock painting based on the depicted Boscimani (estimated at 1.55m tall). He estimates the painted serpent to be approximately 19.63 meters long (potentially up to 22 meters if the unseen rear part is included), with a body diameter of 71.5 cm. He notes that the raised portion of the serpent's body in the painting is comparable to the reported height of the Groot Slong emerging from water.

He also mentions the 'Mokele-mbembe' from Lake Tele, Africa, which was shown in a documentary by Arthur C. Clarke, and notes its visual similarity to the rock painting.

Schiavo acknowledges counterarguments, such as the unlikelihood of animals remaining calm in the presence of such a creature, suggesting the painting might be pure fantasy. However, he concludes that the reptile depicted aligns with descriptions of various African 'monsters,' preserving the painting's exceptional nature.

Soli Rotanti in Italia (Rotating Suns in Italy) - by Giuseppe Stilo

This article by Giuseppe Stilo investigates a series of unusual solar phenomena reported in Italy between late May and mid-June 1948. These events, sometimes associated with religious apparitions, occurred during a period of intense ideological conflict in Italy.

Key events and observations include:

• May 23, 1948 (Montefeltro, Pesaro): Reports of rapid oscillations and color changes in the sun.
• May 24, 1948 (Gimigliano di Venarotta, Ascoli Piceno): Despite bad weather, the sun was observed as a 'silver disk, bordered by white light, rotating vorticosely.' This occurred near where an 11-year-old girl claimed to see the Madonna.
• Observations from Foligno (Perugia): On the morning of May 24th, observers noted 'oscillatory motion' in the sun and a distinct green coloration on the ground. Later, a woman observed the sun 'oscillating rapidly horizontally and vertically,' appearing to rotate, and noted bright spots forming and disappearing.
• May 27, 1948 (Nocera Umbra, Perugia): Similar events were witnessed.
• May 27, 1948 (Fano, Pesaro): Dr. Antonio Scarpellini described a phenomenon where the sun was surrounded by a 'jagged halo of vivid red color,' which expanded and contracted. He also observed colored fringes and apparent movements of the solar disk due to light refraction and diffraction through cloud layers.
• June 4, 1948 (Casanova Staffora, Pavia): During a gathering for alleged visions by a young girl, a phenomenon occurred where the sun reportedly lost its usual rays, rotated, and displayed a 'sea-blue' center that made white objects appear yellow and diluted green into a faded brown. This lasted for two to five minutes.
• June 4, 1948 (Paesana, Cuneo): About 150 km away, the sun appeared 'surrounded by a double green and yellow halo,' with the disk showing bright spots in apparent motion.
• June 13, 1948 (Florence): During a thunderstorm clearing, the sun appeared 'dark-colored, with a dim aura that deprived the star of its most intense rays,' allowing it to be observed with the naked eye. It also changed color multiple times, giving the impression of rotation.

Stilo notes the coincidence of these solar events with reported Marian apparitions, suggesting that while meteorological explanations like solar halos and diffraction might be plausible, the timing and context warrant further investigation by researchers interested in the unusual.

The article also briefly mentions other related phenomena:

• 1883-84 and 1891: Reports of 'green and blue suns' and exceptionally colored sunsets worldwide, attributed to dust from the Krakatoa eruption.
• 1991: Red sunsets attributed to the Pinatubo eruption.
• September 26, 1950 (Scotland): A 'blue sun' observed, possibly due to smoke from Canadian forest fires.
• October 14, 1950 (Deal, England): The sun appeared to split, accompanied by a bright vertical light.
• Late September to Early October 1950 (Italy): Similar observations, including a blue-pale sun in Florence and Fiesole, and a blue-tinted moon in Chioggia.

Stilo encourages readers to research local newspapers from May-June 1948 for further details.

Taccuino dei Lavori in Corso (Notebook of Ongoing Work)

This section features reader contributions and requests for information.

• Strange "Pavement" near Verona: Sergio Bissoli reports finding numerous black, smooth, irregularly shaped stones, about 20 cm long, semi-buried in the ground over an area of approximately 10x10 meters, south of Verona. He wonders if they formed an ancient pavement or road, but local farmers have no explanation.

• "Explosion" of Televisions: The column notes a recent increase in reports of televisions exploding, sometimes causing fires, damage, and even fatalities. Some incidents involve televisions that were turned off. The article suggests that the electrical nature of TVs doesn't fully explain such destructive potential and that unusual energetic phenomena, like ball lightning, might be involved. A call is made for collecting and analyzing data on these incidents.

• Strange Road Incidents: This piece discusses stretches of road that statistically experience an unusually high number of accidents or vehicle breakdowns. While ordinary explanations like traffic, road conditions, or sharp curves exist, some cases remain unexplained. The article suggests the possibility of unusual factors influencing these locations. It mentions that accidents can occur along roads lined with trees or obstacles, where the flickering sunlight or moonlight can cause hypnotic or epileptic effects in drivers. Readers are encouraged to report locations with repeated strange incidents.

• Old "IR2" in Piedmont?: Donato Bosca, a folklorist from the Langhe and Monferrato region, uses the term 'masca' to denote paranormal phenomena. His book 'Langa magica' narrates strange events from the perspective of these 'masche.' One episode, 'Zaira,' describes events in Susasco and Castagnole Lanze in early 1956. These include a 'masca' allegedly lifting a dark patch of earth, releasing a circular flame that startled a young man, and causing a spinning effect on two farmers. The consequences included the local inn losing night customers and people experiencing unusual noises and lights. The 'masca' claims to have worked between winter and spring 1956 before having to hide.

The article highlights elements from Zaira's account, such as the 'dark patch of earth' and 'mysterious ash circles,' suggesting a possible connection to UFO-related phenomena like residual traces (IR2) or a local 'flap.'

Other Short Reports

• Strange Footprints in Milan: Mario Spagnol and Luciano Zeppegno report an incident in the spring of 1967 in Milan where enormous white footprints appeared on the road surface at an intersection.

• Salita o Discesa? (Up or Down?): Giuseppe Stilo provides information about the 'witch's path' near Statte, Taranto, Italy.

• More on "Ascents": Information from Helen E. Ross's book 'Behaviour and perception in strange environments' regarding the 'up and down slope' of Croy Brae in Scotland.

• Rain of Banknotes: Sergio Zamboni found two news reports from Frosinone about an event involving falling banknotes.

• Fish from the Sky: Alfredo Lissoni clarifies that a reported incident of fish falling from the sky was from 'La Domenica del Corriere' on July 7, 1957.

• Mysterious Animal in Naples: Gildo Barberi reports a version of a news story published in 'Il Secolo XIX' on August 17, 1979.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores phenomena that fall outside conventional scientific or historical explanations, including UFO sightings, anomalous atmospheric events, unexplained archaeological findings, and local folklore with paranormal undertones. The editorial stance emphasizes the collection and analysis of such data, encouraging reader participation in research and investigation. While presenting these unusual accounts, the magazine maintains a degree of caution, often presenting multiple interpretations and acknowledging the need for further study, as seen in the disclaimer about not necessarily endorsing the opinions presented in the articles.

This issue of CLYPEUS (Volume 4, Issue 18, May 1993) is titled 'FORTCAT NEWS' and focuses on 'CRONACHE DELL'INSOLITO' (Chronicles of the Unusual). It features a prominent article on 'L'AFFARE BOWER & CHORLEY' (The Bower & Chorley Affair), questioning the authenticity of crop circles. The magazine delves into various historical and mysterious topics, including ancient legends, unexplained phenomena, and archaeological curiosities.

Ancient Mysteries and Legends

The issue begins with a historical note on the Boscimani people, their characteristics, and their rock art, referencing Leonardo da Vinci's writings. It then recounts the legend of a giant serpent encountered by the army of consul Marco Regulo in 1494, measuring 125 feet (37 m) long. References are made to Lucan's poem about serpents in African deserts and J.L. Borges' 'Manual of Fantastic Zoology'.

The Tulli Papyrus

A significant section is dedicated to the 'Papiro Tulli' (Tulli Papyrus), a curious document housed in the Egyptian Museum of Turin. Boris de Rachewiltz's work on the Egyptian Book of the Dead is cited. The papyrus reportedly contains passages from Chapter CX of the Book of the Dead and features three unusual symbols: circles with four equidistant triangular signs inside, which scholar Solas Boncompagni suggests might represent flying or rotating objects.

Etruscans and Atlantis

Another article explores a potential link between the ancient Etruscans and the mythical Atlantis, drawing from Plato's dialogues 'Timaeus' and 'Critias'. The description of Atlantis as an island larger than Libya and Asia, situated beyond the Pillars of Hercules, is discussed.

The Voynich Manuscript

The indecipherable Voynich manuscript is mentioned, with a recent color reproduction of two pages highlighted in a Reader's Digest volume. The attempts at decipherment by Robert S. Brumbaugh in 1970 are noted.

The Golden Goat and Saint Nicholas

The tradition of the 'capra aurea' (golden goat) in France, particularly in Arles and Provence, is discussed, where the animal is associated with guarding 'treasures' and its symbolism is linked to telluric cults. A surprising connection is made between Saint Nicholas of Bari and the Holy Grail. Alfredo Castelli suggests that the relics of Saint Nicholas brought to Bari in 1087 were a cover for the recovery of the Holy Grail, which was allegedly entrusted to him by Pope Gregory VII. The legend states that the Grail was hidden in a deconsecrated church in Myra, and its presence in Bari was intended to benefit the Knights Templar and protect Robert Guiscard.

Palindromes and the Sator Square

The issue lists palindromic toponyms found in Italy. It also discusses the 'Sator square', with scholar Vinicio Serino offering a personal interpretation. The cabalistic meanings of the Sator square are mentioned, along with its connection to surrealist artist Salvator Dali's works and its use by occultists.

Artistic and Archaeological Curiosities

Paolo Schiavo points out 'discoidal clouds' in Baldovinetti's 1457 painting 'Annunciation'. An ancient cosmic symbol found on a Villanovan culture vase in the Archaeological Museum of Arezzo is also mentioned. The 'Grotta dei Massacci' and its nearby sepulchral monuments are discussed, along with the ancient Salarian Way. The oldest Roman aqueduct in Italy, discovered in Alatri and built by Lucio Betilieno Varo around 150 BC, is highlighted for its advanced engineering, capable of lifting water to a significant height under immense pressure.

The 'Widows' Bank' Mystery

A legend from the Riviera region, the 'Banco delle vedove' (Widows' Bank), is recounted. It tells of a mysterious underwater elevation noticed by a ship captain in 1609, which led local fishermen to seek a coral bank. A violent storm destroyed their boats, resulting in the loss of all the fishermen and leaving their wives in despair. Despite numerous attempts, the location has never been found.

The Bower & Chorley Crop Circle Affair

The main article focuses on the 'Bower & Chorley' affair, which claims that the mysterious crop circles were created by two men, Doug Bower and Dave Chorley, as a hoax. The article details their alleged method using a stick and string, and a hat with a sight. It discusses the role of the newspaper 'Today' and its reporter Graham Brough in publishing the story. The article also highlights the initial belief of researcher Patrick Delgado in the authenticity of the circles, his subsequent change of opinion after being shown the 'hoax', and the involvement of Colin Andrews. The mysterious 'MBF Services' is introduced as the agency that allegedly connected Bower and Chorley to 'Today'. Investigations into MBF Services reveal no registered agency of that name, leading to speculation that it might be a front for government disinformation. The article notes that Graham Brough eventually admitted that 'MBF was a fabrication by Today'. The issue concludes that Bower and Chorley were likely unwitting tools in a disinformation campaign.

Other Unexplained Phenomena

Other brief mentions include the enigma of Cistercian art, with speculation about a secret library beneath the Staffarda abbey. The technological prowess of Dedalus is noted, with his creation of two statues. Fausto Venanzio's concept of 'Homo volans' (flying man) is referenced, along with a 1710 engraving of a flying machine. The mystery surrounding the birth and death dates on Antonio Stradivari's tombstone is also touched upon. The enigmatic flint stones of Breonio are mentioned, and the 'broken symbols and centers of power' found at Monte d'Accoddi are discussed, with archaeologist Santo Tiné suggesting a Mesopotamian origin for the site.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of unexplained phenomena, ancient mysteries, folklore, and potential hoaxes. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, presenting various accounts and theories while also investigating claims of disinformation and deception, particularly in the context of the Bower & Chorley crop circle case. The publication encourages scientific comparison and the free circulation of ideas, as indicated by its reference to the CICAP (Italian Committee for the Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal).

Title: CRONACHE DELL'INSOLITO
Issue: N.5
Date: October 1991

This issue of 'Cronache dell'Insolito' focuses on the controversial topic of crop circles, particularly the confessions of Doug Bower and Dave Chorley, who claimed responsibility for creating many of these formations. The magazine delves into the implications of their admissions and the ongoing debate within the ufology and cereology communities.

The Granada TV Debate

The issue highlights a significant debate on Granada TV on October 20, 1991, which aimed to clarify some of the statements made by Bower and Chorley. The program featured the two alleged creators, along with cereologists Pat Delgado, George Wingfield, and Julie Varden, and a presenter. Wingfield notably accused Bower and Chorley of being agents of secret services. During the debate, Bower explained the origins of their 'hoax,' recounting how he read an article in Australia in 1958-1966 about a circular depression in Queensland, termed a 'UFO-nest.' Inspired by this, he and Dave Chorley decided to create a crop circle in a wheat field near Winchester to 'surprise ufologists.' They stated they typically operated on Friday and Saturday nights and created 25-30 circles each summer in areas like Winchester, Warminster, and Westbury. Bower also expressed amusement at the work of other cereologists, suggesting they had developed their own jargon and that he and Chorley had been laughing about it for 13 years.

Bower's wife was reportedly kept unaware of their activities for years, though she stated she had no reason to be suspicious as her husband had 'free nights' on Fridays.

Arguments For and Against Bower and Chorley

The article presents a balanced view of the evidence surrounding Bower and Chorley's claims. It acknowledges that some researchers, like Paul Fuller, argue that Bower and Chorley could not have created all the crop circles reported.

Points in their favor:

• They successfully deceived Delgado with their 'insectogram' in Kent.
• They have repeatedly stated they began by creating simple circles before moving on to more complex designs.

Points against them:

• Their ability to create crop circles is questioned, with the example of a circle made in Chilgrove on September 9, 1991, for the press, being described as poorly executed, lacking a clear spiral pattern, and having imprecise edges.
• The insectogram formation at Ightam is also considered suspicious, with its accompanying model differing significantly from known insectogram formations. It's speculated that the models might be copies of pre-existing formations.
• Kingsley noted the discrepancy between the Ightam and Chilgrove formations and received a negative response when asking Bower for a video of them creating a fake.
• The question of how two sixty-year-old men could create around 200 circles without being caught is raised.
• Bower and Chorley have confessed to trespassing and property damage, raising legal implications.
• The practicality of using a baseball cap with a string and a distant reference point to create straight lines in fields at night is questioned.

Julie Varden recounted an incident on August 20, 1991, at Cheesefoot Head, where Doug claimed to have been hit on the head by frozen discharge from an airplane toilet after a crop circle formation. The article notes the implausibility of his survival.

Conclusion

The Bower-Chorley affair has had a significant impact, making the 'hoax' hypothesis a more seriously considered explanation for crop circles. Previously, the English cereology community was divided between meteorological explanations (Meaden, Fuller, Randles) and the 'unknown intelligence' hypothesis (Delgado, Andrews, Wingfield). A minority, including 'skeptic' organizations like Wessex Skeptics and Irish Skeptics, favored the hoax theory, viewing crop circles as a potential threat to scientific integrity. The current situation sees more researchers open to the possibility of widespread hoaxes, though it has made it harder to discern genuine phenomena ('signals') from the 'noise' created by these fakes. The article concludes that while Bower and Chorley may have created some crop circles, the debate continues, and the possibility of genuine phenomena remains obscured by the prevalence of hoaxes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the investigation into the authenticity of crop circles and the impact of confessions by alleged creators. The magazine adopts an investigative stance, presenting evidence and arguments from various perspectives, including those of researchers, skeptics, and the alleged hoaxers themselves. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, acknowledging the complexities and ambiguities surrounding the crop circle phenomenon and the difficulty in distinguishing genuine events from fabricated ones.