Clypeus UFO and Fortean Phenomena - 1977 No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: CLYPEUS UFO AND FORTEAN PHENOMENA (Supplemento bimestrale)
Issue: Numero 1, Anno I
Date: Gennaio-Febbraio 1977 (Supplement n° 46, December 1976)
Publisher: Gianni V. Settimo
Editor-in-Chief: Edoardo Russo
Focus: UFO and Fortean phenomena, with an emphasis on international cases and a new approach to ufology.

Editorial Introduction and Mission

The editorial staff addresses the feedback received regarding the regional focus of the "Piemonte Insolito" series. They explain that CLYPEUS has always maintained contact with international organizations and researchers, accumulating a significant amount of material that could not be published in their existing publications. To address this, they decided to create a UFO supplement that would offer a panoramic view of the foreign ufological world, presenting material that is absolutely new to Italy. The primary goal is not speculative but cultural and informative, with the magazine being sent free to members of the "Gruppo Clypeus."

New Ufological Approach and Methodology

The magazine aims to move beyond the "classic" ufology, which is heavily focused on the extraterrestrial hypothesis (ETH). Instead, it embraces a "new" or "frontier" ufology, seeking broader solutions and incorporating a wider range of unusual phenomena, referred to as "fortiana." This new approach is considered largely unknown in Italy, where many ufologists remain attached to the ETH. The editorial team highlights prominent international figures in this "new ufology," including Bowen, Creighton, Holiday, Rogerson, Clark, Coleman, Farish, Keel, Sanderson, and Vallée.

A key aspect of this new approach is the methodology for presenting case studies. To avoid the "haphazard collection of cases" from various sources and historical periods, they will present well-defined case studies for specific periods and locations. The focus will be on cases that are unpublished in Italy, presented concisely but completely. To manage the volume of cases, they have divided them into three historical periods: "ancient" (pre-1947), "classic" (1947-1957, characterized by major "waves" of sightings), and "recent" (starting January 1, 1969, coinciding with the development of "new" ufology). The "classic" period is further divided by an intermediate phase of "stasis" (1958-1963) and a "resurgence" (1964-1968).

Content Highlights

"Non basta il CLYPEUS 'normale'?" (Is the 'normal' CLYPEUS not enough?)

This article explains the rationale behind the supplement, driven by reader feedback and the need to publish a backlog of international UFO material. It emphasizes the shift towards "new ufology" and a more structured presentation of case data.

Casistica Recente: Avvistamenti di tipo 1 in USA e Canada (Recent Case Studies: Type 1 Sightings in USA and Canada)

This section presents a selection of "type-1" cases (low-altitude landings and flyovers, or "Close-Encounters" according to Vallée and Hynek) from the USA and Canada during July-September 1975. Approximately one hundred cases were cataloged, with about thirty discarded due to insufficient data. Another four were excluded as they had already appeared in Italian specialized magazines. Each case is presented with its date, time, location, a brief description, and sources, along with explanations of abbreviations used.

• Notable cases from this period include:
• July 3, 1975, Madison, Connecticut: A strip of light transformed into a UFO with a dome, observed by two people in a car.
• July 4, 1975, Morris and Essex Counties, New Jersey: A circular object with a greenish dome caused police radio interference.
• July 6, 1975, Mount Pleasant, Ontario: A landed metallic cylinder left a burned grass circle and oily substance.
• July 10, 1975, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania: A ten-meter disc chased a woman's car.
• July 20, 1975, Bay Village, Ohio: An object with luminous beams and lights hovered silently.
• July 27, 1975, Butler, Pennsylvania: A circular object with flashing red lights hovered near a window.
• August 2, 1975, Appleton, Wisconsin: A rectangular object was observed hovering over a field.
• August 6, 1975, Rochester, Minnesota: A flaming object landed in an alfalfa field, leaving a distinct track.
• August 8, 1975, Greensburg, Pennsylvania: Three silver discs were observed hovering, followed by three more.

A map of the Northeastern United States and Ontario is included to help locate these incidents.

Un autore: John A. Keel (An Author: John A. Keel)

This section is dedicated to John A. Keel, a prominent figure in "new ufology." His work is highlighted, and the article likely delves into his contributions and perspectives.

Tecniche di sovversione e conquista di J.A.K. (Subversion and Conquest Techniques by J.A.K.)

This article, presumably by or about John A. Keel, explores themes of subversion and conquest, likely within the context of UFO phenomena or related mysteries.

Una rivista: BUFORA Journal (A Magazine: BUFORA Journal)

A review of the BUFORA Journal, an international publication, is presented, offering insights into its content and scope.

Casistica media-recente: Avvistamenti di tipo 1 in Brasile: 1965 (Medium-Recent Case Studies: Type 1 Sightings in Brazil: 1965)

This section presents case studies from Brazil dating back to 1965, continuing the focus on "type-1" sightings.

CLYPEUS-ricerche: Appunti per una metodologia di ricerca (CLYPEUS-Research: Notes for a Research Methodology)

This article discusses the development of research methodologies within CLYPEUS, likely elaborating on the new approach introduced in the editorial.

Il primo libro sugli UFO: Donald E. Keyhoe: "Flying Saucers are Real"

A review of Donald E. Keyhoe's seminal book, "Flying Saucers are Real," is featured, providing context on the history of UFO literature.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the presentation of international UFO case studies, the promotion of a "new ufology" that moves beyond the ETH, and the exploration of "fortiana" phenomena. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of this broader, more investigative approach to unexplained phenomena, aiming to educate and inform the Italian public with previously unpublished material from abroad. The magazine also emphasizes its non-speculative, cultural, and informative purpose, serving as a free resource for members of the "Gruppo Clypeus."

This issue of BUFORA JOURNAL, identified as Vol.2 No.9 from the summer of 1969, is presented with permission from BUFORA Journal and Bulletin. The magazine focuses on UFO phenomena and related topics, featuring articles by and about prominent figures in the field.

Author Spotlight: John A. Keel

The issue dedicates significant attention to John A. Keel, an influential American ufologist. It highlights his early interest in UFOs dating back to 1945 and his radio documentary 'Things in the Sky' produced in 1952. Keel's extensive travels and research into mysteries, particularly in the East, led to his first book, 'Jadoo'. From 1966 to 1969, he focused full-time on UFO research, eventually abandoning the ETH (Extraterrestrial Hypothesis). His work is characterized by a belief that UFOs are not necessarily alien spacecraft but rather a manifestation of a hidden reality influencing humanity. This perspective is explored in his books 'Strange Creatures from Time and Space', 'UFOs: Operation Trojan Horse', 'Our Haunted Planet', 'The Mothman Prophecies', and 'The Eighth Tower'. The journal expresses an intention to review his books in the future.

Article: Techniques of Subversion & Conquest by John A. Keel

This lengthy article by John A. Keel posits a theory of global control orchestrated over millennia. He outlines a systematic, seven-step process for achieving planetary domination and enslavement:

1. Control of the Press: Keel notes how historical figures like Mussolini and Hitler used media control. He observes the trend of independent newspapers being absorbed by large chains and the censorship prevalent in many countries.
2. Control of the Economic Situation: This involves destabilizing monetary markets, particularly gold, leading to inflation and potential global economic collapse, referencing Paul Erdman's 'The Crack of '79'.
3. Control of Communications: Keel points to the vulnerability of communication systems, citing the disruption of the US national defense communication system and the 'hotline' between Washington and Moscow.
4. Exhaustion of Armed Forces: This is achieved through prolonged and costly operations and diversionary wars, citing the Vietnam War and the high frequency of military alerts and mobilizations by the USSR and USA between 1946 and 1976.
5. Usurpation and Destruction of Religious Control: Keel observes a crisis in religious institutions globally, exemplified by the Catholic Church and the 'strike' of San Gennaro.
6. Introduction of Anarchy: This involves fostering widespread youth rebellion against the 'system', including protests in schools and universities, the 'sexual revolution', and the spread of drug use.
7. Suppression of Key Figures: Those who can control the chaos are either bought or eliminated.

Keel suggests that the current global situation appears to be a carefully programmed and executed plan by hidden actors, leading towards a final collapse. He concludes by hypothesizing a scenario where, after societal chaos, 'beautiful beings' might appear, claiming to be saviors who will guide humanity, implying this could be a further stage of manipulation.

UFO Casistica Media-Recente: Sightings of Type 1 in Brazil (1965)

This section presents a compilation of 17 'Type 1' UFO cases from Brazil in 1965, with an additional 8 cases omitted as they had already appeared in Italian publications. The descriptions are based on the 'Boletim de la Sociedade Brasileira de Estudos sobre os Discos Voadores' and other sources.

Notable cases include:

• February 5, 1965, Tabuleiro do Norte (Cearà): Many observers witness a luminous object at high altitude drop a complex machine onto the ground.
• May ??/12:30, 1965, Rio de Janeiro (Guanabara): A luminous sphere enters a room, changes color, emits sounds, and disappears.
• July 27, 1965, Brasilia (Distrito Federal): A luminous disc hovers low over a Shell Oil Company installation.
• July 31, 1965, Guaranjà (Sao Paulo): A multi-colored spherical object hovers and then gains altitude.
• August 2, 1965, Sao Paulo (Sao Paulo): An enormous yellow plate is seen suspended over the Central Bank.
• August 2, 1965, Lagoa Vermelha (Rio Grande do Sul): An arrow-shaped object, about 7 meters long, crosses the road at low altitude, emitting heat and a trail of hot air.
• August 2, 1965, Igrejinkas (Sao Paulo): A police officer observes a 5-meter diameter UFO emitting blinding light rays.
• August 3, 1965, Tijuca (Guanabara): Several people observe a plate-shaped object performing low-altitude evolutions for about 10 minutes.
• August 4, 1965, Cachoeira do Sul (Rio Grande do Sul): A 50-meter diameter object descends, illuminating the area, and makes a sound as if it touched the ground, but no traces are found.

BUFORA JOURNAL: A Review

This section provides a history and overview of the BUFORA JOURNAL, which originated in 1964 as the organ of the British U.F.O. Research Association. It evolved from the LUFORO Bulletin and the BUFOA Journal. The journal maintained a consistent format (16x20 cm) and initially featured a mix of British and international UFO cases, along with internal BUFORA news. Over time, under different editors like Charles Stickland and John Cleary-Baker, the journal's focus shifted. Cleary-Baker, in particular, had to reduce the case content due to the demands of single-handedly producing the magazine, leading to more internal association news. From 1971, there was a renewed emphasis on sightings, with the incorporation of 'Ufolog' and the 'BUFORA Research Bulletin'. The journal also began featuring photographic illustrations. In 1972, the journal saw changes in its cover design and editorial staff, with Norman Oliver taking over and restructuring it to include international news and reports, making it a significant publication in the ufological world. Despite a temporary decline in print quality and page count in its later years (around 1976), the content remained of high quality. The journal's subscription cost is five pounds sterling annually for six issues. Information on obtaining the journal from Italy suggests exchange or membership, with Bryan Hartley in England serving as the contact for international matters.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, the analysis of potential societal control mechanisms, and the history and evolution of UFO research publications. The editorial stance, particularly through John A. Keel's contributions, leans towards a critical and often conspiratorial view of global events, suggesting that many phenomena, including UFOs, may be part of a larger, hidden agenda. The journal itself aims to provide a serious and informative platform for UFO research, documenting cases and exploring various hypotheses within the field.

This issue of CLYPEUS, identified by the number 17, delves into the methodology of UFO research and presents a compilation of recent sightings and related works. The magazine, published in Italy, features articles in Italian and discusses various aspects of ufology, including research techniques, data cataloging, and historical accounts of sightings.

Methodology of Research

The article "APPUNTI PER UNA METODOLOGIA DI RICERCA" (Notes for a Research Methodology) discusses the different levels of engagement within ufology. It categorizes involvement into three stages: casual interest, active participation in groups, and actual investigative work. The author emphasizes that a truly comprehensive and structured research approach is necessary, moving beyond mere collection of data. The article highlights the importance of detailed investigation, stating that "A well-investigated case is worth more than hundreds of incomplete or poorly detailed sightings." It critiques the approach of organizations like NICAP for their lack of substantial contributions despite years of effort. The text stresses that the true value lies in correlating numerous sightings, even those seemingly insignificant on their own, to reveal patterns and a larger understanding of the phenomenon.

The UFOCAT Project

A significant part of the issue is dedicated to the UFOCAT project, initiated by the ufological section of the "Gruppo Clypeus" in 1975. This project aims to compile a comprehensive catalog of UFO sightings without limits on time, space, or intrinsic value, including 'explained' cases. As of the end of 1976, approximately one-thirtieth of the material had been cataloged, resulting in 10,000 entries. The project's future development includes spatial distribution of sightings by country, region, and province, and the transformation of UFOCAT into a punched card archive for complex analytical studies using electronic-mechanical processing. The goal is to reach 13,000 cases by the end of the year, with plans to include at least 700 pieces of information per case in the next phase.

Recent Sightings (Casistica Recente)

The magazine presents a chronological list of UFO sightings from various locations, primarily in Brazil and North America, spanning from 1965 to 1975. These entries detail specific encounters, describing the objects' shapes, colors, behaviors, and sometimes the physical or psychological effects on witnesses.

• August 12, 1965: Belo Horizonte, Brazil - A student nearly collided with a hovering hat-shaped UFO.
• August 17, 1965: Near Montes Claros, Brazil - A bank employee witnessed an oval-shaped object with a dome and windows, experiencing physical reactions.
• August 1965: Bairro Ferraz de Vasconcelo, Brazil - A reddish object with blue light hovered over a farm.
• September 8, 1965: Alto Purus, Brazil - Workers observed a large shining wheel-shaped object with 'eyes' emitting fire and light.
• October 11, 1965: Ponte Praia, Brazil - Thousands saw a circular object over the beach, which later landed near a military base.
• October 20, 1965: Ubatuba, Brazil - A soldier and a civilian observed a luminous, noisy object.
• October 29, 1965: Orinhos, Brazil - A municipal councilor observed a luminous object hovering before it departed.
• September 25, 1975: Uxbridge, Canada - Two girls saw a bright light hovering over a field.
• August 30, 1975: Valentia, Canada - A luminous object hovered over trees, leaving a burned grass circle upon departure.
• September 2, 1975: Chesterland, USA - Four people observed a dark object with green and blue lights that ascended rapidly.
• September 1975: Lake Dalrymple, Canada - A green grass circle was found, with a neighbor reporting a UFO sighting.
• September 15, 1975: Bayfield, USA - Four people observed a 30-meter Saturn-shaped object emitting orange light and vapor.
• September 16, 1975: Waltham, USA - A man stopped a dish-shaped object that approached and hovered silently.
• September 19, 1973: Dolores, USA - A UFO with headlights and top lights was seen hovering, leaving triangular traces.
• September 25, 1975: Henley, USA - Three luminous objects were seen landing in a field.

Book Reviews and Features

The issue includes a review of Major Donald E. Keyhoe's 1950 book, "Flying Saucers Are Real," which is credited with launching the UFO publishing phenomenon. The review highlights Keyhoe's research and his conclusion that UFOs might be extraterrestrial craft concerned about atomic explosions. Another section references Charles Fort's "The Book of the Damned," describing it as a collection of "exceptional" phenomena and the first "catalog of the incredible."

Other Content

The magazine also features a section titled "AIUTO! HELP!" appealing for subscriptions to "Fortean Times," a publication by Robert J.M. Rickard, which is facing financial difficulties. It also includes advertisements for "Magic Shop Libreria" and "Il Giornale dei Misteri," as well as information on a yoga trip to India and Sri Lanka.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the rigorous methodology required for UFO research, the importance of comprehensive data collection and analysis (exemplified by the UFOCAT project), and the presentation of factual accounts of sightings. The editorial stance appears to favor detailed, evidence-based investigation and a broad, inclusive approach to understanding anomalous phenomena, drawing connections between various unusual events. There is a clear emphasis on the scientific and investigative aspects of ufology, moving beyond mere speculation.

This issue of 'Clypeus' focuses on an initiative to foster collaboration among ufologists in the Piedmont region of Italy. The magazine, published by the 'Clypeus' group, aims to unite researchers and share information to advance ufological studies on a regional level.

'Clypeus Piemonte insolito' Initiative

The editorial announces the continuation and expansion of the 'Clypeus Piemonte insolito' initiative, which seeks to involve ufologists from Piedmont in a shared research endeavor. Having received unexpected positive results from this initial effort, the organizers are now proposing a more structured approach: the establishment of a regional federation.

Proposal for a Regional Federation

The core proposal is to create a "Federazione regionale" (Regional Federation). This organization would serve to consolidate the efforts of various ufological centers in Piedmont, which are currently dispersed. The federation's primary functions would be to collect data and information from different parts of the region and to present this material to the national ufological community as a cohesive and primary source. The organizers acknowledge the dispersal of forces due to the existence of numerous centers, each with its own limitations, often related to time and financial constraints.

Rationale for Regional Focus

The editorial argues that the time is right for a definitive shift in Italian ufological research, advocating for a regional approach over broad national attempts, which have reportedly failed. The regional focus is seen as more manageable, facilitating better contact maintenance and collaboration among researchers.

Clypeus Group's Stance

A significant point emphasized is that the 'Clypeus' group "NON INTENDE ASSORBIRE NESSUNO" (does not intend to absorb anyone). The proposal is framed as an offer to make their own extensive resources available. Specifically, the group offers its "trentennale esperienza" (thirty years of experience), its archives, and its publications. In return, they seek "una amichevole, seria collaborazione" (a friendly, serious collaboration).

Call for Participation and Next Steps

All groups interested in participating in the formation of this federation are invited to submit proposals and suggestions. These contributions will be consolidated into a single, definitive text. This text will then be presented for approval by all participating groups during a future regional meeting.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are collaboration, regionalism in research, data sharing, and the formation of organized ufological bodies. The editorial stance is one of proactive leadership, aiming to structure and professionalize ufological research in Piedmont by leveraging existing experience and fostering a cooperative spirit among independent groups. The emphasis is on a practical, grounded approach to ufology, moving away from potentially less effective large-scale initiatives.