El Ojo Critico - No 45 - Invierno 2005

Magazine Overview

Title: EL OJO CRITICO
Issue: N° 45
Date: Winter 2005
Publisher: GRUPO FÉNIX
Country: Spain
Language: Spanish

This issue of 'EL OJO CRITICO', a magazine focused on paranormal investigation, marks its 12th year of publication with a critical examination of alleged paranormal fraud. The editorial highlights the magazine's longevity in a market where many similar publications have failed, attributing this to its commitment to solid evidence and a critical approach.

EOC: 12 Years Against Paranormal Fraud

The editorial reflects on the magazine's 12-year journey, contrasting its survival with the numerous commercial and independent publications that have ceased to exist. It notes that while commercial ventures found more lucrative markets in pornography or reality TV, independent bulletins and fanzines faded due to disillusionment with the excessive protagonism or profit-seeking of some paranormal investigators. The article points out that in the mid-nineties, when EOC emerged, there were many paranormal groups and bulletins, featuring names that have since become prominent in Spain's paranormal disclosure scene, such as Bruno Cardeñosa, Javier Sierra, Josep Guijarro, and Iker Jiménez. It also mentions figures who were less known at the time but are now established, like Jose Lesta and Javier Garcia Blanco. The piece muses on the evolution of paranormal investigation in 21st-century Spain and notes that some enthusiasts, like Maria Ferraz and Moises Garrido, have decided to leave the field due to disillusionment.

The article contrasts the dedication of some paranormal investigators with those who have abandoned the field, citing Francisco Padrón as an example. It acknowledges that while some have professionalized their involvement in paranormal disclosure, often from opposing viewpoints, the core issue remains the pursuit of personal gain, popularity, or the sublimation of personal issues. The text emphasizes that while freedom of belief is a constitutional right, the pursuit of profit through paranormal claims is questioned.

It criticizes figures like Aramis Fuster and Octavio Aceves for damaging the image of psychics, and Iker Jiménez and 'Professor' Darbó for their roles in promoting the paranormal. The article suggests that the financial gains of individuals like Aramis Fuster and Javier Armentia, who attack or defend paranormal claims, are similar, implying a mercenary motive. Similarly, 'Professor' Darbó is known for his paranormal work rather than filmmaking, and Luis Alfonso Gámez is recognized as a journalist for his fanatical and self-interested defense of the paranormal.

Octavio Aceves: The Other Sorcerer of Isabelita Perón

This section delves into the controversial figure of Octavio Aceves, an Argentine psychic who gained prominence in Spain. The article recounts his alleged involvement with influential political figures in Argentina during a turbulent period, including Isabel Martínez de Perón, General Ramón G. Díaz Bessone, and Admiral Eduardo E. Massera. Aceves allegedly claimed to have helped find the kidnapped Anabel Segura, stating she was alive when she had already been dead for weeks.

The narrative traces Aceves's move to Spain, where he attempted to build a new identity. It describes his personal life as chaotic and his apartment as a combined living space and 'consultorio'. The author recounts a personal encounter with Aceves in Mendoza, Argentina, during the 1970s, when Aceves was allegedly an esoteric consultant to key political figures. The author's mother was involved in left-wing political activism in Mendoza during a period of social unrest and political repression.

Aceves's political leanings shifted with the political climate in Argentina, aligning himself with right-wing factions and the military dictatorship. He allegedly maintained connections with both sides of the political spectrum to ensure his safety and influence. The article suggests Aceves used his connections to gain impunity, even possessing a safe-conduct pass signed by General Díaz Bessone.

The text also touches upon Aceves's claims of musical talent and his alleged performance at the Teatro Colón. It describes his personal life, including a relationship with a younger man named Daniel X, and a vacation with his mother and Daniel in Necochea. The author's mother eventually distanced herself from Aceves due to his manipulative economic and political practices.

Carlos Jesús: Psychic, Healer, Contactee, Messiah...

This article investigates Carlos Jesús, a self-proclaimed psychic and contactee from Dos Hermanas, Seville, Spain. He gained public attention through appearances on Spanish television, particularly on Antena 3 TV's program hosted by Alfonso Arus in the 1990s. Carlos Jesús claimed to channel divine entities, most notably 'Micael' from Ganímides, and performed theatrical transformations on screen.

His television appearances significantly increased his clientele and income. The article details an event in El Rocío where Carlos Jesús promised a miracle to a large gathering of followers, contingent upon them bringing offerings. After the event, which involved participants looking at the sun and some experiencing temporary blindness, Carlos Jesús and his entourage disappeared with the collected funds.

The investigation into Carlos Jesús involved the author posing as a journalist to secure an interview. During the interview, Carlos Jesús attributed his abilities to a near-death experience involving a bright light and a powerful electric shock while working at the SEAT factory in Barcelona. He claimed this experience granted him the power to see the future, heal, and communicate with entities like 'Micael' from a planet called Ganímides, which he described as the origin of the Savior.

The author found Carlos Jesús's explanations to be absurd and grotesque, noting his reliance on his supposed contact with 'Micael' when cornered. Carlos Jesús requested payment for the interview, which the author declined. The article suggests that Carlos Jesús's success is built on exploiting people's faith and curiosity, aided by his charisma and the promotional efforts of his associate, who manages his legal and media affairs.

The Deja Vu Analyzed by Science

This section explores the phenomenon of deja vu from a scientific perspective. It presents various theories, including:

• Double Processing: Memory involves information retrieval and a familiarity channel. Deja vu occurs when the familiarity channel is activated without proper information retrieval, leading to a sense of recognition without recall.
• Neurological Theory: Based on experiences of epileptics, deja vu can be triggered by stimulating the brain with small electrical discharges.
• Past Experience Recall: The phenomenon might be caused by something previously seen or imagined in real life, a movie, book, or dream that resurfaces in the present.
• Double Perception: A brief interruption in the normal perception process can make something seem familiar when it is not.

Other perspectives include the idea that deja vu is linked to an unlived future or a past life, which is more rooted in popular belief than scientific explanation. Some researchers suggest that progressive individuals, those who are tired, or those with advanced education experience deja vu more frequently. The poet Nathaniel Hawthorne described it as a 'strange feeling that makes us remember capriciously a scene that happened before'.

MUERE LA SEÑORA QUEMADA EN UNA “LIMPIA” CURATIVA

This news report details the tragic death of Cirila Rivera Lagunes, a 44-year-old woman who died from severe burns sustained during a 'limpia' (cleansing ritual) performed by a 'bruja' (witch) in Veracruz, Mexico. The ritual involved the application of alcohol-based perfumes, which ignited, causing the fatal injuries. The 'bruja' responsible, Ana Luisa Cárdenas Arrioja, is identified, and an investigation by the Public Ministry is underway.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of paranormal claims, the identification of fraud within the paranormal community, and the psychological and social factors that contribute to belief. The magazine adopts a skeptical yet investigative stance, aiming to debunk sensationalism and expose potential exploitation of people's faith. The editorial board clearly believes that many paranormal claims are driven by personal gain and that critical analysis is essential. The magazine also touches upon the broader cultural context of belief in the unexplained, from psychic phenomena to UFOs, and how these beliefs intersect with societal trends and individual psychology.

This issue of the magazine delves into the controversial career of Ricardo Schiariti, an Argentine psychic, mentalist, and self-proclaimed "most powerful mind in America." The publication scrutinizes his rise to fame in the 1990s, his sensational predictions, and the subsequent accusations of fraud and legal troubles he faced.

Ricardo Schiariti: The "Mind Reader" Under Scrutiny

The article details Schiariti's background as a former nurse and telenovela actor who transitioned into a media personality. His slogan, "I help you to help yourself," became a trademark. He hosted his own television program, "La Hora Extraña," and made numerous public predictions, including that Palito Ortega would be the next president and that an AIDS cure would be available in pharmacies by 1995. Many of these predictions proved to be inaccurate, leading to public skepticism.

Schiariti's career was marked by several public appearances and controversies. He was challenged by the Centro Argentino para la Investigación y Refutación de la Pseudociencia (CAIRP) to prove his abilities, with a $10,000 prize offered for demonstration, but he never appeared. In 1995, TV host Raúl Portal recalled Schiariti's announcement of an AIDS cure, which Schiariti later apologized for, though he never retracted the prophecy. In 1997, he again made claims about a new vaccine. His appearance on Chiche Gelblung's show "Memoria," undergoing a "lie detector" test, is described as a moment where technology was used to expose a potentially deceptive character.

After a period of public scrutiny, Schiariti continued to present himself in Spain and Latin America. In 1999, he made a controversial statement about the secretary of the governor of Buenos Aires, Eduardo Duhalde, suggesting she sought his predictions regarding Carlos Menem's safety. His activities were interrupted in 2001 when Judge Gustavo Caram ordered his arrest and prosecution for "inflicting physical punishment" on women, some of whom were described as "girlfriends" he allegedly threatened.

The article also touches upon Schiariti's interactions with TV hosts like Nicolás Repetto, who, along with journalist Raúl Portal, often challenged his claims, sometimes turning his failed predictions into comedic segments. Schiariti's ability to evade direct confrontation and his escapist techniques are highlighted.

The "Man of Cement Mask": Media and Deception

This section focuses on Schiariti's frequent television appearances, particularly during the 1994-95 season. It notes how his predictions were often turned into entertainment by hosts like Raúl Portal. The article suggests that Schiariti, despite facing criticism, seemed to believe in his own abilities, comparing himself to Christ when discussing public rejection.

"I Am Not Called $10,000"

This part of the article details the challenges Schiariti faced from skeptical organizations like CAIRP, which offered a substantial monetary prize for proof of paranormal abilities. Schiariti declined these challenges, preferring to maintain his mystique. It also mentions how TV hosts like Nicolás Repetto would playfully mimic his style, offering similar services for a fee, which Schiariti refused.

Cronovisor: A Vatican Fraud?

The magazine also investigates the controversial "cronovisor," a device allegedly invented by Father Alfredo Pellegrino Ernetti, a Benedictine monk. The article recounts how, in 1972, the Italian magazine "Domenica del Corriere" reported that Ernetti and a team of twelve physicists had created a machine capable of photographing the past, even claiming to have captured images of Jesus during the Crucifixion.

Ernetti's claims were based on the principle that energy, including sound and light waves, can be transformed and reconstructed. He stated that every person leaves behind a "visual and auditory trail" that could be used to recreate past events. The article mentions his work with other researchers and his academic position in prepoliphony.

However, Ernetti's claims were later discredited when the image of Jesus he presented was revealed to be a photograph of a crucifix from the Sanctuary of the Love of Mercifulness in Collevalenza, dating back to 1930, not from 1953 as he claimed. The article suggests that the Vatican and Italian secret services may have been involved in suppressing or controlling Ernetti's work, possibly due to fears of historical revelations or the exposure of miracles as inventions.

Psychophonies and the Vatican

Further exploration into Ernetti's work touches upon "psychophonies," the recording of voices from the deceased. The article recounts how Fathers Agostino Gemelli and Alfredo Pellegrino Ernetti reportedly captured a voice identified as Gemelli's deceased father on a magnetophone in 1952. Pope Pius XII was reportedly informed and encouraged the research, but advised secrecy. Later, Pope Paul VI appointed Friedrich Jürgenson, who was also researching paranormal voices, as a Vatican documentalist.

The Polygraph: Science vs. Magic?

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the use and scientific validity of the polygraph, or "lie detector." The article explains the basic principles behind the polygraph, which measures physiological responses like pulse, respiration, and galvanic skin response. However, it highlights the controversy surrounding its accuracy, with many psychologists questioning whether it can truly distinguish between genuine emotional responses and deception.

Experts like Elie Shneour and H. J. Eysenck are quoted, with Eysenck using an anthropological example to illustrate the difficulty of interpreting physiological reactions. The article points out that in televised examinations, like Schiariti's, the polygraph is often presented as infallible, even though its results can be subjective and controversial. The piece concludes that while the polygraph can be entertaining, its use as definitive proof of guilt or innocence is questionable.

The "Guilty Man Escapes"

This section discusses the statistical findings on polygraph use, suggesting that false positive results (incriminating innocent individuals) are more common than false negatives. It advises innocent individuals to avoid polygraph tests, while guilty ones might benefit from them. The article criticizes the use of such tests in courtrooms, arguing it undermines the principle of presumed innocence.

Is the Blood of San Gennaro a Chemical Fraud?

The final section of the magazine shifts focus to the phenomenon of the "blood of San Gennaro" in Naples, which is said to liquefy on specific dates. The article presents recipes that allegedly replicate this "miracle" using common chemical substances like whale sperm, human blood, and ferric chloride, suggesting it is a chemical trick rather than a divine event.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently questions the veracity of paranormal claims and sensational media portrayals. It employs a skeptical approach, presenting evidence and expert opinions to debunk or cast doubt on phenomena like Schiariti's psychic abilities, the cronovisor, and the liquefaction of San Gennaro's blood. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, aiming to separate fact from fiction and expose potential fraud or misrepresentation, particularly when amplified by mass media. The use of scientific explanations and skeptical analysis is a recurring theme throughout the issue.

This issue of Enigmas magazine, volume V, issue 31, dated November 2001, focuses on two primary themes: unexplained aerial phenomena (UFOs) and controversies surrounding the spiritual leader Sathya Sai Baba. The magazine presents a critical approach, aiming to demystify alleged UFO sightings and to investigate serious allegations of abuse.

Cases of High Ufological Relevance with Conventional Explanations

The magazine begins by examining several UFO cases that, upon investigation, were found to have conventional explanations. These include:

• The 'Ovni de Vilamartin' (April 5, 2002): Witnesses reported a falling reddish ball that impacted a mountainside, leaving smoke and a sulfurous smell. The investigation concluded it was a maritime flare, not an extraterrestrial object.
• Light Balls in Southern Spain (Summer 1994): Numerous circular objects were seen in Huelva, initially thought to be unidentified. The explanation provided is stratospheric measurement balloons from the INTA program 'Odisea'.
• The 'Globo de Betanzos' (August 17, 1994): Tourists in Santirso (La Coruña) observed an opaque, spherical object with an internal light that descended and crashed. This was identified as the 'Globo de Betanzos', a large paper aerostat launched annually.
• Exploded Flying Saucers in Spain?: The article discusses how military research programs can lead to misidentifications. The case of El Coronil (August 10, 1989) involved sightings of a 'mothership' and a 'saucer' near Sevilla, which were later identified as a stratospheric Italian balloon.
• Barbate (Cádiz, June 1996): A witness reported an unknown apparatus crashing, later identified as a spy plane.
• The Isla del Hierro Case (August 12-13, 1995): Nearly 2000 people witnessed strange lights forming geometric figures. This was attributed to a prank by German tourists manipulating a balloon.

¿Un Ovni o un Meteoro?... ¡Ninguno de los dos!

This section details the Galicia sighting on September 16, 2001, where hundreds observed luminous objects. Photographer Plácido Trillo captured images of what appeared to be a formation of objects leaving luminous trails. Initially, professional astronomers suggested it was a large meteor. However, the magazine's investigation, conducted in parallel with university astronomers, concluded that the objects were the second stage of a Russian Soyuz-U rocket launched from Baikonur, part of the Progress-M-CO1 module's mission to the International Space Station.

The article contrasts this finding with the interpretation by the skeptical publication 'Papers d'Ovnis', which sensationalistically claimed it was extraterrestrial material. The authors, Jose Lesta and Miguel Pedrero, emphasize their skeptical approach and the importance of thorough investigation.

The Mysteries of Sai Baba

This extensive section shifts focus to the spiritual leader Sathya Sai Baba, coinciding with his 75th birthday celebrations. The article, translated from 'India Today', details the grandeur of the event in Puttaparthi, attended by thousands of devotees and dignitaries. It touches upon Baba's teachings of love, truth, and unity, and his prediction of a future rebirth.

However, the core of this section is dedicated to the serious allegations of sexual abuse against Sai Baba. The article presents accounts from former devotees, including Jeff Young (former president of the Sai Organization in the US) and Hans de Kraker, who allege systematic sexual abuse of young men and boys. These allegations, some dating back to 1997, have gained traction internationally, with ex-devotees sharing their stories and calling for action.

The magazine highlights the challenges in proving such cases, especially in India, and notes the organization's defense strategies, which include dismissing the charges as anti-Hindu attacks or interpreting Baba's actions as 'teachings'. The article also mentions Jens Sethi, a German ex-devotee who filed a complaint in Munich.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a skeptical yet investigative stance. It aims to debunk sensationalist claims, particularly in the realm of UFO sightings, by providing evidence-based explanations. The approach involves thorough research, witness interviews, and cross-referencing information with scientific and official sources. The magazine champions critical thinking, urging readers not to accept extraordinary claims without rigorous examination. In the case of Sai Baba, the editorial stance is to present the serious allegations of abuse, giving voice to the accusers while acknowledging the complexity and the spiritual leader's immense influence and devoted following. The overall message is one of seeking truth through diligent investigation, whether dealing with aerial phenomena or controversial spiritual figures.

Title: LOS CONFIDENCIALES
Issue: EOC, Volume 11
Date: March 2005
Publisher: EOC
Country: Spain
Language: Spanish

This issue of "Los Confidenciales" (EOC) tackles controversial topics within the realms of spirituality, the paranormal, and UFOlogy. It features in-depth investigations into allegations against the spiritual leader Sai Baba, reports on UFO research activities in Spain, and discussions about the challenges and controversies faced by paranormal investigators.

Sai Baba and Sex Allegations

The magazine presents a detailed account of allegations of sexual abuse against Sai Baba, citing testimonies from former devotees and investigators. Conny Larsson, a Swedish devotee of 21 years, shares her experiences. Shakuntala Balu recounts private interviews where Sai Baba allegedly engaged in inappropriate physical contact. The article highlights a letter from investigator Premanand detailing accusations of sexual abuse within Sai Organization's student hostels. Jeff Young, a former Devotional Coordinator for the Sai Organization in the US, alleges that his 16-year-old son Sam was repeatedly abused by Sai Baba, including non-consensual sexual acts. Musician David Bailey, a former visiting professor at a Sai school, corroborates these accounts, describing a pattern of behavior targeting young males, often involving gifts and private interviews under the pretext of spiritual practices like "changing kundalini" through genital contact, oil application, and oral sex or masturbation.

Ex-devotees from Holland reportedly sought explanations from the Sai Organization's Spiritual Coordinator, Wim Goedbloed, who acknowledged Sai Baba touching male devotees' genitals as an act of grace and compassion to help sexually frustrated individuals. Joke Broeke from the Sai temple in Lelystad views Sai Baba's sexual relations with young men as positive, citing a case where it helped a young man with father issues achieve balance and a stable relationship.

An incident on June 6, 1993, involving gunfire at Baba's ashram resulted in the deaths of four devotees, which police attributed to an attempted assassination of the godman. The police claimed they found the four assailants with knives in Baba's chambers. Baba himself remained silent on the matter.

Tal Brooke's 1980s book "Avatar of Night," detailing alleged sexual harassment by Baba from 20 years prior, is mentioned as having resurfaced with a second edition, sparking controversy among Baba's followers who dismissed it as a money-making scheme.

UFO Research in Spain

The issue reports on a closed-door meeting of UFO investigators in Galicia, Spain, where specialists exchanged views, studies, and hypotheses. Attendees included Salvador Freixedo, Magdalena del Amo, Marcelino Requejo, Ramón Navia, and Manuel Carballal. The meeting fostered a sense of camaraderie despite differing viewpoints on UFO phenomena.

Additionally, the magazine announces the upcoming March 2005 issue of "Realidad Inexistente," edited by Jose Miguel Trallero. This issue is a special, monographic edition dedicated to UFO phenomena in the province of Huesca, Spain, covering aspects like sightings, astroarchaeology, and historical, anthropological, and sociological information.

Paranormal Investigation Controversies

The magazine highlights several developments and controversies within the Spanish paranormal investigation community.

Angel Briongos, a researcher from Zaragoza, is reportedly in negotiations with an editor to launch a collection of books on mysteries, leveraging the publisher's direct sales experience and large client base.

Several investigators have signed contracts with Grupo Editorial Planeta for upcoming books. Bruno Cardeñosa will publish a work on the 11-M and 11-S terrorist attacks and conspiracies. Jose Lesta and Miguel Pedrero are set to release a book on Francisco Franco's hidden life, including information on his Masonic past and spiritualist connections. Salvador Freixedo is also in talks with Planeta for his biography.

However, the issue also notes a growing disillusionment among experienced paranormal investigators. Jose Manuel Garcia Bautista, formerly a close collaborator with Iker Jiménez and his "Milenio3" program, has ended his collaboration due to serious accusations regarding Jiménez's methods and objectives. Garcia Bautista has reportedly written a critical book about the Spanish paranormal scene.

Maria Ferraz has announced her departure from paranormal investigation in the Canary Islands, selling off her archives and library. Moises Garrido has also expressed his loss of enthusiasm for the field, stating, "I'm leaving, I no longer have illusions for the mystery."

Legal Battles and Media Appearances

Manuel Carballal has lost a preliminary court case against the magazine "Interviú." A collaborator of a Galician psychic sued Carballal over an article he wrote about paranormal fraud. Carballal has appealed the decision.

Journalist and radio host Miguel Blanco, known for his program "Espacio en Blanco," has signed a collaboration agreement with the Tele5 channel to appear on the current affairs program "TNT." Negotiations are also underway for his own mystery, travel, and adventure program.

Antonio Salas, whose book "El año que trafique con mujeres" exposes human trafficking mafias, is being portrayed by actor Nancho Novo in a film of the same name, currently filming in Barcelona.

Analysis of Alleged UFO Photos

A detailed analysis is presented of photographs taken in Capilla del Monte, Argentina, which purportedly show UFO lights. The article, written by Jose Manuel Garcia Bautista, suggests that the lights captured in the photos are likely optical artifacts such as lens flares, reflections within the camera's optics, or incandescent filament points, rather than actual UFOs. The analysis considers camera settings, film type, and the physical properties of light refraction and reflection within camera lenses to explain the observed phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores controversial and often unverified claims within the UFO and paranormal fields. There is a clear interest in exposing alleged fraud and abuse, particularly in relation to spiritual figures like Sai Baba. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical investigation, questioning established narratives, and highlighting the challenges and internal conflicts within the paranormal research community. The magazine also serves as a platform for promoting new books and media projects related to these subjects.