Gazette des Mousquetaires - No 40 - La memoire de l'Ufologie francaise

Magazine Overview

Title: La Gazette de l'Ufo
Issue: Numéro 40
Date: Thursday, March 30, 2017
Editor/Key Figure: Guy Loterre (stepping down), Patrice Galacteros (taking over)

This issue of "La Gazette de l'Ufo" focuses on the transition in leadership at "Ovni Paris" following Guy Loterre's departure due to health reasons, and explores various facets of ufology, from personal historical accounts to theoretical discussions and controversial discoveries.

Guy Loterre's Departure and Ovni Paris

The issue opens with a reflection on Guy Loterre's departure from his role as President of "Ovni Paris." The author describes Loterre as a charismatic figure who was adept at engaging the collective unconscious and fostering discussion on UFO phenomena. Despite his physical difficulties, which he did not readily display, Loterre was instrumental in making "Ovni Paris" a vibrant platform for information and debate. His departure is attributed to a sudden health crisis, and he expresses gratitude to the speakers and participants who shared his journey. He announces that Patrice Galacteros will be taking over the direction of the association, promising a renewal with a new team and fresh energy, dispelling any notion of despair or the end of "Ovni Paris."

Personal Account: World War I and a Protective Statuette

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a narrative by Guy Coatanroc'h, recounting his experiences during World War I, specifically around Verdun in 1916. The author revisits the battlefields ten years later, reflecting on the brutal reality of war contrasted with idealized commemorations. He describes being wounded in a shell hole and encountering a young boy who scavenges for scrap metal. This encounter leads to a poignant exchange about a small statuette of Sainte Anne d'Auray, a 'good luck charm' given to the narrator by his mother before he went to the front. The statuette, referred to as "La Bibelote," is presented as a symbol of protection and a connection to his past and his mother's wishes. The story highlights themes of memory, resilience, and the enduring human need for comfort and hope in the face of extreme adversity. The young boy's own story of his father not returning from the war adds another layer of pathos, as he expresses a desire for similar protection.

Theoretical Explorations in Ufology

An in-depth study by Philippe Solal, titled "Dans l'imaginaire du Soi" (In the Imaginary of the Self), delves into theoretical aspects of ufology. Solal proposes that the OVNI phenomenon can be understood through various lenses, including chamanism, which he sees as a direct connection to human roots. He suggests that shamans are 'technicians' of consciousness, and that the OVNI phenomenon can be interpreted through a Judeo-Christian archetypal framework, drawing parallels between OVNI manifestations and Marian apparitions. Solal posits that the diverse entities and 'spacecraft' reported in OVNI encounters might be manifestations of a single, unique agent or collective consciousness, drawing inspiration from John Mack's work. He explores the dichotomy between matter and spirit, arguing that materialism and socio-psychologism are insufficient frameworks for understanding the OVNI phenomenon. Solal suggests that materializations in OVNI experiences could be forms of camouflage or disinformation designed to distract from the spiritual source. He also draws parallels with the film "Inception," where dreamscapes allow for the manifestation of subconscious projections, and discusses the concept of 'impossible geometric figures' as seen in the works of Escher, suggesting these might be representations of the mind's capacity to create within the 'imaginary of the Self.'

Controversial Discoveries: Peru and Antarctica

The magazine also addresses recent claims about alleged discoveries, including "strange relics from Peru" and a potential "passage to inner earth" in Antarctica.

Regarding the Peruvian relics, Georges Metz expresses skepticism, questioning the authenticity of alleged alien mummies and the fundraising efforts associated with their analysis. He raises the possibility of a large-scale scam. The article notes that an NGO, Inkari Cuzco, is seeking donations for DNA and C14 analyses of samples, including a metallic implant and cotton from a mummy, comparing it to Nasca period cotton.

The discussion on Antarctica features contributions from Sylvie Rulekovski, Georges Metz, and Daniel Hofnung. A video suggesting the discovery of ancient ruins of a civilization frozen under 3 km of ice, possibly linked to Atlantis, is presented. Patrice Galacteros critically analyzes this video, dismissing it as sensationalism and a "Hollywood blockbuster," arguing that the geological and physical conditions described are implausible. He suggests that such content might serve to ridicule the subject of ufology. Daniel Hofnung, while acknowledging the possibility of real mysteries in Antarctica, also cautions against pseudo-revelations that could discredit genuine research, drawing a parallel with how some OVNI research has been handled. Gilles Lorant notes an increase in internet articles about 'exotic bases' in Antarctica and expresses concern about potential encounters with 'powerful' entities, suggesting a possible preparation for future events.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "La Gazette de l'Ufo" maintains a critical yet open-minded approach to ufology. It values personal testimony and historical context, as seen in the World War I account, while also engaging with complex theoretical frameworks that attempt to explain the phenomenon beyond conventional scientific paradigms. The magazine demonstrates a willingness to explore controversial claims, such as those from Peru and Antarctica, but consistently encourages critical thinking and skepticism to discern truth from potential disinformation. The editorial stance appears to favor a holistic understanding of the OVNI phenomenon, integrating psychological, spiritual, and historical dimensions, and acknowledging the limitations of purely materialistic or simplistic explanations. The transition in leadership at "Ovni Paris" signals a commitment to continuing the exploration and discussion of these multifaceted topics.

Title: La Gazette de l'Ufo
Issue: n°40
Date: March 30, 2017
Publisher: La Gazette de l'Ufo
Country: France
Language: French

This issue of La Gazette de l'Ufo features a diverse range of topics, from the analysis of a controversial lunar photograph to discussions on immaterial entities and the history of French ufology.

Analysis of Howard Menger's Lunar Photograph

The issue begins with a discussion on confirmation bias, defining it as the tendency to favor information that confirms one's own ideas or hypotheses, selectively recalling and interpreting memories. This bias is observed in both believers and skeptics within ufology, highlighting the importance of confronting different perspectives for a holistic and neutral approach.

Georges Metz presents his work on a photograph of the Moon attributed to Howard Menger, a contactee from the 1950s. Metz has undertaken a detailed search using Google Earth and online images to identify the photographed area, aiming to confirm the photo's authenticity. He believes this evidence could rehabilitate Menger's controversial history. The photograph itself, dated August 1956, shows a section of the lunar surface with labels indicating directions and possible coordinates (30° 20' S - 44° 07' O). The image is described as showing a dark zone, possibly a cloud-like formation, and the border of an extraterrestrial craft's porthole.

Michel Turco expresses skepticism, stating he finds no concordance between the Menger photo and other available images. Georges Metz, however, insists that concordances exist but are not immediately obvious due to the photo's poor quality, inverted lighting on craters, and potential distortions from different angles. He describes his meticulous work involving descriptive geometry to find key points and align images, comparing it to a legal investigation requiring evidence for and against. He notes that the issue of 'clouds' on the Moon, mentioned by some astronomers, is beyond his current scope.

Mickael Josset Cardon, an astrophysicist and radioastronomy researcher affiliated with SETI and OVNI Investigations, offers his scientific expertise. He confirms that the photos were likely taken from the ground, not from orbit, and plans to search LRO archives and his database of 200,000 lunar photos for comparative analysis. He also intends to observe the area during the next full moon and investigate NASA's Apollo mission archives.

VI - Do Immaterial Entities Exist?

Gilles Lorant introduces the idea that the 21st century will be dedicated to the research of the 'immaterial,' citing information from Serje Perronet. He notes the historical context of spiritualism in the early 20th century and observes that even individuals trained in hard sciences are now cautiously exploring these concepts.

The article then provides a detailed profile of Philippe Guillemant, a French physicist with degrees from prestigious institutions and extensive research experience at CNRS. Guillemant's work spans artificial intelligence, chaos theory, information processing, and more recently, fundamental research in information physics. He is the author of the theory of double causality, a model of reality creation based on free will, presented in his book 'La Route du Temps.' This theory aims to provide a rational explanation for synchronicity, bridging science and spirituality.

Gérard Deforge agrees with this research direction, predicting significant future discoveries stemming from this focus on the immaterial.

Charles Provost shares a positive experience of spending time with Philippe Guillemant in Laon, describing it as a spiritual encounter.

Gilles Lorant also mentions ongoing exchanges with Frank Boitte, whom he describes as a rationalist but open-minded when presented with arguments and sincerity. Lorant suggests that Boitte's analytical approach, while lacking personal experience, might be hindering his own spiritual potential, potentially stemming from a fear of experiencing the immaterial himself.

VII - New Publication

Christel Seval announces a new publication titled "Un Homme Debout" by clairvoyant Franck Lopvet, published by Editions Interkeltia. The book is described as representing a new spirituality for the 21st century, overturning old paradigms with a lighter, more efficient vision of humanity's place in its incarnation. Lopvet's work is based on his clairvoyant perceptions and reasoning, aiming to provide a total renewal of spiritual practice and a return to the human essence, moving beyond the 'new-age' movement.

VIII - The Memory of French Ufology, Francine Fouéré

Gilles Lorant shares an interview with Francine Fouéré, a prominent figure in French ufology, conducted by Gilles Thomas via Guy Loterre. This interview is part of the ODH Tv project, which aims to archive the memories of French ufology through videos and podcasts to preserve the work of pioneers for future generations.

Francine Fouéré, described as the doyenne of ufology in France and a member of GEPA, discusses her career, her involvement with GEPA, and her opinions on ufology. She emphasizes that only official research can advance the study of UFO phenomena, stressing the need for complementarity between official astronomers and amateurs, similar to the field of astronomy.

Fouéré recalls France's leading role in ufology research with the creation of GEPAN in 1977 under CNES, which published technical documents. However, GEPAN was later dissolved for political and budgetary reasons, succeeded by SEPRA in 1988.

In response to questions about current research orientations and France's position, Fouéré reiterates the need for official research and collaboration. She highlights the importance of witnesses and the analysis of physical traces, which provide evidence independent of the witness's testimony.

When asked for advice to witnesses and those who interview them, Fouéré stresses the importance of staying calm, being prudent, and meticulously recording details. She advocates for a listening approach, building trust, and allowing witnesses to express themselves without interruption or leading questions, emphasizing respect for the person. She expresses opposition to hypnosis and psychiatric interventions in witness testimony. Fouéré notes that the presence of ground traces is particularly valuable as it allows for objective analysis.

She states that she and her late husband, René Fouéré, who was an engineer, never experienced pressure or manipulation in their research and always expressed themselves freely. However, she laments that this was not the case for all researchers, mentioning Patrick Aimedieu, a CNRS researcher who suffered professionally due to his curiosity about flying saucers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a critical yet open-minded approach to ufology, encouraging the cross-examination of evidence and diverse perspectives. There is a clear interest in scientific rigor, as seen in the analysis of the Menger photo and the discussion on immaterial entities. The publication also values historical preservation, as demonstrated by the ODH Tv project archiving French ufology pioneers. The editorial stance appears to favor evidence-based research, while acknowledging the potential for phenomena that challenge current scientific paradigms, such as immaterial entities and the broader implications of consciousness and spirituality in understanding reality. The importance of witness testimony and careful investigation is also a recurring theme.