Le Grand Contact - No 4 - 1982

Magazine Overview

'Le Grand Contact' is a French magazine focused on ufology, parapsychology, and alternative perspectives on science and society. This issue, dated Autumn 1981, presents a new format and a reduced price of 10F, aiming for wider diffusion of information. The editorial emphasizes the magazine's commitment to providing diverse viewpoints and objective explanations.

Editorial: Why the New Version of Le Grand Contact?

The editorial explains the changes in format and pricing, stating that the objectives of information and broad diffusion remain the same. The new format allows for more content at a lower price. The magazine acknowledges reader requests for recycled paper but explains its impossibility due to higher costs. It also mentions a failed attempt to acquire a paper recycling machine. The editorial thanks 'EDITIONS LA MARGE' for their support and announces a new team taking over with issue number 4, highlighting the fragility of volunteer work.

Key principles guiding the magazine are outlined: respecting engagements by keeping columns open to all, encouraging diverse articles, and explaining phenomena objectively. The editorial refutes accusations of being 'anti-this or anti-that,' asserting an openness to dialogue, which is presented as rare in the current era. The core belief is that information flows through exchange and dialogue, not through the concealment of uncomfortable truths.

Nuclear Energy: Risks and Criticisms

Several articles critically examine the French nuclear energy program. One section, 'LE SAVIEZ-VOUS?', highlights alarming facts:

• Plutonium Toxicity: Inhaling less than a thousandth of a gram of plutonium is lethal. The article projects that by 1985, France's reprocessing program will release 150 kg of plutonium annually into the atmosphere, enough to kill 150 million people. It quotes biologist Jean Rostand on the mutagenic effects of radiation.
• Nuclear Bomb Proliferation: It is stated that only 5.6 kg of plutonium is needed to make an atomic bomb, and anyone can fabricate one if they obtain the material. The article draws a dangerous link between peaceful and military nuclear programs, noting that 4 tons of plutonium were stolen in the US.
• Reactor Safety: The safety of PWR reactors is questioned, citing the risk of core meltdown and radioactive release. The article mentions that out of six small-scale ECCS (Emergency Core Cooling System) tests in the US, six failed. A secret 1973 AEC report is cited, stating that serious safety problems concerning industrial nuclear power plants remain unresolved.
• Nuclear Waste: A 'Le Monde' article from April 27, 1975, is quoted, stating that nuclear power is becoming commercial without the waste disposal problem being solved. Some radioactive materials can remain hazardous for over 100,000 years.
• Risk Assessment Methods: The article criticizes the risk assessment methods used by EDF, comparing them to NASA methods that were abandoned due to inaccuracy. It suggests that these methods underestimate the probability of accidents, citing examples from NASA's own program.
• Energy Balance: The 'BILAN ENERGETIQUE' section argues that the French nuclear program will consume more energy (for construction, uranium enrichment, waste reprocessing) than it will produce until 1990. This analysis is attributed to the CFDT of the CEA and acknowledged by EDF's Director General.
• Super-Generators: The article discusses the need for new reactor types to address uranium depletion. It warns that super-generators, while potentially multiplying uranium reserves by 50, carry risks multiplied by a hundred or a thousand. Lew Kowarsky is quoted opposing their construction due to danger. Concerns are raised about the design of the Super-Phénix reactor's vessel and its sodium coolant, which is flammable in air and explosive with water. The article notes that three out of seven super-generators worldwide have had serious accidents.
• Plutonium Detection: The article notes that plutonium is now detectable in seawater near the La Hague reprocessing plant, whereas previously it was only traceable. A statistic is presented showing a significantly higher rate of spina bifida in the La Hague area compared to the national average, and 8 cases of leukemia were classified as occupational diseases at the plant.
• Industry Criticism: Monsieur Mac Cormack, Vice-President of General Electric, is quoted calling the nuclear industry "the most complex, the most expensive, and the least profitable of all industries. Frankly, we are A SICK INDUSTRY."

UFO Sightings and Encounters

This issue features several reports of UFO sightings:

• Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer: Raymond Poppel, president of the local tourist office, reported seeing a UFO in his garden. He described it as a yellow, deflated-looking balloon-sonde with a shiny cube underneath. The object moved vertically at high speed and disappeared into the clouds. The incident was followed by a local power outage, which EDF could not explain.
• Île aux Moines and Île d'Arz: Residents reported unusual lights in the night sky, identified as unidentified flying objects.
• Plan-d'Aups: An electrician reported seeing a stationary object above trees, described as a cylinder about 1.50 meters in diameter and 30 meters high, with orange and white light. The object vanished.
• Massif de la Sainte-Baume: Witnesses observed a strange luminous beam moving slowly and intermittently. The explanation offered by gendarmes suggests it might be reflections from military equipment, but the observers remain uncertain.

Parapsychology and Spiritual Development

• Messages and Messengers: An article by 'Aster' discusses the phenomenon of 'contactees' who receive messages from non-terrestrial entities. It notes that many contactees are sincere but their interpretations are filtered through their personal cultural, religious, and philosophical backgrounds, leading to apparent contradictions in their accounts. The author suggests that this filtering process is common, even in interpreting religious messages like those of Christ.
• Harmonious Development of Man: This section introduces a book titled 'Le Développement Harmonique de l'Homme' (Harmonious Development of Man). It is described not as a mere book but as an 'action of example' that emphasizes self-control, understanding universal laws, fraternal relationships, and non-violent social action. The book aims to guide individuals towards a higher state of consciousness and universal love, serving as a path to avoid societal collapse and achieve personal evolution.

Historical Note: Gallipoli

A section titled "GALLIPOLI: 'ENLEVEMENT' OU PIEUX MENSONGE?" (Gallipoli: 'Abduction' or Pious Lie?) revisits the 1915 Franco-British expedition. It recounts the military objectives and the difficulties faced. The article highlights a specific incident concerning the 5th Norfolk Regiment, allegedly 'disappeared' or annihilated on August 21, 1915, during an attack near 'cote 60'. The Turkish forces denied taking any prisoners on that date, and the account includes a testimony from a New Zealand sapper describing unusual, stationary clouds over the area during the event.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes critical thinking, particularly regarding established institutions like the nuclear industry. It champions alternative perspectives, including UFO phenomena and spiritual development. The editorial stance is one of openness to dialogue, a rejection of dogma, and a belief in the power of information and individual consciousness to drive positive change. There's a strong emphasis on self-awareness, personal responsibility, and the pursuit of universal love and harmony as antidotes to societal problems and potential cataclysms.

This issue of "La Revue des Soucoupes Volantes" (The Review of Flying Saucers), dated December 1981, delves into two primary themes: the severe risks associated with nuclear energy and the phenomenon of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs).

Nuclear Accidents: Consequences and Uncertainties

The magazine opens with a stark warning about the potential dangers of nuclear power plants, quoting A. Giraud, former Minister of Industry, who emphasizes the need for public knowledge regarding these risks. The article "ACCIDENT GRAVE DANS UNE CENTRALE NUCLEAIRE : LES CONSEQUENCES" explores the devastating possibilities, including mass deaths, forced exoduses, and national ruin.

It details the near-disaster at Three Mile Island on March 28, 1979. The article explains how a crucial valve closure, advised by a phone call to the plant's construction manager, prevented the reactor's core from melting down. This operation stopped a significant leak in the cooling circuit, which the plant personnel had not realized was occurring. The text emphasizes how close the situation was to a catastrophe, with experts suggesting that only a half-hour to an hour's delay could have led to the core melting, breaching the containment vessel, and potentially releasing a massive radioactive cloud.

The article then discusses the uncertainties surrounding the consequences of such accidents. It references studies, including one commissioned by the OECD, and highlights that while the quantity of radioactive products accumulating in a reactor is enormous (equivalent to several Hiroshima bombs in long-lived radioactive products), the exact proportion released, the atmospheric conditions (wind direction and speed, atmospheric stability), and the resulting dose received by individuals are difficult to predict precisely.

Concerns are raised about the impartiality of organizations like the International Commission on Radiological Protection (CIPR), suggesting that their estimations might be influenced by pro-nuclear biases, potentially underestimating the risks. The article contrasts optimistic and pessimistic estimations of radiation doses and their effects, citing a German study (R.F.A.) as more pessimistic and therefore prudent.

Long-term consequences are also examined, noting the irreversibility of contamination. The example of Windscale in 1957 is used to illustrate how even small releases can contaminate vast areas, rendering land unusable for decades. The potential impact on regions like the Rhône valley in France is discussed, with the possibility of cities like Avignon and Marseille becoming uninhabitable.

Retreatment Plants

Beyond reactor accidents, the magazine points out that accidents at fuel reprocessing or storage facilities could be even more severe. An incident at La Hague, for example, could contaminate large areas of the USSR.

Conclusion on Risks

The article concludes that the risks of severe accidents in nuclear reactors or reprocessing plants are not improbable. It mentions an unexplained nuclear accident in the Soviet Union in the late 1950s that led to a vast exclusion zone. Furthermore, it notes that even in 'normal' operation, nuclear plants release radioactive substances into the environment, and recent studies have highlighted the dangers of these low-dose radiations. Uranium mines are also identified as sources of radioactive contamination.

Special attention is given to fast breeder reactors, which, due to their large quantities of liquid sodium, pose a risk of nuclear or conventional explosions. The article also raises the chilling prospect of France's 200 reactors becoming targets in wartime, effectively turning them into weapons against the nation.

UFOs and Media Portrayal

The second major theme revolves around UFOs, particularly in the context of a television program "Dossiers de l'Ecran" that featured a debate on the topic.

"La Guerre des Mondes" and Media Bias

The program included a screening of "The War of the Worlds," which the magazine criticizes for perpetuating the trope of hostile extraterrestrials invading Earth. The article "UN FILM POUR FAIRE PEUR... UN DEBAT POUR FAIRE RIRE" laments that television consistently presents aliens as invaders, using the theme of war (e.g., "The War of the Worlds," "The War of the Stars").

The GEPAN Debate

The subsequent debate, featuring representatives from GEPAN (Groupe d'Etude des Phénomènes Aériens non identifiés), is described as largely unproductive. The participants are depicted as reiterating common, uninspired arguments about the unlikelihood of extraterrestrial life, focusing on the lack of water or extreme temperatures on other planets. The magazine quotes Monsieur Pradel expressing a sense of strangeness and a psychologist suggesting that humans tend to project their own nature onto the unknown. The GEPAN Director, Monsieur Esterlé, is quoted as saying their reports are "nothing serious."

The article criticizes the debate for its lack of substance, concluding that it achieved nothing more than generating wind and words without offering any real insights.

UFO Sighting in Brignoles

A separate report, "L'O.V.N.I. de Brignoles observé par de nombreux Varois," details a UFO sighting on Tuesday evening in Brignoles, France. A resident reported seeing a bright white, disk-shaped object moving at low altitude before disappearing vertically. Following this report, the local "Var Matin" agency was inundated with calls from over a hundred witnesses across the Var department, describing similar phenomena.

Witnesses from various towns, including Hyères, Toulon, and Saint-Tropez, reported seeing a luminous object resembling a football or a bright, round ball moving in the sky. The object was observed moving generally towards the South-East. The report notes that many people, including a football team during training, were struck by the unusual sight, questioning whether it was a satellite or a meteorite.

Call to Action and Spiritualism

The magazine concludes with sections offering ways to resist nuclear development and an interview touching on spiritual themes.

Taking Action Against Nuclear Power

Under the heading "DES POSSIBILITES D'ACTION," the magazine encourages readers to take action against nuclear power. It suggests:

1. Informing oneself: Obtaining information from sources like a conference by Commandant Cousteau, a tract on Three Mile Island, and an article on alternative energies.
2. Informing others: Spreading information to counter pro-nuclear propaganda.
3. Manifesting refusal: Simple acts like paying electricity bills in three installments are proposed as a way to disrupt EDF's accounting and demonstrate opposition.
4. Supporting local resistance: Purchasing shares in the "Groupement Foncier Agricole" (G.F.A.) of Plogoff to help local residents acquire land intended for a nuclear power plant.

Blanche Scounopoulos Interview

An interview with Blanche Scounopoulos, an 81-year-old woman from Régusse, touches upon spiritual and extraterrestrial themes. She expresses her belief in the existence of highly evolved beings from other planets who could prevent humanity from destroying itself. Scounopoulos discusses her book, "Au seuil de l'Au-delà" (On the Threshold of the Beyond), which she claims was dictated to her telepathically. She views death as a transition leading to reincarnation and ultimately to God. She also expresses caution regarding spiritism, deeming it dangerous due to the potential influence of negative entities. Scounopoulos advocates for meditation as a means to connect with one's inner Christ and supports the environmental movement, viewing a healthy lifestyle as fundamental to regeneration and well-being.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently adopts a critical stance towards nuclear energy, highlighting its inherent dangers and the potential for catastrophic accidents. It expresses skepticism about the impartiality of official bodies involved in nuclear safety and regulation. Regarding UFOs, the magazine critiques the media's tendency to frame extraterrestrial encounters as threats or invasions, advocating for a more open-minded exploration of the phenomenon. The overall editorial stance appears to be one of caution, critical inquiry, and a call for public awareness and action against perceived threats, whether from nuclear power or from a biased media narrative.

This issue of 'Phylos' is a French-language publication that delves into a range of complex and often interconnected topics, including the global arms race, nuclear proliferation, the potential for geophysical and ecological warfare, and the persistent phenomenon of UFOs and extraterrestrial encounters. Alongside these serious discussions, the magazine also features poetry, spiritual reflections, and personal testimonies, offering a multifaceted perspective on the human condition and the mysteries of existence.

The Arms Race and Nuclear Proliferation

The lead article, "LA COURSE AUX ARMEMENTS. CONSEQUENCES POLITIQUES, ECONOMIQUES ET SOCIALES," draws from a report by the Conseil Européen des Comités Nationaux de Jeunesse. It highlights the staggering financial cost of the arms race, estimating it at 300 million US dollars annually, which burdens global economies, contributes to inflation, and diverts resources from essential services like health and education. The article contrasts military spending with public spending on education, noting that developing nations spend as much on military as on health and education combined. The scale of armament is illustrated by comparing annual military spending to the Gross National Products of Latin America and Africa, and to fifteen times the value of foreign aid to poor nations. A significant portion of this spending is dedicated to military research and development, consuming one-third of global R&D investments. The focus then shifts to nuclear weapons, tracing their history from the Alamogordo test and the Hiroshima bombing to the present day, where modern nuclear warheads possess immense destructive power. The article identifies two key aspects of the arms race: the qualitative improvement of weapons and the quantitative spread of nuclear capabilities to more states, leading to nuclear proliferation. It lists several countries, including South Africa, Pakistan, India, Egypt, Israel, and Brazil, as virtually possessing nuclear power. The potential for geophysical and ecological warfare, possibly used in the Vietnam War, is also raised, citing effects on climate, ocean currents, earth tremors, and atmospheric changes.

International Arms Trade

Another section examines the conventional arms race, detailing automated, technological, and precision warfare. It notes that the Middle East conflicts have served as testing grounds for Soviet and US weaponry. The international arms trade has seen a constant increase since World War II, particularly after the 1973 Middle East war. Major exporters include Great Britain, France, China, Czechoslovakia, West Germany, Italy, and Japan, in addition to the US and USSR. Key importers are found in the Middle East (Iran, Egypt, Syria, Israel), as well as India, Vietnam, South Africa, and Iraq. The article cites SIPRI data from 1950-78, showing the Middle East as the largest recipient of arms imports (43%), followed by the Far East (16%). The global sales of conventional arms have reached an impressive 20 billion dollars annually, with about 75% going to developing countries, and sales increasing by over 25% annually since 1974. The author expresses a sense of weariness with these statistics, finding solace only in the hope for a message of love and peace.

Spiritual and Philosophical Reflections

'Phylos' also features a section on spiritual and philosophical themes. "LA VIE DES MAITRES" by Baird T. Spalding recounts a spiritual journey through Nepal, Tibet, and the Himalayas. "J'AI VECU SUR DEUX PLANETES" by Phylos, a work predating WWII, explores esoteric literature and anticipates future communication between Earth and a more advanced civilization. Erich Fromm's "AVOIR ou ETRE" discusses humanity's choice between the drive for possession and the mode of being, emphasizing love, spiritual fulfillment, and sharing as essential for survival and avoiding ecological and psychological disaster. The magazine includes poetry by monique beldent, Geneviève, and Odette Mariotti, which often reflects on themes of peace, nature, love, and rejection of violence and war. A significant piece, "L'AMOUR-ENERGIE DE TEILHARD DE CHARDIN," explores the concept of love as a fundamental cosmic energy, present in all life, and its potential to unite humanity. It argues that true universal love, as exemplified by the profound connection between two lovers, is the key to overcoming societal divisions and achieving a higher state of being, culminating in the concept of 'Oméga' as a unifying center.

UFOs and Extraterrestrial Encounters

A substantial portion of the magazine is dedicated to UFO phenomena. "Les ovni dans le passé" provides a historical overview, starting with the 'Invasion of Washington' in 1952, where multiple unidentified lights were observed over the capital, baffling military pilots. It also recounts earlier sightings from 1748, 1820, 1833, 1741, 1254, and 1290, noting that early documentation often came from monasteries. A detailed account from Mexico describes a Mayan tomb depicting what appears to be an astronaut in a spacecraft. The article "OVNI ET EXTRA-TERRESTRES DERRIERE LE RIDEAU DE FER" by Jean-Louis DEGAUDENZI presents a unique look at Soviet UFO research, referred to as NLO (Non-Identified Flying Objects). It claims that the Soviet military has collected thousands of sightings and detailed encounter reports, with a serious interest in the subject that surpasses that in France and the US. The article mentions the discovery of a seemingly atomic pile and a radio-active metal object near Irkutsk, and includes an interview with Soviet Professor Kazantsev, detailing military observations, naval sightings, and the recovery of extraterrestrial artifacts, including a strange cadaver. It also touches upon cosmonaut training in telepathy for potential extraterrestrial encounters and lists official Soviet ufology groups.

Testimonies and Reader Contributions

The issue includes a section for "TEMOIGNAGES" (Testimonies). One witness recounts a collective sighting of five spacecraft-like objects in the sky near Rennes, describing them as moving in formation and performing maneuvers. Another testimony describes a luminous, moon-sized sphere observed over Toulon, which moved at high speed and appeared to have a light fog around it, with visible windows and a ramp. A couple from La Seyne/Mer reports observing a large, elongated, silver-colored object hovering near the moon, which remained stationary for several minutes before moving rapidly and vertically. The magazine also features a "Courier des lecteurs" (Readers' Mail) section with a response, and a comic strip titled "LE ZÉPAN ET LEVESSO" that appears to be science fiction-themed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of 'Phylos' are the pervasive threat of war and the arms race, the potential for global catastrophe through nuclear weapons and unconventional warfare, and the enduring mystery of UFOs and potential extraterrestrial contact. Intertwined with these concerns are themes of spirituality, love, and the search for deeper meaning in life, often expressed through poetry and philosophical essays. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry into global affairs, a fascination with the unexplained, and a hopeful, albeit sometimes melancholic, outlook on humanity's spiritual and existential journey. There is a clear call to action against nuclear threats and a promotion of peace and love as fundamental values.

This issue of "OVNIS ET ASTRONOMES" (UFOs and Astronomers), published in July-August 1981, features a cover article by Ph. Schneyder titled "OVNIS ET ASTRONOMES (OU A PROPOS DES OVNIS DU PASSE)" (UFOs and Astronomers (Or About UFOs of the Past)). The magazine explores historical UFO sightings, the role of astronomy in observing these phenomena, and touches upon related topics like parapsychology and cultural beliefs.

Article: OVNIS ET ASTRONOMES (OU A PROPOS DES OVNIS DU PASSE)

Ph. Schneyder's article begins by recounting an anecdote from a popular astronomy conference where a young scientist claimed not to believe in flying saucers because no astronomer had ever observed or photographed one. This prompted the author to investigate historical records of astronomical observations of UFOs. Schneyder presents a partial list of notable cases:

• 1677 (May): Edmund Halley observed a UFO over southern England.
• 1686 (July 9): Godfried Kirch observed an unusual object in Leipzig, Germany.
• 1762 (August): Swiss astronomers Sole and Rostan observed an oblong object moving above the solar disk.
• 1777: The illustrious Messier observed luminous or dark-colored objects.
• 1820: Arago made observations of unexplained phenomena.
• 1883 (August 2): J. Bonilla, an astronomer at the Zacateras observatory in Mexico, counted up to 143 "fusiform" objects in procession before the solar disk and managed to photograph them, potentially representing the first UFO photographs ever taken.
• 1889: Fayton and Codde in Marseille observed an unknown luminous object, described as a "round vessel," evolving near the sun.
• 1954 (June 11): Aboard an airplane flying from Charleston to Atlanta at an altitude of 2,700 meters, British astronomer Wilkins observed three oval objects with sharp, bright edges.

The article also references the famous "foo-fighters" or "flying phantoms" observed during World War II. It notes that during the 1939-1945 conflict, both the British and Germans established investigative bodies. The British created an inquiry organization under General Massey, while the Germans had a military unit called "SONDEBURO" (number 13) tasked with investigating secret weapons, which also looked into UFO sightings.

An incident from September 29, 1944, is described where a Nazi test pilot in a new ME 262 jet encountered an unknown "fusiform and cylindrical object" over 100 meters long, with openings on the side and long antennas, moving at over 2,000 kilometers per hour. The author suggests that such encounters were likely more numerous but censored due to wartime conditions.

Article: UN VAISSEAU SPATIAL NOMMÉ LUNE

This section, attributed to Otto Binder (a former NASA employee), discusses alleged UFO observations during space missions. Binder claims that a significant portion of the conversations between Mission Control and Apollo XI was erased. He suggests this might be related to UFO sightings on or around the Moon. Binder recounts that after astronaut Cooper's observation during the Mercury Faith VII flight, NASA warned its astronauts about reporting unknown objects.

Binder relates, without providing proof, an alleged observation by Apollo XI astronauts Aldrin and Armstrong on the Moon. He cites reports from individuals with high-frequency receivers who claim that parts of the Earth-Moon dialogue were quickly cut off by the NASA control team. The article includes a purported transcript:

CONTROL CENTER: What is it?... A breakdown (jamming)... Control Center calling Apollo XI...

APOLLO XI: These things are enormous, my dear... enormous... Oh, my God! It's incredible! (What was Apollo XI referring to?) I'm telling you, there are other cosmic vessels here... they are aligned on the other side of the crater... they are on the Moon and they are watching us...

Binder concludes that there was no official confirmation of this report. He states that while the authenticity cannot be guaranteed, if true, the astronauts' fear and confusion likely led Mission Control to order them to "forget" what they had seen and continue as if nothing had happened, especially given the global audience of approximately six hundred million spectators watching the Moon landing.

This section is extracted from the book "Un Vaisseau spatial nommé Lune" by Don Wilson, published by Albin Michel.

Article: LHOMME QUI A VU UNE AME HUMAINE

This article introduces Credo Vusa Mazulu Mutwa, a Zulu from South Africa, who was raised by his sorcerer-healer grandfather after his father abandoned the family for refusing to convert to Catholicism. Mutwa renounced Catholicism and studied medicine. His fiancée was killed in a confrontation between a crowd and police in 1960, after which he vowed to dedicate his life to revealing the truth about the Bantu people. He has written a book titled "Ecrits d'un Sorcier-guérisseur zoulou" (Writings of a Zulu Sorcerer-Healer).

The article explores the question of whether the soul ('Ame') has a physical appearance, according to Christian beliefs and Mutwa's Bantu traditions. In Bantu beliefs, all souls are identical and humans are merely one of their multiple forms or a stage in reincarnation. Mutwa recounts a personal experience where a sorceress took his hand and showed him an "image" of a human soul. He describes seeing a barren, desert-like plain with granite mountains and a rain of transparent ice spheres with wings, resembling dragonflies. Inside these spheres were two types of beings: red (representing evil) and blue (representing good). The sorceress explained that a soul must have a balance between these two principles to avoid "dying." She also stated that excessively good people do not live very long.

The article then discusses the Bantu concept of 'Ena,' which is akin to the ego or 'moi.' The 'Ena' is built from memories and thoughts and would appear as a transparent, dust-like entity without flesh or blood. The article suggests that what is often perceived as a "ghost" is not the soul of the deceased but their 'Ena.' The 'Ena' is not immortal and needs nourishment to survive, requiring regular sacrifices of cattle and goats to feed the 'Enas' of ancestors. If not properly nourished, the 'Enas' of the deceased can be consumed by the 'Enas' of their ancestors. The article notes that Bantu people do not worship their ancestors but rather are "adored" by them, and that the 'Enas' of the deceased are sustained by the homage and thoughts of their descendants.

It is necessary for 'Enas' to remain alive so they can be consulted on problems and pray to the gods on behalf of their descendants. The article states that Bantu people must have at least three wives and as many children as possible to ensure the continuation of the race and the nourishment of ancestral 'Enas.' A man who fails to honor his ancestors' 'Enas' may face misfortunes, social ostracism, and the abandonment of his family. The 'Ena' is said to navigate the waters of Time, and both 'Ena' and 'Ame' acquire experiences before the body, which is seen as an explanation for premonition.

Section: LA ROSE

This is a personal narrative by Simone Lejeune about a rose bush. She describes how she convinced a gardener to give a struggling rose bush another chance. Despite initial skepticism, she nurtured it, speaking to it and believing in its potential. The rose bush eventually bloomed, producing a single, unique rose. Lejeune reflects on the profound connection she felt with the rose, viewing it as a friend and an embodiment of love. The rose eventually shed its petals, which Lejeune collected, symbolizing a transfer of essence and a deep, spiritual bond. She concludes by reflecting on the nature of love as total self-offering, inspired by the rose's example.

Section: LES JUMEAUX POSSEDENT-ILS DES POUVOIRS PSY?

This article explores the topic of parapsychology and its interest in twins, particularly regarding telepathic abilities. It presents two cases of simultaneous death in twins:

• Eller Twins (April 1962): Identical twins, aged 32, died simultaneously in separate rooms of a psychiatric hospital in Morganton, North Carolina, where they were being treated for schizophrenia. They had requested to be in the same room but were placed separately. Their bodies were found in the same fetal position, and autopsies revealed no cause of death.
• Finnish Twins (November 1970): Two 23-year-old Finnish twins died simultaneously within minutes of each other, with no known reason.

The article discusses the difficulty in explaining such phenomena through conventional medicine and turns to parapsychology. It mentions studies comparing the psychic abilities of identical (monozygotic) and fraternal (dizygotic) twins. While some research suggests that identical twins might have a stronger telepathic link, the evidence is not conclusive enough to establish a definitive superiority in their psychic faculties or ability to coordinate activities.

The author notes that while the exceptional frequency of extra-sensory perception (ESP) in twins is not definitively proven, the simultaneous deaths of the Eller twins remain a mystery. It is speculated that the strong bond between twins might contribute to such events, although similar connections can exist between mothers and children or other couples.

Section: EN EFFEUILLANT LES JOURNAUX

This section compiles various brief reports of alleged UFO sightings from Italian newspapers between January and August 1979:

• January-August 1979: General mention of Italian newspaper reports.
• February (early days), Tenca: Ludovica Conte observed a yellow-orange object stationary 20 meters above the ground.
• February (early days), Cavazzale (VI): A high school class and their math teacher reported an object that crossed the sky with rapid speed, producing a strange spark. A photo was presented as evidence, but the C.U.N. investigation concluded it was a hoax.
• February 17, Viccusa: Antonio Giraldi experienced radio interference and observed a metallic, disc-shaped object with a faint light at its base, parked in a field. The object then ascended, hovered, and disappeared rapidly.
• Late February, Cornigliano (Ge): Three workers saw a reddish light moving in a zig-zag pattern across the sky.
• March 3, 18:00, Novara: Numerous people observed a small light near the rising moon, which some described as moving erratically while others saw it as stationary.
• March 31, 4:30 AM, Vignola (Mo): Two boys observed a dazzling red and yellow light that remained visible for 2-3 minutes before disappearing behind a hill after a spiral trajectory.
• April 15 (daytime), Este (PD): Antonio Vaccaro and his family photographed an object that appeared dark with a trail when developed.
• May 3, 7:45-8:11 AM, St. Pietro Vara (SP): Several people observed a strong light on the slopes of Mount Gottero, lasting until 11:30 AM.
• May 5, ~2:00 AM, Brescia: Terio Badoer and his brother Adriano observed a "light-filled" object that followed their car, moving left and right, approaching and receding, during a heavy rainstorm.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs, with scientific inquiry (astronomy) and broader cultural and psychological perspectives (parapsychology, folklore, and belief systems). The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, presenting historical accounts and alleged modern sightings without outright dismissal, while also acknowledging the need for critical analysis and evidence. The inclusion of diverse topics like the Bantou concept of the soul and personal reflections on nature (the rose) suggests a holistic approach to understanding mysteries and human experience. There's a clear interest in challenging conventional skepticism, as seen in the opening anecdote, and in documenting phenomena that fall outside mainstream scientific explanation. The publication seems to advocate for a more inclusive and curious approach to the unknown.

This issue of CERGY.PONTOISE, dated May to August 1970, is a French-language publication from Editions La Marge. It features a mix of UFO reports, philosophical reflections on love and spirituality, comic strips, and a book sales section.

UFO Sightings

The magazine presents a series of UFO and unexplained aerial phenomena reports from various Italian locations and one from England:

• May 30, 1970, Milano: Several people observed a mysterious light in the night sky.
• Early June 1970, Vinchio (AT): Residents reported observing mysterious lights from the North that moved towards San Marzano hill and returned to their starting point each evening.
• June 3, 1970, Bolzano: Twelve individuals in three cars observed a luminous object stationary for several seconds above an industrial zone, emitting a red light.
• June 10, 1970, Vicenza: A patrol of carabinieri observed a cylindrical object, immobile, above the airport. A helicopter was dispatched and confirmed the object was a plastic envelope filled with oil and air.
• June 23, 1970, Val di Vara (La Spezia): Claudio and Aldo Rossi, while fishing, witnessed a bolide of significant dimension pass behind a hill, producing smoke. Twenty minutes later, another bolide appeared, and a fire developed in the area shortly after.
• June 30, 1970, Siracusa (Aranella): Ignazio Carbonaro and his son observed a cigar-shaped object, metallic in appearance, reflecting sunlight for three-quarters of an hour. The object hovered at a relatively low altitude before moving towards the sea, rotating around a central axis.
• July 6, 1970, Milano (Vialeanza Zone): An orange luminous globe with a trail was observed crossing the sky with great rapidity.
• August 7, 1970, Chieti: A luminous object above Chieti was observed sending out "sparks" for 30 minutes. This phenomenon was witnessed by a patrol from the Mobile Escadrille.
• August 28, 1970, Rimini (Forli): A small, smoking meteorite, described as a "meteorite fumant," was found on the beach and began to burn. It was covered in sand. Officials from the Aviation Police confirmed the phenomenon of violent combustion. No information on laboratory analysis was available.

Additionally, the magazine includes a section titled "le coin des photos d'antan" (the corner of old photos) featuring several UFO photographs:

• A UFO photographed by Stephen Darbishire, age 13, in Corniston (England) on February 15, 1954.
• A UFO photographed above Korea in 1952 by the U.S. Marine Air Group.
• A still from an 8mm color film taken by Mrs. Rodeffer on February 26, 1965, in the presence of G. Adamski.
• A photo taken with a Polaroid camera by Sheriff W.A. Ackermann at the Giant Rock (USA) Sixth Annual Spacecraft Convention.
• A UFO photographed by M. Guy B. Marquand in Riverside (California, USA) on November 23, 1951.

Reflections on Love and Spirituality

The issue features a lengthy article titled "DE L'AMOUR" (On Love) by Aster, which delves into the nature of love. The author distinguishes between different types of love, emphasizing a spiritual, unconditional love as a gift to the Absolute, cosmic consciousness, and fellow beings. The article critiques the modern understanding of love, often conflated with mere sexual impulse or possessiveness. It discusses the role of marriage and family structures in the current civilization, acknowledging that in more advanced civilizations, these might be obsolete. The author stresses that true love requires conscious effort, sacrifice, and mutual respect, and that it is possible to command one's emotions and strive for universal love by practicing it even towards those who are disagreeable.

A poem by Patrick, titled "Tu me regardes mais, ce n'est pas moi que tu vois," explores themes of shared identity, consciousness, and universal brotherhood.

The "FRATERNITE DU VERSEAU" (Brotherhood of Aquarius) section includes a message about the importance of clear thinking and a return to true values to avoid "total downfall."

Comics

Two comic strips are featured:

• CERGY.PONTOISE: This comic strip, which also serves as the magazine's title, depicts a green alien on a moped visiting Cergy. The dialogue suggests a humorous take on the alien's presence and the reactions of locals.
• Mandalaband: This section presents a narrative poem illustrated with intricate drawings, telling a romantic story of a knight, his lady, and a mystical journey, ending with a spiritual ascent.

Other Content

• "Le coin des photos d'antan": As mentioned, this section showcases historical UFO photographs.
• Book Sales Section: A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to advertising and selling books, primarily related to UFO phenomena and spirituality. Titles include works by George Adamksi, Jean-Pierre Prévost, Alain Billy, Gabriel, Bernard Sasso, and Roger Luc Mary. Order details and prices are provided, along with a subscription form for the magazine itself.
• Editorial Note: A short note from "Donne Route" and "Jeanne-Eve Touch" wishes readers a happy new year, encouraging them to follow truth and love rather than superficiality and hypocrisy.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO phenomena, the philosophical and spiritual aspects of love, and a critique of superficial societal values. The editorial stance appears to be one that values truth, spiritual growth, and a deeper understanding of love, while also engaging with the unexplained mysteries of UFOs. The inclusion of comic strips suggests an attempt to reach a broader audience with these themes.