Info OVNI - Series 2 - No 01 - 4e trim 1978

Magazine Overview

This document is the first issue (N° 1) of a publication titled "INFO OVNI". It is published by L.D.L.N. and appears to be in French. The cover features a dramatic image with the prominent text "INFO OVNI", an airplane, and a dark, cloud-like shape, suggesting a focus on UFO/UAP phenomena.

Avertissement (Warning/Disclaimer)

The editorial begins with a disclaimer, stating that the case being reported is one of the most delicate they have handled, but offers guarantees of authenticity. The investigation was conducted on-site with the cooperation of the witness and the involvement of highly competent specialists. A unique aspect of the investigation was the ability to 'revive' a part of the witness's experience in a somnambulistic state, on the very location where it occurred and under similar circumstances. Despite these efforts, the investigators found it impossible to definitively determine whether the phenomenon was an objective event or a purely subjective experience, leaving them frustrated by the inability to form a clear opinion. The editorial also addresses a premature publication of a summary of this case by "Lumières dans la Nuit" (L.D.L.N. n° 167), criticizing it as disorganized and lacking patience. The name of the witness is withheld to protect him from potential repercussions in his employment. The publication thanks all individuals who contributed to the study, many of whom wished to remain anonymous.

LE TEMOIN (The Witness)

This section introduces the primary witness, Monsieur P. Maurice, born in USSEAU in 1931. Unlike typical reports, the witness's background is detailed to provide context for his experience. His past includes service as a Legionnaire in Indochina and Algeria, where he experienced extreme situations and was forced to kill to survive. After his military service, he found employment as a machinist with the RATP (Paris public transport), where he currently drives a bus in the Parisian suburbs. His profession requires rigorous and frequent medical examinations, which have consistently shown him to be in perfect physical and mental health. The report notes that his last examination shortly after the adventure revealed no issues. Monsieur P. resides in the Parisian region, is married, and has a child. Nearing retirement, he purchased a small country house in "La Chaumette", a commune in Bussière-Saint-Georges, Creuse, where he intended to spend his retirement. It was near this property that the extraordinary adventure occurred. Those who know him describe him as warm, pleasant, and a "bon vivant", known for telling amusing stories from his experiences as a bus driver.

LES FAITS (The Facts)

The incident occurred on the night of January 17-18, 1977. Monsieur P. was at his country house in "La Chaumette" for a few days to do some renovation work. He was alone, his family being in Paris. After working all day, he went to a local bar, "Chez Grand Père", to spend the evening. He stayed until around midnight, playing cards and drinking moderately. He left in a perfectly lucid state, accompanied his friends to their car, and watched them leave. The weather was clear with visible stars, and the cold was intense, but there was no frost, snow, or wind.

At this point, the first anomaly occurred. Instead of returning to his house, which was about fifty meters away, Monsieur P. returned to "Grand Père's" establishment. Without a word, he sat down, rolled a cigarette (which would play a significant role later), placed it unlit between his lips, and then left again.

Crucially, Monsieur P. has no memory of this sequence of events. This information comes solely from the testimony of "Grand Père", who was surprised by Monsieur P.'s behavior and his dazed expression. Monsieur P. found himself outside again, convinced he had just left his friends. In the dark, he walked towards his house. He reached his door, searched his pocket for his key, and brought it to the lock... when suddenly he found himself falling onto his backside in a thicket bordering a path, about fifty meters from his door!

Monsieur P. insists that the passage from his doorstep to his fall in the thicket was instantaneous, with no sensation of movement. It was not like being projected; in a fraction of a second, he was in a different situation and location. He fell heavily, experiencing a shock more intense than if he had fallen from his own height. He is certain that his feet were not touching the ground before he made contact with the soil. He landed in a dense, thorny bush, sustaining numerous scratches, particularly on his head, but curiously felt no pain from the thorns. His only physical discomfort was the violent shock at the base of his spine. Simultaneously, he became aware of a strange and inexplicable sensation: "From that moment on, I felt myself BECOMING a man again! ... I realized that something truly incomprehensible had happened to me... An impression of no longer being a man... I don't know... No, it wasn't like being dead and coming back to life... I can't explain it..."

He also became aware of partial paralysis. His legs and lower body refused to obey his will. He felt a golden light shining from above onto his face. Looking up, he saw a dark, enormous mass, a "black cloud", an oval "cupola" about 20 meters long and 10 meters wide, hovering at the height of the treetops. This dark mass had two peculiar characteristics: its perimeter "undulated" like the slow flapping of a bird's wings, and at its center, three "eyes" – luminous discs about twenty centimeters in diameter – shone. He perceived these discs as a "gaze" observing him. The central disc was immobile, emitting a golden light that formed a narrow beam on his face. The two lateral discs moved alternately, partially covering the central disc. He believed the light beam was solely from the visible part of the central disc.

Despite the light, he could discern the undulating contours of the dark mass. He could no longer see his surroundings; the trees and hedges were invisible, replaced by a profound darkness and dozens of "flowers" of pure white, almost luminous, attached to the hedges. These "flowers" resembled "vioches" – small tufts with fine stems topped by a cottony mass, about the size of a ping pong ball. This profusion of flowers stood out against the total darkness and was perfectly still.

Monsieur P. then experienced a profound terror, far worse than any he had felt as a legionnaire. He felt an overwhelming sense of the unknown. He raised his hands in supplication towards the mass, imploring "them" to let him go, to not harm his home, and to at least say something. He described himself as a pacifist, a strange confession for a former legionnaire. He was unable to move, his lower body paralyzed. Suddenly, he felt a vibration, and as if by an automaton, he stood up and took two mechanical steps forward, finding himself stuck in the middle of the path, his feet seemingly glued to the ground.

The luminous beam followed him, and the central disc was directly above him, forcing him to tilt his head back 80 degrees to look at it. He began to tremble violently, not from cold or fear, but as if shaken by an external force with such intensity that he could hear his coins jingling in his pockets. His body shook with an amplitude of 15 to 20 centimeters. He also experienced an excruciating headache, with each arterial pulse sounding like a bell strike, fearing his skull would burst. Simultaneously, he felt a violent, swirling current of air. The previously silent phenomenon became noisy, with the distinct sound of branches and trees being violently shaken by the intense wind.

Reconstitution (Reconstruction)

A diagram illustrates the scene, showing the witness (temoin, labeled 'h' for domicile) near his house, moving towards 'p' (chez grand père), then a supposed path ('trajet supposé') leading to a thicket and a path ('chemin', labeled 'c'). A large shaded area labeled "nuage" (cloud) is depicted above the thicket, with a beam of light descending towards the witness. The diagram also shows trees and the 'verger' (orchard).

Summary of the Encounter (Continued)

Monsieur P. then implored, "At least, let me get up..." He then rose like an automaton, took two mechanical steps forward, and found himself immobilized in the middle of the path, as if his feet were glued to the ground. The luminous beam that had been falling on his eyes followed him, originating from the central disc which was now directly above him, requiring him to tilt his head back 80 degrees. He began to tremble violently, not from physiological or psychological causes, but as if being shaken by an external force with such intensity that he could hear his coins jingling in his pockets. His body was agitated with an amplitude of 15 to 20 centimeters. He also experienced an excruciating headache, with each arterial pulse resonating like a bell strike, fearing his skull would burst. At the same time, he felt a violent, swirling current of air. The phenomenon, previously static and silent, became noisy, with the distinct sound of branches and trees being violently shaken by the intense wind.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue focuses on a detailed, first-hand account of a UFO/UAP encounter. The editorial stance emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation and authentic testimony, while also acknowledging the inherent difficulties in interpreting such experiences. There is a clear critique of premature reporting and a commitment to presenting cases with thoroughness. The themes explored include the nature of reality versus subjective experience, the psychological impact of extraordinary events, and the challenges of investigating phenomena that defy conventional explanation. The publication aims to provide detailed information on specific cases, offering a platform for the documentation and analysis of UFO sightings.

This document, likely an issue of "LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT," details a close encounter of the third kind experienced by a witness identified as Monsieur P. The report focuses on the unusual nature of the sighting, the subsequent psychological and physical effects on the witness, and an initial preliminary investigation.

The Encounter The narrative begins with Monsieur P. observing a dark, hovering mass with three 'eyes' that emitted a focused ray of light. He attempted to communicate, expressing pacifist intentions and asking "What do you want from me?" His supplications seemed to alter the phenomena, with his distress lessening when he pleaded and increasing when he questioned. He perceived the intensity of his headaches and the physical jolts as coded responses.

During the encounter, Monsieur P. received a telepathic message: "WE MEAN YOU NO HARM." He was granted permission to smoke a cigarette he had been trying to light earlier, which surprisingly worked. He recalls taking a drag but not remembering finishing it.

The mass then transformed. The two lateral 'eyes' disappeared, and from the single disk, a cone of golden light emerged, enveloping Monsieur P. The light was approximately 1.5 to 2 meters in diameter at its base. The phenomenon was accompanied by a strong whirlwind and intense noise before the light abruptly extinguished.

Physical and Perceptual Alterations Following the disappearance of the object, Monsieur P. found himself able to move again. He described the landscape as suddenly appearing as if in daylight, despite it being night, likening it to having a blindfold removed. He rushed to his grandfather's house in distress.

That night, Monsieur P. could not sleep and felt strangely unaffected by the intense cold, despite wearing only a light veston. This insensitivity to cold was noted as unusual, especially given the clear, freezing conditions.

Aftermath and Investigation The following day, Monsieur P. returned to the site and found the imprint of his fall. He also noted the absence of the small white flowers he had seen earlier and, intriguingly, could not find the cigarette butt or remains. The incident caused a stir in the village.

A preliminary investigation was conducted by Gérard Nicoulaud on January 19th and 20th. The site was searched for any traces, particularly where the object's 'leg' might have touched the ground, but nothing was found. The investigation established that Monsieur P.'s watch continued to function normally, and the key he was about to use was found in his right pocket. No animals in the vicinity reacted to the object, and no one in the village, including his grandfather nearby, heard anything unusual.

Monsieur P. was unable to recount the event without experiencing tremors and crying spells. He was examined by a doctor who diagnosed intense shock and prescribed tranquilizers, but his headaches persisted for days.

Missing Time and Hypnosis A significant aspect of the case was the discrepancy between the perceived duration of the encounter and the actual time elapsed. Monsieur P. felt he was under the object for only a few minutes, not exceeding half an hour, yet the real-time duration was one hour and a quarter. This "hole" in his memory, starting from when he prepared to insert his key and ending with his fall into the bush, remained a mystery. He expressed a strong desire to be interrogated under hypnosis to recover these lost memories.

Further Effects and Ufological Interpretations Upon returning to his region, Monsieur P. recounted the adventure to his wife, lost sleep, and lost six kilograms. He experienced intense pain between his shoulder blades, described as a wasp sting, which recurred without visible marks. His work performance suffered, becoming robotic and detached.

His employer became concerned about his "conduct," and during a medical examination, doctors noted his state of shock but could not determine its cause, as Monsieur P. did not disclose the encounter. Blood tests showed a low red blood cell count, but electrocardiograms and electroencephalograms revealed no anomalies.

It took Monsieur P. many months to recover from the experience, and recounting it still caused him to shiver and cry.

Ufological interpretations suggest Monsieur P. might have been abducted by the UFO and had his memory "scrubbed" upon return, a phenomenon seen in other cases like Betty and Barney Hill. However, the lack of struggle, the intact cigarette, and the correctly pocketed key suggest a "gentle" abduction, if one occurred at all. The report also considers the possibility of paralysis or telepathic guidance.

The Object and its Characteristics Monsieur P. consistently described the phenomenon as a "dark mass," not a solid object, though he once used the word "cupola." He never perceived it as metallic. The object's disappearance was described as a liquid vanishing into an inverted funnel, a unique characteristic.

Its dimensions were estimated at twenty meters by ten meters, though these were considered indicative due to the difficult observation conditions. The object was described as "very large" and "very close."

The Eyes and the Light Ray The report questions how Monsieur P. could discern the object's contours and the undulation of its edges in the dark, especially when a bright light ray was directed at him. This suggests an alteration in his visual perception.

The Moon and Perception A key detail is Monsieur P.'s description of seeing as if in daylight after the object disappeared, attributing it to a "magnificent moonlight." However, calendar records indicate there was no moon at that time. This leads to the hypothesis that Monsieur P.'s visual sensitivity had been considerably reduced, granting him a remarkable degree of night vision (nyctalopia) immediately after the event.

Intense Cold and Partial Paralysis Monsieur P. also experienced an inexplicable insensitivity to intense cold during the encounter, despite being lightly dressed. This suggests a possible alteration of his metabolism. The report also discusses "partial paralysis," noting that Monsieur P., though feeling unable to move, was actually able to maintain his posture and balance, indicating his voluntary motor functions were still active, albeit under unusual control.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance The document presents a detailed case study of a UAP encounter, emphasizing the witness's subjective experience, the physical and psychological aftermath, and the challenges in interpreting such events. The editorial stance appears to be one of careful analysis, presenting ufological theories while acknowledging the unexplained aspects and the need for further investigation, particularly regarding the missing time. The report highlights the unusual nature of the object's disappearance and the witness's altered perceptual states as key points of interest.

This issue of "SOUCOUPES VOLANTES" (Volume 28, Issue 10, dated 1977-07) delves into a detailed investigation of a UFO encounter experienced by a witness identified as Monsieur P. The magazine, published by L'HOMME, explores the psychological, and potentially mystical, dimensions of the phenomenon, drawing connections to science fiction literature and historical accounts.

Case of Monsieur P.

The primary focus is on the extraordinary experience of Monsieur P., who reported being immobilized and feeling completely at the mercy of unseen entities. He described being shaken violently, to the point where his clothes were flapping, and felt that 'THEY' could have done anything they wished with him. This feeling of helplessness and external control is a central theme.

The 'Whirling Wind' Phenomenon

The issue discusses a recurring UFO manifestation: a swirling, 'whirling wind' that can be felt directly or observed through its effect on vegetation. A specific case from September 27, 1954, in Prémianon, Jura, is cited, where children observed a spherical object. On the ground, a four-meter diameter circle of flattened grass was found, indicating a powerful, localized wind effect. The authors note that the object's size did not seem sufficient to create such a mark through direct contact.

Tremors and External Cause

Monsieur P.'s experience included violent tremors that he insisted were not caused by fear, although he admitted to being terrified. He felt these tremors were externally induced, as if someone was shaking him. The intensity of these tremors seemed to modulate based on the questions asked or supplications made by the witness, suggesting a form of 'language' or communication. The authors highlight this aspect as unique in ufological annals.

'Magnificent Flowers' and Mystical Parallels

Another unusual element of the case involved 'magnificent flowers' observed by Monsieur P. These were described as static and unlike anything natural, leading the authors to draw parallels with religious apparitions, particularly Marian manifestations. They question whether Monsieur P. experienced a mystical phenomenon, akin to 'ecstasy,' but he himself rejected any religious interpretation, stating he does not believe in God or the Devil.

The 'Mystical' Experience

Despite Monsieur P.'s denial of a religious experience, the circumstances—being removed from his real environment, the presence of the 'flowers,' and the overwhelming sense of a dominant power—led the investigators to consider a mystical interpretation. However, Monsieur P. maintained that he did not feel it was religious, but rather a demonstration of power by beings superior to humans.

The Lighter Incident

A peculiar detail mentioned is a broken lighter. The authors note that while UFOs are known to cause malfunctions in technology, a broken lighter is a first. They dismiss the idea of simple user error, as the lighter worked later, and the witness had requested authorization to use it.

Investigation and Hypnosis

The investigation involved interviews with Monsieur P. and his family. Due to the witness's initial inaccessibility, much of the follow-up was conducted through correspondence. A meeting was arranged in July 1977, where the investigators aimed to uncover more details about the experience, particularly the period of amnesia Monsieur P. had experienced.

Monsieur P.'s Past and Convictions

The investigators probed Monsieur P.'s past, including his time as a legionnaire, to see if any traumatic experiences might explain his amnesia or psychological state. His responses to questions about facing enemies or being in a position of power over them were negative, ruling out simple psychological transference. Despite the unsettling experience, Monsieur P. showed remarkable courage, remaining in his isolated home, convinced of the beings' return. His primary motivation was a strong desire to understand what had happened during his memory lapse, leading him to agree to hypnosis.

The Hypnosis Session

A hypnosis session was scheduled for July 19, 1977, on location, to help Monsieur P. relive his experience and recover memories from the period of amnesia. The investigators anticipated this would be a profoundly challenging and emotionally taxing experience for both the witness and themselves.

Review of Bertrand Méheust's Book

Separately, the issue includes a review of Bertrand Méheust's book, "Soucoupes Volantes et Science Fiction." The reviewer praises the book for its insightful analysis, suggesting that UFO phenomena are a "Psycho-Physical" duality that draws models from our mental structures, which are reflected in science fiction. The reviewer highlights Méheust's argument that much of what is currently recorded in UFO manifestations had already been formulated in science fiction literature, representing the collective mental structures of its time.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the psychological and subjective aspects of UFO encounters, often drawing parallels with mystical or religious experiences, even when the witnesses themselves reject such interpretations. There is a strong emphasis on detailed investigation, witness testimony, and the potential for UFO phenomena to influence human consciousness and technology. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, seeking to understand the complex nature of these events, while acknowledging the limitations of current knowledge and the role of human perception and belief systems. The connection between science fiction and UFO reports is presented as a significant area of study, suggesting that our understanding of the unknown may be shaped by our cultural narratives.

This document is a scan of pages from a publication titled "L'Enigme du Pilote de L'ESPACE X", which appears to be a comic strip. The publication details indicate it was released by MAISON DES JEUNES ET DE LA CULTURE DE MONTLUCON, with 3 issues per year. Claude Terrade was the Director of Publication, and Jean Giraud served as the Editor-Animator. The legal deposit date is the 4th quarter of 1978, but the comic itself is noted to have been published in June 1958 by Artima in "AVENTURE FICTION" N°4.

Analysis of "L'Enigme du Pilote de L'ESPACE X"

The core of the document is an analysis and commentary on the comic strip "L'Enigme du Pilote de L'ESPACE X". The author of the commentary, likely Jean Giraud, expresses astonishment that a comic published in 1958 contained concepts that would only be explored by ufologists and researchers much later. The text begins by referencing an author named Méheust, suggesting that science fiction is a form of expression for our mental structures, from which UFO phenomena draw their models. The hypothesis of Méheust is presented as a mental structure that models the entire UFO phenomenon.

The commentary posits that if Méheust's hypothesis is logical, then the "méheustienne" form of the phenomenon should have pre-existed in science fiction. The author then delves into the comic, highlighting specific panels and dialogues. The comic depicts a scenario where characters are trying to imagine the appearance of an extraterrestrial visitor, "Pilot X". The visitor's arrival is described, and its nature is revealed to be a being of pure energy, a product of final evolution, whose form is shaped by the observer's mental image. This concept of "materializations of thoughts" and the idea that the observer's imagination influences the perceived reality of the UFO encounter are central to the analysis.

The author draws strong parallels between the comic's narrative and later developments in ufology. For instance, the idea that the observer's mental image shapes the manifestation of the UFO is linked to the psychological conformity discussed by Charles Bowen in the 1960s. The text also notes the profound similarity between the mechanisms of UFO appearances and religious apparitions, a concept that Jacques Vallée would later explore in his 1969 book "Passport to Magonia".

The commentary criticizes some ufologists, referred to as "G.A.B.F.I.E.L.", for presenting studies on "mimicry" of UFOs as original in 1973, when the comic had already explored these themes decades earlier. Jean Jacques Jaillat is also mentioned as someone who was happy to discover these "new avenues".

The author finds the comic's "explanation" for Pilot X – that it is a "materialization of thoughts" – to be a very "viéroudienne" (referencing a theorist named Viéroudy) theory, albeit one that was somewhat ahead of its time.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this analysis are the prescient nature of science fiction in anticipating complex ufological concepts, the psychological and mental aspects of UFO encounters, and the idea that our beliefs and imaginations can shape our perception of reality. The author's stance is one of amused admiration for the comic's foresight, humorously concluding that "Psycho Ufology has a bright future behind it!" The commentary emphasizes that the entire ufology of 1978, including the link between UFOs and parapsychology, was already present in this 1950s comic strip. The author expresses a sense of irony that these ideas, present in a comic, were later treated as groundbreaking discoveries by some ufologists.