Info OVNI - Special - 1977 mai - Archives

Magazine Overview

This special issue of INFO OVNI, titled "ARCHIVES," is dedicated to exploring historical UFO and unexplained phenomena cases. The editorial states that the issue was developed for two main reasons: a sufficient amount of material to draw from and a desire to focus on the past rather than current events. The publication acknowledges that while they have plenty of content, time constraints affect its formatting. Future issues are planned to cover topics such as a five-day 'Contact' case involving parapsychology and UFO phenomena, a catalog of observations from Puy-de-Dôme, a catalog of landings in Auvergne and Limousin, and a case comparable to the Antonio Villa Boas incident.

The editorial team emphasizes that their pages are open to all, except for polemicists, and urges readers not to waste paper. They also note that subscriptions are not currently available but may be in the future.

Historical Contact Cases

The issue presents several historical accounts, framed as "contact cases" that predate modern UFO terminology.

Case 1: 16th Century Encounter in Montargis Forest (circa 1549)

This case, extracted from a 1630 work by Dom Morin, details an encounter in the Forest of Montargis. A bourgeois man, seeking solitude, met three figures: one armed, one naked, and a starving woman. The armed figure represented war, the companion represented mortality and plague, and the woman represented famine, warning of impending misfortunes for France. The figures then disappeared. The man was so frightened he fell ill. He later returned to the forest and had a four-hour discussion with one of the figures, the details of which were not divulged.

Case 2: Argentine Contact (August 20, 1957)

Reported by Jean-Jacques Jaillat, this incident involved a member of the Argentine Air Force in Quilico, Cordoba. A buzzing disk descended, and a voice reassured him, announcing the presence of the 'Interplanetary Space Force' near Salta, which would soon warn humanity against the misuse of atomic energy.

Case 3: Brazilian Motorcycle Incident (April 24, 1959)

Also reported by Jaillat, a Brazilian motorcyclist named H. Aguiar, near Piatan, encountered a strange object he photographed. He entered a trance and, upon regaining consciousness, found a note in his pocket written in his own hand: "Atomic tests to provide a weapon of war must cease definitively. The balance of the universe is threatened. We remain vigilant and ready to intervene."

Case 4: Bird Battle in Franche-Comté (February 26, 1676)

This account describes an extraordinary event between Dole and Salins where a massive quantity of birds engaged in a mid-air battle, darkening the sky. The ground was covered with dead birds, described as being of various, often unknown, species. The sheer number of carcasses led to them being buried to prevent air corruption.

Analysis of Contact Case Constants

Jean-Jacques Jaillat analyzes these and similar historical accounts, identifying recurring structural constants in "contact" narratives. He argues that these phenomena, regardless of their true nature, manifest in ways understandable to the witness's era. The constants identified include:

• Form: The message delivered to the witness (telepathy, verbal dialogue, automatic writing).
• Content: A message of catastrophism, warning of dangers such as atomic bombs, chemical warfare, or moral degradation, which vary by historical period.
• Surveillance: The Earth and humanity are being watched by extraterrestrials, celestial beings, or other entities who may intervene.
• Mission: The witness (the "chosen one") is entrusted with a mission, either to save the world or at least to warn it about the signaled dangers.

Jaillat posits that these constants are present, to varying degrees, in all contact cases throughout history, adapted to the socio-cultural context of the time. He questions the literal interpretation of messages from "extraterrestrials" or other beings, noting their frequent contradictions and suggesting a different underlying reality or purpose.

Curious Apparitions

The issue briefly touches upon the phenomenon of apparitions, questioning if the Virgin Mary holds a monopoly on miraculous manifestations. It presents two documents, discovered by M. Catinat, which show a striking similarity despite being separated in time and space.

The Mute Who Regained Speech (Creuse, September 29)

This report describes an event in Sardent, Creuse, where Martin Jean, a mute stonemason, encountered a stranger. The stranger, after being given bread and a knife, revealed his hands were as white as satin. When Martin looked away, the stranger vanished. The narrative implies a miraculous or supernatural event, possibly linked to the broader theme of unexplained phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of INFO OVNI clearly positions itself as a historical archive for UFO and related phenomena. The editorial stance is one of serious investigation into past events, seeking patterns and constants that transcend time. The focus is on presenting documented cases, even those from centuries ago, and analyzing them through a modern lens of ufology and parapsychology. The magazine aims to understand how these phenomena manifest and are perceived within their specific historical and cultural contexts. The recurring theme is the persistent nature of unexplained aerial phenomena and encounters, suggesting that they are not solely a modern invention but have historical precedents with consistent underlying structures.

This issue of "LA SEMAINE" from October 8, 1857, features a collection of intriguing reports, primarily focusing on miraculous events and historical accounts of unexplained aerial phenomena. The publication draws from various sources, including local correspondence and historical archives, to present these narratives.

Miraculous Healing in Sardent

The lead story, dated October 8, 1857, details a miraculous event in Sardent, France. Martin, a man who had lost the use of his speech, regained it miraculously after eating half an apple. He described the experience to his companions and his local priest, expressing profound gratitude. The event caused a stir in the community, with locals exclaiming their happiness that "good God" had visited their commune and performed such a miracle.

The Mute Woman Who Recovered Speech

Another significant report, dated July 20, 1903 (though referencing an event from an earlier time), recounts the story of Marie Raguenès, a 40-year-old woman from Relecq-Kerhuon, who had been mute for 28 years. She reportedly regained her speech after an apparition. The apparition was described as an old man with a long white beard, dressed in rags, who appeared to her in a field. He told her not to be afraid and that he had come to grant her the grace she had long requested. Marie Raguenès, initially frightened, later found she could speak. She attributed her recovery to the intercession of the Virgin Mary. The account also mentions that a Dr. Jacq confirmed her recovery.

Curious Phenomenon in Couhé

An article from September 1, 1922, dated October 10, 1922, describes a peculiar event that occurred in Couhé, France, on September 1, 1922, around 1:15 PM. M. Gougeard, the director of the local school, witnessed a small tree branch moving on its own in a farmyard. The branch appeared to move like a serpent, not rolling but walking with jumps and saccades, sometimes moving up to a meter. It would stop, tremble, and then continue its movement, sometimes longitudinally, sometimes transversally, as if propelled by an internal will. This phenomenon lasted about ten minutes, during which the branch covered a distance of six meters. M. Gougeard collected the branch, described as about one meter long and 15-18 mm thick, weighing about 100g, and noted its flexibility despite being dead. He did not consider the phenomenon inexplicable or supernatural, leaning towards an association of hygrometry and elasticity.

Historical Accounts of Fireballs (Globes of Fire)

The issue includes a detailed compilation of historical observations of "fireballs" or "globes of fire" from various European locations, spanning from 1649 to 1812. These accounts, drawn from scientific journals and historical records, describe phenomena with diverse characteristics:

• 1649, September 1: A fireball in Hamburg moved up and down by leaps.
• 1682, December: A fireball in Rochlitz and Annaberg described a curve.
• 1719, February 22: A fireball observed across Italy, Germany, and Switzerland, with its direction varying.
• 1728, May 28: A fireball in Haute-Lusace was noted for its leaping movement, resembling a "capra saltans" (jumping goat).
• 1738, July 13: A fireball in Paris moved up and down by leaps, with diminishing jumps, visible for about fifteen minutes.
• 1740, February 23-24: A fireball in Toulon rose, descended, then rose again to a great height before exploding.
• 1758, November 26: A fireball over England and Scotland descended obliquely and then ascended again with renewed brilliance.
• 1771, July 17: A luminous meteor was observed moving downwards and then upwards with great brilliance.
• 1773, August 26: A fireball in Sonorio, Valtellina, moved by leaps and exploded each time it fell.
• 1787, September 11: A fireball in Edinburgh, larger than the sun, moved horizontally, then descended and rose again, making smaller undulations before disappearing.
• 1806, February 11: A luminous body in Stockholm, comparable to the full moon, appeared to have different phases and emitted a dull sound and air vibration.
• 1806, September 28: A fireball in Memmingen and Lindau described a curve.
• 1807, December 14: A large fireball followed by meteorites made three leaps.
• 1810, January 2-3: A fireball in Geneva had a variable direction and appeared to be ascending.
• 1812, August 23: A luminous band in Utrecht, initially appearing as parallel fire trails, became red and incandescent, emitting fiery rays and a red fire-like body that grew to half the size of the moon.

Further Historical Accounts of Aerial Phenomena

The issue also references a report from the "Comptes Rendus des Séances de l'Académie des Sciences" concerning a luminous meteor observed on January 4-5, 1837. This meteor was seen in Cusset, Vesoul, and Niederbronn. Descriptions include its slow movement from north to south, its brilliance, its diameter (comparable to the full moon), and the presence of luminous points and a triangular trail of red particles. The article notes that such phenomena might be natural atmospheric events or unusual celestial objects.

Ancient Reports of Military-like Phenomena

Further research into historical archives reveals older accounts of unusual aerial events. One report from 1608 describes "Phantosmes" in Angoumois, where thousands of figures resembling soldiers with blue and red armor, carrying banners, appeared and marched. These figures then ascended over a wood and disappeared. This event was reportedly witnessed by many and certified by over 300 people. Another account from the same year mentions "horrible signs" on the sea of Gennes, with human figures having scaly arms entwined with flying serpents. Three carriages pulled by six fiery figures resembling dragons also appeared. In Martigues, two men in the air were seen fighting with arms and shields, and later, they were seen on horseback. These phenomena, lasting for hours, were eventually obscured by a thick cloud and then vanished.

The article notes the remarkable nature of these ancient testimonies, especially when two different sources corroborate similar events. It questions whether these were collective hallucinations or genuine phenomena, suggesting that the scale and detail point to something extraordinary. The author also highlights the frequency of such celestial manifestations, often appearing as "space vehicles" or "extraterrestrial cosmonauts," and proposes focusing on the form rather than the underlying non-human thought behind them.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the possibility of miraculous interventions in human life and the historical presence of unexplained aerial phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of careful documentation and presentation of evidence, encouraging readers to ponder these mysteries. The publication emphasizes that reports of strange aerial events are not new and have a long history, predating modern UFO terminology. The focus on historical accounts suggests a belief in the enduring nature of these unexplained occurrences and their potential connection to something beyond ordinary human experience.

This document, identified as 'CURIOSITES INFERNALES' and presented as page 20 of a larger publication, compiles a series of historical accounts of unusual aerial phenomena, primarily focusing on 'celestial armies' and phantom battles observed between the 16th and 17th centuries. The content is primarily text-based, with a single illustrative woodcut on page 2 depicting a medieval-style aerial battle scene above a town.

Historical Accounts of Aerial Phenomena

The document presents numerous dated accounts of sightings, often attributed to various chronicles and historical texts. These include:

• 1520, Wissembourg: Residents heard strange clattering and cries in the air, interpreted as an army preparing to attack the city.
• 1523, Hungary: A peasant witnessed two princes fighting in the sky, one tall and robust, the other smaller and crowned. The taller prince defeated and killed the smaller one, taking his crown.
• February 1536, Spain: Two armored men were seen fighting in the sky, one bearing a shield with an eagle and the motto 'Regnabo' (I will reign), the other a shield with a star and crescent and the motto 'Regnavi' (I have reigned). The man with the eagle shield defeated the other.
• March 29, 1545, Cracow, Poland: Following a powerful thunderstorm, three red crosses appeared, and an armed man fought an army, only to be consumed by a dragon.
• October 1547, Saxe: A spectral bier covered in black cloth with a red cross appeared, accompanied by mourning figures playing trumpets. An armed man then tore the cloth.
• June 1553, Cobourg: Various figures and armies were seen fighting in the sky, along with a hovering eagle.
• 1555, Brunswic: A peasant saw troops of reiters and two large men inspecting them, followed by a large maneuver.
• 1556, Basse Marche: Large quantities of armies were seen fighting in the sky, and earth fell from a height.
• February 1556, Boets: Armies were seen fighting furiously on foot and horseback in the sky.
• September 21, 1587, Carsac: A large army appeared in the sky and engaged in a skirmish, followed by another, larger army.
• 1640, Ypres: Soldiers at the fort saw three complete armies marching in the sky, engaging in combat.
• 1653, Thuin: Men in white, brandishing flaming swords, appeared during a siege, described as a divine apparition.
• March 14, 1654, Basse Marche: Large quantities of armies were seen fighting in the sky, and a mass of earth fell.
• June-July 1686, Clyde River: A large crowd gathered, witnessing a rain of hats, flags, rifles, and swords, with trees and terrain covered. Companies encountered and fought each other, disappearing and reappearing.
• 1621, Lyon: A large mountain-like structure appeared in the sky, emitting flashes of light, and a battalion of men-at-arms on horseback, led by a bright star, was observed.

Analysis and Interpretation

The latter part of the document (pages 5-10) shifts to an analytical perspective, attempting to classify and interpret these historical phenomena in relation to modern UFO reports. The author categorizes the sightings into three main types:

1. Celestial Armies: Vague masses of soldiers or horsemen in the sky, sometimes engaged in battles.
2. Aerial Combatants: Two figures fighting duels in the air, often with detailed descriptions.
3. Phantom Armies: Phenomena that appear to have genuine materiality, occurring at ground level, and could be mistaken for real events if not for their unusual appearance or disappearance.

The analysis highlights several characteristics common to these phenomena and modern UFOs:

• Incomprehensible Materialization: Sightings often begin with the phenomenon already in progress, or it appears to materialize from a diffuse state to a solid form.
• Impossible Performances: These include aerial movements that defy known physics, such as levitation.
• Absurd Behaviors: Actions that seem illogical or purposeless, such as phantom armies marching against non-existent enemies or collecting samples without clear reason.
• Inexplicable Disappearances: Phenomena vanishing suddenly, often behind natural obstacles or simply fading away.

The author suggests that many historical 'celestial army' sightings might be misinterpretations of natural events like sun effects through clouds, unusual weather patterns, or even flocks of birds, especially when combined with the witnesses' strong belief systems and tendency to interpret events as omens.

However, the document also posits that some phenomena, particularly the 'Phantom Armies,' are harder to dismiss as mere illusions due to the detailed descriptions and the number of witnesses. The text concludes by suggesting that these historical 'phantom armies' could be considered the UFOs of the 16th and 17th centuries, implying a continuity of such events across time.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the historical documentation and analysis of unexplained aerial phenomena, framed as 'curiosities' or 'prodigies.' The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, acknowledging the possibility of misinterpretation and natural explanations (like atmospheric effects) while also leaving open the possibility that some phenomena, particularly those described as 'Phantom Armies,' represent a genuine, albeit poorly understood, reality that predates the modern concept of UFOs. The document emphasizes the psychological and cultural context of the witnesses, noting how their beliefs and fears influenced their interpretations of these events. The author advocates for a degree of skepticism but also for recognizing a potential link between historical sightings and contemporary UFO experiences.

This document is an article from the magazine "OVNI", issue number 33, dated May 1977. The article, written by Josiane and Jan d'Aigure from Montluçon, explores the phenomenon of "Phantom Armies" and its potential connection to UFOs (OVNI).

Phantom Armies and Historical Context

The authors begin by acknowledging the existence of UFOs as a serious problem but distinguish them from "Phantom Armies," which they consider to be a more obscure aspect of celestial phenomena. They note that "Phantom Armies" have appeared throughout history, sometimes with a religious or profane character, citing examples like the "White Men with Flaming Swords" in Thuin in 1653 and a woman in white who appeared during a battle in Morbihan in 1815, deflecting enemy blows.

The Case of the Chevalier de Mons

The article focuses on a contemporary case from the 20th century, recounting the testimony of Miss Campbell, a nurse during World War I. She heard numerous accounts from wounded soldiers about an apparition on the battlefield. An artilleryman provided a detailed account of an event near Mons on August 28, 1914. During a fierce battle, a luminous cloud appeared, revealing a warrior in armor on a white horse with long blond hair. This figure raised a sword, causing the advancing German cavalry to halt and retreat in terror, giving the artillerymen a crucial respite.

Miss Campbell investigated this account and found corroboration. She learned that an injured Uhlan officer had also described a similar apparition of a "GIANT" warrior in armor on a white horse, which materialized from a cloud and caused his regiment to be routed.

George Langelann also found veterans who recalled the "Chevalier de Mons" incident, with some believing it was Saint George aiding the English, while others simply recalled seeing a knight in armor.

The article highlights the exceptional number and quality of witnesses in the Mons case, as well as the perfect concordance of their testimonies. It also points out the anachronism of the figure appearing to aid the English and the specific detail of the apparition materializing from a luminous cloud, which is compared to the manifestation process of a "Phantom Army" from 1608 observed by the Angoumois.

Recurring Phantom Phenomena

The authors note that "Phantom Battalions" were also reportedly observed by French soldiers ("poilus") in 1914, though documentation is scarce. They mention other anachronistic apparitions across various conflicts, including a biplane from WWI appearing in 1939-45 and American GIs in Vietnam reporting sightings of "Phantom/Celestial Armies," which were attributed to drug use.

Historical and Psychological Factors

The article posits that the phenomenon of "Phantom Armies" peaked in the 16th and 17th centuries. They explore why populations at that time might have been more prone to observing such phenomena. This period was marked by significant crises in Western civilization: a crisis of faith due to the Reformation and religious wars, and a crisis of science as new discoveries challenged established cosmological views. The advent of the printing press also disseminated new imagery, including allegorical figures.

In this context of uncertainty, people were more open to the idea that "everything was possible." The authors suggest that "Phantom Armies" became a daily haunting for people, who lived under the constant threat of mercenary troops. The appearance of these armies, alongside real ones, made belief in them more plausible.

The Magonian Aspect

The authors refer to J. Vallée's concept of the "Magonian" aspect of the phenomenon, suggesting that these apparitions manifest in a form credible to the mentality of the populations to whom they are destined. This implies that the form of the apparition is adapted to the cultural and psychological context of the observers.

Conclusion and Call to Action

The article concludes by stating that it is crucial to track "THIS FOREIGN FORCE WHICH MANIFESTS ITSELF IN OUR ENVIRONMENT," regardless of the form it takes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this article are the historical presence of "Phantom Armies," their potential connection to UFO phenomena, the psychological and cultural factors influencing their perception, and the idea of a persistent, adaptable extraterrestrial force. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, urging readers to consider these phenomena seriously and to continue investigating them.