Insolite no 03 - Juillet 1976

Magazine Overview

This issue of "Bulletin de Liaison des Amateurs d'Insolite" (July 1976, N°3) is a French publication dedicated to exploring unusual phenomena, parapsychology, and historical mysteries. It functions as a liaison organ for enthusiasts, emphasizing a non-sensationalist approach to reporting.

Editorial: "L'éditorial du Président"

F. Breuil, the Director of Publication, reflects on his re-reading of "Le Matin des Magiciens" by Louis Pauwels and Jacques Bergier. He recommends the book for those seeking answers to philosophical or metaphysical questions and for those looking to draw conclusions from their investigations. Breuil highlights the book's subtitle, "Introduction au réalisme fantastique," as embodying the cautious yet open-minded approach he advocates for the Association's activities. He also quotes a passage from the preface emphasizing the importance of examining phenomena without fear and returning one's attention to the tangible world.

A Mysterious Inscription

This section presents a 12th-century Latin inscription found on the Notre-Dame de Nazareth cathedral in Vaison la Romaine. The article clarifies that the bulletin does not aim to spread unverified sensationalism or claims of alien instructors. Instead, it invites readers to participate in research by deciphering the inscription. The inscription, carved in large letters over twenty meters, is presented in Latin and accompanied by a literal translation. The text speaks of conquering northern parts, following the cloister to the south, and a 'trifida quadrifidum' remembering to warm the nest. The article also provides a translation of a related text, which, after permutation, reads: "From which star was the temple born? How does the rose breathe? How wisely do you proceed in the body of Isis, S.C."

The article suggests that the inscription may contain a hidden message and encourages readers to help uncover its meaning. It references Gerard de Sède's book "Les Templiers sont parmi nous" and mentions the word "Isis" and the Templar cross found in Vaison la Romaine as potential clues. The authors note that Latin imperfections can also serve as indices for decoding.

The Geller Effect

This article recounts an event on March 6, 1976, in Lyon, organized by the Institute of Parapsychology. The event featured Albert Ducrocq, a cybernetician, and Jean-Pierre Girard, described as the French counterpart to Uri Geller. During the session, Girard reportedly bent a duralumin test tube designed to withstand significant force. More notably, during a dinner following the session, Albert Ducrocq, with apparent ease, bent two soup spoons by simply caressing them. The article suggests that a phenomenon emanates from individuals like Geller or Girard, which can, at a distance of about four meters, trigger similar effects in predisposed individuals. Despite attempts by attendees to replicate these feats, including with objects previously deformed by Geller, only Ducrocq, in the presence of Girard, was able to achieve significant deformations. The article concludes that Ducrocq's ability, even without direct contact, to deform spoons suggests the possibility of mental action on matter, especially given Ducrocq's reputation for integrity.

Notes on the Commanderie of Saint-Antoine de Macon

This section provides historical information about the Commanderie of Saint-Antoine in Macon. Founded around 1200 by the hospital order of the Antonins of Vienne, it was transferred in the 15th century to its current location at 15 rue Saint-Antoine. The building housed a chapel and hospital, and was a site of devotion on January 17th until the chapel's desacralization in 1703. The article notes that the building's facade shows no artistic traces, but a spiral staircase in the style of the flamboyant Gothic period remains in the rear corridor, surrounded by doors with well-preserved escutcheons.

Footnotes provide details on "feu sacré" (sacred fire), a condition described as a rapidly spreading black spot causing unbearable heat and flesh detachment. Another footnote mentions an observation by Mr. Nectoux regarding a possible subterranean passage in the building's cellar. A third footnote details the desacralization of the chapel in 1703 by Mgr. Moreau. A fourth footnote references archival documents related to the founding of the Antonine order in 1095, its role in healing and caring for the sick, and its eventual merger with the Knights of Malta in 1776. The Antonines established three commanderies in the region, with Macon being the most significant.

A Landing Report

This article details a testimony from Mademoiselle E., who reported an unusual event on January 24, 1974, near Charolles, France. While driving, she noticed two small, pale yellow headlights in a field. Upon investigation, she observed an ovoid object, approximately 80 cm long, with a light emitting from its surface in red, clear, and violet hues. She described the experience as paralyzing. After the event, she found a circular imprint in the field, about 6 meters in diameter. The residue from this imprint was analyzed and found to be heterogeneous, with a high silica content. The article contrasts this with normal hearths, where grass had regrown, while the area of the imprint showed stunted, yellowing grass. The residue's composition was deemed incompatible with a simple wood fire.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include unexplained phenomena, historical enigmas, and parapsychological research. The editorial stance, as expressed by F. Breuil, is one of cautious investigation, encouraging readers to explore the unusual without succumbing to sensationalism or unfounded speculation. The publication aims to foster a community of researchers who share information and engage in critical analysis of reported events and historical artifacts.

This issue of "L'INSOLITE" (Issue 18) focuses on the extraordinary life and abilities of Alain Clerico, a 25-year-old locomotive conductor who possesses remarkable healing powers and artistic talents. The magazine explores his journey into the paranormal and his unique connection to unexplained phenomena.

Interview with Alain Clerico: The Magnetic Healer

The core of the issue is an extensive interview with Alain Clerico, who recounts how he discovered his "magnetic power" at the age of 20. The initial incident involved an old Italian bonesetter suffering from laryngitis. While being treated, the bonesetter experienced a powerful magnetic current from Clerico, causing him to become ill. This led Clerico to realize he was transmitting a stronger magnetic fluid than the bonesetter. He then experimented on a friend with severe shoulder pain, who experienced immediate relief and regained full mobility.

Clerico details his healing process, which involves imposing his hands and using a form of suggestion. He explains that he can sense where to direct his energy, often feeling a warmth or a current. He has successfully treated a wide range of conditions, including psychosomatic illnesses, organ deregulation, kidney stones, ulcers, and nerve issues. He mentions treating eye diseases like glaucoma, migraines, and even helping to dissolve fibromas, a feat he claims differs from other magnetizers. He also notes his success with burns, which heal without a trace within 8 hours.

Clerico shares a particularly touching case of a young Mongolian girl who was mentally diminished and unable to speak, but showed rapid progress under his care, astonishing specialists. He also recounts how he helped a woman whose watch consistently lost time, by simply imposing his hands on her wrist.

He admits to having an approximate 20% failure rate in some cases, such as hay fever and polyps. He also discusses his cautious approach to treating diabetes, recalling a patient who fell into a coma.

Visions and Artistic Expression

Beyond his healing abilities, Clerico is also a gifted artist, creating drawings and paintings inspired by his visions. He describes a recurring vision of Christ, initially appearing as a charcoal sketch and later as a vivid image. These visions have led him to paint portraits of Christ, often depicting him in dramatic settings with columns of light. He explains that these visions are intense and sometimes difficult to capture, requiring him to quickly sketch or note details.

One profound vision involved Christ on the cross, who then spoke to Clerico, telling him, "Alain, you will be the doctor for impossible cases." This message has deeply influenced his path.

Clerico's artistic process is described as being close to automatic writing or drawing, where images and ideas come to him spontaneously. He has also developed a technique for preserving and mummifying organic matter, such as fish, using his energy.

Unexplained Phenomena and Geological Anomalies

The magazine also features a section on "GEOLOGIE INSOLITE" (Unusual Geology), describing spherical rock formations found near Buoux in the Luberon region of France. These perfectly smooth, spherical stones emerge from the rock face and vary in size. The article speculates on their formation, suggesting a possible positive nucleus attracting negative marne, though it emphasizes these are speculative explanations.

Another section provides practical advice on "LA PHOTOGRAPHIE APPLIQUÉE AUX PHÉNOMÈNES INEXPLIQUÉS" (Photography Applied to Unexplained Phenomena). It offers guidance on choosing the right film (high sensitivity films like Tri-X HP4), lenses (small telephoto lenses), and shutter speeds for capturing fleeting events like bright stars, Venus, or potential UFOs. It emphasizes the need for a stable camera setup and the possibility of pushing film development to very high ASA ratings (up to 4000 ASA).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "L'INSOLITE" strongly emphasizes the interconnectedness of healing, spirituality, art, and the unexplained. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded exploration of phenomena that lie outside conventional scientific understanding. The focus on Alain Clerico highlights the potential for individuals to possess extraordinary gifts that can be used for the benefit of others. The inclusion of geological anomalies and UFO photography suggests a broad interest in the unusual and the mysterious.

This issue of 'L'ANNUAIRE DE LA PRESSE PARALLELE' from 1976, titled 'Cinquième Edition', is a comprehensive directory of parallel press publications. It is presented as a booklet with a bicolore cover, printed in fine typography, and contains approximately 900 titles of non-commercial periodicals, including 300 new entries. The publication is available for 7F via postal transfer or stamps to 'La septième Aurore' in Paris.

Photography of UFOs

The magazine offers practical advice for photographing UFOs, emphasizing that professional development is often not feasible. It details how to increase film sensitivity (ASA) through modified development processes. Examples are provided for Kodak Tri.X and Ilford MP4 films, showing how varying development times and dilutions with developers like PROMICAL and MICROPHEN can yield effective sensitivities ranging from 400 ASA to 4000 ASA. For speeds above 300 ASA, an acetic acid stop bath is recommended to prevent veil formation. The article stresses that development for high-speed films should be conducted under more rigorous conditions than for standard photography to avoid excessive grain. It also suggests using long exposure shots with a camera placed on a tripod, particularly on clear, moonless nights away from city lights, to capture the trajectory of unusual aerial phenomena.

Extraterrestrial and Spiritual Themes

The issue delves into themes related to extraterrestrial contact and spirituality, featuring excerpts and discussions of authors like Claude Raël and Jean Cocteau. Raël's book, 'Les extra-terrestres n'ont rien à dire', is discussed, particularly his purported communication with extraterrestrials named 'Elohim'. These teachings suggest that humanity is facing a potential self-destruction and that a select few will be saved. The concept of reincarnation is also explored, with the idea that individuals will be recreated based on their life's balance of positive and negative actions. The magazine also touches upon the nature of consciousness, the universe, and humanity's place within it, questioning traditional religious and societal structures.

Directory of Parallel Press Publications

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to listing and describing various periodicals categorized under numerous headings. These include: Archaeology, Art, Bands Dessinées, Civilizations, Ethnology, History, Language, Literature, Culturisme, Pacifism, Communities, Pedagogy, Psychology, Philosophy, Politics, Student Press, Information, Health, Nature, Ecology, Sociology, and Miscellaneous. Each entry provides a brief description and, where applicable, contact information or subscription details. Notable publications mentioned include 'Inforespace', 'Kadath', 'Atlantis', 'Cahiers de l'Etrange', 'L'Autre Monde', 'Historia S.F.', 'Kruptos', 'Revue de l'I.S.E.P.S.', 'Revue du Magnétisme et du Psychisme Expérimental', and 'Les Cahiers de l'Etrange'.

Documentation Section

Another section details 'Ouvrages acquis au cours du premier semestre 1976' (Books acquired during the first semester of 1976), listing titles related to Mythology, Alchemy, Initiation and Sorcery, Parapsychology, Spiritism, and Radiesthesia. It also includes a list of 'Revues acquises au 1er Trimestre 1976' (Magazines acquired in the 1st Quarter of 1976), such as 'Lumières dans la Nuit', 'Vues Nouvelles', 'Inforespace', 'UFO-Informations', 'Kadath', 'Approche', 'Magnétisme et psychisme expérimental', 'Atlantis', 'Cahiers de l'Etrange', 'Astrolabe', 'L'Autre Monde', 'Question de', 'Historia S.F.', 'L'Inconnu', 'Kruptos', and 'Radiesthesie Magazine'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around ufology, photography techniques for capturing aerial phenomena, and speculative theories about extraterrestrial intelligence and its influence on humanity. There is a strong emphasis on alternative or 'parallel' knowledge, encouraging readers to explore unconventional sources of information beyond mainstream media. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry into unexplained phenomena, while also critically examining various spiritual and philosophical movements, including those presented by figures like Claude Raël. The publication aims to inform and provoke thought, encouraging readers to question established norms and seek deeper understanding.

This document, titled 'NOTRE CARNET D'ADRESSE (suite 2)' and supplemented by 'Supplément détachable N° 13' and 'N° 14', functions as a directory for organizations and publications in the fields of psychism, parapsychology, ufology, esotericism, astrology, and metaphysics. It is published by 'LES AMATEURS D'INSOLITE' and includes subscription information for their magazine.

Directory Listings

The directory is divided into several sections, listing various groups and their contact details:

Psychisme - Parapsychologie:

• Fédération Spiritualiste du Nord (53, Rue du Canteleu, 59 500 DOUAI)
• Foyer Spiritualiste de DOULI
• Chainon Tourangeau d'Etudes Métapsychiques (140, Rue Lakanal, 37 000 TOURS)
• Société d'Etudes Psychiques de LYON (7, place des Perreaux, 69 001 LYON)
• Société d'Etudes Psychiques et Parapsychologiques, Madame Colette TIRET (15, Quai de Rive Neuve, 13 000 MARSEILLE)
• Cercle Métaphysique et parapsychologie (22, Rue Edouard Beri, 06 000 NICE)
• Institut de Psychologie Active, Docter J. BIAIVLEW (Résidence Negresco, 06 000 NICE)
• Association pour la recherche Parapsychologique, Chainon Champenois (8, Route de Warmeriville, ISLES SUR SUIPPE, 51 110 BZNCOURT)
• Groupes d'Etudes Expérimentales des Phénomènes d ts Paranormaux, Université de TOULOUSE LE MIRIL, UER Mathématiques (109 bis, rue Vauquelin, 31 081 TOULOUSE CEDEX)
• Centre Normand d'Etudes Psychiques Expérimentales (29, Rue Langevin, 76 140 LE PETIT QUEVILLY)
• Association d'Etudes des Phénomènes Supeanormaux (5, Place St Marc, 76 000 ROUEN)
• G.E.R.P. (Groupe d'Etudes et de Recherches en Parapsychologie) (5, Impe.ese Chateaudun, 93 200 ST DENIS)
• Institut de Parapsychologie (35, Cours de la Liberté, 69 003 LYON)
• Sté d'Etudes Psychiques et Parapsychologiques de Strasbourg (14, Boulevard Clémenceau, STRASBOURG)
• Groupe d'Etudes Psychiques de ROUBAIX (20, Rue Louis Loucheur, 59 100 ROURIX)
• Groupe d'Etudes Psychiques, Monsieur Georgos DUQUESNOY (14, Place A. Roussel, 29 200 TOURCOING)
• Société d'Etudes Psychiques do MNCY (134, Boulevard Lobau, 54 000 LANCY)

Documentation:

• Mouvement Spiritualiste, Monsieur NICE (98, rue de Bourcheuil, 62 110 HENIN BEAUMONT)
• Revue Parapsychologie (22, Impasse J. David, 92 600 ASNIERES)

Initiation - Esoterisme - Astrologie - Astronolie:

• Fondation Astara (initiation) (Avenue d'Ouchy, N° 60, 1006 LAUSANNE (Suisse))
• Centre Culturel KOVA (Esoter se - Graphologie - Astrologie) (33, Avenue de la République, 06 300 NICE)
• Revue : Les Cahiers Astrologiques, Editions des Cahiers Astrologiques, DEJEANDIEU - ROGEL (7, Rue Condorcet, 75 009 PARIS)
• Revue : L'Astronomie, Sté astronomique de France (3, Rue Beethoven, 75 016 PARIS)
• Sté Astronomique de Bourgogne, Monsieur MERLIN J.C. (15, Rue Solférino, 71 200 LE CREUSOT)
• G.A.P.R.A. (Grouppement Astrono ique Populaire de la Région d'Antibes) (18, Boulevard Chancel, 06 600 ANTIHES)
• Revue : Ciel et Espace, Monsieur Pierre Bourge, Observatoire de Saint-Aubin de Couterais (61 400 MORTAGNE)
• Revue : Cahiers d'Etudes Catharèo, Sté du Souvenir et des Etudes Cathares, Mademoiselle JULIEN (23, Avenue Président Kennedy, 11 100 NARBONNE)

UFO OGIE et PARAPSYCHOLOGIE:

• C.E.M.O.C.P.I., Monsieur Berlier (17, Rue Massenet, 42 270 SAINT PRIEST EN JAREZ)

UFOLOGIE (Langue Italienne):

• C.U.N. - Revue UFO-NOTIZIARIO, CENTRO UFOLOGICO ΝΑΣΙΟΝΑΙΣ, Director: Roberto PINOTTI (Via VIGNOΟΙΑ 3, I 20 136 MILANO)

Cover and Supplements

The cover of the magazine features a grid of circular icons related to various themes such as PSY, archeology, esotericism, and OVNI (UFOs), with the title 'les amateurs d'insolite' prominently displayed. The detachable supplements (N° 13 and N° 14) contain a crossword puzzle with definitions and a small prize for the first correct answer: a plastic flying saucer.

Subscription Information

'LES AMATEURS D'INSOLITE' offers subscriptions for 1 year or 2 issues at a price of 10F. The contact address for subscriptions is SP186 - 71007 - MACON CEDEX.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes are clearly parapsychology, ufology, esotericism, metaphysics, and spiritualism, as indicated by the organizations listed and the cover art. The editorial stance appears to be one of cataloging and providing resources for individuals interested in these subjects, acting as a central hub for information and community within these fields in France and beyond.