Magonia - No 87 - 2005 02

Magazine Overview

This issue of Magonia, number 87, dated February 2005, is titled 'Magonia' and features a cover headline about Gareth Medway decoding the Da Vinci Code and Andy Roberts exploring the links between hippies and saucers. The magazine interprets contemporary vision and belief and is priced at £1.75.

Northern Echoes: The Mystery of UFOs and the Sacred Realm

Peter Rogerson's 'Northern Echoes' column reflects on the nature of ufology and related paranormal subjects. He posits that much of the passion in these fields stems not from a search for evidence, but from a desire to find 'evidences' that prove the existence of a transcendental realm. Rogerson draws parallels between 17th-century writers who collected tales of ghosts and witches to support belief in a spirit world, and modern ufologists who collect UFO experiences as proof of a 'world of extraterrestrials'. He argues that these experiences are seen as ineffable spiritual events, akin to religious experiences, and that ufology often functions like a religion, emphasizing personal experience and devaluing criticism. Rogerson contrasts this with the Protestant Puritan tradition, which emphasized reason and hard work, and notes that organizations like CSICOP, despite their atheist and humanist members, exhibit features of this tradition by emphasizing reason and fighting perceived social ills.

A Saucer Full Of Secrets: Andy Roberts on the Hippie Movement and UFOs

Andy Roberts' article, 'A Saucer Full Of Secrets', explores the often-overlooked connection between the 1960s UK hippie underground movement and the rise of interest in flying saucers. Roberts argues that while the hippie image is often associated with Eastern beliefs, the movement was instrumental in fostering a significant expansion of interest in fortean phenomena. He highlights that the flying saucer myth was deeply embedded in British culture and that the media had already introduced it in the 1950s. Despite scant historical reference to this connection, Roberts asserts that the English Underground embraced the flying saucer myth. John Michel is identified as a pivotal figure who gave voice to this burgeoning subculture, disillusioned by post-war materialism and seeing UFOs as phenomena that challenged conventional education and experience. Michel believed flying saucers were more than just 'nuts-and-bolts' craft, but part of a broader set of phenomena linked to the 'Matter of Britain' and ancient sites like Glastonbury. The article details how Michel's ideas, combined with the influence of LSD, permeated the counter-culture, leading to a 'LSD consciousness' that incorporated flying saucer imagery into music, art, and everyday discussions.

Roberts notes that while social historians often focus on Eastern influences, the hippie interest in UFOs was a significant, though less documented, aspect. He mentions that in the mid-1960s, the nascent movement lacked a clear voice until figures like Michel emerged. John Michel, disillusioned with the 'rationalistic materialistic' atmosphere of Cambridge, found UFOs to be a way to question established orthodoxies. He observed a split between the accepted view of the world and actual experience, seeing flying saucers as a manifestation of this broader reality.

The article further details how the 'English Underground' embraced the flying saucer myth, with John Michel's influence being significant. Michel's work, particularly his book 'The Flying Saucer Vision', connected UFO sightings with ancient sites and the concept of the Aquarian Age. His experience at Glastonbury, a known centre for alternative beliefs, led him to believe that strange lights and phenomena were portents of a radical change in consciousness. Neil Oram, however, contests Michel's narrative, claiming he was the one who introduced Michel to UFO phenomena in 1964 and suggested he read authors like Donald Keyhoe and Al Bender. Oram theorized that ancient sites like Stonehenge were 'transforming stations'.

LSD played a crucial role, with its widespread use in London from 1965 onwards fostering an environment where 'everything was not only possible, it was likely'. Barry Miles described this as an 'LSD consciousness' that permeated the counter-culture, influencing music like that of Pink Floyd, whose albums 'The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn' and 'A Saucerful of Secrets' incorporated themes of space, mystery, and flying saucers. Even less spiritual bands like The Rolling Stones showed interest, with John Michel accompanying them on a saucer-spotting mission to Stonehenge. Marianne Faithful recalled Brian Jones's belief in a mystic link between druidic monuments and flying saucers. David Bowie also flirted with the 'alien' theme, claiming to have been involved with flying saucer research in the late 1960s, even suggesting regular UFO sightings over a year.

The Pelican Writes: Skepticism and the Ufology Establishment

'The Pelican Writes...' column offers a critical perspective on the state of ufology, expressing amusement at the frustration of ufologists who feel ignored by mainstream science. The author notes that scientific organizations do not typically include ufology on their official agendas, though fringe meetings may exist. The column highlights upcoming UFO conferences in 2005, such as the International UFO Congress in Laughlin, Nevada, and the Exopolitics Expo in Gaithersburg, Maryland, which feature speakers discussing topics like faster-than-light travel, exploding planets, and evidence of intelligent activity predating modern humans. The Pelican expresses a particular fondness for 'contactees', finding that serious ufologists often dismiss them. The article points out the common ufological rule: 'Contactees bad - abductees good', and criticizes the work of abduction researchers like Budd Hopkins and David Jacobs.

The column then delves into the controversy surrounding the Trindade UFO photographs, where ufologist Brad Sparks claimed to have measured rapid rotational motion from the images. Skeptics' requests for details on his technique were reportedly left unanswered. The Pelican also criticizes Richard Hall, a self-proclaimed logical ufologist, for his uncritical acceptance of a UFO incident at McGuire Air Force Base in 1978, despite contradictory accounts from base personnel. The column concludes by questioning the trustworthiness of 'Serious Ufologists' when they cannot agree on basic facts or accept contradictory evidence.

A Man Who Would be King: Gareth J. Medway on Pierre Plantard

Gareth J. Medway's article profiles Pierre Plantard, also known as Pierre Plantard de Saint-Clair, Count of Saint-Clair and Count of Rhédae, who passed away in 2000. The article notes that Plantard was described as either an 'incredibly important man or a huge dreamer and practical joker', with his life being deliberately muddled. Plantard was born in 1920 and, in September 1942, began editing a free monthly magazine called 'Vaincre' under the name Pierre de France. This magazine was presented as the organ of the 'Alpha Galates', a neo-chivalric order whose purpose was vaguely defined, advocating a 'true socialism' while also including contributors from various political leanings. The contents dealt with Atlantis, Celtic wisdom, and esoteric subjects, with Plantard later declaring it a resistance publication. In November 1942, 'Au pilori', a pro-Nazi magazine, attacked Plantard and 'Vaincre' without specific allegations. The next issue of 'Vaincre' was a direct reply. By January 1943, Louis Le Fur praised Alpha Galates's new Grand Master, Pierre de France-Plantard. The article highlights contradictions regarding the registration date of the Alpha Galates and the Order's unknown status to French authorities, despite Plantard being known to the police.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Magonia appears to maintain a critical yet open-minded stance towards fringe beliefs and phenomena. The 'Northern Echoes' column, written by the Reviews Editor, offers a philosophical perspective on ufology, framing it as a quasi-religious pursuit of a transcendental realm. 'The Pelican Writes...' column adopts a skeptical but amused tone towards the more extreme claims and internal disputes within the ufology community, questioning the credibility of 'Serious Ufologists'. Andy Roberts' article provides a historical and cultural analysis, linking the hippie movement's embrace of UFOs to broader counter-cultural trends and spiritual seeking. The profile of Pierre Plantard delves into a complex and deliberately obscured historical figure associated with esoteric orders and publications. Overall, the magazine seems to encourage critical examination of these subjects while acknowledging their cultural significance and the human desire to explore the unknown.

This issue of Magonia, titled "Magonia 11," published in August 1985, focuses on the enigmatic figure of Pierre Plantard and his alleged involvement with the Priory of Sion, a secret society that became central to the Rennes-le-Château mystery. The magazine explores Plantard's background, his methods of self-promotion, and the elaborate narratives he constructed around historical lineages and hidden treasures.

Pierre Plantard: The Architect of Myth

The article begins by describing Pierre Plantard as a figure who boasted of links with politicians and created fictitious groups for attention. It suggests that his attacks on himself in publications like 'Au pilori' were a form of publicity. His marriage to Anne-Léa Hisler and his alleged internment by the Gestapo are mentioned, though his later career is largely based on his own unverified accounts. Plantard is noted to have potentially associated with Swiss Freemasonry and met Leo Schidlof, an Austrian dealer in miniatures.

In the politically unstable France of the 1950s, Plantard became involved with clandestine 'Committees for Public Safety.' In May 1956, a magazine called 'Circuit' began publication, ostensibly about low-cost housing but hinting at connections to these committees. 'Circuit' also introduced a thirteen-sign zodiac, which became a trademark of Plantard's publications. Crucially, 'Circuit' contained minutes of meetings that would lead to the formation of the Priory of Sion, though the name was not initially mentioned.

On June 25, 1956, the Priory of Sion declared itself to the Sub-Prefecture of Saint-Julien-en-Genevois, with its head office in Sous-Cassan, where 'Circuit' was published. The order claimed to practice 'Catholic chivalry' but had obscure objectives. It featured a complex hierarchy of nine grades, theoretically leading to 9841 members, though the actual membership was likely very small. Pierre Plantard was the Secretary-General, with Pierre Bonhomme, Jean Delaval, and Pierre Defagot listed as council members.

'Circuit' ceased publication in September 1956. Two years later, a communiqué from the Paris Central Committee of Public Safety to 'Le Monde' was signed 'Captain Way,' later identified as Plantard, advocating for General de Gaulle.

The Rennes-le-Château Connection

Plantard and his wife began issuing numerous books and pamphlets under pseudonyms, including 'Madeleine Blancasall' and 'Antoine l'Ermite.' These publications, often not commercially distributed, touched on topics like the Common Market and the historical mystery of Gisors and its secret chambers. The article notes that many of these tracts were never widely circulated, with the Bibliothèque Nationale holding some of the few existing copies.

Plantard's later work focused on the mystery of Rennes-le-Château, a village in southern France. He claimed that Dagobert II, the last king of the Merovingian dynasty, had a son who survived and whose bloodline could be traced to the present day. This narrative was heavily influenced by the work of Gérard de Sède and Robert Charroux, particularly Charroux's chapter on Bérengere Saunière, the priest of Rennes-le-Château who had mysteriously acquired a fortune in the 1890s.

Plantard's publications, such as 'A Merovingian Treasure at Rennes-le-Château' by 'Antoine l'Ermite,' reprinted parts of Charroux's work and introduced new claims about Saunière's find, including parchments with genealogies and biblical texts containing encoded messages. Plantard alleged that Rennes-le-Château was once a significant town and the home of Dagobert II. He proposed that Dagobert's son, Sigisbert, had survived, establishing a bloodline that continued to the present.

The "Accursed Treasure" and Plantard's Claims

De Sède's book, 'The Accursed Treasure,' claimed that several people connected to it had died mysteriously. It featured illustrations of alleged parchments, one of which contained a coded sentence: "A DAGOBERT II ET A SION EST CE TRESOR ET IL EST LA MORT." The intent behind these claims was to establish Pierre Plantard as the heir to the Merovingian dynasty, expecting to be proclaimed king of France and a United States of Europe.

Leo Schidlof was drawn into the affair, receiving numerous letters from individuals interested in his work. Plantard's tracts used Schidlof's name to suggest a high-ranking Freemason's involvement. The article mentions the death of Schidlof in October 1966.

A booklet by 'S. Roux' attacked 'Burrus' and praised Schidlof, suggesting a plot for a "popular monarchy allied to the USSR" and the triumph of Freemasonry. The symbol of a fleur de lys inside a circle, later appearing on Plantard's coat of arms with the motto 'Et in Arcadia Ego,' was linked to the Antar Petrol logo and interpreted as a Merovingian symbol.

Plantard, frustrated by the lack of an ancient lineage for his society, invented one. He claimed the Priory of Sion began in 1099 as a group with the Knights Templar, listing Grand Masters that included Leonardo da Vinci and concluding with modern figures like Victor Hugo and Jean Cocteau. The article points out the absurdity of some of these appointments, such as Edouard de Bar being made Grand Master at the age of five.

These materials were deposited at the Bibliothèque Nationale in Paris as 'Dossiers Secrets d'Henri Lobineau,' compiled by Philippe Toscan du Plantier. The handwriting on these documents was later found to be identical to those on the 1974 Annual Report of the First National Bank of Chicago, suggesting they were photocopies, possibly made with a stamp.

The Priory's Evolution and Plantard's Disappearance

By the 1970s, the Priory gained public attention, partly due to BBC scriptwriter Henry Lincoln's interest after reading Gérard de Sède's book. Lincoln made several documentaries and co-authored books on the subject. He was introduced to de Sède's sources, many of which were stamped 'Plantard.' Lincoln was also directed to 'La Vraie Langue Celtique' by Abbé Henri Boudet, a friend of Saunière.

Plantard later adopted the name Pierre Plantard de Saint-Clair, Count of Saint-Clair and Count of Rhédae. His theories evolved, with 'The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail' proposing that the Sang Real (holy blood) was the true secret, linked to Jesus Christ and Mary Magdalene.

In October 1988, carbon dating suggested the Shroud of Turin was a medieval forgery. Lynn Picknett received letters from 'Giovanni,' a supposed member of a dissident faction of the Priory of Sion, claiming Leonardo da Vinci created the Shroud through an 'alchemical imprinting.'

De Chérisey admitted to faking documents at the instigation of Francis Blanche, a radio producer. In 1982, Lincoln met Plantard, who presented notarized documents from the 1950s concerning four Englishmen who allegedly imported parchments to Britain, proving the 'House of Plantard's' descent from Dagobert II. These documents were later identified as forgeries.

In December 1983, a flyer circulated alleging that Jan-Luc Chaumeil was publishing a treatise on the Priory of Sion, containing insults about Plantard. Plantard announced his intention to sue for libel.

In 1984, Plantard sent Lincoln a Priory of Sion document accusing Chaumeil of stealing archives. The signatures of the Americans on this document were identical to those on a bank report, suggesting they were photocopies. Plantard claimed they were made with a stamp.

In July 1984, Plantard announced his resignation as Grand Master of the Priory of Sion due to health reasons. Little more was heard of him, though a tract titled 'The Scandals of the Priory of Sion' linked him to the P2 Masonic Lodge and the death of Roberto Calvi.

Book Reviews and Related Topics

The latter part of the magazine features several book reviews. Lyndal Roper's 'Witch Craze' examines witchcraft accusations in Baroque Germany, linking them to societal pressures and sexual abuse. Randall Sullivan's 'The Miracle Detective' investigates holy visions, focusing on Marian apparitions. Colombo's 'The Midnight Hour' collects modern folklore and paranormal accounts from Canada. Jenny Randles' 'Supernatural Isle of Man' and Christian Saunders' 'Into the Dragon's Lair' cover regional paranormal phenomena.

James Houran's edited collection 'From Shaman to Scientist' explores humanity's search for spirits, with essays on ghosts, shamanism, and techno-occultism. The reviews highlight a tendency in some works to see mysteries in ordinary events and to rely on anecdotal evidence.

Neil Badmington's 'Alien Chic' analyzes the portrayal of aliens in popular culture and their connection to human identity. Mike McAvennie's 'Sci Fi Declassified' reviews an archaeological excavation at the Roswell debris site. The article notes that while archaeologist Dr. Bill Doleman conducted real science, ufologists found no conclusive evidence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Magonia strongly critiques the narratives constructed by Pierre Plantard and his associates, exposing the fabricated nature of the Priory of Sion's history and its claims regarding the Merovingian dynasty and Rennes-le-Château. The magazine highlights Plantard's use of pseudonyms, forged documents, and elaborate myth-making to create a sense of ancient lineage and hidden secrets. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards sensationalist claims in ufology and fringe history, emphasizing the need for rigorous evidence and critical analysis, as demonstrated by the reviews of various books on paranormal and historical mysteries.