News Fortiane - No 03

Magazine Overview

Title: NEWS FORTIANE
Issue: Volume 1, Number 3
Date: March 17, 2008
Publisher: www.centrostudifortiani.it
Language: Italian

This issue of NEWS FORTIANE, a bulletin on the world of mystery, covers a range of intriguing topics, from historical injustices and ancient mysteries to modern-day paranormal phenomena and spiritual matters.

GB: Petition for Rehabilitation of a Witch

The lead story details a petition presented to the Scottish government requesting the posthumous rehabilitation of Helen Duncan. Duncan was the last person in British history to be convicted of witchcraft under an act from 1735. She was condemned in 1944 because, during a séance in 1941, she revealed details of a shipwreck that killed 861 sailors, information the military preferred to keep secret. Her arrest shortly before the Normandy landings was intended to prevent her séances from jeopardizing secret military plans. A previous petition for her pardon was unsuccessful. The current petition, from the group Full Moon Investigations, also calls for the rehabilitation of approximately 4,000 other individuals, 85% of whom were women, condemned for witchcraft in Scotland. Roberta Gordon, the medium who presented the petition, stated that a pardon would remove the stigma from Duncan's descendants. The article notes that many modern professions have roots in what could be considered mystical knowledge, such as mediumship, herbalism, and alternative therapies.

Links are provided to the official website for Duncan's rehabilitation, a forum discussing the case, and photos of Duncan's séances.

The Great Sphinx of Egypt: New Theories

The magazine recommends the latest issue of 'Pharaon' magazine, which features an article by geologist Robert M. Schoch. Schoch, known for his alternative ideas about the dating of the Great Sphinx of Egypt, proposes that the Sphinx was carved not by Pharaoh Khafre around 2,500 BC, as per academic consensus, but much earlier, between 4,500 and 7,000 BC. His theory is based on interpreting the erosion patterns on the Sphinx and its enclosure as being caused by torrential rains, rather than wind and sand. This dating predates the technological capabilities for such construction in that era, leading to resistance from mainstream archaeology. The article also mentions that seismic surveys have revealed a new cavity near the Sphinx's left leg, and that Diego Baratono will conduct further investigations using a geosonar to search for a second Sphinx, mentioned in ancient texts.

UFO Psychosis in England: Ministry Urges Calm

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) issued a statement urging calm after a UFO was reported over Woodford Green. Two residents contacted 'The Guardian' newspaper, describing a strange flying object. A MoD spokesperson, Susan Coulthard, suggested that people often see things that are not easily explained and that possibilities include aircraft, balloons, or other objects. She assured residents that there was no need for concern. However, Darrell Greenway, a 19-year-old, expressed his conviction about what he saw and feared it might indicate an alien invasion.

Scientists and Students Launch Program to Combat Alien Species

In Sydney, scientists and university students at Cape Breton are collaborating on a program called 'Project UFO' to monitor and prevent the invasion of unidentified alien organisms. The initiative aims to raise public awareness about invasive species that threaten the ecosystems of the East Coast. The project is partially funded by the federal government and is a joint effort between Cape Breton University and the Atlantic Canada Coastal Action Program.

The Return of the Lizard Man?

This section reports on an incident in Bishopville, South Carolina, where resident Dixie Rawson found the front of her vehicle severely damaged, with bite marks and bent metal. This event led to speculation about the return of the infamous 'Lizard Man,' a creature reportedly seven feet tall with green skin and three-fingered hands, last seen near Scape Ore swamp nearly two decades prior. The damage to the vehicle, along with the disappearance of the Rawson's cats, fueled these suspicions. The local sheriff, E.J. Melvin, acknowledged the unusual nature of the damage but noted the persistent local belief in the Lizard Man. DNA analysis of a blood sample from the van is underway.

'Folletti Streghe Magie' Film

The magazine highlights 'Folletti Streghe Magie' (Fairies, Witches, Magic), a documentary film produced and directed by Simonetta Rossi, written by Mario Ferraguti. The film, which explores the magical traditions of the Parma Apennines through fictionalized narratives and interviews with locals speaking in dialect, has been selected for the International Independent Film Festival in Milan and is part of the 'Doc in Tour' catalog. It is also being dubbed into English for international distribution. The film is praised for preserving a disappearing oral tradition.

"I Was Chosen to Be the Exorcist of Parma"

An interview with Don Pietro Viola, who was appointed exorcist for the Diocese of Parma after the death of Monsignor Maggiali. Don Viola, born in 1931, discusses his path to becoming an exorcist, emphasizing that faith is the key to overcoming evil. He explains that while there are no specific academic studies required, he was given books detailing the experiences of other exorcists, such as Father Amorth. He states that he accepted the role because he believes that even the Devil is in God's hands and that faith can defeat any adverse power. Don Viola sees many people who are not truly possessed but suffer from psychological issues, moral distress, or a lack of spiritual connection, which he addresses through moral and religious guidance. He estimates that only two or three individuals he has encountered have shown clear signs of possession. He recounts two cases, one of a woman who was reportedly cured after an exorcism and another involving a couple where the wife exhibited aggressive behavior during the ritual.

Robbie Williams Leaves Music for Ufology

Former Take That singer Robbie Williams has announced his intention to leave the music industry to become a full-time ufologist. He revealed this during a radio interview, stating that he regularly dreams of being abducted by extraterrestrials and anticipates a public contact by 2012. Williams' interest in UFOs is not new; his last tour was named 'Close Encounters,' and he has publicly engaged with author David Icke, known for his theories on reptilian aliens. Williams has reportedly had three UFO sightings in his life, the most recent of which involved a large golden sphere of light appearing while he was on his hotel balcony. He acknowledges that some may consider him crazy but is determined to pursue his new path.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the unexplained, the paranormal, and historical mysteries. The magazine presents a variety of cases, from historical accusations of witchcraft to modern UFO sightings and alleged demonic possessions. There is a clear interest in alternative explanations and a willingness to explore phenomena that fall outside mainstream scientific or historical consensus. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry into the mysterious aspects of life, history, and the universe, providing a platform for diverse and often unconventional viewpoints.