Ovni Presence - No 23

Magazine Overview

Title: Ovni Présence
Issue: N° 23
Date: September 1982
Type: Quarterly Bulletin
Publisher: Association d'Etude sur les Soucoupes Volantes (AESV)

This issue of Ovni Présence, the 7th volume and 23rd bulletin, published in September 1982, delves into complex and often controversial aspects of ufology. The cover boldly questions whether UFO 'abductions' are literal events or a manifestation of psychological trauma, specifically birth trauma. The magazine features articles by Alvin H. Lawson, Jean-Pierre Troadec, Hilary Evans, Jean Bastide, and Jacques Bergier, alongside reports on ufological events and research.

Key Articles and Themes

Enlèvements, "Et" et Traumatisme de la Naissance (Abductions, "Et" and Birth Trauma)

This central theme, explored by Alvin H. Lawson, posits that the imagery and experiences reported in UFO abduction cases (often referred to as 'RR3' or 'CE III') may not be extraterrestrial in origin but rather a psychological projection of birth trauma. Lawson argues that the universal and idiosyncratic nature of birth experiences provides a psychological framework that can explain the commonalities and differences in abduction reports. He suggests that the process of being 'taken' through a tunnel of light, encountering strange entities, and undergoing examinations mirrors the distress and sensory overload of the birth canal and emergence into the world. The article discusses the verifiability of this hypothesis and its implications for understanding human consciousness and psychology. Lawson's research is presented as significant because it is falsifiable, a rare quality in ufological theories.

Eugenio Siragusa: Tout ce que vous avez toujours voulu savoir sur Eugenio Siragusa sans jamais oser le demander

This extensive article by Jean-Pierre Troadec addresses the case of Eugenio Siragusa, an Italian contactee who claims to have received messages from extraterrestrials since 1950. The author defends Siragusa against accusations of being a fraud, detailing his life, his organization 'Centro Studi Fratellanza Cosmica', and the messages he disseminates. The article clarifies the distinction between Siragusa's organization in Catania and a separate group in Milan, refuting claims of financial impropriety and explaining the cessation of publications. It also discusses legal proceedings against Siragusa, including charges of seduction, sexual violence, and fraud, asserting his acquittal and highlighting the role of media misrepresentation. The author emphasizes Siragusa's altruistic motives and his dedication to spreading a humanitarian message.

Une Veillée Exceptionnelle dans le Sud de la France (An Exceptional Vigil in the South of France)

This report details an organized sky observation event by AESV on the night of July 26-27, 1982. The event was notable for its multidisciplinary approach, involving not only ufologists but also air traffic controllers, radar specialists, journalists, and scientists. The report highlights the use of radar surveillance and the observation of a single, bright, oval-shaped object that remained stationary before departing rapidly. The event aimed to foster a more scientific and integrated approach to UFO research.

Le Petit Martien Déchaîné (The Little Martian Unleashed)

This short piece is a critique of a conference by Richard Bessière, questioning the identity of the speaker and suggesting that 'Richard Bessière' is a pseudonym used for marketing purposes, possibly by Henry Bessière and François Richard. The author, Slyb, points out inaccuracies in the conference details and criticizes the misleading nature of the presentation.

La Vue depuis le Gaisberg: Notes sur le colloque de Salzbourg 1982 consacré aux Sciences Humaines et au Phénomène OVNI (The View from Gaisberg: Notes on the 1982 Salzburg Colloquium on Human Sciences and the UFO Phenomenon)

This article provides a detailed account of a colloquium held in Salzburg in 1982, focusing on the human sciences and their relation to the UFO phenomenon. The author notes the encouraging atmosphere of shared interest and the contributions of various researchers. Key themes discussed include the psychological aspects of UFO witnesses, the use of tools like the Rorschach test and tachistoscope for evaluating testimony, and the controversial birth trauma hypothesis proposed by Alvin H. Lawson. The article also touches upon the role of psychiatry in UFO research, the concept of 'mimetic projection' as an explanation for abduction narratives, and the influence of science fiction on UFO reports. The author commends the constructive and harmonious exchange of ideas among participants from diverse backgrounds, emphasizing the interaction between psychological factors and physical phenomena.

Aux Limites de la Réalité (At the Limits of Reality)

This is a review of the book 'The Edge of Reality' by J. Allen Hynek and Jacques Vallée. The reviewer notes that the book compiles various UFO sightings and paranormal events, but criticizes the authors for blurring the lines between UFO phenomena and psychic occurrences. While acknowledging Hynek's more favorable stance on the physical reality of UFOs, the reviewer points out perceived weaknesses in the book's arguments and the authors' representation of certain cases and individuals, such as Dr. James Mc Donald.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a rational and objective approach to ufology, while acknowledging the psychological and subjective dimensions of the phenomenon. There is a clear emphasis on research that is falsifiable and grounded in evidence, as exemplified by the discussion of Lawson's birth trauma hypothesis. The editorial stance is critical of sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims, advocating for thorough investigation and a nuanced understanding of witness testimony. The publication also highlights the efforts of organizations like AESV in disseminating information and fostering dialogue within the ufological community. The issue demonstrates a commitment to exploring diverse theories, even those that challenge conventional extraterrestrial explanations, and to defending individuals like Eugenio Siragusa against what it perceives as unfair media portrayals.

This issue of "OVNI & SF" (UFO & Science Fiction), volume 7, issue 19, dated February 1985, published by Observatoire des Parasciences, is primarily written in French. It critically examines UFO phenomena, questioning the methodologies of prominent ufologists and proposing alternative explanations for certain cases.

Critiques of Ufology

The editorial section begins with a critique of J. Vallée's work, highlighting perceived inconsistencies and oversights. The author notes Vallée's apparent ignorance of other researchers in the humanoid field and questions the scientific rigor of his book "Le Collège Invisible," particularly its lack of references. The critique also points out Vallée's contradictory statements regarding the societal impact of UFOs and his dismissal of amateur UFO publications as purely sociological rather than scientific.

J.A. Hynek's assertion that UFOs can be suggested under hypnosis is discussed, with the magazine noting that the vagueness of such 'objects' suggests they are not mere hallucinations. However, the issue criticizes Vallée for dedicating pages to 'childish visions' of an 'oneiric, delirious and stupid' nature. The magazine also recounts the Fort Churchill barium rocket launches and the subsequent 'UFO' sightings, which were ironically identified as the star Capella by the USAF. The case of Aurora, Texas, and an alleged UFO imposter, Karl Mekis, are also mentioned.

Ball Lightning as an Alternative Explanation

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a detailed analysis of a sighting in Saladare, Ethiopia, on August 7, 1970. The object described – a red, cylindrical object that uprooted trees, calcined vegetation, dismantled walls, and melted metal – is presented as a remarkable case of ball lightning. The authors argue that ball lightning can occur in clear weather, at altitude, and can exhibit behaviors like reversing its trajectory and melting materials without burning. They express surprise that prominent ufologists like Hynek and Vallée did not consider this explanation, despite its plausibility.

A list of other cases attributed to ball lightning is provided, including incidents in Japan, France, and Germany, further supporting the hypothesis that many phenomena attributed to UFOs might be natural atmospheric events.

UFOs and Science Fiction: A Deep Connection

The article "A PROPOS D'UNE COINCIDENCE..." by Bertrand Méheust explores the profound connection between UFO reports and science fiction. Méheust, along with others like Jean-Luc Proust, Pierre Versins, and Jacques Bergier, suggests that many UFO narratives, including sightings, landings, and encounters, mirror themes and events found in science fiction literature published decades earlier. The article posits that either skeptics might attribute these similarities to people reading too much science fiction, or a more nuanced view could suggest that extraterrestrial intelligences might be influencing human minds, including those of science fiction writers, to establish contact.

Other Articles and Abstracts

The magazine also includes abstracts of other articles:

• "E.T.s" AND BIRTH TRAUMA by Alvin H. Lawson, which theorizes that UFO abduction reports are linked to birth trauma.
• ALL ABOUT EUGENIO SIRAGUSA by Jean-Pierre Troadec, discussing the life of an Italian contactee.
• THE VIEW FROM THE GAISBERG by Hilary Evans, reporting on a congress in Salzburg, Austria, on human sciences and UFO phenomena.
• THE EDGE OF REALITY by Jean Bastide, offering a critique of Hynek and Vallée's book.
• UFOS AND SF by Jacques Bergier, reiterating the link between UFOs and science fiction.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of established ufological theories, the proposal of natural phenomena like ball lightning as explanations for certain sightings, and the exploration of the symbiotic relationship between UFO reports and science fiction. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards conventional UFO explanations, advocating for rigorous scientific analysis and a willingness to consider alternative, less sensational hypotheses. The magazine encourages readers to subscribe to "Ovni-présence" for continued discussions on these topics.