Ovni Presence - No 39 - Fevrier 1988

Magazine Overview

Title: OVNI Présence
Issue: No. 39
Volume: Douzième année
Date: February 1988
Price: 25 FF / 6 FS
ISSN: 0223-0976

This issue of OVNI Présence, a French ufology magazine, features a striking cover illustration of a young boy witnessing a UFO through his window, alongside headlines about a potential saucer recording and a 'diabolical abduction in Poitou'. The magazine covers a range of topics, from recent UFO sightings to historical analyses of abduction phenomena and ufological events.

Contents

Editorial

The editorial, titled '40 après Arnold', reflects on the 40th anniversary of the Arnold case and notes a global resurgence in UFO observations and media interest. It highlights a mini-wave in France, mass sightings in Switzerland, and cases of high strangeness in Italy. The editorial also points to the significant Nort-sur-Erdre case and the extensive media coverage of UFOs, including discussions around the secret 'MJ 12' document. The year 1988 is presented as a potential turning point for UFO interest.

Clips and Claps

This section provides brief news items. One report mentions a spherical or ovoid UFO with a 'parapluie' tail sighted over Shanghai on August 27th, detected by radar. Another item details the Nort-sur-Erdre case involving a 10-year-old boy named Laurent who reportedly saw a UFO after hearing a noise.

Media & Manifs

This section previews upcoming events and media coverage. It mentions an article about ufologists in VSD magazine (February 11th), the 'Salon Parapsy 88' in Paris (February 12-21), and the 'Rencontres de Lyon' (April 2-4), for which registration is still open via AESV.

Study: Fantastic Abductions: From the Devil to the UFO

This extensive feature, authored by Frédéric Dumerchat, explores the historical evolution of abduction narratives. It begins by posing the question of the commonality between the 16th-century account of Poupert being abducted by Satan and the 1977 abduction of corporal Valdès by extraterrestrials.

#### The Author and His Work

The study focuses on the account of Poupert, allegedly abducted by Satan in Poitou around the end of the 16th century, as recorded by Pierre Robert (1589-1658). Robert, a magistrate and intellectual, documented various historical and religious matters. His work, largely unpublished, came to light through a 17th-century ecclesiastic, Dom Fonteneau.

#### The Narrative

The 'récit' (account) was reportedly relayed in January 1611 by a nobleman from Poitou, de La Barde, who was traveling with Poupert. The story details Poupert's possession of a 'white wax image' with inscriptions, which he refused to return to its owner. After joining a troop fighting in Poitou, Poupert was present when the castle of Pindray was taken. The image was then burned, an act accompanied by strange phenomena: blue and violet fire, black smoke, a loud noise, and flashes of light. Poupert claimed to see 'phantoms and visions'. Later that night, during a storm, Poupert was allegedly lifted by Satan, described as a 'black man', and carried over the castle, destroying part of the roof. He was found the next morning, disoriented, and recounted his experience of being shown mountains, precipices, and the sea by Satan, who offered him a similar figurine to the one destroyed.

#### Poupert's Origin and Context

Pierre Robert, the chronicler, is presented as precise and critical for his time. The account of Poupert's abduction is situated around 1596, during the final years of the French Wars of Religion. De La Barde, the witness, was a Protestant, which is noted as potentially significant given the religious conflicts of the era. The narrative is analyzed within the context of 16th and 17th-century beliefs about witchcraft, Satanic pacts, and demonic activity.

#### The Context of Sorcery and Demonology

The article emphasizes that the Poupert story aligns with contemporary beliefs about sorcery, including the presence of a witch (the young girl), an enchantment figurine, a tempting Satan, aerial transport, and a 'diabolized' storm. Pierre Robert, like many of his contemporaries, was interested in the supernatural, particularly demonic phenomena. The period from 1560 to 1630 saw intense persecution of individuals accused of witchcraft, fueled by demonological literature. The article notes that the 'learned' culture played a role in shaping these narratives, often used to demonize adversaries, particularly Protestants.

#### Themes of Supernatural and Diabolical Phenomena

Pierre Robert's writings are characterized by detailed accounts of miraculous events, revenants, and phantom armies. His description of a sorcerer's execution in Limoges, where a 'devil' emerged as a hornet, illustrates the blend of the supernatural and the demonic in his worldview. The article highlights various accounts of aerial transports attributed to Satan or God, including the case of a Protestant widow in Confolens who was allegedly abducted by the devil, and a phantom that abducted a woman in Guéret. The phenomenon of lightning was often interpreted as a diabolical manifestation.

#### The Theme of Aerial Abduction from the 16th to the 20th Century

The article traces the theme of aerial abduction, often by the devil, from the 16th and 17th centuries through to the 20th century. It notes that while the Church acknowledged the devil's ability to transport individuals, the concept of witches flying to sabbats on brooms or animals was also prevalent. Examples from demonological treaties and trial records are cited, including the story of a schoolmaster turned priest who claimed to be lifted into the air by the devil. The article also discusses the role of 'canards' (popular pamphlets) in disseminating such stories. It mentions the work of John Aubrey, who documented an extraordinary account of Francis Fry being carried high into the air by the devil. The theme of aerial transport also appears in religious contexts, with stories of angels or saints transporting individuals, as seen in the lives of saints and biblical accounts of divine intervention.

#### Evolution of the Theme

By the 18th century, these narratives began to marginalize as societal views and the influence of the Church shifted. However, the theme persisted in folklore, particularly in legends of the 'devil at the ball', where a young woman might be abducted by the devil after dancing. The article notes that the devil's departure often involves a whirlwind and damage to buildings, a motif that echoes in some UFO reports.

#### Folklore and Modern Parallels

In the 19th and 20th centuries, folklorists collected legends that carried echoes of these older narratives. The article mentions stories of flying carriages in Alsace and the legend of the 'cheval-malet' (evil horse) in Poitou, where the devil is associated with whirlwinds that lift hay and uproot trees. It also touches upon accounts of aerial phenomena linked to religious conflicts, such as the story of a Protestant woman in Maine-et-Loire who allegedly experienced a demonic visitation involving a 'four-horse gallop' and significant structural damage. The article concludes by noting that while the literal interpretation of these events waned, the underlying themes of mysterious aerial phenomena and abductions continued to resonate, finding parallels in modern UFO reports.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of historical folklore, religious beliefs, and modern UFO phenomena. There is a clear interest in examining how ancient narratives of demonic encounters and supernatural abductions might inform or parallel contemporary UFO sightings and abduction experiences. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into the UFO phenomenon, acknowledging its existence and seeking to understand its potential connections to historical accounts and cultural beliefs. The magazine aims to provide detailed investigations and reports on these topics.

This issue of Ovni-présence, number 39, dated February 1988, features a cover story titled "Il est cinq heures... Laurent s'éveille" (It is five o'clock... Laurent wakes up), detailing a UFO sighting by a young boy. The magazine delves into various aspects of ufology, including historical accounts, scientific analysis, media influence, and the controversy surrounding classified documents.

Main Articles and Features

Laurent's Sighting: The Nort-sur-Erdre Incident

The central piece investigates a sighting by a 10-year-old boy, Laurent X, from Nort-sur-Erdre, France, on September 7, 1987. Laurent reported hearing a 'bip-bip' sound and seeing an oval, orange object with yellow points, approximately five meters in diameter, hovering at the height of electrical wires. He managed to record the sound, which was later analyzed. The article details the events, Laurent's testimony, and the subsequent investigation by the GEPSI (Groupe d'Etude des Phénomènes Spatiaux Inexpliqués) and GEPAN (Groupe d'Etude des Phénomènes Aérospatiaux Non-identifiés).

The analysis of the recorded sound revealed it to be a Soviet 'moulinette à caviar' radar signal, a 'trans-horizon' radar known for its characteristic 'chopping' sound. While this sound was not directly linked to the visual sighting, its identification provided a scientific explanation for the audio component of the event. The article highlights the media's extensive coverage of the incident, noting how it quickly became a national talking point.

Historical Context: Aerial Abductions and Folklore

Frédéric Dumerchat's contribution explores the historical roots of aerial abductions, tracing them back to folklore and demonology. He references Stiith Thompson's classification of aerial abduction motifs and discusses ancient beliefs about fairies and lutins abducting humans. The article draws parallels between these historical accounts and modern UFO abduction narratives, suggesting that the extraterrestrial theme has replaced older mythological figures. Examples include the story of Dr. Moore in Ireland, who claimed to have been abducted by fairies as a child, and the case of Maria Horta in Portugal, a mystic who reportedly 'volatilized'. The phenomenon of 'changelings' is also mentioned.

The MJ12 Controversy: "TOP SECRET"

Perry Petrakis's article, "Chapeau l'Oncle Sam ! L'intox" (Hats off Uncle Sam! The Hoax), delves into the controversy surrounding the alleged 'MJ12' documents. These documents, purportedly declassified through the efforts of groups like Citizen Against UFO Secrecy (CAUS), suggest a secret US government operation (Operation Majestic 12) formed in 1948 to study the remains of a UFO and its occupants. The article outlines the arguments made by ufologist detractor Philip Klass against the authenticity of a key document, the 'Cutler Memo,' and presents counter-arguments from ufologists. Klass's points include the lack of signature, the document being an original rather than a copy, the absence of a classification number, and the specific terminology used. The article concludes that the situation is complex and far from resolved, questioning the 'perfect orchestration' of the international diffusion of these documents.

UFO Congresses and Media Landscape

The issue also touches upon the broader ufological landscape, mentioning the "Rencontres de Lyon" (Lyon Meetings) scheduled for April 1988, aiming to be a forum for ideas and reflections rather than polemics. It also notes the significant number of UFO-related films and series broadcast in 1987, highlighting the media's role in popularizing the topic. A section on "Clips & Claps" briefly covers other reported UFO sightings and phenomena, including an incident in Geneva involving a strange sky illumination attributed to sunset reflections, and an Italian case of tourists being transported 90 km after observing a light.

Publications and Resources

Several resources are mentioned, including the "Enciclopedia de los encuentros cercanos con ovnis" (Encyclopedia of Close Encounters with UFOs) and the book "Ufo's 1947-1987," described as a comprehensive overview of the UFO phenomenon. The magazine also announces the publication of a fourth "Dossier Ovni-présence" containing texts on psychosociological hypotheses and 'tales from a branch cutter'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of UFO phenomena with folklore, historical beliefs, and modern media. There's a clear effort to analyze reported events through a critical lens, distinguishing between genuine investigation and sensationalism. The editorial stance appears to favor a balanced approach, acknowledging the possibility of unexplained phenomena while also scrutinizing evidence and considering psychological and sociological factors. The extensive bibliography and detailed notes suggest a commitment to thorough research, even when discussing controversial or speculative topics like the MJ12 documents. The magazine also highlights the significant role of media in shaping public perception of UFOs.

This issue of Ovni-présence, number 39, dated February 1988, is a French-language magazine focused on ufology. It covers various international conferences and events from 1987, including detailed reports from Lyon, Turin, Washington, London, and Hasselt. The magazine also features reader contributions, opinion polls, and discussions on specific cases and theoretical approaches within the field.

Reports on Ufological Events

Rencontres de Lyon (April 18, 1987)

Edoardo Russo's contribution highlights the Rencontres de Lyon as a significant event that brought together ufologists from different backgrounds. He notes that the decline in observations has led to discouragement for some, while others remain active, divided into 'Parisian' and 'provincial' camps. Russo concludes that initiatives like the AESV, Ovni-présence, SOS-OVNI, Minitel, and the Lyon meetings are working towards healing ideological rifts and creating a common ground for French ufologists, moving beyond factional differences.

Turin Congress (June 20-21, 1987)

Bertrand Méheust recounts his "strange experience" at the Turin ufology congress, likening it to being abducted to the 'planet of Italian ufologists'. He describes the event as well-organized, with a local that was surprisingly well-equipped compared to French standards. He notes the collaboration between different types of researchers, including Paolo Fiorino and the skeptical Toselli. Méheust was particularly surprised by the organization's self-funded survey on UFO beliefs in Italy and the ongoing nature of UFO sightings and investigations there. He suggests that Italian ufology is dynamic and that the field might have a future there.

CISU-DOXA Opinion Poll (Italy)

The magazine presents a summary of a recent opinion poll conducted by CISU and DOXA in Milan, surveying 2000 Italian adults. The poll revealed a significant decrease in belief in UFOs compared to a 1979 survey, with 19% believing in them versus 35% previously, and disbelief rising to 53%. The results were unexpected for CISU members, potentially linked to the timing of the poll during a quieter period for UFO sightings and media interest. The poll indicated that younger individuals, those in higher socio-professional categories, and residents of northwestern and central Italy were more likely to believe in UFOs. Notably, 6.5% of respondents claimed to have observed a UFO, suggesting a potential witness population of around three million in Italy.

MUFON Congress, Washington (June 26-28, 1987)

This report details the MUFON congress held at American University, which attracted over five hundred attendees and significant media attention. The resurgence of interest in ufology is attributed to the themes of 'abductions' and 'cover-up'. Discussions included cases of alleged abductions, with notable figures like Whitley Strieber (author of 'Communion') and Budd Hopkins (author of 'Intruders') present. William Moore also presented information about the 'MJ-12' documents, suggesting that UFOs had been a concern for the US government since 1947. The congress also featured international ufologists and discussions on Martian 'figures' observed by Viking probes.

London Congress (July 10-12, 1987)

Described as one of the best-organized international ufology congresses, the London event aimed for a balance between the disillusionment in continental Europe and the 'hysterical hyper-optimism' of American ufologists. The congress focused on community work, with researchers from various countries sharing their findings. Willy Smith of UNICAT demonstrated how statistical data could illuminate lived experiences. Paul Devereux's presentation on 'Earthlights' (geophysical hypotheses for luminous phenomena) was considered highly important. Steuart Campbell argued that most UFOs are mirages, though his past explanations were noted. Hans van Kampen provided insights into ufological activity in the Netherlands, suggesting potential for increased cooperation.

Hasselt Meeting (September 27, 1987)

This report covers a small meeting in Hasselt, Belgium, organized by Ufo-Belgium. Initially planned with two speakers, it primarily featured Marc Broux and a presentation by Pieter Hendrickx on the Hessdalen phenomenon, including new slides of the mysterious lights observed there since 1981. Marc Broux provided a historical overview of ufology. The report notes that psycho-sociological trends, discussed in France, were not mentioned, indicating a potential lack of awareness among Flemish and Dutch researchers.

Reader Contributions and Columns

Very British: Two Reactions

Michel Rouzé and Jean Sider comment on a previous issue of Ovni-présence dedicated to Great Britain. Rouzé questions the depth of the subject matter, drawing parallels between haunted houses and UFOs, and suggests that the continued existence of ufologists is a point of ambiguity. Sider praises the issue for focusing on research rather than debunking, hoping for broader appeal to researchers with differing opinions.

Erratum OP 36

A correction is noted for an article in issue 36 regarding the location of Bressuire.

Doucier, continued...

Michel Monnerie responds to a letter about the Doucier case, arguing that the multiplicity of possible scenarios highlights that choosing the 'UFO scenario' is a matter of faith. He asserts that objective investigations rarely conclude in favor of UFOs, as unidentified phenomena are usually perceived by witnesses with preconceived notions.

Jeff Hawke: The GAGA and Xtro

This section, likely a comic strip or fictional narrative, humorously depicts extraterrestrial entities (GAGA) sending 'superior quality UFOs' to Earth, which humans mistake for their own technology. It satirizes the idea of alien intervention and human gullibility.

Thanks Gordon!

Jacques Bonabot from Bruges writes in response to a previous mention of Jenny Randles' critique of the Flying Saucer Review (FSR). Bonabot supports Randles' view that Gordon Creighton, now in charge of FSR, has introduced 'bizarre ideas' and that the journal has become less reputable, particularly among British ufologists.

Clips & Claps

This section provides brief news items:

• Ciel! Alphonsine: The Pontifical Lateran University's Académie Alphonsine has created a new chair dedicated to paranormal phenomena, particularly UFOs.
• The Return of David V.: A survey revealed that 46% of French people believe in extraterrestrials, following the visit of Roy Thiness.
• Par Tous les Saints!: A report of four luminous objects observed over Martinique on August 31st, also seen by inhabitants of nearby islands.
• Kiosque: The magazine Emois is highlighted for its contribution to European culture, with a mention of Roger Gaillard's article on ufology and its exploration of the Grand Nord.
• Hubert Reeves Interview: In a brief interview, Hubert Reeves expresses skepticism about direct evidence of extraterrestrials, stating he has never encountered 'signs' via radio or visits, and doubts the reliability of UFO reports.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a critical yet open-minded approach to ufology. It emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation, community collaboration, and the sharing of diverse perspectives. The editorial stance appears to favor analytical and constructive contributions, as indicated by the guidelines for reader letters. There is a clear interest in international ufological developments and a critical examination of the field's history and current trends. The magazine also seems to engage with the more speculative aspects of ufology, such as abductions and cover-up theories, while maintaining a degree of skepticism, as exemplified by the inclusion of Philip J. Klass as a notable presence at the MUFON congress.