Phenomena - No 46 - Les filles d Ummo

Magazine Overview

Phénomèna, issue number 46, is a bi-monthly publication focused on investigating scientific controversies. This issue, dated 2002, delves into the 'Filles d'Ummo' sect, animal mutilations, and the work of William Cooper, alongside other ufological and technological topics.

The "Filles d'Ummo" Sect

The lead article, "Les «filles d'Ummo»", examines a Bolivian sect that proclaims a doomsday event for the summer solstice of 2033. The editorial notes that while many millenarian sects dissolved after the year 2000, the 'Filles d'Ummo' have adapted their message. The author, Enzo Daedro, recounts his initial encounter with a member in Mexico in 1994 and a subsequent, brief trip to Bolivia in 1995 where he was warned off the investigation by a local contact, Ramôn Lafañe. Despite the warning, he continued to receive documents from a woman identifying herself as 'Cornopus 77', describing the Ummites and their alleged origins from the star Wolf 424. The article traces the history of the Ummo affair, starting with esotericist Fernando Sesma in 1965, the detailed letters received by Sesma in 1966, the growing circle of recipients in 1967 including ufologist Antonio Ribera, its spread across Europe in 1972, and its reception in the United States in 1982. The French astrophysicist Jean-Pierre Petit's 1991 book, 'Enquêtes sur des extraterrestres qui sont déjà parmi nous', is also mentioned as bringing the Ummites to prominence.

Animal Mutilations

Another significant topic is "Mutilations animales" (Animal Mutilations), presented in conjunction with the publication of Yann Mège's book, 'Les Chirurgiens Furtifs'. The article suggests that, like crop circles, animal mutilations might have prosaic explanations, moving away from purely ufological interpretations.

The Alien Autopsy Hoax

The issue revisits the famous alien autopsy hoax, promising new revelations that could decisively explain how the affair was staged. It suggests that high-level fraudsters, possibly with the help of ufologists, were involved.

UFO Sightings and Investigations

"Bloc-notes" (Notebook) section features a report on an unidentified phenomenon photographed in Provence. A series of photographs taken by a reader shows an object described as a 'bubble' that moved slowly and silently. Analysis suggests the object might resemble a hot air balloon, especially given the popularity of free flight activities in the region. The article notes that the photos, taken with a 400mm lens on a tripod, are clear but the object appears small.

Airship Technology

An article titled "...ou authentique avancée technologique ?" (or authentic technological advancement?) discusses the development of British airship technology. It highlights the work of Roger 'Pat' Monk and Malcolm Wren, who founded Aerospace Developments and Wren Skyships respectively. The article details the evolution from early concepts like the lenticular dirigible to the more conventional designs of the Skyship 500 and 600 series. It mentions the formation of Airship Industries and the planned development of various Skykitten, SkyCat 20, SkyCat 200, and SkyCat 1000 models, with the latter envisioned as a massive airship capable of long-distance travel.

Documentation Service

• The magazine also promotes its documentation service, offering various publications for sale, including:
• A dossier on the Sisteron incident of March 18, 1972.
• 'Science Interdite', Jacques Vallée's journal from 1957-1969.
• 'The circles effect and its mysteries' by G.T. Meaden.
• Collections of press clippings on UFO sightings from 1993-1998 and the November 5, 1990 wave.
• 'Actes des Rencontres Européennes de Lyon' (Proceedings of the European Encounters of Lyon).
• 'Unique en France', a practical guide to French ufology.
• 'L'Affaire D', a detailed investigation into a 1955 UFO encounter.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Phénomèna positions itself as a publication that examines scientific controversies with a critical and non-dogmatic approach. It aims to differentiate between serious research and sensationalism or mysticism. The editorial emphasizes the magazine's commitment to exploring complex topics like the Ummo affair, animal mutilations, and UFO phenomena, often seeking prosaic explanations while acknowledging the historical significance of these cases. The magazine encourages readers to engage with these subjects critically and highlights its role in providing documented information and analysis.

This issue of Phénomèna, dated from an unspecified time but featuring articles referencing events up to 2001, delves into the complex world of ufology, cults, and conspiracy theories. It highlights the activities of the Ummo sect, UFO sightings, and the intersection of these phenomena with political extremism.

The Ummo Sect: From Bolivia to the Psychiatric Ward

The central narrative follows the author's investigation into the Ummo organization, led by Florencia Dinovi Gutiérrez. The author receives an invitation to join the organization in Bolivia in March 1999. The investigation leads to a psychiatric hospital in Peru, where a patient named Juana Pordiavel exhibits symptoms of millenarist psychosis and claims of extraterrestrial contact. Dr. Horacio Torna confirms Pordiavel's identity and provides some of her medical records under the condition of non-publication.

Juana Pordiavel, born in 1912 in Cuzco, Peru, had a difficult childhood, including abuse by her father. She left home at 12 and later met Father Hermenegildo Abustin, who took her in and encouraged her intellectual development. At 19, she left the parish, possibly harboring theological interests and a desire for revenge, which may have led her to become a guru.

In her adult life, she met Carlos Opanova, a member of the "Sixteenth Christ" sect, whom she married. The group moved to Bolivia and illegally occupied a building they called "New Jerusalem Paradisiacal," where they held nocturnal ceremonies. Following an incident where a child went missing in the neighborhood, the police became suspicious of the group, leading to its dispersal. Juana and Carlos acquired an apartment in La Paz with funds from the sect and restructured their activities, embracing the Ummo ideology. Florencia Dinovi Gutiérrez (Juana) and Yiewaka (Carlos) became the leaders, attracting followers from disadvantaged backgrounds. The sect experienced rapid growth, with 90% of its adherents coming from the streets or impoverished areas.

Florencia Dinovi Gutiérrez, also known as Florencia Dinovi Gutiérrez, displayed anger towards the Church, culminating in an incident where she sent followers to retrieve a chalice and hosts, which she then urinated on.

In the summer of 2000, Yiewaka sent an email to various individuals, including M. Jorge M. Iglesias and M. Carlos A. Iurchuck, threatening them for blaspheming the integrity of their order. The email mentions an "interplanetary agreement" of 2033 and "satellites" of the Ummo sect in Scandinavia and Africa, though the author found no evidence of these foreign branches.

The Ummo Sect's Structure and Recruitment

An anonymous source, codenamed "S," infiltrates the Ummo sect and provides details about its operations. "S" describes an annual "open house" event where potential recruits are invited. Two trained "girls" set up a table in a public square to lure people with promises. Recruits have only one chance to join; failure to pass an exam results in permanent banishment.

Around thirty individuals are selected for an initiation process. They are confined to a dark cellar with a dry voice broadcast through loudspeakers. They are divided into male and female groups. A bright light illuminates the room, revealing 15 newly recruited girls. Participants are given triangular hats and asked to kneel before the girls disappear. "S" recounts feeling intense anxiety during this phase.

Florencia Dinovi Gutiérrez, dressed in a long red toga with the Ummo symbol, then selects a woman from the group, forces her to expose her buttocks, and proceeds to cut one of her nipples with a dagger. A follower collects the blood. The "initiate" is then told to lie down and chant a specific phrase. "S," despite feeling the urge to flee, decides to stay and destroy the sect from within.

After the ritual, all except "S" and the injured woman are led to individual chambers. Dinovi Gutiérrez engages in a heated discussion with "S" about their dogma and the destiny of Ummo.

Dinovi Gutiérrez reportedly spends most of her week in her office, managing the group's website and sending emails globally. The sect's activities include selling clothing and food, with first-grade members working up to 14 hours a day.

Sexual activity is prohibited unless a request is made to Waooa 11, who then relays it to Dinovi Gutiérrez. The "Owwa" is presented as the pillar of the sect's teaching, originally written by Carlos Opanova during his time with the "Sixteenth Christ" sect, serving as a bible for members.

"S" attempted to alert the police about the sect's dangerous activities but was repeatedly rebuffed. Two police officers even assaulted him when he tried to present evidence. Despite these setbacks, "S" continues to gather evidence of the sect's culpability.

The Ummo Affair: A History of Deception

The magazine provides a timeline of the Ummo affair, highlighting key moments:

• 1992: Phénomèna publishes "Ummo: a red castle in Spain?", suggesting José Luis Jordan Peña as the manipulator.
• 1993: "L'affaire Ummo" by Renaud Marhic suggests a political disinformation operation, possibly involving the KGB.
• 1994: José Luis Jordan Peña confesses to the Ummo manipulation, claiming it was for sociological purposes. Former KGB Vice-President Leonid Chebarchine confirms the KGB's capacity for such operations.
• 1997: Jordan Peña claims to have ended the manipulation to prevent sects from exploiting the myth.

UFO Sightings and Related Phenomena

The issue reports on several UFO sightings:

• September 26-27, 2001: A witness in Saint-Laurent-de-Salanque, France, observes a triangular object with fixed lights, moving rapidly and silently.
• April 1995: A witness in Clermont l'Hérault, France, describes a silent, triangular object with three red lights, moving at high speed.
• December 1, 2001: Several witnesses in northern France report a yellowish light followed by a trail, later identified as a stage of a Proton rocket.

The Mothman Prophecies and the Silver Bridge Collapse

The film "The Mothman Prophecies," based on John Keel's 1975 book, is mentioned. The film recounts strange events in Point Pleasant, Virginia, including numerous sightings of a "mothman" figure. The episode culminated in the collapse of the Silver Bridge on December 15, 1967, which killed 46 people. The event is linked to the Mothman sightings and has deeply impacted American culture, inspiring books and an X-Files episode.

Ufology and Political Extremism: The Case of Milton William Cooper

Milton William Cooper, an extreme-right activist and ufologist, is presented as a figure who merged ufology with conspiracy theories and political extremism. Cooper claimed to have consulted secret documents proving collusion between the US government and malevolent extraterrestrials. His claims are dismissed as based on fraudulent documents.

Cooper's ideology is linked to the "New World Order" conspiracy theory and the idea of "Little Grays" making pacts with the government. His influence is noted in the Hollywood production of "X-Files" and "Roswell." In France, science fiction author Jimmy Guieu is cited as a proponent of this line of thought.

Cooper's rhetoric is contrasted with his personal life, as he was married to a Chinese woman and claimed not to be racist. However, his followers, including Timothy McVeigh (responsible for the Oklahoma City bombing), shared his anti-government sentiments and belief in hidden conspiracies.

Antonio Ribera: A Pioneer of Spanish Ufology

Antonio Ribera, a key figure in the dissemination of Ummo papers, passed away on September 23rd. Born in 1920, Ribera was a respected ufologist and co-founder of the Centre d'Etudes Interplanétaires in Barcelona. He spoke about UFOs and the Ummo affair internationally and received recognition for his contributions to Catalan culture.

The "Fraudulent Protocols"

The article "Les frauduleux protocoles" debunks "The Protocols of the Elders of Zion," a text falsely attributed to Jews and used to promote anti-Semitic conspiracy theories. The article explains that the text is a forgery, originally a pamphlet by Maurice Joly, adapted by the Russian secret police (Okhrana) to justify pogroms.

The Christian Broadcasting Network and the "Evangelizing Octopus"

The Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) is described as a vast international television and radio network that uses its respectable image to promote a conservative, puritanical agenda. Associated with the Christian Coalition, founded by Pat Robertson (also founder of CBN), the network airs the "700 Club," a program that espouses Robertson's worldview. Robertson's controversial views on abortion, Muslims, homosexuals, and Jews are highlighted. The article notes his announcement to retire from business in late 2001, but suggests his influence would remain.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Phénomèna consistently explores the blurring lines between ufology, religious cults, political extremism, and conspiracy theories. The magazine appears to be critical of sensationalism and misinformation, particularly when it intersects with dangerous ideologies. The editorial stance seems to be one of investigative journalism, aiming to uncover the truth behind these complex phenomena, while acknowledging the potential for manipulation and exploitation. The recurring theme is the interconnectedness of seemingly disparate events and beliefs, suggesting a hidden agenda or a larger pattern at play.

This issue of "Phénomèna" (Issue 20) delves into the enigmatic "Snippy" case, a horse death that occurred in Alamosa, Colorado, in September 1967. The magazine explores the unusual circumstances surrounding the event, the subsequent investigations, and its lasting impact on UFO lore. The issue also touches upon other related topics, including UFO research archives, the controversy surrounding alien autopsy videos, and astronomical news.

The Snippy Case: A Horse's Mysterious Death

The central focus of this issue is the death of a horse, initially named Lady and later referred to as Snippy, belonging to Nellie and Berle Lewis. The horse was found with a peculiar, clean wound and an unusual 'medical' odor. Despite the ground being wet and sandy, no animal tracks were found around the carcass, only those of the Lewis's and their companions. Sheriff Ben Phillips suggested lightning as a cause, a frequent occurrence in the area, but this explanation did not satisfy Nellie Lewis, who was a firm believer in UFOs.

Nellie's suspicions were fueled by her entourage's own UFO sightings, including her mother Agnes witnessing a strange object over the ranch on the presumed day of the horse's death. Further investigation by Nellie and her husband, along with friends, revealed unusual findings: black, irregular stains on the ground, a crushed bush, and a peculiar, soft object resembling 'chicken liver' that, when touched, released a 'pale green paste'.

Scientific and Media Scrutiny

As the story gained traction, Duane Martin, an agent from the US Forest Service, detected abnormally high levels of radioactivity around the carcass. The case was reported in the Pueblo Chieftain, drawing national attention and sparking a surge of interest in UFOs across the region. The horse was eventually renamed 'Snippy', possibly due to a reporter's error or an ironic reference to its condition.

The case attracted the attention of the Condon Commission, led by physicist Edward Condon. Initially dismissive, the commission later agreed to investigate. Meanwhile, ufologists, including those from APRO and NICAP, became heavily involved. Dr. Leo Sprinkle, a consultant for APRO, and investigator Donald Richmond examined the site, noting the peculiar preservation of the carcass and the smooth ground around crushed bushes.

The Controversial Autopsy and its Aftermath

A significant turning point was the autopsy performed by an anonymous pathologist. This pathologist reported that the horse's abdominal, cranial, and spinal cavities were empty, and that the animal had not died from lightning. This finding strongly suggested an extraterrestrial cause, possibly involving surgical removal of organs. However, the pathologist later retracted his statements, admitting to an error.

Further investigations by NICAP, led by Dr. Herbert Roth, and the Condon Commission's team, including physicist Frederick Ayer and psychologist James Wadsworth, yielded different conclusions. Roth attributed the black stains to mold and the crushed bushes to natural causes. The Condon Commission's team, including veterinarian Dr. Robert O. Adams, concluded that the horse had likely died from a severe infection and possibly been killed by a 'good Samaritan' to end its suffering, with scavengers then consuming the carcass. Adams stated his examination revealed nothing that couldn't be explained by natural factors.

Later, veterinarian Wallace I. Leary discovered bullet impacts in Snippy's right femur and pelvis, suggesting the horse had been shot and then injured by barbed wire, leading to its death. The Desert Research Institute concluded that Snippy might have been struck by lightning, and the green paste was identified as plant debris.

Despite these explanations, the Snippy case became a potent symbol in UFO mythology, representing 'technological mutilation' and the idea of extraterrestrial intervention. The horse's remains were eventually displayed, and Nellie Lewis tragically died by suicide in 1976.

Other Topics in the Issue

UFO Research Archives in Sweden

The magazine highlights the Archives for UFO Research (AFU) in Sweden, praising its rigorous approach to preserving UFO-related documents. The AFU, established in 1973, has amassed a vast collection of press clippings, testimonies, books, and journals, and is in the process of digitizing its archives.

The Alien Autopsy Video Controversy

An article discusses the controversy surrounding the alleged alien autopsy video. It reveals that Olaf Ittenbach, a German horror film director, confessed to helping create the video, admitting it was a hoax staged for a substantial sum of money. This confession casts doubt on the authenticity of the footage, which had previously been discussed in relation to films like 'Aftermath'.

Astronomical News and Other Briefs

'Bizarre Bazar' section covers several brief news items:

• Near-Earth Object: The Earth was narrowly missed by a 300-meter diameter meteorite, '2007 YB5', discovered only a month prior, highlighting the potential dangers of space debris.
• Cloning Research: Independent studies from Japan and the US indicate significant risks and abnormalities associated with animal cloning, raising concerns about human cloning.
• Space Tourism: The issue mentions the rise of space tourism, with Dennis Tito and Mark Shuttleworth undertaking space flights, and a woman training for a future space mission.
• Advanced Drones: SiMiCon, a Norwegian company, is developing a new hybrid drone that combines helicopter-like vertical takeoff and landing with fixed-wing aircraft performance.
• UFO Research Updates: Brief mentions of the International Ufo Reporter, the European Journal of UFO and Abduction Studies, and the Belgian publication Inforespace, discussing their content and challenges.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "Phénomèna" strongly leans into the UFO and paranormal investigation genre. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, giving credence to witness testimonies and unexplained phenomena, while also critically examining evidence and debunking hoaxes. The Snippy case is presented as a prime example of a potentially extraterrestrial event, with the magazine exploring various theories and investigations. The publication seems to champion the idea that there are unexplained aspects of reality that warrant serious consideration, even when faced with skepticism or conventional explanations. The inclusion of diverse topics, from animal mutilations to space exploration and cloning, reflects a broad interest in the 'strange' and the 'unexplained'. The magazine's commitment to providing detailed accounts and analyses, even when controversial, is evident throughout its content.

Title: Phénomèna
Issue: 45
Volume: 12
Date: March 2002
Publisher: Phénomèna
Country: France
Language: French
Cover Headline: La nuit des extraterrestres (The Night of the Extraterrestrials)

Content Summary

This issue of Phénomèna offers a diverse range of articles and reviews related to UFO phenomena and related mysteries.

Italian UFO Scene

The magazine features a review of the Italian publication *UFO Rivista di Informazione Ufologica* (issue 23, December 2000). This issue reportedly revisits the 'Cometa affair' and discusses the 1950 UFO wave in Italy. It also includes an article by Pierre Lagrange advocating for a non-reductionist sociology of UFOs, a dossier on 'angel hair' filaments, and the disappearance of Frederick Valentich.

French Radio Broadcast on UFOs

A two-and-a-half-hour broadcast on France Culture dedicated to UFOs is analyzed. The program, featuring Jean-Jacques Velasco, Marie-Thérèse de Brosses, Gildas Bourdais, Jean-Luc Rivera, and Mickaël Lecomte, is commended for its sober and reflective approach, avoiding sensationalism. The broadcast was divided into three parts: an initial hour focusing on testimonies and reflections from Francine Fouéré and Mickaël Lecomte, a second hour exploring the phenomenon's intellectual challenge, and a final segment presenting a fictional reportage on extraterrestrial life.

Book Reviews

Several books are reviewed:

• "Bible et ovni: la grande révélation du IIIe millénaire?" by Gérard Demarcq and Yannick Auffret. This book posits that extraterrestrials are 'paraterrestrials' who visited Earth 45,000 years ago. It suggests the Bible contains coded information and offers insights into our present and future. The review notes the authors' respective expertise in paleobiology and biblical studies, describing the book as mystical under a scientific guise.
• "Underwater and Underground Bases" by Richard Sauder. This book, a follow-up to "Underground Bases and Tunnels," details US government efforts to construct subterranean and underwater bases. The review finds the book well-documented but lacking definitive answers, merely reflecting a sense of unease.
• "Ovnis - 1/2 siècle de recherches" by Jacques Dumont. This work is characterized as the product of someone with many contacts and documentation but a poor understanding of the ufological milieu. The review emphasizes that ufology cannot be understood in isolation from its context.
• "The Tesla Papers", compiled by David Hatcher Childress. This compilation is described as a potpourri of documents related to Nikola Tesla, including biographies, inventions, patents, rumors, and accusations, aiming to imbue Tesla with an aura of mystery. It also includes FBI documents and apocryphal texts about electric cars and 'death rays.' The review notes that the book surfs on a conspiratorial wave, suggesting that Tesla's ideas were suppressed.
• "OVNIS, Le secret américain" (OVNIs: The American Secret), a documentary film by Vincent Gielly. The film is presented as a new diffusion that has received considerable media attention. It features interviews with Vincent Gielly, who believes UFOs have intelligent behavior, and touches upon the 'conspiracy' aspect. The documentary was shown in preview at the Senate and later broadcast on France 2. It covers the history of UFOs since atomic explosions and includes interviews with figures like Maurice Masse, Commandant Duboc, pilot Jack Krine, astrophysicist Jean-Claude Ribes, and ufologist Gildas Bourdais. It also mentions Jean-Jacques Velasco investigating for SEPRA and an interview with Jennie Zeidman about Hynek's affirmation regarding extraterrestrial cadavers. The review concludes that while the documentary is less bad than previous ones, it offers little new information.
• "Les Chirurgiens Furtifs" (The Stealthy Surgeons) by Yann Mège. This book analyzes the phenomenon of 'animal mutilations,' presenting it as a pertinent investigation. The review notes that the phenomenon, like crop circles, resists easy explanation, not due to troubling evidence, but because the human mind tends to construct narratives that feed on details, even contradictory ones.

Back Issues and Subscriptions

The magazine lists its available back issues with their respective contents, encouraging collectors to purchase them. It also promotes subscriptions, offering a choice of keychains ('Ancient' or 'Reptilian') as a gift for new subscribers.

Other Mentions

• Fortean Times (various issues from June 2001 to March 2002).
• Ufo Rama (various issues from June to February 2002).
• Mufon Ufo Journal (various issues from May 2001 to January 2002).
• Mas Alla (various issues from May 2001 to March 2002).
• Journal fur UFO Forschung (various issues from March to December 2001, and January-February 2002).
• Bulletin de Liaison pour l'Etude des Sectes (various issues from 2001).
• El Ojo Critico (various issues from Autumn 2001 to Winter 2002).
• Contact Ovni (various issues from December 2001).
• Anomalia (September 2001).
• Science Frontières (various issues from June 2001 to January 2002).
• Génération Séries (3rd quarter 2001).
• Cuadernos de Ufologia (3rd quarter 2001), featuring an article on the March 5, 1979, observation in the Canaries, explained by a missile launch.
• Northern UFO News (Summer 2001).
• International UFO Reporter (Spring 2001).
• Magonia (July and December 2001).
• Ondes.
• Inforespace (June 2001).
• CENAP.
• UFO - The Journal of Israeli Center for UFO Research (April 2001).
• Milenio X (2002).
• AFU Newsletter.
• The "Souvenirs" section lists back issues of Phénomèna available for purchase.
• "Mystères en Pays d'Oc" by Bruno Bousquet is announced as a catalog of raw testimonies.
• SOS OVNI is presented with its website and services, including a call for opinions on its new look.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently covers a wide spectrum of UFO-related topics, from eyewitness accounts and scientific investigations to book and media reviews. There's a recurring interest in government documents and secrecy surrounding UFO phenomena, as seen in the coverage of the "OVNI: LE VRAI DOCUMENT DE LA DÉFENSE" report and the "OVNIS, Le secret américain" documentary. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, presenting information from various sources while also offering analysis and sometimes skepticism, as noted in the reviews of "The Tesla Papers" and "OVNIS, Le secret américain." The magazine also engages with the broader context of ufology, including its sociological aspects and the challenges of interpreting evidence, as highlighted in the review of Jacques Dumont's book.