Recherches Ufologiques - No 17 - 1er et 2e trim 1983

Magazine Overview

This issue, number 17, of "RECHERCHES UFOLOGIQUES" from the "GROUPEMENT NORDISTE D'ETUDES" (GNEOVNI) was published in the second quarter of 1983. The cover features a map of Northern France, the GNEOVNI logo, and an illustration of Earth with a UFO. The magazine's stated purpose is to inform the public about unusual phenomena in Northern France that could be interpreted as unidentified aerospace phenomena. GNEOVNI is a member of the Fédération Française d'Ufologie (F.F.U.) and organizes quarterly public information meetings.

Editorial

The editorial, written by J.P. D'Hondt, the secretary of GNEOVNI, addresses the perceived crisis in ufology and the status of the French group GEPAN. D'Hondt notes that despite rumors of GEPAN's disappearance, it continues to produce valuable technical notes, citing six recent ones. He highlights GEPAN's thorough investigation of a ground trace case, noting its scientific rigor and the interesting questions it raised, contrasting it with a hypothetical French "Condon commission." D'Hondt encourages readers to obtain GEPAN's notes for their scientific approach to UFO studies.

Table of Contents

The table of contents lists the following articles:

• Editorial by J.P. D'HONDT
• Les mots du Président (The President's Words) by Ph. FINET
• La pluralité des mondes habités 2ème partie (The Plurality of Inhabited Worlds Part 2) by R. LECONTE
• Catalogue des observations régionales (suite) (Regional Observations Catalogue - continued) by J.P. D'HONDT
• En direct de la planète "QUESECKSA" (Live from Planet "QUESECKSA") by Ph. FINET
• Communiqué du Groupement de Recherches Ufologiques Audomarois
• Infos - echos - ufo by Ph. FINET
• Nature et origine des soucoupes volantes (Nature and Origin of Flying Saucers) by V. SANAROV

Les mots du Président (The President's Words)

In this section, Ph. FINET discusses a "crisis" affecting ufology. He distinguishes this from everyday crises, framing it as a crisis of "secret dreams" and an "escape" from the mundane. He likens ufologists to gardeners patiently waiting for clear skies, contrasting them with the general public's reactions to their own problems. The crisis, he explains, is seen in the disappearance of ufological groups from directories, declining magazines, and delays in publications. He laments that some ufologists are too busy to write articles and that the public may not read them due to upcoming holidays. The disappearance of GEPAN is seen as a significant blow to the credibility and official standing of ufology. He criticizes the "cynicism" of some who rejoice in GEPAN's demise, possibly for financial reasons. The crisis is also characterized by a lack of sightings, a scarcity of UFOs in the sky, and a shortage of investigations.

La pluralité des mondes habités (The Plurality of Inhabited Worlds) - Part 2

This article by R. LECONTE delves into the question of extraterrestrial worlds. It posits that simply accepting the existence of other inhabited worlds with superior intelligence is not enough to solve ufological enigmas. The author questions what kind of worlds we should be looking for and whether space is multidimensional. He suggests that these visiting worlds might be different from our own humanity and that their appearances, while increasing with scientific progress, are often dramatic. He references researchers who speak of "serious affairs" and even "warnings" to humanity. The article explores several possibilities: that these worlds are simply other Earth-like planets, that they are advanced "thinking beings" like those described by Aimé Michel, or that they are extraterrestrial life forms existing in galaxies, as suggested by scientists like Guerin, Slowsky, and Sagan. Another perspective, drawing from Fernand Lagarde, views UFOs not as solid objects but as energy forms with psychic properties that can materialize. The author agrees with this view, citing physical traces as evidence against them being mere hoaxes.

The article then discusses the potential for these phenomena to be linked to intelligence and thought, citing Julien Kaneko and Jacques Ravatin on the concept of "intelligence paraphysique." It suggests the possibility of objects that can materialize and dematerialize. The author acknowledges that this moves beyond conventional science into the realm of the irrational and invisible, and that such phenomena are subjects of parapsychology. He quotes Olivier Cosia de Beauregard, who sees parapsychology as a complement to ufology, stemming from his reflections on physics. The article also references astronomer Abbé Moreux, whose work is said to explain the instantaneous appearances and disappearances of UFOs, a phenomenon not resolved by terrestrial physics. Moreux's ideas, dating back nearly half a century, are presented as key to understanding these difficulties.

Catalogue des observations régionales (suite) (Regional Observations Catalogue - continued)

This section, by J.P. D'HONDT, continues the regional UFO sighting catalog. It touches upon the idea that some UFO manifestations might be paranormal, leading many ufological reviews to cover related topics like parapsychology, esotericism, and religious history. The author questions why this is the case and references an article in "UFOLOGIA" about "Supernatural vs. Science," discussing four dimensions and a "diabolical cloud of flowers and ashes" appearing with flying saucers. He argues against ignoring these phenomena, suggesting they represent the "extraordinary" or "irrational." He posits that ufologists are witnesses to the invisible and that the study of psychism and the supernatural should not be feared, advocating for an open approach to truth, similar to scientists like Frédérico Allessandrini.

The author then discusses the potential for spirits and souls to be involved, suggesting that if these concepts are problematic for rationalists, they might find common ground with the astronomer Camille Flammarion, who believed in spirit, spirituality, and survival after death. Flammarion's book "Après la Mort" (After Death) is cited as evidence of inexplicable and astonishing "paranormal" manifestations.

Nature et origine des soucoupes volantes (Nature and Origin of Flying Saucers)

This article, by V. SANAROV, presents a perspective on the nature of UFOs, drawing from the ideas of astronomer Hervé Faye. Faye's concept of a dual universe is introduced: one material, studied by physicists, and another of spirits, souls, and consciousness. Faye believed that human consciousness, with its capacity for thought, ideals, and self-sacrifice, transcends mere matter, suggesting the existence of a higher intelligence from which our own derives. Sanarov agrees with this view, considering it the source of all things. The article then connects this to the UFO phenomenon, suggesting that these objects might be manifestations of this higher intelligence or psychic energy. It questions why ufological reviews often delve into parapsychology, esotericism, and religious phenomena, suggesting that these are not unrelated to UFO studies but rather part of a larger exploration of the "extraordinary" and "irrational." The author advocates for studying the invisible and the supernatural without fear, emphasizing the pursuit of truth.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the perceived crisis in ufology, the scientific investigation of UFOs (particularly through the lens of GEPAN's work), and the exploration of the paranormal, parapsychology, and the potential for non-material intelligences. The editorial stance, as expressed by J.P. D'Hondt and echoed in other articles, is one of advocating for a rigorous, open-minded, and scientific approach to ufology, even when it ventures into areas traditionally considered irrational or supernatural. There is a clear emphasis on not dismissing phenomena out of hand and on integrating findings from related fields to gain a more comprehensive understanding of unexplained aerial events and their potential origins.

This issue of "Recherches Ufologiques" (Issue 17, Volume 1, 1983) is published by the Groupement de Recherches Ufologiques Audomarois (GRUA) in France. The cover headline announces a special report from the planet Quesecksa, and the issue delves into various aspects of ufology, including witness accounts, organizational news, and historical perspectives.

Special Report: Envoy from Planet Quesecksa

The issue begins with a fictional report from a special envoy on the planet Quesecksa, detailing an encounter with a mysterious, silent, metallic object described as a "bola de visky" (whiskey ball). The witness, a miner, describes the object's unusual movement and appearance. The report includes a series of questions posed by the envoy regarding the nature and origin of the object and its occupants, touching upon themes of reincarnation and communication between different dimensions. The envoy's report includes a description of the inhabitants as "hideous beings" with tentacle-like arms, and a peculiar sketch of a couple.

Regional UFO Catalog (January 1974)

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a catalog of UFO sightings from January 1974 in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region of France. These entries, sourced from local newspapers like "Journal Voix du nord" and "Journal Nord matin," detail various observations:

• January 30, 1974, Douai: A red sphere observed immobile for three minutes before heading towards Cambrai.
• January 31, 1974, St Amand Les Eaux: Witnesses saw a blinking white light followed by two orange blinking lights at a distance.
• January 31, 1974, Steenbecque: A 45-minute observation of an orange, saucer-shaped object with red blinking lights, which then moved south and ascended.
• January 31, 1974, Beuvrages: Similar observations to Steenbecque were reported.
• January 31, 1974, Ostricourt: A strong orange glow was seen progressing irregularly.
• January 31, 1974, Denain: Two witnesses observed a luminous cigar with a red glow at the rear, moving southeast.
• January 31, 1974, Lesquin: Several people saw an orange, round object with a triangle at its base, moving south.

Formation of GRUA and Ufological News

The magazine announces the formation of the "Groupement de Recherches Ufologiques Audomarois" (GRUA) in Saint-Omer, France. This group aims to collect and study UFO-related documents and testimonies in a serious and rational manner. They emphasize the importance of regional groups for gathering observations and building a documentation base. GRUA plans to collaborate with the "Groupement Nordiste d'Etudes des OVNI." Membership is open, with a subscription fee of 35 francs.

News items also cover:

• "Observers Nordistes Bien Identifiés": An article in the ORCEP Nord-Pas-de-Calais review, noted for bringing ufology into a cultural context.
• "Le Camion de l'Espace" (Columbia): Mentioned as successfully completing missions.
• "Pionnier Dix": Described as venturing beyond the solar system.
• "GEPAN: KAPUTT!": The dissolution of GEPAN, a French UFO research body, is discussed. The article notes that GEPAN's budget was 100 million centimes annually. There is speculation that GEPAN's work might be used to equip future national defense aircraft with UFO detection capabilities. The percentage of "positive" UFO observations is reported to have increased from 3% at GEPAN's inception to 10% at its dissolution.
• A planned meal (Repas) on September 25, 1983, in Merville: Organized by GNEOVNI, it is open to members, subscribers, and independent ufologists.

Historical Article: Nature and Origin of Flying Saucers and Little Green Men

The issue includes the second part of an article by Valerii I. Sanarov, translated by Isabelle Rousseau. This section delves into historical accounts of dirigibles and aerial phenomena that predate modern UFO reports. It discusses:

• 1897 Dirigible Sightings: Accounts from Robert Hibbard and observations in Meskel, Texas, involving anchors dropped from dirigibles and small figures descending from them.
• Ancient Legends: References to similar stories from the 8th century, including a narrative from the "Speculum Regale" (Icelandic legends) about a vessel with an anchor.
• "Tour de la Corde" (Rope Trick): An Indian fakir's trick involving a rope thrown into the air, where an assistant appears to climb and disappear, explained as a trick involving a horizontal thread and blinding lights.
• Transition to UFOs: The article posits that as dirigibles became common, descriptions in narratives shifted to luminous objects, cigars, and disks, leading to the era of flying saucers.
• Early 20th Century Sightings: Mentions of a luminous cigar-shaped object with small occupants seen in 1914, and a large spherical object observed in Canada in August of the same year with human-like creatures.
• 1935 Belgian Sighting: An observation of an inverted bowl-shaped object made of aluminum, with two small figures emerging.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the cataloging of contemporary UFO sightings, the exploration of historical precedents for aerial phenomena and encounters with non-human entities, and the organizational efforts within the ufology community in France. The editorial stance, as represented by the GRUA's announcement, is one of promoting serious, rational, and documented research into UFOs, contrasting with what they perceive as less rigorous approaches. The fictional "Quesecksa" report, while imaginative, also serves to explore speculative ideas about extraterrestrial contact and the nature of reality.

This issue of "Recherches Ufologiques" (Ufological Research) delves into the symbolic interpretation of UFO sightings and encounters with 'little green men,' questioning their literal existence and proposing a connection to ancient myths and human psychology. The cover headline, "Les soucoupes volantes sont-elles réelles ?" (Are Flying Saucers Real?), sets the stage for an in-depth exploration.

Analysis of UFO Incidents and Folklore

The article begins by recounting a specific incident from 1977 (attributed to BOUGARD) involving a flying saucer and small, green-clad beings who appeared to be repairing their craft. This incident is linked to popular perceptions of UFOs and 'little green men' from the 1950s and 1960s.

The core of the discussion then shifts to the 'world tree' motif, a common theme in ethnology and folklore across many cultures. This myth typically involves a hero seeking a way out of the underworld, finding an eagle's nest atop a large tree, and saving the young eagles from a serpent or dragon. The hero is often rewarded by the eagle, sometimes with a flight that requires personal sacrifice (e.g., a piece of thigh).

The author draws parallels between elements of these myths and reported UFO phenomena. For instance, the 'spinning' motion of Baba Yaga's hut in Russian folklore is compared to the way flying saucers often spin on their axis. The three-legged landing gear of a saucer is likened to the three claws of a hen's foot, a detail mentioned in a Russian fairy tale. Furthermore, the idea of being guided to a UFO by a luminous ball is compared to a ball of wool guiding Ivanushka to the hen's hut.

This leads to the central thesis: the flying saucer is analogous to the eagle's nest, the eagle itself to the UFO, the 'little green men' to the young eagles, and the fakir's boy to the rescued child. The article posits that while the reality of flying saucers might be problematic, the underlying narratives are deeply ingrained.

Symbolic Interpretation and Archetypes

The article suggests that both the ritualistic and the mythical aspects of these stories have origins dating back possibly a thousand years, likely stemming from initiation rites where specific narratives were dramatized to accompany explanatory texts. If UFOs are real, then the spaceships of the 19th century and eagle flights are also real. The author questions the basis for dismissing UFOs as mere symbols if we accept the symbolic flight on an eagle.

In conclusion, the article states that "S.V. (Soucoupes Volantes - Flying Saucers), the little green men, do not exist in objective reality." Instead, the eagle's nest, the spaceship, and the S.V. are presented as images that function as supports for a shared 'functional charge' (charge fonctionnelle). The differences in the expression of this symbol are attributed to the individual's 'ensemble' – their social development level, situation, and beliefs. For example, the image of the eagle as a means of transport is typical of a hunter's level of development.

Perceptions of UFOs vary significantly. Female observers have reported seeing divine figures, while others have mistaken them for Russian reconnaissance craft or Chinese spies. One witness described a fluffy white UFO, which, when suggested to be a cloud, was still identified as a disguised UFO.

The article highlights the task for specialists: to explain the significance of this symbol. It suggests a connection to Jungian archetypes of the human unconscious and, as suggested by Jacques Vallée, the possibility that UFOs help stabilize the relationship between human consciousness and the complexities of the modern world.

Research and Editorial Notes

The article notes that Jung's work on flying saucers as myths is unfortunately unavailable to Russian scholars. It also mentions that the works of Sanarov are extensive and include references to prominent ufologists like J. Clark, B. Clark, Mc Campbell, Randles, and Vallée, as well as Russian pro-saucer scientist Professor Zigel.

The editorial team of "Recherches Ufologiques" expresses regret that Sanarov's analysis, while skillfully arranged, might lead to a hasty conclusion by focusing only on unusual facts. They also note that Slavic countries are increasingly reporting UFO observations, suggesting that Sanarov's work aligns with this trend, similar to Professor Zigel.

Finally, the editorial suggests that the American journal which published Sanarov's article likely did so from a "jungo-ethnological" rather than a purely ufological perspective.

Despite Sanarov's conclusions, the article acknowledges that the legends he discusses, even if reinterpreted, warrant further study. The editorial team plans to revisit this parallel between the four phenomena (world tree, aerial vessels, rope tour, and OVNI observations) in a future edition, suggesting that by reversing Sanarov's approach, a completely opposite, yet logical, conclusion could be reached.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the symbolic interpretation of UFO phenomena, moving away from literal explanations towards psychological and mythological frameworks. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, acknowledging the potential significance of UFO reports while emphasizing the need for deeper analysis beyond sensationalism. The publication is open to exploring diverse perspectives, including those from Soviet researchers, and aims to connect ufology with broader fields like ethnology and psychology.