Ufologia - No 03 - Mars-Avril 1976

Magazine Overview

Title: Ufologia
Issue: N°3
Date: March-April 1976
Publisher: Cercle Français de Recherches Ufologiques (CFRU)
Country: France
Language: French

Editorial: "Bilan & Perspectives"

The editorial, penned by the Director of Publication, reflects on the first year of Ufologia's existence. It acknowledges the delicate nature of launching such a publication, which relies on its subscribers and volunteer staff. The magazine's core mission is to provide objective information to the public about UFOs. The editorial highlights the success of the previous issue and outlines the direction for the future. While current events and ongoing investigations will continue to be featured, the CFRU intends to 'go further' by publishing original and ancient material, addressing complex issues, and conducting in-depth analyses and syntheses. The aim is to clearly define the problem and formulate honest hypotheses. The editorial emphasizes the magazine's independence, stating that it answers only to its readers and will always provide information from all angles, prioritizing accuracy and daring to confront uncomfortable questions. It specifically mentions the article "Le silence des Extra-terrestres" (The Silence of Extraterrestrials) as an example of tackling fundamental questions about the origin of UFOs and the lack of official contact, acknowledging it might be controversial but necessary.

The editorial also points to an exclusive report on a past UFO incident in Lozère as a highlight of this issue, with more articles in development. It thanks the readers, subscribers, and collaborators for their support and encourages constructive criticism to improve the publication.

Key Articles and Features

"Une énigmatique matérialisation" (An Enigmatic Materialization)

This article details an investigation by Arsène Belkalisa of the CFRU/Strasbourg into an event that occurred in Erstein, Bas-Rhin, France, on August 6, 1974 (with a possible 3-day margin of error). The witness, who remained anonymous, reported seeing a small being, about 1 to 1.10 meters tall, with immense, clear eyes, a grey-green complexion, and a completely bald head. The being was indistinctly clothed, and the witness also noted a "shriveled arm." The witness described being "fascinated" by the eyes and unable to move, experiencing terror but no sound. After the being touched the witness's skull, the vision vanished. Notably, the witness, described as a confirmed bachelor with a fondness for alcohol, reportedly changed his lifestyle significantly after the event, marrying and leading a regular life.

"Parapsychologie: Les pouvoirs d'Uri Geller au service de l'industrie?" (Parapsychology: Uri Geller's Powers in the Service of Industry?)

This brief note mentions Uri Geller, famous for bending cutlery, claiming to possess the ability to detect gold deposits from a distance. It states that mining companies have taken him on flights over unexplored regions to identify precious mineral veins.

"Dernière nouvelle: OVNI près de St-Avold, en Moselle."

On January 16, 1976, at 10 PM, four occupants of a car in BARST, France, observed a luminous, trapezoid-shaped, unidentified flying object in the sky.

"Les observations d'OVNIS" (UFO Observations)

This section compiles several UFO sighting reports from different regions of France:

• "Des extraterrestres dans l'Isère?" (Extraterrestrials in Isère?): M. Taillefer, mayor of Claix, reported seeing a luminous ball moving strangely on January 10, 1976. An automobilist, H. Doleki, reported seeing a 12-14 meter high craft land near Saint-Romans, Drôme, on January 9, 1976, from which three automaton-like beings emerged. Additionally, Jean-Claude Silvente, a ten-year-old boy from Domène, Isère, claimed to have seen a multi-colored luminous object from which a tall blond man emerged.
• "Engin lumineux dans le ciel de la Moselle" (Luminous Craft in the Sky of Moselle): On December 1, 1975, an automobilist on the Forbach-Freyming highway observed a silent, luminous object, resembling a large white point, hovering and changing direction and altitude above the village of Cocheren.
• "OVNI dans la Seine-et-Marne": Several inhabitants of southern Seine-et-Marne reported seeing a UFO. Later, in the northern part of the department, a professor and 19 students observed an object described as the size and color of a setting sun for about 8 minutes on December 20, 1975, around 9 AM. It then moved rapidly across the horizon and disappeared.
• "Un OVNI à Villeneuve-Loubet": Six young campers near Nice reported seeing four phosphorescent metallic masses, about 2 meters high and 1 meter in diameter, with a hazy halo, hovering near the ground on August 18, 1975.
• "Un OVNI dans la vallée de Barcelonnette": On November 1, 1975, witnesses in the Barcelonnette valley (Alpes-de-Hautes-Provence) reported a spherical object with a bright white light, surmounted by a luminous beam, that moved and landed on mountains.
• "Un OVNI posé près de Maubeuge!" (A UFO Landed Near Maubeuge!): On September 26, 1975, about ten witnesses near Maubeuge observed a luminous cigar-shaped object. The object reportedly caused car engines and lights to fail. The craft was estimated to be 250 meters wide and hovered at low altitude. A cone-shaped section detached from the craft and moved away before rejoining it. The object then disappeared, leaving a fluorescence.
• "OVNI au Mans": On August 24, 1975, residents near La Bazoge reported observing a red, luminous, egg-shaped object.
• "OVNI à Saint-Gilles": On the night of August 24-25, 1975, residents near Saint-Gilles (Gard) saw a fireball land on a property, causing approximately 100 m² of vines to be burned.

"Initiation à l'astroarchéologie" (Initiation to Astroarchaeology)

Written by Pascal Frenche, this article introduces the concept of astroarchaeology, a field that explores prehistory to identify and detect mysterious phenomena. The author posits that humanity is not the first civilization to possess advanced knowledge, suggesting the existence of earlier, equally fantastic civilizations that have been lost to time. Frenche encourages critical thinking while exploring these hypotheses, noting that reality can sometimes merge with the unknown. He states that UFOLOGIA aims to shed light on the work of ancient civilizations through studies of various cultures and religions.

"Actualités du Livre - Nouvelles Parutions" (Book News - New Releases)

This section lists recent book publications from September, October, and November-December 1975, covering topics such as Native American cultures, Kabbalah, environmental pollution, mythology, the sacred universe of South American Indians, parapsychology, and Eastern mysticism.

"Compléments Bibliographiques - Articles & Livres à Étudier..." (Bibliographical Supplements - Articles & Books to Study...)

This extensive list provides references for further reading, including books on dreams, Zen Buddhism, Phoenicians, ancient cosmology, mysterious destinies, galaxies, Egyptian origins, the Bermuda Triangle, space travel, pharaonic civilizations, marine monsters, and the history of Lorraine. It also lists articles from various magazines like "Noctra," "Sciences & Vie," and "Paris-Match" on topics ranging from the Loch Ness Monster to UFOs in Russia and the architecture of animals.

"Troisième Convention Européenne de la Science-Fiction -1976-"

This brief announcement provides details about the upcoming European Science Fiction Convention (EUROCON III) to be held in Poznań, Poland, from August 19-22, 1976.

"Le silence des Extra-terrestres" (The Silence of Extraterrestrials)

This article delves into the enigma of extraterrestrial intelligence and their silence. It explores two main hypotheses for the origin of UFOs: another planet or another dimension. The author discusses the immense challenges posed by interstellar distances if the origin is planetary, suggesting that our understanding of life and time might need to be adapted to a cosmic scale. The concept of interdimensional origins is presented as potentially more shocking but supported by the nature of some UFO appearances and disappearances. The article then tackles the complex issue of why extraterrestrials might be silent or why direct contact is absent. It proposes two possibilities: either contact is not desired by 'them,' or it is impossible. The author references the evolutionary principle that contact between civilizations of vastly different levels can lead to chaos and the collapse of the less advanced system, suggesting this might be a reason for the observed silence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Ufologia consistently emphasizes a commitment to serious, documented, and independent research into UFO phenomena. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, encouraging the exploration of complex and even controversial aspects of ufology, such as the silence of extraterrestrials and the possibility of advanced ancient civilizations (astroarchaeology). The magazine aims to provide a platform for detailed case studies, theoretical discussions, and bibliographical resources, positioning itself as a serious documentary and informational review rather than a sensationalist publication. The emphasis on reader contributions and constructive criticism underscores a collaborative approach to understanding the UFO mystery.

This issue of UFOLOGIA, identified as issue number 4 of volume 1, was published in April 1976. The cover prominently features an illustration and headline about an unknown craft observed over Lozère in September 1931, suggesting a focus on UFO phenomena. The magazine is published by CFRU and appears to be based in France.

Main Article: The Lozère UFO Sighting

The issue dedicates significant space to a detailed account of a UFO sighting that occurred in September 1931 (or possibly 1932) in Cocures, Lozère, France. The witness, referred to as 'Monsieur X', describes observing a "blue-grey disk" moving in a rectilinear trajectory across the sky. He estimates its altitude to be between 2000 and 3000 meters. The object was described as flat like a plate, with no jets or flames, but possibly a slight orange or golden border. The witness's uncle also witnessed the event, though he initially did not see it. The object's movement was rapid, and it disappeared behind the horizon within approximately 25 seconds. The witness emphasizes that this was not a hallucination and notes that at the time, flying saucers were not yet a topic of public discussion. The article, investigated by Francis Schaefer of CFRU, suggests a possible extraterrestrial origin for the phenomenon.

Further discussion in the article explores potential reasons for extraterrestrial non-contact, including moral considerations, the desire not to disrupt human evolution, or the inherent impossibility of communication due to vast psychic differences between species. The witness's testimony is presented as a case study, with the witness recalling the event vividly even decades later.

Archaeological Discoveries

Several archaeological news items are featured:

• Tanzania: The discovery of the oldest human ancestors, hominins dating back 3.5 million years, in Laetoli, Tanzania, by anthropologists H. Louis Leakey and his wife Mary. Radio-active dating confirmed the age of the jawbones and teeth found.
• Borneo: The discovery of an extraordinary prehistoric creature in the jungle of central Borneo, described as a hybrid of a tiger, bird, goat, and elephant, with goat-like paws, bird-like talons, tiger-like body, wings, and an elephant-like trunk.
• Syria: The discovery of the oldest archives in the world in Ebla (Tell Mardikh), Syria, by archaeologists from the University of Rome. These bilingual clay tablets, dating back to the third millennium BC, provide evidence of a significant state in Asia Minor and reveal an unknown Semitic language. The archives include political, juridical, and diplomatic documents, as well as royal decrees, ambassadorial reports, and economic records. They also contain religious texts and literary works, including an early version of the Epic of Gilgamesh.
• Egypt: Radiographic examination of the mummy of the Egyptian high priest Penju, who died around 60 years old 2500 years ago, revealed health issues such as a malformed hip, severe scoliosis, and dental caries. The X-rays also showed that the mummy was wrapped in a layer of solidified bandages over a centimeter thick, with golden beads, and that the viscera had been removed.
• Egypt: An electronic microscope examination of white and red blood cells from a 2200-year-old Egyptian mummy revealed perfectly intact cells, a first for such ancient specimens.
• Ukraine: Soviet archaeologists discovered six musical instruments made from mammoth bones near Chernigov, Ukraine, dating back 20,000 years. These include a drum, timpani, and xylophones, suggesting early human musical practices.
• Florence: Frescoes by Michelangelo were discovered by chance in a basement of the Medici Chapel in Florence. These life-size studies depict natural-sized legs, two flying angels, and a two-meter Christ.
• China: Evidence suggests that football may have been invented by the Chinese 3400 years ago during the Yin dynasty. Inscriptions refer to "football dance," and the ball was made of leather stuffed with elastic material. The Tang dynasty saw the construction of goals with nets.

Geological and Environmental News

• Ravenna: The city of Ravenna is sinking into the ground at a rate of 11 cm per year due to natural subsidence and intensive pumping of groundwater for domestic and industrial use. This phenomenon threatens ancient monuments and mosaics.
• Vézelay: A significant deposit of fluorine, important for aluminum and uranium production, has been discovered near Vézelay. A large company is seeking exploitation permits, which could pose serious environmental dangers to the region and the historic town.
• Arles: The construction of an underground parking lot in Arles was halted when archaeologists discovered vestiges of the earliest cities of Arles, including three successive occupation levels dating back to 550 BC.
• Alps: Experts from the Institute of Geology in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, report that the Alps are growing by one millimeter per year.

The Rosicrucians

A lengthy section is dedicated to the Rosicrucians, tracing their history and philosophy. It mentions a 1622 Paris poster announcing the 'brothers of the Rose-Cross' and highlights Sir Francis Bacon as a key figure born in 1561, credited with giving 'life' to the Rosicrucian order. The term 'Rose-Croix' refers to a spiritual state, while 'Rosicrucien' signifies a neophyte. The order is described as having spread throughout Europe and America by 1694. The Rosicrucians are noted for their tolerance and non-interference in political or religious matters. The article details the three stages of their teaching: Neophyte, Postulant, and access to the Circle of the Illuminated. Statistics are provided, indicating that 64% of members are male and 36% female, with 62% married. The essential goal of the Rosicrucians is presented as aiding humanity in spiritual development, fostering consciousness, and achieving inner peace. The article also mentions Harwey Spencer Lewis as a prominent modern Rosicrucian leader.

UFOLOGIA Information and Services

The magazine includes sections for reader services:

• Regional Sections: Contact information for regional CFRU sections in Bas-Rhin, Haut-Rhin, Bordeaux, and Nord-Pas-de-Calais.
• Classified Ads: A service for readers to place small ads for books, astronomical instruments, or photographic equipment, with a participation fee.
• Correspondence: A change of address for CFRU and UFOLOGIA to a new post office box in Forbach.
• Canadian UFO Publications: Recommendations for "UFO-QUEBEC" magazine and "REQUIEM" (science fiction and fantasy).
• Astrometeorology: Information on a bulletin published by ARFA.
• Brief News: A mention of a large ship disappearing in the "black square of the Philippines" on December 29, 1975.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores phenomena that challenge conventional scientific understanding, ranging from UFO sightings and ancient mysteries to esoteric orders like the Rosicrucians. There is a clear interest in unexplained events and historical enigmas. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting evidence and theories without necessarily endorsing them as absolute fact, but encouraging readers to consider the possibilities. The concluding question, "Who will dare deny the importance of the UFO phenomenon?", encapsulates this inquisitive and pro-UFO stance.