UFOmania - No 37 - 2003 09

Magazine Overview

UFOmAnia, Issue 37, Autumn 2003, is a French-language ufology bulletin published by Planète OVNI. It features a refreshed layout and aims to provide readers with recent UFO information and in-depth articles.

Editorial

The editorial highlights the magazine's new look and the growing reader engagement, which has led to an increase in subscriptions and a higher print run. It announces the addition of a 'Press Review' section and mentions two key articles: one on Crop Circles by Geneviève Béduneau and another on cattle mutilations in America by Michel Granger. The editorial also notes the positive impact of being cited in a VSD magazine, which boosted readership, and the subsequent sell-out of previous issues. The price increase for international postage due to a stamp price hike is also mentioned, with a commitment to keeping domestic subscription prices stable.

Key Articles and Features

Observations Récentes Spécial Tarn (Page 4)

This section details four new witness testimonies collected by Planète OVNI. Case n°81 describes an observation on November 12, 2002, where a witness saw a round object with red spots and three white spots hovering 30 meters above a field. The object then moved away at high speed. Investigator Didier Gomez notes the witness's impression and the estimated size of the object (4-5 meters in diameter).

Evolution d'un phénomène (Page 10)

Written by Geneviève Béduneau, this article examines the phenomenon of crop circles. It challenges the theory that crop circles are solely a product of local land art traditions, pointing to their appearance in 1966 in Australian marshes. The article recounts the testimony of George Pedley, who reported seeing a metallic, grey-blue machine in Tully, Queensland, Australia, in January 1966. This observation was followed by the discovery of a circular crop circle in the reeds. The article notes that the Royal Australian Air Force investigated these 'saucer nests' and found correlations with Pedley's sighting, although the Condon report dismissed the link.

Les News d'UFOMAnia (Page 14)

This section provides updates on the ufology community. It includes a report on a meeting of the Planète OVNI association on June 28, 2003, in Parisot. Attendees discussed recent UFO observations, the article 'Voyage au centre de la tête' focusing on the physiological effects of close encounters, and the phenomenon of crop circles. The meeting also covered the saga of Joao Prestes, a Brazilian man who allegedly died from injuries sustained during a UFO encounter, and introduced new UFO associations and publications.

La Revue de Presse (Page 16)

This new section aims to inform readers about ufological articles published in the mainstream or specialized press.

Les OVNIS sur le Net/STUDIOVNI (Page 19)

This section likely covers online resources and discussions related to UFOs, possibly featuring content from the STUDIOVNI website.

Mutilations de bétail - Up to Date (Page 20)

Authored by Michel Granger, this article revisits cases of cattle mutilation, an aspect often linked to UFO phenomena.

Lectures du trimestre (Page 23)

This section reviews books and other media related to ufology, including 'OVNIs et Implants' by Dr. Leir, a document on Mexican aviation, 'Extraterrestres et démons', and works by Bernard Thouanel and Bernard Bidault.

Courrier des Lecteurs (Page 26)

This section features correspondence from readers, providing a platform for discussion and feedback.

Other Content

• Editorial: Discusses the magazine's redesign, increased readership, and the addition of the press review. It also mentions the challenges of research, including potential obstruction by authorities and the need to respect witness anonymity.
• Page 5: Continues the 'Enquête' section with reports on sightings in Cadalen (January 28, 2003), Lasgraïsses (February 16, 2003), and near Alban (July 17, 2003). The Alban case describes a red, noisy object and a beam of light. It also mentions the analysis of water samples from a previous sighting.
• Page 6: Features a cartographic representation of UFO events in the Tarn region from 1952-2002, compiled by Frédéric Praud. The article discusses the extensive research involved in creating this catalog and the ongoing nature of UFO observations.
• Page 7: Presents a detailed table of UFO sightings in the Tarn region, including dates, locations, descriptions, and witness accounts, spanning from 1952 to 2002.
• Page 8: Continues the report on UFO phenomena in Tarn, including a meeting recap of Planète OVNI. It discusses the 'Voyage au centre de la tête' dossier, the 'crop circles' phenomenon, and mentions the upcoming book by Didier Gomez on UFO sightings in Occitania.
• Page 9: Features a mini-debate on crop circles and an interview with Sébastien Guillocheau. It also lists books related to ufology and announces a meeting of ufologists in Paris. Didier Gomez presents a synthesis form for collecting testimonies and a catalog of observations in Tarn.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on empirical evidence, witness testimonies, and investigative research into UFO phenomena. There is a strong emphasis on the scientific approach, even when dealing with unexplained events. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging readers to share their experiences and contributing to a growing body of knowledge in ufology. The magazine also highlights the importance of the Planète OVNI association's work in documenting and analyzing these events, often facing challenges from rationalist viewpoints and institutional skepticism.

Title: UFOmania
Issue: n° 37
Date: October 2003
Publisher: Les Editions de L'ŒIL DU SPHINX
Country: France
Language: French

This issue of UFOmania, a French ufology magazine, delves into several intriguing aspects of the paranormal and unexplained.

The Enigma of Crop Circles

The magazine explores the phenomenon of crop circles, noting that while the 1966 emergence in England was largely overlooked, its later reappearance sparked significant public interest. The article posits that local traditions in Wiltshire may have contributed to the acceptance and powerful connection people felt with the phenomenon. It also addresses the reluctance of some ufologists to link early Australian 'nids' (nests) with British crop circles, though Gilles Durand suggests a fundamental similarity between these cases.

The historical context is explored through the "Mowing Devil" engraving from 1678, depicting a diabolical figure cutting wheat in circles, drawing a parallel to modern crop circles. The article highlights the tangible and durable nature of crop circles, contrasting them with the more ephemeral nature of UFO sightings. It questions the general indifference to scientific analysis of crop circles, suggesting a complex collective inhibition, both in memory and scientific curiosity, and even a strange inhibition regarding the legal protection of property.

Animal Mutilations: A Skyward Mystery?

This section focuses on the mysterious mutilations of animals, extending beyond livestock to include wild specimens. A striking case from Delaware County, New York, describes a deer found hanging in a tree, raising questions about how it reached such a height. The article notes that such incidents are not isolated, citing documented cases of deer mutilations across various US states and Canadian provinces since the 1970s. The author, Michel Granger, is particularly struck by the possibility that these animals might be taken from their natural habitat, mutilated elsewhere, and then dropped, referencing the 'airship hantise' phenomenon of the late 19th century.

The theory proposed is that animals are neutralized, possibly with chemical sedatives, and then transported by air (perhaps via helicopter) to an unknown location for mutilation. Organs, particularly sexual ones, are removed, and the carcasses are then dropped, sometimes found in unexpected locations like fields.

News and Reviews

The magazine reports on the passing of two prominent ufologists: Gordon Creighton, editor-in-chief of Flying Saucer Review, and Graham W. Birdsall, responsible for CEO Magazine. Both were influential figures in the field.

Several publications and websites related to ufology and the paranormal are reviewed:

• La Gazette Fortéenne Vol. 2 (October 2003): A 400-page volume featuring a photo section, covering a wide range of topics including Charles Fort's letters, crytozoology, and mysterious lake creatures.
• Le Villefranchois: A regional newspaper article discussing UFOs as a reality, featuring witness accounts and mentioning the DEMETER network.
• Dimanche Saône et Loire: An article by Michel Granger on animal mutilations, following the release of his latest book.
• Aujourd'hui en France: A dossier titled "Where have the UFOs gone?" discussing Bernard Thouanel's book and featuring pilot testimonies, including the famous F-16 incident in Belgium.
• Mystères du Temps: A new magazine covering general mysteries, including a text on UFOs by Jean Moisset.
• Le Monde de l'Inconnu: A special issue with a 26-page dossier on UFOs, touching upon themes like abductions and multi-dimensional theories.
• VSD Hors-série (Paranormal): A special issue covering various paranormal phenomena such as hauntings, transcommunication, NDEs, implants, and cryptozoology.

Online Resources

The "LES OVNIS SUR LE NET" section provides a guide to ufology websites, recommending sites for real-time information, historical data, and official documents. It highlights French sites like Lejdu.com, Les ovnis vus de près, and Ipani.fr.st, as well as international resources such as UFO Magazine (ufomag.co.uk) and UFOINFO (ufoinfo.com/submit.shtml). The section also mentions the RRO Information System project, aimed at standardizing and analyzing UFO data.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

UFOmania consistently champions the reality of UFO phenomena and related mysteries, encouraging a less dismissive and more open-minded approach from both the public and the scientific community. The magazine actively promotes ufological research, provides a platform for witness testimonies, and reviews relevant literature and online resources. There's a recurring theme of collective inhibition or denial surrounding these topics, which the magazine seeks to counter by presenting information and encouraging critical yet open-minded investigation. The editorial stance is one of persistent inquiry into the unexplained, often linking contemporary phenomena to historical accounts and exploring potential extraterrestrial or unknown origins.

Title: UFOmania
Issue: 37
Date: March 2003
Publisher: JMG Editions
Country: France
Language: French
ISSN: 1279-5314
Cover Headline: Voyage au cœur de l'Insolite

Article 1: Mutilations of Animals and the 'Relocated Mutilation' Theory

This article delves into the phenomenon of animal mutilations, citing several cases from 1978 in Elsberry, Missouri, where a bull was found mutilated far from its usual pasture. It highlights similar incidents in New Mexico and other locations, noting the recurring pattern of broken limbs, internal organ removal, and unusual carcass positioning. The author introduces the theory of 'relocated mutilations,' suggesting that animals are killed and dismembered elsewhere, which could explain the lack of surrounding traces. This theory is presented as a potential explanation for why animals are sometimes found with broken bones, horns driven into the ground, or limbs retracted into their bodies, as seen in a 2002 case in Oregon.

The article questions whether these 'relocated' mutilations are the exception or the rule, and discusses the possibility of a ufological bias in interpreting these events. It suggests that many seemingly unusual characteristics might have natural explanations, such as memory lapses, environmental factors, animal diseases, or even natural predators. The author also points out that a small group of 'mutologists' consistently report these specific characteristics, raising concerns about a potential ufological bias.

Article 2: The 'Insolite' and the Persistence of Paranormal Phenomena

This section features an interview with Magali and Pascal Cazottes, authors of the book 'Voyage au cœur de l'Insolite.' They argue that various paranormal manifestations, including haunted houses, apparitions, near-death experiences (NDEs), and UFO sightings, should be viewed holistically under the umbrella term 'paranormal.' They believe that science has not adequately addressed these phenomena, leading to their continued presence and the need for a multidisciplinary approach to understand them.

The Cazottes suggest that quantum physics is beginning to provide explanations for phenomena previously considered impossible, such as exceeding the speed of light, which could support the idea of parallel universes or astral bodies. They propose that an 'underlying order' or a 'hidden face of the visible world' coexists with our reality, and that the human mind may hold the key to understanding this hidden dimension. They also touch upon the idea of reincarnation and shamanic trances as aspects of this broader paranormal landscape.

Article 3: Book Reviews

'L'homme face à l'énigme des OVNIS' by Réginald Marquis: This review describes the book as a chronological summary of UFO events from 1947-1977, referencing various American commissions and organizations. While acknowledged as a serious work, it is noted for lacking in-depth analysis and personal testimonies, making it less of a definitive reference and more of a historical overview. The reviewer recommends caution in interpretation, as advised by the author.

OVNIDOC: This section introduces OVNIDOC as a comprehensive CD-ROM database cataloging over 260 books, videos, and other multimedia resources on the UFO phenomenon, serving as a significant French bibliography for researchers and enthusiasts.

'Voyage au cœur de l'Insolite' by Magali & Pascal Cazottes: This book is presented as a collection of various paranormal topics, including haunted houses, apparitions, NDEs, and UFOs, with the authors advocating for a holistic approach to understanding these phenomena. They suggest that these events reveal an 'other reality' that is intrinsically linked to our own.

'Aimé Michel ou la Quête du Surhumain' by Michel Picard: This review highlights the book's exploration of Aimé Michel's writings on esoteric questions and the pursuit of 'the superhuman.' It praises Picard's insights into Michel's forward-thinking perspective and his understanding of unexplained phenomena as precursors to a planetary metamorphosis.

'Les Lieux de l'Au-delà' by Didier Audinot: This guide to ghosts, 'dames blanches,' and phantom hitchhikers in France, Belgium, and Switzerland is presented as a valuable resource for those interested in the paranormal. The review notes that the book documents mysterious locations and phenomena, drawing parallels with ufological cases such as ozone smells and light orbs, even though the author does not explicitly link them to UFOs.

Article 4: Reader Mail and Editorial Responses

This section features correspondence from readers, including praise for the magazine's content and corrections regarding missing article endings. The editors acknowledge these points and commit to improving accuracy. One reader, Geneviève Béduneau, contributes an article discussing crop circles and the electromagnetic activity associated with UFO phenomena, suggesting that the brain's activity is more relevant than its chemical composition in understanding these events.

Another reader, Christian Macé, inquires about UFOs stopping trains, a phenomenon for which he has found no documented cases, contrasting it with UFOs disrupting car electrical systems. The editorial response indicates no such cases have been found in their archives.

Didier Gomez, in response to a reader's analysis of a book about the November 5, 1990, wave of sightings, argues that the author is not a true ufologist and that the book attempts to debunk Franck Marie's work. Gomez maintains that the 1990 wave cannot be entirely explained by atmospheric re-entry, despite some events potentially having natural causes.

Jean-Pierre Delbarre's letter suggests that a reported castle haunting was a staged event, proposing scientific methods like thermoluminescence and carbon-14 dating to verify the age of evidence. Didier Gomez agrees that many reported phenomena might be elaborate 'scenes' created by an intelligence that manipulates perceptions, drawing parallels between modern UFO apparitions and medieval folklore.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFOmania revolve around the unexplained, with a particular focus on animal mutilations and their potential causes, ranging from natural explanations to extraterrestrial involvement. The magazine also explores broader paranormal phenomena, the nature of reality, and the role of science in understanding these mysteries. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging readers to consider various perspectives while maintaining a critical and evidence-based approach. The reviews of books and the inclusion of reader contributions highlight the magazine's commitment to fostering discussion and sharing information within the ufology and paranormal communities.