Vimana 21 - No 32 - 3eme trim 1988

Magazine Overview

Title: Vimana 21
Issue: N° 32
Date: 3rd Trimester 1988
Publisher: A.D.R.U.P. (Association Dijonnaise de Recherches Ufologiques et Parapsychologiques)
Country: France
Language: French
Price: 10F

This issue of Vimana 21, subtitled 'LE MAGAZINE DE LA COTE D'OR INSOLITE', delves into the persistent presence of the uncanny in modern times, asserting that phenomena such as apparitions of the Virgin Mary, sorcerers, UFOs, sea monsters, the yeti, and haunted houses continue to occur. The cover features a striking illustration depicting a solitary figure in a landscape under a dramatic, cloud-filled sky from which rays of light descend, symbolizing an unusual or unexplained event.

Editorial and Association Information

The editorial section clarifies that Vimana 21 is a bulletin of information from A.D.R.U.P., a non-profit association established under the law of July 1, 1901. The responsible persons are listed: Patrice VACHON (President), Patrick FOURNEL (Vice-President and Correspondent in Montbard), Jean-Claude CALMEITES (Treasurer), and Jocelyne VACHON (Secretary). The editorial board is composed of all members of the association, and the collaboration of researchers and readers is highly valued. Reproduction of articles is permitted with clear source indication. Subscription and membership details are provided, with active member and supporting member contributions set at 130F, and annual subscriptions at 60F, to be addressed to the A.D.R.U.P. headquarters in Gevrey Chambertin. The editorial also states that documents are inserted under the authors' responsibility, and their inclusion does not imply endorsement by ADRUP.

Thematic Focus: Haunted Houses and Poltergeists in Burgundy

The central theme of this issue is 'haunted houses' and related phenomena, specifically focusing on regional cases from Burgundy. The magazine presents an inventory of such occurrences, moving beyond simple ghost stories to include poltergeist activity like objects being thrown, stones being displaced, and unusual noises. The introduction posits that the 'insolite' (unusual/unexplained) exists in all eras, including the modern one, citing examples from apparitions to UFOs.

Historical Cases of Haunted Houses and Poltergeist Activity:

• 1633, Beaune: An innkeeper acquired an auberge where, each morning, furniture was found displaced, and dishes were on the floor. His servant reported hearing loud noises and groans. During a dinner party, a disturbance occurred with sounds of stones being thrown and furniture being dragged, causing guests to flee.
• 1674, Mailly l'Eglise: An 'spirit' reportedly haunted the rectory. The priest heard strange noises at night, and the key to the door was thrown into the room, accompanied by glass and brick fragments. The entity also threw a large piece of burning coal into the room and moved furniture.
• 1826, Pluvet: Several homes were affected by phenomena including snow falling on furniture and beds, even in winter, and some residents were hit by stones.
• 1877, Chauvirey: The owner of a house heard faint scratching noises that intensified into a loud rumble, which ceased when the priest or gendarmes arrived.
• 1958, Belleneuve (Doubs): A house was reported where piles of wood and mosaics moved.
• 1971, Pontailler sur Saône: A woman, identified as Madame X, reported objects disappearing and hearing knocking sounds daily. The journalist notes she had suffered from severe headaches since 1958.
• 1977, Dijon: A house on Rue Philippe le Hardi experienced vibrations, causing inhabitants to lose sleep. Phenomena included a moving sofa, a blank television screen, and image jumps. Neighbors also felt disturbances, and glassware cracked.
• 1980, Marsannay la Côte: A house experienced violent tremors, attributed by the owner to his sensitive television antenna resonating with wind and amplified by a chimney conduit acting as a resonance chamber for ultrasound.
• 1980, Mirebeau sur Bèze: A house was reportedly haunted, with its lights turning off when the streetlights came on, and vice versa.
• 1980, Valendons: An apartment experienced tremors and vibrations, causing objects to move. Investigations by hygiene services found no explanation.
• 1980, Chenôve: Knocking sounds against walls were attributed to a pubescent girl subjected to teasing by her parents.
• 1987, Côte d'Or: A 17th-century house near a château experienced intermittent phenomena, especially during hot weather, including sounds like breathing, furniture being dragged, and doors/windows opening on their own. A chimney fire occurred, and large stones fell, frightening firefighters.

Other Cases and Reflections:

• 1891, Saint Denis de Vaux: A young maid reported a 'devil' in a cupboard making loud noises. The owner investigated and confirmed the infernal noise. The phenomenon persisted for eight days before stopping.
• 1898, La Roche en Bresnil: A man experienced his lamp extinguishing, clock falling, and furniture moving. During a gathering, objects flew, and a hammer was thrown.
• 1904, Aubigny en Côte d'Or: A house had unusual noises at night, described as collapsing wood, with children present.
• 1917, near Avallon: A domain was rumored to be haunted by ghosts, including a monk. Reports included doors opening and furniture moving.
• 1952, Gissey le Vieil: A château experienced furniture being moved, with 'pseudo ghosts' seen leaving a room.
• 1957, Thoisy la Berchère: Farm inhabitants were awakened by unusual noises, barking dogs, shaking shutters, and a door key falling. Large stones were found outside, and beetroots had grown rapidly in pots.
• 1958, Belleneuve: A house had moving piles of wood and mosaics.
• 1977, Dijon: A house vibrated, and inhabitants reported not being able to sleep. Phenomena included a moving sofa and a blank TV screen.
• 1980, Quai Nicolas Rolin: An apartment building experienced 'battering ram' sounds at night, which were confirmed by police.
• 1987, Côte d'Or: A house experienced strange phenomena, including breathing sounds and objects moving, particularly during hot weather.

The issue concludes with a reflection on how to interpret these cases. It acknowledges that some phenomena can be explained by pranks, misinterpretations, or material physical phenomena. However, cases involving young people and psychological factors present greater difficulty in explanation. The author expresses perplexity regarding flying objects and the Mailly l'Eglise case. The question is posed whether history is merely superstition or if collective hallucination is at play. The modern spirit, it is suggested, seeks rational explanations and rejects the 'unreal.' A witness quote, 'Il faut le voir pour le croire...' (One must see it to believe it...), is offered, with the wish that readers might experience something similar.

Other Content

An adjacent section details the activities and objectives of the 'CAMERA CLUB COTE D'ORIEN', an association for filmmakers and video enthusiasts in Dijon. Its goals include initiating beginners, teaching film realization, assisting members with their projects, fostering teams for more elaborate films, encouraging members to showcase their work, and facilitating participation in regional and national competitions. The club also offers advice on equipment, aims to unite those interested in cinema or amateur video, provides opportunities for young people to express themselves through film, lends equipment, and organizes events to promote cinema. Meetings are held on Fridays with even dates, excluding school holidays, at the Centre Social de Fontaine d'Ouche.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the persistence of unexplained phenomena, particularly haunted houses and poltergeist activity, across different historical periods and geographical locations within Burgundy. The editorial stance is one of presenting these cases for consideration, acknowledging the difficulty in providing definitive explanations for many of them, and encouraging readers to remain open to the possibility of the 'unreal' or 'insolite'. The magazine positions itself as a platform for sharing such accounts, with a clear disclaimer that the responsibility for the content lies with the authors, not the association itself.

This issue of "Bien Public" (dated November 22, 1980) focuses on unexplained phenomena, particularly mysterious vibrations and noises experienced in houses and apartments in and around Dijon, France. The main cover story, "CES MAISONS QUI TREMBLENT" (These Houses That Tremble), highlights several cases that baffled residents and authorities.

The Haunted House of l'Ermitage

A brief report details a house in the l'Ermitage housing estate where new owners experienced a peculiar phenomenon: every evening when the streetlights came on, the house's lights would go out, only to return the next morning. Specialists were reportedly puzzled by this energy-saving 'curse' or plan.

Dijon: The Mystery of the Trembling House Solved

This article delves into the case of an apartment building on Allée Jean-Jacques-Laurent in Dijon, where residents reported intense tremors, loud noises, and objects falling or moving since early November. The phenomena were so pronounced that police, hygiene services, and architecture specialists were called in. Initial theories ranged from geological events to military aircraft. However, after weeks of investigation, the mystery was attributed to a simple overpressure in a water pipe located too close to a load-bearing wall. When the pressure increased, the pipe vibrated, amplifying the tremors through the wall and affecting furniture and objects in the apartments.

The 1977 Dijon Trembling House Mystery

Briefly referenced, this section recalls a similar incident in 1977 in Dijon, where a house on the heights vibrated at night, causing cracks and disturbing residents, leading to speculation about supernatural or geological causes.

"Battering Ram" Noises in an Apartment Building

This section revisits the case of the apartment on Allée Jacques-Laurens, emphasizing that the phenomena were undeniable and unexplained. It notes that police had visited and acknowledged the residents' accounts. Hygiene services found nothing abnormal. Investigations into water and gas pipes yielded no results. The article also mentions a similar experience by a resident of Marsannay-la-Côte, M. Demour, who attributed vibrations in his house to a television antenna picking up signals, which, when wind blew, transmitted infrasound through the chimney. He suggested this might be a possible explanation for the Dijon case.

Quai Nicolas-Rolin: "Battering Ram" Noises

A letter from Paul Gaillot of Corpeau describes a similar phenomenon in his house years ago, where a sound resembling Morse code emanated from a wall, ceasing when he unplugged a socket on that wall, suggesting a vibrating electrical wire. More recently, in Dijon's Quai Nicolas-Rolin building, residents reported hearing about fifteen 'battering ram' noises each night for several nights. Police investigated the building's basement and surrounding areas but found no explanation. The noises continued even during the police presence.

"These Houses That Tremble" - A Broader Look

This section expands on the theme, noting that paranormal phenomena are often imagined in old castles or isolated farms, but in Dijon, they occurred in ordinary apartment buildings. It reiterates the Gassendi couple's experience of vibrations and moving objects. The article mentions that while authorities investigated, they found no concrete explanations, leading to the conclusion that the phenomena were indeed strange. It also references historical cases in Dijon, such as a house that vibrated in 1977 and objects moving on their own in 1974.

Other Cases of Vibrating Houses

Further examples are provided: a house in Marsannay where vibrations stopped after a TV antenna was removed, and a house in Corpeau where a wall vibrated like a diaphragm, ceasing when a socket was disconnected. The Quai Nicolas-Rolin case is highlighted again, with police unable to find a cause for the 'battering ram' sounds.

Paranormal Phenomena in a Dijon Apartment: The Enigma Remains...

This article revisits the Gassendi apartment on Allée Jacques-Laurent, stating that the explanations offered by the police and hygiene services were not satisfactory to the residents. The vibrations were described as 'terrible' and continuous for several hours. While the phenomenon was confined to their apartment, other residents confirmed the unusual nature of the events. The article notes that the building's structure was not at fault, and even civil protection and hygiene services were alerted, finding the situation impressive but unexplained.

"Ghosts and Hauntings" Section

This section shifts focus to the broader topic of ghosts and hauntings. It posits that ghosts have always existed and are an integral part of the human psyche, appearing across religions and civilizations. It explores the question of why the human soul would invent ghosts, particularly for those who believe in an afterlife. The article suggests that many people are fascinated by the enigma of death and the concept of an afterlife. It then delves into specific cases of hauntings in France:

• Mortemer: An abbey in Normandy, described as a place with numerous supernatural phenomena occurring for over eighty years, including unexplained sounds, moving objects, and spectral figures.
• Celtic Heritage and Viking Legacy: A section on Brittany mentions a haunted inn ('Auberge du pont du secret') where spectral figures in traditional costumes appear, and a headless woman is seen on summer nights. Tonquedec is also mentioned as a site with historical mysteries and hauntings.
• Spectres of Monks and Tints from Beyond: The manor of Bouchevilliers in Vexin is described as one of France's most mysterious residences, with numerous materializations of white figures, including monks, and auditory phenomena like deep knocks and the ringing of bells. The atmosphere is described as oppressive and anxiety-inducing, with owners reportedly not staying long.
• The Spirits That Strike: Agents of an Undetermined Force? This part discusses phenomena attributed to 'poltergeists' or unexplained forces, including loud noises within walls and floors in Rosny-sous-Bois and Saint-Martin-du-Var. It suggests these phenomena might be linked to the presence of a disturbed adolescent, with things returning to normal once the adolescent is removed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the tension between rational explanations and the persistent occurrence of unexplained phenomena. While some cases, like the Dijon apartment vibrations, are eventually attributed to mundane causes (water pressure, antennas), the magazine also dedicates significant space to the enduring mystery of hauntings and spectral apparitions, suggesting that some events remain beyond current scientific understanding. The editorial stance appears to be one of documenting these occurrences, presenting both potential rationalizations and acknowledging the persistent 'enigmas' that challenge conventional explanations. The recurring theme is the unexplained, whether it manifests as physical vibrations, strange noises, or spectral presences, and the human fascination with these mysteries.

This issue of MYSTERES magazine, published by LE MONDE INCONNU, focuses on the paranormal and unexplained, with a cover story titled "UNE MAISON HANTEE DANS LA HAUTE-SAONE" (A Haunted House in Haute-Saône). The issue, dated June 25 to July 1, 1987, explores various phenomena including hauntings, UFOs, and esoteric subjects.

Haunted House in Haute-Saône

The main feature details the unsettling experiences of Marie Boyer, an 82-year-old woman living in a humble house in a village in Haute-Saône, France. For two days in June 1977, her home was subjected to a barrage of inexplicable events. These included objects like a casserole dish, a ladle, plates, glasses, and even a bottle being thrown violently, some narrowly missing her and her godson, Patrick Guénard. The phenomena were so intense that the village mayor, Georges Poirey, was called, and the gendarmes were alerted. The local priest, Abbé Léon Tripogney, reportedly performed two exorcisms to quell the disturbances. The article highlights the fear and confusion experienced by Marie Boyer and the villagers, with some attributing the events to demonic influence.

Other Haunted Locations and Phenomena

The magazine also recounts other instances of hauntings and poltergeist activity:

• Villejuif: In 1976, a residence for the elderly experienced a year of nightly 'poltergeist' activity, with knocks and activated doorbells affecting specific residents.
• La Cressonnière: A farm was the site of unexplained phenomena for two years starting in 1985, involving objects moving on their own, doors opening, and strange noises, with a 12-year-old boy named Frédéric at the center of these events. His mother, Denise Cautionnart, suspects he may have been 'envoûté' (bewitched).
• Chastenay: The manor of the Comte de la Varende in Burgundy is described as a site of auditory hauntings, with sounds resembling giant borborygmi, and other paranormal activities like invisible presences and object displacements.
• La Robertière: A subterranean area is reportedly haunted by the 'White Man,' a guardian of an esoteric deposit.
• Tiffauges: The ruins are said to be haunted by a leopard-like phantom, which some link to the alleged apparitions of Beelzebub.
• Puymartin Castle: One of its towers is nicknamed the 'ghost tower' due to the legend of a young chatelaine who was imprisoned there.
• Normandière: A farm in Maine-et-Loire experienced objects moving on their own, including chandeliers and stones.
• Bordeaux: Residents reported feeling invisible hands tugging at their blankets and feet.
• Pont-Audemer: A house was reportedly abandoned after an invisible hand slapped potential buyers.
• Souvigny: A woman reported touching a materialized ghost, experiencing intense cold and physical sensations.
• Crain: In the Maison Blanche manor, people were reportedly woken by inexplicable perfumes.

Unconventional Hauntings and Phenomena

The issue categorizes hauntings into "unconventional" types, including tactile phenomena (invisible hands), auditory phenomena (knocks, whispers, moans), and visual apparitions (ghosts, phantoms). It also discusses the displacement of objects, referred to as 'poltergeists,' which can range from small items to furniture being thrown with considerable force. The phenomenon of "stone rain," where stones are inexplicably thrown, is also mentioned.

UFOlogy and Other Topics

Beyond hauntings, the magazine touches upon other subjects:

• Ufology: An article discusses when aircraft encounter UFOs.
• Astronomy: The mystery of gravitational waves is explored.
• Science: The 'miracle glass' is presented as a scientific development soon to arrive in France.
• Esotericism: Topics include mysterious archeology in Asia, a Tibetan Buddha in Paris, the symbolism of the number 421, druidic secrets, and the mystery of Atlantis.
• Medicine: Recipes for love from different French regions are featured.
• Astrology: The connection between zodiac signs and psychoanalysis is examined.
• Numerology: The beneficial numbers in horse racing and lotteries are discussed.

Scientific and Parapsychological Perspectives

The magazine acknowledges the scientific community's interest in the paranormal, noting the establishment of parapsychology chairs worldwide. It highlights researchers like Camille Flammarion, Dr. Geley, Charles Richet, and others who have studied hauntings and the survival of the soul. The article contrasts the spiritualist belief in the survival of the soul with the more cautious, data-driven approach of parapsychologists, who use scientific methods and statistics to investigate these phenomena. The role of sensitive individuals or mediums in communicating with the deceased is also mentioned.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the unexplained, the supernatural, and the mysteries of the universe. The magazine adopts a stance of presenting various accounts and phenomena, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond conventional explanations. It seems to lean towards validating the existence of paranormal events, particularly hauntings and UFOs, while also acknowledging the scientific and psychological perspectives. The editorial tone is one of exploration and curiosity regarding the unknown, aiming to inform readers about diverse and often unsettling aspects of human experience and the world around us.

This issue of Nostra magazine, dated October 13, 1986, with issue number 5 and volume 107, focuses on the theme of "Haunted Houses and Poltergeists." The cover headline, "LES OBJETS VOLAIENT TOUS SEULS A TRAVERS LES PIECES" (Objects Flew All By Themselves Through Rooms), sets the tone for the issue's exploration of unexplained phenomena.

The Pomoy Exorcism

The lead story details a dramatic exorcism performed by Abbé Léon Tripogney in Pomoy, France. The narrative recounts a series of terrifying events, including a fork sticking into a person's neck, a salt shaker jumping over an electric globe, a pot of water flying at the priest, and statuettes of the Virgin moving and crashing. The exorcism involved prayers against "rebellious Angels" and invoked the name of Jesus. The events reportedly ceased after the mayor threatened to alert the gendarmes, coinciding with the priest's prayers. The article questions whether the demon is as virulent in 1977 as in the Middle Ages and if prayers and incantations are the only weapons against haunted houses.

Reader Letters and Nostra's Responses

"Envoûtement par Téléphone" (Enchantment by Telephone): A reader named B.L. from Tarbes inquires about the possibility of telephone enchantment, fearing a threat from someone involved in black magic. Nostra responds that enchantment often involves implanting negative suggestions and that the telephone can be a privileged medium for this, advising the reader's friend to resist the suggestion.

"Une Maison Maudite" (A Cursed House): M.C. from Lyon describes a curious case of a ground-floor property on Rue Saint-Jean that has never prospered commercially and has seen numerous businesses fail. While not definitively haunted, the location is described as having a "curse" or possibly catalyzing negative forces. Nostra acknowledges the existence of cursed places, suggesting that telluric nodes or the psychic imprint of past inhabitants could be responsible.

Abbaye Hantée à Vendre (Haunted Abbey for Sale)

This section reports on the sale of the ruins of Notre Dame de Mortemer Abbey in Eure, Normandy. The abbey, once a powerful Cistercian monastery, is now on the market. Legends speak of ghosts, including Queen Mathilde, who is said to appear annually. The abbey was reportedly exorcised at the beginning of the century. The ruins are said to be haunted by the abbots who were buried there, with spectral processions occurring.

Maisons Hantées, Grêles de Pierres et Apparitions depuis 1831 en France (Haunted Houses, Hail of Stones and Apparitions since 1831 in France)

This is a comprehensive list of locations in France where haunted houses, stone-throwing phenomena, and apparitions have been reported since 1831. It covers numerous departments and towns across the country.

"Des Gens, des Faits, des Histoires" (People, Facts, Stories)

"Le diable a encore frappé !" (The devil struck again!): This article details the experiences of Olga and Jean Olivero in their villa in Juan-les-Pins, Alpes-Maritimes. They suffered from invisible projectiles, unexplained fires, and a hail of stones that destroyed their veranda and injured their son. Despite police investigations and the presence of a CRS officer, no cause was found. The phenomena reportedly ceased when the Oliveros' life returned to normal, but occasionally resurface.

"Une maison hantée par la « fée électricité » dans l'Aube" (A house haunted by the "electricity fairy" in the Aube)

In Gelannes, Aube, a retired couple, M. and Mme Bernardet, experienced alarming electrical phenomena in their home. Sparks, lights turning on by themselves, and the television activating spontaneously caused minor fires. Despite EDF (Électricité de France) investigations, no fault was found in the installation. The phenomena continued even after the power was cut for an hour.

"Mystère à Juan" (Mystery in Juan)

This short piece reiterates the strange events at the Olivero villa in Juan-les-Pins, where projectiles were thrown at the house and windows shattered without any visible source. The police were baffled, and the proximity of a Lebanese embassy villa was noted as a potential, though inaccessible, factor.

"Une maison hantée par l'esprit d'Aquino hante un camion!" (Aquino's spirit haunts a truck!)

This brief report from the Philippines states that the spirit of opposition leader Benigno Aquino, who was assassinated, was haunting the army truck in which he was transported to the hospital. Soldiers were reportedly afraid to use the truck, which was subsequently abandoned.

"PRÉMERY Sa Montagne: Une étrange affaire" (PRÉMERY Its Mountain: A Strange Affair)

In Moussy, M. and Mme Bernardet's house reportedly trembled, causing suspended objects to fall and hooks to bend. Firefighters found no anomalies, and no earthquake or aircraft passage was recorded. The house showed no structural damage, leaving the event a mystery.

"Des fantômes dans les Ardennes" (Ghosts in the Ardennes)

Frédéric, a twelve-year-old boy living in a dilapidated farm in the Ardennes, experienced objects moving and "aggressing" him. His dog's kennel turned, his bicycle moved, and cutlery flew into the wall. The farm is described as haunted, and Frédéric was hospitalized for rest. The article notes that while Frédéric claims these events, others have not witnessed the objects moving, leading to doubt. It concludes that even ghosts seem to punish.

"Maison hantée à Vailhauquès" (Haunted House in Vailhauquès)

This section introduces the case of the Boudon family in Vailhauquès, near Montpellier, who have been experiencing loud, unexplained knocking sounds in their house for months. The phenomena have disrupted their sleep and caused significant distress.

"La nuit va tomber sur le Mas de la Coste..." (Night will fall on the Mas de la Coste...)

This article provides more detail on the Vailhauquès case. Georges Boudon, his wife Yvette, and their son Olivier have been subjected to loud knocking sounds since November. Parapsychologists from the University of Toulouse, led by Yves Lignon, investigated. Initial findings suggested "psychokinesis," where the inhabitants themselves might be unconsciously generating the sounds due to emotional distress. The sounds reportedly lessened after the parapsychologists' intervention, leading them to believe it was a "scientific exorcism." However, the phenomena resumed, leading to speculation about a possible geological explanation involving the Mosson river and its underground flow, creating siphoning effects and shockwaves.

"Chaque nuit des bruits sourds sont perçus dans le pavillon" (Every night, loud knocking sounds are heard in the pavilion)

This article, dated March 2, 1988, revisits the Vailhauquès case. It mentions that the gendarmes had also heard the noises and, along with a geologist, were unable to solve the mystery. Yves Lignon, director of the parapsychology lab at the University of Mirail in Toulouse, investigated and concluded that the phenomena were of a "psychokinesis" type, originating unconsciously from the occupants due to emotional distress. He noted the rarity and interest of such cases and planned further research with more sophisticated equipment.

"MAISON HANTÉE ET POLÉMIQUE" (HAUNTED HOUSE AND CONTROVERSY)

This article discusses the controversy surrounding the Vailhauquès house. Georges Boudon, the owner, decided to call an exorcist, which led Yves Lignon to announce he would suspend his research. Lignon maintained his belief in natural phenomena and rejected occult hypotheses, attributing the events to "psychokinesis" caused by unconscious emotional discharges from the occupants, possibly related to a neighborhood conflict. Boudon, however, felt the explanation was unsatisfactory and believed in the intervention of good or evil forces, suggesting a conflict between them. He had also called upon the exorcist from the Montpellier diocese.

"La maison hantée de Montpellier" (The haunted house of Montpellier)

This article summarizes the Vailhauquès case, describing the Boudon family's distress due to unexplained knocking sounds. Parapsychologist Yves Lignon investigated, suggesting the family members, experiencing "affective trouble," might be unconsciously generating the sounds. He proposed a group therapy session, which reportedly led to the cessation of the noises. Lignon stated it was the third such case he had studied in fourteen years and that it was likely caused by a violent emotional shock.

"Les maisons hantées ça existe vraiment !" (Haunted houses really exist!)

This piece contrasts the fictional portrayal of the supernatural in literature and cinema with real-life occurrences. It highlights two cases: the mysterious death of Heather O'Rourke, the young star of "Poltergeist," and the ongoing phenomena at the Vailhauquès house. The article quotes Heather O'Rourke's impresario, Mark Mesco, who mentioned a mysterious illness contracted during filming. It also references Professor André Dumas, a parapsychologist, who discusses how filmmakers often sensationalize paranormal events, but acknowledges that haunted houses and troubling phenomena do exist and are studied by parapsychology. Dumas explains that these phenomena, often perceived as ghosts or shadows, can be triggered by past tragic events and are felt by sensitive individuals.

"... A Montpellier, depuis 2 mois, un esprit frappeur tient en échec gendarmes et experts" (... In Montpellier, for 2 months, a poltergeist has kept gendarmes and experts in check)

This article focuses on the Boudon family's ordeal in Vailhauquès. Georges Boudon, who has not slept for months, does not believe in natural explanations for the phenomena. Yves Lignon's analysis, using a "random generator," concluded that the sounds were due to unconscious muscular tension resulting from deep emotional distress. However, the Boudons find this explanation unsatisfactory and believe in a conflict between good and evil forces. They have called for an exorcist from the Montpellier diocese.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of the paranormal, religious beliefs, and scientific investigation. It presents a variety of cases, from dramatic exorcisms to scientific inquiries into alleged hauntings and psychokinesis. While acknowledging the skepticism of some scientists, Nostra appears to lean towards the reality of these phenomena, often highlighting the emotional and psychological aspects involved. The editorial stance seems to be one of presenting these mysterious events and the various attempts to understand or resolve them, leaving the ultimate interpretation open to the reader. There's a recurring theme of objects moving on their own, unexplained noises, and the distress these cause to the inhabitants, often leading to calls for both religious and scientific intervention.

This issue of "Enquete sur les Phenomenes Inexpliques" (Investigation into Unexplained Phenomena) focuses on a perplexing case in Vailhauquès, France, where the Boudon family has been experiencing strange noises in their home for three months. The magazine explores this phenomenon through the lens of parapsychology and scientific investigation, alongside historical accounts of similar occurrences.

The Vailhauquès Case: The Boudon's 'Haunted' House

The central story details the experiences of Georges and Yvette Boudon, whose home in the small hamlet of Vailhauquès has been disturbed by loud, inexplicable noises since November 1988. These sounds, described as heavy blows, occur intermittently, sometimes lasting until 2 or 3 AM, and have been verified by numerous witnesses, including neighbors, gendarmes, and even geologists who have ruled out subterranean causes. The Boudons, described as devout but not mystical, are seeking rational explanations and have consulted with Professor Yves Lignon.

Professor Yves Lignon: The Scientific Investigator

Professor Yves Lignon, a statistician and head of a unique parapsychology laboratory at the University of Toulouse-Le Mirail, is presented as the leading scientific authority on these phenomena. He approaches the Vailhauquès case with a Cartesian, scientific, and mathematical perspective, having spent fifteen years researching and analyzing unexplained events. Lignon dismisses supernatural explanations like ghosts or divine intervention, instead focusing on psychokinesis – the 'action of thought on matter.' He believes that psychological conflict or exacerbated emotivity can trigger such physical manifestations. Lignon conducted tests using a specialized computer apparatus on the Boudons, which he claims revealed unusual patterns, suggesting a potential link to their psychological state rather than external paranormal activity. He states that in similar cases, addressing the underlying psychological conflict has led to the cessation of the phenomena.

Historical Cases and Parallems

The magazine broadens its scope by recounting other historical cases of unexplained phenomena:

• The 'Haunted House' in London: A story from about fifteen years prior describes a family tormented by moving furniture, slamming doors, and a mysterious voice speaking to a young girl. Investigations by the Society for Psychical Research and the police revealed the voice was that of a deceased individual named Dr. Becker, who had previously lived in the house. The phenomenon was linked to the girl's unconscious use of a 'false larynx.'
• The 'Bleeding' House in Atlanta: A more recent case from Atlanta, USA, involves a family living in a house where furniture moved and the walls reportedly 'bled' blood. Scientific analysis suggested the substance was human blood, and the house's history, built on a site of Civil War confrontations, was considered a potential factor.
• The 'Haunted House' of Limoux: Mentioned by Marie Joubert, president of Médiumtel, this case also involves walls that allegedly bled.
• The 'Pyramid Effect': Bruno, an enthusiast of the unexplained, shares his experience with a 'pyramid effect,' where a 1985 Bordeaux wine, placed under a structure mimicking the Egyptian pyramids, reportedly tasted like a 1975 vintage after fifteen days. He also notes that the pyramidal architecture of the Cergy-Pontoise prefecture is associated with employee irritability and depression.
• Momification Experiment (1934): A procès-verbal details an experiment in Toulouse where a lamb chop was apparently momified within a month under specific conditions, certified by a member of the Academy of Sciences.
• Falling 'Burning Pebbles': The phenomenon of 'burning pebbles' falling from the sky is discussed, with scientific explanations ranging from divine punishment to Poltergeist activity, highlighting the ongoing mystery.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently frames these events as "unexplained phenomena" rather than definitively supernatural. The editorial stance leans towards scientific inquiry, particularly through the work of parapsychologists like Professor Lignon, who seek rational, albeit sometimes unconventional, explanations rooted in physics and psychology. While acknowledging the persistence of superstition and folklore, the publication aims to document and investigate these occurrences, presenting them as subjects worthy of serious study. The recurring theme is the tension between the inexplicable nature of these events and the human drive to find logical, scientific, or psychological reasons for them. The issue concludes with a note on the unexplained death of actress Heather O'Rourke, known for the film 'Poltergeist,' linking it to the broader theme of unexplained phenomena in popular culture.