Hermitix UFOs, UAPs, and Esotericism with Aaron French
Sep 17, 2025
Aaron French is a post-doctoral researcher in Religious Studies at the University of Erfurt, specializing in esotericism and the intersection of science and the supernatural. He discusses the evolution of UFO terminology from 'UFO' to 'UAP' and how historical stigma has affected research. Delving into esoteric practices, he examines connections between occult figures and UAP summoning. French also explores controversial topics like purported implants and the concept of etheric ships, shedding light on the fascinating interplay between spirituality and extraterrestrial phenomena.
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Terminology Shift Enables Legitimacy
- The UFO/UAP field shifted from stigmatized fringe to renewed legitimacy after 2017 because of media and government disclosure.
- 'UAP' was adopted to avoid stigma and allow official study and legislation.
Four Historical Phases Of The Phenomenon
- The UFO phenomenon developed in historical phases: Cold War material focus, post-Cold War media hybridity, post-9/11 political eclipse, and a 2017 renaissance.
- Each phase reshaped how culture, science, and politics interpret anomalous phenomena.
Invisible College Bridged Science And Esotericism
- Key scientists like J. Allen Hynek and Jacques Vallée created an 'Invisible College' linking scientific inquiry to esoteric ideas.
- That hybrid network kept anomalous research alive despite mainstream stigma.
