Editing Néo-Phare (section)

== Apocalypse predictions ==
{{Lang|fr|Néo-Phare}} has been classified as a [[doomsday cult]] by the suicide researcher [[Loren Coleman]].{{sfn|Coleman|2004|pp=88–89}} The anti-cult group [[UNADFI]] described them as having both [[Apocalypticism|apocalyptic]] and [[UFO religion]] aspects.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-08-22 |title=Que sait-on de ? Néo-Phare |trans-title=What do we know about? Néo-Phare |url=https://www.unadfi.org/actualites/groupes-et-mouvances/que-sait-on-de-neo-phare/ |access-date=2024-11-02 |website=[[UNADFI]] |language=fr-FR}}</ref> After the [[September 11 attacks]], the group became more apocalyptic in its thought. Mussy claimed that Bouguenec had foreseen the destruction of the [[Twin Towers]], and the group interpreted the attack as a sign of the end times. Mussy said that Bouguenec had encrypted the date as 11/6 instead of 9/11 (inverting the number),{{sfn|Palmer|2011|p=154}} and said that the attacks were a message from God to prepare for the end.<ref name="Lichfield2002" /> He announced that the end of the world would occur on 29 December 2001. He believed the apocalypse would be positive—not a violent destruction of the world, but a rebirth of a more spiritual humanity.{{sfn|Palmer|2011|p=154}}

In December 2001, {{Lang|fr|Néo-Phare}} convened in a crypt near the tomb of [[Mary Magdalene]] in [[Vézelay]] and attempted to communicate with her spirit, which they referred to as the "Divine Mother" and conceived of as the "female archetype". Mussy mimicked Jesus on the cross while another member shouted out the French word {{lang|fr|beaucoup}} ({{Translation|literal=yes|a lot, many}}).{{sfn|Palmer|2011|p=154}} The group also engaged in trance sessions, similar to [[Pentecostal]] Christian practice.{{sfn|Bourseiller|2014|p=316}} The group often met at sacred sites, such as abbeys and historic castles, viewing them as locations of power. Mussy viewed the tomb of [[Francis II, Duke of Brittany]] (which was discussed in a book written by Bouguenec) in Nantes as the key to the apocalypse.{{sfn|Palmer|2011|p=155}}

When the apocalypse date of 29 December 2001 arrived, nothing happened. Mussy then announced that the apocalypse would be 25 February 2002.{{sfn|Palmer|2011|p=155}} After the announcement, he exerted more control over {{Lang|fr|Néo-Phare}}'s members, separating 3 or 4 couples and reassigning them to others according to their "energies"—an extension of Bouguenec's soulmate doctrine.{{sfn|Palmer|2011|p=155}}{{sfn|Bourseiller|2014|p=316}} Mussy said he was reuniting couples through this practice, not separating them, with the couples in the group representing the couples in Heavenly Jerusalem and all of the couples in the world.{{sfn|Palmer|2011|p=155}}

In February 2002, a {{Lang|fr|Néo-Phare}} member claimed that she felt a presence in her throat and fell into a trance claiming to channel Bouguenec, who spoke to Mussy and told him he was Jesus. Although channeling was not then part of the group's doctrine, the group believed her. Less than a month later, that member and her boyfriend left the group and denounced Mussy as a cult leader and a fake, saying he was a "seducer" who could "overwhelm" people. In a deposition taken later, she stated that she had not done the channeling, but that Mussy had done it himself "directly, from the sky". In light of both the channeling and the ritual in the crypt in Vézelay, Mussy claimed to be Jesus.{{sfn|Palmer|2011|pp=154–155}}

The February date passed and there was once again no apocalypse. He announced a new date of 2 September, and then 24 October 2002 (the latter being the day of Bouguenec's death).{{sfn|Palmer|2011|p=156}} At this time, the group had been noticed by the French authorities, who were concerned about the attitudes of the group.{{sfn|Bourseiller|2014|p=316}} The relatives of some members, comparing the group to the [[Order of the Solar Temple]] (which had committed several mass suicides), were worried about its apocalyptic ideas and the behavior of the members. They contacted an anti-cult group, who contacted journalists, resulting in media attention on the group and mockery of its ideas. In March 2002, members were summoned to a police station and an investigation was launched after these complaints.{{sfn|Bourseiller|2014|p=316}}{{sfn|Palmer|2011|p=156}} The status of the group's children was investigated, but as their children were not involved in any of their activities and regularly attended school, the police were satisfied and the case was closed in June 2002.{{sfn|Palmer|2011|p=156}} As a result of the police investigation, the group became embroiled in crisis and most members left, leaving only 8 core members.{{sfn|Bourseiller|2014|p=316}}{{sfn|Palmer|2011|p=156}}