Awareness - 1990-91 - Vol 17 No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: JOURNAL OF CONTACT INTERNATIONAL
Issue: 1
Volume: 17
Date: 1990-1 (January 1990)
Publisher: Contact (U.K.)
Country: England
Language: English
Cover Headline: AWARENESS

This issue of 'Awareness' magazine, published by Contact (U.K.), is dedicated to the phenomenon of crop circles and systems, with a particular focus on the developments observed in the 1990 season. The cover art by Steve Freeman depicts a stylized eye or sunburst above a segmented circular object, with Stonehenge-like structures below, and the prominent word 'AWARENESS'.

Editorial

The editorial highlights the magazine's increasing emphasis on the 'Corn Circle' (or 'Crop Circle') phenomenon, believing previous explanations to be flawed. It notes a 'quantum leap' in the phenomenon in 1990, with incredible new formations appearing from late May to August, including 'pictograms' with dumb-bells, rings, half-rings, spurs, and rectangular features. The editor states that Contact Int. Council members have assessed these formations, some of which are estimated to be 200-250 yards long. The consensus is that it is either the greatest manifestation of an unknown intelligence or the greatest hoax ever perpetrated, emphasizing the need to find the truth. The editorial acknowledges the controversial nature of the subject but includes a survey form for readers' opinions. It also mentions the camaraderie experienced by enthusiasts visiting circle sites and the lack of discussion on 'wind vortices' as an explanation.

Contents

The issue features a comprehensive report on "THE CROP CIRCLE REPORT 1990," broken down into several articles:

• THE CROP CIRCLE REPORT 1990 - Data Research Team: An overview of the 1990 season.
• Crop circles/Systems Developments Summer 1990: Details the increase in formations.
• Crop Systems - The Possible Causes 1990: Explores explanations like the Wind Vortex Theory, Hoax, and Para-normal explanations.
• The Winchester - Cheesefoot Head Formations: Reports on formations in the Winchester area.
• Alton Barnes "Giant" Pictogram: Detailed analysis of a major formation.
• Crop Formations - A genetic Build-Up?: Discusses the evolution of circle components.
• Pendulum Experiments: Presents findings from energy detection tests.
• Crop Systems - Questions and Answers: Addresses common queries about the phenomenon.
• Letter to the Editor: Reader correspondence.
• UFO Update: A section by M. Soper.
• Report on Triple Rings at Voel Farm: A report by M. Fry.
• Advertisements: Advertising rates are listed.

Contact International Council

The issue lists the office bearers of the Contact International Council, including Lord Clancarty (Founder President), Geoffrey Ambler (Vice-President, Editor), Ruth Rees (President), and Michael Soper (National Chairman).

Crop Circles/Systems Developments Summer 1990

This section details the significant increase in crop formations in 1990, with the 'Wessex Corridor or Triangle' (Hampshire and Wiltshire) being a focal point. It notes the appearance of new features like rectangular shapes, multi half-rings, dumb-bells, and spurs, leading to formations being termed 'systems' or 'pictograms'. The article dismisses plasma vortex theories due to the complexity of these new shapes. It mentions over 300 formations in Wiltshire by mid-July, though many crops were harvested before discovery. The sheer size of some formations, including one reported to be a mile long and the 'Alton Barnes Giant' at nearly 200 yards, is highlighted. The article also touches upon the media's reaction, including hoaxes and reward offers for explanations, and a specific hoax incident in Bratton, Wiltshire, on July 25th.

Crop Systems - The Possible Causes 1990

This article re-evaluates explanations for crop 'circles' in light of the 1990 'pictograms'. It groups explanations into three categories:

1. The Wind Vortex Theory: Favored by Dr. Meaden of TORRO, this theory is considered less viable for complex formations, especially those with rectangular features.
2. The Hoax: The article acknowledges hoaxes, often perpetrated by the press or individuals, but argues that the complexity and perfection of 1990 formations make them extremely difficult to hoax.
3. The Para-normal Explanation: This suggests the formations are the design of an unknown intelligence, possibly related to UFOs.

The article critiques the Wind Vortex Theory's ability to explain geometric arrangements and the introduction of new features. It discusses the 'Alton Barnes Giant' and the media frenzy it generated, as well as a specific hoax incident that inadvertently demonstrated the difficulty of faking complex formations.

The Winchester - Cheesefoot Head Formations 1990

This section describes an array of crop formations found near Winchester, including a 'mini "solar system"' with eight different formations. It details a formation with an inverted ring and discusses a psychic's emotional response and perceived healing power at one site. Dowsing reports indicate 'threshing' impressions and directional effects on walking clockwise or anticlockwise. A camera jamming incident is also noted.

The Alton Barnes "Giant" Pictogram

This article focuses on the 'Alton Barnes Giant' formation, described as a climax of the 1990 season and a 'mind-boggling combination of every feature'. Its total length is estimated at nearly 200 yards. The formation gained significant media attention after its discovery on July 18th, 1990. The article notes the commercialization of the site by the farmer and the subsequent trampling of the wheat, which seemed to absorb the energy fields detected earlier. It suggests the formation represents a hybrid combination of components seen in smaller formations and predicts more such pictograms in 1991.

Crop Formations - A Genetic Build-Up?

This article proposes that crop formations exhibit a 'genetic build-up' of 'skills' by an unknown entity ('IT'). It traces the development of formations from single circles in 1980 to complex 'pictograms' with 18 distinct components by 1990. The author argues that formations prior to 1980 were simpler and less sophisticated than suggested by some researchers. The article includes a table showing the evolution of 'skills' and formation types from 1980 to 1990, suggesting that the number of possible combinations is mathematically limitless.

Pendulum Experiments

This section details experiments using a suspended pendulum to detect energy fields at crop system sites. The pendulum consistently swings in line with the direction of swirl (clockwise or anti-clockwise) except at the central nodal point. A 'too and fro' movement was observed in complex formations. The energy in older circles was found to be fading. A specific test on the Alton Barnes 'Giant' formation, one week after massive publicity and visitor numbers, showed the pendulum was 'completely dead', indicating the energy had been absorbed. The article concludes that a high-power centrifugal force or vortex is used to create circles, and hoaxes are unlikely due to the absence of residual energy fields.

Crop Systems - The Questions that must be Answered

This Q&A section addresses several key questions:

• Increasing Numbers: Yes, there's a rapid build-up, with 320 formations in Wiltshire by mid-July 1990, compared to 270 nationwide in 1989.
• 1990 Formations Different: Yes, a significant increase in ability to produce rectangular outriders, half rings, and spurs.
• Wessex Triangle Area: The reason is unknown, but chalky ground and proximity to secret M.O.D. establishments are noted. The possibility of local hoaxers is also considered.
• Cereal Fields Only: Formations appear in good-looking cereal fields with thick stems that bend easily, unlike rough grasses.
• UFO Landing Marks: Almost certainly not, due to lack of burning and the perfect smoothness of the crop.
• Production Method: Energy is likely beamed down from a few hundred feet above the ground, possibly via laser or from beneath the ground.
• Discounting Hoaxes: The precision, symmetry, and logistics of creating hundreds of complex formations in a short period make widespread hoaxing virtually impossible.
• Same Fields Annually: Certain fields like Cheesefoot Head and Seven Barrows have high frequencies of occurrence, sometimes near prehistoric sites, but no direct connection is proven.
• Energy Fields: Yes, detected by pendulum, following swirl direction.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the mystery and intelligence behind crop formations, with a strong leaning towards a non-human, possibly intelligent, origin rather than simple hoaxes or natural phenomena. The magazine advocates for continued investigation and open-mindedness, while acknowledging the controversy and the need for empirical evidence. The editorial stance is one of serious inquiry into what is perceived as a significant and evolving phenomenon, distinct from earlier, simpler crop circles. There is a clear skepticism towards conventional explanations like wind vortices and a strong belief that the formations represent a deliberate communication or manifestation of an advanced intelligence.

This issue of CONTACT magazine, dated 1989-90, focuses heavily on the phenomenon of crop circles and UFO sightings, with contributions from UFO author Jenny Randles and investigator M. Soper. The magazine's cover headline promotes "Crop Circles: A Mystery Solved", and the issue delves into various aspects of these mysteries, including potential natural causes, hoaxes, and eyewitness accounts.

Letter to the Editor: Crop Circles and Natural Phenomena

Jenny Randles, a UFO author and joint author of "Controversy of the Circles" and "CROP CIRCLES, A Mystery Solved", responds to a previous letter and editorial. She addresses questions about Dr. Meaden's hypothesis, stating that she and her colleague Paul Fuller initially doubted it but now acknowledge its scientific basis. Randles clarifies that she is not a 'follower' of Dr. Meaden, but respects his analytical work, which she claims is unparalleled. She asserts that Meaden's hypothesis of an unconventional air vortex has been refined since 1980 and is gaining support among meteorologists.

Randles emphasizes that while she and Fuller agree with Meaden's core idea, they believe hoaxing plays a more significant role than generally suggested. They have grounds to support this view, noting the concentration of circles in Wessex, alleged alignments with key sites like Avebury, and the increase in complexity coinciding with media attention, which they deem "no coin-cidence."

She proposes that a basic natural phenomenon is responsible for a modest number of simple circle formations each summer, but the rest are "almost certainly carefully planned hoaxes WITHIN the esoteric community." Randles claims extensive historical research supports the existence of Meaden's vortex, which is widespread and international, and has been responsible for resolving impressive UFO close encounter reports. She suggests this phenomenon, coupled with other advances, comes close to solving the UFO mystery without resorting to unknown intelligences.

Randles refutes the claim that the appearance of rings in 1987 proved Meaden's theory inadequate, stating that similar cases existed long before, and the modern perception is an "artefact of both search and sample procedures and biased media attention."

She further argues that Wessex is 'special' for social reasons and media focus, suggesting a "Wessex Triangle" might perpetuate a social myth. She points to British crop circle events recorded prior to the invention of the phenomenon, which lie outside Wessex, as evidence that the 'specialness' of Hampshire or Wiltshire is due to factors other than the cause of basic circles.

Regarding eyewitness accounts, Randles states there are numerous consistent reports, and dismissing daytime sightings as not "the real thing" is a "cop-out." She notes cases where vortices have been seen affecting the ground where circles were later discovered, arguing that over a dozen such examples constitute evidence.

Randles concludes by stating that while the majority of circle events occur in pre-dawn or post-dawn hours, some reports come from during the day, which is clear to anyone studying the data.

The editor acknowledges that Contact Int. is in its second full summer of studying circle events and that Randles' reactions are expected, noting further correspondence is ongoing.

UFO Update - Some Recent Cases

This section, compiled by M. Soper, details various UFO sightings and related incidents from around the world.

1. Russia: An article in POST Jakarta claims Colonel Marina Popovich is interested in Ufology after encountering two pilots affected by a strange object. She plans to visit Estonia where a flying saucer was reportedly found buried.
2. Russia: Two Mig 25 fighters shot down a giant UFO in Azerbaijan in 1983, resulting in casualties among mushroom pickers. The wreckage was recovered.
3. Holybourne, Hampshire: In January 1988, Len Haffenden and his family saw an intense bright light shaped like a shuttlecock hover before speeding to the horizon.
4. Manchester: An old report resurfaced about Linda Jones and her children seeing a bright 60-foot long crescent-shaped craft hovering just above the ground. Hypnotic regression suggested tall, yellow-skinned humanoids examined them.
5. Bristol Airport: On 14/4/90, a UFO group saw a very bright light confirmed by radar.
6. Bristol Airport: On 26/5/90, the same group saw a bright blue light performing aerobatics.
7. Dundary Hills, Somerset: On 3/4/90, a man saw a bright glowing cigar-shaped object disappear at terrific speed.
8. Keynsham, Bristol: On 8/4/90, a man saw a huge ball of red light flying low towards the SE.
9. M.6 near Preston: On 19/4/90, two women saw a yellow, pulsating, lozenge-shaped object hovering above the motorway.
10. Denbigh Moor, N.Wales: On 28/4/90, farmer Pat Coulson found three new burned circles in her field.
11. Rhos-on-Sea: On 14/5/90, John Evans saw a magenta light cross the sky.
12. Weald, Canvey, Kent: On 2/6/90, Mrs Denise Radley and others saw an inverted saucer with white beams and a red light at the back.
13. Dunkeswell to Taunton: Just before 8/6/90, 13 people saw a triangle of lights in the sky, with one light taking off to the left, then another, and finally the third.
14. Taunton, Somerset: On 27/4/90, a witness saw a huge ball of light descend and hover before gliding erratically.
15. Sandford, nr Oxford: On 1/9/90, a witness and his wife saw a silver oscillating disk travelling north at high speed with an impenetrable black base.

The Woburn 'Phantoms': On July 29th, hundreds reported seeing ghostly 'phantom' objects rolling across the sky. These were later identified as reflections from giant spotlights used at the Tina Turner farewell concert at Woburn Abbey.

Report on Triple Rings at Voel Farm, Denbigh Moor

This report by Margaret Fry details an incident at Voel Farm, an isolated farmstead in Denbigh Moor, Wales. On the night of either April 27th or 28th, 1990, three rings appeared in a field. Mrs. Patricia Coulson, the farmer, who had been carefully monitoring her land for three years, assumed they were caused by something mechanical, possibly a UFO, after reading about such phenomena in newspapers.

Her youngest son alerted her to the circles, and she was advised to report them. The police were informed, and it was discovered that a UFO had been reported in Prestatyn around the same time. The area is known for UFO sightings and alleged landings.

Investigator Gary Rowe visited the farm and found distinct circles with clear edges and dark, burnt-out soil. He noted that the sub-soil was not deep and there were no signs of ancient dwellings or sheep rings. He also observed that the width of the rings remained consistent at 12-13 inches.

Mrs. Coulson, a lady in her forties, is described as not being the type to indulge in a hoax. While the lay of the land makes a mini-whirlwind unlikely, circumstantial evidence, including a reported UFO sighting in the area on 1/12/86, supports the possibility of a UFO being the cause. The report concludes that what caused the rings is a total mystery, unexplained by current knowledge.

Advertisements and Book Listings

The magazine includes several pages of advertisements for books and services related to UFOs and paranormal topics. These include listings for popular paperbacks and recent hardbacks on subjects like abductions, UFO reports, and crop circles. There is also an advertisement for the "UFO NEWSCLIPPING SERVICE" and a list of "UFO BOOKS, INCLUDING IMPORTS AND OUT OF PRINT TITLES".

Several books specifically on crop circles are advertised, including "The Circles Effect and Its Mysteries" by Dr. George Terence Meaden, "Circular Evidence" by Pat Delgado and Colin Andrews, and "Crop Circles-A Mystery Solved" by Jenny Randles and Paul Fuller. The issue also lists "Controversy of the Circles" and "Mystery of the Circles" by Paul Fuller and Jenny Randles.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are crop circles, UFO sightings, and the investigation into their causes. There is a clear tension between natural explanations (like Dr. Meaden's vortex theory) and the possibility of hoaxes or unknown phenomena. Jenny Randles' letter strongly advocates for a dual explanation, acknowledging natural causes but emphasizing the prevalence of hoaxes within certain communities. The "UFO Update" section presents a collection of diverse sightings, highlighting the global nature of the phenomenon. The report on Voel Farm underscores the ongoing mystery surrounding crop circles, suggesting that UFOs remain a plausible, albeit unproven, cause. The editorial stance appears to be one of open investigation, acknowledging the complexity of the subject and the need for rigorous research, while also being critical of sensationalism and misinformation.