The Circular - 1990 Vol 1 No 3

Magazine Overview

'The Circular' is a privately distributed newsletter, Volume 1, Number 3, dated December 1990. It concerns 'The Swirled Crops Phenomenon and Related Subjects' and is compiled from information collected by the Circle Network. The cover highlights articles such as 'What is TORRO?', 'Dr. Meaden and the strange Attractor', 'The Art of Circles: Part Two', 'P.D. Ouspensky on Symbolism', '1990's Last Grand Design', and a 'Roundup of News', with a 'STOP PRESS!!' announcing a solved 'Corn Circle Riddle 300 Years Ago'.

Introduction by Bob Kingsley

Bob Kingsley, in his introduction, expresses delight at the high quality of contributions to 'The Circular'. He notes the significant growth of the newsletter's mailing list, from fifteen names in August to over eighty by December, and the capacity crowds at CCCS monthly meetings. He observes the increasing presence of circle-related publications in bookshops and the growing interest in documentaries on ancient beliefs. Kingsley emphasizes that the impact of crop circles goes beyond mere patterns, awakening profound ideas and enriching life.

Articles and Features

What is TORRO?

This section details the activities of The Tornado and Storm Research Organisation (TORRO), founded in 1974 by Dr. Terence Meaden. TORRO's aims include determining the distribution and severity of British tornadoes, studying their development for forecasting, estimating return periods, and raising public awareness about tornado dangers. The article outlines TORRO's data collection methods, including searches of historical chronicles and meteorological journals, and its expansion to include other weather phenomena like hailstorms and ball lightning. A significant development was the establishment of the Circles Effect Research (CERES) division in 1980, following Terence Meaden's research into crop circles, which by 1990 had documented nearly 1000 known circles. TORRO's research is published in 'The Journal of Meteorology' and presented at conferences.

Lecture Circuit: An Occasional Report

Dave Probert reports on a workshop day organized by Richard Andrews, a dowser, and the CCCS. The workshop demonstrated dowsing for energy lines, presented slides of crop circle progression from simple circles to complex formations, and explored theories of energy build-up and 'firing' leading to circle formation. Participants practiced dowsing in a school field. The article also mentions the observation of pristine crop conditions in untouched circles and the potential for patterns to emerge as the crop grows. Richard Andrews' theory has evolved over the years, adapting to new developments in circle patterns and energy lines. The report notes that hoaxes lack a dowsable pattern, and mentions strange recorded noises in circles when observers leave.

Scroll-Type Circles, The Beckhampton Triangle and Strange Attractors

This article by G. T. Meaden, from 'The Journal of Meteorology', describes crop circle formations observed at Beckhampton, Wiltshire, on July 24th-25th, 1990. It details thirteen circles, some connected by curving paths, and a quasi-triangular shape. Meaden explains these formations in terms of vortex theory, suggesting a descending ring vortex that reorganizes and concentrates energy. The article discusses the role of tractor lanes in potentially modifying the earth's electric field, acting as 'strange attractors' for vortex descent, offering a scientific explanation for patterns rather than resorting to 'alien intelligence' theories. The issue also includes subscription details for 'The Journal of Meteorology'.

The Art of Circles: Accident or Design?

Phil Corker's article, the second of two, reflects on the nature of crop circles. Initially, influenced by others, he questioned whether such formations could be natural due to their symmetry, symbolism, and aesthetic design. However, after closer examination of nature, he concludes that crop circles can be natural, citing numerous examples in the natural world that display similar characteristics. Corker suggests that our lack of understanding of how circles are formed reflects our own limitations. He posits that these patterns have evolved over time, ordering themselves to a higher degree. He challenges critics to produce evidence of complex formations predating 1990. The article draws parallels between crop circle patterns and organized designs found in physics (Patterson Maps), sound waves, computer-generated art, and natural elements like leaves and butterfly wings, all exhibiting a form of 'intelligence' or design.

Close Encounters

This section features contributions from Network Contributors, offering diverse views and news related to the crop circle phenomenon.

The Nature of Symbolism

This article delves into the thoughts of P. D. Ouspensky, exploring his ideas on symbolism and man's place in the universe through the lens of ancient cultures.

Field Work: A Personal Approach

John Langrish shares his personal experiences and approach to fieldwork, likely related to investigating crop circles or similar phenomena.

Looking To The Future: News Roundup

This section provides a summary of recent news and developments relevant to the themes covered in the newsletter, offering a look ahead.

Credits and Enquiries

Acknowledgements are given to TORRO, The Journal of Meteorology, The Orange County Register, The Evening Standard, The Daily Telegraph, and Arkana Publishing Co. The production team is listed as Val French, John Brocks, and Bob Kingsley. Printing was done by Sound Format Recording Studios in Fareham, Hampshire. All enquiries should be directed to Bob Kingsley at 58 Kings Road, West End, Woking, Surrey, with a specific phone number and contact times provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are crop circles, meteorological phenomena (tornadoes, ball lightning), dowsing, and symbolism. The editorial stance, as expressed by Bob Kingsley, is one of open-minded inquiry into the crop circle phenomenon, appreciating the contributions of researchers and enthusiasts, and recognizing the profound impact these patterns can have on human thought and understanding. There is a clear emphasis on seeking scientific explanations, as seen in the critique of 'alien intelligence' theories and the detailed exploration of vortex theory and electromagnetic influences. The newsletter promotes a community of interest through the Circle Network and CCCS meetings, fostering discussion and the sharing of information.

This issue of "The Cereologist" (Volume 1, Issue 12, 1991) explores the phenomenon of crop circles, drawing parallels between their geometric complexity and that of snowflakes. The publication delves into various theories surrounding their origin, including human hoaxes, extraterrestrial intelligence, and natural forces.

The Snowflake Analogy

The issue opens by comparing the organized, symmetrical nature of rock crystals, particularly snowflakes, to the patterns found in crop circles. The author posits that the intricate design and 'intelligence' displayed in a snowflake make even the most elaborate crop circle appear simplistic. The diversity of snowflake configurations is presented as an indicator of the expanding variety of crop circle patterns expected in the future. While snowflakes exhibit exquisite markings and variations on a six-sided theme, their scale and speed of development are contrasted with crop circles.

Examining the Hoax Theory

The article addresses the 'hoax theory' as a legitimate question, acknowledging the possibility of human ingenuity and bizarre humor. However, it argues that a 'total hoax' explanation faces significant challenges, including how such intricate, damage-free patterns could be created and perpetrated across continents and generations. Specific questions are raised about the creation of large concentric rings, small 'buckshot' circles, and the difficulty of explaining eyewitness accounts of circles forming in seconds.

The Intelligence That Won't Tell

The 'intelligence theory,' suggesting a conscious entity behind the circles, is also scrutinized. The author questions why a superior intelligence attempting communication would use perplexing symbols and not behave in a manner comprehensible to humans. The case of the "WE ARE NOT ALONE" message at Cheesefoot Head is discussed, with the author offering a simpler explanation of an 'Earthling Prank' rather than alien communication. A significant credibility gap is identified in the theory, particularly concerning the cessation of circle formation during winter months, leading to the conclusion that if such an intelligence exists, it is not communicating effectively or is not present.

Natural Phenomena and Self-Organisation

The author leans towards the idea that crop circles are a result of a blind natural phenomenon, possibly linked to unexplored physics and seasonal factors. The evolution of patterns is attributed to 'self-organisation,' with the 'breakthrough' of long straight pathways, influenced by tractor tramlines and the natural lines of weakness in fields, providing a model for complex formations. The phenomenon's increase is noted, likened to a scenario from a John Wyndham novel, and the possibility of electromagnetic radiation or piezo-electricity as underlying forces is mentioned.

Social Upheaval and Magnetism

The issue touches upon the idea that circle proliferation might be related to social upheaval, with the farmer at Bishops Cannings suggesting a connection to profound social and political changes in Europe. However, the author questions why circles were not prevalent during previous periods of major conflict and why they are concentrated in England rather than globally. The phenomenon is also described as having a 'social magnetism,' drawing people together and fostering a sense of community among enthusiasts.

Dark Side and Cover-Up Rumors

Whispers of a high-level cover-up are explored, with the Ministry of Defence (M.O.D.) being implicated. The M.O.D.'s interest is suggested to stem from the phenomenon's occurrence in areas with important research establishments. Terence Meaden's plasma vortex theory is presented as a potential scientific smokescreen. The media's role in sensationalizing the events, including the 'infamous and pathetically hoaxed circles at Westbury,' is also discussed.

International Perspectives and Hoaxes

Contributors from France, such as Thierry Pinvidic, report on crop circles in their countries, noting that many do not resemble English circles and some are attributed to known hoaxers or meteorological events like tornadoes and lightning. Attempts to create circles without leaving traces in France were unsuccessful, highlighting the difficulty of replicating the phenomenon.

Accident or Design?

In conclusion, the author posits that crop circles are both accidental and designed – accidental in their origin from unknown natural conditions, and designed in their display of organized forms, akin to snowflakes. While acknowledging the excitement of alternative theories, the author believes crop circles, though beautiful, possess no intrinsic meaning, with any meaning being projected onto them by observers. The issue ends with a reflection on the ongoing nature of the crop circle mystery, suggesting that the story is only just beginning.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the mystery of crop circle formation, the debate between natural phenomena and intelligent design, and the role of hoaxes and potential cover-ups. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, favoring a natural explanation over supernatural or extraterrestrial ones, while acknowledging the captivating nature of the phenomenon and the diverse theories it inspires. The author emphasizes the need for evidence-based reasoning and expresses a willingness to reconsider opinions if convincing alternative arguments are presented.

Title: The Circular
Issue: Vol. 1, No. 2
Date: August 1990

This issue of The Circular, a publication focused on UFOs and related phenomena, presents a collection of articles, correspondence, and reports primarily concerning crop circles. It explores various theories, scientific investigations, and historical perspectives on the subject, alongside discussions on symbolism and consciousness.

Crop Circle Theories and Reports

The editorial opens with the prevailing opinion that crop circles are man-made, acknowledging the mystery surrounding their purpose after 10 years. Thierry has contributed material, and Peter Breingan from Bristol shares his dowsing experiences, suggesting a link between stone circles and crop circles, and the possibility of ancient crop circles.

Richard Andrews is mentioned for his dowsing findings, with the editor hoping to feature his work. The issue then shifts to reports from America, where a disc-jockey named Randy Morrow and his mother Judy in Wichita, Kansas, reported a strange 'circle' in a field, which was described as not resembling a circle due to public interest in UFOs trampling the area.

From Canada, a newspaper report from The Orange County Register details crop circle findings in Saskatchewan. In Tweedsmuir, four large holes were found in a wheat field, the largest ring measuring 21 yards across. A smaller ring was found near Alvena. Similar rings were reported in southern Manitoba, with farmers completing their harvest. Mike Shawaga, a farmer near Alvena, discovered a bumper wheat crop enigma on August 31st, noting his family had been farming there since 1907 and had never seen anything like it.

Darrell Roth, publisher of Landscapes Weekly, expressed belief in UFOs after seeing the Canadian circles, ruling out the prank theory and suggesting it must be a spaceship. Christopher Rutkowski of the UFOlogy Research Centre of Manitoba presented three theories: hoax, UFO, or an unknown meteorological/weather phenomenon. He noted that Saskatchewan rings ran clockwise, while Manitoba's ran counter-clockwise, with some being concentric swirls.

The article mentions the 'vortex theory,' also described in America as a 'dust-devil,' and quotes Rutkowski stating that while twisters occur, they would need to persist for a long time to create such formations.

Una Dawood provided a video of an ABC "20/20" program on the topic, which Richard Andrews also possessed.

Correspondence and Editorial Stance

Colin Andrews sent good wishes. Terence Meaden, from the Journal of Meteorology, expressed disagreement with some statements but granted permission for articles to be reproduced, aiming to balance the outlook.

Alan Rayner's "Beckhampton and District Crop Pictogram Monitoring Group" produces a newsletter. Dr. Meaden's cropwatch meetings were scheduled for June 14th or 21st, and the Mutual UFO Network was investigating circle reports.

Reports from Britain, the Netherlands, and Germany are mentioned, with a note that France and Wales were not visited. Sandy Reid's observation of a crop-circle forming in Scotland was cast into doubt. A newspaper cutting from Kansas City concerned a single circle less than 12 feet in diameter.

Questions are posed for a future group meeting: Is the 'circle maker' intelligent? What is the message? Why now? What's next? What should be done?

Alan Rayner can be contacted at 66 West Overton, Wiltshire SN8 4ER. Whitley Strieber sent best wishes from New York.

Edward Nye requested map references for occurrences, which the editor could not immediately provide but promised to address.

Debates on Explanations and Theories

The issue addresses the ongoing debate about the Meaden vortex theory, with Jenny Randles and Paul Fuller being accused of using it as a scientific catch-all. They clarify that their book, "Crop Circles: A Mystery Solved" (originally titled 'The Alien Delusion'), applies Meaden's theory to unexplained UFO cases, suggesting UFO research is now part of meteorology. They acknowledge the vortex theory is not a universal panacea but reduces unexplained cases. They argue that the name 'UFOlogy' is too tied to the Extra-Terrestrial Hypothesis (ETH) and hinders research.

Jenny emphasizes the responsibility to direct UFO evidence toward mainstream science, believing crop circles are explained by extending atmospheric physics. She concedes the contributions of phenomena like ball lightning and optical effects, previously dismissed by debunkers like Philip Klass and Steuart Campbell.

Randles and Fuller stress that their book's title was not their proposal and that the vortex theory, while a key to many unexplained UFO cases, is not a solution for all. They acknowledge that the Meaden vortex may not explain everything, especially more complex formations, and that the UFO phenomenon is a broad term for various unidentified events.

They discuss the danger of using the Meaden vortex theory to explain everything away. While acknowledging the possibility of atmospheric phenomena influencing consciousness, they do not rule out stranger explanations for a percentage of cases.

Historical Context and Symbolism

A "STOP PRESS!!" section highlights a Daily Telegraph article from August 16th, 1990, suggesting crop circle explanations were considered 300 years ago. Professor Robert Plot, in 1686, dismissed early explanations like 'Fairies' and 'rutting deer,' and concluded that lightning caused similar circular effects. This is noted as strikingly similar to Terence Meaden's conclusions.

The issue includes an extract from P. D. Ouspensky's "A New Model of the Universe" on "The Nature of Symbolism." Oswald Wirth's views on symbols are presented, emphasizing their role in awakening ideas and revealing hidden truths. Symbols are described as elastic, vague, and ambiguous, not meant for scientific truths but for unveiling mysteries. The extract contrasts symbols with inert scientific and dogmatic formulae, highlighting the importance of deep meditation and self-discovery.

It discusses how symbols favor independence and allow free thinking, contrasting with despotic orthodoxies. Occult secrets require mental effort and cannot be transmitted directly but acquired through deep meditation. Scholasticism is presented as dealing with words and artificial representations, while Hermetic philosophy immerses itself in the contemplation of things in their essence. The two streams of philosophy are identified as Aristotelian logic and the occult, allegorical, and symbolic teachings of Hermes Trismegistus, Plato, and Pythagoras.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the diverse explanations for crop circles, the tension between scientific and alternative research approaches, and the historical context of unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various viewpoints and encouraging debate, while also advocating for a responsible approach to UFO evidence and its relation to mainstream science. There's a clear engagement with the ongoing scientific and public discussion surrounding crop circles, with a particular focus on the Meaden vortex theory and its limitations. The inclusion of Ouspensky's piece on symbolism suggests a broader interest in understanding consciousness and reality beyond purely empirical methods.

Title: The Circular
Issue: CN031290.038
Date: End of February 1991
Publisher: Bob Kingsley
Type: Private venture magazine, free of charge.

Hermetic Philosophy and Transcendental Sciences

The issue opens with a discussion on Hermetic philosophy, presented as sciences distinct from official physics due to their mysterious and transcendental nature. These sciences are characterized by their practical aim of achieving 'the Realisation of the Great Work.' The text quotes Oswald Wirth, who notes that the loss of credit for ancient theories stems from a lost 'key to the language' in which they were expressed, suggesting that pure truth is inexpressible and requires figurative language, allegories, and symbols for transmission. Hermetism is presented as appealing to those compelled to explore the depths of things. S. Guaita is quoted stating that human language is incapable of fully expressing subtle, synthetic, and divine truths, which can only be felt through music, ecstasy, or esoteric symbolism.

Personal Encounters: UFOs and Crop Circles

John F. Langrish recounts his personal experiences, beginning with childhood explorations around Ilkley Moor in Yorkshire around 1965. His interest in mysteries was sparked by observing ancient stone carvings and, more significantly, by witnessing two circular, shining UFOs in the sky that vanished with incredible speed. He notes that this sighting was never reported but was a formative experience. A second sighting occurred during a train journey from Brindisi to Paris, where he observed a matt-black, rectangular object hovering and rocking. Langrish also describes a vivid dream from around 1979 involving Coventry being attacked by spacecraft. He expresses disbelief that he knew nothing of crop circles until 1989, despite their prevalence. He theorizes that crop formations are caused by terrestrial forces rather than aliens and may be linked to ancient sites.

Investigating Crop Circles

Langrish details his personal investigation into crop circles, starting in 1989 after seeing a BBC report. He describes his efforts to locate and document formations, particularly around Cheesefoot Head. He equipped himself with a six-meter pole and a camera, using a calibrated pole as a measuring rod. His research involved regular visits to fields and the use of old O.S. maps to identify potential connections between crop circle sites and ancient tumuli, barrows, and earthworks. He notes that some ancient sites have been lost to agriculture. Langrish describes the process of plotting 'pictograms' and discovering linear relationships between them and ancient sites, leading to the creation of a complex web on his map. He recounts a specific instance of finding a new 'Encircled Box' formation on August 14th, 1990, near Cheesefoot Head, detailing its dimensions and comparing it to an Australian Aboriginal totem design and a Scottish cup and ring marking. He also presents a diagram illustrating the 'Evolution of Boxed Pictograms' from June-July 1990 to a speculative future form.

Looking to the Future and Financials

The issue concludes with a section titled 'Looking to the Future,' where the compiler, Bob Kingsley, solicits material for upcoming issues, particularly observations from 1990. He mentions plans to feature more on P. D. Ouspensky's work, focusing on dimensions, and his own thoughts on 'Angels' in relation to energies dowsed at circle sites. A financial breakdown reveals donations received since August 1990 amounted to £53.01, while expenses were £88.02, resulting in a deficit of (£35.01). The next issue was scheduled for the end of February 1991. The technical details of 'The Circular's' production are provided, highlighting the use of Commodore PC, BBC Basic, and Archimedes software, with various fonts sourced from specific catalogues. The magazine is described as a private venture, supplied free of charge and supported by donations.

Editorial Stance and Recurring Themes

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs and crop circles, with esoteric and philosophical concepts like Hermeticism and ancient symbolism. The editorial stance favors personal investigation and a search for underlying connections between these phenomena and historical or terrestrial forces, rather than purely speculative or extraterrestrial explanations. There is a strong emphasis on detailed observation, mapping, and the comparison of modern findings with ancient records and symbols. The publication is presented as a collaborative effort, relying on contributions from readers and operating on a shoestring budget.