The Circular - 1991 Vol 2 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: The Circular
Issue: Volume 2, Number 2
Date: June 1991
Publisher: Centre for Crop Circle Studies (CCCS)
Type: Quarterly Journal

Introduction

Bob Kingsley, the Editor, welcomes readers to the latest issue, highlighting the recent CCCS Conference at Ely as a major success. The conference featured video recordings, talks on crop circle evolution and symbolism, and discussions on crop circles in East Anglia, Essex, and Norfolk. The editorial acknowledges a slight delay in publication due to the volume of material and a word processor issue. Kingsley also apologizes to David Reynolds for an error in the previous issue. This edition promises eclectic material, including contributions from Rupert Sheldrake, Jon Erik Beckjord, John Langrish, and Simon Burton, alongside reader letters and CCCS updates.

Kingsley notes that only one 'genuine' formation had appeared by the time of writing, with more expected by December. He also mentions that not all submitted articles could be included due to space limitations, promising to include them in the next edition. A "Last-Minute Items" section details recent donations to the CCCS research fund, reaching £1,477 and boosted to £2,000, and seeks volunteers for typing and correspondence for the Non-Conventional Hypotheses research panel.

CCCS Annual General Meeting Report

The report by Ralph Noyes details the first well-attended CCCS AGM held in London on March 23rd, 1991. Key decisions included the establishment of a Research Fund, the need to define the CCCS's financial year, and proposals for the membership fee for 1992/93. Discussions also covered the CCCS constitution, including voting rights at Council meetings and the number of members required for an Extraordinary General Meeting. Members expressed concern about the CCCS's declared aim of disseminating information quickly and recommended preserving its image as a learned society, seeking charitable status, and avoiding sensationalist reporting.

The Chairman Speaks

Michael Green, RIBA, FSA, Chairman of the CCCS, delivers the opening speech from the AGM. He recounts his own late entry into crop circle research, beginning in December 1988, and his initial encounter with the phenomenon's secretive nature. Green contrasts this with his academic background, where information is freely available. He identifies two main groups within crop circle research: those seeking commercial exploitation and those pushing a particular hypothesis. He advocates for an open, international society with an open membership, serving as an information-gathering body using scientific methods and establishing a database for rapid dissemination of information.

Green details his approach to forming the CCCS, collaborating with Ralph Noyes and inviting like-minded individuals to a seminar in April 1990. This led to the establishment of the Centre for Crop Circle Studies under Professor Archie Roy, and the publication of the book 'The Crop Circle Enigma'. He emphasizes the guiding principles of the Centre and notes its growth from 15 founder members to nearly 500. He also touches upon the financial position of the CCCS, which primarily covers administrative expenses, and the need for continued support.

The Rebirth of Nature by Dr. Rupert Sheldrake

Dr. Rupert Sheldrake, a distinguished biologist, addresses the CCCS AGM on the changing understanding of nature. He posits that crop circles appear at a time of significant paradigm shift, moving away from a mechanistic view towards a more animistic one where nature is perceived as alive. Sheldrake describes the historical shift from ancient cultures and the Middle Ages, where nature was seen as alive and sacred, to the Protestant Reformation and the subsequent mechanistic revolution initiated by figures like Sir Francis Bacon and Descartes. This revolution desacrilised nature, viewing it as inanimate matter governed by mechanical laws, with consciousness limited to the rational intellect.

Sheldrake explains how the mechanistic view, which sees the universe as a machine rather than an organism, has been challenged by the Big Bang model, suggesting an organic, developing cosmos. He discusses the re-emergence of concepts like 'fields' (electromagnetic fields) which, like ancient ideas of 'souls', represent invisible organizing structures. Quantum theory and chaos theory have further undermined the idea of a determinate universe, revealing indeterminacy and spontaneity. The concept of 'dark matter' also points to the vast unknown in the universe. Sheldrake introduces the Gaia hypothesis, viewing the Earth as a living organism, and his own hypothesis of 'morphic resonance', suggesting an inherent 'memory' in nature organized by 'morphic fields'. He concludes that crop circles make more sense within an animistic worldview than a mechanistic one, and that the CCCS is doing essential work at the cutting edge of Western consciousness.

Other Articles and Sections

Gnawing At The Roots by Simon Burton discusses Wilhelm Reich.

Having A Go At Decoding Pictograms by Jon Erik Beckjord.

Research Panel Reports by Dr. Roger Taylor, Diana Clift, and Montague Keen.

Close Encounters With Circular Readers features reader contributions.

Field Work: Morestead Road Circles Group by John Langrish.

Keeping in Touch: CCCS Contact Points provides updates and contact information.

Lucy Pringle Is Organising Another Lecture: An announcement for a lecture at The Farnham Maltings on September 12th, featuring a guest speaker (to be announced) and George Wingfield discussing 1991 events.

SIRIUS: An advertisement for the Society For Independent Research Into The Unexplained Sciences, offering a 50% reduction on membership for Circular Readers and CCCS members.

• CCCS Branch News:
• Kent: A new branch has been formed, with Robert Davison as Convenor and Rosemary Scott as Secretary. The branch plans to purchase basic equipment and is establishing links with the farming community and aviation enthusiasts.
• London: A branch is being convened, with contact details for Stanley Morcom.

Appeal for Help: Beth Davis and Robert Davison are jointly responsible for creating an "EVENTS PACKAGE" and are seeking volunteers with expertise in organizing events, or those willing to help with tasks like manning stalls, catering, and providing a high profile for the organization. Artists and electronics enthusiasts are also welcome.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly advocates for an open, scientific, and information-gathering approach to crop circle research, contrasting it with commercial exploitation or the promotion of single hypotheses. The shift from a mechanistic to an animistic worldview is a central theme, particularly explored by Dr. Rupert Sheldrake, who links it to the understanding of crop circles. The importance of collective effort, membership contributions, and the establishment of a robust data-base are recurring points. The CCCS positions itself as a forum for diverse ideas and theories, aiming to understand the phenomenon through rigorous, yet open-minded, investigation. The editorial stance emphasizes the value of scientific method while acknowledging the limitations of purely mechanistic explanations and embracing the possibility of intelligence and inherent memory in nature.

Title: The Circular
Issue: Volume 2, Number 2
Date: March 1991

This issue of The Circular delves into the mysteries of crop circles and related phenomena, featuring articles that bridge ancient mythology, linguistic decoding, and scientific investigation.

Gnawing at the Roots

Simon Burton's article explores the deep historical and mythological roots of dowsing and crop circle phenomena. He posits that dragon-slaying myths, prevalent across ancient cultures, are not about literal slaying but about 'staking' or fixing earth energies. These energies are seen as integral to the ancient Earth Mother religions. The shift from a matriarchal to a patriarchal society, marked by the rise of male gods and the concept of 'staking the dragon,' is presented as a turning point in human history, leading to a geomantic worldview where specific places are defined by fixed earth energies. The myth of Apollo and Python at Delphi is cited as an example of this overthrow of the Earth Mother. The article suggests that the 'staking' of these energies, perhaps through ancient geomantic technology symbolized by the Omphalos (navel stone), defined locations and initiated the concept of linear time and urban culture. The author speculates that the current crop circle phenomenon might be related to the re-emergence of these ancient earth energies, possibly signifying a new age or a reawakening of the Earth Mother principle.

The Total Decoded Message

Jon Erik Beckjord, from The Crypto-Phenomena Museum, attempts to decode the linguistic mystery of crop circles. He focuses on a complex glyph found at Hazeley Farm, Cheesefoot Head, using the ancient Tifinag language, which was used by Norsemen and Berber tribesmen. Beckjord, referencing the work of Dr. Barry Fell, translates parts of the glyphs to suggest a message related to 'this place' and 'the Serpent' or 'Dragon.' Further decoding with the Tifinag word 'DIRE' (meaning evil or bad) leads to a potential translation of the Hazeley Farm complex as: 'This is the place of the snake, a dire place,' or 'This is the place of the Dragon, a dire place,' or even 'THIS IS THE PLACE OF THE DEVIL, AN EVIL PLACE.' Beckjord argues that the Tifinag language is a plausible choice for the phenomenon due to its ancient connection with the land. He also notes that other crop circle complexes, like the one at Allington Downs, have been linked to sites of ancient evil ceremonies, reinforcing the warning message.

The First Decoding

This section provides a detailed breakdown of Jon Erik Beckjord's Tifinag decoding of the Hazeley Farm crop-glyph complex. A table illustrates the translation of Tifinag symbols (glyphs) into phonetic sounds and then into English words. The decoded message is summarized as a warning about a dangerous or evil place.

Research Panel Reports

Several research panels are investigating different aspects of crop circles:

Sound

This panel aims to record and study sounds associated with crop circles, analyzing their frequency, waveform, and direction. They are seeking recordings from the public and plan to study ultrasound as well.

Photographic

This initiative involves leaving sensitive film in dark boxes at various points within crop circles to capture any unexplained markings or exposures.

Radioactivity

This panel is investigating rumors of radioactivity in crop circles, primarily to allay farmers' concerns.

Magnetic Anomalies

This group plans to study the relationship between dowsing and magnetism, recording time-variance of the magnetic field and mapping the magnetic field of circles. They are seeking part-time loan of geo-magnetometers and data-loggers.

Radio

Based on reports of lights and electrical activity, this panel is attempting to record radio disturbances using a broad-band UHF receiver.

Scalar Fields and Human Effects

This panel, led by Dr. Roger Taylor, is exploring the concept of 'bio-fields' and scalar fields, which are theorized to be more fundamental than electromagnetic fields and potentially responsible for the organization of crop circle patterns. They are investigating how these fields might influence people, noting that some experience positive effects while others feel unwell. The panel hopes to develop an electronic scalar detector and is also exploring methods of crystallizing salts from crop circle ash to detect potential field effects.

Ego-Tripping Through The Cornfields

Diana Clift offers an off-beat perspective on the crop circle research community, highlighting the diverse and sometimes conflicting motivations of 'crop watchers.' She describes the spectrum from 'supercilious scientists' to 'New Age Nuts' and emphasizes the need for better communication and cooperation among researchers. Clift, a member of the Scientific and Medical Network, advocates for a more open dialogue and constructive criticism within the field. She discusses the loose use of scientific terms like 'frequency' and 'wavelength' in crop circle literature and stresses the importance of precise definitions. Clift also shares her personal experience as an enthusiastic dowser, noting the erratic results when testing the phenomenon and suggesting that some dowsing responses might be influenced by mental communication or expectation.

What Happens To The Corn - And Do We Need To Know?

Montague Keen heads this panel, which focuses on the physical examination of crop-flattening. The goal is to establish whether crop circles have meaning or intelligence behind them, starting with a painstaking examination of the evidence to establish the mechanism of crop-flattening. The panel aims to understand the forces involved, considering factors like soil type, crop variety, and growth stage. They are investigating the fracture point of the stems and the possibility of heat generated by microwaves. The urgency of sampling crop circles as soon as possible after formation is stressed due to chemical changes that occur in the plants. The panel is also developing a questionnaire for farmers to gather technical data.

Can You Help?

This section includes a call for volunteers for a CCCS Research Panel study on the possible effects of crop circles on health. It also lists contact information for crop circle lecturers and a request for volunteers for the CCCS Public Relations Officer position.

Close Encounters With Circular Readers

This section features letters from readers:

A.D. Cornell (Cambridge, UK) criticizes the inclusion of unsubstantiable and 'nutty' theories in crop circle publications, advocating for a focus on factual data and rigorous scientific standards. He suggests that the CCCS Journal should prioritize evidence-based research over speculative claims.

Dave Tarr (Avon, UK) suggests that the CCCS establish a telephone hotline to provide information on the location of recent crop circles, proposing weekly updates and a newsletter. He also offers financial support for such a service.

The Circular responds that there are no plans to set up a telephone hotline.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently emphasizes the need for rigorous scientific investigation into crop circle phenomena, while also acknowledging the value of exploring ancient myths and alternative hypotheses. There is a clear tension between the desire for scientific validation and the acceptance of phenomena that defy conventional explanation. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious openness, encouraging detailed research and critical analysis, but also warning against unsubstantiated speculation. The recurring themes include the interpretation of ancient myths as explanations for natural phenomena, the potential for crop circles to carry messages, and the challenges of interdisciplinary research in this field. The issue highlights the CCCS's role in facilitating such research and discussion.

Title: The Circular
Issue: Volume 2, Number 2
Date: May 1991
Publisher: CCCS (Centre for Crop Circle Studies)
Country: UK
Language: English

This issue of The Circular focuses on an investigation into a group of crop circles that appeared on Fawley Down near Winchester in 1990, referred to as the Morestead Road Circles Group. The article, written by John Langrish, highlights the significance of these circles due to their appearance on multiple dates within a small area and their intersection with several map alignments connecting tumuli and other crop circle sites.

Morestead Road Circles Group Investigation

John Langrish details his findings regarding the crop circles near Morestead Road, Fawley Down. He notes that these events were largely overlooked by the media in favour of more visually dramatic occurrences elsewhere.

First Event (May 25, 1990)

The first recorded event was a 22-meter diameter circle, swirled in an anti-clockwise direction. Matthew Lawrence visited the site shortly after its appearance and confirmed the date and the presence of only this single circle. It was clearly visible from Morestead Road to passing motorists.

Second Event (May 30, 1990)

A few days later, on May 30th, a second circle appeared several meters to the west. This circle was much smaller, measuring 3.9 meters in diameter, and was swirled clockwise. Matthew Lawrence confirmed that at this time, only these two circles were present. This second circle was not easily visible from the road without binoculars.

Subsequent Events (Up to July 9, 1990)

Between May 30th and July 9th, three more circles appeared at the same site. Langrish surveyed the site on July 9th and observed a total of five circles, along with some irregularly shaped areas of flattened crop. The original 22-meter and 3.9-meter circles appeared weathered, with the crop showing signs of lifting.

A third clockwise-swirled circle, measuring 2.95 meters in diameter (designated No. 3), had appeared closer to the hedge and looked fresh. A photograph revealed its shape to be more of a rounded triangle than a perfect circle.

Two other circles, designated No. 4 (9.35 meters) and No. 5 (10.40 meters), were particularly striking and appeared very fresh. Both were swirled anti-clockwise. Circle No. 5 was visible from the road, while No. 4 was only visible as a shadow line. The crop in these two circles was pressed very flat to the ground and tightly swirled. Circle No. 5's edge followed a tramline.

Witness Account (July 7, 1990)

A local tradesperson informed Langrish that she observed the field on the morning of July 7th and only noticed the large circle. However, later that day, upon returning home, she noticed circle No. 5. This suggests that circle No. 5, at least, may have formed during daylight hours on July 7th.

Other Flattened Areas

Additionally, there were other areas of flattened crop marked A, B, C, and D on the plan. These were elongated and roughly in line with each other, extending across two sets of tramlines. The crop was pressed flat in the same direction, giving the impression of something having 'skipped' across the crop.

Map Alignments

Langrish notes that the main event site (OS 2634 5093) is intersected by three significant map alignments (designated X, Y, and Z). These alignments connect the site with other crop circle locations and tumuli (ancient burial mounds).

• Line X: Passes through a pictogram on Telegraph Hill (OS 2838 5241) and a former tumulus near Lodge Clump (OS 2902 5287).
• Line Y: Passes through a circle in the Punch Bowl (OS 2813 5282) and a former tumulus near Southampton Clump (OS 2870 5342).
• Line Z: Passes through a former tumulus on Fawley Down (OS 2687 5186) and the set of three circles at Cheesefoot Head (OS 2750 5295).

Langrish acknowledges that the relevance of these alignments is unknown and could be coincidental, but he has only considered tumuli sites in the immediate north and east due to limitations in obtaining older maps.

Additional Information Request

Langrish mentions another event in the same field in 1990, east-north-east of the main site, nearer the eastern boundary. He requests readers to supply any grid reference and date for this formation.

The Crop Circle Enigma Book Review

The magazine includes a review of "The Crop Circle Enigma," a book edited by Ralph Noyes and featuring photographs by Busty Taylor. The book is described as a range of viewpoints from the Centre for Crop Circle Studies, offering an appraisal of the mystery, theories of cause, symbolism, and reports of unusual phenomena. It covers the 1990 season extensively. The review includes several positive comments from publications like Twenty-Twenty, New Scientist, Link Up Magazine, and Deosli Dance.

Related Merchandise

Also available are a set of 8 postcards of the 1990 pictograms and the swastika cover of the hardcover edition of "The Crop Circle Enigma" for £2.50. Additionally, four posters (27" x 19") are available for £3.99 each, featuring images like "Sunset Glory at Cheesefoot Head" and "Alton Barnes Pictogram."

CCCS Contact Points and Membership

The issue provides comprehensive contact information for the CCCS (Centre for Crop Circle Studies), including addresses for:

• General Enquiries: PO Box 146, Guildford, Surrey.
• Subscription & Membership: c/o Specialist Knowledge Services, Frome, Somerset.
• Local Branches: Contact Patrick Palgrave-Moore in Norwich.
• Research Panels: Including Physiological & Psychological Effects (Lucy Pringle), Physical Phenomena (Dr. Roger Taylor), Crop Research (Montague Keen), and Non-Conventional Hypotheses (Leonie Starr).

Membership fees for the period April 1, 1991, to March 31, 1992, are listed as £10.00 (UK), £12.00 (Europe), and £15.00 (rest of world). A note from John Michell, Editor of The Cerealogist, addresses a misunderstanding regarding an offer for a year's supply of The Cerealogist for £5.00, explaining that the arrangement is not economical and outlining a revised offer for existing subscribers.

Telephone hotlines are provided for reporting events in different regions of the UK.

Last Words

This section encourages readers to write in with their responses and views. It also includes a request for readers to mark any photographs or drawings sent in with their name and address if they wish them to be returned. The author mentions having a packet of 13 photos that have become separated from their covering letter.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are crop circle investigation, detailed reporting of specific events, and the exploration of potential underlying patterns or connections (such as map alignments with archaeological sites). The editorial stance, as presented by John Langrish and the CCCS, is one of thorough investigation, data collection, and an open-minded approach to understanding the phenomenon, encouraging reader participation and information sharing. The publication also serves as a platform for promoting related books and merchandise within the crop circle community.