The Circular - 1993 Vol 3 No 4

Magazine Overview

The Circular, Volume 3, Number 4, March 1993

This issue of "The Circular," the quarterly magazine of The Centre for Crop Circle Studies (CCCS), offers a comprehensive look at crop circle research, controversies, and related events in early 1993. The cover features an aerial photograph of a crop circle formation, hinting at the detailed explorations within.

Editorial Team and Contents

The editorial team includes Barbara Davies (overall), Nancy Hill (editorial assistant), John Martineau (layout), Alick Bartholemew (advertising), Patrick Palgrave-Moore (branches), and Bob Kingsley (editorial advisor and letters page). Field data is credited to George Wingfield and others.

The "Contents" section reveals a wide array of articles, including:

• Chairman's Introduction: Michael Green discusses the CCCS's third year, growth in researchers and local groups, and the importance of accountability. He also touches upon the 'Way Ahead' paper and the colloquium on scientific research, including a panel on 'communication' with potential intelligences.
• Notices: Information on CCCS Council elections, with four candidates for four vacant places, and the status of the CCCS Database, which is running and available at several branches.
• Winchester Conference: Barbara Davies reports on the success of the First CCCS International Conference held in July 1992, highlighting its comprehensive coverage of topics and the positive experience for attendees. Plans for the 1993 conference in Bath are announced.
• Hoaxing and the Schnabel Tapes: Montague Keen addresses the controversial 'Schnabel tapes' and alleged disinformation campaigns, discussing the implications for researchers and the CCCS. He also touches upon the 'Beckhampton group' and the challenges faced by investigators.
• Disinformation, Misinformation & The Circular: George Wingfield, the former editor, responds to the controversy surrounding the Schnabel tapes, defending his decision to publish and criticizing the subsequent censorship of the magazine. He argues that the military's interest in crop circle areas suggests they know the circles are not man-made.
• Mathematical Simulation of Genuine Crop Circles: T.R. Dutton presents a mathematical model to simulate the spiral patterns found in crop circles, proposing that a combination of tangential and radial flow components, rather than a simple vortex, explains the phenomenon. He dismisses the plasma vortex hypothesis.
• The Orgone Theory: Articles by Andy Collins introduce 'Orgone 93' and a book review of 'The Circlemakers' by A. Collins by Barbara Davies.
• Formations in Britain in 1992: A CCCS data-list of reported formations.
• The CCCS Branches: Information on branch contacts, dowsing, crop circle music, and specific formations like 'The Caistor St. Edmund Brooch' and 'Those Nodes'.
• Letters: Bob Kingsley presents 'Close Encounters with Circular Readers'.

Key Articles and Discussions

Hoaxing and Disinformation

The issue dedicates significant space to the contentious topic of hoaxing and disinformation. Montague Keen, in "Hoaxing and the Schnabel Tapes," discusses the "nefarious goings-on" and the challenges faced by researchers due to alleged conspiracies and misinformation. He highlights the importance of first-hand reports and expresses skepticism about certain explanations.

George Wingfield's "Disinformation, Misinformation & The Circular" provides a detailed account of his resignation as editor due to censorship. He recounts the controversy surrounding the 'Schnabel Tape,' which involved a conversation between Jim Schnabel and Henry Azadehdel (under the alias Casaba Ntumba/Dr. Armen Victorian). Wingfield argues that the tape, despite its dubious authenticity, was suppressed to protect a perceived conspiracy. He posits that the military's sustained interest in crop circle areas, particularly in Wiltshire, suggests they are aware of the phenomenon's genuine nature.

John Martineau, in "WHAT? ME? John Martineau," directly addresses rumors that he is a hoaxer. He outlines his credentials and involvement in crop circle research since 1989, refuting claims of his involvement in hoaxing and highlighting his research into geometry and the CCCS database. He also mentions his participation in a hoaxing competition.

Research and Analysis

T.R. Dutton's "Mathematical Simulation of Genuine Crop Circles" offers a scientific approach, presenting a mathematical model that simulates the complex spiral patterns observed in crop circles. He concludes that a combination of tangential and radial flow components, rather than a plasma vortex, is responsible for flattening the crops. This model is based on analysis of measurements and photographs of well-defined circles, excluding pictogram evidence.

Barbara Davies's report on the "Winchester Conference" emphasizes the success of the CCCS's first international conference, which brought together researchers and enthusiasts to discuss various aspects of the phenomenon, including Ufology, psychology, sociology, botany, and electromagnetic effects.

Other Features

The issue also includes a review of Andy Collins's book "The Circlemakers," an introduction to 'Orgone 93,' and a data-list of 1992 UK formations. The "CCCS Branches" section provides updates on local activities, including dowsing and discussions on specific formations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "The Circular" strongly emphasizes the importance of rigorous, evidence-based research and critical thinking in the study of crop circles. There is a clear concern about disinformation and the need to distinguish genuine phenomena from hoaxes. The editorial stance appears to support the idea that crop circles are a significant, unexplained phenomenon, while acknowledging the challenges posed by misinformation and skepticism. The magazine serves as a platform for members to share their research, report findings, and engage in debates, fostering a sense of community among crop circle enthusiasts. The emphasis on first-hand reports and scientific analysis, as advocated by Michael Green and T.R. Dutton, highlights a commitment to advancing the understanding of the crop circle phenomenon beyond mere speculation.

This issue of "The Circular" (Volume 3, Number 4) delves into the complex world of crop circle phenomena, scientific investigation, and speculative theories. It features articles on the "Winterbourne Stoke Challenge," the "Instrument-Based Approach to Crop-Circle Investigation" by Simon D Lyons, and a review of Andrew Collins' book "The Circlemakers." The publication also includes a comprehensive datalist of crop formations reported in Britain in 1992.

The Winterbourne Stoke Challenge

The article begins by discussing the mathematical requirements for crop circle formations, emphasizing that the number of strips and complete revolutions must be integers. It highlights the difficulty in finding natural explanations for the precise patterns observed, suggesting the possibility of an unknown technological device. The "Winterbourne Stoke Challenge" is presented as an example from 1989, where complex patterns required sophisticated programming to simulate, involving progressive movement of the virtual centre of rotation. The simulation diagrams illustrate how an overlayering sequence, with a 144-degree backward leap, could create discontinuities in the floor pattern. The article notes that the simulation also helps explain disagreements between on-site drawings.

The Instrument-Based Approach to Crop-Circle Investigation

Simon D Lyons reports on Project Argus, an initiative to investigate the possibility of an unknown energetic agency involved in crop circle creation. The project's primary aim was to meticulously record, photograph, scrutinize, and sample crop formations, and to coordinate sample distribution to analytical laboratories. The approach emphasizes immediate, field-based measurements complementing planned laboratory analyses. The article discusses the challenges of evaluating numerous 'gadgeteer' instruments, stressing the importance of understanding what each device measures and ensuring its operational stability. Negative results were reported for tests involving time-distortion effects using radio interferometry equipment and for measurements from Scintillation Counters. However, an atmospheric voltage meter showed an anomalous and repeatable voltage jump in a formation, though corroboration was difficult due to a lack of suitable fresh circles.

What Has Argus Achieved?

Montague Keen discusses the progress and findings of the Argus project. He notes that while the project did not yield the expected objective litmus test for authenticity, particularly regarding the unusual radioactive isotopes found in 1991, it did explore other indicators like electrical and magnetic effects. These included battery draining, equipment malfunction, and changes in local fields. The article mentions that a group is working on developing better instrumentation for future seasons, collaborating with German and North American associates. The investigation into plant physiology, building on Dr. W.C. Levengood's findings, has led to confusing evidence, with some of his previous findings proving unreliable. The article emphasizes the difficulty in comparing plants due to variations in soil, growth stages, and environmental factors, and the need to understand how flattening forces affect plants and seeds.

Things Yet to be Revealed

This section briefly touches upon the implications of mathematical modeling and suggests a link between crop circle creation times and UFO Close Encounters, noting a shared sidereal time connection. The author hints at predictable appearances based on this pattern, suggesting more is yet to be revealed.

Book Review: The Circlemakers by Andrew Collins

Barbara Davies reviews Andrew Collins' book "The Circlemakers." She describes the book as an accessible introduction to the crop circle phenomenon, leading readers to Collins' main theme: the hypothesis that crop circles are a manifestation of Wilhelm Reich's 'orgone' energy. The review acknowledges the controversial nature of 'orgone' but praises the book's engaging style and its contribution to understanding the mind-matter theme, recommending it alongside other frontier-science books.

ORGONE93: A Project to Test the Orgone Solution to Earth Energy, Crop Circles and UFOs

This section outlines the ORGONE93 project, which aims to investigate the relationship between 'orgone' energy, crop circles, ancient sites, and anomalous lightforms in Wiltshire. The project's aims include showing a potential link between biologically produced energy ('orgone') and prehistoric monuments, crop circles, and paranormal effects. It also seeks to determine if 'bioforms' are responsible for lightforms and if they possess independent intelligence. The project plans to use a cloudbuster and weather engineering device. Preliminary results are to be aired at a conference, and a report will be published at the end of 1993.

Formations Reported in Britain in 1992

A CCCS Provisional Datalist provides a comprehensive table of crop formations reported in Britain during 1992. The list includes the date, location, county, crop type, and a description of each formation, noting whether they are suspected to be man-made.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the intersection of scientific inquiry and speculative theories regarding crop circles. There is a clear editorial stance favoring rigorous investigation, even when faced with negative results or controversial hypotheses. The publication highlights the challenges of distinguishing between natural and artificial causes, the potential for unknown technologies or energies (like 'orgone'), and the importance of developing sophisticated instrumentation for future research. The datalist serves as a factual record, underpinning the ongoing debate and research into the crop circle phenomenon.

The Circular, Volume 3, Number 4

This issue of "The Circular" magazine, dated Volume 3, Number 4, primarily focuses on crop circle phenomena, dowsing, and related anomalous events. It features a comprehensive list of branch contacts across the UK and internationally, alongside articles that delve into the scientific, biological, and anecdotal aspects of crop circles.

DOWSING - THE LITMUS TEST?

Pat Palgrave-Moore's article, "DOWSING - THE LITMUS TEST?", argues that the scientific community needs to be more flexible in its approach to phenomena like crop circles. He suggests that experienced dowsers can provide a valid 'litmus test' for non-human involvement, even if it's difficult to replicate under strict scientific conditions. Palgrave-Moore emphasizes that dowsing is a developing science and that subjective elements can be minimized with experience. He introduces the concept of 'energy lines' and 'energy swirls' as more accurate terms than 'ley lines' and discusses how the interaction of these energies creates formation patterns. He also highlights the complexity of dowsing and the need for beginners to train rigorously, always seeking what is there rather than what is expected.

The Caistor St. Edmund Formation and the Anglo-Saxon Brooch

Julie A. Curl's article details the discovery of a crop formation at Caistor St. Edmund that bore a striking resemblance to a 7th-century Anglo-Saxon brooch found nearby. The formation's layout, including the placement of 'nests' and the clockwise swirl pattern, mirrored the brooch's design. Curl suggests this could strengthen the link between archaeological evidence and crop formations, proposing that ancient peoples might have seen crop circles as messages from gods and incorporated these designs into their art and jewellery.

CROP CIRCLE MUSIC

Peter Glastonbury recounts his experiments using music, including a harp and hammer dulcimer, inside crop circles in Devon, starting in July 1992. He describes how playing music in a circle led to the appearance of new formations nearby, including a 'dumb-bell' formation. He notes that these formations were easily dowsable, even by blindfolded individuals. Glastonbury also reports photographing 'dancing balls of light' near a formation, which he likens to a phenomenon seen on video at Milk Hill in 1991. He concludes that while the phenomenon is erratic, open-mindedness is crucial for understanding it.

THOSE NODES

Barbara Davies discusses the phenomenon of 'bent nodes' in crop stems, referencing the work of botanist Kay Larsen. Larsen's microscopic studies of affected nodes in barley from a Newquay crop circle revealed a unilateral swelling of cell walls, causing the stems to bend. This effect, observed within hours, is presented as evidence against normal recovery effects or hoaxing. Davies explores potential causes, including microwave radiation and ground energy interactions, and notes that the effect is not replicated by microwave ovens. The article also touches upon the possibility of electrostatic contrasts and the role of crop type and maturity in how formations manifest.

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS

Bob Kingsley's column features letters from readers. Kevin Aspinall criticizes articles that focus on past, potentially hoaxed, formations, urging a focus on more recent and potentially genuine ones like the Chelwood formation. He also raises concerns about the misuse of scientific units, citing Dennis Roddy's letter regarding the term 'decibels' in relation to sound phenomena in crop circles. Roddy suggests that the 'sound' might be related to microwave radiation, potentially causing a microthermal effect in the brain. Kingsley also defends Ken Brown against accusations of bias in his investigation of crop circles, stating that Colin Andrews, who made the accusation, was not present at the meetings he described.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the ongoing investigation into the nature and origin of crop circles, the role of dowsing as a tool for understanding these phenomena, and the search for scientific evidence to support anomalous claims. The magazine appears to adopt an open-minded yet critical stance, encouraging detailed research and the careful use of scientific terminology while acknowledging the limitations of current scientific understanding in explaining these events. There is a clear emphasis on the need for collaboration between researchers, scientists, and the public, as well as respect for landowners.

Title: The Circular
Issue: Volume 3, Number 4
Date: December 31st (1992)
Publisher: The Centre for Crop Circle Studies
Character: A journal dedicated to exploring crop circle phenomena, with a philosophical and investigative approach.

Content Summary

This issue of The Circular features several key articles and reader contributions. A significant point of discussion revolves around the 'trilling sound' associated with crop circles. The author, reflecting on the work of 'Ken', states that comparative frequency analysis charts, conducted by an independent laboratory, show the trilling sound to be identical to the song of the Grasshopper Warbler. This finding challenges the views of individuals like 'Colin', who apparently dismissed Ken's work. The author defends Ken's right to research and notes that he eventually left their group to collaborate with 'Doug 'n' Dave' on a book.

The author also addresses the issue of hoaxing, stating that Ken was initially disturbed by hoaxers' claims and sought to verify or dismiss them. The conclusion drawn is that the vast majority of formations were likely hoaxes, a conclusion the author fears may never be definitively proven if seasoned researchers refuse to engage with the topic.

Reader Contributions and New Age Groups

A letter from Jane Allison of Exeter suggests a 'detective' approach to crop circle investigations, a concept she discussed with Barbara Davies and which was reportedly suggested by a German correspondent. She humorously proposes 'Inspector Morse' for the task.

The issue also highlights the growing number of New Age groups, mentioning the Aquarian Teaching and Research Alliance (ATARA). ATARA is described as a 'public information service aimed at enhancing global change' and 'seeking to pool, share and distribute resources'. They produce leaflets on various aspects of New Age philosophy, such as 'The New Age', 'Alliance', and 'Vegetarianism'. Contact information for ATARA is provided.

Editorial Reflections and Philosophical Musings

The Letters Editor, Bob Kingsley, marks his final contribution to the magazine, reflecting on the end of the crop circle calendar year and thanking readers for their support in getting 'The Circular' off the ground. He offers some 'last thoughts' on the influence of a fundamental force in our lives and the nature of consciousness.

Kingsley posits that our perception of the universe is an approximation due to a time-lag in information processing. He introduces a philosophical concept comparing individuals to 'Daleks', where consciousness resides in a brain capsule that interacts with the universe. He suggests that crop circle creations, even those by hoaxers, could be 'outward manifestations of some deep internal process' that even the hoaxers cannot fully explain. He poses rhetorical questions about why formations are designed as they are and what can be learned about our own consciousness from studying 'hoax' crop circles.

Kingsley concludes by wishing readers well for 1993 and offers his private address for correspondence, while directing letters for publication to the Editor.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the ongoing investigation into the origins of crop circles, the debate between genuine phenomena and hoaxes, and the philosophical implications of consciousness and perception. The editorial stance, as expressed by the Letters Editor, encourages open-minded research and a willingness to explore unconventional ideas, even those that may seem 'unpalatable' to some. There is a clear emphasis on deduction, verification, and understanding the deeper meaning behind the phenomena, rather than outright dismissal.