The Circular - 1993 Vol 4 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: THE CIRCULAR
Issue: Volume 4:2, Issue 14
Date: September 1993
Price: £2.50
Publisher: The Centre for Crop Circle Studies (CCCS)
Country: UK
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of The Circular magazine, the quarterly publication of the Centre for Crop Circle Studies, focuses on the 1993 crop circle season, exploring various formations, eyewitness accounts, and theoretical discussions. The cover features a striking photograph of crop circle formations at Cherhill, Wilts, taken by Leonie Starr.

Editorial

Barbara Davies' editorial, "The ordinariness of unicorns," sets a tone of open-minded inquiry, drawing parallels between inexplicable phenomena and the normalization of the extraordinary. She discusses how familiarity can make even anomalies seem ordinary, using Tom Stoppard's "Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Dead" as an analogy. Davies notes the increasing number of people experiencing anomalous phenomena, including seeing strange lights, experiencing synchronicities, and learning to dowse, all potentially linked to the crop circle phenomenon. She emphasizes the need to embrace the 'in-betweenness' and the unknowing, suggesting that realities can meet in these spaces, as exemplified by the 'hands-of-friendship' formation. The editorial also touches upon the theme of communication within CCCS and the possibility of co-creation with the circlemakers.

Articles and Reports

Overview of the Season

Barbara Davies provides an overview of the 1993 crop circle season, noting a decrease in the number of formations compared to the previous year but highlighting many of great interest and beauty. She mentions formations in Oxfordshire/Berkshire, Sussex, and the appearance of motorway formations. The article discusses the complexity of some designs, the debate around man-made versus genuine formations, and the examination of claims by 'hoaxers' like Schnabel. Specific formations mentioned include a radially-laid 'toothed' circle near Silbury Hill, motorway formations near Boxford and Nuneaton, a formation near Swindon resembling a Dharmic wheel with an 'Eye', and a ringed circle at Goodworth Clatford. The Avebury area also produced formations, including dumbbell-based pictograms and a ring encircling a T-junction. The issue also notes the appearance of a formation at East Kennet where the centre appeared to weave itself together.

In the East Kennet Spaceship

Shirley Gifford reports on a formation at East Kennet on July 25th, 1993. While observing a new circle, she noticed that the corn stalks in the centre had bent and twisted into knots, forming a cone shape. This occurred without anyone entering the centre, and she regrets not being able to photograph it due to running out of film.

Echilhampton 'clockface'

Busty Taylor contributes an account of a 'clock-face' formation near Devizes, which appeared with six circles positioned around a seventh, alongside other 'pictograms' with meanders and astrological signs.

Echilhampton 'clockface' Busty Taylor July 1993

This section details a formation near the East Kennet T-junction and a series along the Hog's Back in Surrey. One formation discovered by Diana Clift had a beautiful lay-pattern resembling a Yin-Yang sign. Another large formation, 'Barbury Castle Mark II', was a triangle containing a circle.

Crescent and Eye - Hogs Back

This report describes a formation on the Hog's Back, part of an ancient route. The formation featured a crescent and an eye-shaped swirl. The article notes that ancient track motifs are common in crop circles, not exclusively made by hoaxers.

Ancient Tracks

This section discusses the prevalence of ancient track motifs in crop circles, linking them to historical routes and pilgrim paths. It also presents a drawing received by post, postmarked August 12th, which was part of an attempt at communication with extraterrestrials.

Expedition Press Release: Operation Magpie

This press release announces a 'dramatic BREAKTHROUGH' in communication with hypothetical extraterrestrials, involving a message created in grass using an industrial mower on Hackpen Hill, Wiltshire, on August 12th. The message was designed as an English lesson for aliens.

Plain English

This section details the message created by Erik Beckjord and his team: MAN, HOUSE, WATER, LOVE, using symbols. They also recorded additional signs in case of a reply. The team plans to continue their communication efforts.

What response?

On August 13th, a crop circle formation resembling a handicap zone symbol with a stick man in a wheelchair was found near Silbury Hill, interpreted as a response to the communication attempt. The article notes that the wheelchair symbol typically faces left, but this one was different. The season concluded with many formations filed away, awaiting a final answer.

Personalised Circle-Formation at Hetty Pegler's Tump?

Libby Valdez reports on a formation near Hetty Pegler's Tump, a Neolithic long-barrow. The formation consisted of two circles and an angular figure. The article discusses the precise measurements and observations made, including the presence of standing corn in the centres.

Shape-Shifting Circle? Ephemeral Circle at Junction 17

Andrew King and Steve Clementson discuss an ephemeral formation near Rickmansworth that was precisely described but later found to be invisible. This phenomenon is explored in relation to visual effects and different dimensions.

Dr. Andrew King & Shaila King

This report details a formation observed on the M25 motorway, consisting of a circle with a narrow triangle and a 'grapeshot' formation. The formation reacted positively to Steve Clementson's 'Gizmo' but was ephemeral, appearing and disappearing. The authors note the growing number of accounts of overlooked formations and the phenomenon of 'bewilderment' among researchers.

Jill Harris of Cornwall

Jill Harris recounts an experience where she initially could not find a reported circle, only to discover it later. The circle bore the appearance of a CND badge and had blackened grass, with scorch marks and oil spillage reported by the farmer. Harris expresses bafflement, suggesting mind manipulation might be involved.

Sound and Crop Circles

This section explores the importance of sound in crop circle creation, referencing previous discussions on music and harmony. Musician Rick Bushnell proposes a model where an intelligence uses visual light frequencies to locate ley lines, followed by sound manipulation to form the crop circles. He suggests the plants are steamed and then set dry, explaining observed mud splashes.

The Beckhampton Delphinogram 1991

This is an announcement for a video tape about the Beckhampton Delphinogram formation from 1991.

Dowsing Experiment

Diana Clift reports on an experiment conducted in France with volunteers dowsing for samples from crop circles. The experiment aimed to see if dowsers could differentiate between crop circle samples and controls. While the results showed a slight excess of correct guesses, it was not statistically significant and was partly attributed to subjects identifying empty envelopes. The most remarkable feature was that success was unrelated to dowsing experience. A highly improbable random numbering of the envelopes was also noted. The conclusion is that dowsing alone was unable to distinguish between crop circle samples and controls, and experienced dowsers fared worse than guessers. The article recommends caution with dowsing results unsupported by other evidence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the mystery and intelligence behind crop circle formations, the exploration of anomalous phenomena (visual, auditory, and perceptual), the potential for communication with non-human intelligences, and the ongoing debate between genuine formations and hoaxes. The editorial stance, as expressed by Barbara Davies, is one of open-mindedness, encouraging researchers to embrace the unknown and to consider multiple possibilities without jumping to premature conclusions. There is a consistent emphasis on gathering firsthand data and maintaining a critical yet receptive approach to the evidence.

This issue of The Circular, Volume 4 Number 2, published in 1993, focuses heavily on crop circle research, scientific methodology, and the ongoing debate between genuine phenomena and hoaxes. The cover prominently features an article by Montague Keen titled "ARGUS 1992 - IS SCIENCE GETTING BOGGED DOWN?", questioning the effectiveness of scientific approaches in understanding crop circles.

Argus Project and Scientific Investigation

The lead article by Montague Keen discusses the Argus Project, a 1992 CCCS initiative to apply scientific rigor to crop circle investigation. Despite significant funding and the involvement of volunteer experts, the project's findings were largely negative, failing to confirm earlier reports of anomalous radio-active isotopes or unique plant features. This outcome has led to a growing tendency to dismiss scientific investigation as futile or to accept that crop circles might be beyond scientific understanding. The article highlights the difficulty in distinguishing genuine formations from hoaxes, warning that accepting hoaxed formations as genuine would undermine the very purpose of scientific inquiry and invite ridicule.

EM Research and Operation Relate

Following the Argus Project, the CCCS initiated "Operation Relate" in 1993, focusing on monitoring and measuring various energy anomalies (geomagnetic, microwave, radio, sound, earth currents). This operation, funded by donors from the USA, Germany, and the UK, aimed to gather data for more thorough research, with a report expected later. The article notes the challenges in securing sufficient data due to a lack of formations in key areas like Alton Barnes.

Dr. W. C. Levengood's Research

The Argus Project aimed to follow up on preliminary indications that anomalous radio-active isotopes were present in crop circle samples and that Dr. W. C. Levengood, an American biophysicist, had discovered strange features in crops, such as polyembryony, possibly caused by microwave energy surges. However, later investigations revealed that the identification of polyembryony was a misidentification, a fact overlooked by some of Levengood's proponents.

Nodal Effects and Methodological Difficulties

Research also focused on nodal effects, specifically larger stomata or minute pitholes in node-cells. However, criticism arose that similar effects could be caused by natural flattening from wind and rain or deliberate human action. The article emphasizes the inherent difficulties in plant examination for crop circles due to the multitude of variables, making valid comparisons between formations and controls virtually impossible. The requirement for controls to be affected by the same mechanism and force as the formation is practically impossible to meet in field conditions.

DNA and Carbon Tests

Initial reports of suspected DNA changes and carbonisation caused by a reduction process were not confirmed by more thorough assessments in 1992. Carbonisation samples were identified as merely black fungal spores, though unresolved problems remain with other samples.

Jim Schnabel and the "Celtic Necklace" Demonstration

Lucy Pringle recounts her experience with Jim Schnabel, who claimed to be the perpetrator of the "Celtic Necklace" formation found near Silbury Hill in 1992. Schnabel was invited to demonstrate his abilities, but instead of replicating the specific formation as requested, he chose to create a more complex "Dharmic Wheel" formation. Pringle describes the demonstration as producing a rough, untidy, and mechanically flattened result, unlike the flow of genuine formations. She questions Schnabel's claims and his methods, particularly his explanation for not replicating the Celtic Necklace and his inconsistent accounts. The demonstration, while ultimately a failure in proving his claim, served as a valuable experiment for improving diagnostic skills in identifying hoaxed formations.

Schnabel's Claims and Inconsistencies

Schnabel's book described his circlemaking as spontaneous, yet he also detailed elaborate steps for creating the "Celtic Necklace," including making a diagram and mailing it to himself. Pringle points out the possibility of tampering with such evidence. Schnabel's evasiveness when questioned about specific details further fueled skepticism. The article also touches upon the difficulty of comparing formations due to factors like crop maturity and soil conditions.

Mathematical and Geometric Aspects of Crop Circles

James W. Lyons explores the geometry of crop circles, moving from Euclidean shapes to fractal geometry and chaos theory. He notes that early crop circles were simple circles, but later formations evolved into more complex patterns. The "Ickleton Mandelbrot Set" formation is highlighted as a significant break from Euclidean geometry, indicating a potential understanding of fractal geometry and chaos theory by the circlemakers. Lyons explains how the Mandelbrot Set is generated and its connection to fundamental constants like pi and the Golden Ratio, suggesting that nature links diverse properties through these constants.

The "Gizmo" and Energy Detection

Steve Clementson details his research with the "Gizmo," a device developed to detect unusual signals found in crop circles, which he believes are related to a "whole new theory for the nature of the universe." These signals are described as localized, multi-frequency, and having a zero-time relationship, possibly originating from another universe. The "Gizmo" uses "direct ultra-sonickicking" to detect these signals, which are theorized to be microwave in nature but twisted from their normal path.

Technical Findings from "Gizmo" Experiments

The "Gizmo" experiments identified abnormal/paradoxical signals in the VLF/ELF region, characterized by vertical columns or horizontal lines, the ability to be dowsed, and movement. These signals were found to avoid hoaxed circles, have distinct sharp edges, and are affected by "earthing." They are also linked to "close encounters" style electrical failures in motor vehicles, possibly related to a "reversed universe."

Extra-Terrestrial Television Reception

Chris Maxfield speculates on the possibility of aliens receiving information from Earth via our television services. He notes that TV signals rely on human persistence of vision and that the Earth's curvature is used to screen broadcast areas. He suggests that extraterrestrial reception would be difficult due to potential signal interference and the lack of Earth's curvature screening in space, making only unscrambled satellite transmissions potentially receivable.

Musical Circles and Fibonacci Series

Several crop circle investigators have observed that the ratios of dimensions in crop circle features appear to coincide with diatonic scales used in music. This connection is explored through Pythagoras's study of pitch and string lengths, and the development of the equal temperament scale. The Fibonacci series (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13...) is also mentioned, with the ratio of consecutive numbers converging to the Golden Ratio (1.618034...), a number significant in architecture and physics.

The Kabbalistic Tree of Life and Symbolism

Mark Styles discusses the symbolism within crop circles, particularly the Barbury Castle pictogram and the Milk Hill glyphs. He suggests these can be interpreted as forming the lower part of the Kabbalistic Tree of Life, a system representing existence from the divine to mankind. The names for Kabbalists, "Those who Know" and "The Reapers of the Field," are noted. The article connects this symbolism to the phenomenon, suggesting it might be a catalyst for crop circles and relates it to Benoit Mandelbrot's work on fractal geometry.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently emphasizes the challenges and complexities of crop circle research. There is a strong undercurrent of skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims, particularly those involving hoaxes. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous scientific investigation, while acknowledging the limitations and difficulties inherent in the field. The exploration of mathematical and geometric patterns within crop circles suggests a belief that there may be underlying principles or intelligence at play, even if not fully understood. The articles collectively highlight the ongoing effort to find reliable methods for distinguishing genuine phenomena from human-made imitations, and to understand the potential 'message' or 'communicator' behind the crop circles.

Title: The Circular
Issue: Volume 4 Number 2
Date: June 1993
Publisher: The Circular
Country: UK
ISSN: 0961-5013
Price: £1.50

This issue of The Circular magazine delves into the intricate connections between mathematics, ancient symbolism, and unexplained phenomena, with a particular focus on crop circles.

Order in Chaos: The Mandelbrot Tree of Life

The lead article, "The Mandelbrot Tree of Life," explores the mathematical concept of the Mandelbrot Set and its perceived parallels with the Kabbalistic Tree of Life. The author posits that the Mandelbrot Set demonstrates the underlying order in nature's apparent chaos, mirroring the Tree of Life's representation of divine order. It is suggested that the discovery of the Mandelbrot Set might signify a divine intervention, a 'Kether' entering 'Daat' to communicate with existence, potentially leading to a 'Super-Conscious' state of illumination. The article draws a visual resemblance between the Mandelbrot Set and the Tree of Life, linking this order to 'God' and the idea that humanity is an integral part of this supreme order. Crop circles are presented as visual reminders of this fundamental truth.

Mystical Marriage and Return to Eden

The concept of the 'Mystical Marriage' is explored in relation to a 1992 crop formation near Tewkesbury, which combined planetary glyphs of Mars and Venus. This formation is interpreted as symbolically representing the 'Chemical Wedding,' the alchemist's final stage of unification, aiming to synthesize dualities like Animus and Spiritus (conscious/unconscious) into a hermaphroditic, Super-Conscious state. Another formation from 1992, the 'Dodman' (Snail), is also mentioned, linking it to hermaphroditism. The 'Charm Bracelet' or Dharmic Wheel formation on August 18th is seen as resembling the eight phases of the moon, and is connected to the idea of a solar eclipse uniting Sun and Moon, with Earth as the androgynous progeny, further expressing the 'Chemical Wedding.' A historical astrological link is made to Elias Ashmole, who indicated the 'Great Work' takes place during a solar eclipse at 19 degrees Leo, which is predicted for August 22nd, 1999. The section concludes by stating that the objective of Hermetic studies, including alchemy and Kabbalism, is the unification of the microcosm (Man) with the macrocosm (Universe), a 'return to Eden,' which is now seen as instrumental in creating crop circles.

Book Reviews: Jim Schnabel's 'Round in Circles'

The magazine features a critical review of Jim Schnabel's book, "Round in Circles." Barry Reynolds, who reviewed the book with difficulty, describes it as a mixture of fact and fiction, with the author allegedly picking facts from conversations and blending them with "rubbish" to create an "easy-to-read attack on every researcher who has ever been worth his weight in salt." Schnabel is accused of focusing on the negative aspects and personal conflicts within the crop circle research community, implying that researchers have betrayed each other. The review highlights Schnabel's speculation that crop circles are a form of "cosmological terrorism" and linked to "chaos magic" intended to undermine orthodox religion. However, the review notes a contradictory statement in the book's epilogue where Schnabel seemingly retracts his accusations, calling researchers "completely benign." The review also mentions that Schnabel is threatening to sue The Guardian for a restrained review by Michael Glickman.

Peter Sorensen's review analyzes the book's formula and inconsistencies, calling Schnabel's approach a "propaganda ploy" that is "invisible to those not intimately involved." Sorensen criticizes Schnabel for portraying researchers as "inept, quarreling mystics" while exempting scientists. Schnabel's aim is seen as exacerbating divisions within the community. The review points out Schnabel's "black insinuations" about "cosmological terrorism," animal sacrifices, ritualistic incantations, and the "coming Antichrist," as well as his link between the Mandelbrot set and "chaos magic." The review concludes by noting Schnabel's sudden shift in the epilogue, where he dismisses the "black magic" claims.

Betty Burton's novel, "Long, Hot Summer," is also briefly mentioned as a romantic, family-drama novel set against the backdrop of Hampshire crop circles. The reviewer, Barbara Davies, expresses disappointment that the circles are only suggested and blurred, serving mainly as atmosphere. She feels a more direct encounter with a formation would have enhanced the novel's effect.

Close Encounters with Circular Readers

This section features letters from readers and reports on crop circle investigations.

Michael Newark discusses the role of dowsing in identifying genuine crop circles, attributing their power to earth energies. He notes that these energies are also found at ancient sites and within churches, potentially explaining the spiritual feelings experienced at these locations. He highlights West Kennet Long Barrow as a place where energies and leys meet.

Jerry Phelps (MUFON member) is mentioned in relation to the Kennewick formation.

Johannes Heimrath comments on a formation in Germany, noting its good condition and the absence of human entry signs.

Barbara Davies reports on formations in Hungary (Szekesfehervar) and Holland (Aachen area), and a formation in Switzerland near Bern, which involved a ring, pathway, and 'Catherine-wheel' circle, with a 'box' appearing inside.

Paul Anderson provides updates on formations in Alberta, Canada.

Lois Horowitz shares news of a pictogram and circles in Columbia, NYS, USA.

Erik Beckjord details "Project Alpha" in Wiltshire, UK, an attempt to send an "outgoing message" to the alleged circlemakers. He describes a large English language message cut into a field, which he believes may have been created by mental psychokinesis or a UFO occupant misinterpreting his thoughts.

Arnold Walter from California notes the absence of crop circles in his region and the general dismissal of dowsing as "quackery."

The Kennewick Formation, Washington

Carol Pedersen reports on the first reported crop circle in the NW USA, near Kennewick, Washington. The formation, discovered on May 29th, 1993, consisted of a 60ft circle with a 10ft ring, an 'F' or key design, and a shaft with crossbars. Pedersen's investigation involved taking samples and observing the formation. She noted bent and split nodes, a phenomenon she found significant as it could not have been caused by natural processes or human intervention. Her camera malfunctioned within the circle, and she also observed a burnt circle area nearby. She sent samples for analysis and awaits reports from experts.

Further analysis of the Kennewick formation by Oregon State University suggests that the node bending was similar to local recovery effects, possibly caused by sudden exposure to hotter sun. Control and circle soil samples were identical. Dr. Levengood's report comments on the complexity and unpredictability of crop circle energies.

Anomalous Finds in and Around Sussex Formations

Barry Reynolds reports on anomalous finds in four Sussex formations, suggesting deliberate attempts to make them appear man-made. These finds include a piece of black baling twine and orange nylon string, a wooden pole, silver-painted pebbles, and imitation sunglasses. Reynolds argues that these objects were placed conspicuously and were not consistent with accidental loss or natural processes, pointing towards a "conspiracy."

Dorset

David Kingston reports on a crop formation near Maiden Castle, which was found to have nodes with 90-degree bends. He notes that the formation had started growing up after being flattened, indicating its origin was likely around the time of a reported luminous sphere sighting and noise in the area. A larger ringed circle with three satellites was also noted nearby, visible to the public.

Leylines and Corn Circles

Richard Peacocke investigates the connection between ley lines and corn circles. He describes drawing a line on a map connecting Poundbury hill-fort and Maiden Castle, which passed through the Moonfleet Manor hotel. He then visited the area and found a ringed circle formation that fell directly on his ley line. The formation was later joined by a smaller circle and a connecting corridor of flattened corn. Peacocke notes the uniform flatness of the corn, contrasting it with hoax circles, and speculates that the circles might be a byproduct of UFO landings for fuel absorption, referencing Bruce Cathie's theories on UFO routes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently explores the intersection of science, mathematics, ancient mysticism, and unexplained phenomena, with a strong emphasis on crop circles as a primary subject of investigation. The magazine appears to adopt an open-minded yet critical stance, presenting detailed reports from researchers and readers while also scrutinizing potential hoaxes and misinterpretations. There is a recurring theme of seeking order and meaning in complex patterns, whether mathematical (Mandelbrot Set), symbolic (Tree of Life), or physical (crop circles). The editorial stance encourages further research and the sharing of information across national boundaries, highlighting the global nature of crop circle phenomena and related investigations. The magazine seems to lean towards the idea that crop circles are not mere hoaxes but represent a genuine, albeit mysterious, phenomenon with potentially profound implications.

Title: The Circular
Issue: Volume 4, Number 4
Date: July 1993
Publisher: Centre for Crop Circle Studies
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of The Circular focuses on the organizational structure of the Centre for Crop Circle Studies (CCCS) for the 1993-1994 period and announces an upcoming event.

CCCS Council and Officers 1993-1994

The primary content of the magazine is a detailed listing of the CCCS Council and Officers for the 1993-1994 term. This section provides names, addresses, and contact telephone numbers (including fax numbers where available) for key individuals.

• Patron: John, Earl of Haddington, located in Gordon, Berwicks.
• President: Archie Roy, based in Glasgow.
• Chairman: Michael Green, from Clapham Common, London.
• Secretary: Barbara Davies, located in Fowey, Cornwall.
• Treasurer, Membership and mailings: Dr. Hugh Pincott, from Frome, Somerset.

The issue also lists numerous Branches' Secretaries and Air Surveillance/Field officers across various regions of the United Kingdom, including:

• Patrick Palgrave-Moore (Branches' Secretary) in Norwich, Norfolk.
• Montague Keen (Research Committee Secretary) in Sudbury, Suffolk.
• F. C. (Busty) Taylor in Andover, Hants.
• George Wingfield in Shepton Mallet, Somerset.
• Richard Andrews in Alresford, Hants.
• Anthony Cheke in Oxford.
• Diana Clift in Godalming, Surrey.
• Beth Davis in Cambridge.
• John Holman in Ripon.
• Lucy Pringle in Petersfield, Hants.
• Leonie Starr in Ropley, Hants.
• Dr. Roger Taylor in Guildford, Surrey.
• John Martineau in Presteigne, Powys.

It is noted that the names and addresses of Branch Convenors are issued with membership or can be obtained from P. Palgrave-Moore.

Event Announcement: The Crop Circle Enigma

On the second page, the magazine features an announcement for a talk presented by the Centre for Crop Circle Studies.

• Title: The Crop Circle Enigma
• Speakers: Michael Glickman (Architect, Writer & Inventor) and Lucy Pringle
• Topic: 1993 Crop Formations Update
• Date: Thursday, 30th September 1993
• Time: 7.30 pm (doors open at 7.00 pm.)
• Venue: Haslemere Hall, Haslemere, Surrey
• Admission: £5.00 for general admission, £4.00 for CCCS members.
• Tickets: Available at the door on the night.
• Contact for information: Lucy Pringle at 0730 263454.

Visual Content

The cover of the magazine features an aerial photograph of a prominent crop circle formation in a field. The text overlaying this image provides the title and organizational details.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the organization and activities of the Centre for Crop Circle Studies. The editorial stance appears to be informative and organizational, providing essential contact information for its members and promoting upcoming events related to crop circle research. The inclusion of a detailed list of officers and field representatives suggests a focus on structured research and communication within the organization.