The Circular - 1994-95 Vol 5 No 3

Magazine Overview

Title: THE CIRCULAR
Issue: 19
Volume: 5:3
Date: Winter 1994-5
Price: £2.50
Publisher: The Centre for Crop Circle Studies

This issue of The Circular, the quarterly magazine of The Centre for Crop Circle Studies, delves into the phenomenon of crop circles with a focus on scientific investigation, psychological interpretations, and a comprehensive data-list of 1994 formations.

In This Issue

The cover features a striking photograph of 'Hibernating Circles' at Avebury Trusloe, dated August 15th, 1994, with the headline "Hibernating Circles".

The "IN THIS ISSUE" section highlights a nine-page illustrated list of 1994 British Crop Circles, compiled from data sent to the CCCS. It also features articles on academia's challenge to crop circle research, with Dr. Levengood's report in "Physiologia Planatarum"; explorations into the physics and psychology of crop circles by Chris Maxfield and Lucy Pringle; discussions on "Cosmic Communication?" and potential coincidences; a report on the "Celtic Barmaid" formation; and an encounter with the "Crop Circle Cat". The issue also includes a piece on "The Path of the Dowser" and reviews of "Some Crop-Circle Journals".

Editorial and Contents

The editorial team includes Barbara Davies (overall), Nancy Hill (editorial assistant), and additional typing by Claire Upton. Contact hotlines for Circles' Reports and General Queries are provided.

The contents page details a wide range of articles:

• CCCS NOTICE & NEWS
• EDITORIAL and Miscellaneous items - Barbara Davies
• THE LEVENGOOD REPORT: summary and commentary - Barbara Davies, data from Dr. W.C. Levengood, John Burke & Nancy Talbott
• BYTHORN SAMPLES: electroconductivity tests - Chris Maxfield
• DAMAGE TO THE CAUSE: rook and weather effects - Steve Jones
• PERCEPTIONS OF REALITY: ambiguity and truth in a simple cube - Bob Walker
• HEART THROBS, HEADACHES AND HYSTERICS: report summary - Lucy Pringle
• 'THE CELTIC BARMAID' - further notes - Barbara Davies
• ENERGY GRIDS: The Koch and Kyborg experiment with CSETI - Sharon Adamiak & Ron Russell
• THE OMINOUS CLUSTER: The Snipegate Cluster - Richard Peacocke
• RAY'S COLUMN: Ray Cox
• 1994 ILLUSTRATED BRITISH CROP CIRCLE DATA-LIST
• DOWSING CROP CIRCLES -a brief summary. PART 1 - Peter Mearns
• REVIEWS: A selection of Crop Circle Journals: Sussex Circular, Circular Review; Enigma; the Northern England Bulletin; The Circle Hunter.
• LETTERS: Wallace Binns; Derrick Wilbie-Chalke; Prof. Gerald Hawkins; Jazz Rasool
• COUNCIL MEMBERS & CONVENORS UPDATE

The magazine is published quarterly and supplied free to CCCS members. Subscription and ordering information is provided, along with advertising rates.

Centre for Crop Circle Studies - Annual General Meeting

A notice for the Annual General Meeting of the Centre for Crop Circle Studies is included, scheduled for Saturday, 1st April 1995, at The Fayre Deal Motel, Cholderton, Salisbury. The AGM will be followed by talks on the 1994 season's work.

The Scientific Research Programme for 1995

Jim Lyons, CCCS Research Co-ordinator for 1995, outlines the program's aim to improve the credibility of its scientific work. He emphasizes the phenomenon's connection to 'The Life Force' and the need for novel investigation methods, particularly concerning subtle energies related to electromagnetics and gravity. A preliminary meeting for interested participants is announced for Saturday, March 4th.

About The Circular

The magazine is described as a journal for the CCCS, with a growing circulation outside the organization. It prioritizes first-hand information and speculation, preferring concise articles (1000-2000 words) with ample illustrations. Material can be submitted on PC compatible discs or in hard copy. Advertising is reasonably priced, and small-ads are free for research purposes.

A query is posed regarding a photograph of a stone cross with a motif resembling a crop circle.

Editorial & Other Items

This section discusses the 1994 British crop circle data-list, noting its extensive length and the increasing collaboration among CCCS members and researchers. The need for more people to assist with data collection is highlighted, with the CCCS Hotline remaining active. The archives are stored in Fowey, and John Sayer is responsible for converting data into a database. Researchers are encouraged to use the provided report form. The section also apologizes for the omission of Pat Harding's forecasts in a previous issue.

The Psyche Factor

Jim Lyons' role as Research Focaliser is mentioned, emphasizing the importance of the human mind in the crop circle phenomenon. The review of Andrew Collins' 'Alien Energy' is noted.

Pat's Sketches and Predictions

Sketches by Pat Harding are shown, illustrating predictions of formations, including a "thought-bubble" feature and a 6-sided pattern. The author expresses a personal reaction to the "Froxfield Flower" formation, finding its central elements lacking in dynamic or dowsing sense.

Inspiration!

An anecdote from Erik Beckjord suggests a humorous take on the idea that hoaxers might be unwitting channellers of genuine circlemakers' intentions. The possibility of communication with the circlemakers is explored.

Cosmic Connections?

Kris Weber of California excitedly points out similarities between a crop formation and photographs of Jupiter's comet crash-landings in July, noting the crescent-shape and 'satellite' dot. The author muses on formations that appear to prophesy cosmic events.

A Fable

A playful conclusion from Wolfgang Schindler's "Dragontext" thesis is presented, featuring a dialogue with Schroedinger's cat about the origin and nature of crop circles, emphasizing choice and the fluidity of reality.

Dr. Levengood's Paper

This section announces the publication of Dr. Levengood's formal crop-circle research paper in "Physiologia Planatarum." A report based on the paper, summaries, and commentary by Nancy Talbott, John Burke, and Barbara Davies are provided, highlighting its importance to cereology.

#### History Lesson

This subsection reviews past attempts to prove the crop circle phenomenon to skeptics, from Meaden's meteorological hypothesis to more recent projects. It notes the resistance from established scientific orthodoxy and the gradual shift towards understanding the phenomenon as a form of "communication attempt" rather than solely seeking empirical proof.

#### Softly... softly

The author observes that the approval of authorities is becoming less relevant to researchers, with a focus shifting to understanding the 'why' rather than just the 'who'. The increasing popularity of concepts like Chaos theory and quantum physics in popular culture is noted, making mechanistic science less appealing.

#### Why the litmus test?

Despite the shift in focus, there remains a need for "proof of the 'genuineness' of a formation." The article notes that new people are steadily joining the research scene.

The Professional

This section details Dr. W.C. Levengood's botanical research into crop samples, conducted voluntarily at his home laboratory. His work is described as being in a well-defined, comprehensible scientific discipline, with repeatable experiments. The author emphasizes Levengood's motivation by simple curiosity and enthusiasm.

The Findings

Dr. Levengood's research indicates clear differences between crop circles that are man-made (controls) and those of unknown origin. He proposes microwave-like energy as a potential physical cause. His paper, "Anatomical Anomalies in crop formation plants," published in "Physiologia Planatarum," is based on samples collected from several countries between 1990-1992.

Levengood includes a photograph of the Columbia, NY 1993 formation as "typical" and states that "Plants from crop formations display anatomical alterations which cannot be accounted for by assuming the formations are hoaxes." He views crop patterns as "visual clues, force diagrams" suggesting "very uniform, ordered forces" are involved in their structuring.

Table 1 details observed effects in crop samples, including increased stem diameter, suppressed embryo development, varied cell wall pit size, altered seedling growth, and carbonization of epidermal tissue. Levengood also postulates that a plasma vortex descending through air could produce these patterns, with local variations in the earth's magnetic field guiding the complex shapes.

Sceptic's Answer

Montague Keen's commentary on Levengood's paper is presented, criticizing it for potentially overlooking the prevalence of hoaxes and questioning Levengood's assumption of "intelligently directed energies of unknown origin." The author defends Levengood, stating he speaks of "external energy forces independent of human influence."

At last - a visual guide?

Report No. 27, on a man-made, simulated formation, is mentioned as a potential "quick 'genuineness' evaluation" due to reliable, quantitative differences observed in nodal effects, plant growth, and seed development.

Damage to the Cause

Steve Jones, Berkshire Convenor, addresses the theory that crop formations might be caused by rooks. He dismisses this as a novel but unserious theory, drawing on his extensive experience as a countryman and landworker. Jones explains how natural occurrences like wind and rain, combined with landscape features such as trees and hedges, can cause crop damage, but argues that this damage does not conform to the geometric patterns seen in crop circles.

He emphasizes that experienced landworkers can distinguish between natural crop damage and crop formations. Jones concludes that attempting to link natural occurrences to crop formations is "clutching at straws" and distracts from genuine research.

Perceptions of Reality

Bob Walker explores the ambiguous use of the terms 'hoax' and 'genuine' in crop circle discussions. He suggests that if 'hoax' means man-made, then many historical structures are hoaxes, while if 'genuine' implies creation from a higher reality, then those same structures are genuine. This creates an ambiguity that, according to Walker, is a way of expressing knowledge that is difficult to articulate otherwise.

Progress by Paradox

Walker discusses how ambiguity has been recognized in poetry and how it relates to quantum physics, where elementary particles can be observed as either particles or waves, but not both simultaneously. He suggests that this paradox points to a higher reality that our current conception of reality fails to grasp.

Twin reality

Classical physics forms the basis of our everyday 'common sense' view of reality, which lacks ambiguity. Quantum physics, however, embraces it, suggesting that our conception of reality, rather than reality itself, is flawed. The idea that matter is both wave and particle simultaneously is presented as an example of this higher reality.

Dimensions of Reality

Walker uses the analogy of a cube to explain dimensions of reality. He notes that the √2 and √3 ratios, which appear in sacred geometry and crop circles, are significant. He suggests that crop circles, with their inherent ambiguity, might be prompting us to perceive reality in a more expanded way.

Heart Throbs, Headaches and Hysterics

Lucy Pringle reports on the effects of crop circles on humans, based on over 60 reports received. She notes that while physical reactions are often unpleasant, emotional effects are predominantly beneficial. The response to her questionnaire has increased, with more reports coming from men this year. Pringle highlights the need for medical help to analyze the complex and sometimes contradictory effects reported.

She also mentions several new effects, including a sense of "presence," a metallic taste, panic attacks, and blurred vision. The article touches upon the difficulty in distinguishing between internal and external visual experiences.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly emphasizes a scientific approach to understanding crop circles, moving beyond simple dismissal as hoaxes. There's a clear interest in the underlying energies and forces at play, with Dr. Levengood's research on plant anomalies and Chris Maxfield's conductivity tests being central. The magazine also explores the philosophical and psychological dimensions, questioning our perception of reality and the potential for communication with unknown intelligences. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging rigorous research and the sharing of information within the CCCS community and beyond.

Title: The Circular
Issue: Volume 5 Number 3
Date: July 1994

This issue of The Circular focuses on crop circle phenomena from 1994, detailing numerous formations and the associated unusual experiences reported by witnesses. It explores reports of strange animal behavior, mechanical failures, and the physical and psychological effects experienced by individuals who visited crop circles. The magazine also delves into research on 'energy grids' and a joint experiment involving CSETI and meditators.

Strange Animal Behaviour and Mechanical Failures

The issue opens by highlighting that rigid conclusions are difficult to draw from the field of visual hallucinations or physical sightings, emphasizing the importance of all reports. It notes that many effects are contrary to expectations, profoundly affecting those who have experienced them. Strange animal behavior and mechanical failures are reported to be continuing.

• Animal Behavior:
• Cattle at East Dean were heard making a tremendous commotion prior to a formation appearing.
• It is suggested that cattle might react to unfamiliar aerial threats similarly to how dogs react to air balloons.
• David Kingston from Dorset reported that cattle in his village were very restive before a formation.

• Mechanical Failures:
• Flash guns failed to operate several times while in formations.
• Ann Smith reported her automatic camera's number display going backward and a 'presence' felt while taking photos.
• Another camera malfunction occurred at the Sanctuary, where a switch was found to be in the 'play' position, despite not being moved.
• John Holman reported his model aircraft camera's film whirring backward.

Personal Experiences and Effects within Formations

Several articles detail personal encounters and the strange effects experienced by individuals within crop circles.

• The Celtic Barmaid Formation:
• This formation appeared on July 24th in Avebury Avenue and is described as having a 'Celtic Barmaid' shape.
• Paul Vigay reported that many people visited it, and Ann Smith, who visited a week after it formed, experienced contrary effects, feeling a physical barrier and nausea.
• Debbie Bensted described hitting an invisible wall and experiencing vertigo and dizziness.
• Chad Deetken reported feeling nauseous and dizzy while photographing the formation, with the feeling subsiding after leaving.
• Gwen Deetken felt agitated and dizzy, experiencing nausea and disorientation later that night, possibly exacerbated by jet lag.
• Paul Vigay also reported feeling 'wobbly' and experiencing a strong sense of unease, foreboding, and near terror, feeling claustrophobic and terrified.
• John Sayer reported a similar panic sensation and unease at the 'Spider's Web' formation.
• The issue notes that in nearly every case, the effects are contrary to expectations.

• Analysis of Reported Experiences:
• A table presents an analysis of 300 reported experiences, with 60.5% reporting unpleasant reactions, including fear, uneasiness, sadness, nausea, headache, and dizziness.
• Healing effects and awareness of 'presence' were also reported.
• Long-lasting effects were noted, with 26% reporting beneficial effects and 33% reporting unpleasant effects.
• Animal experiences, such as farm animals being disturbed or pets behaving oddly, were also reported.
• Mechanical failures were reported in 45 instances, affecting cameras, telephones, and even car engines.

• The Circular's Stance:
• The magazine acknowledges that negative effects are more easily observed than positive ones but stresses the importance of recording all experiences.
• It is suggested that electromagnetic radiation might be involved and present in crop circles, with potential for neutral to dangerous effects.
• Anyone feeling unwell is advised to leave a formation immediately, and pregnant women are cautioned against entering circles.
• The possibility that hoaxed formations might also produce effects due to energy lines is considered.

Energy Grids and CSETI Experiment

Sharon Adamiak reports on an experiment involving Joachim Koch and Hans-Jurgen Kyborg, who dowsed energy fields that they believed were laid down by extraterrestrial intelligence (ETI) over certain sites.

• The Experiment: A joint effort with the CSETI team was proposed to assist in activating these energy grids and potentially vectoring ETI.
• Sites: Avebury, Knapp Hill, Silbury Hill, and Windmill Hill were identified as active sites.
• Meditation Protocol: Meditators were to engage in a mental journey through the solar system, welcoming ETI.
• Objective: The experiment aimed to alter and enhance the energy at these sites, potentially leading to communication with intelligent beings.
• Experiences: During the experiment on July 28th, 1994, participants reported experiencing a powerful rise of Kundalini force, a golden warm light, and a sense of peace and connection. A large 'meteorite' and a brilliant flash of white light were observed.
• Shared Perception: Coordinators from the four sites convened for a debriefing, confirming the observation of the 'meteorite' and the flash of light, and a shared feeling of having facilitated a shift in energy.

The Silbury Sighting

Ron Russell interviewed three individuals who reported an incredible encounter at Silbury Hill on July 31st.

• The Event: While on Silbury Hill, Paul, Rob, and Sonia observed two orangeish balls of light that grew into illuminated tetrahedral shapes, resembling small pyramids.
• Beings: They discerned the shape of five or six beings within the pyramids.
• Interaction: Sonia flashed her torch, causing the craft to turn and approach the hill. The pods moved back and then merged into one, collapsing into a ball of white light.
• Grid Creation: Small beings emerged from the pods and created a square grid in a wheat field using a device that emitted light and sparks.
• Verification: Mary Bennett and John Ballou were involved in psychically assessing the report, and later experienced physical discomfort when visiting the area.
• Military Involvement: A military team later closed off the area, suggesting an investigation into the event.

The Ominous Cluster

Richard Peacocke discusses formations that exude a 'covert malignancy' or 'evil influence'.

• Dorset Formation (June 1994): A large and peculiarly formed circle appeared in Dorset, described as chaotic and having a 'malignancy'.
• Extraneous Feature: A large, wet slice of Purbeck marble was found at the site, which was later removed by the researcher.
• Personal Misfortunes: Following the discovery of the rock, Peacocke experienced a failure of his hypnotherapy business, missing items, computer malfunctions, and his wife suing for divorce.
• Resolution: After moving the rock, his business improved, lost items returned, and positive changes occurred in his personal life, though the divorce proceeded.
• Similar Accounts: David Kingston and Peter Glastonbury also reported accumulating bad luck associated with photographing formations.

Grapeshot Circles and Apathy

• Grapeshot Circles: These are described as small circles that complete a formation but are not part of the main design, appearing frequently in 1994. Their purpose and origin are unknown, with theories suggesting they are 'energy residues' or 'little human-made additions'.
• Apathy and Wonder: The issue notes a general lack of public interest and reaction to crop circles, even from those in related professions, contrasting with the 'wonder' and 'beauty' that the formations evoke.

Crop Formations in Britain in 1994 Database

The magazine includes a detailed database of crop formations reported in Britain during 1994, from February to July. Each entry includes:

• Date: The earliest known date of appearance.
• Location: County, crop type (e.g., wheat, barley, oilseed rape), and specific location.
• Shape: A description and often a sketch of the formation's design (e.g., circle, ring, crescent, 'galaxy', 'scorpion', 'flying duck').
• Description: Details about the formation's characteristics, size, alignment, associated phenomena (e.g., sounds, lights), witness reactions, and any reported effects.

Notable formations listed include the 'Celtic Cross', 'Galaxy' formations, 'Spectacles', 'Cuttlefish', 'Scorpion', 'Flying Duck', and the 'Celtic Barmaid'. The database also notes instances of mechanical failures, physical effects, and dowsing anomalies associated with some formations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Circular consistently explores the unexplained phenomena surrounding crop circles, emphasizing the importance of witness testimony and personal experience. The magazine appears to maintain an open-minded stance, presenting various theories and research findings without necessarily endorsing any single explanation. Themes include the potential for extraterrestrial intelligence involvement, the existence of unknown energy fields, and the psychological and physical effects on humans. The publication encourages further research and participation from its readers, particularly in areas like dowsing and meditation experiments. There is a clear commitment to documenting all aspects of the phenomenon, including both the 'real thing' and potential hoaxes, while encouraging critical analysis. The editorial stance leans towards acknowledging the mystery and complexity of crop circles, suggesting they tap into dimensions beyond conventional understanding. The magazine also highlights the growing interest in dowsing as a skill accessible to many and its potential application in understanding these phenomena. The issue concludes with a call for experienced meditators to join future experiments, underscoring the ongoing nature of their research.

This issue of "The Circular" (Volume 5, Number 3, July 1994) is a comprehensive monthly magazine dedicated to the phenomenon of crop circles and related topics. It features detailed reports on numerous crop circle formations observed in July 1994 across the UK, alongside articles exploring dowsing, earth energies, and UFO sightings. The magazine is published by Barbara Davies and edited by Andy Thomas for the Sussex branch of the CCCS (Crop Circle Studies). The cover prominently displays "THE MONTHLY MAGAZINE OF CROP CIRCLES AND BEYOND" with a "NEW IMPROVED RECIPE!" graphic and the "SC" logo, highlighting its role as a purveyor of crop circle information since 1992.

Crop Circle Reports (July 1994)

The magazine meticulously documents a vast number of crop circle formations, providing dates, locations, descriptions of their shapes, sizes, and dowsing characteristics. Key reports include:

• July 3/4, Surrey, Wanborough: An 81-foot circle with wavy lines and near CP, described as having 'Lacking in energy' and 'wavy 'straight' lines'.
• July 5/6, Hants W&R, Beacon Hill, Burghclere: A formation in wheat and rape with 'dividing line' and 'stems ruptured/damaged'.
• July 6/7, Hants W, Cheesefoot Head CP: Described as 'frmtn w. bar & paths, v. near car park', found perfect by AW on his birthday, but later found to be a 'mess'.
• July 7, Wilts R?, Barbury Castle: A striking 'bee' or 'dragonfly-larva' pictogram, approximately 50' x 150', in 'scorpion' style, with overlapping circles. An unconfirmed UFO sighting of a triangle was also noted.
• July 7, Wrks, Nettle Hill, Coventry: A 5-uple formation aligned N/S and E/W, with smaller satellites, located on a slope. Military helicopters were noted in the area.
• July 7/8, Berks W, West Ilsley: A 'thought-bubble' look 5-plet, 108' centre circle with satellites, featuring a spiral. Visible from A34, with mud on leaves.
• July 9/10, Cambs W, Westwick, nr Oakington: Double dumbbell formation with paths, crop just ripening, near road and track.
• July 10, Oxon W, Ipsden: A 'thought-bubble' formation, 47 yards across, with 9 graded circles on a steep slope. It featured alternating spirals and counter-eddies, and was reported to have appeared between 5-6 am.
• July 10, Wilts W, East Kennet: A ringed circle with paths, described as 'liquid flow' but 'known' man-made.
• July 10, Wilts W, West Woods, Lockeridge: A 'bicycle chain' formation, part of a triangle with other formations.
• July 10, Wilts W, Avebury Avenue: Two medium and small circles reported 'behind cafe'.
• July 10, Wilts Bn, Beckhampton: A neat circle in beans, between a barn and Roman road.
• July 10-11, Cambs W, Girton/Oakington: A stylish petroglyph, close to the road.
• July 10-11, Cambs W, March: A petroglyph near the A141, under powerlines.
• July 11, Cambs, Cambridge: A 60-foot circle found with standing stalks, damp undersurface, and mould.
• July 11, EMid, Kirkby in Ashfield: A flattened area in rough grass with saplings bent over, cause unknown.
• July 11 or 12, Oxon/Brks W, West Ilsley, nr Harwell: A 203-foot circle with a 6-petal design, featuring raised spiral centres.

The magazine continues to list formations throughout July and into August, detailing their characteristics, such as the 'Scorpion' at Bishops Cannings, the 'galaxy' at West Woods, the 'kebab' at Sompting, and the elaborate 'Circuit-board' grid at Hants S of Andover.

Dowsing Crop Circles: A Brief Summary (Part 1) by Peter Mearns

This extensive article by Peter Mearns explores his research into dowsing and its connection to crop circles. He begins by outlining the basic types of dowsable earth energy lines he encountered before crop circles, including:

• Permanent energy ley: Connects churches, barrows, and stone circles.
• Temporary energy ley: Links up with other lines during specific times, like church services.
• Locally focused energy ley: Part of a system but dissipates.
• Water lines: Starting at blind springs or domes, which Mearns considers negative and distinct from water itself.

Mearns then discusses Michael and Mary lines, which he finds to be positive and of higher strength (500-550) compared to energy and water lines (110-330). He posits that Michael lines are an evolved form of energy leys, and Mary lines are a refined form of water lines.

The article raises questions about the association of crop circles with straight energy lines, noting that circles do not always form in straight lines. Mearns also expresses skepticism about individuals claiming to 'clear' or change energy lines, suggesting that dowsers may be misperceiving lines or that the lines themselves have an 'awareness'.

He introduces the concept of 'Migrating circle-seeds', drawing on the work of Richard Andrews and Colin Bloy, suggesting that geometric circle shapes might originate at certain points and migrate along energy leys.

Mearns then details his dowsing work in Winchester and Salisbury, identifying different types of lines:

• Caduceus lines: Straight lines that enter hills as three and exit as one, forming part of a larger triangle.
• Serpent lines: Including Michael (positive), Mary (negative), and later identified Neutral and Earth lines.
• Earth lines: Found associated with barrows and earth fields.

He describes how these lines twine around each other, forming what he calls a 'Caduceus set'. Mearns also discusses the 'Caduceus effect' where rotational bands are found on these lines, and the 'Wessex triangle' potentially formed by Caduceus lines.

Reviews

The magazine includes a review section by Barbara Davies, highlighting other crop circle periodicals:

• The Sussex Circular ('SC'): Described as a monthly magazine from the Sussex CCCS branch, enthusiastically pro-circles, exploring topics like earth changes, channelling, and scientific innovations. It is noted for often being first with news and gossip, though sometimes requiring corrections in later issues.
• The Circular Review: The journal for the East Midlands Branch, edited by Karen Douglas. It is presented in an A4 large print format, quarterly, and is more spaciously laid out than 'SC'. The review notes its reflective comments, personal experiences, and a desire for more input from outside contributors.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The dominant theme of this issue is the detailed cataloging and analysis of crop circle formations, emphasizing their geometric complexity and potential connection to earth energies. The magazine adopts a stance of serious investigation, presenting dowsing research as a valid method for understanding these phenomena. The editorial stance is clearly pro-crop circle, with a critical view of 'hoaxer' claims and a focus on the 'mystery' and 'wonder' of the circles. The inclusion of Peter Mearns' extensive dowsing research underscores the magazine's commitment to exploring the underlying energetic and possibly paranormal aspects of crop circles. The reviews of other periodicals suggest a growing community of researchers and enthusiasts, with 'SC' being presented as a leading publication in the field.

'The Circular' Volume 5, Number 3, is an issue from January 1994 update, published by The Independent Research Centre for Unexplained Phenomena, edited by Paul Vigay. The magazine is a UK-based publication, originally in English, priced at £1.50. Its cover headline highlights 'Enigma, not strictly a crop circle publication, but with much relevant information, edited by Paul Vigay.' The document type is a magazine issue.

Key Publications and Editors

The issue reviews several smaller circulation magazines and publications dedicated to crop circles and unexplained phenomena. 'Enigma', edited by Paul Vigay, is described as a journal of The Independent Research Centre for Unexplained Phenomena, featuring a mix of data, hypotheses, and scientific snippets, with a focus on Paul's interests. The 'Yorks and Humberside CCCS newsletter, the Northern England Bulletin', produced by John Holman, is praised for its factual reporting, clear explanations of theoretical material, and in-depth approach to simple circles. 'The Circle Hunter', edited by Anthony Horn and Ian McCormack, is presented as a well-presented, upwardly-mobile monthly magazine that claims to be the first with news and photos of crop formations. It is noted for its reliance on honest first-hand observation, intelligent interest in detail, and respect for truth, with high-quality illustrations.

Featured Article: 'Alien Energy' by Andrew Collins

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a review of Andrew Collins' book, 'Alien Energy'. The book is described as a courageous and serious attempt to explore the inter-relationship between the human mind, subtle energy, and non-human intelligences. It delves into 'Orgone 1994' experiments, positioning them at the cutting edge of crop circle studies, bridging science and psychic phenomena. The book posits that aerial phenomena are manifestations of a primary energy, scientifically isolated by William Reich, which is accessible to non-local communication through human archetypes and symbols. The review highlights the book's exploration of the connection between crop circles and UFOs, unexplained terrestrial lights, and psychic experiences, suggesting that 'bioforms' or 'alternative intelligences' may be involved. The reviewer notes that the book sidesteps the issue of whether crop circles are 'genuine', focusing instead on broader phenomena and avoiding sensationalism. The book is praised for its meticulous attention to accuracy and its comprehensive coverage of related topics, including geology, geiger-counters, Gaia, and Greys.

Theoretical Explorations and Concepts

The magazine delves into theoretical aspects of crop circles and related phenomena. The concept of 'shadow-matter' is discussed, suggesting it could be a form of dark matter that interacts gravitationally, potentially explaining the 'dark matter' puzzles. The idea of 'mini black holes' is also explored as a possible cause for pictogram formation, involving changes in space-time. The 'magic bend' phenomenon in crop circles is explained as a result of plants interacting with horizontal or circular gravitational fields generated by the causative factors of the circles. The concept of 'time-warp' is introduced, suggesting that the formation process might alter the history of the plants.

The 'Hands of Friendship' Design and Implantation Theory

The 'Hands of Friendship' design, seen in the Cherhill 1993 formation, is discussed, with a letter from Don and Doris Sweet suggesting its beneficial vibes and its adoption as a business logo. They also reference 'Bringers of the Dawn' teachings of the Pleiadians, which propose that symbols imprinted on humans, partly by crop circles, are 'frequencies' that penetrate intelligence. These imprints, such as spheres, pyramids, and spirals, are said to be energy entities that communicate through geometric shapes. The article notes that while some find talk of implantation uneasy, the effect of the circles has undeniably expanded our view of reality.

CCCS Council and Convenors

The issue includes a comprehensive list of CCCS Council Members for 1994-5 and CCCS Branch Convenors as of January 1994. This section provides contact details for individuals involved in the Centre across various regions of the UK, Canada, Holland, and the USA, facilitating communication among members and researchers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of 'The Circular' revolve around the scientific and psychic investigation of crop circles and related unexplained phenomena. There is a strong emphasis on factual reporting, detailed data, and well-supported hypotheses, as exemplified by the reviews of 'Enigma' and 'The Circle Hunter'. The magazine appears to adopt a balanced approach, acknowledging both the scientific and the more esoteric aspects of the subject, such as subtle energy, consciousness, and potential non-human intelligences. The editorial stance seems to encourage open-minded research and the sharing of information, as evidenced by the call for articles, photos, and letters, and the provision of contact details for convenors. There is a clear effort to distinguish between genuine research and mere speculation or hoaxing, while maintaining a charitable view towards different perspectives within the crop circle community.