The Circular - 1994 Vol 4 No 4

Magazine Overview

The Circular - Volume 4, Issue 16, March 1994

This issue of *The Circular*, the quarterly magazine of The Centre for Crop Circle Studies (CCCS), published in March 1994, features a cover image of a crop circle in a yellow flowering rape field in Oxfordshire, photographed by Andrew King. The magazine, priced at £2.50, is the fourth issue of Volume 4 and is edited by Barbara Davies with Nancy Hill handling editorial assistance and layout. The CCCS hotline number is provided as 0726 832367.

Contents Overview

The issue includes a wide range of articles, reviews, and reports. Key topics include:

• Editorials and Notices: Barbara Davies discusses the upcoming season, the challenges of crop circle research, and the need for balanced reporting.
• Reviews & Events: Coverage of 'The Disinformer' magazine and the Derby Crop Circle Forum.
• Research Projects: Reports on the Orgone Project 1993 by Andrew Collins, Dr. Levengood's Lab Report No. 18, and the Bythorn Update, including an interview with Julian.
• Specific Formations and Phenomena: Articles on crop circles and magnetism by Larry Grant, Kirli an Photography by Lucy Pringle, and the Charley Knoll formation.
• Psycho-Physical Changes: Lucy Pringle reports on ESR and EEG tests conducted in a crop circle.
• Regional Findings: Predictions and findings from Yorkshire and the Midlands, including the Project Ark and Circles of Symmetry.
• Star Fields: An exploration by Joachim Koch and Juergen Kyborg.
• Sky & Crop Watching Experiences: Notes from a CSETI Field Trip and discussions on the Free Access Formation.
• Other Dimensions: Articles on hearing voices and channelling.
• Hoaxers: A discussion on the matter of hoaxers by Chad Deetkin.
• Letters to The Circular: Including diagrams of the 'Bythorn Overhead Projection'.

Editorial and Notices

Barbara Davies, in her editorial, highlights the anticipation of new crop circle formations in yellow rape fields and the ongoing personal awe and pleasure of researchers. She emphasizes the magazine's commitment to factual and first-hand material. Davies also touches upon the challenges of distinguishing genuine phenomena from human-created hoaxes, particularly concerning photographic evidence and dowsing techniques. She calls for a balanced approach, welcoming material from 'agnostics' to avoid judgmental fervor.

CCCS Matters

The section on CCCS Matters provides practical advice for members, urging them to report any spotted formations to the hotline or local convenors. It stresses the importance of photographing and sketching formations in context, noting any features suggesting genuineness. Paul Hailey is identified as a technical researcher's communication point for those who can offer surveillance equipment or assistance. The need for photographs for the CCCS Year Book is also highlighted, with Lucy Pringle editing it.

Notable announcements include the upcoming CCCS One-day Conference on September 29th, 1994, at Haslemere, and the next full International Weekend Conference in 1995. The magazine also mentions requests for anomalous photos from Nancy Talbot and Ron Russell.

Reviews & Events

The Disinformer: Barbara Davies reviews a satirical magazine that dismisses crop circle researchers as figures of fun and often implies they engage in black magic or are motivated by financial gain or delusion. Davies critiques the magazine's lack of substance and its reliance on cynicism.

Derby Crop Circle Forum: Ray Cox reports on a symposium held in Derby on December 4th, 1993. The meeting focused on branch member dialogue, sharing personal experiences, discussing the intuitive nature of the phenomenon, and exploring future cooperation. Speakers like Karen Douglas, Mark Haywood, Alison Tredwell, and John Holman shared insights on the subconscious, emotional responses, and the public's reluctance to engage with these topics.

Research Projects and Findings

Orgone Project 1993: Extracts from Andy Collins' February 1994 newsletter discuss the ongoing debate surrounding photographic anomalies from the Orgone 93 project. Plans for stereo photography are mentioned to address issues like air-bells, insects, and raindrops. Collins notes that coordinated meditation with an Orgone Engineering Device (OED) significantly increased anomaly counts, with ancestor spirits proving more effective archetypes than alien imagery or Gaia-based ones. Specific dates in July 1993 showed higher anomaly counts, and marked temperature drops were associated with the OED.

Dr. Levengood's Lab Report No. 18: John A. Burke provides a summary of Dr. Levengood's research on crop circle-affected crop seeds. Levengood's work, building on previous studies of 'bent nodes', investigates physical alterations in the cellulosic microfibrils of bract and seed tissues. The report details an oscillation method used to analyze these changes, measuring ion transport rates across the bract membrane. This method, refined over time, shows that crop circle energies permanently alter the bract tissue, affecting its electrical conductivity. Comparisons with control samples and deliberately 'hoaxed' samples indicate that genuine crop circles produce measurable physical changes not replicated by hoaxes. The report also notes a 'proximity effect,' where crop formations influence standing crop up to a distance away.

Bythorn Update: Barbara Davies recounts a meeting held on January 29th, 1994, concerning the Bythorn formation. The meeting aimed to clarify the claims of Julian, who stated he created the formation. Despite the absence of key witnesses, including the farmer, the meeting revealed inconsistencies in Julian's account, particularly regarding the timing of its creation and his understanding of the geometry involved. Davies notes that Julian's demeanor was flat and monosyllabic, and he seemed indifferent to whether his claims were believed. The article highlights the difficulty in trusting photographic evidence due to computer manipulation and presents signed testimonies from farm workers and a gamekeeper confirming the formation's presence before Julian's claimed activity. The article concludes that Julian's behavior and the factual evidence are more consistent with him being backed into a corner rather than outright lying, and suggests a possible team effort in its creation.

Crop Circles and Magnetism: Larry Grant discusses how the 'Project Argus' data challenges hoaxing theories by demonstrating correlations between crop circle patterns and magnetic anomalies. He emphasizes that such anomalies, particularly those mimicking the crop circle shape, cannot be created by daylight or undetected at night by hoaxers. Grant suggests that these findings point to larger, unusual planetary processes. He also notes observations of compass deviation within circles and the potential for a 'magnetometer hotline' to detect such phenomena. The article further explores invisible realms, including acoustic and radio effects associated with crop circles and ancient sites, suggesting a need for organized mapping of these magnetic, ground-probe, and electrostatic realms.

Other Articles and Experiences

• 2nd CCCS International Conference: Marcus Allen reports on the first day of the conference held in Bath, featuring talks by Michael Green on the year's events, Barbara Davies on information flow, Lucy Pringle on experiments with water bottles in circles, and Rodney Hale on physical effects. Roy Dutton discussed the link between UFO sightings and astronomical times, while John Martineau presented on sacred geometry. The North American perspective was shared by ilyes and Chad Deetkin.
• Day Two of Conference: Andy Thomas covers the second day, including a talk by Professor Archie Roy and Montague Keen's controversial statement about believing Doug and Dave's claims. George Wingfield discussed 'luminosities' and aerial phenomena, while Colin Andrews presented 'tidings of great joy' with new findings on circle formation and aerial phenomena, linking them to a 'cry for help from the Earth.'
• Photographic Anomalies: Andy discusses the ongoing debate about photographic anomalies in the Orgone 93 project.
• OED + Meditation: The article explores how coordinated meditation with an Orgone Engineering Device (OED) led to higher anomaly counts.
• Chilly Reading: Observations of striking temperature differentials in relation to the OED.
• 1994 Project: Plans for the Earthquest project, investigating psychic interfaces and primary energy continuums, are outlined.
• Psychic Questing Conference: Announcement of a conference in London.
• Star Fields: Joachim Koch and Juergen Kyborg present their work.
• Sky & Crop Watching Experiences: Ron Russell shares notes from a CSETI Field Trip, and ilyes discusses the Free Access Formation. Peter Sorensen and ilyes also contribute on untouched circles.
• Listening to Other Dimensions: Sarah Bell discusses hearing voices, and Andy Thomas explains channelling.
• On the Matter of Hoaxers: Chad Deetkin addresses the topic of hoaxers.
• Letters to The Circular: Includes diagrams of the 'Bythorn Overhead Projection'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent mystery of crop circles, the ongoing efforts to distinguish genuine phenomena from hoaxes, and the exploration of scientific and unconventional research methods. There is a strong emphasis on factual reporting and personal experiences, while also acknowledging the limitations of current scientific understanding and the potential for broader, perhaps consciousness-related, explanations. The editorial stance, as articulated by Barbara Davies, is one of open-mindedness, encouraging diverse perspectives and rigorous investigation, while cautioning against overly fervent or judgmental attitudes. The magazine actively seeks to provide a platform for researchers and enthusiasts to share their findings and experiences, fostering a sense of community within the crop circle field.

This issue of "The Circular" (Volume 4, Number 4, 1993) delves into various facets of crop circle research, focusing on Kirlian photography, biofeedback studies, geometrical analysis, and attempts at communication with the creators of these formations.

Kirlian Photography Samples 1993

Lucy Pringle reports on Kirlian photography experiments conducted with Guy Mason. Samples were collected from five formations: West of Gypsy Lane, Etchilhampton, Wanborough (Eye), Wanborough (Ring), and Shaw Farm. The method involved taking samples from the ears of the crop and photographing them using Kirlian techniques. While results were generally consistent with previous years, the Etchilhampton formation showed consistently stronger Kirlian images in the 'B' samples, which were taken from outside the formation. The researchers note the difficulty in achieving consistent results due to variations in crop ear shape and environmental factors, suggesting future research might focus on testing seeds or using standardized sample sizes. The article acknowledges the ongoing challenge of demonstrating repeatable and meaningful results from Kirlian methods.

Building Bridges: The Unicorn and The Robot

Paul Hailey discusses the challenges of research in the crop circle field, emphasizing the need for patience and the collection of raw data. He highlights the difference between scientific and mystical approaches to understanding reality, suggesting that a bridge between the two is forming. Hailey notes that paranormal phenomena, including crop circles, may offer insights into our interconnectedness and the nature of consciousness. He references Dr. Kit Pedlar and Dr. Elizabeth Raushcer, who explore the connection between physics and the paranormal, and suggests that crop circles might be a way to draw attention to the study of the paranormal.

A Test on The Psycho-Physical Changes Invoked Within A Crop Circle

Lucy Pringle recounts an experiment conducted with Peter Staples and Isobel Maxwell-Cade to measure the psycho-physical changes experienced by individuals within crop circles. Subjects reported falling asleep during lectures when complex formations were shown, suggesting a 'sleep-inducing mandala' effect. Participants also described experiencing an 'altered state of consciousness' within formations, sometimes accompanied by a loss of time. The experiment involved measuring Electrical Skin Resistance (ESR), peripheral temperature, and electrical brain rhythms (EEG) using biofeedback instruments. The findings indicated that subjects were more relaxed and at ease in crop fields than indoors, showing reduced nervous system activity and slower brain rhythms. Margaret Randall, in particular, showed a significant swing in ESR and a noticeable relaxation in posture. The study concluded that crop circles can induce measurable changes in psycho-physical states, though further research is needed to generalize these findings.

Project Ark Yorkshire

John Holman describes a crop formation prediction project undertaken by the Yorks and Humberside CCCS branch. The project aimed to predict circle formation designs and occurrence dates. Through pendulum questioning and member intuition, a 3-element design (circle-ring-small circle) and dates of August 3rd-4th were identified. A subsequent trip to Shaw Farm in Wiltshire, where a formation appeared on the predicted dates and closely matched the projected design, was considered a significant success for the project. The article also touches upon the idea of circles resembling chakra systems and the potential use of reflective stones in their formation.

Circles of Symmetry

Jim Lyons explores the concept of symmetry in crop circles, particularly the significance of 5-fold geometry and the Golden Ratio. He notes that while many formations exhibit obvious symmetry, others may contain hidden patterns. Lyons discusses how the 5-pointed star, embodying the Golden Ratio, appears in nature and in various formations. He links this to the idea of 'broken symmetry' as a potential mechanism for the release of subtle energy, drawing parallels to physics and ancient concepts of nature.

Communication? 1993 Study Group Report

Karen Douglas reports on the activities of the CCCS East Midlands study group, which focused on meditation, subtle energy fields, and attempts at communication with 'circlemakers'. The group conducted crop watches, tried to project crop circle shapes, and investigated anomalous lights. A significant event was the appearance of a large crucifix formation at Charley Knoll, Loughborough, on July 7th, which the group found remarkably similar to projected shapes they had meditated on. The report also mentions the 'Alison line,' an alignment connecting the meditation site and Husbands Bosworth, with Charley Knoll falling on this line.

The Predictions

Barbara Davies reviews the predictions submitted for the 1993 crop circle season. While no prediction was exact, several came close, with some shapes recalling known formations like the 'weighing machine' at Cheesefoot Head and the 'Pluto' formation at East Field. The article notes the appearance of halos, 'S' or 'W' bends, Celtic crosses, and M25 triangles, and mentions Julian Richardson's earlier 5-pointed star formation at Cranford, suggesting a response to the growing interest in 5-fold geometry.

W. Midlands 'Winter Circle'?

Anthony Harding reports on a half-circle formation found beside a motorway near Birmingham airport during winter. Dowsing indicated it was 'not a hoax,' but possibilities of natural formation due to radar interference, traffic, or aircraft exhaust were considered. The article mentions an event where hay was lifted, swirled, and ignited by a helicopter and plane, leaving neat rings in the field.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the intersection of science and the paranormal, particularly in the context of crop circles. There's a strong emphasis on seeking empirical evidence, even when dealing with phenomena that challenge conventional scientific paradigms. The magazine promotes an open-minded approach, encouraging researchers to consider both traditional scientific methods and more intuitive, mystical perspectives. The recurring theme is the search for underlying principles and forces that govern these unexplained events, with symmetry, energy fields, and consciousness being central to the discussions. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious investigation, acknowledging the limitations of current understanding while highlighting the potential for new discoveries.

This issue of The Circular, Volume 4 Number 4, dated December 1993, focuses on the "Star Fields" phenomenon and crop circle investigations. The cover features the title "STAR FIELDS" prominently, with the names of authors Joachim Koch and Hans-Juergen Kyborg.

Star Fields: An Explanation by Koch and Kyborg

The article by Joachim Koch and Hans-Juergen Kyborg is presented as a response to requests for more details about their discoveries, following a previous article titled 'Hope'. They state their intention to make positive efforts to counter opposition and 'hoaxing' controversies surrounding crop circles. They have spent over a year developing twelve design principles to explain the meaning and development of crop circles, which they believe are not hoaxes but a genuine phenomenon.

Koch and Kyborg describe how they analyzed crop circles chronologically, identifying a development in their complexity. They developed principles that help avoid confusion, noting that genuine formations seem to be in balance. A key discovery was a symbol for Planet Earth, represented by its third orbit and single moon. They used this symbol as their 'call sign'.

In 1991, they traveled to Wiltshire, England, to conduct an experiment. Their 'question' formation, created over five hours, was intended to communicate with potential extraterrestrial visitors, specifically asking if they were from Alpha Centauri and about their planetary system. They express their hope for a small sign of acknowledgment from these beings.

Following their experimental formation, they observed events on July 11th, 1991, at Maizey Farm, where new circles appeared overnight. They also noted rumors of strange light sightings in the Alton Barnes area. On July 13th, their experimental formation was completed, and they were observed by low-flying air force helicopters. The next day, a single circle, 400 meters away, was discovered, astonishing those who hadn't heard of it. On July 15th, they realized this circle was already present before their experiment, confirmed by a farm worker.

On July 16th, a small circle above their experimental formation was investigated and identified as genuine. It featured a spiraled edge and rays pointing towards an energy line detected by a pilot. The formation's central lay of stems pointed in the direction of this energy line, which led towards their experimental formation.

On July 17th, they visited Temple Farm and Barbury Castle, where new pictograms appeared. The Temple Farm pictogram confirmed their theories about stars and planets, showing a solar system with a star, two orbits, and a planet with one moon. The Barbury Castle formation featured a spiral resembling a spiral galaxy.

Koch and Kyborg emphasize that they believe the phenomenon is not a hoax but a way for 'they' to communicate and help humanity reorient itself and become more aware of its place in the universe. They chose 'four light years' as a reference because it was easy to express in binary code, relating to Alpha Centauri being approximately 4.3 light-years away.

CSETI Field Trip to England (July 1993)

Ron Russell recounts his participation in a CSETI (Centre for the Study of Extraterrestrial Intelligence) research project in southern England in July 1993. The group's intention was to contact extra-terrestrial intelligence using methods developed by Dr. Steven Greer. They trained extensively in non-fear reactions and conscious awareness, emphasizing diplomatic and compassionate behavior towards ETI.

Russell explains that CSETI's approach is to foster positive contact, avoiding fear-based reactions and victimization. They sought communication with beings, acknowledging that advanced technology would be off-limits. In 1992, a similar CSETI trip to England resulted in a crop formation in the shape of a triangle with circles at each apex, matching a visualization the group had performed.

In July 1993, the group returned to England. Excerpts from Russell's field notes detail an event on July 26th at the Furze Knoll site near Calne, Wiltshire. A small SKY TV crew was present to document their protocols. Despite poor weather, the group conducted a C.T.S. (Coherent thought sequencing) meditation. During this meditation, anomalous tones were heard, even after the recorded tape had stopped. Several participants confirmed hearing the tones, which were described as pure, clear, and of higher fidelity than the original recording. The tones lasted for about thirty minutes and then faded. The group concluded that these anomalous tones were a response to their played tones, indicating a form of communication.

Anomalous Photos/Videos Wanted

The Circular is seeking anomalous photos and videos taken in or near crop circles for examination by a professional team of scientists. The purpose is to authenticate the material, rule out equipment malfunctions or known physical causes, and glean data for research. They are particularly interested in spheres of light photographed or taped in daytime.

Circle Investigations: Organic Fields and Isolated Grapeshot

Peter Sorensen and ilyes describe their investigation of a 33' 'organic' crop circle in East Cholderton, near Andover, on July 28th. They found that the field had no visible tramlines, making it difficult to access without leaving a trail. The circle appeared to be 'weather damaged' in one section, with stalks angled differently. They hypothesize this may be a reverse spin created with similar energies as the main circle.

They also recount visiting an isolated 'grapeshot' formation near Warminster, consisting of two circles, which was difficult to find and appeared to be of an esoteric or plasma vortex origin.

'Hearing Voices': A Physical Theory of Telepathy

Sarah Bell presents a summary of her booklet 'Hearing Voices', which proposes a physical theory of telepathy. She suggests that 'voices' may have an external origin, involving both physics and psychology. Her theory, the Tesseral Theory of Telepathy and Telekinesis (TTTT), aims to link telepathy and telekinesis to the rest of physics. Bell discusses the relationship between the brain, astral mind, and noetic mind, and classifies states of the brain and mind relevant to hallucination.

A Clarification of Channelling

Andy Thomas provides a clarification on psychic channelling, explaining that it is a genuine phenomenon where entities from other realms communicate through a human 'host'. He emphasizes that channelling is not an exact science but a concept that can provide unique perspectives. Thomas shares his experience with 'Joeb', an entity channeled by Paul Bura, and concludes that while the source of the entities may be debated, the communication itself is real.

On the Matter of Hoaxers

Chad Deetkin writes in defense of crop circle researchers against claims of hoaxing, criticizing 'experts' who make pronouncements without studying evidence. He argues that the focus should be on the evidence and the phenomenon itself, rather than the people making claims. Deetkin recounts his own investigations, noting that few formations are 'suspicious' and that the crop circle community shares a strong bond.

He critiques the claims of Doug Bower and Dave Chorley, questioning their timeline and the evidence presented. Deetkin also briefly mentions Robert Irving, suggesting his involvement in crop circles is minimal and his motives are contradictory.

Letters to the Circular

Terry Walsh responds to a review of his booklet 'Global Sacred Alignments', defending his work and its relevance to crop circles. He discusses the concept of 'ley lines' and their potential connection to crop circles.

Betty Burton writes about her novel 'Long Hot Summer' and its connection to crop circles, particularly the 'Golden Flower' symbol and the 'Bythorn Star' formation, which appeared near the village of Little Gidding.

Peter Chapman's article on the Bythorn 'Star' analysis is discussed by T.R. Dutton, who presents his own geometrical analysis. Dutton suggests that the formation might have been produced by a scanning projector, but expresses doubts about the proposed method due to the lack of outward splaying at the rim.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation of crop circles as a genuine phenomenon, with a strong emphasis on communication from an unknown intelligence. The articles explore various aspects of this phenomenon, including symbolic meanings, potential extraterrestrial contact, and the physics and psychology behind anomalous experiences like telepathy and channelling. There is a clear stance against the dismissal of crop circles as mere hoaxes, with a call for rigorous evidence-based research and a recognition of the strong community of researchers dedicated to understanding the mystery. The issue also highlights the importance of open-mindedness and a willingness to explore unconventional explanations for these complex events.

Title: The Circular
Issue: Volume 4, Number 4
Date: September 1994
Publisher: The Circular & Cerealogist
Country: UK
Language: English

This issue of The Circular magazine delves into the world of crop circles, featuring a detailed analysis of a formation, announcements for upcoming events, and reports from various locations.

Analysis of Bythorn Crop Circle

The issue presents an 'overhead projection' analysis by Peter Chapman of a crop circle formation at Bythorn, UK. The diagram illustrates ground measurements, including the shape of the formation with 'crescent-shaped pentagon corners' due to the circular sweep of the wheat lay. It details measurements of radii, average diameter, and the height of the radiating source, estimated at approximately 50 feet. The analysis also notes a 'hill top' and 'slope' of 1:11.

Australian Crop Marking Report

Kevin Forbes from Victoria, Australia, reported unexplained markings in his field grass. These markings were described as being 'combed away' on each side of a fence and from trees. Notably, thistles, usually described as being like 'celery stalks', were bent but otherwise undamaged, a phenomenon that the author notes sounds 'familiar'. Kevin Forbes was sending data and samples for further study.

Glastonbury Symposium

An announcement for the 'Glastonbury Symposium' on 'Investigating Crop Circles' is featured. The event was scheduled to take place at The Assembly Rooms on the 5th, 6th, and 7th of August '94. A full programme was to be posted in upcoming issues of The Circular & Cerealogist. Roland Pargeter is listed as the contact person, with contact details provided for Glastonbury, UK.

Centre for Crop Circle Studies Event

The Centre for Crop Circle Studies (CCCS) presented an event titled 'The Crop Circle Enigma'. This included a talk by Uri Geller (provisional booking) and a '1994 Crop Formations Review of the Season' by Lucy Pringle. The event was scheduled for Thursday, 29th September 1994, at Haslemere Hall, Haslemere, Surrey. Tickets for the CCCS Day Conference included this event, with separate admission for the evening only. Enquiries were handled by Lucy Pringle and Michael Green.

The Circle Hunter Magazine

'The Circle Hunter' is introduced as a new monthly circle magazine, described as a non-profit-making, 12-page A5 publication committed to reporting on regional and national crop circle events, particularly from the Wessex formations and northern circles. Upcoming articles were to include a round-up of 1993 circles from the north, the connection between circle force and volcanic blasts, the Holbeck Hall disaster prediction, and a piece titled "An age like this". The magazine's editors are Ian McCormack and Anthony Horn, with subscription details provided.

Visuals

The issue includes two photographs. The first shows Silbury Hill with a ringed circle observed in May '93, and a '1st Wheelchair' formation visible in the same field in August '93. These photographs are credited to Andrew King. The second photograph shows bent rape stems in a 1993 crop circle.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the scientific and observational study of crop circles, the investigation of unexplained phenomena, and the promotion of events and publications within the crop circle community. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry and information sharing, encouraging participation and further research into crop circle mysteries. The inclusion of events like the Glastonbury Symposium and talks by figures like Uri Geller and Lucy Pringle indicates a focus on both the practical investigation and the broader cultural impact of crop circles.