The Circular - 2003 No 51

Magazine Overview

Title: The CIRCULAR
Issue: No. 51 / Autumn 2003
Publisher: The Centre for Crop Circle Studies (CCCS)
Price: £3.50
ISSN: 1463-0788

This issue of The Circular, the journal of the Centre for Crop Circle Studies, is presented in association with The Cereologist. It features a range of articles, reports, and announcements relevant to the study of crop circles and related phenomena.

Notes from the Chair (Ray Cox)

Ray Cox's 'Notes from the Chair' announces the Annual General Meeting (AGM) for 2004, scheduled for Saturday, April 3rd, at 2:00 pm in a Wiltshire town with rail links. Members intending to attend must notify the organizers by March 13th. Agenda items for the AGM must also be submitted by this date. The notes also highlight vacancies on the CCCS Council, encouraging members to consider contributing to the organization. Council meetings are held four times a year, with one on the morning of the AGM and two others conducted via electronic means (email) and telephone/postal communication, minimizing travel requirements. Nominations for the Council should also be submitted by March 13th, ideally with a proposer, but self-nomination is also accepted. An advance notice for the 2004 CCCS Conference is also provided, detailing a one-day event on Saturday, June 26th, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm at Friends House, London. The conference will feature five speakers focusing on research, with time for questions and discussion. The cost for lunches and the conference fee will be announced later.

George Bishop's Departure and Legacy

This section acknowledges the departure of George Bishop as editor of The Circular. John Sayer, former editor of both The Circular and The Cereologist, prepared this issue. The text expresses gratitude to George Bishop for his extensive contributions, including serving as editor for 13 issues between 1996 and 2000, and later editing an additional 6 issues from #42 to #50. Bishop's commitment, energy, and devotion to the subject and CCCS are highlighted. His past roles as CCCS Chairman and his continued involvement as a Council member (until recently) are also mentioned, along with his efforts in arranging speakers and formats for annual CCCS Conferences. A significant aspect of his work has been maintaining the CCCS Archive, described as an ever-growing compilation of material crucial for preserving the history of the subject and a foundational reason for the organization's creation over twelve years ago.

The Cere(a)(o)logist

This piece discusses the history and relationship of The Cereologist journal with the CCCS. The Cereologist was first published in the summer of 1990, shortly after the CCCS inauguration, and featured articles by prominent figures like John Michell, George Wingfield, Ralph Noyes, Patrick Harpur, and John Haddington. Initially serving as a mouthpiece for CCCS, it became an independent publication with issue #3 when The Circular (edited by Bob Kingsley) became the official CCCS journal in 1991. Despite its independence, The Cereologist maintained a close connection to CCCS, with its writers and editors often being CCCS members and officials. The journal is noted for its consistently high standard of editorship, production, and quality of writing and reporting.

Flights of Fancy (Article by Jeffrey Wilson)

Jeffrey Wilson's article, 'Flights of Fancy,' begins by humorously noting a UFO Magazine misplaced in the Transport section of a bookstore, suggesting a potential belief in the Extra-Terrestrial Hypothesis (ETH). The article then delves into the enduring nature of the ETH, which was somewhat relegated in the 1970s but has resurfaced with concepts like 'ultra-terrestrials' and 'quantum physics' to explain interstellar travel. Wilson argues that while ufology cannot be a science due to its esoteric and unmonitored nature, it remains a significant interest for many. He introduces the concept of 'The Trickster' archetype, drawing from Carl Jung's psychological theories. The Trickster is described as a 'root' archetype, an image shared by all humans, capable of assuming various forms and influencing the physical realm. Wilson suggests a correlation between the Trickster archetype and crop circles, noting that while crop circles can be studied in fields, the 'quasi-scientific' nature of this study has led to a lack of respect from mainstream science. The Trickster's attributes, such as being one step ahead, shape-shifting, and altering perceptions of time, are linked to UFOs and crop circles. The article warns researchers to be cautious, as dealing with these subjects can lead to destabilization and irrational behavior. It concludes by humorously suggesting crop circle magazines might be found next to 'Fortean Times' or in the Gardening section. Two recommended books on the subject are mentioned: 'Daimonic Reality: Understanding Otherworld Encounters' by Patrick Harpur and 'The Trickster and the Paranormal' by George P. Hansen.

Field Trip to Poland (Daniel Lobb)

Daniel Lobb recounts his field trip to Poland in search of crop circles, driven by a fascination with the phenomenon since 1990 and a desire to find formations outside the UK, hoping for a more 'sincere' experience away from the perceived prevalence of man-made formations in England. He was invited by Robert Bervatomitz, who organizes crop circle research in Poland and has established a base in Wylatowo. Bervatomitz rented a house backing onto fields with formations and set up video cameras to monitor the area. Lobb's journey involved multiple flights and a long train ride, eventually meeting Raphael, a Polish economist and friend of Bervatomitz, who escorted him to Wylatowo. Upon arrival, Lobb noted the presence of many people observing the sky. He describes visiting several formations, including one near the Nautilus Headquarters which he found unimpressive and likely man-made due to its random appearance and lack of visible changes. Another formation, described as an elongated pattern of interlocking rings with flattened centers, showed definite changes to the plants, including elongation of nodes, suggesting microwave energy. Lobb notes that full sampling was not possible due to financial constraints. He also visited two more formations near Gniezno, which he concluded were man-made. A formation near a steep slope was attributed to crows. Lobb found the people he met in Poland to be helpful and friendly, their genuine belief reminding him of the early 1990s atmosphere in the UK. He concludes that while the formations remained mysterious, the experience was rewarding, particularly due to the people he met. He also mentions the close proximity of the formations to power lines and a transformer box.

Initial Field Report of the Kekoskee/Mayville Formation (Jeffrey Wilson)

Jeffrey Wilson reports on a private scientific research team's investigation of a crop circle formation in Kekoskee/Mayville, Wisconsin, on July 23rd-24th, 2003. The team, comprising Gary Kahlimer, Dr. Charles Lietzau, Jeffrey Wilson, and Roger Sugden, documented physical evidence confirming Art Rantala's eyewitness account of the formation. Rantala, a retired truck driver, witnessed the circles forming one by one in a wheat field on July 4th, 2003, in approximately 12-15 seconds, with no apparent cause or unusual phenomena. The report details several anomalies that cannot be duplicated by hoaxers:

• Plant Anomalies: Plants within the circles exhibited 'blown node collars' or expulsion cavities, caused by flash-heating from formative energies, rupturing like popcorn. Similar anomalies were found in 'randomly-downed' patches of wheat up to 500ft away. These have not been found in hoaxed crop circles or control samples and can only be reproduced by microwaving plant stems.
• Seed Axis Deformities: Several wheat stems showed 'twisted around in a "curly-q" effect' just below the seed head were discovered. This deformity was first reported in a UK crop circle near Avebury in 1999 and has not been found in standing plants or control samples.
• L-NEAT Test: A Levengood Node Elongation Analysis Test showed statistically larger growth nodes in plants inside the circles compared to control plants, confirming that no human-mechanical means were used.
• Soil Anomaly: Field tests using a magnet revealed a highly magnetic response in soil samples from inside the circles, a phenomenon not observed in control samples from outside the field. Statistical analysis indicated this magnetic response was significant.
• GPS Anomaly: The formation's location registered anomalous GPS measurements, with constantly changing readings from -242ft to +1142ft above sea level, an effect witnessed by the entire team and videotaped, and not observed in control readings from outside the formation.

The report also provides detailed measurements of the three circles and a connecting pathway, noting their elliptical shapes and specific dimensions. The investigation team concluded that the evidence strongly supports the eyewitness testimony and rules out human-mechanical hoaxing. The geological and historical context of the area is also discussed, highlighting the presence of numerous Indian mounds, protected wildlife areas, and limestone deposits, noting that crop circles often occur near aquifers and water sources.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the ongoing investigation and analysis of crop circle phenomena. There is a strong emphasis on scientific methodology, including plant analysis, soil sampling, and GPS measurements, to distinguish genuine formations from hoaxes. The issue also touches upon the historical context of crop circle research, the evolution of related journals like The Cereologist, and the psychological aspects of belief and perception, as exemplified by the 'Trickster' archetype. The editorial stance, as implied by the rigorous scientific approach and the emphasis on evidence-based conclusions, is one of serious inquiry into the crop circle phenomenon, while acknowledging its mysterious and often unexplained nature. The CCCS's role in facilitating research, disseminating information, and organizing events for its members is also a prominent theme.

This issue of The CIRCULAR, number 51, focuses on various aspects of the crop circle phenomenon and related topics, including military involvement, the importance of rigorous research methodology, and potential extraterrestrial intelligence.

US Military Visits Crop Circles

Roger Sugden and his team encountered a US military helicopter circling a crop formation at low altitude. The helicopter's presence and subsequent investigation by a soldier from a special US Air Force crop circle unit were surprising, as such military interest had not been previously reported in the USA. The soldier, part of a unit temporarily based in Milwaukee and originally from Scott Air Force Base, confirmed their investigation into the formation and mentioned previous investigations of crop circles in Illinois. The team offered their cooperation and information, and the soldier indicated that someone from his team might contact them. A discrepancy arose when the soldier claimed to have been on the helicopter, but the timeline suggested it was impossible for him to have returned to the site via car from Milwaukee in the given timeframe. The team plans to file Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests for more information.

The Dangers of Simplistic Thinking

Ron Russell argues that while occasional stupidity is human, it must be avoided in research, especially concerning mysterious phenomena like crop circles and UFOs. He stresses the need for integrity, thoughtful consideration, and vigilance to avoid spreading false information. Simplistic thinking, which seeks easy answers, is contrasted with the likely complex and multi-layered nature of reality. Russell criticizes 'stereotypical thinking' and the tendency to jump to conclusions, citing the crop circle mystery as an example where dogmatic assertions create 'noise' that obscures the 'signal'. He draws parallels with remote viewing, where success depends on filtering out ego-driven noise. Russell also uses the example of the Bible's authorship to illustrate how dogma can mislead. He advocates for gathering data and forming realistic hypotheses rather than relying on faith or premature conclusions, and notes the resistance encountered from those with fixed ideas, likening some to 'Circle Nazis'.

Photo Gallery 2003 (Part 1)

This section presents a visual showcase of eight crop circle formations photographed in various locations in the UK during April, June, and July of 2003. The photographs, credited to Lucy Pringle, include formations from Privet, Avebury Trusloe, Ogborne St. George, Milk Hill, Windmill Hill, Stanton St. Bernard, Marlborough, and Beacon Hill.

Outgoing Messages

Jon-Erik Beckjord describes an experiment where a message was created in a crop field using binary code and Visqueen plastic sheeting, intended for Non-Human Entities (NHEs). The message, containing the words "Beckjord.com" and the Hebrew word for Jehovah, was an attempt to communicate. Beckjord notes that errors were made in the binary code, but assumes the NHEs would understand. He mentions previous experiments, including an "English lesson" and messages of "Love, friendship" and "We come from the stars," which he feels were largely ignored by mainstream media and crop circle enthusiasts who prefer to focus on formations rather than communication attempts. He suggests that the "BIRDS" formation might be a reply, possibly political in nature.

Extraterrestrial Intelligence?

Geoff Falla explores the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, referencing the SETI project and the high probability of other civilizations existing. He discusses historical UFO reports and surveys of astronomers, noting that a small percentage have reported unexplained observations. The article highlights the work of Prof. Peter Sturrock, who established the Society for Scientific Exploration to study UFO reports with physical evidence. The study concluded that UFO reports are complex and warrant further scientific investigation. The article touches upon photographic evidence, radar-visual cases, and interference effects involving vehicles and aircraft as potential indicators of unexplained phenomena. It also mentions a 1948 US Air Force estimate that UFOs were interplanetary, which was suppressed. Reports from France are also discussed, indicating investigations into magnetic field disturbances coinciding with UFO sightings. The article concludes by noting that governments have kept information secret and that some astronauts believe in other intelligences, while research into alien artifacts on the moon is also underway.

North Marden, Sussex 2003: An Analysis

John Sayer analyzes a crop circle formation at North Marden, Sussex, in 2003. He argues that the formation's characteristics, such as its alignment with tramlines and the specific way the crop is laid, strongly suggest it was manually made. Sayer details how the tramlines likely served as a template for setting out the central circle and ring, and how the points of a seven-pointed star fit symmetrically. He identifies a "bump" in the ring as evidence of a maker's disorientation and correction. The analysis also addresses the issue of crop lodging, suggesting it was present before the formation was made, rather than being part of the formation itself. Sayer concludes that the manual hypothesis best explains all the observed anomalies.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently emphasizes the importance of rigorous, evidence-based research, particularly in the fields of crop circles and UFOs. It critiques simplistic thinking, dogma, and the tendency to jump to conclusions, advocating for a scientific approach that gathers data and forms objective hypotheses. The magazine appears to support the idea that unexplained phenomena, including crop circles and UFOs, warrant serious scientific study and may have complex, possibly even extraterrestrial, origins. There is a clear stance against sensationalism and a preference for detailed analysis and open investigation, as evidenced by the discussion of FOIA requests and the critique of those who resist deeper inquiry. The publication also highlights attempts at direct communication with potential non-human intelligences, suggesting an open-minded approach to the unknown.

Title: The Circular
Issue: #51
Volume: 10
Date: 2003

This issue of The Circular magazine, published by the Centre for Crop Circle Studies (CCCS), delves into various aspects of the crop circle phenomenon, alongside other paranormal and unexplained topics. It features articles, a book review, letters, and information on upcoming events and merchandise.

The Plot Thickens by Derrick Hunt

Derrick Hunt critically examines a web-photo of a crop circle formation, comparing it to an original computer-screen photo and using Photoshop to analyze its details. He notes the scene's unnatural darkness for June and the peculiar lighting effects, suggesting manipulation. Hunt questions the photographer's anonymity for a 'world-first scoop' and finds the Montegranaro formation's shape and placement questionable, likening them to beginners' man-made formations rather than genuine crop circles. He also points out that these formations were found 'nearby - far from the site' where a light-beam was described, which is unusual. Hunt concludes that the evidence presented is not real, and the photographer's desire for anonymity is a poor sign.

He further discusses the Cherhill 'unopened flower' formation, providing aerial and ground shots. Hunt refutes the idea that such formations are impossible to photograph from the air, presenting his own aerial shot. He highlights narrow bands of laid crop bent at ninety degrees, which would be difficult for a large person to navigate without causing damage. Hunt also mentions a group of Italians present in the formation at the time. He draws parallels to the Avebury and Hackpen Hill formations, noting incomplete Tao symbols. Hunt speculates on the possibility of a team of 'Tinkerbell-footed midget men' or an all-women team as hoaxers, referencing the historical practice of foot-binding in China.

Hunt also revisits the 'de-chlorophyllation' event at Cherhill in 1999, interpreting it as a message to governments with nuclear arsenals, warning of the destructive power of both physical and 'time-crossed psychic cross-referenced metaphysical power'. He connects this to the agonies of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. He also notes the fallow field at West Kennett where the 'electric plug/scream' formation was made and mentions a 'messy lay' formation at North Down that resembled the word 'Yo Yo'. Hunt concludes with a philosophical reflection on the Universe and humanity's place within it.

Book Review: Crop Circles, Manoeuvres dans le ciel by Nicolas Montigiani

Christine Rhone reviews Nicolas Montigiani's book, which explores crop circles in French Brittany. Montigiani, a French photographer and journalist, presents an anti-extraterrestrial and anti-hoaxing perspective. He posits that crop circles are the result of military experiments and secret weapons testing, possibly involving microwave cannons. He claims to have inside information from a scientist but cannot name them for security reasons. Rhone finds the military explanation somewhat out of character, questioning when a scientific military establishment has produced 'spectacularly artistic' experiments.

Crop Circle Energy Out of Season by George Bishop

George Bishop proposes that simple crop circles, particularly those cut into lawns, can act as 'orgone generators', similar to Wilhelm Reich's 'Cloudbuster' device. He suggests that these generated energies might be detectable by dowsers. Bishop encourages readers to create their own lawn circles, leave them for 24 hours, and then test them with dowsing rods. He also invites observations on the reaction of pets and wildlife to these lawn formations and suggests photographing them at dusk. Bishop believes that man-made circles create energy in their pristine state, which rises over time and can be detected even after the circle is destroyed. He speculates whether roundabouts might have a similar effect and ponders the observer effect and the possibility of police using sensitive equipment to detect thought patterns at crime scenes.

Letters

This section includes a message from 'Hemo', a humanoid from the Sirius constellation, who claims to be on a scientific mission to make contact with people from the United States via mental communication. The message is translated by Cliff Stumbaugh and includes details about Hemo's home planet and call number.

A 'PLEASE NOTE' section addresses changes in The Circular's publication frequency, stating that there will be fewer issues per year (likely 3 over 12 months) due to increased postal and printing costs, reverting to a frequency seen in previous years.

Nexus Magazine Advertisement

An advertisement for Nexus Magazine, described as a publication covering science, health, politics, and the paranormal, with a focus on topics rarely seen in mainstream media. It lists availability through newsagents, bookshops, and direct subscription.

The Meaning of the Crop Circle Phenomenon Seminar

Details are provided for a weekend seminar from February 6th to 8th, 2004, at Hazelwood House, Devon, led by Michael Green, President of the Centre for Crop Circle Studies. The course is an introduction to the crop circle phenomenon, focusing on its metaphysical significance and its role as a communication from non-human intelligences. The program includes talks on the psychic structure of the planet, human beings, planetary intelligences, and the cosmos, as well as practical work like dowsing and studying prehistoric remains. The fee includes accommodation and meals.

Crop Circle Merchandise

• This section lists various crop circle-related merchandise available for purchase, including:
• A book: 'Crop Circles: The Greatest Mystery of Modern Times' by Lucy Pringle.
• Crop Circle Postcards (various sets from 1993-2003).
• A white mug with a 'Triple Spiral' design.
• Pens with a 'Double Helix' crop formation design.
• Posters of the Stonehenge and Avebury crop formations.
• A cartoon book: 'PARANORMAL PRANKS' by Peter Eade.
• A wooden jigsaw puzzle of the Wentworth White Horse.
• A 2004 Calendar featuring crop circle formations and associated sacred places.
• Orders can be sent to Lucy Pringle.

CCCS Contacts

A comprehensive list of contacts for the Centre for Crop Circle Studies (CCCS) across various regions in the UK, Canada, and the USA, including names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses. It also provides annual membership rates for The Circular and CCCS.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are crop circles, their potential origins (military, extraterrestrial, or natural phenomena), and their deeper meanings. There's a strong emphasis on investigation, critical analysis of photographic evidence, and exploring metaphysical and energetic interpretations. The magazine appears to maintain an open but questioning stance, encouraging reader participation and presenting diverse viewpoints, while also promoting related merchandise and events. The editorial stance seems to lean towards exploring the unexplained and the paranormal, with a particular focus on crop circles as a complex phenomenon worthy of study.