The Circular - 2004 No 53

Magazine Overview

Title: The CIRCULAR
Issue: No. 53 / SUMMER 2004
Publisher: THE JOURNAL OF THE CENTRE FOR CROP CIRCLE STUDIES
Price: £3.50

This issue of The Circular, published by the Centre for Crop Circle Studies, features a range of articles exploring the symbolism and interpretation of crop circles, their connection to ancient mythologies, and spiritual development. The cover prominently displays a complex crop circle formation and highlights the lead article, "THE WISDOM OF THE NORTH (Pt 2)" by Michael Green.

Articles and Content

The Wisdom of the North (Part 2)

Michael Green's article delves into the symbolism of the Brisingamen, an ancient Norse cult object. He describes its trefoil symbol and its association with the deities of the Vanir (Frey, Freya, Niord) and Nerthus, the Earth Mother. The Brisingamen is linked to 'trefoil' brooches found in 9th and 10th-century burials in Scandinavia and northern Britain. Green discusses the etymology of Brisingamen, connecting it to the Norse word for 'fire', and its representation of the basic metaphysical structure of Deity. He notes a bronze artifact from Akureyra, Iceland, as a possible representation of the Brisingamen, possibly acquired by Thor from Loki. The article also explores the 'Brisingamen sacred geometry,' noting how small brooches often feature a globular terminal, and how a specific brooch found in Lejre, Zealand, has six satellite triangles, symbolizing the septenate. The concept of the Mahachohan, the third aspect of the Trinity ('Form, intelligently organised'), is introduced, comprising four Elemental Lords. The article connects these concepts to crop formations, particularly the 'quintuplet' or 'quincunx' formations that appeared in the late eighties, symbolizing this cosmic truth. Later formations, like the one at Roundway, Wiltshire (26.7.2000), are analyzed as diagrammatic representations of the planetary board of five Kumaras, presided over by the Mahachohan. These Kumaras are linked to the psychological structure of humanity, with specific associations to intellect, emotions, and physicality. The article also touches upon the 'Gaian Corporate Structure' formation at Borstal, Kent (27.7.1999), and notes that after 2000, hoaxers began creating similar formations, leading genuine makers to abandon this symbolism.

Cornelia

This section features an article by Christine Rhone, accompanied by an illustration labeled "CORNELIA" and a note "One of my favourite circles - the Druid Well in Castle Clonegal!". The image depicts a stylized, somewhat whimsical figure, possibly a representation of the character Cornelia.

Photo Gallery 2003 (Part 3)

This section presents a visual showcase of crop circle formations from 2003, with photographs attributed to Lucy Pringle. Featured locations include Alton Priors, Wilts.; Barbury Castle, Wilts.; Woodford, Wilts.; East Kennett, Wilts.; Hackpen, Wilts.; West Overton, Wilts.; Broad Hinton, Wilts.; and West Tisted, Hants.

Coyote and Crop Circles

Anne H Scott's article explores the concept of the 'Trickster' archetype, personified by figures like Coyote and Raven, as a force that shapes human culture and personal evolution. Scott argues that if crop circle phenomena are to be personified, it should be as a Trickster rather than cosmic teachers. The article draws parallels between the Trickster's role in myth and the actions of artists who create crop circles, viewing them as 'tricksters' who use a similar behavior to initiate something larger. The article quotes Gerald Vizenor, who states, "Tricksters are real in stories but not in the flesh. Tricksters are not blood or material, but imagination."

Lay Details: Weighing the Evidence

Jonah Ohayv's article likely discusses the detailed analysis and interpretation of crop circle formations, focusing on the evidence presented within them.

The Energy Connection?

Geoff Falla's article investigates potential energy-related aspects or phenomena associated with crop circles.

Proclamation Initiative

John Sayer's contribution, titled "Proclamation Initiative," suggests a focus on communication or announcement related to crop circles.

Best System v. Lie Detector Test

Lucy Pringle's piece compares a 'best system' (presumably for analyzing or detecting crop circles) against a lie detector test, implying a critical examination of methods used in the field.

Circleworld

Helen Sanderson's "Circleworld" likely offers a broader perspective or overview of the crop circle phenomenon.

African Fairy Circles and Australian Grass Circles

Martin Newman's article compares and contrasts African fairy circles with Australian grass circles, exploring similarities and differences in these natural or man-made circular patterns.

Hoaxers and the Psyche

Ray Cox's article examines the psychological motivations behind crop circle hoaxing.

Photo Gallery 2004 (Part 1)

This section presents the first part of a photo gallery showcasing crop circle formations from 2004.

The Planetary Council and The Wheel of Aesir

This section, spanning pages 4-6, delves into esoteric symbolism. It introduces "The Planetary Council" with diagrams illustrating the 'Elemental Lords' (Lord of the Planet, Fire, Water, Earth, Air) and their association with the Kumaras. The article then focuses on "The Wheel of Aesir," linking the Swastika symbol to the concept of spiritual development and the 'Great Turning' (ascension) and 'Little Turning' (individuation). It discusses the Swastika's Indo-Aryan origins and its representation as a wheel. The text explains how the Swastika symbol on a gold bracteate is constructed from five linked dots, with an additional dot, and relates it to the Swastika Stone petroglyph in West Yorkshire. The 'Turning of the Wheel' is described, with the clockwise version representing the 'Little Turning' (individuation) and the anti-clockwise version representing the 'Great Turning' (ascension).

The Meaning of the Brisingamen

This part of the article connects the Brisingamen to the 'creative-feminine aspect of deity' and the organic development of the human psyche, drawing parallels with the lotus flower's growth. It describes the process of spiritual development through stages of consciousness, using the symbolism of unfolding petals or successive buds.

The Eternal Dragon

This brief section concludes the discussion on spiritual development with a quote from Djwhal Khul, referencing the "Eternal Dragon" and the cyclical nature of revelation and existence.

Conclusion

The author concludes that crop formations provide evidence for symbols originating from 'Numinous levels of Reality,' concerned with cosmology, the origin of God, the universe, and humanity. While acknowledging that a significant percentage of formations are man-made (hoaxes), the author maintains that a genuine phenomenon exists, producing formations of great beauty and interest, often linked to esoteric belief systems and the 'Ancient or Timeless Wisdom.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the interpretation of crop circle symbolism, its connections to ancient mythologies (particularly Norse and Indo-Aryan), and the exploration of spiritual development and esoteric concepts. The magazine appears to adopt a stance that acknowledges both the genuine phenomenon of crop circles and the existence of hoaxes, while emphasizing the symbolic and spiritual messages that can be derived from the formations. The editorial stance is one of in-depth research and interpretation, drawing from a wide range of historical, mythological, and spiritual sources.

This issue of The CIRCULAR, issue #53, focuses on the intricate relationship between UFO sightings, crop circle phenomena, and unexplained energy effects. The publication delves into the characteristics of these events, the evidence supporting their connection, and the ongoing debate surrounding the authenticity of crop circles.

The Trickster and the Circlemakers

The issue opens with a philosophical exploration of 'tricksters,' both human and ethereal, who operate through language games and imagination to liberate the mind. This concept is contrasted with the common perception of 'Circlemakers' as non-human, possibly extraterrestrial, intelligences. These entities are believed by some to communicate through crop circles, nudging human evolution towards a more positive direction, away from conflict and environmental degradation. The Gaia hypothesis is mentioned as a potential explanation, suggesting the Earth itself might be communicating. An excerpt from Barbara Marciniak's 'Earth: Pleiadian Keys to the Living Library' is included, which posits that crop circles are synchronistically aligned with sacred sites and represent a form of geometric intelligence with a playful sense of humor. These glyphs are seen as encyclopedias of information, speaking to mass consciousness and urging humanity to make a choice about their future and evolutionary path. Marciniak suggests that crop circles are not a new phenomenon but a recurring method of communication, designed to confound scientific understanding and accelerate a 'paradigm shift.' The article critiques the tendency of 'croppies' and researchers to dismiss crop circles as mere hoaxes, arguing that this perspective can trap them in a limited understanding, preventing the resolution of the mystery.

Lay Details: Weighing the Evidence

This section, authored by Jonah Ohayv, critically examines the geometrical 'lay details' of crop formations as evidence for or against their authenticity. The author proposes that by studying aerial photographs and conducting on-site investigations, one can discern subtle design elements that might indicate genuine origin. The article contrasts two approaches: the 'physically man-made angle,' which looks for practical steps in creation, and the 'genuine' angle, which seeks out time-consuming, complicated, and seemingly unnecessary micro-structural details that serve an aesthetic or unifying purpose.

Example 1: 5-pointed star's pathways

This formation is analyzed for its unbroken inner and outer standing rings connected to radial spokes. The author, with archaeologist Steve Tyler, investigated a formation at Avebury Trusloe on August 12th and 13th, a month after its creation. The examination focused on the junctures of the rings and spokes. The conclusion drawn is that the way the downlaid rings were not continued around the circle during construction, and the thin paths used by 'impatient tourists' to access sections, suggest that a hoax would have been more complex and less practical than the observed formation.

Example 2: Hackpen Hill teardrops underpaths

This section details an investigation of a formation at Hackpen Hill, focusing on aerial shots and on-site examination. Key observations include the varying sizes of outer rim circles, a 'teardrop' pathway not reaching the outer ring, gracefully made curves, and specific laying patterns of spokes. The author notes that points 6 and 7 suggest unapparent inaccuracies, while point 3 (graceful curves) is associated with genuineness. Points 2 and 5 indicate that the inner circles and teardrop forms were made first. The article suggests that if the formation were hoaxed, the creators would have likely continued the inner ring evenly, rather than creating thin paths at some distance. The farmer's actions after harvest are also noted.

Example 3: Scrope Wood snowflake's weaving

This example from Scrope Wood involves a formation that was harvested before the author could examine it in standing crop. The analysis, conducted after harvest, revealed intricate 'weaving' patterns. The author highlights that the smaller rings did not always touch the central snowflake or outer circles, and there was a consistent pattern in the distances and placement of standing spaces. The investigation of ring-junctures and cross-bars revealed complex underlay and overlay sequences, suggesting a construction process that was partly done beforehand and partly afterwards. The author concludes that such intricate, time-consuming, and seemingly impractical weaving patterns are unlikely to be the result of hoaxing, serving instead to unify the formation organically. The article also notes that a personal spiritual vision experienced in a formation does not guarantee its genuineness.

UFOs, Crop Circles and Alignments - The Energy Connection?

Authored by Geoff Falla, this section explores the reported links between UFO sightings and crop circle incidents, particularly in areas like Wiltshire and Hampshire. The article notes that interference effect cases, where vehicles experience malfunctions, are often found in the same locations as crop circles. These effects include vehicle engine failures, humming or buzzing sounds, and dead batteries. The author cites astronomer Nigel Henbest, who suggests that UFOs are likely physical objects based on evidence like the ability to stop car engines. The genuine nature of crop circles is also debated, with unexplained features like complex swirl patterns, lack of crop damage, and reports of heating and magnetic effects being noted.

Sound

Approximately 15% of vehicle interference effect cases report sounds, often described as humming or buzzing. These are frequently associated with objects seen on the ground.

Heating Effects

Heating effects, sometimes accompanied by strange light beams, have been reported in vehicle interference cases. Incidents include waves of hot and cold air, sudden car interior heating, and apparent scorching of roadside vegetation. Microwave heating is suggested as a possible cause, and similar heating effects have been noted in crop circle formations, leading to stalk bending.

Vibration

Aerial vibrations and vehicles being shaken are reported in several interference effect cases. These can be accompanied by whining and crackling sounds. Metal objects can be affected by strong variations in the magnetic field. A case in Warwickshire described a caravan shaken by vibrations, with a large circle found covered in grey powder.

Magnetic Effects

About 10% of interference effect cases involve magnetic effects, affecting watches, compasses, and vehicles. A pungent smell can result from magnetised metal objects. In one case at Warminster, watches stopped simultaneously. Another case reported a watch gaining time considerably. Compass variations and spinning compasses have also been noted.

Battery Effects

Interference effect experiences in Wiltshire and Hampshire appear to have a higher proportion of unexplained battery effects compared to other regions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the interconnectedness of UFO phenomena, crop circles, and energy anomalies, and the critical examination of evidence for authenticity. The magazine appears to adopt a stance that, while acknowledging the possibility of hoaxes, strongly suggests that many crop circle formations exhibit characteristics too complex and impractical to be man-made. The editorial stance leans towards exploring the possibility of genuine, possibly non-human, intelligence behind these formations and their potential connection to broader energy phenomena affecting our planet. The publication encourages open-minded investigation and questioning of established scientific paradigms.

This issue of The Circular, #53, focuses on the potential interconnections between UFO sightings, crop circle phenomena, and various forms of energy. It explores reported incidents, scientific methodologies, and the psychological aspects of these subjects.

Interference Effects and Energy Links

The issue details reports of battery failures and vehicle malfunctions associated with UFO sightings and crop circle investigations. In Hampshire, a 1967 incident involved a luminous object causing heating effects that drained a lorry battery and a car torch. Similarly, a 1990 case in Wiltshire reported vehicle batteries failing after a buzzing sound, coinciding with the appearance of a crop circle. Equipment failures, such as mobile phones becoming unworkable within formations, are also noted, alongside surprising instances of 'dead' batteries being renewed. These phenomena are suggested to be linked to an apparent lack of normal energy within crop circle areas.

Alignments and Ley Lines

The article discusses the concept of 'ley lines' and alignments of ancient and sacred sites, drawing parallels with UFO sighting patterns. Research by Charles Fort identified alignments of phenomena, including a line from Warminster to the Essex coast. Alfred Watkins' work on 'ley lines' connected ancient sites, and these alignments are believed to be detectable due to an energy presence. A significant alignment passing through Warminster connects Somerset, Glastonbury, the Warminster area, and the Essex coast at West Mersea, mirroring UFO sighting alignments and Charles Fort's 'London Triangle'. The Warminster area is highlighted as a concentration point for vehicle interference cases, UFO sightings, and crop circle formations.

The Energy Connection?

It is proposed that crop circle events are found on detectable energy lines. The presence of an energy source, potentially a varying magnetic force, is suggested as a common link between UFO sightings, interference effects, strange phenomena, and crop circle formations. The coincidence of these events following similar lines is considered too significant to be chance.

UFO Sightings and Ancient Sites

Energy present at ancient sites in Britain is also suggested to be detectable, potentially explaining the placement of these sites along noted alignments. Megalithic sites, particularly those containing quartz, are mentioned for their ability to hold and produce electric charges, with Wiltshire having a high concentration of such sites. The possibility of UFO sightings, interference effects, ancient sites, and crop circle formations all being linked by a form of energy is presented as a real possibility.

The 'Best System' vs. Lie Detectors

Lucy Pringle clarifies the difference between the 'Best System' and lie detector tests. The 'Best System', developed by Dr. Reinhold Voll and refined by Jim Clark, measures electrical energy at acupuncture points using a logarithmic scale and a library of 30,000 electronic signatures. It transmits selective frequencies to identify specific substance signatures (e.g., thyroid). Lie detector tests, conversely, measure skin resistance affected by perspiration, which is an emotional/psychological reaction to questions, not a biological energy signature.

African Fairy Circles and Australian Grass Circles

Martin Newman explores the phenomenon of 'fairy circles' in Namibia and Australian grass circles, suggesting they may be related to crop circles. He posits that a massive U-bend-like structure rises from a crop circle formation, returning to the planet miles away as a sterile, dead circle (fairy circle). This is compared to magnetic U-bend pipes seen in solar flare imagery. He suggests that these phenomena are linked by earth forces and ley lines, and that matching pairs of crop circles and fairy circles might be possible by observing distance and direction.

Hoaxers and the Psyche

Ray Cox examines the role of crop circle hoaxers from a psychosocial perspective. He notes that hoaxers, despite their anonymity, are an integral part of the phenomenon and contribute to its self-propagation. He discusses how pure science encounters limitations when studying such subjects, leading to offshoots like the study of subtle energies or the connection between circles and the human mind. The article suggests that while science may ignore the paranormal, it remains a significant aspect of human experience. Hoaxers are seen as tainting the paranormal, hindering serious study, and ironically assisting both rationalism and a magical worldview. The article concludes that the mystery of the circles has magical properties that have been largely ignored by scientists and rationalists.

Proclamation Initiative

John Sayer reports on the 'Proclamation Initiative', a statement of intent for open and honest crop circle research. The initiative has faced backlash, with critics using terms like 'self-elected elite' and 'hidden agenda'. The article encourages readers to investigate the Proclamation for themselves.

Photo Gallery 2004 (Part 1)

This section features photographs of crop circle formations from various locations in the UK, including Alton Priors, Telegraph Hill, Ports Down, and Broadbury Banks, with dates and photographers credited.

Nexus Magazine Advertisement

An advertisement for Nexus Magazine describes it as a publication covering science, health, politics, and the paranormal, available six times a year. Contact details and subscription information are provided.

Crop Circle Merchandise

This section lists various merchandise related to crop circles, including books by Lucy Pringle, postcards, mugs, pens, posters, a cartoon book, a jigsaw puzzle, a calendar, magic cubes, pendants, and photographs. Ordering information and prices are included.

CCCS Contacts

This section provides contact details for regional representatives of the Centre for Crop Circle Studies (CCCS) across the UK and internationally, along with information on annual membership rates and how to make payments.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the interconnectedness of unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs and crop circles, with a focus on underlying energy sources and alignments. There is an exploration of scientific methodologies, contrasting empirical approaches with more esoteric or psychological interpretations. The magazine appears to adopt a stance of open inquiry, presenting various theories and reports while encouraging readers to form their own conclusions, as exemplified by the discussion of the 'Proclamation Initiative'. The editorial stance seems to be one of investigating the paranormal and unexplained, acknowledging its complexities and the challenges in achieving mainstream scientific acceptance.