CISU Sicilia - No 13 - aprile 2003

Magazine Overview

Title: CISU SICILIA
Issue: Numero 13
Date: Aprile 2003
Publisher: Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici
Country: Italy
Language: Italian

This special issue of CISU Sicilia, a regional bulletin from the Italian Center for Ufological Studies, is dedicated entirely to the phenomenon of crop circles. The cover prominently features the headline "Speciale CROP CIRCLES" alongside images of various crop circle formations.

Editorial: L'Avvocato del Diavolo (The Devil's Advocate)

The editorial, written by Antonio Blanco, Coordinator of CISU Sicilia, introduces the special issue as a deep dive into one of the most intriguing para-ufological mysteries of the late 20th century. Blanco notes the historical association between crop circles and UFOs, initially based on similarities to alleged landing traces. He highlights the recent support for this connection through sightings of 'Balls of Light' (BOL), though acknowledging the controversial nature of the evidence. The editorial also addresses the possibility of human origin, questioning the sophisticated techniques required to create the complex patterns, referencing the idea of a 'great intelligence' mentioned by Sebastiano Pernice. Blanco mentions the skeptical stance of CICAP (Italian Committee for the Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal), which attributes crop circles to human 'artistic' creations. He discusses the 'circlemakers' who openly admit to creating some formations, even sharing techniques online, but also paradoxically contribute to the mystery by suggesting certain locations possess energies that can produce healing effects or even alien contact experiences. Blanco concludes by stating CISU's official neutrality on the phenomenon, allowing individual members freedom of thought, and expresses a personal view that the 'human-made' explanation is too categorical without further in-depth analysis.

Delfini e cerchi nel grano: Il mistero dei crop circles (Dolphins and crop circles: The mystery of crop circles)

This article, by Sebastiano Pernice, explores the broader concept of communication across different intelligences, using dolphins as an example of a species with a complex communication system that remains largely mysterious to humans. Pernice draws parallels between human attempts to communicate through symbols (like space probes) and the potential for crop circles to be a form of communication from non-human intelligences. He discusses the scientific efforts to understand dolphin communication, including experiments with artificial languages and symbols. The article then transitions to crop circles, posing them as a potential 'message' or symbol from other cosmic intelligences, questioning if they are 'drawings' or 'symbols' sent by beings we cannot yet interpret. Pernice emphasizes that while many crop circles are complex and geometrically precise, making natural explanations unlikely, their origin and meaning remain a profound mystery.

ALCUNI DEI PIÙ NOTI CASI DI "CROP CIRCLES" (Some of the most famous "Crop Circle" cases)

This section provides a detailed list of notable crop circle formations that have appeared over the years, primarily in England, but also mentioning cases in the USA, Germany, and Australia. Each entry includes the location, date, and a brief description of the formation's characteristics. Examples include:

• Wiltshire Beckhampton, 1991: Dolphin shape with two circles, reportedly associated with unusual radionuclides.
• Barbury Castle, 16/7/91: Dubbed 'the mother of all Pictograms,' it contained mathematical constants and was linked to esoteric symbols.
• Barton Le Clay, 1996: Formation spelling 'OMO'.
• Wiltshire, 17/6/96: A double helix shape made of 89 circles.
• Windmill Hill, 29/6/96: 189 circles in a spiral.
• Near Stonehenge, 7/7/96: A spiral following the 'golden spiral'.
• Alton Barnes, 11/7/97: A grid of arcs from a central circle.
• Milk Hill, 8/8/97: A six-pointed fractal.
• Between Devises and Avebury, 13/7/97: A five-pointed star within a crown.
• Elhen (Germany), 28/7/97: A labyrinth.

The article also lists numerous other cases from 1999 to 2001, describing their intricate geometric designs, such as stars, spirals, and complex patterns resembling spiderwebs or fractals. It notes that these formations often appear between June and October, during the dark hours, and are sometimes accompanied by a crackling sound.

Theories and Hypotheses

This section delves into various theories attempting to explain the origin and nature of crop circles:

• Human Creation: The article acknowledges that many crop circles are created by 'circlemakers' who often operate at night and use tools like ropes and planks. However, it questions whether simple tools can account for the extreme complexity and precision of some formations. The article also mentions instances where alleged 'fake' crop circles were created to debunk the mystery, but notes that these were often simpler and less sophisticated than the genuine ones.
• Natural Phenomena: While initially considered, natural explanations like lightning, whirlwinds, or plasma are largely dismissed due to the intricate geometric designs and the lack of physical damage to the plants (stems are bent, not broken).
• Electromagnetic and Energy Fields: Several researchers suggest that crop circles are related to electromagnetic fields or unusual energy phenomena. Studies have reported higher magnetic field readings within crop circles compared to surrounding areas. Some theories propose that these formations are created by 'solid light' or energy fields that bend plant stems without breaking them.
• Sound Vibrations: Freddy Silva's research suggests that sound vibrations, particularly those related to specific frequencies, can create geometric patterns, drawing parallels with experiments on the effects of sound on water and other substances.
• Intelligent Non-Human Origin: This is a central theme. The possibility of crop circles being messages from extraterrestrial intelligences or other advanced beings is explored. The precision, complexity, and sometimes symbolic nature of the formations are seen as evidence of a deliberate, intelligent design. The article mentions the idea of 'intelligent energy' or 'great intelligence' behind the phenomenon.
• Geomagnetic Lines: Some theories suggest that crop circles appear over geomagnetic lines, similar to locations like Stonehenge.
• Mathematical and Scientific Symbols: The geometric precision and recurring mathematical ratios (like the golden ratio and Fibonacci sequence) found in crop circles lead some to believe they are scientific or mathematical messages.
• Planetary Communication: A more esoteric theory suggests that crop circles are a form of communication from the Earth itself ('Gaia'), indicating distress or a message about its health.
• Interdimensional or Parallel Universe Beings: Some hypotheses propose that the creators are inhabitants of parallel universes or ancient civilizations.

Documented Research and Observations

The article cites various researchers and their findings:

• Freddy Silva: Highlights the bent, non-broken stems and the presence of meteoritic iron in some crop circles, suggesting a plasma vortex. He also notes that animals tend to avoid areas with crop circles.
• W.C. Levengood: Observed changes in the genetic structure of plant seeds and the presence of meteoritic iron, suggesting a plasma vortex.
• Michael Hesemann: Points out that in fake crop circles, the stems are broken, not bent.
• Gerald Hawkins: Proposed that the geometric proportions of crop circles express complex mathematical equations, potentially related to four new theorems and a general formula.
• T. Roy Dutton: Noted that the spiral arrangement of stems corresponds to precise mathematical models and the golden ratio, suggesting they might be created by a scanner-like technology.
• Colin Andrews: Researched magnetic signatures within crop circles.
• Hans Jenny: His experiments demonstrated how sound vibrations create geometric patterns.

Debunking and Skepticism

The article addresses the 'circlemaker' phenomenon, where individuals or groups claim responsibility for creating crop circles. It mentions experiments, like one conducted by Prof. Garlaschelli of CICAP, to demonstrate how crop circles can be made using simple tools. However, the article contrasts these simpler, often flawed, human-made examples with the complexity and sophistication of many genuine formations, questioning if these 'artists' could truly replicate the most intricate designs. The case of Jim Dilettoso, who allegedly created a complex crop circle in a short time, is presented, but the article notes his reputation for analysis is not highly regarded.

Notable Cases and Details

• Milk Hill, 13/8/01: Described as a 'stunning explosion of circles' with a magnificent geometric sense of connection.
• Hampshire, 19/8/01: A formation resembling a 'face'.
• Hampshire, 19/8/01: A 'rectangle' formation with data in binary code.
• The 'Face' and 'Code' formations (August 2001): These are speculated to be a response to the message sent from the Arecibo radio telescope in 1974.
• Rockefeller Funding: The article mentions that Laurence Rockefeller funded a scientific study by the BLT group, which concluded that the phenomenon is not attributable to human work, except for clearly false formations. Key findings included microscopic evidence of 'bulges' likely caused by anomalous energy fields (microwaves).

Conclusion and Open Questions

The issue concludes by posing questions about the meaning and significance of crop circles. It wonders why mainstream media often downplays the phenomenon. Possible interpretations are offered: scientific symbols, star maps for astronomers, proof of alien visitation, religious symbols, or simply artistic expressions by 'new age' artists. The author, Sebastiano Pernice, states his conviction that behind crop circles lies a 'great intelligence'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes are the mystery of crop circles, their potential connection to UFOs and extraterrestrial intelligence, the debate between skeptical and open-minded viewpoints, and the exploration of complex geometric patterns as a form of communication. The editorial stance, as expressed by Antonio Blanco, is one of open inquiry, acknowledging the possibility of genuine unexplained phenomena and advocating for further in-depth research rather than premature dismissal.