CUFORG - Vol 2 No 38 - 1991 11-12

Magazine Overview

Title: Cambridge UFO Research Group Newsletter
Issue: No. 38
Date: November/December, 1991
Publisher: Cambridge UFO Research Group
Country: Canada

This issue of the Cambridge UFO Research Group Newsletter focuses on personal accounts of UFO encounters and alien abductions, alongside updates on the group's activities and featured speakers. The cover art depicts a stylized UFO hovering over a forest landscape.

Newsletter Content

Radio Poll and Personal Newsclipping Service

The newsletter opens with an account of a "Today's Poll" on UFOs hosted by Lisa Drew on CKGL and CHYM radio stations in Kitchener. The author was interviewed and reported that the overwhelming majority of respondents stated they believe in UFOs. The author also mentions maintaining a personal newsclipping service, receiving UFO articles from a retiree in Kitchener, some of which will be featured in future newsletters.

September Meeting: John Robert Columbo

The first meeting after the summer recess was held in September, featuring author John Robert Columbo as the guest speaker. Due to his busy schedule, the meeting was held in the Toronto area at the home of member Trudy Bauman. Columbo, known for his books such as "Mysterious Canada" and "UFO's Over Canada," discussed his methods of compiling data for his books. Also present was Dr. David Gotlib, a medical doctor and hypnotherapist who works with individuals experiencing distress from purported UFO abduction cases. These individuals are then referred to Columbo for recording their experiences. Columbo is reportedly working on a new book collecting 70 anecdotal cases and requests paranormal experiences from readers for potential inclusion.

September 28th Senior Citizens Day

On September 28th, the Cambridge area held a special Senior Citizens Day, where various groups set up displays. The Cambridge UFO Research Group manned a table, run by Don Teskey, which received a good public response and gathered information on interesting cases.

October Meeting: Abduction Experiences

The October meeting took place in the Hespeler arena. The guest speakers were Adrienne Smith and Winnifred Grace Barton from Campbellford, who had previously appeared on the Dini Petti Show and shared their UFO abduction experiences. They are part of a group called "The Golden Triangle UFO Club." A reporter from the local newspaper attended, and an article about the meeting is included. A notice for an event called "The UFO Factor" on October 19th at the Hespeler Arena is also present, featuring author Winifred G. Barton discussing how an alien meeting transformed her life in September 1973.

Personal Congratulations

A postscript congratulates two UFO members, MaryAnn Dlugosh and Ralph Hoeft, on their marriage on September 14th. They met at a Star Trek gathering and later at UFO meetings, with the newsletter suggesting the meetings helped bring them together.

"I was abducted by aliens" Article

A prominent article from "The Toronto Sun" dated October 30, 1991, by Dave Norris, details a presentation by Winnifred Barton to the Cambridge UFO Research Group. Barton, from Frankford, Ontario, recounted her alleged abduction by aliens 18 years prior, involving a "brain transplant." She believes there is a global conspiracy to cover up UFOs. Barton described how the RCMP interviewed her and advised her not to speak about her experience for two years, and that attempts to access her files were met with resistance. The report she received contained information on a metaphysical group called "I AM," which she had founded. She claimed government agencies accused her of spying and suggested she was responsible for an explosion. Barton stated the experience changed her life, and that the aliens communicated telepathically, urging her to change her way of life. She also reported regularly seeing other spaceships after the experience.

Winifred Grace Barton's Biography

A detailed biographical section on Winifred Grace Barton is included, listing her extensive literary works (books), magazine and article contributions (including to "Psi Magazine" and "The Atlantean Era"), lectures given worldwide, and television appearances (including her own show in Ottawa from 1971-1973). Her filmography and radio/television appearances are also listed, spanning from 1964 to 1982, with a note that major time was spent writing book series and directing the "I AM" Institute of Applied Metaphysics from 1971-1976. From 1979-1982, she engaged in extensive travel and interviews in the United States, Europe, and the Middle East, focusing on organizational work for a "new age matrix."

"Strange Encounters" by Nick H. Edwards

This section presents a "True Story" by Nick H. Edwards, dated May 20, 1988. Edwards shares his belief in celestial entities and aliens, describing recurring dreams of being with aliens in their cities and on Earth. He distinguishes between helpful and deceptive alien groups, suggesting some originated from an ancient celestial civilization and were involved in a rebellion with rebellious angels. He believes these aliens have broken God's law and Man's law. Edwards posits that the pyramids in Egypt were built by aliens, and that ancient sites like Peru's landing fields and Stonehenge are connected to alien visitors. He believes aliens have been coming to Earth since Adam and Eve, and that Earth was a faltering celestial kingdom that aliens are now helping to restore.

Personal Accounts of Encounters

Several personal accounts of UFO sightings and experiences are detailed:

• 1947-1948: As a child of four or five, the author experienced a sensation of drifting away from Earth into the heavens while looking at the stars.
• Summer 1952: At age nine, in Point Defiance Park, Tacoma, Washington, the author saw a yellowish-white light moving in the sky and observed small aliens.
• Childhood (8-15 years old): Multiple instances of experiencing an aura of light while walking home at night, sometimes feeling a trance-like state and conversing with an unseen entity.
• Early Fall 1952: While in the backyard with family, an object (UFO) was observed high in the sky.
• June 24th, 1947: A recollection of the Kenneth Arnold sighting of dazzling objects flying in formation over Mt. Rainier, Washington, traveling at approximately 1,600 miles per hour.
• Circa 1973: While delivering fuel in South Tacoma, Washington, the author and his 12-year-old nephew saw a silver metallic object (UFO) resembling a cylinder.
• Circa 1983-1984: A vivid dream of a large silver metallic disk hovering over houses, creating a sense of being watched.
• Circa 2-3 years ago: The author experienced a dream or reality of a dark alien figure entering his bedroom.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently promotes the reality of UFO phenomena and alien encounters, presenting personal testimonies and expert opinions without overt skepticism. There is a strong undercurrent of belief in government cover-ups and conspiracies related to UFOs. The publication also touches upon metaphysical concepts and spiritual interpretations of alien encounters, particularly through the contributions of Winnifred Barton and Nick H. Edwards. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry and validation of experiences that fall outside conventional scientific understanding, encouraging readers to share their own accounts. The group actively engages with the public through meetings, displays, and media interviews, aiming to disseminate information and foster a community of interest in the subject.

This issue of UFO Magazine, identified as Volume 8, Issue 10, published in May 1988, delves into a variety of UFO and alien encounter reports, interspersed with biblical interpretations of celestial beings and events. The magazine features personal accounts, dream analyses, and scriptural references to explore the nature of UFO phenomena and their potential origins.

Witness Accounts of Encounters

The issue presents several detailed accounts from individuals who claim to have encountered UFOs and aliens. One account, dated May 9, 1988, describes an encounter with a slender, four-foot-tall alien in a dark suit, observed floating in a backyard. The alien was seen to float upwards and away from the house without any visible spacecraft or noise. Another report details an experience from approximately twenty years prior, when the witness, living in University Place, Tacoma, observed a crescent-shaped spacecraft, about the size of a one-car garage, hovering over a neighbor's house. During this sighting, the witness felt unusual heat in his feet.

A significant narrative is the abduction experience of Nick H. Edwards on November 15, 1959, at the age of 16. While driving with two friends on old US 99, about 100 miles from Sacramento, California, their car was beamed up onto a large, bluish-white spacecraft. The friends were unconscious, unaware of the event. Edwards recounts being taken into a room resembling an operating room, where he underwent an examination by six aliens, described as 4 to 5 feet tall, with large eyes and dark gray suits. Communication was telepathic, and the aliens were expressive through their eyes and movements. The spacecraft was estimated to be fifty by thirty feet high.

Additional brief sightings are included: a white object described as egg-shaped, seen in a backyard around 1952 near Pt. Defiance Park, Tacoma; and a silver metallic, cigar-shaped object observed near Spanaway, Washington, around 1973.

Dream Analysis and Future Visions

Two recurring dreams are presented, which the witness likens to a videotape. In the first dream, the witness is on a hill observing a silver disk spacecraft with two alien beings. The aliens are described as about six feet tall, wearing brown flight suits, with dark complexions and hair. One alien gathers samples while the other interacts with the witness. The dream concludes with the aliens departing in their spacecraft.

The second dream involves the witness being taken aboard a silver metallic disk spacecraft. Inside, a three-dimensional screen displays billions of stars. The witness experiences extreme acceleration and a sense of drifting before the ship slows down. An alien explains they are going to a new world, similar to Earth but different. The witness sees the planet, described as bluish-green, and learns it has seven continents. The alien suggests that God will rebuild the Earth and that its history is nearing a conclusion.

Biblical Interpretations and Celestial Beings

A section titled "FROM THE BIBLE (KJV)" explores biblical passages related to rebellion in heaven, the casting out of the devil (Lucifer) and one-third of the angels. The text questions the whereabouts of the other two-thirds of the angels, referencing verses from Genesis, Job, Matthew, Psalms, and Hebrews. It discusses the concept of "heavens" as plural and "celestial bodies" as stars, planets, comets, and asteroids. The scripture is interpreted to suggest that fallen angels may have tempted celestial beings on other planets throughout the universe. The issue also references Jeremiah's prophecy of flying chariots appearing as clouds and Revelation's description of the red dragon casting stars down to earth, linking these to potential extraterrestrial or spiritual entities.

Personal Reflections and Notary Acknowledgment

Nick H. Edwards provides a note about his experience, stating that he kept it a secret for many years and that it changed his life, leading to a period of drinking and difficulty. He eventually learned to live with the experience. The issue includes a notarized attestation by Nick H. Edwards on May 20, 1988, in Tacoma, Washington, acknowledging his authorship of the book "The Inevitable" and articles published in 1980. A letter from R. Leo Sprinkle, Ph.D., dated October 16, 1985, congratulates Nick on his UFO experience and attached manuscript, noting the similarity to other accounts and the conclusions drawn about their historical and scientific significance.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around personal UFO and alien encounter testimonies, the interpretation of these experiences through a spiritual or biblical lens, and the exploration of potential extraterrestrial or interdimensional origins for these phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one that validates and investigates such experiences, seeking connections between the unexplained and established religious or cosmological frameworks. The magazine encourages a broad view of possibilities, suggesting that UFO phenomena may be linked to ancient prophecies and celestial events described in religious texts.

Title: CUFORN BULLETIN
Issue: MAY-JUNE, 1991
Volume: 5
Publisher: Canadian UFO Research Network, Inc.
Country: Canada
Language: English

This issue of the CUFORN Bulletin focuses on UFO phenomena, including a report on the First World UFO Congress held in Tucson, Arizona, and various articles detailing UFO sightings, alien abductions, and related research.

First World UFO Congress Report

The main article, "Small Crowd Attended UFO Congress," details the author's experience as a speaker at the First World UFO Congress in Tucson, Arizona, from May 3 to 7, 1991. Hosted by Wendelle C. Stevens and Pasquale Marcattilio, the event was predicted to draw up to 500 people but received minimal media attention. The author, Larry Fenwick, was invited to speak about a reported CE2 near Ottawa, Ontario, which he believed to be a hoax. He presented his findings on this case, along with a California case and eight reports from Israel, including analysis of extra-terrestrial residue found near Haifa.

The congress was described as a combined contactee/abductee event rather than a purely research-oriented one, with many New Age attendees and vendors selling related items. The author notes several disappointing speeches, including one by Antonio Ribera, and highlights issues with speaker scheduling and the quality of audiotapes produced. The event also involved a logistical challenge when the venue had to move from the Hilton Hotel to the Holiday Inn Palo Verde Plaza due to a prior commitment.

Several individuals and organizations were mentioned in connection with the congress, including Jorge Martin, Vladimir Terziski, Robin Quail, Robert O. Dean, and Shirlé Klein-Carsh. The report also touches upon the difficulties of organizing such an event, such as the poor readability of identification cards and speakers exceeding their allotted time, leading to incomplete videotaping.

Nick Edwards' Interpretation of UFO Experiences

An article features the perspective of Nick Edwards, an abductee and UFO researcher, who offers a religious interpretation of his experiences. He suggests that 'greys' are aliens experimenting with genetic engineering to create a hybrid being. Edwards believes these aliens come from a civilization much older than ours and have broken God's and man's laws. He frames the phenomenon within a Christian context, referencing the Bible.

Letters and Correspondence

Included are letters exchanged between Nick Edwards and researchers Eddie Bullard and Mark Ian Birdsall. Bullard acknowledges Edwards' report, "Strange Encounters" and "The Inevitable," appreciating his thoughtful analysis of his experiences. Birdsall, Director of Research for YUFOS/QUEST, also found Edwards' transcript and comments interesting and honestly written, noting the controversial religious approach in his book "The Inevitable."

Strange Sightings in Cambridge

An article titled "Strange Sightings" highlights the work of Bonnie Wheeler and the UFO Research Group in Cambridge. Wheeler has spent 15 years investigating UFO claims, including recent reports of UFOs and two abduction cases. One case involved a woman who saw lights approaching and was subsequently taken aboard a craft for examination, experiencing symptoms similar to radiation poisoning. The article also mentions reports of strange circles appearing in local corn and tobacco fields, similar to those found in England. Wheeler describes the typical appearance of a UFO as a saucer shape with a dome on top, often with flashing lights.

Specific Cases and Research

Mass Abduction in Georgia

Clinical hypnotherapist Robin Quail presented a speech detailing the abduction of about 150 people from an office building in Georgia. The incident was marked by the discovery of 18 burned circles on the grass of the parking lot, suggesting UFOs landed and took the employees. The author expresses interest in further investigating whether hypnosis has revealed more details about this event.

Colonel Robert O. Dean's Testimony

U.S.A.F. Colonel Robert O. Dean (Retired) shared his experience at SHAPE headquarters in 1947, where he saw a NATO document indicating UFOs were extraterrestrial. He also revealed higher security levels, including 'Cosmic' and 'Darma Blue'.

Shirlé Klein-Carsh's 'Mission'

Shirlé Klein-Carsh presented two square gold plates with unusual writing, which she claims were given to her as part of a "mission" by alien beings. She identifies herself as a hybrid, a mixture of an ET and a human.

Christa Tilton's Abduction Experience

Christa Tilton described her abduction to an alien-U.S.A.F. joint underground base near Dulce, New Mexico. She reported seeing gray creatures, a room with switchboards, and military personnel warning individuals against investigating UFO cases.

Canadian UFO Case

A 1971 case investigated by CUFORN in St. Catharines, Ontario, involved three abductees and a threatening phone call with numbers being recited, which may corroborate the existence of the Dulce base.

Jorgé Martin's Presentation

Jorgé Martin presented evidence of abductions, genetic experimentation, and cattle mutilations in Puerto Rico, including photographs of a hybrid snake and bird.

Vladimir Terziski's Research

Vladimir Terziski discussed experimental saucers developed by German scientists during World War Two, suggesting they were based at the South Pole and flown by the U.S., implying they were alien-made.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, alien abductions, and the broader implications of these phenomena, including religious interpretations and potential government involvement. The CUFORN Bulletin appears to maintain a stance of investigating and reporting on these claims with a degree of skepticism, as seen in the analysis of the Ottawa crash-retrieval case, while also providing a platform for researchers and abductees to share their experiences and theories. The publication seems committed to documenting UFO-related events and fostering discussion within the UFO community.

This issue of the CUFORN Bulletin, dated May-June 1991, delves into various aspects of the UFO phenomenon, featuring reports from conferences, personal accounts of abductions, and detailed investigations into alleged alien encounters and retrievals. The publication aims to explore the UFO mystery from multiple perspectives, including scientific, personal, and potentially governmental.

Conference Reports and Personal Accounts

The bulletin begins with a continuation of reports from a conference in Puerto Rico, highlighting a speech by Jorge Martin on major UFO events in the region. Judy Doraty, an abductee, also shared her experience, including witnessing a cow mutilation aboard a UFO. Linda Moulton Howe introduced Doraty. Anthony Dodd presented on a UFO crash-retrieval case in South Africa, noting that the case was complicated by a con artist named Von Gruenen, as well as others trying to profit from it. Pat Weissleader recounted her abduction experience at age 18, which resulted in the production of a hybrid alien/human child. She also described an encounter with a being that had dog-like hair and floppy ears. Other speakers at the event included Michael Hesseman and Enrique Castillo-Roncon, though their contributions were noted as not offering new information. The final speaker, Omnec Onec, was dismissed as not being from Venus as claimed.

The Tau Ceti Connection

The article "The Tau Ceti Connection" by Forest Crawford details a remarkable alleged encounter and retrieval. The narrative begins with a description of a strange breakfast and mobilization for an assignment involving "shooting the tubes" to an unknown location. The author, identified as part of an O.S.S. team, was involved in the retrieval of a disc-shaped craft that had crashed near Phoenix, Arizona, and was moved to a North Dakota base. Two dead alien bodies, victims of radiation exposure, were found. The craft itself was made of a smooth, seamless metal and featured consoles with strange symbols. Inside, the author encountered a conscious alien, referred to as "Hank," who communicated telepathically. Hank was injured and in pain, and the author felt compassion for him. Professor Bear, the chief scientist, identified a star map within the craft that might indicate Hank's origin. The operation was overseen by Frank Drake, and the project was codenamed "Project OSMA." The article suggests that Hank was subjected to medical experiments, including spinal taps and exploratory surgery, without anesthesia. Oscar, a witness from rural Missouri, became involved in this case after being contacted through Stanton T. Friedman. Oscar's account, which he claims is not fiction, details his involvement in protecting Hank from further torture, leading to his own incarceration and debriefing. Oscar's military background necessitated the use of the alias "Bill." The article also touches upon the possibility of time/space windows and tunnels connecting various locations, including California, North Dakota, and Washington D.C. Oscar claims the Tau Cetians, his people, are white aliens who are working against "bug people" (described as parasitic and plant-like) who are abducting humans and children. He believes the Tau Cetians are here to help humanity.

Interview with Budd Hopkins

An interview with Budd Hopkins, author of "Missing Time," explores his views on UFOs and alien contact. Hopkins defines paranormal phenomena as legitimate but not yet understood. He discusses telepathic communication as central to contactees' experiences and suggests alien interest might be driven by genetic curiosity or a need for human emotions and parental love. He dismisses the idea of "good" versus "bad" aliens, likening it to a child's simplistic understanding of adults. Hopkins states that the government is suppressing information on UFOs, citing the Roswell crash as strong evidence. He focuses on civilian contactees and finds unusual events like missing time and unexplained effects to be of interest, advocating for the study of cases separately.

The Strange Tale of Elaine Potter

This section recounts the "Strange Tale of Elaine Potter," detailing unusual atmospheric phenomena observed on September 10, 1990, in Springfield, Missouri. Elaine and her companion, Garrell Hearndon, witnessed rhythmic flashing lights and a pulsating, "synthesizer-like" sound, which a neighbor described as sounding like loud rock music. Elaine speculates this event might be related to the suicide of her hypnotherapist, who had previously regressed her brother and uncovered a UFO abduction memory. The article also mentions an earlier unusual thunderstorm on July 4, 1989, experienced by Elaine and the hypnotherapist. Elaine describes feeling a "guardian angel" during that period. The narrative also references a 1968 sighting of a triangle of lights splitting apart, which Elaine's brother remembers. The article questions whether these events are UFO-related or simply unusual Missouri weather, noting Elaine's profession as a herbalist and her companion's matter-of-fact demeanor.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include alien abduction, UFO crash retrievals, telepathic communication, and the possibility of government suppression of UFO information. The articles present a range of perspectives, from personal testimonies to detailed investigations and interviews with prominent figures in the UFO research community. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging readers to consider the data without pre-judgment, as exemplified by Forest Crawford's concluding remarks. The bulletin consistently explores the more sensational and mysterious aspects of UFOlogy, including alleged hybrid alien offspring and encounters with extraterrestrial beings from distant star systems like Tau Ceti.

Title: The Cereologist
Issue: Number 1, Summer 1990
Publisher: The Cereologist
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of The Cereologist, a journal for crop circle studies, focuses on the "New Wonders in the Cornfields" of 1990, a year that saw an unprecedented increase in the number and complexity of crop circle formations. The magazine explores various theories, from meteorological phenomena to intelligent design, and highlights the growing interest from government agencies, mystics, and experts.

Could Strange Space Object Be From 'Bermuda Triangle'?

This article, presented as an exclusive to The SPOTLIGHT, investigates the theory of Wes Bateman, a private researcher, who suggests that a UFO sighted by the Apollo 11 astronauts en route to the moon in 1969 might be a missing U.S. Navy TBM aircraft from the infamous Bermuda Triangle incident of December 5, 1945. The incident involved the disappearance of five TBM planes and a Martin Mariner aircraft, with the last radio transmissions indicating confusion and entering "white water."

Bateman's hypothesis is based on a poor-quality photograph of the Apollo 11 UFO, which he claims bears a resemblance to a TBM Avenger aircraft shrouded in ice. He points to the fact that the TBM is approximately the same length as the reported size of the UFO. Nolan Luftus, who was in Mission Control during the Apollo 11 flight, recalled that the unidentified object was at an altitude of about 6,000 miles, and that the crew initially mistook it for their discarded booster rocket, which was confirmed to be 6,000 miles away.

NASA officially declared the Apollo 11 UFO to be a formation of ice, but Bateman questions why only one photograph has been widely circulated and why NASA has not released other photographic material for analysis. He also highlights the fact that all five planes in the Bermuda Triangle incident malfunctioned simultaneously and that the flight leader, Charles C. Taylor, did not comply with requests to switch to the emergency frequency.

The Inference Explorer: Life in Space

This section, dated January 25, 1990, discusses the search for extraterrestrial life. It suggests that while radiotelescopes are a common method, analyzing UFO data could be a less expensive alternative, though likely to be rejected by mainstream radio astronomers. Experts propose a broad exploration of radio frequencies, assuming that other civilizations have discovered similar electromagnetic principles. The article notes that other stars are much older than our sun, implying that advanced civilizations may have already solved ecological and sociological problems, potentially offering valuable knowledge to Earth.

New Wonders in the Cornfields

This feature from The Cereologist details the extraordinary crop circle events of 1990. The year saw a significant increase in formations, with new, larger, and more complex designs appearing. The article notes that scientists and government agencies are actively researching the phenomenon. The Koestler Foundation has offered a £5,000 prize for solving the crop circle mystery.

Dr. Terence Meaden, a meteorologist, believes crop circles are caused by natural atmospheric forces, a theory challenged by the appearance of 'pictographs' and formations with rectangular features, such as a circle surrounded by three concentric rings that later gained a fourth outer ring. The article suggests that the complexity of these formations leads many cereologists to conclude that some form of intelligence is involved.

Notable formations include the Alton Barnes pictograph, featuring six aligned circles, two of them ringed, which Charles d'Orban of the School of African and Oriental Studies interpreted as ancient Sumerian script. Philip Eden, a weather expert, recognized the symbols as similar to weather charts, concluding that "whoever or whatever drew these patterns certainly knows about meteorology."

The Sunday Mirror later offered £10,000 for a solution, with Archie Roy and Terence Meaden as judges.

Editorial Notes: An Introduction to this Journal

This section introduces The Cereologist and the newly formed Centre for Crop Circle Studies (CCCS). The journal aims to remain neutral in the debates surrounding crop circle causes, welcoming diverse viewpoints. The CCCS, with Professor Archie Roy as president and Michael Green as chairman, intends to encourage research, facilitate communication among researchers, and publish scientific assessments. Ralph Noyes, a former civil servant and Fortean writer, serves as the honorary secretary.

The article highlights the challenge of reporting on crop circle events without attracting unwanted attention from the public, which can disturb farmers. A Code of Practice for inspecting circles on private land has been issued.

The 1990 Pictograms

This article by George Wingfield focuses on the "pictogram" crop circle formations that emerged in 1990. The first pictogram, spotted near Chilcomb, resembled a dumb-bell with additional features. Subsequent formations, including those near Cheesefoot Head, displayed similar patterns, leading many cereologists to believe they were intelligently produced designs. The article describes how the formations appear to be created by a manipulated force-field, akin to a computer graphics plotter.

Dowsing: Lucy Pringle loses her pendulum

This piece describes the author's experience using a pendulum to investigate crop circles. The author found that the pendulum reacted strongly, sometimes violently, within the circles, even snapping its chain. The author notes that the energy seems to cease abruptly when moving outside the circle's influence.

The Background to 1990

George Wingfield outlines how predictions made in 1989 corresponded to the 1990 crop circle season. Communications from alleged entities predicted a "prodigious increase" in circles around Avebury and that the 1990 circles would be "different." This proved true with more complex patterns and formations appearing in new locations, including Scotland and Ireland. The article discusses the large "triple ringer" formations and other unique designs, questioning the idea that the concentration of circles in Wessex is merely due to researchers being present.

The Wessex Corridor & The 'W' Factor

Ralph Noyes recalls the early days of cereology, starting with crop circles near Westbury, Wiltshire, in 1980. He describes the emergence of the "Wessex Corridor" hypothesis, suggesting a line of circles pointing south-east, and later a "Wessex Triangle." The article notes how the 'W' hypothesis has been challenged by circles appearing in locations not beginning with 'W' and in Sussex. It also mentions the possibility of a multi-sided Wessex polygon and the search for older place-names to support the hypothesis. The author draws on "Personal Communications" (letters) and issues of Flying Saucer Review, and mentions an upcoming book, "The Crop Circle Enigma."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the mystery of crop circles, their potential connection to UFO phenomena and extraterrestrial intelligence, and the ongoing debate about their origins. The Cereologist positions itself as a journal that welcomes diverse theories and encourages open discussion, aiming to provide a platform for researchers and to foster communication within the cereology community, while remaining critical of unsubstantiated claims. The issue emphasizes the complexity of the crop circle phenomenon and the need for multi-disciplinary approaches, integrating scientific, artistic, and mystical insights.

This issue of The Cereologist focuses on the proceedings and implications of the First International Conference of the Circles-Effect held at Oxford on Saturday, June 23rd, 1990. The conference, chaired by Dr. Terence Meaden and organized by Dr. Derek Elsom of TORRO, aimed to explore Meaden's hypothesis that crop circles are formed by a 'Plasma Vortex,' an unrecognized atmospheric phenomenon with strong electrical and electromagnetic properties. The issue also delves into the folklore surrounding crop circles, exploring ancient traditions and mythological connections, and presents various theories attempting to explain their origin.

The Oxford Conference

Ralph Noyes reports on the Oxford Conference, highlighting Dr. Terence Meaden's persistent efforts to explain crop circles through his Plasma Vortex hypothesis. While acknowledging the technical contributions from scientists like Professor John Snow (USA) and Professors Kikuchi and Ohtsuki (Tokyo University), Noyes notes that visiting experts did not fully endorse Meaden's theory, suggesting it might be 'not inconsistent' with their own studies of atmospheric and ionization phenomena, rather than a definitive explanation. The conference proceedings are available from CERES.

A key question at the conference was whether an 'intelligence' was behind the crop circles. Meaden maintained his stance that 'blind forces' would eventually explain them. The issue notes the appearance of new, extraordinary patterns since May, with George Wingfield providing a brief summary elsewhere. Busty Taylor's spectacular video pictures of recent crop circles were a highlight for the lay audience.

Interestingly, the BUFORA (British UFO Research Association) concluded that 'UFO research in its own right is now dead and has become a part of meteorology,' a statement that surprised some long-time followers of the UFO phenomenon.

The conference concluded with an 'angry exchange' between the chair and Colin Andrews, who presented evidence of a crop circle that had 'grown' a fourth ring, which he argued was incompatible with a purely meteorological explanation. Meaden suggested hoax as a possible explanation, though CCCS possessed aerial photographs to the contrary.

Attendees seeking a definitive meteorological explanation left disappointed, but many were impressed by Meaden's courageous attempt to rationalize the phenomenon. The 'aberrant' forms shown by Busty Taylor were particularly memorable, leaving the impression that the case was far from closed.

Mercurius in the Cornfields

Patrick Harpur explores the philosophical and symbolic dimensions of crop circles, viewing them as manifestations of the 'Anima Mundi' (Soul of the World). He suggests that crop circles are evidence of this soul's return, acting as images of and from the soul, participating in a 'third realm' that is neither purely spiritual nor material. Harpur likens crop circles to lacunae in nature, windows onto the underworld, and symbols that are inexhaustible in meaning. He argues that they are like messengers from the gods, demanding to be heeded rather than understood. Crop circles are also seen as relations of UFOs, both originating from the 'middle realm of soul' and possessing a psychic reality that is both spirit and body.

Harpur connects crop circles to the concept of 'daimons' – intermediary beings in Neoplatonic thought, neither gods nor humans, but inhabitants of the middle realm. He suggests that these daimons, preferring to appear as persons, might be responsible for crop circles, perhaps as 'fairies' or 'mowing devils.' He criticizes the modern tendency to deny or demonize daimons, arguing that they return in new forms, such as abstract concepts in philosophy or phenomena like plasma vortices in science. He likens crop circles to 'hoaxes' that expose societal flaws and mock investigative methods, suggesting that Mercurius, the god of hoaxes, is involved.

He posits that crop circles are like the 'scars' by which the Soul of the World initiates itself into the mystery of the Earth, or like mandalas that attempt self-healing during a soul's crisis. They are also seen as symbols that connect the depths to the surface and the surface to the heights, mediating between the sky and underworld. Harpur concludes that understanding crop circles requires listening to our 'daimons' and demons, and that their tricks may stop at crop circles, praying for an end to their more sinister manifestations.

The Wansdyke Watch

John Haddington recounts his experience organizing a crop watch in the Avebury area in June 1990, inspired by a previous White Crow watch. The objective was to record the process of crop circle formation. The watch base was established on the Downs below Wansdyke, chosen for its remoteness and productivity of crop circles. Haddington negotiated with local farmers, David Read and David Hues, who provided access and even a mobile home.

The watch involved volunteers and daily meditations aimed at centering themselves and connecting with the 'Circle Makers.' Tape recorders were placed along a fence in the hope of capturing any phenomena. During a meditation on Monday night, participants experienced a serene atmosphere. Later, George Wingfield and Haddington observed lights playing along Wansdyke.

On Tuesday morning, Michael Cox and Anna Scott played back a tape recording from the previous night, capturing a 'strange and beautiful trilling noise' that none of the participants had heard during the meditation. This sound was described as loud on the tape but barely audible in person.

To amuse themselves, Michael Cox, Anna Scott, Jay Green, Jane Bertram, and Haddington visited crop circles near Bishops Canning. They noted that the circles were larger and had narrower rings than in previous years. One circle, approximately 200 feet in diameter, had three rings, and a month later a fourth ring was added, increasing its circumference to 900 feet. The precision of these rings was remarkable.

Busty Taylor's 'Giant Circle' from May 19th proved difficult to locate from the ground. A helicopter flight revealed an extra ring, which Haddington considered strong evidence against the plasma vortex theory. The issue of 'black rod-like things' jumping above the crop was also noted, with photographs taken by Busty Taylor three years prior showing these unexplained phenomena.

On Thursday night, a channelling session was held, led by Rita Goold, whose entity claimed to be a 'circle maker' but refused to give its name. The entity expressed anger towards those who created hoaxed circles.

Later that night, participants heard the 'Sound' again, accompanied by visible lights in the field. The black rods were also seen by everyone, even after the sound had faded. Michael Cox attempted to record the sound but was overwhelmed by nausea. The sound was described as having a beautiful, high-pitched, bell-like quality that did not translate well to tape, with a harsh static-like noise presumably from energy discharge.

Haddington expresses gratitude to the landowners and volunteers, concluding that while they did not witness a circle forming, the observed phenomena were strongly associated with crop circle creation.

Down Among the Explainers

John Michell critically examines various explanations for crop circles, contrasting 'explanationism' with the 'cereological theorists.' He begins by referencing Charles Fort's observation that explanations themselves require explanation, suggesting that the modern demand for explanations can obscure reality.

Michell categorizes explainers into several types:

• Something natural in the atmosphere: This approach focuses on one aspect of the phenomenon and fits a theory to it, often ignoring contradictory evidence. Dr. Meaden is cited as an example, who, along with Paul Fuller, attributed circles to meteorological effects while dismissing rectangles as the work of 'mischievous hippies.'
• Fungus and fairy rings: Mr. Andrew Macara and Mr. Michael Hall proposed that a fungus weakened the corn, causing circles. However, they admitted to never having actually seen a crop circle.
• The Fairy Folk: John Haddington is presented as a proponent of the theory that fairies or nature-spirits are the circle makers, pointing to narrow rings and tiny pathways as evidence.
• Alien spacecraft: This theory, though out of fashion in Britain, is still held by some, including the Rev. Anthony C. Pike, who believes Wiltshire circles are caused by alien spacecraft.
• It is all a hoax: Dr. David J. Fisher of UK Skeptics is presented as a staunch upholder of the hoax theory, arguing that all crop circles could be made by tricksters, possibly using a 'giant comb-like farm implement.'

Michell concludes that the diversity of explanations suggests the crop circle phenomenon remains a total mystery.

Book Reviews

This section reviews three books published in June of the previous year:

• Circular Evidence by Pat Delgado and Colin Andrews: Described as a 'best-seller,' this book is praised for its attractive design and magnificent aerial photographs of crop circles, illustrating their artistic beauty. The authors postulate an unknown, benign intelligence behind the markings. However, the review notes defects such as the lack of an index and maps, and inadequate credit for photographs, particularly Busty Taylor's contributions.

• The Circles Effect and its Mysteries by George Terence Meaden: This book by the founder of TORRO is considered valuable by cereologists. Meaden, an expert on atmospheric vortices, explains crop circles as caused by an unknown type of atmospheric vortex. His earlier theory of 'fair-weather whirlwinds' was abandoned due to increasing complexity. His current theory involves an electrically-active plasma vortex, unrecognized by science. The review points out that Meaden's 'hypothetical plasma vortex' lacks demonstrable reality and that his data draws from ufology, where non-human intelligence is prominent. The review also mentions Paul Devereaux's work challenging mechanistic models of atmospheric lights.

• Controversy of the Circles by Paul Fuller and Jenny Randles (BUFORA): This 'stapled booklet' is described as a 'poor production' with an 'aggressively unattractive' appearance and style. Despite Fuller and Randles being experienced ufologists, the review finds the work below their usual standards. The opening chapter by Jenny Randles, detailing the history of crop circles from 1980, is deemed useful, crediting Ian Mrzyglod for alerting Meaden to the phenomenon. The review notes the division between meteorological and extraterrestrial explanations from the outset. A survey by BUFORA and TORRO in 1986 found that most farmers suspected hoaxes. The review highlights an irony: Meaden's interest in UFOs and luminous phenomena, while his ufologist followers seem determined to dissociate UFOs from crop circles. Fuller's assertion that the mystery is solved by meteorology is called 'dogmatic.' The review suggests that Fuller and Randles might be barking up the wrong tree by denying the novelty of the phenomenon and its preference for Wiltshire.

Folklore

This section explores the historical and folkloric roots of crop circles, suggesting that while officially recorded from 1980, certain traditions hint at their earlier occurrence. The issue features a 17th-century woodcut illustrating Robin Goodfellow, a mischievous spirit associated with pranks and dancing in circles marked by trampled grass. The woodcut is interpreted as an allegorical depiction of a modern crop circle event, with elements like the fairy circle dance, Robin Goodfellow's appearance, the lighted candle, pipe player, and broomstick all relating to crop circle phenomena.

The article mentions John Aubrey, a 17th-century antiquarian, who documented stories of fairy dancing places, often associated with 'fairy rings' of dark green grass caused by fungus. However, a few stories describe crushed grass circles, suggesting a connection to crop circles. The humming sound reported in fairy encounters is also noted as a common feature in modern crop circle investigations.

The section also discusses the 'Mowing Devil,' an alleged early record of a crop circle from a 1678 broadsheet. It describes a farmer's wish for the Devil to mow his oats, followed by a fiery light and daylight revealing the crop cut in 'round circles' with supernatural exactness. This event is presented as a potential parallel to modern crop circles, though it seems to have no parallel in the folklore record.

Flattened Corn Sold to Aeronauts

This section discusses illustrations from a children's book depicting a medieval weather magician and a young girl who pronounce ritual words as a storm bends the corn. The flattened corn is then harvested and sold to 'aeronauts' from the country of Magonia. These cartoons are based on an incident described in an 815 AD Latin text, 'De Grandine,' by Agobard, bishop of Lyons. The text discusses popular beliefs about weather magic and the potential danger of people arriving from 'spacecraft.' The article notes that Agobard's work aimed to counter such beliefs and integrate Christian doctrine.

Cerealia - a song

A song titled 'Cerealia' is presented, with lyrics that evoke imagery of ripe corn, fields, mysterious sounds, wind blowing in rings, and soaring birds. The song seems to draw parallels between the natural world, particularly cornfields, and a sense of mystery and wonder.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the mystery of crop circles and the various attempts to explain them. There is a clear tension between scientific, meteorological explanations (Meaden's Plasma Vortex) and more esoteric or folkloric interpretations (fairies, daimons, Anima Mundi). The issue also highlights the ongoing debate between those who believe in intelligent design or unknown forces and those who advocate for hoaxes or natural phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting different viewpoints without definitively endorsing any single theory, while acknowledging the limitations of purely scientific explanations and the enduring appeal of mystery and symbolism in understanding crop circles.

Title: The Cereologist
Issue: Number One, Summer 1990
Publisher: The Cereologist
Country: UK
Language: English
Price: £2.50

This issue of The Cereologist focuses heavily on the crop circle phenomenon, presenting it as a subject of serious investigation and public fascination. It includes a letter from Bob Rickard, Editor of Fortean Times, offering his thoughts on the topic, and announcements from the Centre for Crop Circle Studies (CCCS), including details of their lectures and affiliations.

Letter from Bob Rickard: What Would Charles Fort Have Said?

Bob Rickard, Editor of Fortean Times, congratulates the new journal on its launch and expresses his interest in the crop circle phenomenon. He poses the intriguing question of whether crop circles display signs of an intelligence behind them, a topic that has already divided opinion. Rickard notes that the power affecting the plants seems tempered, with stalks being bent rather than crushed, suggesting a careful, possibly intelligent, force at work. He calls for more data and discussion, particularly regarding the temporal progression of circle patterns to establish if there's an evolution in complexity, which would support the idea of intelligent design.

Rickard draws a parallel between crop circles and Charles Fort's observations of petroglyphs, such as cup and ring marks, which Fort speculated were 'symbols of communication' from an 'external origin'. He dramatizes Fort's speculation about 'Lost Explorers' sending messages. Rickard proposes that the 'external' origin might not necessarily be extraterrestrial but could be Gaia, the planetary entity, communicating with humanity about the environmental catastrophes it faces. He suggests that the symbols used in crop circles are appropriate for conveying complexity and the cycle of life, and their increasing frequency implies urgency, a message to resolve created problems.

He likens the phenomenon to a message in a dream, transferred to everyday existence, and suggests that the process by which these symbols are incorporated into the landscape may never be fully understood by science. Rickard connects crop circles to other mysterious phenomena that fascinate Forteans, such as falls of animals, poltergeist activity, and natural simulacra.

Book Promotion: Circular Evidence

The issue features a prominent advertisement for the book "Circular Evidence" by Pat Delgado and Colin Andrews, described as a detailed investigation of the crop circle phenomenon and a sensational bestseller now out in paperback. The advertisement includes positive quotes from John Michell in The Spectator and Ralph Noyes in Country Life, praising the book's beautiful illustrations and scientific approach. A Bloomsbury Publishing order form is provided.

Announcements and CCCS Activities

The Centre for Crop Circle Studies (CCCS) is actively seeking cooperation with existing research groups, offering them the opportunity to become local branches or affiliated entities. Several groups have already become affiliates, including Dr. G. Terence Meaden's Circles Effect Research (CERES), Mr. Alan Rayner's Swindon & Marlborough Crop Circle Monitoring Group, Mr. John East's group in Oxfordshire, The Fountain Group, and The College of Psychic Studies.

CCCS is also planning a series of lectures on the crop circle problem, to be held at the Meeting Room, Kensington Central Library, on the first Friday of each month starting in autumn 1990. The first three lectures announced are:

• October 5, 1990: "THE CIRCLES IN 1990: An Overview" by F.C. Taylor & Richard Andrews.
• November 2, 1990: "THE CIRCLES: Is there a metaphysical dimension?" by Isabelle Kingston.
• December 7, 1990: "CIRCLE RESEARCH: The way forward in 1991." by Prof. Archie Roy.

A lecture by Richard Andrews of CCCS on "Dowsing the Corn Circles" is also announced for Wednesday, September 19, 1990, at The Geological Society.

Other Mentions

The issue also thanks various individuals and organizations for their support, including Richard Beaumont for designing stationery and handling enquiries, Country Life for publicity, and the K.F. Ault Data Bureau for computer record advice. A list of generous cash donors to CCCS is also included.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this issue is the investigation of crop circles, with a strong emphasis on exploring the possibility of an intelligent source behind their formation. The editorial stance, particularly through Bob Rickard's letter, leans towards a thoughtful, open-minded approach that considers unconventional explanations, including the idea of planetary communication. The CCCS's activities highlight a structured, collaborative effort to research and disseminate information about crop circles, aiming to foster a community of interest and study.