SubRosa Issue5-Spread

Magazine Overview

Title: SUB ROSA
Issue: Five
Date: June 2006
Publisher: The Daily Grail Presents
Tagline: Where Science And Magic, Myth And History Meet

This issue of Sub Rosa magazine presents a diverse collection of articles exploring mysteries at the intersection of science, magic, myth, and history. The editorial highlights the quality of contributors, including leading figures in parapsychology research and alternative history.

Editorial

Greg Taylor, the editor, expresses his amazement at the caliber of contributors, noting the inclusion of prominent figures like Graham Hancock, Jacques Vallee, and Alex Grey in past issues, and continuing this trend with experts in parapsychology, alternative history, and new thought. He introduces Dr. Dean Radin, a key figure in psi research, and highlights articles by Lynn Picknett and Clive Prince on the Da Vinci mania and the Priory of Sion, and Daniel Pinchbeck's work on topics ranging from crop circles to consciousness. Taylor also mentions Laurence Newnam's DVD "CircleSpeak" and his article about its creation, acknowledging the potential for accusations of pandering but defending the quality and relevance of the content.

Contents

The magazine features a range of sections including Editorial, News, Columns, Features, Reviews, and a Crystal Ball section. Key articles include:

• Columns: Greg Taylor on SETI and CSICOP, Ian Lawton on the state of the alternative scene, and Michael Grosso on a mystery at Medjugorje.
• Features: "Misinformation & Misdirection" by Lynn Picknett & Clive Prince, "Untangling the Mind of Dean Radin" by Daniel Pinchbeck, and "Sacrificing Belief" by Daniel Pinchbeck.
• Cover Story: "Crop Circle Confidential: The Making of a Crop Circle Documentary" by Laurence Newnam.
• Profiler: Edgar Mitchell and the Institute of Noetic Sciences.

News

British MoD releases UFO report: The UK's Ministry of Defence has declassified a secret UFO report, Project Condign, which examined UFO encounters over 30 years. The report attributes phenomena to plasma, suggesting it can cause psychological effects and even physical burns. It dismisses extraterrestrial explanations but acknowledges that Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAPs) can exhibit aerodynamic characteristics beyond known aircraft.

Native American art records celestial event?: Petroglyphs depicting a scorpion and an eight-pointed star in Arizona may record the supernova of AD 1006, which appeared in the constellation Scorpius. Astronomer John Barentine suggests this could be the oldest known record of this event in the Americas.

Tripping the Lights Fantastic: Virgin Galactic to offer Aurora Borealis flights: Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic plans to offer flights into the aurora borealis starting in 2008 or 2009, aiming to provide a unique experience beyond the edge of space.

News Briefs: This section covers various brief news items, including the generation of ball lightning in the laboratory, a theory that cosmic radiation influenced human evolution, the role of supernovae in creating elements, a potential Alzheimer's disease preventative found in seafood, an optical illusion in a Roman mosaic, and the filming of a coelacanth fish off Indonesia.

UN to Investigate Bosnian Pyramid: The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation will send a team of archaeological experts to investigate the Bosnian pyramid story, despite skepticism from some archaeologists.

Stonehenge in the Amazon: Archaeologists have discovered a megalithic stone circle in northern Brazil, believed to be up to 2000 years old and possibly serving as an astrological observatory.

Ancient Peruvian Calendar: A prehistoric calendar, over 4000 years old, has been discovered at the Temple of the Fox in Buena Vista, Peru. It features towering sculptures and is linked to astronomical alignments and celestial events.

Korea Builds Lifelike Android: Korean scientists have developed "Ever-1," a lifelike android capable of conversation, expressing basic emotions, and reacting to its environment.

News Briefs (Page 4): This section includes reports on methods to achieve invisibility, a priest leaving his post due to "The Da Vinci Code" hype, a family fighting for a pentacle on a gravestone, challenges for space elevator theories, music's role in easing chronic pain, the decoding of the Derveni Papyrus, and a possible past flip of Saturn's moon Enceladus.

Columns

SETI and CSICOP - Strange Bedfellows? (Greg Taylor): Taylor discusses an apparent alliance between the skeptical organization CSICOP and the SETI Institute. He notes that SETI's radio program "Are We Alone" has become increasingly focused on skeptical subjects, and that CSICOP commentators like James Randi have advocated for SETI. Taylor questions why SETI doesn't offer a prize for proof of alien intelligence and criticizes the organization's focus, suggesting it mirrors ethnocentric assumptions and overlooks other forms of potential contact, such as psychics and shamans. He concludes that while SETI's ideal is worthwhile, it should broaden its horizons and engage in dialogue with scientists who think outside the established paradigm.

Is it Just Me, or is the Alternative Scene St? (Ian Lawton):** Lawton expresses three main concerns about the alternative scene: "Elitist Bloodlines," questioning the fascination with hidden secrets and ancient relics; "Mind-Body-Spirit Books," critiquing the often "woolly, fluffy" nature of New Age self-help books; and "Esoteric Gurus," warning against relying solely on enlightened masters for wisdom and advocating for personal responsibility and intuition.

Musing on a Mystery at Medjugorje (Michael Grosso): Grosso explores the reported apparitions of the Virgin Mary at Medjugorje, noting that visionary events there seem to combine elements of UFO phenomena. He recounts observations of a massive, fluctuating geometric pattern of lights in the sky, described by witnesses as UFO-like. Grosso raises questions about whether outer space or inter-dimensional technology could be involved in mass spiritual conversion and how such phenomena might work.

Features

Misinformation And Misdirection: Rennes-le-Château And The Priory of Sion (Lynn Picknett & Clive Prince): This article examines the mystery of Rennes-le-Château and the Priory of Sion. The authors argue that the Priory of Sion, while a modern creation, was not merely a hoax but served as a front for a network of secret societies with esoteric and political aims. They discuss Pierre Plantard's involvement and research into the area, suggesting his interest was genuine and that he discovered elements of the story, including Abbé Henri Boudet's book.

Untangling the Mind of Dean Radin (Daniel Pinchbeck): This feature delves into the work of parapsychologist Dean Radin, author of "The Conscious Universe" and "Entangled Minds." The article likely explores Radin's research into psi phenomena and consciousness.

Sacrificing Belief (Daniel Pinchbeck): This feature, by Daniel Pinchbeck, likely explores themes related to belief systems, potentially in the context of his book "2012: The Return of Quetzalcoatl," which covers topics from crop circles to altered states of consciousness.

Crop Circle Confidential: The Making of a Crop Circle Documentary (Laurence Newnam): This article details Laurence Newnam's experience in making the DVD "CircleSpeak," a documentary about crop circles.

Profiler: Edgar Mitchell And The Institute of Noetic Sciences: This profile likely focuses on astronaut Edgar Mitchell and his work with the Institute of Noetic Sciences, which explores the nature of consciousness and the universe.

Reviews

Reviews (Page 66): This section contains reviews of various books and media. One review specifically mentions Laurence Newnam's DVD "CircleSpeak."

Crystal Ball

Crystal Ball (Page 76): This section likely contains content related to divination, astrology, or other esoteric topics.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of unexplained phenomena, alternative history, spirituality, and the intersection of science and the esoteric. The editorial stance, as expressed by Greg Taylor, is one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging the exploration of diverse perspectives while maintaining critical thinking. The publication aims to provide a platform for discussions that challenge orthodox worldviews and delve into the mysteries of human consciousness and the universe, as evidenced by its diverse contributors and subject matter.

This issue of Sub Rosa, dated June 2006, focuses on the theme of 'Misinformation and Misdirection,' particularly concerning the Rennes-le-Château mystery and the alleged claims of the Priory of Sion regarding the Merovingian dynasty. The magazine also features in-depth interviews and articles on parapsychology and consciousness research, including discussions with Dr. Dean Radin and astronaut Edgar Mitchell.

The Rennes-le-Château Mystery: Misinformation and Misdirection

The central article dissects the 'Dossiers Secrets,' a series of documents that formed the basis of the Priory of Sion's narrative about the Merovingian survival and its connection to Rennes-le-Château. The authors argue that these dossiers, attributed to pseudonyms like Henri Lobineau and Madeleine Blancasall, are largely misinformation. They highlight inconsistencies and errors, such as the timeline of Abbé Émile Hoffet's involvement, suggesting the narrative was constructed to divert attention from the real historical events and possibly protect other documents.

The article points out that while Saunière did spend significant sums and engage in unexplained activities, the Priory's explanation of a Merovingian bloodline and hidden treasure is presented as a fabricated trail. It suggests that the 'Dossiers Secrets' were a cover story, possibly devised by individuals like Pierre Plantard and Philippe de Chérisey, to mislead those interested in the occult and esoteric history of the region.

Key elements of the Saunière affair, such as his discovery of documents during church renovations in 1887-88, are presented as having been discussed in the village well before Noël Corbu's involvement, indicating that the mystery predates the 'Dossiers Secrets'. The visits of Archduke Johann Salvator von Habsburg to Rennes-le-Château between 1888 and 1890 are also highlighted as an unexplained aspect that suggests more was happening than a simple trafficking in masses.

The article also touches upon the enigmatic decoration in Saunière's church, suggesting it was intended as misinformation to deter treasure hunters. The role of noble families like the Hautpouls and Fleurys, their connections to secret societies and Masonic orders like the Knights Beneficent, are presented as potentially more significant than the Merovingian narrative.

Profile: Dean Radin and Parapsychology

This section features an interview with Dr. Dean Radin, a leading figure in modern parapsychology. Radin discusses his research into psychic phenomena such as telepathy, precognition, and psychokinesis, emphasizing the scientific evidence supporting these abilities. He explains that these phenomena are not rare talents but may be a consequence of an 'entangled' physical reality, drawing parallels with Einstein's concept of entanglement.

Radin addresses the skepticism surrounding his field, arguing that while funding is a challenge and criticism is constant, the scientific evidence is compelling. He discusses the Global Consciousness Project, which observed anomalies correlating with major world events like 9/11, suggesting a collective consciousness effect. Radin also defends his use of meta-analysis and counters criticisms about the lack of a known mechanism for psi effects, stating that scientific acceptance should not wait for complete explanations.

His book, 'Entangled Minds,' is highlighted as an accessible introduction to the field, debunking skeptical myths and proposing a rational understanding of psychic experience.

Profile: Edgar Mitchell and the Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS)

This profile focuses on Apollo 14 astronaut Edgar Mitchell and his founding of the Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS). Mitchell recounts his profound experience of universal connectedness upon seeing Earth from space, which inspired him to explore the nature of consciousness and its potential.

Founded in 1973, IONS investigates consciousness through rigorous scientific research, collaborating with various researchers on projects related to remote viewing, anomalous interactions, healing responses, and intentionality. The institute has published numerous books and fostered a community of individuals interested in mind-body health and consciousness studies.

The article outlines IONS' mission to advance individual, social, and global transformation by applying knowledge about consciousness. It mentions ongoing initiatives like the Shift-in-Action Partners Program and the renaming of their journal to 'Shift: At the Frontiers of Consciousness.' The profile also briefly mentions related books and projects, including Dean Radin's 'Entangled Minds' and Edgar Mitchell's own book, 'The Way of the Explorer.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature of truth, deception, and the exploration of consciousness. The magazine critically examines narratives presented as fact, particularly in the context of historical mysteries like Rennes-le-Château, advocating for a skeptical yet open-minded approach. It highlights the importance of scientific inquiry in understanding phenomena that challenge conventional paradigms, whether in historical research or in the study of parapsychology and consciousness. The editorial stance appears to be one of questioning established narratives, seeking evidence-based explanations, and exploring the frontiers of human potential and understanding.

Title: CROP CIRCLE CONFIDENTIAL
Issue: June 2006
Publisher: Sub Rosa
Document Type: Magazine Issue

The Making of a Crop Circle Documentary

This extensive cover story details the making of the documentary film "CircleSpeak," which explores the phenomenon of crop circles, focusing on the people involved rather than sensationalism. The narrative begins with the film crew's immediate response to a report of a large crop formation near Barbury Castle in England in May 2001, hoping to capture a significant event early in the season, especially given the disruptions caused by the Foot and Mouth disease outbreak.

The article highlights the ethical dilemmas faced by crop circle researchers, particularly the Centre for Crop Circle Studies (CCCS) policy requiring farmer permission, which often conflicted with the need to document formations quickly before they were damaged or altered. The film's vision, as conceived by Kirk Kirkland and Laurence Newnam, was to focus on the human element and the struggle to understand the mystery, rather than debating whether crop circles were real or man-made.

Since the 1980s, crop circles have predominantly appeared in Wiltshire and Hampshire, areas rich in ancient history and sacred sites. The documentary aimed to capture the essence of this phenomenon and the dedicated individuals who pursued it.

The Role of Hoaxers and Researchers

The article delves into the complex relationship between crop circle researchers and hoaxers. It discusses the "Doug and Dave" scandal, which significantly impacted the field by casting doubt on the authenticity of many formations. The documentary crew sought to interview various figures, including the Mallett family, who were often among the first to discover new formations. The narrative emphasizes that while some researchers focused on deciphering geometry and symbolism, others were involved in lab analysis, and a select few were dedicated to the initial discovery and documentation.

"CircleSpeak" Documentary

The "CircleSpeak" DVD is described as a "real" documentary, offering facts and inside information without an agenda. It features interviews with famous hoaxers like Doug Bower and John Lundberg, as well as believers such as Michael Glickman and Colin Andrews. The documentary, with approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes of material, is presented as a comprehensive and balanced collection of crop circle video material.

The "Circlemakers" and the Mystery

The article explores the evolution of crop circle creation, from the early days of Doug and Dave to the more sophisticated designs by groups like "Team Satan," who later rebranded as "The Circlemakers." These individuals are described as a "closed fraternity" who guard their secrets. The piece contrasts the "artsy" circlemakers with the more "soulful underclass" who are genuinely connected to the land. The narrative suggests that while researchers sought external validation, they may have overlooked the "shamanic magic being catalyzed within their own psyches."

Personal Sacrifices and Spiritual Journeys

Several individuals are highlighted for their dedication and the personal sacrifices they made. Colin Andrews speaks about the immense cost of pursuing the phenomenon. Stanley Messenger, a philosopher, views crop circles as a tangible sign of a worldwide evolution in consciousness. Isabelle Kingston, a trance channel, believes people are used as instruments by unseen intelligences. Peter Sorensen, a videographer, gave up his day job to film crop circles extensively since 1992, eventually living among the pagan circlemakers.

The Enduring Mystery

Despite the prevalence of hoaxed formations, the article concludes that a true, genuine phenomenon exists beyond stomping boards. The researchers, though often dismissed by the mainstream, possess substantial evidence. The narrative suggests that the world may not yet be ready to accept the truth. The "mother of all crop circles" formation in 2001 is presented as a spectacular event that renewed faith in the mystery. The article quotes Peter Sorensen stating, "It can't just be us. It can't just be us," implying a larger intelligence at play.

Sacrificing Belief: An excerpt from 2012: The Return of Quetzalcoatl

This section features an excerpt from Daniel Pinchbeck's book, "2012: The Return of Quetzalcoatl." The excerpt begins with a personal account of reporting on declining sperm counts in alligators in the Florida Everglades, linking it to environmental pollutants and estrogen-mimicking compounds. Pinchbeck then reflects on his own subpar sperm count and the media's response, which he felt was expertly parried by chemical companies releasing counter-studies.

The narrative shifts to Pinchbeck's travels to Nepal and India, where his interest in the multi-armed deities and geometric mandalas of Hinduism and Tibetan Buddhism was sparked by psychedelic visions. He describes the deep-throated chanting and horns of Tibetan monasteries as a "primordial timbre or tone called forth by the cosmos itself." His experience at the Kumbh Mehla festival in Haridwar, India, is recounted as a surprisingly orderly and spiritually fulfilling event.

Pinchbeck also details a trip to Gabon, West Africa, to experience the psychedelic root bark iboga, central to the Bwiti cult. Despite initial logistical hurdles and financial demands, he underwent an initiation ceremony. During the ordeal, he experienced visions, including a "golem-like figure" and the phrase "Touchers Teach Too," which he interpreted as prophetic hints. He describes the iboga experience as a biographical survey, unlocking deep psychological insights.

The excerpt concludes by introducing Pinchbeck's book, which synthesizes various phenomena such as crop circles, quantum mechanics, shamanism, Mayan prophecy, alien abductions, and ecological crises, all pointing towards a significant global shift prophesied for 2012. The book is described as a metaphysical opus that takes the reader on a journey through diverse landscapes and spiritual experiences, ultimately offering a redemptive vision.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of the unexplained, spirituality, and human consciousness. It presents crop circles not just as a mystery but as a phenomenon that prompts deep personal inquiry and challenges conventional understanding. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, giving voice to both researchers and those who create the formations, while acknowledging the enduring mystery and the potential for profound insights beyond simple explanations. The inclusion of Daniel Pinchbeck's work further broadens the scope to include environmental concerns, consciousness evolution, and prophecies of global change, suggesting a holistic approach to understanding the "mysterious otherworld."

This issue of Sub Rosa, dated June 2006, focuses on the theme of "Sacrificing Belief," exploring the intersection of consciousness, spirituality, and alternative perspectives. The magazine features articles, reviews, and discussions that challenge conventional materialist worldviews.

Features

Daniel Pinchbeck: Breaking Open the Head

The issue highlights Daniel Pinchbeck's book, "Breaking Open the Head," describing it as a passionate and personal inquiry into the division between Western consciousness and the spiritual significance of plant-based compounds used in tribal cultures. The book explores encounters with thinkers and ethnobotanists, as well as Pinchbeck's own experiences with these substances, including a thirty-hour tribal initiation in West Africa and an encounter with shamans. The review notes the book's participatory journalism and its role in Pinchbeck's personal transformation.

The Acceptance of Interconnectivity

An article discusses the implications of accepting an "interconnectivity" between minds, suggesting it would shatter fundamental postulates of the materialist worldview. It references research by Dean Radin, director of the Consciousness Research Laboratory at the University of Nevada, who has compiled statistical evidence for "psi" phenomena like telepathy, precognition, and clairvoyance. Government panels and the Army Research Institute have acknowledged these findings as scientific anomalies, recommending further study into their practical applications.

Graham Hancock: Supernatural

The issue features Graham Hancock's book, "Supernatural: Meetings with the Ancient Teachers of Mankind." It explores the possibility that shamanic visions may be real perceptions of other dimensions and questions whether human evolution is a purely blind process or something more purposive and intelligent.

Ian Lawton: The Book of the Soul

A review of Ian Lawton's book, "The Book of the Soul: Rational Spirituality for the Twenty-First Century," is presented. The book covers theoretical physics, dynamics of karma, past life reviews, and near-death experiences.

New Dawn Magazine

New Dawn magazine is introduced as a bimonthly publication that explores hidden dimensions of world affairs, history, and spirituality. Testimonials highlight its unique approach to combining occult understanding with political analysis.

Reviews

2012: The Return of Quetzalcoatl by Daniel Pinchbeck

This review examines Pinchbeck's latest book, which posits that the completion of the Mayan calendar cycle in 2012 signifies a shift in consciousness rather than an apocalyptic end. The book discusses themes of terrorism, peak oil, and global warming, alongside Nietzsche's ideas of "will to ignorance" and "will to superficiality." It also delves into Dean Radin's parapsychology research and the implications of quantum mechanics. The review notes Pinchbeck's discussion of crop circles, which it finds naive, but praises his engagement with the philosophies of Herbert Marcuse and Jean Gebser regarding consciousness structures. The book is described as a thought experiment exploring belief, group consciousness, and humanity's potential to change its self-destructive path.

Entangled Minds by Dean Radin

This review discusses Dean Radin's book, "Entangled Minds," which reframes psi phenomena from anomalies to natural aspects of physics, potentially explained by quantum entanglement. The book covers the history of psi research, including experiments in remote viewing and the Stargate program, and examines various types of psi research. Radin carefully links psi and quantum entanglement, suggesting it as a possible explanation for psi effects.

Circlespeak (New Land Films DVD)

The DVD "CircleSpeak: A Journey to the Heart of Crop Circle Country" is highly praised for its balanced and informative approach to the topic of crop circles. It focuses on the people involved in the research and the phenomenon, including interviews with researchers and hoaxers, and features breathtaking footage of the glyphs.

The Gift of Gabe by Brian Joseph

This review of Brian Joseph's debut novel explores synchronicities and spiritual inspirations through rock 'n' roll and poetry. The novel features a social worker who meets a wise old man named Gabe, who imparts wisdom and suggests books and music. The book is described as a delightful and inspirational experience, exploring themes of interconnectedness and the collective unconscious.

Celestial Secrets: The Hidden History of the Fátima Cover-Up by J Fernandes & F d'Armada

This book is part of a trilogy on the Fátima apparitions, offering access to original Church records and detailing the "cover story" that has shaped modern views of the incident, which is presented as a major close encounter case of the 20th century.

Black Holes and Revelations (Album by Muse)

This entry notes the upcoming album by the British rock band Muse, highlighting its continuation of their bombastic rock style and featuring artwork by Storm Thorgerson.

A Scanner Darkly (Movie)

This upcoming movie, set in a future America where the war on drugs has been lost, follows an undercover cop on a paranoid journey. It is described as a cautionary tale based on Philip K. Dick's novel and uses advanced animation techniques.

Scott Reeder: Tunnel Vision Brilliance

This entry promotes Scott Reeder's solo album, described as a journey into heavy psychedelics and artistic heaviness, blending personal and worldly wisdom.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the questioning of consensus reality, the exploration of consciousness, spirituality, and the potential limitations of materialism. The magazine consistently features content that delves into parapsychology, psychedelics, shamanism, and alternative historical and spiritual perspectives, suggesting an editorial stance that encourages open-minded inquiry and a willingness to consider phenomena beyond conventional scientific understanding.