Sussex Circular - 1994 no 29

Magazine Overview

Title: SUSSEX CIRCULAR
Issue: 29
Date: May 1994
Publisher: Centre for Crop Circle Studies (Sussex Branch)

This issue of the Sussex Circular, the magazine for the Centre for Crop Circle Studies (Sussex Branch), delves into the burgeoning 1994 crop circle season, the ongoing debates surrounding their authenticity, and broader themes of consciousness, UFOs, and scientific inquiry.

Editor's Introduction: The 1994 Crop Circle Season and Skepticism

Editor Andy Thomas opens the issue with an observation on the early and prolific start to the 1994 crop circle season, particularly in the Avebury area and in oilseed rape fields. He notes that approximately 15 formations had already been reported, suggesting a promising year ahead. Thomas expresses excitement, reminiscent of previous years, and highlights the impressive nature of some formations, with photographic examples provided on pages 6 and 7. However, he also addresses concerns about some rape stalks showing breakages and bruising, arguing that this is a natural consequence of entering the crop and not necessarily indicative of a hoax. Thomas criticizes a growing trend among some 'researchers' to dismiss rape formations as 'hoaxes' without proper investigation, attributing this to sceptics preying on the 'weak-minded'. He specifically calls out a well-known CCCS member, George, who reportedly stated that all rape formations this year are fakes, contrasting this with George's previous positive stance. Thomas questions George's motives and his claim to 'know' when the phenomenon is real, sarcastically labeling himself a 'pseudo-religious fanatic'.

Thomas then tackles the cover's catchphrase, 'irony,' explaining it as a response to those who dismiss crop formations as hoaxes. He argues that this attitude serves to deflect from personal confusion and portray open-minded individuals as 'rabid, drooling fundamentalist nutcases.' He asserts that this stance is unjustified and a disservice to crop circle research. Thomas concludes his editorial with a strong personal statement, stating that while he embraces 'love, light and the raising of consciousness,' he will defend himself against accusations of being a 'pseudo-religious cultist.'

Reports: CCCS AGM 1994 and Lectures

Barry Reynolds reports on the CCCS Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Andover on April 10th, 1994. He notes a slight decrease in membership compared to the previous year, but emphasizes the quality of the remaining members. Reynolds quotes Michael Green, likening the year to Dickens' 'best of times, worst of times,' and expresses hope for improvement. Membership dropped from 839 to 570, but this is seen as a more active core. Finances are down by 15%, attributed to cost-cutting measures, including the axing of Hugh Pincott's Specialist Knowledge Services role. Pat Palgrave-Moore is expected to take over this role along with the Secretary position, relieving Barbara Davies, who is described as overworked.

A lively discussion at the AGM concerned whether the Membership or Council should elect the Chairman. The constitutional amendment passed, meaning the Chairman will now be chosen annually by the Membership, and the Chairman-elect must have been a Council member for the preceding twelve months. Michael Green was re-elected as Chairman.

Future policy discussions included arguments over the authenticity of the 'Bython' formation, with Reynolds quoting paradoxical statements about evidence: "The overwhelming evidence did not overwhelm" and "There are without a shadow of a doubt, shadows over the doubts." The report mentions a well-organized lunch break organized by 'Busty' Taylor.

The afternoon lecture was by Jim Lyons, titled 'Circles of Consciousness.' Lyons presented a history of physics from the ancient Greeks to modern times, covering concepts like pendulum swinging, the Golden Ratio, Newton's forces, Faraday's magnetic fields, Maxwell's electromagnetism, Kelvin's vortex ring, and Tesla's HF voltages. The lecture also touched upon the esoteric, including chakras, meridians, electromagnetic fields of the brain, meditation, and the attunement of brain-wave patterns. The report suggests a link between these subtle energies and the possibility of influencing the environment through thought, potentially connecting to the 'Project Sky' initiative.

Reports: Geoff Freed Lecture on UFOs

Bill Witnes reviews a lecture by Geoff Freed titled 'The Spiritual Significance of the UFO.' Freed, described as a forensic scientist and former Zen Buddhist monk, reportedly shared insights from interviewing 1800 contactees for an official body. His presentation, delivered over 28 days, focused on attitudinal healing and UFOs. Freed's overview suggests that current scientific opinion places humanity on one of billions of planets in a vast galaxy, with a plan for each seeded planet as an experiment governed by a rule of non-interference. This rule was allegedly contravened by beings who destroyed their planet and altered human genes 10,000 years ago, posing a risk to other systems. He mentions five different peoples authorized to monitor the situation, including 'Elders' from Andromeda, 'Norwegians' who can pass as human, and groups concerned with music, arts, child development, and nature.

Witnes notes that Freed considers the 'grey' alien phenomenon to be a distraction, promoted by an internal government cabal for mind control purposes. He references Betty Reginas' upcoming book, which allegedly reveals details of experiments involving stem-receiver implants and memories of being in an army field-hospital. Freed describes 'grey' aliens as 'abominations' created by the same interfering entities, using outdated technology. Central American tribes reportedly call them 'sponge people,' attributing their degeneracy to living underground. Their program for genetic rejuvenation is failing, and their power is derived from human fear.

Freed also discusses a future 'galactic community' based on 'Unitocracy,' where individuals have a direct connection to the divine, emphasizing 'listening in silence.' He describes Extra-Terrestrials as compassionate but not emotional, communicating via telepathy and holograms. The increasing contact with ETs is seen as a sign of rapprochement, alongside a reduction in mental blocks. However, Freed views the increase in 'channelling' as controversial, suggesting that psychic entities, not ETs, are using it for manipulation, giving useful information as a hook.

Freed believes crop circles may be used as contact points, but their mystery remains unsolved. He shares an anecdote about Maharishi Yogi, who reportedly advised on the military use of ESP: "Don't worry, let them play with it, sooner or later they will fall into God."

Views: Let the Mystery Remain!

John Cole argues that the mystery of crop circles will likely never be solved, especially since formations are rarely witnessed being made. He criticizes attempts to definitively prove or disprove theories, such as those surrounding Doug and Dave, as futile if people are unwilling to be convinced. Cole suggests that humans struggle to live with unsolved mysteries and tend to adopt popular theories to alleviate this discomfort. He posits that the true purpose of crop circle research might be to embrace mystery rather than solve it, opening oneself to deeper human experience. Cole quotes Paul Ricoeur: "Enigma does not block understanding but provokes it... That which arouses understanding is precisely the double meaning..." He encourages sharing theories not to divide but to enrich, urging readers to let the symbols and ideas of crop circles expand their worldview rather than fitting them into existing frameworks.

Features: The Plain Man's Guide to Basic Dowsing

David Russell explains dowsing as a discipline extending beyond water divining, capable of finding lost objects, ancient foundations, and minerals. He describes it as a way to access the Earth's subtle energies, likened to a planetary nervous system or acupuncture meridians. Russell mentions 'ley lines' and 'telluric' or 'earth energy' lines, referencing Alfred Watkins' book 'The Old Straight Tracks.' He also introduces 'map dowsing,' a technique using maps and pendulums to detect energies without leaving home, suggesting it accesses a universal super-consciousness. Dowsing has also been applied to crop circles, with formations often manifesting an 'energy' input from ancient sacred sites. Russell notes that scientists are hesitant to use the term 'energies,' preferring 'telluric influence.' He asserts that everyone is a potential dowser, but belief is crucial. Aboriginals are cited as examples of those who instinctively possess this skill. Russell emphasizes the need to 'tune in' to the specific object of research, as stimulus alone can lead to uncontrollable reactions in urban environments.

He notes that the origins of these subtle energies are unknown but may be created by thought, with a possible relationship to the moon, as lunar eclipses seem to affect dowsing lines. Russell's explanation is part of a research paper based on hypnotherapy and regression, exploring a subject who allegedly bilocated and practiced dowsing in the 4th century AD.

Features: The 20% Solution

Larry Grant discusses a quirk in prophecy where approximately 20% of predictions contain a 'surprise' outcome, often negative for the party seeking to fulfill the prophecy. He uses the example of a king who, encouraged by a prophecy, crossed a river and was subsequently slain, losing his own kingdom. Grant suggests that the reception system for messages like prophecies, visions, and clairvoyance might involve an 'inverting function' that provides reversals of the intended data. He also notes that these messages are often communicated through faint or strong images rather than words, leading to potential misinterpretations during translation. Grant concludes by referencing the phrase 'Cross the river,' using it as a personal mantra to cope with anxieties about impending doom, and humorously suggesting that for some, the outcome might be positive ('swimming').

Features: Astrogenetics: The New Theory

Barry Reynolds reviews Maurice M Cotterell's book 'Astrogenetics: The New Theory,' calling it the best book he has ever read. He states that the book provides irrefutable evidence that solar radiation mutates genes at conception, linking this to the twelve types of mutations corresponding to the signs of the zodiac. The theory also connects to sunspot cycles, genetics, human gestation, magnetic fields, the Golden Section, the Fibonacci sequence, and the Mayan and Chinese calendars. Cotterell proposes that interstellar radiation bombards the fetus, causing chemical reactions that mutate chromosomes and result in offspring with unique personalities determined by the radiation.

The book explains that solar radiation emissions vary due to the Sun's magnetic fields and Earth's orbit, influencing the amount of radiation reaching Earth. This, in turn, affects genetic mutations and personality. Cotterell suggests that ancient peoples likely knew these periodicities. The theory also posits that pi and the Fibonacci sequence are by-products of solar radiation, with pi being the solar radiation frequency.

Cotterell extends the theory to explain evolutionary leaps, such as the growth of the giraffe's neck, and links solar radiation cycles to the rise and fall of civilizations. He points to the Maunder Minimum (1645-1715) and a sunspot minimum around 750 AD, correlating these with drops in fertility and the decline of empires like the Incas and Egyptians. Reynolds notes that the book is 112 pages, contains mathematical formulae, and costs around £10.00.

Letters

Jayne Macnish writes to correct Barry Reynolds' review, stating he confused George and Gerald de Trafford and that her company, 'Circlevision,' has no connection to George de Trafford. She asserts that Paul Vigay has confirmed that his images are not presented as genuine if they are computer-generated and that he never implied the stills and videos in 'Cropcircle Apocalypse' were anything other than what they are. Macnish defends 'Circlevision' against any implication of dishonesty, stating they have no reason to lie or receive money not to tell the truth. She asks for her letter to be included in the next Sussex Circular.

Barry Reynolds replies to Jayne Macnish, acknowledging the confusion between George and Gerald de Trafford but stating it was a minor mistake. He clarifies that he never suggested Macnish's photographs were faked, only that images can be faked. He also denies suggesting Macnish received money not to tell the truth, questioning why she brought it up. Reynolds mentions receiving letters from Erik Beckjord, who believes crop circles are largely hoaxes, and that Beckjord is appealing for donations of old crop circle publications after his house burned down.

Ray Cox commends the Sussex Circular as an interesting magazine. He raises questions about inconsistencies in Doug and Dave's statements, citing well-substantiated reports of crop circles predating their claims and eye-witness accounts. Cox argues that dismissing these accounts is as flawed as a rationalist ignoring equipment malfunctions or physiological effects. He wonders about the apparent disconnect between the geometric ratios discovered by John Martineau and others and Doug and Dave's claims of physically traversing crops to create formations, suggesting that the geometric conformity of the circles is too precise to be coincidental.

Hoax Claim Form

A satirical 'Hoax Claim Form' is presented, inviting readers to claim responsibility for creating crop circles. It includes humorous options for methods used (e.g., '10-ton garden roller,' 'old bit of wood,' 'baseball cap with useless bit of bent wire'), photographic proof (e.g., 'Cheapo camera (Boots disposable)'), and sponsors (e.g., 'well-known researcher of your choice'). The form also lists potential affiliations like 'Opus Dei,' 'The Illuminati,' and 'CSICOP,' and suggests potential features in forthcoming books or videos by 'Myself,' 'Jim Schnabel,' or 'John Macnish.' The form concludes with a declaration of being a 'compulsive liar' and an acceptance that if any claims are true, the individual will become a columnist for 'The Cerealogist' and 'The Fortean Times.' A doctor's signature is also requested, excusing the claimant from blame due to 'Croporrhoea.' Jim Schnabull is quoted humorously on the form.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the ongoing debate about the authenticity of crop circles, with a clear editorial stance from Andy Thomas defending the phenomenon against excessive skepticism and 'hoax' accusations. The magazine also explores the intersection of science, spirituality, and consciousness, as seen in the reports on Jim Lyons' lecture and Geoff Freed's talk on UFOs. The potential for extraterrestrial influence and the nature of human consciousness are central to these discussions. The review of 'Astrogenetics' highlights a more scientific, albeit speculative, approach to understanding life and evolution through solar cycles and genetics, linking it to ancient knowledge systems like astrology. The satirical 'Hoax Claim Form' underscores the magazine's critical and sometimes humorous take on the crop circle community and its internal debates. The overall stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging exploration of phenomena while maintaining a critical perspective on unsubstantiated claims and overly simplistic explanations.