SUSSEX CIRCULAR

Magazine Overview

Title: SUSSEX CIRCULAR
Issue: 30
Date: June 1994
Publisher: Centre for Crop Circle Studies (Sussex Branch)

This issue of Sussex Circular, the magazine of the Centre for Crop Circle Studies (Sussex Branch), presents a blend of crop circle reports, New Age commentary, conspiracy theory analysis, and speculative scientific and astronomical discussions. The cover prominently features the number '30' and the Eye of Horus symbol, setting a tone of mystery and exploration.

News and Crop Formations

The "NEWS" section highlights the emergence of crop formations in Sussex for 1994. Two formations in Sompting, West Sussex, are detailed:

• SUSSEX 1994/01: A single circle, approximately 75ft in diameter, with the crop laid anticlockwise. It was formed around June 6th and spotted on June 15th. The formation was initially indistinct and lacked a clear swirl.
• SUSSEX 1994/02: A ringed circle with a centre tuft, formed around June 4th and spotted on June 15th. This formation featured a circle, an inner ring, and an outer ring, with the circle laid anticlockwise and the ring clockwise. It was noted for its central tuft and a fan of tightly-swirled wheat.

Details are provided on how to report new crop formations, emphasizing the importance of not entering formations without landowner permission to preserve evidence.

Editorial and Commentary

Editor Andy Thomas contributes a piece titled "Do not adjust your mind - there's a fault in reality", reflecting on the nature of expertise in the crop circle field. He argues against the notion of 'experts' in cerealogy, stating that the field is speculative and evolving, and that valuable work is done by enthusiastic researchers on the fringes. He criticizes the use of the term 'expert' to deter newcomers and emphasizes the importance of respecting all who contribute to the field.

International Reach and Subscriptions

The magazine acknowledges its growing international readership, with 10% of subscribers living overseas. Subscription rates are provided: £10.00 for the UK, £13.00 for Europe, and £18.00 for overseas. Acceptable payment methods for subscriptions include Eurocheques, sterling cheques drawn on a British bank, and cash in sterling or dollars (with an additional £4.00 charge for dollars). International postal orders are no longer accepted.

Personalities and Events

Brief mentions are made of Leonie Starr quitting the CCCS Council, Richard Andrews recovering from a heart attack, and Reg Presley's involvement in promoting crop circle research. Mary Bennett is thanked for an 'unusual and enjoyable' talk.

Conspiracy Theories and Ancient Mysteries

Debbie Pardoe investigates the views of William H Cooper, author of 'Behold A Pale Horse', who presented at the 'Global Deception' conference. Cooper's theories suggest that ancient religions, particularly the Mystery cults of Osiris and Isis, were 'designed' to facilitate a New World Order controlled by the Illuminati. Pardoe critiques Cooper's interpretations, arguing that the Osiris/Isis legend promotes virtue and compassion, and that Cooper mistakenly attributes the origin of the legend solely to Plutarch. She also refutes Cooper's claims about secret societies controlling global affairs and his interpretation of symbols like the Eye of Horus.

Pardoe also challenges Cooper's assertion that UFOs are not of Extra-Terrestrial origin and that the hole in the ozone layer is a fiction. She suggests that Cooper's theories are designed to inject fear and doubt into those questioning authority.

The article also touches upon the origins of the Osiris/Isis legend, noting its echoes in Babylonian myths and other global legends, and discusses the purpose of mummification in Egyptian culture as a means of aiding the transition to the afterlife.

Project Sky

An initiative called 'Project Sky' is described, which aims to hold a mass synchronized meditation to communicate with 'circlemakers'. The CCCS Sussex group will meet at Cissbury Ring, an ancient hillfort, on July 1st, 1994, for the tune-in. Detailed instructions are provided for participants, including timings, meditation focus, and suggested questions for the 'circlemakers'. The event emphasizes balancing, centering, and connecting with the 'universal mind'.

Features and Personal Experiences

Paul Bura contributes a piece titled "STRETCHING REALITY... PAUL BURA TESTS THE ELASTICITY OF HIS OWN EXPERIENCE...". He shares several personal anecdotes that have challenged his perception of reality:

• An experience on a plane where he saw an exquisite cruciform shape formed by ice and sunlight.
• The profound impact of the Turin Shroud, questioning its authenticity and the implications for Christian history.
• Witnessing a psychic surgeon perform a procedure on his mother with remarkable speed and minimal discomfort.
• An uncanny experience of following friends in his car, only to find they claimed to have been elsewhere.
• His first crop circle experience at Sompting in 1992, where he felt an incredible vortex of energy.

Bura concludes that acknowledging these experiences stretches our reality and encourages personal growth.

Another article, "SELLING THE NEW AGE... ANDY THOMAS POPS DOWN TO THE FESTIVAL OF MIND, BODY & SPIRIT", reviews the 1993 Festival of Mind, Body and Spirit. Thomas describes the event as a large marketplace for 'New Age' products and therapies, noting the high costs and the blend of genuine seekers and bandwagoners. He observes the prevalence of 'political correctness' and the archetype of Native Americans representing world change. While acknowledging the potential for introspection and outreach, he cautions against narcissism and the exchange of one materialism for another. He also offers a humorous tip for creating an 'aura photograph' using a camera.

Scientific Speculation

Barry Reynolds contributes "THE BIGGEST BANG SINCE CAESAR'S LAST BIRTHDAY PARTY: BARRY REYNOLDS GOES TO JUPITER...". This article speculates on the potential effects of the Jupiter comet impacts in July 1994. Reynolds suggests that the energy released could affect Earth's solar wind and magnetic field, potentially influencing the pineal gland, melatonin production, and psi awareness. He references research linking magnetic fields to physiological functions and astrological influences, and discusses theories of interstellar radiation causing genetic mutations and mutational leaps in living species. He also touches upon Maurice Cotterell's 'Astrogenetics' book.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently questions established narratives and encourages critical thinking, particularly regarding conspiracy theories and the nature of knowledge. There is a strong emphasis on personal experience and the expansion of consciousness, as seen in Paul Bura's 'Stretching Reality' piece and the general ethos of the 'New Age' movement discussed by Andy Thomas. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, challenging conventional explanations while advocating for respect for diverse beliefs and the importance of individual growth and awareness. The magazine also highlights the growing community around crop circle research and its connection to broader themes of environmentalism and spiritual seeking.