Sussex Circular - 1994 no 35

Magazine Overview

This issue of the Sussex Circular is a special 20-page edition dedicated to the 1994 SC Crop Circle Survey. Published in November 1994, it serves as a comprehensive record of the views, experiences, and beliefs of individuals interested in the crop circle phenomenon. The magazine is produced by the Centre for Crop Circle Studies (Sussex Branch) and edited by Andy Thomas.

Introduction to the 1994 SC Survey by Michael Glickman

Michael Glickman, a writer and inventor and member of the CCCS Council, introduces the survey by reflecting on the enduring mystery of crop circles. He notes that despite years of study, conferences, and speculation, the fundamental questions of how and why formations appear remain unanswered. He highlights the increasing complexity and sophistication of the designs, which resist easy explanation. Glickman also points out the remarkable consistency and similarity of 'personal effects' reported by those who investigate crop circles, suggesting that 'weird things happen to us' is an accepted part of 'croppie' culture. The Sussex Circular Survey is presented not as a scientific method but as a record of the 'mind set of the tribe' in 1994, offering an amusing and useful cross-section of opinions. He notes several surprises from the survey, including the popularity of the Mandelbrot, Barbury Castle, and Bythorn formations, and the surprisingly high average age of respondents (23% over 60, 67% over 40), contrary to his impression of a younger demographic. Glickman also touches upon the question of 'genuine' formations and the methods used by respondents to estimate this, noting the wide range of percentages given. He commends the survey for its 45 carefully formulated questions and the verbal nature of the respondents, who readily shared their thoughts and comments. He concludes by recommending the survey as an enlightening document that provides an informal indication of the beliefs and attitudes of the crop circle community in 1994, suggesting that annual surveys would be beneficial for tracking shifts in these views.

The 1994 SC Crop Circle Survey: How the Results Were Compiled and Understood

This section explains the methodology behind the survey, which was launched in January 1994 by SC. It aimed to capture the perspectives of those involved with crop circles, serving as a historical snapshot. A total of 115 survey sheets were gathered. The results for each question are presented with columns showing the number of ticks for each option, the percentage, and sometimes a count for 'maybe', '?', or 'not sure' answers. The 'Don't Know' option consolidates all such responses for a question. Options are listed in descending order of score. It's noted that respondents could tick multiple options, and the letters in parentheses (e.g., (E)) refer to the original order on the questionnaire. The editor, Andy Thomas, also provides his own comments in bold and italics.

Section 1 - First Impressions

Q.1 How did you first hear about the crop circles? The most common method was word of mouth (53, 46%), followed by newspapers (29, 25%), books/magazines (26, 22%), TV/radio (18, 15%), and personal sighting (9, 7%). Comments suggest that personal accounts and media like FSR were significant.

Q.2 If you heard about crop circles through word of mouth, newspaper, book/magazine, or personal sighting, did this make you go out and find one? A majority said yes (55, 47%), indicating that initial exposure often led to direct investigation.

Q.3 Which was the first formation you visited? The most frequently cited first formations were Alton Barnes Snail 1992 (10, 8%), Alton Barnes 1990 (7, 6%), and Sompting 1992 (7, 6%). A long list of 'Others' is provided, with many formations from the early 1990s mentioned.

Q.4 What did you initially think was responsible? The leading belief was 'ETs' (31, 26%), followed by 'Flying Saucer Marks' (13, 11%), and 'People' (12, 10%). 'Wind/Weather' was cited by 5%. A significant portion (about 20%) left this question blank or stated they had no idea. The 'Other' comments reveal a wide range of speculative causes, including paranormal, natural, unknown, and spiritual forces.

Q.5 Were you already interested/involved in the 'paranormal'? A large majority answered 'Yes' (101, 87%), with a smaller group stating 'No' (9, 7%) and 'Interested, not involved' (7, 6%). Comments indicate a strong pre-existing interest in the anomalous and consciousness.

Section Two - What You Think

Q.6 What do you think the crop circles are created by? This question explored various potential agents. 'Extra-Dimensionals' (64, 55%) were the most cited, followed by 'Nature Spirits (Devas etc)' (35, 30%) and 'The Earth Spirit' (35, 30%). 'Extra-Terrestrials (Physical aliens)' were cited by 29%. 'Humans (Standard hoaxing)' received 14% and 'Humans by Non-Physical Means' 14%. Other options like 'God', 'Plasma Vortex', and 'Impacting Orgone' received lower percentages. The 'Other' comments reveal a complex interplay of spiritual, energetic, and consciousness-based theories, with a notable shift towards 'EDs' (Extra-Dimensionals) and 'Nature Spirits' compared to earlier beliefs.

Q.7 If not For G above, what percentage of crop formations is genuine? This question, likely referring to specific categories not fully detailed here, received varied responses. The highest percentages for genuine formations were 80% (12, 10%), 50% (12, 10%), and 90% (9, 7%). A significant portion (19, 16%) answered 'Don't Know'. Comments suggest a perception of decreasing genuineness over time, with distinctions made between human-made and non-human-made circles.

Q.8 What are the crop circles? Respondents viewed them primarily as 'Signs to Awaken Consciousness' (64, 55%), followed by 'Encouraging New Evolution' (36, 31%) and 'An Environmental Warning' (32, 27%). Other interpretations included 'Markers of Earth Energy', 'Points', 'Scientific Formula', 'A Written Language', 'Random Patterns', and 'All of the Above'. The 'Other' comments reveal a rich tapestry of interpretations, including messages, blueprints, warnings, evolutionary catalysts, and communications.

Q.9 What do you consider the balls of light (BOLS)/luminosities often associated with crop circles to be? The most common answer was 'Intelligently Directed Energy Globules' (65, 56%), followed by 'Probes' (36, 31%) and 'Devas/Fairies' (22, 19%). Comments suggest BOLS are seen as connected to the phenomenon, possibly extraterrestrial or energetic in nature, and sometimes associated with hoaxes.

Q.10 Do you think the BOLS are: A significant majority believe BOLS are 'Making the Circles' (25, 21%), followed by 'Investigating the Circles' (17, ?) and 'A Circlemaking By-Product' (46, ?). Comments indicate a belief that BOLS are actively involved with the circles, possibly monitoring or participating.

Q.11 Do you think the 'energies' many associate with crop circles are: The responses were varied, with 'Beneficial or Harmful' (43, 37%) being the most cited, followed by 'Depending on State of Mind' (33, 28%) and 'A Deliberate Aspect of the Phenomenon' (33, 28%). Other options included 'A By-Product of Circle Formation', 'Beneficial to Us', 'Meant for the Earth', and 'Meant for Us to Use'. The results suggest a perception of duality and personal influence on the nature of these energies.

Q.12 What do you consider the reported 'trilling' sound heard in circles to be? The leading explanation was 'A By-Product of Circle Formation' (54, 46%), followed by 'A 'Sound Window' Into Other Dimensions' (31, 26%). 'Electrical Interference' (26, 22%) and 'A Bird' (9, 7%) were also mentioned. Comments suggest the sound is linked to the phenomenon itself, possibly as a communication or indicator of energy.

Q.13 Which of the following have you experienced in a crop formation? The most common experiences were 'Elation' (36, 31%) and 'Mild Tingling' (21, 18%). 'Headache' (17, 14%), 'Strong Tingling' (10, 8%), 'Nausea' (9, 7%), and 'Depression' (3, 2%) were also reported. Comments describe a range of physical and emotional sensations, from positive to negative.

Q.14 Do you believe that dowsing works? An overwhelming majority believe dowsing works (105, 91%), with only a small number answering 'No' (5, 4%). Comments indicate a general acceptance of dowsing for physical things and a belief in its connection to a universal consciousness.

Q.15 Do you believe that you can dowse? A majority believe they can dowse (71, 61%), with fewer answering 'No' (18, 15%). Comments show some uncertainty and a desire for practice and guidance.

Q.16 If you dowse, which method do you use? 'Rods' were the most common method (65, 56%), followed by 'Pendulum' (45, 39%) and 'Bare Hands' (19, 16%). Comments reveal a variety of techniques and tools used.

Q.17 If you dowse in a crop formation, what are you dowsing for? Respondents primarily dowsed for 'Energy' (11, 9%) and 'Energy Lines/Patterns' (10, 8%). Comments suggest an interest in mapping and understanding the energetic aspects of crop circles.

Q.18 Do you believe psychic channelling is a real phenomenon? A strong majority believe it is real (81, 70%), with fewer saying 'No' (13, 11%). Comments indicate a belief in tapping into psychic or spiritual advice, though with caveats about reliability and potential distortion.

Q.19 Have you had any personal experience with channelling/channellers? A high number answered 'Yes' (72, 62%), with a significant portion also answering 'No' (39, 33%). This suggests channelling is a common experience or interest among respondents.

Q.20 Do you think channelling is of any use or relevance to crop circles? The vast majority believe channelling is relevant (68, 59%), with fewer saying 'No' (22, 19%). Comments indicate a strong belief in its connection to the phenomenon, though some express caution about the source and validity of channeled material.

Q.21 Do you believe the immediate time before us is a time of 'Earth changes' (On a physical and spiritual level)? An overwhelming majority believe we are in a time of Earth changes (89, 77%), with fewer saying 'No' (9, 7%). Comments reflect a sense of impending transformation and a need for humanity to adapt.

Q.22 Do you think there is an organised cover-up by governments regarding crop circles? A majority believe there is a cover-up (77, 66%), with fewer saying 'No' (22, 19%). Comments suggest that governments may be trying to manage or suppress information about crop circles.

Q.23 Do you think there is an organised cover-up by governments regarding UFOs? An even larger majority believe there is a UFO cover-up (98, 85%), with fewer saying 'No' (7, 6%). Comments indicate a stronger conviction about a UFO cover-up, possibly due to more perceived evidence.

Q.24 Do you think mischief-makers like Doug & Dave, Jim Schnabel etc, are acting alone (ie. not part of an organised debunking 'conspiracy')? The responses were divided, with a slight majority believing they are not acting alone (58, 50%), suggesting a conspiracy. Comments reveal a belief that these individuals may be influenced or controlled.

Q.25 Do you think it matters that some formations are hoaxed? A majority believe it matters (67, 58%), with a significant minority saying 'No' (39, 33%). Comments highlight concerns about hoaxes destroying credibility and confusing research, while others believe genuine formations exist regardless.

Section 3 - About You

Q.26 Do you think hoaxing is an integral part of the phenomenon, the hoaxers being 'influenced' to act in strange ways? A slight majority believe hoaxing is an integral part (56, 48%), with a significant minority saying 'No' (37, 32%). Comments suggest that hoaxers may be influenced by external forces or a need to mislead.

Q.27 Are you male or female? The survey shows a near-even split between females (58, 50%) and males (56, 48%).

Q.28 What is your profession? This section lists a diverse range of professions, including engineers, artists, teachers, writers, therapists, and students. A notable number of respondents are involved in creative or holistic fields. The editor notes a high number of artists and creative people.

Q.29 What is your age group? The largest age group is 40-50 (34, 29%), followed by 60 or above (23, 20%) and 50-60 (21, 18%). The younger age groups (20-30 and 30-40) are smaller, indicating that the crop circle community surveyed is predominantly middle-aged and older.

Q.30 Do you belong to any organised religion? The majority answered 'No' (58, 50%). Organised religions like the Church of England (8, 6%) and Roman Catholicism (2, 1%) received very low percentages. Comments indicate a preference for personal spiritual quests over formal religious structures.

Q.31 What are your interests/hobbies besides crop circles? This extensive list includes reading, dowsing, photography, music, occult sciences, natural medicine, travel, archaeology, and many other diverse interests, reflecting a broad intellectual curiosity among respondents.

Q.32 Are you a main member of CCCS (Centre for Crop Circle Studies)? A majority answered 'No' (62, 53%), with a smaller portion answering 'Yes' (47, 40%). The editor suggests that CCCS could improve recruitment and public relations.

Q.33 Are you a member of a CCCS branch? The largest group is 'Sussex' (45, 39%), followed by 'Cornwall' (10, 8%) and 'East Midlands' (8, 6%). Other branches are also listed.

Q.34 Are you a vegetarian? A significant portion answered 'Yes' (35, 30%), with a larger group answering 'No' (54, 46%). The 'Almost' category (eating little meat/fish) accounted for 20%. The editor notes that the percentage of vegetarians in the survey is much higher than the national average.

Q.35 Which of the following do you believe in? This question covers a wide range of beliefs. High percentages were recorded for 'Aliens Visiting Earth' (81, 70%), 'Ghosts' (79, 68%), 'Life After Death' (79, 68%), and 'Reincarnation' (75, 65%). 'God as an Accumulative Spiritual Force' (70, 60%) and 'The US Government Has Crashed Flying Saucers and Alien Bodies' (62, 53%) also received high scores. Belief in 'Elvis Presley is Still Alive' (4, 3%) and 'Elvis Presley is in Fact the Editor of the Sussex Circular' (18, 15%) were also present. Comments reveal diverse interpretations of these beliefs.

Q.36 Detail one event in your life which you are at a loss to explain in the light of current scientific knowledge: This section contains numerous detailed personal accounts of unexplained experiences, including abduction, UFO sightings, precognitive dreams, unusual physical sensations, and synchronistic events. Many respondents describe profound personal transformations and a sense of connection to something beyond conventional understanding. The editor notes the sheer volume and strangeness of these testimonies.

Section 4 - Your Tastes

Q.37 Which of the following generally acknowledged major crop formations is your favourite? The 'Mandelbrot 1991' was the favourite (46, 40%), followed by 'Barbury Castle 1991' (40, 34%) and 'Bythorn Mandala 1993' (30, 26%). Other formations like 'Alton Barnes 1990' and 'Dharmic Wheel' also received votes. The editor notes that the 1994 season had not occurred when the survey was conducted.

Q.38 Which two of any formations are your favourite? 'Barbury Castle 1991' was the most popular choice (30, 26%), followed closely by 'The Mandelbrot 1991' (29, 25%) and 'Bythorn Mandala 1993' (22, 19%).

Q.39 Which Sussex formation is your favourite? 'Celtic Crosses (Unspecified) 1993' was the favourite (15, 13%), followed by 'Sompting Captain Scarlet 1992' (13, 11%) and 'Sompting Celtic Cross #1 1993' (8, 6%).

Q.40 What is your favourite crop circle book? The most popular book was 'Crop Circles of 1991' (29, 25%), followed by 'The Crop Circle Enigma' (21, 18%) and 'Circular Evidence' (21, 18%). The editor notes that debunking books are generally disliked.

Q.41 What is your least favourite crop circle book? 'Round in Circles' by Jim Schnabel was the least favourite (11, 9%), followed by 'The Circlemakers' by Andrew Collins (8, 6%). The editor comments that many respondents seemed uninterested in other people's opinions and had not read many books on the subject.

Q.42 What is your favourite crop circle video/TV programme? 'Crop Circle Communique' by John Macnish was the favourite (27, 23%), followed by 'Undeniable Evidence' by Colin Andrews (7, 6%).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the mystery and complexity of crop circles, the diverse beliefs and experiences of those who study them, and the potential for a paradigm shift in human consciousness. There is a strong undercurrent of belief in non-human intelligence (ETs, EDs, Nature Spirits) as the creators of the circles, and a significant interest in paranormal phenomena such as channelling, dowsing, and UFOs. The survey also reveals a community that is largely skeptical of mainstream science and often feels misunderstood. The editorial stance, as expressed by Andy Thomas, is one of open inquiry and a willingness to explore unconventional ideas, while also acknowledging the subjective nature of many of the reported experiences. The magazine appears to champion the 'croppie' perspective, valuing personal testimony and the collective consciousness of the community over conventional explanations.

This document is an issue of the magazine "SUSSEX CIRCULAR" from 1994. It is primarily focused on presenting the results of a reader survey concerning crop circle related media and publications. The magazine is published in the UK and is in English.

Reader Survey Results

The core of this issue is dedicated to the findings of a survey conducted among the magazine's subscribers. The survey aimed to gauge reader preferences regarding crop circle videos, TV programs, and magazines.

Least Favorite Crop Circle Video/TV Programme

Readers were asked to identify their least favorite crop circle video or TV program. The results show:

• STRANGE CASE OF THE CROP CIRCLES (Channel 4's 'Equinox' series): Received 13 votes.
• REVELATIONS COMMUNIQUE II: Received 7 votes.

Comments on 'Equinox' suggested it "Made light of the phenomenon" and was "Very tedious," with one respondent noting it "probably did more damage to circle-credibility with the infamous hoax-dowsing set-up than any other single event."

Crop Circle Magazine Subscriptions

Subscribers were asked which crop circle magazines and publications they subscribe to. The numbers indicate the quantity of subscribers for each:

• SUSSEX CIRCULAR: 62 subscribers
• THE CIRCULAR (CCCS): 58 subscribers
• THE CEREALOGIST: 47 subscribers
• CPR INTERNATIONAL: 8 subscribers
• NEWSLETTER (Colin Andrews): 7 subscribers
• THE CROP WATCHER (Paul Fuller): 7 subscribers
• CIRCLES RESEARCH: 5 subscribers
• NEWSLETTER (Maria Ward): 5 subscribers
• THE CIRCULAR REVIEW (East Midlands CCCS): 5 subscribers

Other mentioned publications include North England CCCS Bulletin, Kindred Spirit, Flying Saucer Review, Enigma, North America Report, Borderlands, CCCS California Newsletter, Cornwall Newsletter, and FGK Report.

Comments on these publications included feedback such as "The Circular is getting better: George (Wingfield) needs to leave Cerealogist until he's finished exploring this negative path he's presently on" and "Dropped some due to continued emphasis on hoaxing rather than serious research and representation, got too side-tracked from research." The survey also noted that "No real surprises in the top three as SC launched the survey." However, it was observed that "bearing in mind the significant readership figures of SC, what this section reveals is how relatively few subscribers actually bothered to fill their questionnaires in - 47% of respondents were from outside sources, notably the US..."

Favorite Crop Circle Magazine/Publication

Readers were also asked to name their favorite crop circle magazine or publication. The results were:

• SUSSEX CIRCULAR: 39 votes
• THE CIRCULAR: 15 votes
• THE CEREALOGIST: 10 votes

Other mentioned favorites included Kindred Spirit, The Informer, The Circular Review, and The Crop Watcher. Comments from readers expressed high praise, with one calling Sussex Circular "the Viz of crop circle journals," another stating "Used to be The Cerealogist - now the Sussex Circular," and others appreciating the content for "data and info," "wit and charm," and being "fun to read as well as informative."

Acknowledgements

The issue concludes with a "THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO TOOK PART IN THIS SURVEY," with the copyright attributed to "1994, Sussex Circular." A note advises that brief references may be made but lengthy quotations require permission from the Editor.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this issue is the community of crop circle enthusiasts and their engagement with various media. The editorial stance appears to be one of appreciation for reader participation, as evidenced by the "Thank You" message. There is a clear focus on the publications within the crop circle field, with a strong emphasis on the Sussex Circular itself, which is both the publisher and the most favored publication among its readers. The issue also touches upon the critical reception of crop circle documentaries and the perceived quality of research and reporting in different magazines, suggesting a discerning readership interested in serious investigation over sensationalism or hoax-focused content.