Sussex Circular - 1995 no 37

Magazine Overview

SC, issue 37, dated January 1995, is 'The Monthly Magazine of Crop Circles and Beyond'. Edited by Andy Thomas, the magazine presents itself as a source of information on crop formations and related phenomena, with a good-humoured spirit of seeking truth and exploring beyond conventional understanding.

Editorial Stance and Contents

The editorial by Andy Thomas welcomes readers to a 'new look' SC, promising to sustain and increase its ability to inform on developments in cropfield patterns and related topics. He addresses internal conflicts within the CCCS Council, urging members to attend the Annual General Meeting to resolve issues and ensure the flow of information concerning crop circles is maintained. He calls for constructive debate and for council members to set aside differences.

Stanley Messenger Lecture

The magazine features a report on Stanley Messenger's lecture, part of the London Winter Lectures on the circle phenomenon. Messenger, described as a student of Rudolf Steiner, presented his views on the significance of crop circles in 'Creation in Nature - Cosmic and Human'. His talks are characterized as deep and rewarding, requiring full attention. Messenger's theory suggests that crop patterns are 'energy thought-forms' originally placed by 'Devic realm' beings to help humanity transition to new methods. He posits that these patterns are reappearing due to our subconscious need for them, not from an external sentient force. The original creators have moved on, but other beings are concerned for our welfare and may help reactivate patterns through subconscious triggers. Grapeshot circles are identified as 'power points' to boost energy, and the patterns are seen as instigating evolutionary change in humans and animals. He warns hoaxers that they may be playing a dangerous game, potentially creating negative symbolic effects.

Astrograms - A Reality?

This section, by Paul Bura, discusses 'astrograms' – pictograms in the sky. It recounts a report from prisoners in Dartmoor who witnessed a bright light making geometric patterns, triangles, and circles for over an hour, leaving a glowing trail. Similar activity was reported in Axminster, where an object made triangles and circles. In Dorset, an elderly lady described a large, 'paper-doily' like astrogram. The article suggests these sky phenomena fit the prediction of astrograms and encourages readers to look to the heavens for such displays.

Zecharia Sitchin and Ancient Astronauts

Gordon Millington provides an overview of Zecharia Sitchin's work, focusing on his interpretation of ancient texts, particularly the book of Genesis. Sitchin argues that the 'Nefilim', described as 600 natives of the tenth planet Nibiru, visited Earth 445,000 years ago. Their purpose was to mine gold to maintain their long lifespan. The report details the creation of 'The Adam' as primitive slaves, and later, fertile humans, as a solution to labor issues. Sitchin's narrative extends to the biblical flood story, suggesting it's a corrupted version of Sumerian accounts, and discusses the Nefilim's potential involvement in human civilization's rebuilding and technological advancements, including the base at Baalbec.

The Phobos 2 Incident

Sitchin's 'Genesis Revisited' is discussed in relation to the USSR's unmanned space probe Phobos 2, launched in 1988 to explore Mars. After Phobos 1 was lost, Phobos 2 entered Martian orbit in January 1989. Despite being an international effort, contact was lost on March 28, 1989. Sitchin concludes that the loss was not an accident but an 'incident', possibly an alien defense against Earth's intrusion on their Martian base. The article draws a parallel to the inexplicable loss of NASA's Mars Observer probe years later.

Reviews

A Crop for All Seasons Calendar: Andy Thomas reviews the 1995 CCCS crop circle calendar, produced by Michael Glickman and Lucy Pringle. He praises the quality of the photographs of 1994 formations, noting that while the origin of the phenomenon remains unknown, the calendar serves as an excellent photographic record. He mentions a debate over including disclaimers about potential hoaxes. The calendar is noted as being sold out in the UK but potentially available through local CCCS branches or in the US.

Mediawatch - Grey Areas: Andy Thomas reviews two television programs. The first, BBC 2's 'Horizon' on alien abductions, is criticized for its presenter Susan Blackmore's skeptical approach and for concluding that evidence for ET involvement is flimsy, while also failing to provide strong alternative explanations. The second program, BBC 2's 'Timewatch', profiled John Anthony West's quest to prove the Sphinx is older than commonly believed, dating it to 8000-10,000BC based on rain erosion. This program also touched upon Richard Hoagland's 'Face on Mars' theories, which the magazine notes are rarely discussed in mainstream historical series.

Letters

Erik Beckjord (California, USA): Beckjord questions the legality of trespass in the UK regarding crop circles, comparing it to stricter laws in the US. He expresses skepticism about channelling, particularly Paul Bura's 'Joeb', and suggests crop circles might be a test by aliens. He also comments on the Froxfield flower and Avebury web formations, suggesting they could be hoaxed.

SC REPLIES: The magazine defends the UK's Criminal Justice Act's ambiguity and addresses Beckjord's points. It refutes the idea that the Froxfield and Avebury formations were easy to hoax, citing detailed analysis from a previous report. The magazine also defends the inclusion of channelling material, stating that a majority of readers are not negative about it.

Terry Wilson (SC 36): Paul Bura replies to Wilson's letter, defending his channelling entity 'Joeb' against Beckjord's criticisms and asserting the validity of his experiences, including a past life regression that led to the discovery of a village in Sudbury.

Ray Cox (Halesowen, West Midlands): Cox expresses a positive view of the Criminal Justice Act, seeing it as beneficial for the crop circle community. He believes it will help address vandalism and trespass.

SC REPLIES: The magazine expresses caution regarding the Criminal Justice Act, highlighting its potential for ambiguity and the possibility of police defining actions as illegal. It notes that hoaxers are unlikely to be deterred and that large gatherings at crop circle sites could be subject to traffic control measures.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the mystery of crop circles, their potential origins, and the broader implications for humanity's understanding of its place in the universe. The magazine actively engages with theories of ancient astronauts, extraterrestrial intelligence, and paranormal phenomena, presenting a platform for diverse viewpoints, including those that challenge established historical and scientific narratives. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging critical thinking while also acknowledging the value of intuition and personal experience in exploring these complex subjects. There is a clear emphasis on seeking 'truth' and understanding the 'phenomenon' beyond superficial explanations, even when dealing with controversial topics like channelling and alleged alien encounters.