Sussex Circular - 1995 no 45

Magazine Overview

SC, The Monthly Magazine of Crop Circles and Beyond, issue 45, dated September/October 1995, is a 12-page publication that addresses the shift in its dating system to align with the forthcoming month. Editor Andy Thomas explains this change aims to make the magazine feel more current upon receipt. The issue previews the upcoming 50th anniversary issue with extra pages and special contributions. It also notes reports suggesting that crop circles are not entirely man-made but are created by a 'natural force', though it questions the source of these claims.

Cover Story: 'Close Encounters': Still Relevant After All These Years?

Andy Thomas attends a free outdoor screening of Steven Spielberg's 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' in Brighton's Preston Park. He observes that despite the film being eighteen years old, it resonates strongly with a new, youthful generation. The screening sparks conversations about UFOs, aliens, and the X-Files, indicating a renewed interest in these topics. Thomas reflects on the film's impact on popular culture, particularly its portrayal of 'grey' aliens, and how it laid the groundwork for subsequent UFO-themed media. He notes a shift towards pessimism and suspicion regarding government cover-ups in contemporary perceptions, contrasting with the film's tone. He suggests that the public is becoming more ready to confront the existence of other intelligences, and that authorities might miss an opportunity if they fail to acknowledge this readiness.

Reviews: John Martineau's 'A Book Of Coincidence'

Simon Burton reviews John Martineau's 'A Book Of Coincidence', describing it as a geometric proof of the Harmony of the Spheres. He praises its elegance and conciseness, calling it a 'cult publication' that transmutes 'alchemical gold' from the 'cerealogist's psyche'. The book is noted for revealing astonishing geometric correlations and a 'natural order' in the solar system. The review highlights the problematic implications of its geometries, comparing them to Barbury Castle and Mandelbrot formations. It suggests that the author's extensive study of 'geometry in the round' has led to profound insights, linking the crop circle geometry in the appendices to astronomical mandalas and the principle of 'as above so below'.

Letters

• Simon Burton of Southampton, Hampshire, comments on a crop circle formation illustrated on page 4, likening it to 'thought bubbles' or a sperm fusing with an egg, and speculates on its meaning. He also discusses the concept of 'landscape dragons' in ancient Chinese military strategy and its potential connection to the 'desecration' of Winchester's power base.
• Don Stallybrass of Bognor Regis, West Sussex, shares his conclusion that crop circles are made by a 'giant child, a jovial spirit, a happy alien', based on his research and comments in SC. He notes coincidences related to the number 42 and mentions dancing lights seen before crop formations appeared.
• Erik Beckjord from Marina Del Rey, California, USA, discusses the Santilli film, expressing interest but also caution due to the lack of definitive proof. He mentions his UFO, Bigfoot, and Loch Ness Monster Museum in LA, which includes a crop circles section.
• John Rollinger of Ringmer, East Sussex, expresses concern about the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAFF) department's ADAS investigations into crop circles. He fears that ADAS, which he claims scientifically disproved the 'Bodmin Beast', might similarly debunk crop circle phenomena. He cites an article in 'Private Eye' suggesting MAFF deliberately distorts information and coerces farmers to suppress reports of attacks on livestock, raising questions about the impartiality of ADAS's findings.

Formation Surveys

• Sussex Crop Formations '95: 5) Kingley Vale by Judith Newman details a formation discovered on June 22nd, 1995, in Kingley Vale, West Sussex. It was a spoked three-ringed circle made of pine needles and forest floor materials, which the author and her brother were convinced appeared suddenly.
• Sussex Crop Formations '95: 6) Binsted by Andy Thomas and Martin Noakes reports on a formation that appeared on July 1st, 1995, in Binsted, West Sussex. This was an irregular shape in water rushes, laid in swirls and swathes, found near where witness Helen Whitlock reported seeing a cigar-shaped UFO. Samples of the rushes were sent for analysis.

Cornography with Michael Glickman

Michael Glickman critiques the use of the statistic '95%' by individuals like Reg Presley and Richard Andrews to claim most crop circles are hoaxes, arguing it lacks evidence. He also criticizes Colin Andrews for his annual 'chastisement' of crop circle researchers, questioning his limited engagement with the subject matter. Glickman notes that the 1995 season had fewer formations but greater sophistication. He speculates that the reduced number of formations might be due to a lower water table, as suggested by Brian Grist's 'Aquifer Attractor' theory. He also points out the absence of formations in the East Field, a consistent location in previous years, suggesting a lesson in not presuming patterns. Glickman highlights the hospitality of Adrian and June Potts at The Barge Inn, a popular gathering spot for researchers and visitors, and mentions the growing commercialization of crop circle interest, with topics ranging from past life regression to crop circle cuisine.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine maintains a stance of open inquiry into crop circles and related phenomena, while also critically examining claims and statistics. There is a clear interest in the geometric and symbolic aspects of crop circles, as evidenced by the review of John Martineau's book. The issue also reflects a growing public interest in UFOs and alien encounters, influenced by popular culture like 'Close Encounters' and 'The X-Files'. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging readers to question and investigate rather than passively accept information, as suggested by the critique of unsubstantiated claims and the call to 'Don't wait to be told' regarding unexplained phenomena. The magazine also demonstrates a commitment to documenting formations and exploring potential connections between different anomalous events.