Sussex Circular - 1996 no 48

Magazine Overview

Title: SC (The Monthly Journal of Crop Circles and Beyond)
Issue: 48
Volume: 5
Date: January 1996
Price: £1.00

This issue of SC magazine tackles the ongoing debate surrounding crop circles, featuring a critical look at the skeptical views of scientist Carl Sagan and a review of Michael Hesemann's book that strongly links crop circles to UFOs and extraterrestrial activity. The publication also explores ancient sites and folklore in Sussex, England, suggesting connections to crop formations, and provides a detailed survey of a specific crop circle formation.

Carl Sagan Strikes Out

The lead article addresses Carl Sagan's recent strong critique of crop circles, presented in his forthcoming book 'The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark'. The author expresses surprise that Sagan's chapter on crop circles and UFOs was singled out for advance publicity, noting the irony that Sagan believes the public would rather believe in paranormal phenomena than conventional science. Sagan is identified as a member of the paranormal-busting organization CSICOP. The article dismisses Sagan's arguments as uninformed and suggests he relies heavily on the 'Doug and Dave' affair of 1991 to discredit crop circle research. The piece questions the motives of high-profile activists like Sagan and Barbara Walters (from the ABC 20/20 TV programme) who attack those investigating unusual phenomena.

Mediawatch: The Sagan Bug

Doug Rogers anticipates further attacks on crop circle research following Carl Sagan's recent media campaign. Rogers questions why prominent figures like Sagan and Walters would engage in such efforts against researchers who pose no threat. He suggests that the intricate crop designs of 1995 might be alarming to certain agencies, prompting these counter-offensives. Rogers advises readers not to be surprised by further attempts to discourage the study of crop circle patterns and believes the circle-makers' agenda will continue regardless of media coverage.

News - Not Guilty

This section clarifies a misunderstanding from a previous review by Barry Reynolds regarding a video titled 'UFOs, Crop Formations & The Paranormal'. Colin Andrews states that the video was produced by his friend Reg Presley, and that he (Andrews) only participated in interviews. The section also notes that Reg Presley recently entered this video into a US film competition. It further mentions Reg Presley's appearance on 'Clive Anderson Talks Back', where he reportedly made a controversial claim about a 'huge penis formation' near Chequers in 1994.

Review: The Cosmic Connection

Andy Thomas reviews Michael Hesemann's book 'The Cosmic Connection'. The book, originally published in Germany in 1993 and updated for its English edition, argues that crop circles are solely created by Extra-Terrestrials and UFOs. Thomas notes that the book is being used to gauge interest in crop circles, leveraging the perennial popularity of UFOs. He criticizes Hesemann's uncompromising stance, stating that the book dismisses all other theories about crop circles. While acknowledging the book's comprehensive approach to linking UFOs and crop circles, Thomas points out that Hesemann ignores formations found before the 1970s and is selective about locations, focusing heavily on Wiltshire and Hampshire. The review highlights the book's excellent colour photographs but criticizes the black and white reproduction. Thomas also questions the book's factual accuracy on certain points, such as the military sealing off Barbury Castle. Despite these criticisms, he recommends the book as a valuable introduction to the UFO subject for novices and as a necessary addition to any crop circle enthusiast's library, emphasizing the need to support such publications to ensure future releases.

Features: Lines, Legends and Folklore

Debbie Pardoe explores astonishing alignments and 'coincidences' among crop formations, churches, and the landscape in East Sussex, particularly around Alfriston and Wilmington. She discusses David Tilt's research on alignments centring on the churchyard mound at Berwick and her own tracing of energy lines. Pardoe identifies Burlough Castle as a potential 'henge site' and notes its connection to the 'Castle Without Inhabitants' motif in Arthurian legend. The article details the discovery of a crop formation at Alfriston in 1995 and its alignment with other sites, forming a tetrahedron with Jevington Church at its centre. The significance of ancient sites like Lullington Church, Alfriston Church, and Jevington Church is explored, along with the legend of the Long Man of Wilmington and its possible connections to Norse mythology. The article also touches upon the 'Wish' formation at Birling Gap in 1994 and its proximity to ancient sites. The number 42 is noted for its connection to the Long Man and Orion the Hunter.

Formation Surveys: Sussex Crop Formations '95: 10) Cissbury Ring

Barry Reynolds reports on the Cissbury Ring crop formation, which appeared on July 15th, 1995. The formation was a six-ringed circle with offset centres, located near Cissbury Ring in West Sussex. The crop was laid clockwise, except for the centre circle, which was anticlockwise. Reynolds details the survey methodology, including trigonometric calculations to determine the diameters of the rings. He notes that the formation was situated on a steep and curved hillside. During the survey, members of CCCS Sussex were reportedly harassed by a local police helicopter. The report also mentions the issuance of a Royal Mail stamp commemorating H.G. Wells' 'The Time Machine', which bears a resemblance to the formation. Standard sample sets were taken, and the formation was found to contain Lucy Pringle's experimental water bottles. The report concludes by mentioning that the Cissbury formation was to see further additions shortly after.

The Sussex Cerealogical Bonanza - The Video

An important notice regarding the 'Sussex Cerealogical Bonanza' video, advertised in the previous month's issue. Readers are asked for patience as the exact number of orders is needed before production can commence. It is stated that the videos are a limited edition and this is the last call to order.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the ongoing debate between skepticism and belief in paranormal phenomena, particularly concerning crop circles. The magazine consistently champions the investigation and reporting of crop circle events, providing detailed surveys and analyses. There is a clear editorial stance in favor of exploring alternative explanations for crop circles, often linking them to UFOs and ancient mysteries, while critically examining skeptical viewpoints. The publication also emphasizes the importance of local research, focusing on events and sites within Sussex, and highlights the historical and folkloric aspects associated with these phenomena. The magazine appears to be a platform for enthusiasts and researchers to share their findings and perspectives, encouraging continued exploration of the subject.