Sussex Circular - 1997 no 63

Magazine Overview

SC, The Monthly Journal of Crop Circles and Beyond, Issue 63, April 1997. This issue focuses on the burgeoning crop circle season of 1997, the ongoing debate surrounding the Oliver's Castle video, and explores potential connections between crop formations and ancient Egyptian wisdom.

News: New Circles Across The Globe

Andy Thomas reports on the early signs of the 1997 crop circle season. Three small circles were found in Amsterdam, Holland, on January 18th, with another larger formation discovered in winter wheat elsewhere. In Michigan, USA, a 39-foot circle of standing wheat appeared on a site previously marked by a blackened circle. Brazil reported a 33-foot circle in a cornfield near Santo Angelo, following a sighting of a bright red light. The article also notes a spate of UFO sightings in Phoenix, Arizona, including orange orbs and triangles.

Features: Flaked Out - The Oliver's Castle Video

This section addresses the ongoing controversy surrounding the Oliver's Castle snowflake video. Michael Hubbard, initially claiming the video shown was not the same as the one he saw, has since changed his mind, attributing discrepancies to memory and viewing conditions. The article discusses Colin Andrews' published account implicating video-maker Lee Winterston and others in fabricating the sequence. While Colin Andrews has expressed skepticism, he has also stated he is 'open for the possibility that it is not a hoax'. The author, Andy Thomas, emphasizes his neutral stance, stating he has never claimed the video to be genuine or fabricated and criticizes those who brand others as blind believers or debunkers without evidence.

Features: Organ Circles Hit The USA

Andy Thomas introduces the work of Charles M Ruggles, a US-based pipe organ manufacturer who incorporates crop circle designs into his creations. Ruggles, a qualified organ player and builder, has constructed two such organs for universities. He describes how the crop circle connection came about through discussions with researcher Ron Russell. The designs, including the Barbury Castle formation and the 'monkey tail', were installed without prior announcement, surprising many who recognized the symbols.

Features: Vibration, Crop Circles And... Egyptian Temples?

Karen Douglas explores the potential links between crop circles, vibration, and ancient Egyptian beliefs. The article references the work of Robert Bauval and John Anthony West, who suggest ancient Egyptians possessed advanced knowledge of geometry and numbers, possibly embodied in structures like the pyramids. It draws parallels with Schwaller de Lubicz's research into the Luxor temple, which indicated a deep understanding of geometry and numbers used to explain the workings of the universe. The author posits that crop circles, with their geometric precision, might influence human vibration and consciousness, potentially acting as temporary geometric temples that inspire higher experiences of reality.

Letters

Arthur Strong from Sweden questions the message of crop circles and asks for the magazine's stance, criticizing those who engage in 'slave' disinformation. The editorial response clarifies that SC aims to provide an information service and does not claim to know the definitive message of the crop circles, emphasizing the value of questions and stimulation.

Tony Nash from London praises SC for its fair-minded and balanced coverage, calling it a 'bastion of sanity' in a field often plagued by personal attacks and internet debates. He encourages the SC team to continue their work.

Paul Naish from Littlehampton, West Sussex, describes a sighting of a strange phenomenon involving rotating cloud puffs on November 1st, 1996, near Worthing, and seeks rational explanations from readers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently maintains an open-minded yet critical approach to the crop circle phenomenon. It prioritizes providing information and facilitating discussion rather than dictating conclusions. The editorial stance is one of intellectual curiosity, acknowledging the complexity and mystery of crop circles while encouraging readers to form their own opinions based on the evidence presented. Themes of scientific investigation, historical connections (like ancient Egypt), and the psychological impact of crop circles are recurrent.