Sussex Circular - 1997 no 65

Magazine Overview

SC, The Monthly Journal of Crop Circles and Beyond, Issue 65, June 1997. This issue features a cover story on 'The Qabalah Arrives In The Fields' and 'The Sussex Cerealogical Bonanza 1997', alongside a section on 'Dark Skies'. The price is £1.25.

Main Articles and Features

The Sussex Cerealogical Bonanza II

Andy Thomas recounts the success of the second Sussex Crop Circle conference, held on April 26th, 1997, in Burgess Hill. Despite initial logistical challenges, the event was well-attended and featured a packed programme. Key speakers included Robert Bauval, whose theories on the Pyramids and Sphinx were linked to astronomical information and a construction date around 10,500 BC. Michael Green, President of the Centre for Crop Circle Studies, connected Bauval's work to cerealogy and ancient wisdom communicated through crop circles. Turan Rifat and Jazz Rasool presented theories on the mind, energy, consciousness, and how crop formations are created by the bending of space. The event also included a review of UFO evidence and a crop circle gameshow.

The Qabalah Arrives In The Fields

This section explores the appearance of crop formations that resemble the 'Qabalah' or 'Tree of Life' diagram. The formation at Burdrop Down, Wiltshire, appearing on May 4th, 1997, is highlighted as a direct representation, potentially symbolizing the astrological glyph for Aries and the position of the planet Mars. The article connects this to Aleister Crowley's proclamation of the New Aeon in 1904 and his teachings in 'The Book of The Law', emphasizing 'Do What Thou Wilt' and 'Love is the Law, Love Under Will'. The numerology of 'Thelema' and 'Aiwaz' generating the number 93, the number of the New Aeon, is discussed, as is the significance of the number 93 in astronomical distances and the Alton Barnes formation. The Tree of Life diagram, a blueprint of creation with ten Sephiroth and twenty-two pathways, is explained as a map of creation and spirituality, linking to Hebrew alphabet and Tarot cards. The article notes that the Barbury Castle triangle formation of 1991 also had a kinked path, similar to the Burdrop Down formation.

Dark Skies - A Look at the New TV Series

Andy Thomas reviews the US television series 'Dark Skies', considering its place in the growing genre of 'paranoia TV'. The series, set in the 1960s, follows protagonists uncovering an alien invasion by 'The Hive' and the covert 'MJ12' unit. While acknowledging its debt to 'The X Files', the article suggests 'Dark Skies' offers a more direct approach to conspiracy, revealing the alien threat and cover-up from the outset. Despite flagging ratings in the US, the series is praised for its compelling concepts and its exploration of alien paranoia and 'New World Order' themes. The article also briefly mentions 'Babylon 5' as another significant series in this genre.

News and Updates

Brief news items include an update on the Strethall formation and an event in Croatia where a cigar-shaped object and a black sphere were reported, followed by the discovery of a crop circle and strange footprints. The issue also mentions the 'Olivers Castle video' and a sequence showing bright bursts of lights at the Wilsford 'thought bubble' formation.

Mediawatch

This section critiques the TV series 'Dark Skies', noting its reliance on common UFO and conspiracy tropes. It highlights the series' attempt to present an 'alternative history' by incorporating figures like Jessie Marcel and Howard Hughes. The article suggests that while the series may not be a government disinformation campaign, its existence contributes to a general 'ET awareness' and can foster fear. It also points out that the series, despite its flaws, offers a more direct exploration of alien paranoia than 'The X Files'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of crop circles with spirituality, esotericism (particularly Qabalah and Crowleyan magick), and conspiracy theories. There is a clear editorial stance that supports the investigation of these phenomena, often framing them as evidence of a deeper, hidden reality or communication. The magazine appears to champion the idea that crop circles are not merely hoaxes but significant messages, and it critiques skepticism while celebrating the resilience of belief in these extraordinary patterns. The tone is generally enthusiastic about the subject matter, encouraging readers to explore these complex ideas.