Magazine Summary
SC
Summary
The June 1997 issue of SC magazine delves into crop circle phenomena, notably the 'Qabalah' or 'Tree of Life' formation at Burdrop Down, Wiltshire, and its astrological significance. It also covers the Sussex Cerealogical Bonanza II conference, highlighting speakers like Robert Bauval and Jazz Rasool, and discusses the TV series 'Dark Skies' and its relation to UFO and conspiracy themes. The issue also touches upon the historical context of Aleister Crowley and the New Aeon, linking it to crop circle symbolism.
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.
The consciousness of mankind is being prepared for great leaps and discoveries - in a gentle way wherever possible... God is giving Man a great chance... Now Man must choose
Key Incidents
A large cigar-shaped object was seen, followed by a black sphere with a fiery red glow and three visible 'holes', hovering over a field, with a 92' crop circle found later.
Three orange 'fireballs' were witnessed.
Aleister Crowley proclaimed the Advent of the New Aeon after receiving a message from an intelligence named Aiwaz.
A triangle formation appeared, noted for a kink in one of its paths.
A formation appeared, described as a direct representation of the 'Qabalah' or 'tree of life', lacking the grace of previous formations but significant in its symbolism.
A formation appeared, described as a representation of the astrological glyph for Aries, possibly showing the position of Mars.
A 'thought bubble' formation where bright bursts of lights were seen arcing inside the standing centre.
The first pictogram is claimed to have been received in the US.
Alleged discovery of objects in a German formation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the 'Qabalah' crop formation?
The 'Qabalah' formation, appearing on May 4th, 1997, is seen as a direct representation of the ancient 'Qabalah' or 'tree of life', potentially symbolizing the astrological glyph for Aries and the position of the planet Mars.
What was the Sussex Cerealogical Bonanza II?
The Sussex Cerealogical Bonanza II was a one-day conference held on April 26th, 1997, featuring speakers discussing crop circles, ancient wisdom, remote viewing, and theories on how crop formations are made.
What is the connection between crop circles and Aleister Crowley's teachings?
The magazine suggests a connection between crop formations, particularly the 'Tree of Life' diagram, and Aleister Crowley's concept of the New Aeon and 'Thelema' (True Will), noting numerical correspondences and symbolism.
What is the TV series 'Dark Skies' about?
'Dark Skies' is a US TV series set in the 1960s that follows two protagonists uncovering an alien invasion plot involving 'The Hive', slimy creatures that control minds, and a covert ET-investigation unit called 'MJ12'.
In This Issue
People Mentioned
- Andy ThomasEditor
- Mother Meera
- Jason Porthouse
- Barry Reynolds
- Pat Palgrave-Moore
- Peter Sorenson
- Busty Taylor
- Andrew Collins
- Debbie Pardoe
- Barry Reynolds
- Aleister Crowley
- Michael GreenPresident of Centre for Crop Circle Studies
- +8 more
Organisations
- SC
- The Skeptical Enquirer
- Meridian ITV
- Anglia ITV
- UFO Roundup
- Southern Circular Research
- CCCS Sussex
- Centre for Crop Circle Studies
- NASA
- Channel 4
- MJ12
- Babylon 5
Locations
- Olivers Castle, England
- Sussex, England
- Burgess Hill, England
- Zagorje, Croatia
- Lokrum Island, Croatia
- Cairo, Egypt
- Wiltshire, England
- Essex, England
- Holland, Netherlands
- Brazil, Brazil
- Michigan, USA
- Sphinx, Egypt
- Hollywood, USA
- Roswell, USA
- +4 more