Sussex Circular - 1997 no 69

Magazine Overview

This issue of SC, the monthly journal of crop circles and beyond, is number 69, dated October 1997. The cover features a striking black and white image of a person lying in a field of cut crops, with the magazine title 'SC' prominently displayed. The main cover headline highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the 'Oliver's Castle' video and Michael Glickman's defense of its authenticity, stating he 'Doesn't Take It Lying Down'. Other cover stories include 'Sacred Geometry & Earth Changes', 'Final UK Formations', and '1997 Reports', along with a 'Letters Bite Back!' section.

Editorial Stance and Introduction

Editor Andy Thomas opens the issue with a reflection on the nature of debate within the crop circle community. He addresses the tendency for some to dismiss any mention of 'hoax' or 'fake' as inherently true, and conversely, to reject evidence that challenges their preconceptions. Thomas argues that while it's important to enjoy the phenomenon, it's also crucial to raise a voice against misinformation, especially if one believes crop formations hold significant meaning for humanity and the planet. He defends SC's approach, stating they don't advocate for any single viewpoint but are committed to seeking truth and sharing significant findings without the 'blanket of rumour and opinion presented as gospel'. He acknowledges that this stance can lead to accusations of fundamentalism but maintains that SC does not know what is truly happening with the circles, only that there is something significant enough to share.

Crop Circles Update: Final 1997 Reports

Andy Thomas provides a comprehensive rundown of the final incoming reports of English crop formations from the 1997 season. This section details numerous formations across various counties:

• Devon: A single 40' approx circle near Kennford Ken, reported around August 1st.
• Hampshire: At Clanfield, a neat single circle with grapeshot appeared on July 3rd, followed by a larger, messier 'thought bubble' design of five decreasing circles around August 1st. In Upham, an elaborate 100' approx Celtic cross-type design was reported on August 14th, featuring multiple rings and paths, with some distortion noted.
• Norfolk: A small single circle was discovered near Wacton sometime in the summer.
• Northamptonshire: Three circles in a line were found near Middleton Cheney on August 9th, in a triplet configuration.
• Oxfordshire: An unconfirmed sighting was made near Brackley around August 9th. Another unconfirmed sighting was documented near Long Hanborough, also around August 9th. In Woodstock, on July 28th, a dumbbell formation with a connected triangular path was reported, measuring 30' circles connected by a 22' shaft, with a 55' by 55' 'sail'.
• Somerset: A 50' clockwise circle with a 62' diameter appeared near Compton Dando on August 16th, next to another 62' circle. At Isle Brewers, a small dumbbell formation was found by a farmer around August 12th.
• Wiltshire: A 25' circle was found near Bratton on July 25th, with two grapeshot nearby. At Vernham Dean, on August 5th, an impressive formation of seven circles of differing sizes, one ringed, was spotted, distinguished by a curved path.
• Woodborough Hill: On July 11th, an extraordinary pictogram in wild grass appeared, featuring a snaking path from a clear circle, surrounded by faint rings. This formation was not investigated from the ground.
• Hackpen Hill: On August 18th, what is considered the last English formation of the year, a fractal of triangles, appeared. It was described as smaller and more triangular than previous 'snowflakes', featuring 96 tiny circles radiating outwards, forming a 'strange attractor' motif.

The section also mentions the Germans Koch and Kyborg's annual communication experiment in a wheat field on July 21st, creating a design of rings and circles intended to communicate their position in the stars from Orion's point of view.

Oliver's Castle Hustle: A Defense of Authenticity

Michael Glickman is featured in a piece titled 'Oliver's Hustle', where he passionately defends the authenticity of the Oliver's Castle video. He criticizes the community's tendency to dismiss evidence based on preconceived notions of 'hoax' or 'fake'. Glickman asserts that the formation shown in the video was real and that the geometric information was astounding. He highlights that many film and special effects professionals were impressed by the video, agreeing it could be faked but would require significant time, money, skill, and artistry, making amateur attempts laughable. Glickman also criticizes the personal attacks and 'paparazzi' level research directed at Weyleigh (or Wabe), who was involved with the video, arguing that these attacks had nothing to do with the video's veracity. He expresses disappointment that the promised 'final revelation' from the accusers amounted to little more than assertions of hoaxing, which he found to be untrue. Glickman concludes that the attack on the video has failed and that the circle makers have delivered a lesson in discerning truth and evolving.

Letters to the Editor

The 'Letters' section addresses several points raised by previous issues:

• Peter Sorensen responds to a previous letter, questioning the amount of space taken by replies and focusing on the core issue of authenticity. He defends his own work, stating that while he reports on formations he feels are not genuine, he also reports positive findings. Sorensen believes that a democratic interaction of ideas is vital for the advancement of the circles and that reporting clues to a circle's origin is a duty.
• Andy Thomas replies to Sorensen, acknowledging the danger of individuals being turned off by negative reports but asserting that most newcomers encounter a variety of opinions. He agrees that debate is vital and that SC does not advocate vandalism of noticeboards or disrespect for viewpoints. He clarifies that the magazine's approach is not 'negativity' but 'necessity' when addressing important issues, and that they hold individuals accountable for their words and actions without personal attacks.
• Another reader expresses sadness that the 'hoaxes this year' brigade is still active, questioning why anyone still studies crop circles. This reader believes that opinions on ground appearance are subjective and that dominant researchers, especially with the internet, are hyping their views. They critique Peter Sorensen's assessments of formations like the Barbury Castle rape designs and the Stonehenge labyrinth.
• Anthony Cheke from Oxford corrects a location mentioned in a previous issue, clarifying that 'Arse Overtip' is not in Oxfordshire but possibly in Sussex.
• Geoff Ambler from Wheatley, Oxfordshire, comments on Martin Noakes' article, acknowledging that Michael Newark, mentioned in the piece, believes in a genuine phenomenon despite the focus on hoaxing teams.
• GR Stewart from Earls Barton, Northants, shares an anecdote about meeting 'Tony' and Colin Andrews, humorously describing an event involving Tony and his shorts.

Features: Sacred Geometry & The End Of Time

This section features a piece by Dave Dickson, inspired by Michael Glickman's lecture, which explores the possibility of the end of homo sapiens and the role of crop circles in signaling this change. Dickson posits that a planetary alignment in May 2000, along with other geological shifts, could signify a major transition. He suggests that crop formations displaying sacred geometry might be communicating a message about humanity's temporal and spiritual relationship with the Earth, potentially heralding the advent of 'homo superior'. Dickson argues that those interested in these phenomena might be offered a 'Get Out of Jail Free' card, a chance for salvation through spiritual awakening and attunement with nature. He emphasizes that ignoring this potential message or dismissing crop formations as mere hoaxes could be perilous. The piece concludes by hoping that someone will soon crack the crop circle code, as it may contain the key to understanding this impending transition.

Circles Gallery

This section showcases photographs of some of 1997's crop formations, taken by Steve Alexander. The gallery highlights:

• Milk Hill, Wiltshire: Described as the most astonishing formation of the year, featuring a record-breaking 198 small circles.
• Bourton, near Bishops Cannings, Wiltshire: Noted as one of the neatest and most striking symbols of 1997.
• Whitchurch, Hampshire: A formation described as geometrically dodgy but well-laid.
• Liddington Castle, Wiltshire: Featuring a huge and perfect arc of a pathway.
• Keysley Down, Somerset: A formation recalling early 90s pictograms.
• Lane End Down, Hampshire: Characterized by a radial burst lay of the central circle, considered very impressive.

The 'Circles Gallery' notes that the 'star' motif appears in three of these designs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the ongoing debate about the authenticity of crop circles, the significance of sacred geometry within their patterns, and speculative interpretations of their meaning, including prophetic and evolutionary scenarios. The editorial stance, as articulated by Andy Thomas, is one of open inquiry, a commitment to reporting findings accurately, and a defense against misinformation, while acknowledging the profound mystery and potential importance of the crop circle phenomenon. The magazine positions itself as a platform for discussion and a vital source of information for those interested in crop circles, especially in the absence of widespread media coverage.