Sussex Circular - 1999 no 83

Magazine Overview

SC, The Bimonthly Journal of Crop Circles and Beyond, Issue 83, dated March/April 1999, published by Southern Circular Research (SCR) and edited by Andy Thomas. The cover features the SC logo and striking imagery of crop circles, with prominent headlines teasing articles on the 'Marree Man' in Australia, a review of the book 'Dark Moon' concerning the Apollo missions, 'Squiggle Formations', 'Human Geometry At Silbury', and 'Reinterpreting ET Evidence'. The price is £2.00.

The World is Full of MARREE MAN

This news section reports on the discovery of a colossal 4km-long figure of a naked Aboriginal human ploughed into a desert plateau 600km north of Adelaide, Australia, named 'Marree Man'. The article questions the dismissal of this immense artwork as a mere 'publicity prank' and explores the subsequent intrigue, accusations, and mysterious faxes that surrounded its discovery. It highlights the difficulty of creating such a feat without advanced surveying techniques and possibly satellite-linked global positioning systems. The article notes the involvement of the US military and the release of cryptic faxes that attempted to explain the Marree Man's purpose as a benefit to South Australia through tourism and honoring indigenous pursuits, though the 'how' of its creation remains unexplained.

Dark Moon Reviewed

This section reviews Mary Bennett and David Percy's book 'Dark Moon', which ambitiously attempts to demonstrate that NASA Moon photos were faked and that the truth of the Apollo missions has not been told. The review highlights the book's argument that scientific analysis, using details about equipment and the extreme conditions of the Moon, conclusively shows that the iconic Apollo photographs were taken on Earth with controlled, artificial lighting. It points out numerous flaws and inconsistencies in the over 400 photographs presented in the book. The review also touches upon the book's exploration of the influence of Nazi scientists on both the American and Soviet space programs, the establishment of NASA as a civilian agency acting as the public face of the Department of Defence, and the authors' claim of uncovering a conspiracy. The book is presented as a two-part work, with the first two sections focusing on the Apollo evidence and the third section exploring future possibilities related to consciousness and the universe.

The MYTH of the CIRCLEMAKERS

Darren Francis questions the prevailing notion that crop circles are necessarily linked to UFOs and extraterrestrial communication. He notes that early crop circle researchers were often ufologists, and the complexity of formations led many to believe in intelligent, extraterrestrial design. However, Francis argues that while unidentified aerial phenomena have been reported near crop circles, this does not automatically prove a link. He suggests that UFOs and their occupants might not be extraterrestrial but rather phenomena that adapt to cultural myth systems, citing historical accounts of faeries, elves, and other entities that share similarities with modern UFO reports. The article discusses 'balls of light' (BOLs) and their potential connection to tectonic stress, meditative states, and altered brain states, suggesting that these experiences might be interpreted through the lens of the observer's culture. Francis concludes that while these phenomena may not be purely creations of the human brain, they also lack objective reality, suggesting a mutual process. He proposes that human consciousness might play a role in the creation of crop circles, and that a wider view incorporating diverse areas of study is needed to understand these mysteries.

SQUIGGLES

This feature, co-authored by Andy Thomas, Barry Reynolds, and Kevin Constant, examines 'squiggle' formations – long, thin, winding pathways found in fields that are often dismissed as the work of pranksters. The article presents examples from Furze Hill, Wiltshire, and Sharnbrook, Bedfordshire, and a detailed report by Barry Reynolds on a formation at Berkhamstead, Hertfordshire. Reynolds describes a formation covering between one and two miles across a field, with lines of uniform width and a 'standing curtain' effect. Despite the effort involved, the farmer attributed it to 'gypsies'. The article suggests that these formations, due to their size and complexity, warrant further investigation beyond the 'mad mower fiends' explanation.

1998 CIRCLES GALLERY

This section presents a gallery of crop formation photographs from 1998, with images by Steve Alexander and Lucy Pringle. Featured formations include the 'Colliding Comet' in Lockeridge, Wiltshire, which depicts an asteroid or comet approaching a planet and moon; a formation in Cheriton, Hampshire; the 'Danebury' formation in Hampshire; the 'Dragon Larvae' in Lockeridge; and formations in Beckhampton, Wiltshire, one of which is suspected of having additions.

THE HUMAN COMPONENT

Michael Glickman explores the geometric characteristics of crop formations and their potential connection to human movement. He highlights a unique photograph of the 'Silbury Star' formation, which revealed a ring of people meditating in a precise geometric arrangement. Glickman discusses the Koch fractal, a mathematical concept that accurately describes the formation's geometry. He presents four hypotheses for the precise positioning of the visitors: coincidence, hoax, 'swarming' (architectural form influencing crowd behavior), and 'interaction'. Glickman favors the 'interaction' hypothesis, suggesting that the phenomenon is interactive and develops tangibly and specifically through shape and geometry, guided by human consciousness.

LETTERS

This section includes correspondence from readers. One letter addresses a BBC Countryfile program about Doug Bower, criticizing its perceived imbalance and lack of researcher perspective. Another letter from Geoff Stray discusses alignments in crop circles, particularly regarding the 'Pathfinder map' and the siting of a tumulus and church in relation to a circle. Sam Goodwin replies, clarifying his findings and suggesting slight variations in measurement. A letter from Rupert Knapman discusses circular alignments and their connection to esoteric philosophy, mentioning the 'Beltane Wheel' formation and its possible link to Mithras. Another letter from J.G. Frazer discusses the 'Symbol of Duality - Abraxas' and its similarity to 'Scorpion' crop formations. The letters also touch upon Gnostic Christianity and its links with esoteric philosophy.

A to Z Of Cerealogy

This is a humorous glossary of terms related to crop circles and related phenomena. Entries include:

• DARK SKIES: A TV series featuring crop circles.
• DIDGERIDOOS: Mentioned in relation to New Age activities in crop circles.
• DOCTOR WHO: A cult sci-fi show where crop circles could have been a plot element.
• DOGS: Discusses alleged strange canine behavior in crop circles.
• DOWSING: A pastime involving rods and dowsing.
• DOUG 'N' DAVE: Comedy duo associated with crop circle hoaxes.
• DRIVING: Describes the habit of drivers looking for crop circles while driving.
• DUCHOVNY, DAVID: Actor known for his role as Agent Mulder in The X-Files, who has shown interest in crop circles.

CORNOGRAPHY

Michael Glickman analyzes the 1990 Bickington, Devon, formation, determining it was not a true sevenfold geometry due to the placement of its seven satellites. He then discusses the nature of confessions in the context of crop circles, noting that while real-world confessions carry weight and potential punishment, crop circle confessions often lead to rewards and are sometimes paid. Glickman recounts two instances of alleged crop circle makers whose claims were questionable, highlighting the eagerness of some researchers to believe such confessions. He concludes that, despite numerous false confessions, little progress has been made in exercising discernment in this area.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SC magazine revolve around the mystery and interpretation of crop circles, their potential connection to UFO phenomena, and the questioning of official narratives. The magazine consistently adopts a critical stance towards simplistic explanations, particularly those that dismiss complex phenomena as mere hoaxes. There is a strong emphasis on geometric analysis, historical parallels, and the exploration of consciousness and human interaction with these events. The editorial stance appears to favor in-depth investigation and a willingness to consider unconventional theories, while maintaining a degree of skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims. The magazine also highlights the importance of researchers' perspectives and criticizes media portrayals that it deems unbalanced or sensationalized.

This document is an advertisement for an event titled "The SC BONANZA III", presented by "SC", which is described as a bimonthly crop circle journal. The event is a "LIVE AND LIVELY DAY OF PRESENTATIONS!".

Event Details The event was scheduled for Saturday, May 8, 1999, running from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. The venue was The Scout Centre, located at Station Road, Burgess Hill, West Sussex.

Featured Speakers and Performers The event featured several notable guests:

• Dr. Mae-Wan Ho: Described as the author of 'Genetic Engineering: Dream or Nightmare?' and "Britain's leading opponent of genetically modified crops."
• John Michell: Author of 'The View Over Atlantis' and "many other works."
• Marcus Allen: Identified as the UK Editor of NEXUS magazine.
• Jude Stammers: A physicist and researcher into ancient wisdom and consciousness.
• Mary Hykel Hunt: An expert on Sacred Labyrinths.

Additionally, Stan Reynolds was featured, presenting "Master of magic & illusion". The MCs for the day were Andy Thomas and Barry Reynolds.

Ticketing and Information Tickets for the event were priced at £18.00 and included a vegetarian lunch. For tickets and further details, attendees were instructed to write to "SCB '99" at 270 Chanctonbury Road, Burgess Hill, West Sussex, RH15 9HJ. A telephone number, 01444 233105, was also provided for inquiries. The advertisement also noted that cheques should be made payable to 'SCR'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance The advertisement strongly suggests a focus on crop circles, as indicated by the publisher's description as a "crop circle journal". The inclusion of speakers like Dr. Mae-Wan Ho (opponent of GMOs), John Michell (author on ancient wisdom and alternative topics), Marcus Allen (NEXUS editor), Jude Stammers (physicist researching ancient wisdom and consciousness), and Mary Hykel Hunt (expert on Sacred Labyrinths) indicates a broader interest in esoteric subjects, alternative science, and potentially critical perspectives on mainstream scientific or technological developments. The inclusion of magic and illusion suggests an entertainment component alongside the informational presentations.