Sussex Circular - 1999 no 84

Magazine Overview

This issue of "The Bimonthly Journal of Crop Circles and Beyond" (SC 84, May/June 1999) offers a deep dive into the world of crop circles, their astronomical implications, and the ongoing debate surrounding their origins. The cover prominently features "REASSESSING THE SOLAR SYSTEM GLYPH" and highlights early 1999 formations, "Gurus On Video," "USA Marsh Patterns," and "Stone Circles As Eclipse Predictors."

Editorial and Subscription Information

The editor, Andy Thomas, thanks Michael Glickman for his work on the US subscriptions and announces a new dollar account in England to streamline international subscriptions. He clarifies that Glickman's views are his own and not necessarily those of SC, emphasizing the magazine's aim to create provocation and discussion. The editorial also touches upon the persistence of the Oliver's Castle formation, even appearing in media like a Dutch TV show.

Subscription details are provided, with rates for the UK, Europe, and USA. The editorial address is listed as 13 Downsview Cottages, Cooksbridge, Lewes, East Sussex, BN8 4TA, England, with an email address of [email protected]. General mail and subscription inquiries can be directed to Di Brown & Jason Porthouse at 36 Graham Crescent, Mile Oak, Portslade, East Sussex, BN41 2YB.

News: Early Season Formations

Andy Thomas reports on the first crop formations of the 1999 season, noting their early arrival. The earliest reported event was in Peru, near Lindera, where three circles joined by paths were found in wheat on March 8th. This was followed by a dumbbell design of two connected circles in Israel on March 20th. The first official English formation was a pictogram in oilseed rape at Newton St Loe, near Bath, on April 11th, featuring a complex design of circles and keys. Other formations mentioned include a small pattern at Ogbourne St George, Wiltshire, and circles and crescents at Milk Hill, Wiltshire. The issue also notes a spectacular glyph at Istead Rise, Kent, consisting of 12 overlapping rings, and recent formations in Wiltshire and Hampshire.

Obituary

The issue notes the sad passing of Jean Brown, a stalwart of the Cornwall Centre for Crop Circle Studies and a long-time supporter of SC. She died of typhoid in Africa at the age of 50. Jean was active in surveying West Country crop circles and organizing events.

Features: The Cosmic Protractor

This section delves into the "Earth is Missing" or solar system chart formation of 1995, known as the Longwood Warren formation. Jack Sullivan, who previously cracked 'galaxy' pattern codes, reassesses this glyph. He proposes that the formation is an 'Heliocentric View' of the solar system, where the Sun is central and planetary orbits are depicted. However, Earth is missing. Sullivan suggests that the formation is a precise astronomical diagram, possibly predicting a future celestial event. He argues that by analyzing the arrangement of the rings and dots, and considering the eccentric orbits of the planets, the position of Earth can be deduced, revealing a Venus-Earth Inferior Conjunction on January 16th, 1998, as the unique alignment matching the glyph.

Features: Stonehenge as Eclipse Predictor

Geoff Stray explores the possibility that ancient stone circles, particularly Stonehenge, were built as eclipse predictors. He highlights the accuracy of the Mayan calendar, which used cycles like the 260-day Tzolkin, 365-day Haab, and 584-day Venus cycle to achieve a year length of 365.242129 days. Stray discusses how Stonehenge's alignments, including the Heel Stone and station stones, could have been used to track solar and lunar cycles, including the 18.61-year regression cycle of the lunar nodes, which is crucial for eclipse prediction. He references the work of Gerald Hawkins and Sir Fred Hoyle, suggesting that the 56 Aubrey holes at Stonehenge could have functioned as an eclipse computer. The article also notes the presence of 19-stone circles in Cornwall, near Land's End, which coincide with the location of the 1999 total solar eclipse, further supporting the theory of ancient eclipse prediction.

Reviews: Guruvision

This section reviews "The Crop Circle Enigma: A Discussion with Stanley Messenger & Michael Glickman," a video by Chris Everard. The video aims to provide an unedited voice for crop circle researchers, focusing on the subjects themselves rather than flashy production techniques. The review notes the raw, back-to-basics approach and suggests that viewer interest will depend on personal affinity with Messenger and Glickman. It addresses the criticism of 'guruism' often leveled at them, arguing that their respect is earned through heartfelt contributions rather than manufactured authority. The review also mentions Chris Everard's plans for "The Enigma Channel" website.

Reports: Marsh Glyphs

Barry Reynolds reports on unusual marsh patterns discovered by Tom Lockhart, a retired Air Force Pilot, in Arizona. These patterns, resembling a small lake or marsh on a mountain-top, featured amazingly well-defined symbols. When analyzed, one symbol was identified as the astrological sign for Aries, while others appeared to be stylized versions of the symbol for woman, a pound sign, and the number 16 (or 91). A theory suggests it might be an alien 'lonely hearts' advertisement.

Correspondence: A Scientist Writes...

This section presents a correspondence between a subscriber, Zan Overall, and an unnamed director of an astronomical observatory. Overall sends photographs and arguments against the man-made explanation for crop circles, asking the director to consider unconventional explanations. The director's reply dismisses the evidence, stating that complex enterprises have been successfully undertaken by resourceful individuals, and refers to crop circles as 'contrived public art.' Zan Overall's final reply expresses disappointment that his arguments were not addressed and questions the director's reliance on assumptions.

Letters

Several letters from readers are included:

• Mulder & Scully: Discusses the 'flying saucer' enigma, proposing that its characteristic shape is not a spaceship but a glyph representing a spiral galaxy, specifically our own Milky Way.
• Esther Rantings: Comments on a TV show about crop circles, praising Esther Rantzen's open approach and criticizing Reg Presley's performance and his claim that 95% of circles are hoaxed.
• Mulder Whine: Questions why crop circles have barely featured in 'The X-Files,' referencing a photo of the East Kennett formation in Mulder's office.
• Who Knows: Critiques Danny Sotham and discusses 'Sacred Geometry,' questioning its origins and meaning.
• Danny Sotham Replies: Responds to criticism about his 'A-Z of Cerealogy' and his comments on 'The X-Files.'
• Michael Glickman Replies: Addresses a question about Sacred Geometry, promising a more in-depth exploration in a future issue.

Danny Sotham's A to Z of Cerealogy

This regular column provides short, often humorous, entries on various crop circle-related terms:

• Effects, Weird: Discusses the supposed ability of crop circles to disrupt electronics like mobile phones.
• Ejector Seats: Debunks stories of fighter jets crashing into crop circles, noting the lack of evidence and the existence of formations appearing long after potential incidents.
• End of the World: Addresses the interpretation of solar system glyphs as warnings of planetary doom, questioning the motive of such 'gloating' intelligence.
• Enigma, The Crop Circle: Refers to the term's common usage and a 1990 book that documented a period of peace among researchers.
• Erections: Briefly mentions crop formations that have displayed male genitalia, noting the controversy and skepticism surrounding them.
• Events: Comments on the nature of crop circle conferences, highlighting the search for scandal and character assassination.
• Extra Terrestrials: Discusses the evolving terminology for alien beings ('little green men,' 'alien,' 'ET') and the limited evidence linking them to crop circles.
• Ezekiel: Mentions the prophet Ezekiel and his 'wheels within wheels' imagery, often cited in relation to UFOs and crop circles.

Features: Stone Circles & the '99 Eclipse

This article by Geoff Stray continues the theme of ancient astronomical knowledge. It discusses the Mayan calendar's accuracy and their understanding of cycles, including the lunar nodes. Stray examines Stonehenge's potential as an eclipse predictor, detailing how its alignments and features (like the 56 Aubrey holes) could have been used to track celestial movements. He notes the significance of 19-stone circles in Cornwall, located near the path of the 1999 total solar eclipse, suggesting they were also eclipse predictors. The article also touches upon the 'Great King of Terror' prophecy by Nostradamus, linking it to the 1999 eclipse and potential 'Earth changes.' It mentions Paul Devereux's work on the connection between UFOs, stone circles, and fault lines, and reports on unusual phenomena observed at stone circles, such as magnetic anomalies and ultrasound outbursts.

Features: The Great King of Terror

This section connects the 1999 solar eclipse with prophecies, including Nostradamus's prediction of the 'great King of Terror' descending from the skies. It discusses the Mayan interpretation of the eclipse as a harbinger of 'cosmic awareness' and 'coming Earth changes.' The article references the 'second wave' of UFO sightings in Mexico following the 1991 eclipse and the subsequent volcanic activity and UFO phenomena, suggesting a pattern of significant events linked to eclipses.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of crop circles with astronomy, ancient cultures, and potential extraterrestrial or unknown intelligence. There's a clear editorial stance that supports the investigation of crop circles as a genuine phenomenon, often challenging conventional explanations and media skepticism. The publication aims to provide a platform for researchers and enthusiasts to share their findings and theories, fostering critical thinking and open-mindedness. The recurring theme is the search for meaning and patterns within crop circles, linking them to ancient knowledge, celestial events, and profound questions about humanity's place in the universe.

Title: SC
Issue: 84
Date: May/June 1999
Publisher: SC
Country: UK
Language: English

This issue of SC features an article titled 'Cornography with Michael Glickman,' which delves into the controversy surrounding the Oliver's Castle crop circle video and a purported confession related to it.

Cornography with Michael Glickman

The article begins by referencing the story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, drawing a parallel to the 'wicked queen' and the idea of being tricked. Glickman then turns to the subject of the Oliver's Castle video, noting that Nippon TV in Japan will not be broadcasting a promised 'confession.' He expresses skepticism about this being the third time such a broadcast has been promised, suggesting a pattern of misleading information.

Glickman criticizes the notion that believing the video is real makes one part of a conspiracy, a view he attributes to Colin Andrews. He contrasts this with the past, where conspiracies were used to debunk crop circle events, whereas now they are seemingly used to prove them real.

He states that the video is the 'greatest gift' the circles have offered, and that the 'Inspector Clouseau-like behaviour' of debunkers and their failure to definitively label the event a 'hoax' supports his view. Glickman challenges anyone to provide hard evidence that the video is fake, offering to publicly retract his stance if such proof is presented. He argues that if the video were faked, the artist responsible should be applauded for their imagination and insight.

Glickman outlines five reasons why he believes the video is significant:
1. Its beauty and the imagination required to create such effects.
2. Its direct and moving effect on viewers.
3. The continued applause from special effects and computer analysts, despite technical criticisms being challenged.
4. The lack of understanding regarding the motive behind such a large-scale 'enterprise,' even with the supposed confession.
5. The persistent creation of false myths (e.g., hoaxed formation, absent double-field, wrong shadows) despite the lack of hard evidence against the video over three years.

He emphasizes that coincidences stretch probability to the breaking point, questioning why John Wabe, the alleged filmmaker, would invite others from 'The Barge' to join him if it were a scam, as he could not have known the formation would arrive. Glickman finds it implausible that Wabe, after filming it, could then produce a Hollywood-level special effects production within hours.

He acknowledges that those who are reassured by the idea that the video is a fake are free to believe so, but asserts that there is no proof for their claims, and their evidence is disputed. Glickman concludes by stating his preference for moving towards the future with open arms, even with the risk of failure, rather than rigidly adhering to old beliefs, symbolized by 'firmly grasping a pig's heart.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue touches upon themes of belief versus proof, the nature of evidence in unexplained phenomena, the role of media in shaping public perception, and the skepticism surrounding crop circle events and UFO sightings. The editorial stance, as represented by Glickman's article, appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, critical evaluation of debunking efforts, and a willingness to embrace new possibilities rather than dismiss them outright based on conventional wisdom or unproven claims. The article champions the idea of confronting the unknown with curiosity rather than fear or rigid adherence to established narratives.