Sussex Circular - 1999 no 85

Magazine Overview

SC Magazine, Issue 85, July/August 1999

This issue of SC, The Bimonthly Journal of Crop Circles and Beyond, is a comprehensive look at the 1999 crop circle season, packed with detailed reports on new formations, significant media developments, and a recap of the SC Bonanza III event. The cover prominently features the 'SC' logo and highlights key articles including 'Formations of 1999: Full Listings', 'Rockefeller Foundation Funding', 'Sacred Geometry Explained!', and 'The SC Bonanza: Full Report'. The issue is priced at £2.00 and is dated July/August 1999.

Editorial and Introduction

Editor Andy Thomas opens the issue with a bumper edition, noting the abundance of formations and news stories. He addresses the unusual positive media attention surrounding the phenomenon, partly due to the Rockefeller Foundation's involvement, while also cautioning against misinformation from sources like the magazine Q. Thomas also mentions a BBC programme 'Supernatural' that casually explained crop circles as natural vortex phenomena, a small but significant shift in media portrayal. He notes the upcoming total solar eclipse on August 11th and its potential connection to crop formations, advising readers to be aware of groups attempting to leverage the event for their own agendas.

Rockefeller Foundation Funding and Media Frenzy

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to the media's sudden interest in crop circles, largely spurred by the announcement of a cash injection into research from the US-based Rockefeller Foundation. Andy Thomas investigates the reality behind the headlines, clarifying that while Colin Andrews did receive a grant, the amount is likely in the thousands, not millions, and the notion of Laurance Rockefeller personally involved in fieldwork is media fiction. The BBC's news website is cited for misattributing Rockefeller's name in relation to Andrews's work. Thomas explains that the Foundation's funding is a requirement under US tax laws, and while Andrews applied for and received a grant, other research groups have also received anonymous funding. The Foundation reportedly regretted the public announcement of the funding, fearing it would lead to pressure for immediate, tangible results. The article expresses concern that this pressure might lead to exaggerated claims, citing examples like the use of GPS technology, which is not revolutionary. The issue also touches upon conspiracy theories linking the Rockefeller family to the 'New World Order' and the 'Illuminati', suggesting a potential 'deeper plot' to debunk the phenomenon.

Despite reservations, the temporary elevation of the phenomenon in the public mind is seen as an advantage, providing new channels to spread information. The article concludes by urging readers to enjoy the brief media attention before the inevitable backlash, as the public's attention span is short.

Formations of 1999: A Detailed Report

The issue provides an extensive report on crop formations from early 1999, covering various regions of England. Key formations and their descriptions include:

• Hampshire: Henwood (128' fan-blade pattern), Over Wallop (pictogram of rings, circles, paths, and claws, possibly referencing eclipse prediction), Wallop (long line of circles and rings possibly related to eclipse).
• Bedfordshire: Hexton (dumbbell shape), Thurleigh (small single circle).
• Buckinghamshire: Amersham (two 40' circles).
• Essex: Galley Hill Wood (vesica pisces).
• Wiltshire: All Cannings ('sunburst' motif), Allington Down (cube-like design), Alton Barnes (enormous 1000' pictogram combining early 90s styles, and a serpent design), Avebury Trusloe/Beckhampton (mandala with surrounding circles).
• Somerset: Compton Dando (two standing crescents), Newton St Loe (mini-Julia Set), Tormarton (circle with interlocking crescents).
• Sussex: Lewes (dumbbell shape), Ovingdean (small oval with grapeshot and cross), Sompting (celtic cross design, 'triangular triplet').
• Yorkshire: Dewsbury (circle with wide ring), Riccall (elaborate design with squares and circles).

Many formations are noted for their complexity, astronomical themes (especially related to the upcoming eclipse), and resemblances to earlier designs, suggesting a retrospective or summing-up phase for the phenomenon. The article also notes the use of geometric shapes like hexagons and the significance of symbols like the Menorah and the 'Wings of Horus'.

The SC Bonanza III Event

The issue recaps the 'SC Bonanza III' event held on May 8th in West Sussex. The day featured a diverse lineup of speakers and entertainments. Highlights included:

• Barry Reynolds and Andy Thomas: Introduced the day's proceedings.
• Dr Mae-Wan Ho: Spoke on genetically modified foods and the fight against new gene technology, emphasizing the power of public opinion.
• Marcus Allen: Discussed 'forbidden' sciences and the implications of suppressed archaeology.
• Mary Hykel Hunt: Led a practical demonstration on constructing a labyrinth.
• Jack Sullivan: Presented his astronomical findings related to crop formations, including a newly discovered planetary conjunction.
• John Michell: Shared his views on crop circles from a geometrical perspective, expressing dismay at sceptics.
• Jude Stammers: Discussed her experiences with sacred sites and Earth healing.
• Stan Reynolds: Provided entertainment with a magic show and warm-up act.

The event was described as hugely enjoyable and informative, with positive feedback from attendees. A video of the event is available for purchase.

Lights Over Tawsmead

Michael Glickman reports on an account from Naisha Ahsian and Lili Ruane, who claim to have witnessed the creation of the seven-sided Tawsmead Copse formation in 1998. They describe seeing unusual lights rotating in the sky above the field, behaving in a non-vehicular manner. The formation appeared the following morning. The report frames this as a potential repetition of disputed events, highlighting the importance of replicability in scientific investigation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed documentation and analysis of crop circle formations, the impact of media coverage and funding on the phenomenon, and the exploration of underlying symbolism and potential astronomical connections. The editorial stance, as articulated by Andy Thomas, is one of cautious optimism, acknowledging the positive aspects of increased attention while remaining critical of misinformation and conspiracy theories. There's a strong emphasis on the importance of accurate reporting and the power of public awareness, particularly in the context of issues like GM foods. The magazine aims to provide a platform for research, discussion, and the sharing of experiences within the crop circle community, while also engaging with broader scientific and societal issues.

This issue of SC magazine, dated July/August 1999, focuses on crop circles, geometric symbolism, and related phenomena. The cover features the title 'LETTERS' and diagrams of crop formations, setting the tone for reader contributions and analytical articles.

Key Articles and Letters

KEY TO A PUZZLE

Wolfgang Schindler from Hamburg, Germany, writes about the Longwood Warren and Bishops Sutton crop formations. He notes that both formations, when analyzed with pentagonal geometry and superimposed to scale, suggest astronomical alignments, particularly relating to Earth's orbit and predicting a conjunction on January 16, 1998, with another match on April 6, 2004. He credits Jack Sullivan's previous article for reaching similar conclusions.

BRIGHTON ROCK

Sam Goodwin from Newhaven, East Sussex, describes a triangular pattern created by removing sods of turf in Stanmer Park as part of the 1999 Brighton Fringe Festival's performance art piece called 'Dark Matter'. While visually similar to a crop formation, it was part of an alchemical exploration involving fire, water, sound, and light. Goodwin suggests its appearance might cause false alarms for pilots.

MARREE ME

I Parker from Kensington, Australia, shares a Landsat satellite image of the 'Marree Man', a large human figure etched into the Adelaide desert. The image, recently made publicly available, is presented as evidence that the figure was created over time, contrary to official claims that it was made over a period, with some parts not visible in the image. Parker notes that closer scrutiny reveals the headband and genitals are visible, created with thinner lines.

GENETICALLY MODIFIED CIRCLES

Kevin Constant from Bedford, Bedfordshire, proposes that the crop circle community could leverage the public outcry against genetically modified (GM) crops. He challenges 'The Circlemakers' to construct a formation in a GM crop site to prove a genuine source. He also suggests investigating if there are differences in design or crop reaction compared to conventional crops. The editor notes that while this is an interesting idea, getting into GM test sites might not be difficult, and crop circles have appeared in conventional and organic crops before.

THE MAN FROM ATLANTIS

This section, subtitled 'REPORTS', details a cautionary tale about a presenter who claimed to have discovered genuine Atlantean artifacts near Bimini, USA. The presenter showed astonishing photographs of statues and sundials. However, Michael Green, a CCCS President, investigated and found that the images were actually from the 'Atlantis Paradise Island' resort, which features a luxury hotel with an underwater exhibition of mock artifacts viewed through a glass tunnel. The presenter later emigrated to Canada, and his other research claims, including crop circle findings, are now treated with caution.

DANNY SOTHAM'S A to Z Of Cerealogy

This is a glossary of terms related to crop circles. It defines 'FARMERS' as people who shout at visitors or run combine harvesters through formations, 'FEES' as charges for entering formations which have increased over time, 'FIVERS' as five-pound notes used to appease angry farmers, and 'FLIES' as morbid questions about dead animals found in circles. It also touches on 'FLYING' for aerial photography and 'FOREIGN LANGUAGES' for communication in pubs.

CORNOGRAPHY with Michael Glickman

Michael Glickman addresses a letter from Dudley Young questioning his attributions of meaning to numbers and geometry. Glickman explains the symbolism of numbers from 1 to 10, referencing ancient mathematicians and scholars like John Martineau and John Michell. He discusses the Monad (1), Dyad (2), Triad (3), Tetrad (4), Pentad (5), Hexad (6), Heptad (7), Octad (8), Nonagon (9), and Decad (10). He notes that the double pentagram star formations at Dadford and Beckhampton were symbolically important. Glickman also expresses dismay at the 'blindness and paranoia' of those who dismiss crop circles as man-made and highlights the 'Menorah' formation at Barbury Castle, which he believes signifies the reconciliation of Spirit with the World.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the analytical and symbolic aspects of crop circles, often linking them to geometry, numerology, and astronomical events. There is a strong emphasis on critical investigation, as seen in the debunking of the 'Atlantis' claims and the discussion around GM crops. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging readers to question and analyze phenomena, while also cautioning against unfounded claims and skepticism that dismisses evidence outright. The 'A to Z of Cerealogy' suggests a lighthearted yet informative approach to the subject matter.