Sussex Circular - 1999 no 87

Magazine Overview

This issue, SC 87, of The Bimonthly Journal of Crop Circles and Beyond, dated November/December 1999, is published by Southern Circular Research (SCR) and edited by Andy Thomas. The cover prominently features the headline "CROP CIRCLES: THE NAKED TRUTH" and "Fun & Frolics at the Summer Gatherings," alongside images of three men and the magazine's logo. The price is £2.00.

Editorial and Publisher's Notes

Andy Thomas, the editor, notes that the next issue (SC 88) will be late, potentially due to the Millennium Bug, and apologizes for any delay. He touches upon potential Y2K threats and the possibility of this being the last issue if major problems arise. He also mentions an upcoming planetary alignment on May 5th, 2000, and highlights upcoming astronomical predictions by astronomer Jack Sullivan. Thomas also comments on the media's use of crop circles for advertising and a brief mention of crop circles on BBC 2's Clarkson series. He wishes readers a happy Millennium.

The editorial team for SCR includes Di Brown, Martin Noakes, Jason Porthouse, Barry Reynolds, and Kaye Thomas. Subscription details are provided, with prices for UK, Europe, and USA. Contact information for editorial and mailing is given.

Features

The 'Titchfield Thunderbolt'

This feature details an astronomical correlation discovered by the author using the 'Red Shift 3' astronomy program. On April 30th, 1999, the Daily Telegraph published an article about astronomical events, which contained some errors. While checking the closest approach of Mars to Earth in 2003, the author found a rare arrangement of Mars, Earth, Mercury, and Venus in near-perfect alignment. This arrangement was found to correlate with the Titchfield crop formation from June 20th, 1995. The formation's 'beads' allowed for the calculation of the time period between the 1995 formation and the 2003 event, with the positions of the 'Mars' bodies relating to Earth-Venus Inferior Conjunctions. The article explains the 'Synodic Significance' of this formation, linking it to five conjunctions occurring over eight years, leading up to the September 2003 event.

Avebury Stone Avenue Discovery

This news report announces the sensational discovery of buried stones at Avebury, on a site speculated by historian William Stukeley in the 1700s to be the location of a removed eastern stone avenue. An archaeological dig uncovered large stones matching existing ones, suggesting another avenue existed. This discovery has drawn significant archaeological attention to Avebury. SCR contacts Nick Gilman and Thea Keeler witnessed the dig themselves. The report expresses concern that authorities might restrict access to the site, similar to Stonehenge.

The Further Evolution of Consciousness

Peggy Bunt updates her views on crop circles as a journey through the symbolism of consciousness. She notes that while 1997 featured fractal designs and 1998 saw advanced circular patterns, 1999 continued this trend with complex designs. The article highlights the use of numerical symbolism in formations, such as five, six, seven, nine, and ten, representing concepts like equilibrium, the universe, completion, and cosmos. The appearance of an eleven-fold design in the Menorah at Barbury Castle is discussed, symbolizing transgression and peril, with the seven branches representing the Universe and the four on the 'stem' representing Earth. The author suggests that these glyphs emphasize humanity's role in the Universe and the consequences of transgressions against the Earth.

Reviews

Calendars 2000

Several crop circle calendars for the year 2000 are reviewed:

• Crop Circle Calendar and Season Report 2000 (Crop Circle Radius): Praised for its design, comprehensive captions, and inspiring written observations. However, the small date entries and the lack of the cover photo inside are noted as drawbacks.
• Crop Circle Calendar 2000 (Llewellyn Publications): This calendar was not available for a full review but is noted as a follow-up to a previous one, with mixed photographer participation and an introduction by Ron Russell. The inclusion of contributions from alleged hoaxers is mentioned as a potential deterrent.
• Crop Circles of the Millennium (Lucy Pringle): This calendar dips into the last decade for notable formations. It includes photos from various photographers and offers a brief explanation of crop circles. The title is questioned as it focuses on past formations rather than the millennium year.
• WCCSG Crop Circle Calendar 2000 (Wiltshire Crop Circle Study Group): Described as a quality item, though smaller and less well-designed than the previous year's effort. It boasts clear photographic images, but the murky Milk Hill photo is a minor detraction. The diagrams by Andreas Muller are noted as striking.

Books

• 'Giza: The Truth' by Ian Lawton & Chris Ogilvie-Herald: Reviewed positively as a balanced and knowledgeable book that examines the history, exploration, and politics of the Giza Plateau. It addresses both orthodox and alternative theories, aiming to provide a singular perspective and lay to rest myths and rumors. The book is recommended for anyone interested in the Great Pyramid.
• A Beginner's Guide to Crop Circles by Hugh Manistre: This book is heavily criticized by Barry Reynolds as "complete garbage." The review highlights its lack of photographs, poor line drawings, limited information post-1992, and a bibliography only covering books up to 1993. It is strongly advised against purchasing.

Reports

Crop Circle Gatherings 1999

Andy Thomas reports on five crop circle gatherings in 1999:

• Wiltshire Crop Circle Celebration (17-18th July): This event has become a major centerpiece, featuring outdoor marquees, stalls, and a lecture hall. It is described as a successful event, with enthusiasm from the Wiltshire Crop Circle Study Group. This year, attendees visited the 'serpent' formation at East Field for a procession.
• Glastonbury Symposium (30th July - 1st August): Held at the Assembly Rooms, this event offers a more eclectic mix of speakers catering to a wider audience, balancing cereological information with spiritual growth and alternative technologies. Despite high heat levels, the venue is considered vital, though facing potential closure by local council.
• CCCS event in Bristol (early September): The author was unable to attend but notes that it was a pleasant, though modestly attended, day. Criticisms include a lack of curtains to block the screen and inadequate catering facilities.
• 'The Cereologist' (aka. Global Circles Research) event (same day as Wiltshire weekend): This scheduling clash is noted as puzzling.
• 'Unusual Experiences' conference (Marlborough Sports Centre, 8th August): Organized by individuals rather than an organization, this event provided a platform for people with unusual experiences in crop circles. It was well-attended and offered a refreshing, unpressured day mixing different factions of the croppie community.

Letters

2001: A DATE ODDITY

David and Beryl Holyoake from the USA question the statement in a previous issue that there would be no formations in the year 2000, asking how this could be known in advance and expressing disappointment at the prospect of missing SC pictures and calendars from a year with no formations.

ORGANIC MECHANICS

Anne Cooper from Midhurst wonders if crop formations could be linked to GMO manufacturers and if samples from organic and chemically-treated crops have been compared. The editor responds that while crop circles have been found in organic crops before, no comparative biological studies are known, and the link to GMO manufacturers is unclear.

A to Z of Cerealogy

This section provides humorous, often cynical, definitions of terms related to crop circle research and culture:

• 'HANDS OF FRIENDSHIP': A 1993 formation at Cherhill, humorously described as resembling grappling Captain Hooks rather than hands. Also mentions a shaky symbolic message etched by an American researcher.
• HANGOVERS: Common among campers, delaying field visits.
• HAWKINS, GERALD: Pioneer of the 'diatonic ratio' in crop formations, though the author questions the ability of most croppies to accurately measure and understand this.
• HEADACHES: Reported anomalous effects at crop circles, humorously attributed to various causes including sun, pesticides, and bar visits.
• HEALINGS: Suggests crop circles could be used for healing, with a mention of 'healing tapwater' sold for a fee.
• HITLER DIARIES: Compares crop circles to the Hitler Diaries hoax, questioning their validity.
• HOAXES: Discusses the term 'hoaxer' and the belief that some 'human circlemakers' are guided by 'higher forces'.
• HOPIS: Native Americans who are excited by crop circles, contrasted with local skepticism.
• HORMONES: 'Scientific' research suggesting increased hormone production when visiting crop circles, humorously linked to couples found in formations.
• HOUSTON, WE HAVE A PROBLEM: Links crop circle interest to skepticism about NASA's Moon landing accounts.

Symbolism and Numbers

This section analyzes the symbolism of crop formations, particularly the Menorah formation appearing on May 31st, which is seen as a message emphasizing positive evolution and the return to unity. The West Overton glyph of June 23rd is discussed in terms of its ten-fold geometry representing harmony and the cosmos. The Allington Down cube formation is linked to the Platonic solid for Earth. The Hackpen Hill glyph of July 4th, with its three-fold pattern, symbolizes creative power and synthesis, representing an ultimate evolutionary state for humanity. The author concludes that the glyphs convey a message of responsibility and involvement from a higher intelligence, with the time being now.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently explores the intersection of crop circles with astronomy, archaeology, and alternative theories. There is a critical yet engaged approach to the phenomenon, often employing humor and skepticism, particularly in the 'A to Z of Cerealogy' section. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging readers to consider various interpretations while maintaining a grounded perspective. The recurring theme of numerical symbolism in crop formations is highlighted, suggesting a deeper, possibly intelligent, communication. The journal also covers events and publications related to the crop circle community, providing reviews and reports on gatherings and new books.

This issue of SC magazine, dated November/December 1999, features a cover story titled 'Cornography' with Michael Glickman. The magazine is published by Colourfast in the UK and discusses UFO phenomena, crop circles, and alleged hoaxes.

Michael Glickman on Hoax Claimants

Michael Glickman expresses strong disdain for individuals he labels as 'hoax claimants,' stating that dealing with them is a waste of time and demeaning. He describes their actions as driven by hypocrisy and a desire to deceive, noting that in ten years, he has never heard a note of artistic pride from them. He contrasts this with the supposed 'artists' who, he believes, are merely adolescents pleased with cheating and causing discomfiture. Glickman uses satirical interview snippets with famous figures like Martin Scorsese, Mozart, and Rembrandt to highlight his point about the lack of genuine substance in the claims he encounters.

The Oliver's Castle Luminosities and Butterfly Theory

The magazine addresses recent video footage showing 'luminosities' over crop formations. Professor Anthony Antennae of the University of Creepy, Crawley suggests that these lights are simply butterflies, specifically identifying three types found in the area: the Small Cabbage White, the Large Cabbage White, and the Greenveined White. He asserts that every supposed luminosity ever filmed is one of these butterfly species.

However, this explanation is contradicted by witness accounts of events overlooking the Oliver's Castle formation. A group of Japanese visitors were reportedly seen making small origami birds or gliders from white paper. These were then passed to Chinese Tai Chi Masters, directed by Dr. Nan Lu, who, with apparent skill, threw them gently over the formation, deceiving unwitting videographers. Glickman states, 'My case rests.'

Defense of the Oliver's Castle Video

Despite the debunking attempts, the author reiterates that the Oliver's Castle video is considered by many to be the 'most compelling and beautiful confirmation of the crop circle phenomenon.' The author expresses a willingness to acknowledge falsehoods if real evidence is presented, but criticizes 'raving debunkers' for their 'gossip, innuendo, ad hominem argument, endless promises of confessions, etc.' He argues that the risk of the phenomenon being real should have prompted these debunkers to pause and consider their actions. If they were mistaken, the author contends, they were responsible for a 'greatest single disservice to crop circle research.'

Technical Support for the Footage

This summer, the footage received 'hard technical support' in the form of video analysis by Chris Everard. This analysis reportedly demonstrated 'other areas of mysterious light activity on the periphery of the screen,' which was allegedly not mentioned by hoaxers or their supporters. The author declares Everard's work to be 'the final nail in the coffin' of the 'faked tape nonsense.'

A Challenge to Debunkers

As a concluding challenge, the author states he has asked Chris Everard to send a copy of his analysis to Peter Sorensen and Colin Andrews, whom he identifies as leaders of the 'fraud scenario school of thought.' He finds it hard to believe they are not already familiar with such crucial evidence and looks forward to their comments in the next issue.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the skepticism surrounding crop circle phenomena, the prevalence of alleged hoaxes, and the debate between proponents of genuine unexplained events and those who seek to debunk them. The editorial stance, as expressed by Michael Glickman, is one of frustration with those who perpetrate hoaxes and a strong belief in the validity of certain UFO/UAP evidence, particularly the Oliver's Castle footage, which is defended through technical analysis. The magazine appears to champion the investigation of unexplained phenomena while actively challenging what it perceives as deliberate misinformation and dismissive debunking efforts.