Sussex Circular - 2000 no 90

Magazine Overview

This issue of "THE BIMONTHLY JOURNAL OF CROP CIRCLES AND BEYOND" (May-June 2000, Issue 90) delves into the emerging crop formations of the year, astronomical phenomena, and the deeper meanings behind these enigmatic patterns. The cover highlights key themes such as 'ASTROGRAMS': SKY FORMATIONS?, ARE WE WITNESSES OR BYSTANDERS..?, THE HARMONY OF SACRED SPACES, and THE LEGACY OF THE 'GALAXIES'..?

New Formations of 2000

The issue begins by noting a slow start to the 2000 crop circle season compared to 1999 but anticipates a pickup in activity. It emphasizes the internet as the quickest way to get information on new formations and lists several websites for enthusiasts, including cropcircles.co.uk and invisiblecircle.de, and renews its sponsorship of the Crop Circle Connector.

• Detailed reports cover the first formations of 2000:
• Derbyshire: A neat circle with appendages in grass near Heath, Chesterfield, spotted from the M1 in mid-March.
• Essex: A single circle in grass north of Dartford, reported in mid-January, visible from the M25.
• Hampshire: A 201' long pictogram in rape at Danebury Hill, near Andover, found on 10 April. It featured a nautilus-type shape and a central standing area.
• Hampshire: A possible single circle in rape near Quarley, reported on 18 March, though aerial searches found no trace.
• Kent: A double ring formation in rape at Farningham, near Swanley, appeared on 25 April, featuring a 'U-turn' in the stem and visible from the M20.
• Wiltshire: A possible single circle in rape at All Cannings, near Devizes, reported on 25 April, but not confirmed by researchers.
• Wiltshire: A modest 61' circle with an internal standing triangle and emanating path at Cherhill, near Calne, appeared on 27 April, marking the start of activity in this traditional center.

Overseas formations were also briefly mentioned, including reports from Spain, Holland, USA, and Germany.

The Galaxy Legacy and Solar Storm

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to the 'Galaxy Legacy' and its connection to astronomical events. The article revisits the 1994 'galaxy' crop formations that were interpreted as predicting a specific conjunction of planets (Mars, Saturn, Jupiter, and the Moon) on April 6-7, 2000. Coincidentally, a massive solar storm occurred on the same date, causing the most widespread aurora borealis sightings in the UK for many years. Astronomer Jack Sullivan notes that while planetary conjunctions occur regularly, the specific alignment seen was unique and unlikely to repeat for thousands of years. The article speculates whether the solar storm and aurora were the 'message' from the formations, linking it to the Sun's 11-year peak sunspot activity.

Dowsing and Energy Detection

Geoff Ambler defines the distinction between dowsing and energy detection in crop circles. He argues that while instruments like dowsing rods and pendulums can detect residual energy fields over formations, these are distinct from natural earth energy lines. Ambler states that hoaxed formations cannot reproduce this effect. He notes that while testing the 'Daily Mail hoax' at Avebury yielded no results, other formations tested in 1999 reacted positively. He concludes that the source of the energy is mysterious but believes it's unique and independent, though earth energies might be modified to create it.

Astrograms: Sky Formations?

Paul Westley recounts his personal experience of witnessing an 'astrogram' in 1993. He describes a bright star-like object in the sky that exhibited complex movements, including fading, brightening, color changes (red, blue, green, orange, yellow), and geometric path patterns, forming sequences that resembled a pentagram. He concludes that it was likely an 'energy mass' rather than a conventional UFO, and that the pattern etched in the sky was significant.

The Intelligence of Harmony

Karen Douglas explores the connection between shape and spirit in crop circles. She posits that the significance of crop circles lies in our experience and interaction with them, suggesting that their geometry, proportions, and harmonies can directly influence human beings emotionally and spiritually. Douglas draws parallels between crop circles and sacred spaces like temples and cathedrals, and links the phenomenon to the 'intelligence of harmony' – our innate ability to recognize and respond to relationships and patterns. She believes that crop circles serve to re-awaken this dormant part of our being, transmitting information directly to our hearts, minds, and spirits.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently explores the idea that crop circles are more than just physical patterns; they are seen as conveying messages, often linked to astronomical events, natural energies, and profound spiritual or evolutionary implications. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging speculation and the exploration of unconventional explanations, while also acknowledging the need for rigorous observation and reporting. The recurring themes include the predictive nature of formations, the influence of celestial events, the role of human perception and consciousness, and the search for deeper meaning in these phenomena. The journal emphasizes the importance of 'witnessing' rather than merely 'bystanding' when encountering unexplained events.

Title: SC
Issue: 90
Date: May/June 2000
Publisher: Colourfast
Cover Headline: Cornography

This issue of SC magazine features an article by Michael Glickman, titled 'Cornography', which delves into his observations on human intellect, the nature of explanation, and the phenomenon of crop circles.

The Human Mind and Simplistic Explanations

Michael Glickman begins by expressing his admiration for the human mind's capacity for invention and wisdom, yet laments the frequent refusal to employ simple, logical reasoning. He introduces the term 'ratiocination' as the ability to reason through logical processes, drawing a parallel to learning that banging one's head against a wall causes pain.

Glickman recounts his experiences giving lectures in America, where he was often met with simplistic 'solutions' to the crop circle mystery. One prevalent theory suggested that crop circles were caused by laser beams from Pentagon-controlled satellites. He critiques this idea by posing several logical questions: What would be the purpose of such a weapon system? Why demonstrate it publicly? Why on foreign farmland? And how was Leonardo da Vinci involved? He further highlights the technical challenges, such as stabilizing a satellite for precise laser activation and the immense power source required, noting that even conventional technology, at least at the time, had no answers to these questions.

Another example of what Glickman views as a 'wacky solution' involves a sighting of coloured lights over Silbury Hill. The local paper reported it sympathetically, and 'explanologists' offered theories, including one that poachers had fixed lights to a large wooden frame and carried it to the top of the hill. Glickman dismisses this with a series of rhetorical questions about the practicality of such an endeavor, emphasizing the effort, weight, and darkness involved.

He expresses strong feelings about these 'glibly rehearsed stupidities,' calling them 'sacrilege' due to his reverence for the human mind's potential. He believes his readership possesses a higher calibre of intellect and is not prone to such follies, urging them to 'disengage brain' from such simplistic thinking.

Observations on Crop Circles

Glickman then turns his attention to the physical manifestation of crop circles. He describes a crop, nearly three feet tall and starting to blossom, noting an observation he hadn't seen before: on a sloping field, the flowers bloomed first at the bottom, leaving the upper reaches green. He tentatively hypothesizes that this might be due to more moisture lower down, likening the visual effect to a watercolour painting.

He connects this to his previous predictions about number and geometry in crop circles. Stylistically, he notes a trend over the past few years towards designs incorporating 'webs, meshes, knots and weaves.' He recalls a 'delicately interwoven knot' at Stanton St Bernard, similar to designs in the 'Book of Kells,' and the 'astonishing 7-fold "basket"' from the previous season, where the crop itself was woven.

Finally, Glickman speculates on the evolution of crop circle creation. He questions whether, as humans become more adept at understanding and dealing with the circles, the 'circlemakers' might also become more adept, suggesting they demonstrated new skills in the previous year.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this piece are the importance of critical thinking and logical reasoning ('ratiocination') versus gullibility and the acceptance of simplistic explanations. Glickman champions the potential of the human mind while decrying its misuse or underutilization. He also explores the aesthetic and geometrical aspects of crop circles, viewing them as a form of evolving art or communication. The editorial stance is one of intellectual rigor, skepticism towards facile answers, and an appreciation for complex, nuanced phenomena.