Sussex Circular - 2000 no 93

Magazine Overview

This is the penultimate issue of "THE BIMONTHLY JOURNAL OF CROP CIRCLES AND BEYOND", identified as issue number 93, dated November-December 2000, with a cover price of £2.00. The magazine is published by Southern Circular Research (SCR) and is based in England. The cover prominently features the headline "PENULTIMATE ISSUE!" alongside announcements of "NEW BOOKS, VIDEOS & CALENDARS REVIEWED", "FIRST-EVER TRIAL OF A CIRCLE HOAXER", and "CIRCULAR GATHERINGS OF 2000". The issue signals the end of the print publication and the transition to a new web site.

Editorial and Publisher Information

The editor is Andy Thomas, whose contact details and those of the SCR are provided. The editorial is produced by Andy Thomas on behalf of Southern Circular Research (SCR), with the SCR team including Di Brown, Martin Noakes, Jason Porthouse, Barry Reynolds, and Kaye Thomas. The magazine emphasizes that opinions expressed are those of the individual contributors and not necessarily those of SC as a whole. Copyright is held by SCR for the publication, with individual articles and illustrations retaining copyright by their original authors, artists, and photographers.

Letters and Contributions

Readers are invited to contribute to the final issue, sharing comments on SC, crop circles, and the future of research. The editorial address and SC's e-mail address are provided for submissions. General mailing enquiries are handled by Di Brown & Jason Porthouse.

News: Court in the Act

The lead news story details the first-ever conviction for illegally making a crop formation. Matthew Williams was prosecuted for creating a seven-pointed star formation at West Overton, Wiltshire, over three nights. He claimed this was to prove that such feats were humanly possible and had informed author Whitley Streiber. Michael Glickman alerted the farmer, leading to Williams's arrest and subsequent fine of £100 plus £40 costs. The article notes the media coverage, which sometimes exaggerated the conflict between Williams and Glickman. It discusses the implications of this conviction, with some researchers hoping it will deter hoaxers, while others express concern that it gives undue prominence to the 'hoax' perspective and may reinforce public misconceptions. The article also mentions that Williams and Paul Damon face further charges unrelated to crop circles.

Reviews

Crop Circle Year Book 2001

Reviewed by Andy Thomas, this book by Steve Alexander and Karen Douglas is praised for its beautiful and detailed images of crop formations from the 2000 season. It adheres to the established format of previous yearbooks, featuring thoughtful captions and an intellectual introduction by Karen Douglas. The photography is highlighted for its high resolution and the book's focus on the relationship between formations and their landscapes. While it primarily features formations from Wiltshire and Hampshire, the authors explain this as a subjective record of formations that inspired them.

Crop Circles, Gods & Their Secrets

Reviewed by Geoff Stray, this is an English translation of a Dutch publication by Robert J. Boerman. Boerman claims to have found a kabbalistic code in crop formations, linking them to the Sumerian planet Nibiru and the Mayan Great Cycle, predicting its return in 2012. The review discusses Boerman's analysis of a formation at Alton Barnes that reportedly contained a Hebrew sentence suggesting a 'new breed of people' and a connection to imported DNA. The reviewer notes the potential link to Zecharia Sitchin's theories about Nibiru and its 3600-year orbit, and how this connects to the Precession of the Equinoxes cycle and the 2012 prediction.

Stepping to the Drummer

Reviewed by Peggy Bunt, this book by Paul Bura is described as a personal account of his life, revealing his character and enthusiasm. It covers his interests in dowsing, chakra systems, earth energies, and channelling. The review highlights a channelled conversation between Paul's entity 'Joeb' and Michael Green about rituals at a henge-site. The book explores themes of sacred sites, energy lines, and the mystical force of dowsing. It includes anecdotes about Uri Geller and a specific event at Ashurst, West Sussex, in 1995.

Crop Circle Calendars 2001

Reviewed by Andy Thomas, this section covers several crop circle calendars for 2001. Lucy Pringle's calendar is noted for its general overview and selected images. The Wiltshire Crop Circle Study Group's calendar is described as a more dedicated item, rounding up the 2000 season with images and details. The Llewellyns calendar is mentioned as being widely available but of lower reproduction quality. The review emphasizes the role of calendars in stimulating interest and conversation about crop circles.

Video Review: Crop Circle Connections

Reviewed by Andy Thomas, this video by Frank Laumen is described as an artistic, almost wordless meditation of images set to music. Filmed in Wiltshire and Germany, it focuses on landscapes and formations, with occasional cryptic quotes. The video features aerial sweeps of formations and scenic interludes. While visually appealing, the review notes some repetition and occasional overlong scenic shots. Human presence is minimal, with the focus on the formations and landscapes.

Letters

This section features responses to previous articles. Russell Hustle defends the need for scientific investigation in crop circle research, criticizing Michael Glickman's emphasis on faith and belief. Hustle argues for a 'New Science' that integrates quantum mechanics and spiritual aspects, suggesting that many crop formations are human-made and contribute to spiritual experiences. He also discusses the electrostatic potential measured at a man-made formation, suggesting that measurable energy is sometimes created.

Ron Russell addresses Michael Glickman's claims, denying participation in hoaxing and stating he witnessed the creation of a human-facilitated formation as a neutral observer. He argues that crop formations, regardless of origin, enhance physical areas and attract visitors. Russell plans to publish his report on witnessing a formation's creation.

A to Z of Cerealogy

This humorous segment by Danny Sotham defines various terms related to crop circles:

• MANDELBROT: Refers to a fractal formation resembling a 'Mandelbum'.
• MAYAN CALENDAR: Mentions the 2012 prophecy and its appearance in crop formations.
• MBF SERVICES: Described as a press agency possibly linked to MI5, associated with the 'Doug and Dave' story.
• MEADEN, TERENCE, DR: Discussed as a former proponent of 'plasma vortex' theories who shifted focus as pictograms emerged.
• MENSTRUAL CYCLE: Links the 'energies' of 1996 fractal formations to mystical experiences.
• METAL PLATES: A humorous request for the return of gold, silver, and bronze discs found in a German formation.
• MICHAEL & MARY LINES: A couple in Avebury who wish to be left alone.
• MICROWAVES: Mentioned as being detected at formations, often associated with equipment failure.
• MILITARY, THE: Discussed as a common explanation for crop circles in conspiracy theories, questioning the logic and technology involved.
• MOWING DEVIL: The first known hoaxed circle from 1678.
• MY NEW HOME: Danny Sotham announces the continuation of his column online due to the print magazine's closure.

Conference Reports

Wiltshire Crop Circle Study Group Conference 2000 (Devizes)

Reported by Pamela Rihal, this conference featured five new crop formations appearing just before its start. Held at Devizes School, it was subtitled "Experiencing New Consciousness." The event included lectures on crop circles, healing therapies, and dowsing. Speakers included Andy Thomas, who discussed the influence of the Sun on human evolution and the potential for misinformation. Other themes included the healing qualities of crop circles, symbolism, and their role in providing essences. The report highlights the positive atmosphere and the opportunity for a helicopter flight over formations.

The Glastonbury Symposium 10th Anniversary Conference

Reported by Barbara Waddell, this conference, themed "Investigating Crop Circles & Signs of Our Times," featured a wide range of subjects and improved facilities. Andy Thomas's presentation questioned trust and the nature of conspiracies, using visual aids. Michael Glickman presented evidence of luminosities over formations and discussed his predictive abilities regarding formation types. Other speakers included Linda Moulton Howe on luminosities, Eltjo Haselhoff on his scientific work, and Dr. Nan Lu on the healing potential of crop circles. The closing ceremony involved participants in a heart-shaped formation, symbolizing thanks and harmony.

Unusual Experiences Conference 2000 (Marlborough College)

Reported by Tania Woodward, this conference featured speakers sharing near-death experiences, UFO contact, ghostly phenomena, and synchronicities. Speakers included Karen Douglas, Lucy Pringle, John Sayer, Chris Everard, Peter Sorensen, and Freddy Silva. The event aimed to share personal truths and experiences, with a closing synchronistic event involving a bat swooping overhead during Robert Bauval's talk.

Centre for Crop Circle Studies Millennium Conference (Andover)

Reported by Michael Lewis, this conference offered an insight into the "state of the art" in crop circle research. Michael Green, President of CCCS, spoke on the real meaning and significance of crop circles. Other speakers included Peter Sorensen, who showed videos of formations, and Carol Cochrane, who discussed feminine spiritual influences. The conference was described as a groundbreaking and informative event.

A Walk on the Wilde Side

This report by Jason Porthouse describes the final presentation at the Glastonbury Symposium by Stuart Wilde. The event deviated significantly from expectations, involving Wilde's stream-of-consciousness ramblings, insults, and an 'erotic floorshow' from his entourage. The report characterizes the atmosphere as oppressive and chaotic, suggesting it was a 'psychic mugging' for the audience. Despite the controversial nature of the talk, the reporter suggests it served as a reminder of the need for spiritual streetwise-ness and awareness of negativity.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the phenomenon of crop circles from multiple perspectives, including research, eyewitness accounts, and artistic interpretations. There is a clear tension between those who believe in a predominantly natural or extraterrestrial origin and those who emphasize human causation or 'hoaxing'. The editorial stance, as articulated by Andy Thomas, is to await convincing evidence for all claims and to encourage critical thinking and scientific investigation, while acknowledging the mystery and potential for deeper meaning in the phenomenon. The magazine also touches upon broader themes of consciousness, spirituality, and the nature of reality, often linking these to crop circle research. The closing of the print edition signifies a shift towards digital platforms while aiming to continue the dialogue and research.

This issue of 'Cornography' features the final column by Michael Glickman, titled 'The final cornography with Michael Glickman'. The cover includes a quote from The Godfather: "Today I settle all family business, so don't tell me you're innocent." The magazine is identified as SC 93, published in November/December 2000, and is reproduced by Colourfast.

Michael Glickman's Confession

Michael Glickman begins his final column with a dramatic confession, admitting to misleading his readers and friends about the authenticity of crop circles. He states that he knows "ALL crop circles are hoaxed" and that he derived a "sick thrill" from deceiving the public. He criticizes Dr. Colin Andrews's estimate of 80% man-made, implying the reality is much higher. Glickman admits to perpetuating "woo-woo, New Agey spirituality nonsense" and dismisses concepts like geometry, design, proportion, and number in relation to crop circles.

He also confesses to being part of the "Crop Circle Industry," acknowledging that his earnings from lectures and conferences alone exceeded £800,000 in the previous year. This income was supplemented by over a quarter of a million pounds from a "T-shirt cartel." Glickman reveals that lecturers, writers, and photographers in this field often share business managers, personal trainers, hairdressers, and tax consultants. He further admits to living in a "palatial home by the Mediterranean" and using a private jet to return to Wiltshire only when necessary.

Glickman addresses accusations that his "illness has affected his brain," requesting a few more minutes before being taken back to his "cell." He also admits to a "malicious and vindictive act" against Matt Williams, whom he now describes as a "quiet and spiritual lad" denied a chance to bring "the Truth to the world" by Glickman's actions.

Furthermore, Glickman confesses to being a "cult leader" with Francine Blake, employing techniques such as sleep-deprivation, mind control through eight-hour lectures, religious indoctrination, public humiliations, and thumbscrews. He states that they have decided to disband these cults and release their victims.

He concludes his confession by stating he is writing minutes before leaving for "permanent exile." He apologizes for his misguided actions and asks for forgiveness.

Defense of Criticism and Editorial Stance

Following the confessional tone, Glickman shifts to address his previous article on Ron Russell's detection device. He clarifies that his criticism was not directed at Ron and Simeon Heln personally, but at their "undiscerning support" of Matthew Williams's "totally unsubstantiated fantasies," which he believes will cause significant damage to the field and to themselves.

Glickman asserts that history shows those who get too close to hoaxers are lost, referencing the impact of Doug and Dave's work ten years prior. He defends his article, stating it was written out of "sadness, not bitterness or anger," and he stands by it. He notes that Ron and Simeon's response, which was significantly longer than his original article, added nothing substantial to their knowledge.

Glickman reiterates his commitment to the field, stating he does this work because he loves it and believes it is important. He sees the current episode as an opportunity to "focus and to redouble my efforts in the future to treat this awesome and radiant phenomenon with the respect which we owe it."

Farewell to Cornography

Glickman bids farewell to 'Cornography,' though he indicates he will be contributing to the final issue of 'SC.' He describes the column as a "central and nourishing part of my life for several years" and thanks his readers for their support.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme of this issue is confession and self-reassessment, particularly from the long-standing columnist Michael Glickman. The editorial stance, as expressed by Glickman, is one of disillusionment with the commercialization and perceived deception within the crop circle community, while still maintaining a belief in the importance of studying the phenomenon with respect. The issue highlights the internal conflicts and controversies within the ufology and crop circle research fields.