Nexus - 0506 - New Times Magazine-pages

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Andy Thomas's informative and enter- taining overview of details noted in crop circles and his unique slide show of forma- tions recorded during the past 10 years were useful, as always, in reminding peo- ple just how extensive this phenomenon actually is and how little we really know about it yet. Andy's new book, Vital Signs (see review this issue), was also launched at this weekend. Its subtitle accurately sums up its purpose: "A Complete Guide to the Crop Circle Mystery and why it is NOT a Hoax" Michael Glickman, over from California, showed in his own inimitable style the increasingly sophisticated geometry identi- fiable in crop circle: Dr Chet Snow linked the Hopi and Ma prophecies and his own Earth changes pre- dictions with the symbolism of the English crop circles. Kurt Browne presented material on African spiritual tradition and the Kabbalah, showing how humanity's search for wisdom and truth can only benefit from contact with such apparently diverse sources. A few days before the celebration week- end in 1997, as if in some sort of acknowl- edgement the circle-makers produced one of last year's highlights: the 12 Torus rings. For 1998 they did not disappoint. In East Field on 9 July, for the first time ever there appeared a seven-sided forma- tion, 300 feet across and surrounded by nearly 100 smaller circles. The huge, flat- tened area was laid down in a flowing pat- tern, only fully appreciable from the air. In another first this year, many visitors were able to take advantage of a local heli- copter service to view the area's forma- tions. It was in this formation that Rod Bearcloud Berry, from the Native American Osage tribe, held the dramatic closing ceremony of the weekend which, for many, highlighted the ongoing spiritual connection felt by people drawn to experi- ence the mysteries surrounding crop cir- cles. The following weekend, 24-26 July, saw the 9th Glastonbury Symposium: "Investigating Crop Circles and Signs of Our Times", held in the recently refur- bished Assembly Rooms. Roland and ~ Clare Pargeter organised what many atten- Beckhampton, near Avebury, Wiltshire. Reported 21 July. The body is 200 feet wide, and the tail, dees agreed was the best symposium so far. consisting of 52 circles, is over 300 feet if straightened. Photograph © 1998 Lucy Pringle. Starting on the Friday with an 80-person Group, was held at Alton Barnes, Wiltshire, on 18-19 July. coach tour of the formations and a full day's lectures for the many Attracting more people than ever, two large marquees for food left behind, this event attracted attendees from across America and stalls were needed in addition to the famous Coronation Hall. and Europe, with some from South Africa and Australia. Those An international group of 14 speakers presented a wide range of _ of us living in England really only appreciate how fortunate we subjects—linked, as always, to the impact crop circles have had —_are when we meet enthusiasts who have travelled so far to visit on their research. the crop circles. Group, was held at Alton Barnes, Wiltshire, on 18-19 July. Attracting more people than ever, two large marquees for food and stalls were needed in addition to the famous Coronation Hall. An international group of 14 speakers presented a wide range of subjects—linked, as always, to the impact crop circles have had on their research. 60 = NEXUS Beckhampton, near Avebury, Wiltshire. Reported 21 July. The body is 200 feet wide, and the tail, consisting of 52 circles, is over 300 feet if straightened. Photograph © 1998 Lucy Pringle. OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 1998