Vital Signs - content
- introduction
- content
- extracts
- the author Andy Thomas
A Complete Guide to the CROP CIRCLE Mystery and Why it is NOT a Hoax
By Andy Thomas
Foreword
This new addition to Vital Signs is a piece written by award-winning film director Mike Leigh, creator of films such as Topsy Turvy, Secrets and Lies and Naked. Mike has had a quiet interest in the crop circle phenomenon for a number of years, due in part to his friendship with researcher Michael Glickman. Here, he relates his interest to some of the related themes explored in his film Naked, and considers the portentous qualities of the crop formations, before going on to recommend the book!
Introduction
Andy Thomas recounts his first experience of speaking out publicly about the crop circles at a dramatic meeting in London, which galvanised his determination to explore the circle phenomenon further. An outline follows of the format, contents and general purpose of the book.
Chapter 1: News of the Swirled
This opening chapter gives the basic details of what a crop circle is, where and when they appear and what qualities are found within them, before going on to expand deeper into looking at biological effects and analysis, geometry and eye-witness accounts of formations appearing.
Chapter 2: From Genesis To Revelation?
The most substantial part of the book, much enlarged from the original edition, this is the longest available published chronological account of crop circle activity, telling the story of its development over the years, from historical circles to the quintuplets and Celtic crosses of the 80s, to the astonishing pictograms and mandalas of more recent years. In amongst this are woven many anecdotes, sightings and observations, tied in with the lively evolving history of crop circle investigation over the years and the phenomenon's rocky relationship with the media. The most significant crop formations and events of each year from 1990 to 2001, some widely celebrated, others less well-known, are detailed and illustrated with numerous photographs. Colour Gallery A spectacular 28-page full colour photographic celebration of the crop circle mystery, displaying the chronological progression of the more significant designs, from the simpler patterns of the 80s right up to 2001 and the amazing Milk Hill spiral and Chilbolton 'face', shown through a variety of talented photographers' work.
Chapter 3: Strange Effects
Many of the numerous unusual experiences reported in and around crop circles are recounted and discussed here, from video images of balls of light and the aerial phenomena connection, to unusual sounds, tales of people's health and electronic equipment being affected, and apparent time anomalies.
Chapter 4: Defining the Source
A comprehensive scrutiny of the many theories which have been put forward to explain the crop circle phenomenon, looking at the pros and cons of each idea, finding the common ground or paradoxes which arise from trying to reconcile them all. Extra-terrestrials, other-dimensionals, nature spirits, Gaia, the human consciousness connection, earth energies, weather phenomena, military activity, and finally human circlemaking, are all considered and examined. It concludes very strongly that whatever the final answer, the man-made theory simply cannot account for many of the patterns, with frank and full reasons given as to why.
Chapter 5: Vital Signs
The concluding part of the main book looks at what the circles might mean, and examines the profound effect they have had on many people, in spiritual realms and on their personalities. Could the crop formations be, as many believe they are, the precursors to some significant approaching global change..?
Appendix: Guide for the Armchair Cerealogist
This very substantial appendix, again much expanded from the original edition (and with bigger print), reviews nearly every English language book ever published on crop circles, passing comment on the content and nature of each, as a pointer to all the many sources of circle information to be found in other places. A selection of videos is also included, followed by listings of websites, journals, merchandise and conferences. Information is given on the Swirled News website and the public meetings of its parent organisation Southern Circular Research, together with details of how to obtain the Crop Circle Year Book series and circle photographs.
The Author
Biographical details on Andy Thomas.
Photos on this website are included in Vital Signs and taken by Steve Alexander, Werner Anderhub, Andrew King, Frank Laumen, Andreas Müller and Richard Wintle/Calyx Photo Services. Photos may not be reproduced without photographers' permission.