Welcome to a quick Crop Circle 101…
On this page you’ll find a very quick description of the crop circle phenomenon. For more in-depth information we recommend you do a little reading around the subject. There are some excellent books on the crop circle subject you can find a good starting list here. For the latest information please see Karen’s Blog and our Latest Circles section. Most importantly see our Crop Circle Year Books. You can also read more about Steve and Karen’s long involvement in the crop circle subject here.
What are Crop Circles?
Crop Circles are geometric patterns that appear mysteriously in crop fields. The crop is not cut, but is usually laid flat and most often swirled into an attractive floor pattern. Most patterns appear in cereal crops such as wheat and barley, but circles have been known to occur (in lesser numbers) in oilseed rape, maize, linseed, grass and even borage – to name a few. In the US many circles appear in soya, as it grown prevalently in that part of the world.
When and where do they appear?
Although it might seem obvious, crop circle occur only during the crop growing season. In the UK the first circles can start to occur in April and May, reaching their height in late July and August. Crop circles do in fact occur all over the world in many countries and obviously they similarly follow growing seasons in that particular part of the world. In the UK most circles occur in the county of Wiltshire, although circles do happen (in lesser numbers) countrywide. In the early season (April/May) numbers are few but this gradually builds up as the summer moves on, at the height of the season (Late July/August) several circles can appear on one night. The season ends with the harvest – and the slate is wiped clean for another year. The crop circles do seem to have an affinity for ancient sites. Many circles appear close to stone circles, barrows, earthworks and other landmarks. Stonehenge and Avebury have played host to many crop circles over the years. The Crop Circles usually appear overnight, in the few short hours of darkness in the summer months. Most are completely perfect at first-light with no flaws in their designs!


How large are the crop circles?
Crop Circles can range in size from only a few feet across to several hundred feet in diameter. Sometimes larger designs are accompanied by a smattering of tiny circles (some barely a foot in diameter) these are referred to as ‘grapeshot’ or ‘satellite’ circles. One of the largest designs recorded appeared at Milk Hill, in Wiltshire, it measured over 900ft in diameter and the design was made from 409 circles all arranged in a circular spiral. The 409 circles circles in the formation ranged in size from 70ft down to about a foot in diameter! However, all this said, the average size for a crop circle is around 200-300ft in diameter – still no small feat!
How long has this been going on?
There is an ongoing debate between researchers as to the longevity of the phenomenon. Essentially two camps exist within the debate; those who believe that the crop circle phenomenon is a relatively modern occurrence beginning in the mid 1970’s and those who believe that there are reports going back to the beginning of the century and even earlier. The first circle photographed (documented) in the UK was in 1976, however many farmers report circles in their fields going back considerably further than this date. There is a woodcut dating back to the 1600’s known as the ‘Mowing Devil’ which seems to show some kind of circular pattern in a crop field, however opinion is divided as to whether this can be directly linked to the crop circles or not.

Read More – Welcome to a quick Crop Circle 101…
Global Crop Circles: Patterns and Hotspots
Exploring the Intricate Designs and Geographic Concentrations of Crop Circles on a Global Scale
Crop circles have long captivated the imagination of people around the world, with their intricate patterns and seemingly inexplicable origins. These geometric designs, often formed in crops such as wheat, barley, or corn, have become a global phenomenon, appearing in various countries and continents. While some dismiss crop circles as mere hoaxes or the work of pranksters, these enigmatic formations continue to baffle scientists and researchers.
One theory suggests that the creation of crop circles could be attributed to natural phenomena, such as plasma vortices or atmospheric anomalies. These natural events, it is believed, could cause the crops to bend and form the distinctive patterns observed in crop circles. However, this hypothesis has yet to be conclusively proven and remains a subject of ongoing debate among experts.
Another school of thought proposes that the complex designs of crop circles are a result of extraterrestrial activity. Supporters of this theory point to eyewitness accounts of unusual lights or unidentified flying objects being seen in the vicinity of crop circle formations. They argue that these intricate patterns could be a form of communication or messages left by intelligent beings from other worlds. However, skeptics argue that there is a lack of concrete evidence to support this notion.
While the true origins of crop circles remain shrouded in mystery, their occurrence in certain hotspots around the globe has raised further questions. Countries like the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia have witnessed numerous crop circle formations, leading some to speculate on the significance of these specific regions. Scientists and enthusiasts continue to investigate these hotspots in the hopes of unraveling the secrets behind these perplexing formations.
Stunning Visual Patterns: Intricate Designs Across the Globe
The phenomenon of crop circles, often referred to as intricate designs or patterns that mysteriously appear in agricultural fields overnight, has fascinated people across the globe. These mesmerizing formations have been predominantly documented in countries like England, the United States, Canada, and Australia. Researchers from various fields have dedicated years of research to understand the origins and meaning of these intricate designs that captivate our imagination.
While the existence of crop circles remains a topic of debate among skeptics and believers, the patterns found in these formations are undeniably captivating. The intricate designs range from simple circles to complex geometric shapes that can span several meters in diameter. The precision and symmetry displayed in these formations has intrigued scientists and artists alike, sparking discussions about their possible extraterrestrial origins or elaborate human creations.
England, specifically the region of Wiltshire, has gained a reputation as the global hotspot for crop circles. The intricate formations that appear in the fields of Wiltshire have characteristics that set them apart from crop circles found in other parts of the world. They often possess a higher level of complexity, incorporating multiple concentric rings and intricate interlocking patterns. These formations have attracted countless researchers, tourists, and enthusiasts who visit Wiltshire in hopes of witnessing this awe-inspiring phenomenon.
Other countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia have also witnessed their fair share of crop circles. While not as prevalent as those in England, these countries have reported numerous incidents of stunning formations appearing in their crop fields. The designs found in these locations are often distinct in style, featuring unique patterns that reflect the diversity of cultural influences and geographical landscapes.
From Britain to Brazil: Exploring Global Hotspots of Crop Circles
Crop circles, mysterious patterns formed in crop fields overnight, have captured the attention of people around the world for decades. While their origins and meanings remain a topic of debate, they continue to appear in various regions across the globe. In this article, we will explore two prominent hotspots of crop circles: Britain and Brazil.
British Crop Circles
The rolling countryside of England has long been considered the epicenter of crop circle formations. From the 1970s, intricate designs began to appear mainly in county Wiltshire, drawing countless enthusiasts and researchers from around the world. These British formations often depict symmetrical patterns, complex geometric shapes, and intriguing symbols. Stonehenge, a famous ancient monument located nearby, adds a mystical element that further fuels the fascination around crop circles in this region.
Brazilian Crop Circles
In recent years, Brazil has emerged as another global hotspot for crop circle activity. Particularly concentrated in the rural state of Mato Grosso, crop formations have astounded locals and farmers. Brazilian circles often differ in appearance from their British counterparts, showcasing more organic shapes and flowing designs. Due to the prevalence of UFO sightings in this region, some theorists speculate that extraterrestrial presence could be linked to the creation of these crop circles.
Despite the geographical and stylistic differences, both Britain and Brazil attract researchers and tourists who seek to unravel the mysteries surrounding these enigmatic phenomena. While many crop circles are undoubtedly created by human pranksters, the intricacy and precision seen in some formations continue to confound experts. As our understanding of these crop circles evolves, exploring different global hotspots may provide crucial insights into this fascinating and ongoing phenomenon.
Read More – Global Crop Circles: Patterns and Hotspots
The Chilbolton Crop Circle
and The Cassiopaeans on Crop Circles
Note added February, 2005: At the present time, one wonders even more poignantly about this strange “crop circle,” appearing as it did twenty days before the events that are branded into the global mind as 9-11. It could certainly have been a warning from “Mother Nature” to those who were planning to execute this diabolical plan.
August 23, 2001: There is much excitement at this very time regarding the new Crop Glyphs which were reported to have appeared on Sunday 19th August in a wheat field next to the radio telescope at Chilbolton, Hampshire. According to a report by Karen Douglas, posted on the Swirled News website:
“One is a very strange rectangular formation with what looks distinctly like some kind of digital code displayed within it, the code being illustrated by standing patterns of crop. The second formation is also completely unique; at first it appears to be a random collection of standing circular clumps of varying sizes, also contained within a rectangle shape. However, as you get further from the pattern and gain some perspective, suddenly, and quite spookily, you see a face staring out at you from the crop field! Nothing like this has ever been seen before.
What is so interesting is that this ‘dot matrix face’ and the strip of code next to the radio telescope are remarkably similar to the kinds of coded information we sent out into space on the Voyager spacecraft. Could this be our reply or some strange intergalactic echo?
Many have already commented that they see a distinct similarity between this formation and the mysterious ‘face’ on Mars. Is this the face of the real circlemakers or a likeness of our own image engraved into the crop fields of Hampshire? Watch this space… Or is it space watching us? “
Note: It became clear later on that the coded information was sent in 1974 by the Arecibo Interstellar Radio dish, in Puerto Rico, not the one carried by the Voyager. For more info and links to more recent data check Chibolton page by Bruce Cornet. [Later Note: Bruce Cornet removed this page from his new site]
As I write this report, I am listening to Richard Hoagland on the Art Bell Show pronouncing sagely upon this wonder. He reiterates over and over how much the face looks like the face on Mars, or a primitive hominid type face, and I’m sorry that I don’t see that in it at all. To make my point, here is the Glyph as it appears in the field:

Steve Alexander
And here is the face after I have used standard, automatic enhancements from my Photo Edit program:

I’m sorry, but the cupid’s bow mouth and the deepset eyes suggest a woman’s face to me, not a Neanderthal nor the face on Mars. And, in point of fact, on the very night this crop circle appeared, I had a dream.
In this dream was a set of images. The first set was a pair of wavy lines like the symbol of Aquarius. This used to be the symbol of the Great Mother Goddess and it represented water, consciousness, creativity, infinite energy and potential. The second set of images was the same wavy lines that had become serpents. I was puzzled by this transformation, but a voice explained it to me. You see, after the conquest of our reality by the Dominator Male Gods, the Compassionate Mother Goddess was “transmogrified” into a Serpent, or accused of consorting with a serpent. (This is standard Machiavelli: accuse your enemy of what you, yourself, are.) At this point, the worship of the Father and Son took over, paving the way for Male dominated Monotheism and all concepts of cyclic time and rebirth were overlaid with that of linear time and hell-fire and damnation.
This is what the voice told me as I was shown the images of the wavy lines and the serpents:
“The Mother Matrix is the Primal Source of all that exists in your realm. She has two faces – life giving and death dealing – and it is up to you which face you see. Those who gaze upon the Mother Matrix seeking to control her with rituals or domination or restriction in their hearts, will see only serpents – and will experience only destruction. For the Mother is a Mirror. Those who gaze upon her with non-anticipatory love in their hearts, will receive all the bounty of infinite potential.”
I would say that this face is telling us that the mother will soon be showing herself to us, and it is up to us which face ultimately manifests in our realm.
Now, just to make my point, my son, the artist, has done some graphic enhancement of the image. He is only partly finished with his planned development of the image, but for now, here is the result. Does it look like a primitive hominid?
Read More – The Chilbolton Crop Circle and The Cassiopaeans on Crop Circles
Crop Circles: A Comprehensive Examination of Theories and Origins

Crop Circles: A Comprehensive Examination of Theories and Origins
Introduction
Crop circles, intricate patterns that appear mysteriously in crop fields, have captivated the public imagination for decades. These formations, often elaborate and symmetrical, have sparked numerous theories about their origins, ranging from natural phenomena to human hoaxes and even extraterrestrial involvement. This article explores the origins, evidence, and counterarguments of crop circle theories, examining their cultural impact and the reasons why these ideas endure. Additionally, we will discuss other ways extraterrestrials might contact humanity and delve into the various motivations and methods of people who create crop circles as hoaxes.
Background and History
The phenomenon of crop circles dates back centuries, with historical references found in folklore and art. However, the modern crop circle phenomenon began in the late 20th century, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s, when more complex and numerous formations started appearing in fields across the United Kingdom and other countries. The term “crop circle” was coined during this period, and the phenomenon quickly gained media attention and public fascination.
The sheer complexity and beauty of some crop circles have led many to speculate about their origins. Theories range from natural explanations and human artistry to more exotic ideas involving extraterrestrial messages and unknown energies.
Main Theories and Evidence
Proponents of various crop circle theories present several key arguments, supported by different types of evidence:
Natural Phenomena: Some researchers suggest that crop circles are the result of natural phenomena, such as wind patterns, animal activity, or even plasma vortices. These natural explanations argue that certain environmental conditions can create the geometric patterns observed in crop circles.
Human Hoaxes: One of the most widely accepted explanations is that crop circles are human-made hoaxes. Individuals and groups, sometimes known as “circle makers,” use tools like planks, ropes, and surveying equipment to create intricate designs in crop fields. Many well-documented cases have shown how crop circles can be meticulously planned and executed by humans.
Extraterrestrial Involvement: The most popular and controversial theory is that crop circles are created by extraterrestrial beings as a form of communication or artistic expression. Proponents argue that the complexity, precision, and speed of some formations suggest advanced technology beyond human capability.
Unknown Energies or Forces: Another theory posits that crop circles are formed by unknown energies or forces, possibly related to Earth’s magnetic field or other unexplained phenomena. This idea suggests that natural but poorly understood processes could be responsible for the patterns.
Cultural and Media Influence: The proliferation of crop circles and the fascination with their origins can also be attributed to cultural and media influence. Popular movies, books, and television shows have perpetuated the mystery and allure of crop circles, contributing to their enduring presence in public consciousness.
Impact and Cultural Significance
Crop circles have had a significant impact on popular culture and public imagination. They have inspired numerous books, documentaries, and artistic works. The phenomenon reflects broader societal interests in mystery, the unknown, and the possibility of extraterrestrial life. Crop circles also serve as a symbol of human creativity and the power of nature, blurring the lines between art, science, and the paranormal.
The idea that crop circles might be messages from extraterrestrials taps into deep-seated human desires for connection with otherworldly beings and a greater understanding of the universe. It raises profound questions about the nature of communication, intelligence, and the potential for contact with alien civilizations.
Counterarguments and Debunking
The various crop circle theories have been extensively scrutinized by scientists, skeptics, and researchers. Here are the key counterarguments:
Human Hoaxes: The most compelling evidence for human-made crop circles comes from documented cases where individuals have admitted to creating them. Techniques for making crop circles have been demonstrated in controlled environments, showing that humans can replicate the complexity and precision of the formations.
Scientific Explanations: Many crop circles exhibit characteristics consistent with natural phenomena. For example, simple patterns can be created by wind or animal activity, while more complex formations can be explained by human intervention. There is no conclusive evidence to support the involvement of unknown energies or extraterrestrial beings.
Critical Analysis: Detailed analysis of crop circles often reveals imperfections and inconsistencies that are indicative of human creation. Differences in the way crops are bent or broken, tool marks, and other signs of human activity have been identified in many formations.
Psychological Factors: The fascination with crop circles can be partly explained by psychological factors, such as pattern recognition, the appeal of mystery, and the desire for extraordinary explanations. The human mind is naturally inclined to seek patterns and meanings, which can lead to the interpretation of crop circles as significant or otherworldly.
Cultural Influence: The media’s portrayal of crop circles as mysterious and possibly extraterrestrial has reinforced public interest and belief in supernatural explanations. Cultural narratives and popular entertainment have played a significant role in shaping perceptions of crop circles.
Different Types of Crop Circle Makers
The creation of crop circles as hoaxes involves a diverse group of individuals with various motivations and methods:
Artists and Pranksters: Many crop circle makers are artists or pranksters who enjoy the challenge and creativity involved in making intricate designs. They see it as a form of land art and take pride in their work.
Publicity Seekers: Some individuals or groups create crop circles to gain attention and media coverage. They may reveal their involvement to demonstrate their skill or promote a particular message or cause.
Hobbyists and Enthusiasts: There are communities of crop circle enthusiasts who enjoy making and studying crop circles as a hobby. These individuals often share techniques and collaborate on creating new designs.
Hoaxers with a Message: In some cases, crop circle makers have a specific message or agenda they want to promote. They may use the formations to draw attention to social, political, or environmental issues.
Read More – Crop Circles: A Comprehensive Examination of Theories and Origins