Medway Crop Circle 1997 Page

Crop Circles in Kent of 1997.......

THE TRI-ARMED TRISKELE

Cuxton nr Rochester

late June 1997 - Wheat

Thought to have been at least 6 weeks old before it was reported on 17th August, this stunner appeared to announce locally that "The Circlemakers" were shifting up a few gears! It was quite unlike anything Kent had ever seen before, and as such proved to be the forerunner to all subsequent "jawdroppers".

This graceful formation lay nestled upon the hillside at the end of Bush Road, Cuxton, close to the North Downs Pilgrim path that leads from Holly (Holy) Hill via the ancient church of Dode. The slope that it occupied was just behind a Southern Water pumping station, and the formation was positioned close to where water is extracted from a deep chalk aquifer.

Lying in wheat, the formation consisted of 21 circles that were all swirled clockwise. 12 circles made up the central ring which was approximately 150 feet across (i.e. centre to centre, to any of the composite rings).

This formation was quite notable for its open display of ancient Celtic symbology, which is currently influencing and playing an integral role in many of our recent formations. The formation symbolises a "triskele", which in turn basically represents the importance of the number 3 in Celtic mythology. Triskelions symbolise the cycles of life within the threefold (life, death and rebirth). The three arms of the formation neatly reflect the three cyclic aspects of that which is ever flowing outwards will always return.

Geometrically the formation is based upon a Celtic 6-petalled "Genesis " design (fig. A), which if further developed produces three petals that are central to three spirals (fig. B). It was these geometric motifs that displayed immense richness of symbolism that inspired and influenced ancient Celtic craftsmen. The spiral was believed to represent the travel from inner life to higher spiritual forms.

Unlike most Kent formations, I was not able to visit this one but I gather that by the time researchers got into it, it had suffered some significant weather damage and had been well visited. Nevertheless for all that, it should be regarded as one of Kent's finest, and probably one of its most important for what it had to say.

Diagram © Graham Tucker

Photo © Andrew King

Fig A

Diagram © Graham Tucker

Fig B

Diagram © Graham Tucker

THE SEVINGTON CIRCLES

Sevington Nr. Ashford

August 10th 1997 - Wheat

This simple formation that consisted of three circles in a triangular shape, was reported by enthusiast Tom Baker on the 10th of August '97. The circles were spaced approximately 36 foot away from each other, and all three circles averaged out at around 23 foot in diameter *.

Apparently the lay was quite springy, and whilst Tom was walking around he stumbled upon some swollen nodes. Some were "blown" and quite blackened due to the rapid expansion of moisture within their stems. This obviously suggested that the plants were subjected to some very intense pressure. Tom also reported some double nodal bends...something that "The Circlemakers" often make great use of for effect.

Sevington lies just off the A2070 Ashford to Romney Marsh road, and can be found quite easily by taking the 2nd M20 junction for Ashford heading eastbound. Sevington itself only consists of St. Mary's church and Court Lodge farmhouse. However, it's only a mile or so away from Ashford, which is slowly creeping towards this tiny hamlet with each new development. If you've ever stood by the church and faced easterly though, the area has a wonderful sense of desolation. Remarkably, it offers the look and feel of being somewhat like the idyllic northern bit of Romney Marsh.

St. Mary's church is Saxon in origin, but was later "Normanised", and now sports a distinctive spire. The formation was found in the very noticeable large field, that lies roughly east to south east of the church. The very same field I might add, that almost a year ago previously, had hosted a very fine 50-foot circle.

But why Sevington?...What was so special? Our Pilgrim paths and trackways, as well as the standing stones that the "The Circlemakers" usually pay homage to, were miles away. The church though sits upon an isolated mound...so could that be it? Could it be that the church was originally built upon a sacred mound? This was something that I've often puzzled over...but I recently discovered that the church's map position is at 51º.07' N / 0º.54' E. which has led me to believe that there's another more interesting explanation, as to why this particular field was chosen. Now there are only a couple of fields within this area that support crops, but what makes this field so interesting is that it's the only one that can come as close to a map reading of...51º N / 0º. 51' E - Yes folks, 51.51 - the slope angle of the Great Pyramid! Known as the angle of enlightenment it's found simply by a seven-unit vertical dividing an eleven-unit baseline (see fig 1.)

What a relationship! Eleven, the number of access to higher realms, finds itself in bed with seven, the number of spirit and revelation.

Without doubt crop circles are certainly spreading enlightenment!

* A more detailed report by researchers Joyce Galley and Andrew King may be found in the "Crop Circle Connector" Archives.

Fig 1