WHAT ARE CROP CIRCLES?
Crop circles are patterns or designs that appear in fields of crops, specifically cereal crops like wheat, barley, or corn. They involve the flattening of the crops to create intricate and often geometric formations. While some crop circles are man-made, others are attributed to mysterious or unexplained phenomena. Let's explore their history, when they started appearing massively, and the common characteristics found in "real" crop circles, without discussing theories.
Crop circles have a historical presence spanning several centuries, with reports of similar phenomena from different parts of the world. However, it was during the late 20th century that crop circles gained significant attention and became widely recognized.
The modern era of crop circles began in the 1970s, primarily in southern England, particularly in Wiltshire county. This period saw a surge in the number and complexity of crop circles, with hundreds of formations reported each year. It was during the 1980s and 1990s that crop circles reached their peak, featuring larger sizes and intricate designs, often spanning hundreds of feet in diameter.
"Real" crop circles tend to exhibit specific characteristics. They often display greater precision and complexity, incorporating intricate geometric patterns like circles, spirals, triangles, and interconnected rings. These formations frequently possess a degree of symmetry and mathematical precision that is challenging to achieve manually.
Another common characteristic of "real" crop circles is the undisturbed and uniform flattening of crops. The plants within the circle typically exhibit bending at the stem nodes without visible signs of damage, suggesting a bending phenomenon rather than mechanical force. In some instances, the crop stems may be intricately woven or layered, adding further complexity to the formations.
It is worth noting that while these characteristics are associated with crop circles considered genuine by some researchers and enthusiasts, there have been instances of man-made crop circles created by pranksters or artists since the late 1980s. These human-made formations can possess similar features, making it challenging to distinguish between them based solely on visual examination.
CROP CIRCLE THEORIES
Crop circles have sparked numerous theories attempting to explain their origin. While some theories are grounded in scientific explanations, others propose more speculative or paranormal origins. Here are some of the most popular theories:
Hoaxing/Man-made: This theory suggests that the majority, if not all, crop circles are created by human beings as elaborate pranks or art forms. It is supported by the fact that many crop circles have been publicly claimed and demonstrated as man-made by individuals or groups using simple tools and techniques.
Natural phenomena: Some researchers propose that certain natural phenomena, such as whirlwinds or tornadoes, could be responsible for the creation of crop circles. These natural forces, combined with specific conditions in the atmosphere or soil, could lead to the flattened formations.
Plasma vortices or atmospheric phenomena: This theory suggests that certain atmospheric or electromagnetic forces, such as plasma vortices or charged particles, could create crop circles. It is believed that these forces could interact with the crops and cause them to bend or form intricate patterns.
Alien or extraterrestrial activity: This theory proposes that crop circles are created by advanced extraterrestrial civilizations as a form of communication or artistic expression. Believers argue that the complexity and precision of some formations surpass human capabilities, pointing to an otherworldly origin.
Earth energies or ley lines: Some individuals attribute the formation of crop circles to the presence of specific Earth energies or intersecting ley lines. It is suggested that these energetic forces could influence the crops, causing them to bend or create specific patterns.
Spiritual or metaphysical explanations: Certain spiritual or metaphysical beliefs attribute crop circles to higher consciousness, interdimensional beings, or spiritual energies. According to these theories, crop circles are messages or signs meant to convey spiritual or esoteric knowledge.
It is important to note that while numerous theories exist, scientific investigations have primarily supported the explanations of human-made crop circles. Many intricate and complex formations have been proven to be the result of skilled artists or individuals engaging in hoaxing activities. However, the allure of the unexplained and the mysterious nature of some crop circles continue to fuel speculation and alternative theories regarding their origin.
ABOUT SHAPES OF WISDOM
In these times in which we are so removed from our essence, bewildered by the hectic pace of this materialistic and individualistic society, it is increasingly difficult to distinguish between genuine and counterfeit. The overdose of information and stimuli to which we are subjected everyday prevents us from finding answers to our questions, simply by keeping us from asking ourselves those questions.
Amid this endless ocean of options, and always blending into the background, we find the Crop Circles phenomenon.
It is not our intention to speculate about the origin and meaning of Crop Circles. They are beautiful creations regardless of who or what creates them, and their complex geometry and profound balance are invaluable tools with which we can work in diverse ways:
- Outwards: Knowing the true magnitude of the Crop Circles phenomenon inevitably leads us to ask ourselves big questions: Who are we? Where do we come from? Where are we going? As our ancestors, we keep looking for the answers in the stars.
- Inwards: Balance, graceful construction and harmony are a constant in Crop Circles. We can use these qualities to our benefit, employing them as a firm anchor to our inner being, keeping us balanced and in harmony with ourselves.
I firmly believe that there is great knowledge hidden in the Circles, waiting to be deciphered, and this conviction has pushed me to devote 2 years of my life to the reconstruction, one by one, of the “almost” 3500 designs that have appeared since 1990, resulting in this archive that I now bring you hoping that it will be as useful to you as it has been to me.
Only a few circles have been excluded, mainly because of the poor quality of the original formation.
All designs, from first to last, have been meticulously reconstructed following a careful geometric process, always seeking the highest possible accuracy.
Still, and to save you time searching through hundreds and hundreds of basic, “plain”, unaesthetic, or repetitive designs, I have selected “only” the top 1000 Crop Circles for the main gallery. The best known, the most complex, the most harmonious, the most beautiful. All of them are or will be here. And if it is not ... just ask us and we will include it!
ABOUT ME
I always had two great passions: labyrinths and mysteries.
After many turns in life, in 2014 I achieved my dream of becoming a professional maze designer when I started working with the world´s best maze designer, Adrian Fisher. This job taught me many things and gave me many professional joys, including the 2016’s Guinness record for the world’s largest hedge maze, in China, or two mazes inside The Jewel, the amazing new terminal of the world's best airport, in Singapore.
Collaterally, I discovered a new passion: Geometry
In 2019, after a breakup and a prolonged period of little work, I found the time to start a project that had been playing around my head for several years: the compilation in vector format of all the Crop Circle designs appeared to date. I had looked for it online, but could not find it, so I decided that, if I wanted that collection of images, I would have to create it myself.
Ignoring what was coming at me, I began to document myself and to draw.
When sometime later I lost my job due to the crisis in the industry, Crop Circles were still there.
When the pandemic and lockdown arrived, Crop Circles were still there.
Two years and 3422 drawings after the first circle, I finished the last one (until 2020).
At first, these wonderful designs led me to ask myself many questions, but gradually they began to give me many answers, as well. Deep and beautiful answers that have undoubtedly helped me in a challenging time in my life, enriching me as a human being. That is why I want to share this wonderful opportunity with everyone willing to grab it.
Crop Circles are a gift to humankind, and that is why my desire is to make them available to as many people as possible. Perhaps, between all of us, one day we will be able to understand and benefit from the information hidden in Crop Circles.
At the individual level, I would like that everyone could look at the world through this new window, ask their own questions, and reach their own conclusions.