Crop Circles: Alien Communications, Enlightened Spirit Messages, or Thoughtless Human Vandalism?
I recently participated in an e-mail group discussion on the topic of the origins of Crop Circles. After that conversation, I collected my various thoughts from this cyber chat, expanded upon it, and the following article emerged.
Image via Picable Image copyright held by artist and auther, Bill M. Tracer
Let me begin by being clear that I do believe in the existence of extraterrestrials, and that there is a considerable body of evidence that beings from other worlds have visited the Earth throughout history and before, and are very likely doing so even in our present day. It’s just that I’m unsure about crop circles being a part of that evidence. However, if presented with sufficient compelling evidence, I’d be willing to consider it a possibility. To be further clear about this matter, let me say that there are different levels of belief. For example, to believe a thing possible is not the same as to believe a thing so. It’s a matter of degree of belief, based on the amount of evidence at hand. Believing a thing so is a much stronger belief than to just believe a thing is possible. One can believe many things are possible that one does not necessarily believe to be so. Bearing that in mind, I can say that I believe it might be possible that extraterrestrials could be involved. But without a great deal more evidence, I can not say I believe that is so.
Many crop circles are known hoaxes. However, putting Doug and Dave aside there do remain a certain number of crop circles that “seem” to defy conventional hoax explanation.
Who or what might be behind these formations?
There is no shortage of “theories”. Let’s make a list of some of the most prominent.
- A natural phenomenon, like the electromagnetic vortex theory.
- Misguided artists, who (from the farmers’ perspective) are thoughtless human vandals.
- Alien communications, using something like electromagnetic orbs directed from their saucer craft, high above.
- Ascended Masters or enlightened spiritual beings sending us coded messages.
- Human Secret Society types, experimenting with their own remote controlled electromagnetic orb technology, with a hidden agenda deceiving new age fringe types.
- The farmers themselves cashing in on all of the hype.
When looking over this list, we need to consider that the answer is most likely not just one of these things, but there could be a combination at play, and/or there might even be other possibilities we are not taking into consideration that could be factored in.
Image via Wikipedia
Crop Circles Have Evolved from Simple to Complex
Image via Wikipedia
While some of the simpler circles of earlier days might be explained with a natural phenomenon, as suggested by the electromagnetic vortex theory, (little meteorological phenomenon composed of a kind of ball lightening combined with an aerial vortex or mini-tornado, or electrometrically charged dust devils), frankly this theory just can not explain the more complex structures seen in more recent times.
Image via Wikipedia
These more complex crop circles are clearly of a designed nature, unquestionably created by intelligent beings of some sort. But who are those beings? Look at the losses and the gains, and we might start to get close to an answer. Who stands to gain? Who has losses?
What are the Consequences?
Now, when I evaluate anything, I take into account a great many factors. Included among those factors is the concept that all actions have consequences. No matter who is carrying out those actions, there will always be consequences to those actions. So when I analyze any kind of action, I consider the consequences. When considering the consequences of the production of crop circles, I see that much of the crop is destroyed in the process. To the farmer it is an act of vandalism, and frankly they are right to view it that way. The process of making these crop circles takes money out of the farmers’ pockets, since they can not harvest that part of their crop smashed to the ground. I see the consequences that unless the farmer responds, as some have by capitalizing upon it, then it will be a hardship placed upon that farmer. I see the consequences that those creating crop circles are being thoughtless of the extent to which they are vandalizing the hard work of others, who are just trying to make a living as best they can within the honest boundaries of our economic systems. Those are the “real world” consequences of crop circle creation. Ultimately, if aliens are doing this, then we must accept that these aliens are really not very nice. At least, they are not very nice to farmers. And hey, farmers are people too. They deserve our consideration and compassion.
Why Would Enlightened Beings be so Mean?

The Sleep of Reason Produces Monsters
Furthermore, why would enlightened beings inflict such a hardship upon these farmers? I’d think that if they really were enlightened, they’d know better than to victimize anyone like this. It seems to me that that fact alone indicates this phenomena is carried out by thoughtless rather than enlightened beings, (most often of the human being variety), who get their kicks out of making life difficult for these farmers, and who think it is cool to trick “new age” fringe types.
Art, but Misguided Art Nonetheless
With that said, I will say that some of these formations are quite beautiful, and incredible art forms, but that does not alter the fact that making them is an act of vandalism. This is why I’d call these artists, misguided. It seems there has got to be a better way to artistically express themselves that does not bring economic hardship upon farmers.

Photo by Steve Alexander Image via Wikipedia
To see photographs of some of the most recent crop circle formations check out Temporary Temples, then click on their link to the Image Library.
Some Farmers Have Cashed In
Now, I am not a farmer, myself, however there are farmers in my family, and I know how much hard work goes into preparing the land, planting, tending, and growing the crops. Taking this hard work into account, I find it unlikely that farmers are actually behind the creation of these formations; however some have been known to capitalize upon them after the fact. And, while there are indeed some farmers willing to cash in, I can not blame those who do that. After all they have to recoup their losses somehow. Having said that, we all know that we live in financially difficult times, and I suppose it is possible that some farmers who have capitalized on this phenomenon in the past, might have discovered that they can make more money that way than with a full harvest, and as a result could have recently decided to hire a few formations made to order for further cashing in. While this may be possible, I’d think it would most probably be rare.

Image via Wikipedia
Farmers Who Stand on Their Principles Become Victims
A perfect example of farmers who’ve become victims of this phenomenon are Bill and Sally Ann Spence, owners of Berry Croft Farm near Ashbury, who have experienced having their farm overrun with unwelcome visitors, further trampling their fields and damaging their crops even more. They are quoted as saying that the Jellyfish crop circle has cost them at least £600 from the ruined parts of the crop they can not harvest. If curious people thoughtlessly trample their crops more, it will cost them even more. This is the kind of thing that could actually drive them out of business, ruining them financially. See the BBC article about this incident at: Plea over jellyfish crop circle.
While it may be true that some have cashed in, those who stand on their principles and refuse to capitalize on the crop circles that destroy their crops are made victims by those vandalizing their hard work, no matter who it is creating them. Apparently the beings making these crop circles either don’t care that they are victimizing others, or they are themselves blatant capitalists, who are doing this in order to force farmers to compromise their principles and capitalize upon the phenomenon.
Find a Better Way!
So, if either aliens or enlightened beings are actually trying to communicate with us using this victimizing method, then I’d like to put the word out to these entities, “Find a better way to communicate with us; one that does not make any of our people into victims! You might even consider the direct approach. I know quite a few people who’d be glad to have a chat with you, myself included.”
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User Comments
thestickman
On June 13, 2009 at 7:39 am
Very kewl.
I did an articles on crop circles last year, -love that one of the Firefox logo, seen on Google Earth
-thestickman
skylite
On June 13, 2009 at 9:49 am
Thanks for sharing
Tina Cassello
On June 13, 2009 at 10:55 am
This was a great article. I hadn’t considered the fact that intelligent aliens would not do such things to the farmers, but I have also been trying to make sense out of these things and other mysteries like UFO’s. I have not gone as far as saying I believe in extraterrestials,but I certainly believe in the possibility and probability. I just haven’t figured out what, or who they are, angels, demons, simply other creatures from other planets and I hsvren’t decided if I think their interest in us is good or bad, or simply curiousity.
Liane Schmidt
On June 13, 2009 at 8:20 pm
I’m fascinated by the unexplainable……… by things that stretch your mind beyond what is “generally accepted” – nice article.
Blessings.
Sincerely,
-Liane Schmidt.
Drake Harlem
On June 13, 2009 at 8:44 pm
Some of the more complex and interesting patterns in my opinion are just too complex to have been created by a couple guys stomping around in fields. I don’t see how anyone without some sort of aerial view to go by could create the complicated crop circles. I too would say I believe extraterrestrial life is a pretty likely possibility, but that I’m not entirely sold on the idea. Or the idea that they are responsible for crop circles.
clafleur
On June 13, 2009 at 9:08 pm
I think their could be aliens, but crop circles is a can of worms that i cant open. If they are smart enough to visit us, i think they would leave some other clue beside a crop circle.
George W Whitehead
On June 14, 2009 at 1:17 am
Great, well researched and informative article.
California Dreamer
On June 14, 2009 at 11:58 pm
This article was very fascinating, and found myself reading it twice, I also believe in the unexplained to some points, and I do believe in UFO’s due to an event in my past. When I think about it, if we can take our men to the moon, who is to say that others have not brought theirs here. Great Article and thanks for sharing it
(Two Thumbs up)
Cynthia Bartlett
On June 15, 2009 at 6:26 pm
As with anything, if it can be manipulated and abused it will be.
I am personally undecided about such things;however, to believe that humans are the only intelligence in the known universe? Come on.
I have read articles upon articles because I am fascinated with the subject. IF there are other life forms out there, I agree with Mr. Roddenberry, that they most likely won’t all be humanoid in appearance and if humans think they can withstand whatever comes along, at this rate, will all be annihilated. We can’t get along amongst ourselves, how are we going to get along with individuals from another planet let alone universe?
Really enjoyed your article.
CutestPrincess
On June 16, 2009 at 11:45 am
Very well written piece..you have honestly made an effort…i hope its appreciated by one and all..thnx for sharing!!
HelloSiti
On June 18, 2009 at 11:54 pm
I believe it too.
krishnarain
On June 22, 2009 at 4:58 pm
First time I am hearing about crop circles…very fascinating…my sincere wishes to u…
JT
On July 2, 2009 at 11:20 pm
In my opinion , all of the really intricate crop circles are man made . The only ones that should be bothered with are the ones that actually have the nodes germinating . These also tend to be the more simple of the crop circles .
Let’s just stop and ask ourselves one thing , IF we wanted to communicate with an Alien species , would we use this method ? I think not . Further , you’d think that If aliens have been coming here for as long as they’re reputed to have been , that they’d finally learn at least one of our languages and , simply write us some messages instead of cryptically destroying field crops .
Let’s look at it from another aspect . It just might be possible that what you’re seeing is a test of some special equipment that is man made . Outside of this , I can’t figure out how just TWO men could do something as complex as the Jellyfish in but one night . It would be a lot more believeable IF it was made by an entire community . Further , why on Earth or anywhere else would an Alien species bother with scratching out the depiction of a Jellyfish in someone’s crop field ! — JT
Bill M. Tracer
On July 2, 2009 at 11:36 pm
I’m with you JT. I agree with what you say about the special man made equipment, see option 5 on my list in the article. Furthermore, I agree that there has got to be a better way to communicate, as I point out in my concluding remarks on page 2 of this article.
Laura
On July 3, 2009 at 4:16 pm
Excellent article Bill! You and I have known each other for many years and had countless conversations on this and other “strange
phenomena”. The one constant has always been your ability to put forth a thorough and compelling analysis making for a terrific dialogue. This one is one of your best efforts…nicely done!
Bill M. Tracer
On July 4, 2009 at 1:27 am
Thank you, Laura,
I guess I do take a rather analytical approach to the strange things life has to offer for us to look at.
Patrick Bernauw
On July 7, 2009 at 3:10 am
Great article on a fascinating topic, well researched & well written!
Bill M. Tracer
On July 7, 2009 at 3:19 am
Thank you, Patrick.
Fresh Writing
On July 9, 2009 at 6:55 pm
You really branched out here! I like it…stumbled and forwarded.
-Fresh Writing
Fresh Writing
On July 9, 2009 at 6:56 pm
You really branched out here! I like it…stumbled and forwarded.
-Fresh Writing
lindalulu
On July 9, 2009 at 7:13 pm
Wow…so cool!
OhSugar
On July 11, 2009 at 11:53 pm
I am a big fan of your cool colorful posts. Very nice.
RS Wing
On July 17, 2009 at 8:13 am
Wow, interesting and informative. There is something more behind these crop circles, yet I have not investigated enough to form an opinion, but this article will after I re-read and inquire more about them….to the farmers that gets screwed , that sucks, but if they can recoup losses for churning them into $, why not? It’s their land and they got screwed. More power to them. I’ve always been intrigued an believe there is something ET about them for sure, just still not investigated to the degree of accuracy, to form a calculated, well thought opinion. Very thought provoking article and really cool. I thoroughly enjoyed this article and look forward to reading more. Great piece!
Allena Impire
On July 17, 2009 at 11:42 am
Great article.
Cassiopeia Antares
On July 21, 2009 at 8:16 pm
this is a great article, the shows on the history channel are my favorites on ufos etc, love the content on your submissions, thanks
Sonia Doreen
On August 2, 2009 at 10:10 am
Very intersting topic and well researched, so mnay myths surrounding it all, one does not know what to believe.
Nathan
On August 21, 2009 at 3:22 am
Interesting article.
One thing however where you say that it puts the farmers out of pocket it might do in the short term but in the long run it’s better for them.
When a crop circle is made by extraterrestrial visitors the corn inside the crop circle changes so that it is better quality, grows faster, grows bigger than the corn from outside the crop circle
Dree
On September 7, 2009 at 3:13 pm
Take a bow Bill, an excellent piece of writing. Crop circles are fascinating. Once just cannot help but feel the motion in many of the designs on first glance. I believe that the artists choose this bizarre medium for several reasons. The biggest one of all is that humans need something really outlandish to get their attention. We have interruption advertising and the TV programmer to thank for that. As for the rest of my observations in closely studying the handiwork of the circle makers, I’ll reserve that for an article of my own soon to be published on Real2012Info.com.
It isn’t true that the circle makers destroy the crop. The plants are not killed, only bent. The grains are still harvested and as Nathan says above the increased Earth energies within the patterns permanently alter the molecules of the soil and increase productivity in following seasons. The circle makers are not human, except for the hoax formations.
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