I visited the reported formation which I think is actually within the Garsington parish.

The pattern consists of a clockwise spiral of raised and bunched wheat, which suggests something spinning. In between the wheat is flattened, also in a clockwise direction. This is enclosed in a hexagram of approximately 54 foot diameter. A narrow strip, of about 12 inches, is layer around the interior of the hexagram to round of the corners. About 10 yards to the west is another signature-type design; this time resembling a letter S or a spinning atom. It has similarities to the grass designs in Garsington last year, and I suspect were made by the same hands. The 'signature' is about 18foot by 12 foot.

The site, I think, was chosen because it is next to a large mysterious, moss-covered stone about 5 to 6 foot long by about 4 feet wide. I seem to remember that it was used as bridge across the stream next to it when I was a kid. The small copse, the stone, and the circle lay next to what we called 'the Witches Wood'. It is unusually dark in there and we thought it had a very spooky atmosphere - it still does. A friend of mine reckoned he saw a ghost there.

I thought there might be a spinning wheel formation for Lughnasadh this year. Lughnasadh is an ancient fire festival which has its climax when the sun is at 15 degrees Leo. It is traditionally associated with St Catherine, the martyr who was sacrificed on a burning wheel - the origin of the Catherine Wheel firework. I referred to this possibility on my website headlines on the morning of the same day Mr Godfrey reported this design, and had already, a few days previously, mentioned the possibility to Lucy Pringle.

To me the design lacks the beauty of previous formations around here. I think ego has crept in. Other people, of course, may have a different view. 

Ellis C Taylor

www.ellisctaylor.com