At The Edge - No 06 - 1997 06

Magazine Overview

Title: AT THE EDGE
Issue: No.6
Date: June 1997
Price: £ 2.50
Cover Headline: Sex & Gender Special

This issue of 'At The Edge' is dedicated to exploring the complex intersections of sex and gender within archaeology, folklore, and mythology. It challenges conventional interpretations of the past and highlights the evolving theoretical frameworks being used to understand human societies.

Articles and Content

Beyond Indiana Jones versus the Mother Goddess: Constructing Sex and Gender in Archaeology

This article by Bob Trubshaw explores the growing importance of sex and gender studies within archaeology. It argues that questioning modern constructions of sex and gender is creating significant ripples in fields like sacred landscapes and 'earth mysteries'. The author notes that while postmodern critiques and feminism challenge traditional modernist ideologies, there are often differences in their approaches. The article references key researchers like Conkey and Tringham, Hekman, and Thomas, who emphasize the profound impact of taking gender seriously in archaeological interpretation. It also touches upon the controversial interpretations of Marija Gimbutas regarding a 'Mother Goddess' and peaceful, egalitarian societies, noting how these ideas, though debated, have entered popular literature.

Why is there no archaeology of gender?

This section delves into the reasons behind the historical absence of a dedicated 'archaeology of gender'. It discusses Gimbutas's work and the criticisms it faced, particularly the logical fallacy of assuming powerful goddesses equate to female societal power. The article contrasts 'First Wave' feminism, which focused on restoring women's visibility and politicizing their reinstatement, with later waves that embrace greater variability and diversity in gender roles. It highlights that while archaeology has been slow to adopt newer feminist theories, it is beginning to question the binary construction of sex and gender, moving towards a more nuanced understanding.

From Feminism to Feminisms

This part of the discussion differentiates between 'First Wave' feminism, which countered androcentrism with gynocentrism, and later feminist thinking that rejects over-generalised dualistic oppositions. It explains that 'Third Wave' feminism is concerned with culture, knowledge, language, and representation, acknowledging a spectrum of positions within feminism rather than a single unified front. The article emphasizes that gender is a cultural construct, a way cultures use sexual differences, and that 'woman' encompasses a range of social identities.

Many Genders

The article expands on the complexity of gender, moving beyond simple male/female binaries. It points out the existence of homosexuals, lesbians, and bisexuals in modern Western society, and how even these categories can be subdivided into various gender roles. It also notes that traditional European societies recognized 'sexless women' and dealt with physical hermaphrodites. The text suggests that the ambiguous status of women past child-bearing age has led to them being seen as healers or, conversely, ostracized as 'witches'. It stresses that studying gender roles requires examining individual experiences within specific social and cultural contexts.

The Boys' Club

This section critiques the male-dominated nature of academic archaeology, contrasting it with folklore where female researchers have had more prominent roles. It describes archaeology as a 'boys club' focused on excavation and macho concerns, with fieldwork being more accessible to female archaeologists. The article also touches upon the work of scholars like Lynn Meskell, who is applying a feminist approach to her critique of ancient Aegean peoples.

Gender in Folklore

In contrast to archaeology, folklore and mythology have seen a better balance between male and female exponents. The article mentions Johann Jacob Bachofen and his influential work 'The Mother Right', which explored concepts of 'maternal law' and 'gynecocracy'. Bachofen's theories, though debated, are considered a starting point for studies of matriarchy.

Fragmented Feminisms

This part examines how feminist theory has evolved beyond the sex:gender classification, addressing criticisms of earlier feminism for its racism, classism, and heterosexism. It highlights the emergence of 'Third World feminists, black activists and radical lesbian feminists' and the recognition that neither sex nor gender adequately accounts for the full range of sexual difference and identity. The article argues that the fragmentation of feminism marks a radical break with traditional scholarship, allowing for a more individual and varied approach to understanding past societies.

Multiple Masculinities

The article introduces masculinist theory as a movement within the social sciences that seeks to understand the social and cultural construction of maleness. It notes that while there is a growing body of literature on the male subject, its impact on archaeology is minimal. Masculinist theory explores how maleness is constructed in contemporary society and across different cultures, often contrasting reason and emotion as binary oppositions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the critical re-examination of established norms and categories, particularly concerning sex and gender. The magazine advocates for a move away from simplistic, essentialist interpretations towards more nuanced, context-specific understandings of human experience in the past. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting interdisciplinary dialogue and encouraging new theoretical developments, particularly those that challenge androcentric perspectives and embrace the complexity of human identity and social relations. The magazine aims to provide a platform for emerging ideas in fields that often intersect with 'earth mysteries' and alternative interpretations of history and culture.

This issue of 'Women on the RAMPAGE' (No. 6, June 1997) is a collection of articles exploring women's roles, customs, and social dynamics from historical, anthropological, and archaeological perspectives. The magazine challenges traditional dualistic views of gender and highlights the importance of understanding diverse masculinities and femininities.

Masculinity and Archaeology

The first section discusses the limitations of Western philosophical traditions that devalue the body and emotions, impacting male constructions of self. It argues that exploring masculinities can offer fresh insights into the construction of identities and personalized experiences, contributing to a more comprehensive postprocessual archaeology. The author notes that this field is currently dominated by women and that examining masculinities is an examination of how individuals experience life within specific social and cultural contexts.

Touring Uncharted Waters: Gender in Aegean Archaeology

This section focuses on the construction of gender in Aegean archaeology. It critiques the prevailing approach, which often relies on representational evidence such as frescoes and figurines from ritual and elite contexts. The author argues that this focus on visual representations, particularly concerning clothing, hairstyles, and jewelry, can be superficial and may not accurately reflect the real experiences of individuals. There is a significant discrepancy between 'woman' as representation and women as historical beings. The reliance on elite Bronze Age ritual, often derived from frescoes and figurines, is seen as a limited testing ground for gender concepts. The author suggests that a more comprehensive approach should shift towards settlement and mortuary spheres, where data on social relations between individuals and household dynamics can provide a more flexible and accurate understanding of past societies.

The article questions why gender studies have often followed these trajectories, suggesting that the visual and seductive nature of iconography may be more attractive than dealing with mundane domestic and mortuary material. However, it is precisely this mundane material that is crucial for remedying gaps in archaeological knowledge. Settlement data offers the best context for understanding individuals within various social classes and their social dynamics. Household data and mortuary material from tombs are invaluable sources for interpreting social dynamics, including the interplay of age, sex, status, class, and ethnicity. The key concept emphasized is variability rather than homogeneity.

The author concludes by suggesting that the positions presented by feminists, archaeologists, and pagans are often at odds, with multiple narratives within each field. The lack of consensus should be seen as positive. The article represents an attempt to strengthen contact between these fields, particularly between feminism, Goddess worship, and archaeology, acknowledging that some strands of feminism and paganism may seek specific pictures of the past that archaeology cannot provide.

Women on the Rampage: Folklore and Customs

This extensive section delves into historical accounts of women's customs, rituals, and bonding activities across various European cultures. It begins by referencing Sir Benjamin Stone's photographs of national life and history, which captured folklore as approved by the establishment. However, it contrasts this with accounts of wild activities and outbursts of rioting by young men, often leading to public denouncement and bans.

The article then explores Otto Höfler's theory linking such customs to the cult of the dead and the god Wodan, suggesting that rioting youths wore masks to represent supernatural figures. Richard Wolfram is cited for suggesting a similar focus on women's bonding and aggressive behavior, drawing parallels with pre-Christian celebrations of goddesses. The text describes occasions when women gathered for communal meals and games, exchanging jokes and producing symbolic items, often linked to myths of goddesses.

Examples of women's collective activities include:

• Festivals of Demeter in ancient Greece: Women met for communal meals and games, exchanging jokes and producing models of male and female genitals in pastry.
• Rural communities in northern Germany and Denmark: Wolfram collected evidence of women practicing special skills, celebrating childbirth, and engaging in aggressive behavior.
• Harvest customs (British Isles, France, Germany): Women played a key role in binding sheaves and sometimes engaged in threatening behavior towards reapers.
• Flax-beating: Women's work where intruders might be tied up or subjected to rough treatment.
• Spinning rooms: Strictly closed to men in some parts of Germany and Austria.
• Public washhouses: Described as strongholds of gossip and discussion, where women aired grievances.
• Post-childbirth celebrations ('Konegild'): In Denmark, local women would take over a house after a birth, with the husband serving them. These were wild gatherings with feasting and drinking.
• North Schleswig: Women snatched caps, destroyed men's property, and forced people to dance.
• Women's Day (Weibertag) in Germany: Women were given keys to the town hall, danced, sang, and cut off men's ties. They also collected money for feasts and held secret courts.
• Shrove Tuesday in Franche Comte: Women ordered men around until midday.
• Hocktide (mid-Lent): Special sports involved women binding men and demanding forfeits, with the roles reversed on Tuesday. This is linked to a historical event commemorating the massacre of Danes.
• Easter Lifting or Heaving: A custom where young men lifted women in a chair, and the next day women lifted men. This was generally a pleasant custom, though it could become rougher in towns.

The article emphasizes that these activities demonstrate women bonding together and making their power felt in the community, often in spheres connected with their work or life events like childbirth. It suggests that these practices may have roots in pre-Christian goddess cults and served to promote fertility, well-being, and good luck.

A Sacred Island: A Feminist Perspective on Bronze Age Crete

This section, authored by Susan Evasdaughter, examines the bronze age civilization of Crete from a feminist perspective. Evasdaughter's interest was sparked by the misrepresentation of Crete's ancient sacred past. She argues that the advanced culture of Crete, which predated the arrival of Arian settlers who became the Greeks, was sophisticated and influenced Greek civilization significantly.

The article critiques Sir Arthur Evans' assignment of the title 'Minoan' to Cretan culture, noting that his restorations and interpretations of Knossos are flawed. Despite this, scholars continue to use his nomenclature. Evasdaughter highlights the evidence for the preeminence of women in bronze age Crete, citing Evans' own observation that 'Women among the Minoans took the higher rank in society just as their great Goddess took the place later assigned to Zeus.'

Several scholars are quoted, suggesting that a Queen-Priestess, rather than a king, likely occupied the throne room at Knossos, representing the Minoan Goddess. The article also discusses the concept of 'eracentricity' (a preferred term over ethnocentricity) in archaeological interpretation, urging scholars to be wary of imposing contemporary attitudes onto past cultures. It references the work of anthropologists Joan Gero and Margaret Conkey, who edited 'Engendering Archaeology,' focusing on gender bias in archaeology.

More recent approaches, such as those by M. Shanks, C. Tilley, J. Thomas, and I. Hodder, question entrenched precepts and call for sensitivity to the 'otherness' of the subject matter. Popular approaches like E. Gadon's 'The Once and Future Goddess' and R. Eisler's 'The Chalice and the Blade' have challenged entrenched ideas about Crete. The debate around the embrace of the Goddess and matriarchy in New Age and Women's Studies literature is mentioned, with Lynn Meskell noting that while matriarchy is a possibility, its form is unclear from the evidence.

The article touches upon the mystery of the destruction of great religious centers in 1450 BC, suggesting it may not be solely linked to the Thera volcano explosion. It also questions the impact of the Mycenaean arrival and the significance of cameo scenes of ritual on seal stones, as well as the discovery of children's skeletons without funereal associations.

Evasdaughter proposes her own theory for Crete's demise: that the Cretans, as seasoned travelers and traders, were aware of a changing climate and that the 'labyris, the butterfly of peace and equality,' was replaced by the 'sword of death and domination.' To preserve their sacred temples, the priestess-queens may have caused them to be razed to the ground, leaving a legacy of a lost island paradise.

The article identifies the great leaders as priestess-queens, represented in various frescoes and burials. 'Crete Reclaimed' is described as an in-depth look at the daily life, art, religion, symbolism, and gender roles of the bronze age Cretans.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the re-examination of women's historical roles and agency, challenging patriarchal interpretations in fields like archaeology and folklore. The magazine advocates for a more nuanced understanding of gender, moving beyond simplistic dualisms. It highlights the importance of women's collective experiences, rituals, and cultural contributions, often overlooked or misrepresented in traditional scholarship. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocating for feminist and woman-centered perspectives in academic and cultural discourse, encouraging interdisciplinary dialogue and a critical approach to historical evidence. The issue emphasizes the value of diverse sources, from folklore to archaeological findings, in reconstructing a more complete picture of the past.

Title: At the Edge
Issue: No.6
Date: June 1997
Cover Headline: Spinning Myths & Folktales

This issue of 'At the Edge' magazine, edited by Thorskegga Thorn, focuses on the rich history, mythology, and folklore surrounding the craft of spinning. The cover features an illustration by Thorskegga Thorn depicting a woman spinning, with surrounding mythological imagery.

Weaving the World: The Kogi of Columbia and Andean Textiles

The article begins by referencing a previous issue's discussion on 'Cosmic homes' and introduces the Kogi of Columbia, whose ceremonial houses are designed as microcosms of the universe. Their cosmology relates to the design of these houses and the loom, which they see as a representation of the Earth where the Sun weaves two pieces of cloth annually. The article notes a gender division in Kogi society, with women ruling domestic spaces and men handling ceremonial ones, and specifically highlights that while women spin cotton, men are responsible for weaving it. The text then shifts to Andean textiles, noting their precedence over gold working in Peru, where weaving was highly valued and often used in sacrifices. The intricate nature of these textiles, with up to 195 wefts per inch, and the use of expensive materials like llama and related species' fibres are mentioned. The preparation of these materials involved long-term labor and the involvement of the entire society.

Spinning, Wyrd, and Celestial Spinning

This section explores the connection between deities, destiny, and weaving in European myths. It highlights that spinning and weaving are predominantly associated with women and female deities. The Greek goddess Arachne, who is said to have spun the world, and the Greek Fates, who spun destinies, are mentioned. In Northern European traditions, 'wyrd' (destiny) was also considered woven, as seen in the Old English poem 'Beowulf' and Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' with the Weird Sisters. The Norse traditions link Freyja's distaff to the stars of Orion's Belt, also seen as the Three Norns spinning individual destinies. The Norns' dwelling beneath Yggdrasill suggests that fate's power is strongest at the center of the turning world. The concept of the 'celestial axis' is linked to spinning, with spinning thread representing the close link between time and the amount of material produced.

Spinning Tales

The phrase 'spin me a yarn' is presented as an invitation to tell a story, linking spinning to narrative. In German, Austrian, and Swiss folklore, minor goddesses like Holde, Frau Holle, Perht, Berta, Frau Gode, and St Lucia were associated with the plough and spinning wheel. These goddesses favored diligent spinners but punished idleness and working at forbidden times, such as certain festivals and evenings. European folklore is rich with spinning tales, including Rumpelstiltskin, which made retelling the tale bearable in weaving rooms. The tale of Sleeping Beauty is also discussed, originating from the Greek myth of Hera and Zeus's wedding and incorporating cosmological and mythological elements, particularly lunar symbolism and the rejection of the dark moon goddess.

Loom weights, spindle whorls, and distaffs

Archaeological findings at the Temple Palace at Arkhanes, Crete, include semi-precious loom weights, suggesting that priestesses may have woven sacred garments. The act of spinning yarn with a spindle is described as a domestic ritual, with the sense of rotating about a center. While most spindle whorls were made of mundane materials, some Anglo-Saxon burials contain those made from quartz. The effort required to shape and polish these suggests their importance. The article notes that spindle whorls and distaffs, though often seen as mundane artifacts, might have been regarded by their owners as related to the axis mundi and the spinning of Fate, serving as portable images of the omphalos.

Staffs and sceptres

Distaffs are compared to staffs and sceptres, with Rosmerta, a goddess of fertility and fate, often depicted with a staff. Germanic sybils and prophetesses were also depicted with staffs. While women might carry staffs or sceptres, men do not carry distaffs. Sceptres became emblems of kingship, while staffs remained important for common people. The article contrasts the symbolic nature of a sceptre with the domestic omphalos represented by the spindle and distaff.

Spinning Myths & Folktales (Continued)

This section delves deeper into the mythological and folkloric aspects of spinning. It discusses the Egyptian goddess Isis and the Greek goddesses Artemis and Athene, who were credited with teaching women to spin. The sun goddess Saule in Baltic mythology and the Japanese sun goddess Amaterasu are also mentioned as spinners. The Norse goddess Frigg and the constellation Orion's Girdle (named 'Friggjar rockr') are linked to spinning. The belief that spun yarn should not be cut on a Friday (Frigg's day) is presented as a possible memory of Frigg's worship, similar to the superstitions surrounding spinning on holy days in Holda's territory. The importance of spinning to female ancestors is emphasized, as it demonstrated a woman's skills to the community and guests through the quality of family clothes, wall hangings, and table linen. Young women's decorated fabrics increased their value as brides, leading to the term 'spinster'. Folk tales consistently stress the importance of industrious wives.

Several tales are recounted: 'Tom Tit Tot', where a king seeks to marry a daughter skilled at spinning; the German tale of 'Rumplestiltskin', where a miller boasts of his daughter's spinning ability; and the Scottish tale 'Whipperty Stourie', where a wife's inability to spin leads to threats of divorce. A common theme is the breaking of magical boundaries, with spinning women attracting supernatural creatures. The tale of Frau Holda exemplifies how spinning can create a link between worlds. Rumplestiltskin and Tom Tit Tot offer miraculous help at a tragic cost, requiring the queen to give up her firstborn child or the English lady to marry a goblin, both escaping their fate by chance.

Other tales involve mischievous fairies ('The Good Housewife and her Night Helpers') and ten witch women visiting a spinning housewife in Ireland, both instances resolved by trickery. A Russian folk story tells of a cruel woman who harms a bear, only to be confronted by it later. The article also notes that not all spirits drawn to spinners are harmful, citing the example of six fairies with deformed lips who help a woman in the tale 'Whipperty Stourie'.

The Spindle, the Shuttle, and the Needle

This Grimm's tale features a young girl who, after her mother's death, uses her inherited spindle, shuttle, and needle to earn a living. When a prince searches for a bride, the girl's spindle magically dances and leads him to her, where her shuttle and needle have woven rich furnishings.

Finist the White Falcon

In this Russian tale, a young girl seeking her lover receives magical gifts, including a distaff and spindle that spins flax into gold, from three old women. The spindle is used to secure a moment with her lover, highlighting its value.

The Symbolism of the Spindle and Femininity

The spindle is strongly presented as a symbol of womanhood, particularly of a traditional, hearth-tied variety. Despite subservience, women held power, and the distaff served as a weapon against the world of men. The Anglo-Saxons called their women 'peace weavers,' and terms like 'distaff side' and 'spinster' persist. The image of Eve spinning after the fall is a common representation. The Greek comedy 'Hercules and Omphale' relies on the femininity of spinning, with Hercules humiliated by wearing skirts and spinning. In Grimm's tale 'The Twelve Huntsmen,' a king uses spinning wheels to identify cross-dressed women. The spindle is thus a symbol of the female sex and leading goddesses, with its use by the fates and the importance of female magic in Germanic traditions reinforcing the connection between spinning and the supernatural.

Thunder Magazine

A brief advertisement for 'Thunder' magazine is included, edited by Thorskegga Thorn, featuring articles on Norse mythology and folklore. It lists issue details, price, and contact information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the historical and mythological significance of spinning, its association with goddesses and fate, and its representation in folklore and fairy tales. The editorial stance appears to be one of reclaiming and highlighting the often-overlooked importance of spinning, particularly its connection to women's roles, spirituality, and ancient belief systems. The articles emphasize the symbolic power of spinning tools and the craft itself, positioning it as a fundamental aspect of many cultures' heritage and mythology.

This issue of 'At the Edge' magazine, dated June 1997 (No.6), is a quarterly journal focused on Earth Mysteries and Cultural Tradition. It features a cover headline about 'Magonia,' exploring contemporary vision and belief, UFOs, urban legends, folklore, fringe science, religion, conspiracy theories, cults, and the limits of human belief, with subscription details for John Rimmer.

Main Articles

'Pussycat, Pussycat, Where have you been?' by Jeremy Harte

This article delves into the folklore surrounding cats and their association with witches and the supernatural. It begins with a retelling of the 'King of the Cats' motif, where a man encounters a procession of cats carrying a coffin and his own cat declares itself king before fleeing. Harte explores the idea of cats slipping out at night to meet strange company, referencing Lady Sybil of Bernshaw Tower, who sold her soul to the Devil and was known to wander and dance with witches, later appearing as a white cat. The article also discusses Jinny Gould, a Dorset witch who took the form of a cat to terrify travellers, and the practice of using silver sixpences to counter witch-hares. The concept of the 'magisterial gaze' is introduced, contrasting human authority with the cat's ability to stare back, and noting that figures like Hitler, Ceaucescu, and Stalin disliked cats. The article further examines talking hares, such as the one encountered by John Page, and the idea that animals speaking can be a sign of transgression. It touches upon the idea that women who are rebellious are redefined as witches and may practice insubordination in animal form, citing the indictment against Bessie Thorn of Aberdeen. The article also discusses the 'Quiet Woman' pub sign and its connection to the beheading of women, linking it to St Paul's injunction for women to learn in silence. The fear of gossip and women's potential to reveal secrets is explored, referencing Saki's cat Tobermory. The section concludes by noting that when women are rebellious, they are considered witches who practice insubordination in animal form, with examples of women transformed into hares and cats.

'A coven of cats, crows and hares' by Jeremy Harte

This section continues the exploration of animal transformation and witchcraft. It discusses how speaking animals cease to be subordinate, using Tobermory the cat as an example. The article links female rebellion to witchcraft and insubordination in animal form, citing Isobel Gowdie's confessions of transforming into cats, crows, and hares. It notes the symbolic connection between cats and hares, with both being associated with women. The article contrasts the ancient Greek fear of witches, where weasels were used, with the English tradition where cats are more prominent due to their semi-domestic nature. It highlights the contrast between the 'cat-witch' and the 'witch-hare,' and how animal transformation can be a euphemism for female sexuality. The article also mentions the use of animal imagery in art, such as a prostitute advertising her services and a queen caressing a squirrel.

'Bonfires of cats'

This section details the historical practice of burning cats, often linked to witchcraft beliefs. It explains how the image of the hare-hunt, associated with violence and aggression, is also applied to cats, but in a rougher manner. Under suspicion of being witches, cats were tortured and burned in ritual bonfires between Lent and Midsummer. In Metz, cats were enclosed in wicker cages over flames; in Alsace, they were thrown into fires; and in the Ardennes, they were strapped to poles above flames. Paris saw bonfires consuming whole sacks and barrels of cats, with Louis XIV participating in 1648. These acts were explained as capturing witches who had undergone metamorphosis. Even after the belief in witches waned, the motives for cruelty remained, with apprentices and young men in Paris killing cats as a way to exact revenge on important local women by harming their pets.

'Walled-up cats'

This section discusses the practice of walling up cats in rural houses as a form of magical protection against witches. It explains that mummified cat bodies were placed in roofs or hollows to act as guardians. The article notes that these discoveries, often made during renovations, were initially discussed as part of local history but then discreetly concealed. The mummified cat, once out of sight, becomes a symbol for the house itself, and its concealment is believed to prevent troubles like fires, accidents, and structural collapse. The practice is seen as a form of sympathetic magic, where the tortured body of one animal wards off similar threats. The article also mentions the use of other charms like pin-riddled hearts, written charms, witch bottles, and horseshoes to ward off witchcraft.

'Life and Tradition in the Peak District'

This is an advertisement for a residential course at Wedgwood Memorial College, offering study sessions on trackways, field systems, quarrying, mining, and well dressing, with daily field trips. It provides details on fees and contact information.

'Ancient' Magazine Advertisement

An advertisement for 'Ancient,' a bimonthly review of antiquity, highlighting authoritative articles by leading experts and providing contact information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of folklore, mythology, witchcraft, and the supernatural, with a particular focus on animal symbolism and transformation. There is a strong emphasis on British and European folk traditions, often drawing connections between historical beliefs and contemporary phenomena like UFOs. The editorial stance appears to be one of scholarly inquiry into these subjects, presenting various theories and historical accounts without necessarily endorsing them. The magazine also promotes its own back issues and related publications, indicating a commitment to fostering a community of interest in these topics.

Other Content

The issue includes a list of 'Mythological Material' and 'Sources of Fairy Tales,' providing bibliographical references for further reading. There is also a section listing 'Major articles in At the Edge' from previous issues (No.1 to No.5) and 'Mercian Mysteries' back issues. A small advertisement for 'Ancient' magazine is also present. The magazine concludes with page numbers and issue dates.

Title: At the Edge
Issue Date: June 1997
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of 'At the Edge' magazine delves into a variety of topics related to folklore, mythology, archaeology, and history, featuring contributions from various authors and reviewers.

Letters

Shaking hands with the Green Man

Nigel Pennick shares his experience at the Perchlenlauf festival in Austria, where he encountered figures dressed as 'Green Men'. He suggests that the 'Green Man' motif in recent debates might be better understood in light of traditional guising practices, rather than solely through post-Frazerian interpretations of 'spirits' and paganism. Pennick references Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, which links the 'Green Man' and 'Still' inn sign to the distillation of spirits from green herbs, identifying the 'green man' as a herbalist or greengrocer.

From Louise Bath: Looking for Harry ca Nab

Louise Bath seeks information about a local legend in her hometown of Halesowen, West Midlands, concerning a character named 'Harry ca Nab'. She describes him as a demonic huntsman, a horned figure who rides through the sky. Bath speculates that this legend might be a version of the 'Wild Hunt' from Teutonic and Celtic mythology, possibly a manifestation of Woden/Odin or Gwyn ap Nudd, and asks for any information regarding the origin of the name and the legend.

From Jeremy Harte: House as body

Jeremy Harte follows up on a previous discussion by Bob Trubshaw, referencing Edmund Spenser's 'Faerie Queene' as a literary instance of the 'house-as-body' concept, where the House of Alma is described allegorically as a somatic castle.

Abstracts

Prepared by Bob Trubshaw [RT] and Jeremy Harte [JH].

The making of the Mother Goddess

This abstract discusses the complex evolution of the idea of a single 'Great Goddess' in European Neolithic thought, highlighting the influence of four archaeologists from the 1950s and 60s: Jacquetta Hawkes, Gordon Childe, O.G.S. Crawford, and Glyn Daniel. It notes how their ideas, though initially dropped, were adopted by those seeking a feminist alternative to monotheistic religions. The abstract references an article by Ronald Hutton in 'Antiquity'.

New Age 'junk' archived for posterity

This abstract focuses on Chaco Canyon in New Mexico, a prehistoric ritual site visited by tourists, many of whom are 'New Agers'. These visitors leave 'votive offerings', which Park Rangers collect and archive for archaeological and ethnographical records. The author contrasts this with the lack of similar policies for sites like Stonehenge in the UK. It references an article by Christine Finn in 'Antiquity'.

Contrary Celts

This abstract addresses the complex and controversial nature of defining ancient Celtic 'ethnicity'. It mentions a key figure alleging misquotation by rivals and references an article by John Collis in 'Antiquity'.

Ritual landscapes in Cornwall

An overview of 'ritual landscapes' in Cornwall during the Bronze Age is presented, including details from the excavation of Trelowthas Barrow. It references an article by Jacky Nowakowski in 'Meyn Mamvro'.

Mabinogi written by a woman?

This abstract discusses a book claiming that the oldest Welsh literature, the 'Four Branches of the Mabinogi', was written by a twelfth-century Welsh princess, Gwenllian. It notes that the academic acceptance of Dr Andrew Breeze's arguments is yet to be seen and references an article in 'The Independent'.

Findern cursus corrected

This abstract details the Neolithic cursus at Findern, Derbyshire, and how rescue excavations in 1994-5, conducted by Trent and Peak Archaeological Trust, questioned earlier findings. The 'revised' cursus is now known as the Potlock Cursus. It references an article by Graeme Gilbert in 'Past'.

Anglo-Saxon shrines

This abstract discusses evidence for Anglo-Saxon pagan cults worshipping at mounds, trees, and timber posts, but not in buildings, based on place-names. It notes that literary sources focus on buildings, which have been archaeologically elusive. The abstract references two papers by John Blair and Audrey Meaney in 'Anglo-Saxon Studies in Archaeology and History'.

Focal fires

This abstract touches upon the concept of the household hearth as a sacred centre, previously suggested in 'At the Edge' based on Neolithic Orkney finds. It notes this is a living reality among the Ovahimba of Namibia, where fireplaces are oriented and laid out to correspond with family divisions.

Reviews

Celtic Women in Legend, Myth and History

This review discusses Lyn Wilde's book, 'Celtic Women in Legend, Myth and History'. The reviewer acknowledges that the book is better informed than many 'popular' works but suggests that Wilde's imagination and speculative reconstructions are used extensively. While finding the read stimulating, the reviewer notes that Wilde's suggestions and ideas are worthy of further thought, particularly her remarks on St Bride and the 'sacred harlots'. The review also compares Wilde's work to Peter Berresford Ellis's 'Celtic Women: Women in Celtic Society and Literature', finding Ellis's book more factual.

The Anthropology of Landscape: Perspectives on Place and Space

This review covers a collection of ten micro-studies on how different peoples conceptualise their environment. The book ranges from nineteenth-century Paris to Outer Mongolia and aims to move beyond a 'slide-show attitude' in ethnography. The reviewer highlights how the book offers new approaches to understanding global images and the European attitude towards landscapes, noting that it includes studies of industrialised cultures.

The Origins of the Parish and Hundred of Tandridge

This review describes A.J. Hale's monograph on the parish and hundred of Tandridge. It combines Victorian historical zeal with modern interest in ancient boundaries, covering topography, early units of Surrey and Kent, and the colonisation and Christianization of the Weald. The review mentions the Tandridge yew, with its estimated age debated by independent study.

Beowulf

This review discusses a two-CD set of 'Beowulf' read in Anglo-Saxon by Trevor Eaton. The reviewer notes that while the length might be daunting, Eaton's reading is reliable, and his prose-like delivery of the poetic text allows the alliteration and 'word play' to come across well. The fast tempo and extensive recording time are highlighted. The review recommends it for those with an active interest in Old English and the Anglo-Saxon era.

Strange Furlongs

This review covers Eric Ratcliffe's long poem 'Strange Furlongs', describing it as narrative poetry for a post-modern, post-narrative era, comprising 'a flickering of eclectic images'. The reviewer quotes the opening lines and a lucid section of the poem. The review also mentions another work by Ratcliffe, 'The Millennium of the Magician'.

Earthed No.1

This review discusses the first issue of 'Earthed', a 'Fortean 'zine' that aims to provide a balance of cynicism and scepticism when considering anomalous events. The review notes the irreverent writing style, the involvement of Paul Bennett and Jake Kirkwood, and the focus on 'earth mysteries' and magic(k). The reviewer finds the magazine provides 'cognitive dissonance' and a welcome break from more predictable 'earth mysteries' publications.

Publications and Societies

The Cauloron

Information on 'The Cauloron', a pagan journal of the Old Religion, Wicca, Folklore and Earth Mysteries, including subscription details.

Wood and Water

Information on 'Wood and Water', a Goddess-centred feminist-influenced pagan magazine, including subscription details.

Dalriada Celtic Heritage Trust

Details about the Dalriada quarterly journal and 'The Celtic Pages', published by the Dalriada Celtic Heritage Trust, along with membership information.

Fascinating Books

A list of books published by Capall Bann, covering topics such as magic, folklore, earth mysteries, and shamanism, with prices and ordering information.

Ymir's Flesh: North European Creation Mythologies

This section announces the publication of Alby Stone's book, 'Ymir's Flesh', which explores pre-Christian North European creation myths. The book is described as providing a cohesive understanding of these myths and their significance in social structure, religion, and the natural world. It also mentions 'Crete Reclaimed' by Susan Evasdaughter as another available publication.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of 'At the Edge' demonstrates a continued focus on the intersection of folklore, mythology, archaeology, and history, with a particular interest in Celtic traditions, ancient beliefs, and landscape studies. The magazine provides a platform for scholarly discussion, book reviews, and reader contributions, encouraging critical engagement with various interpretations of the past and present. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, inviting diverse perspectives while maintaining a degree of skepticism, as evidenced by the inclusion of the 'Earthed' review.