Meyn Mamvro - No 002 - May 1987

Magazine Overview

Title: Meyn Mamvro
Issue: 02
Date: May 1987
Price: £1.20
Cover Headline: ANCIENT STONES & SACRED SITES OF WEST PENWITH.

This issue of Meyn Mamvro, a magazine dedicated to exploring Earth Energies, Ancient Stones, Sacred Sites, Paganism, Ley Paths, Cornish Pre-History & Culture, Megalithic Mysteries, and Legends & Folklore, marks its second edition. Launched in Winter Solstice 1986, the magazine has received a highly positive response from readers and retailers alike, with particular thanks extended to the Quay Bookshop in Penzance and Visions & Journeys Gallery in St. Just for their support. The publication aims to bring a "breath of fresh air" to the subject of ancient Cornwall, focusing on the mystic area of West Penwith.

Reviews in the press have been favourable, including mentions on Radio Cornwall and coverage in the Western Morning News and The Cornishman, highlighting the magazine's importance in preserving heritage. The Peninsula Voice praised its professional layout, well-researched articles, and enthusiastic presentation.

The magazine is produced by Meyn Mamvro, with contributions welcomed by Editress Cheryl Straffon at Meyn Mamvro, 22 Bosorne Road, St. Just, Penzance, Kernow (Cornwall) TR19 7JJ.

Contents

The issue features a range of articles and sections:

• Editorial: (p.1)
• The Lost Stones of Tregeseal Common: By Tony Bayfield/Editor (p.2)
• The Spirit of Kenidjack: By Blight (p.6)
• West Penwith Ley Lines No. 2: (p.7)
• Mother and Sun: The Orientation of Fogous: By Ian Cooke (p.9)
• Walking into the Sunset: By Hugh Miners (p.12)
• The Fires of Bel: The Celtic Midsummer: By Alan Bleakley (p.14)
• Paganism in West Penwith (2): By Cheryl Straffon (p.18)
• Book Reviews: (p.22)
• The Pipers Tune: (p.24)
• Feedback: Holy Wells: (Inside Back Cover)

All articles are copyright of Meyn Mamvro or the authors and require permission for reproduction. Views expressed are those of the contributors.

Featured Articles

The Lost Stones of Tregeseal Common

Authored by Cheryl Straffon and Tony Bayfield, this article delves into the ancient megalithic landscape of Tregeseal Common, an area near St. Just that was once a significant centre of stone circles, barrows, and enclosures in West Penwith. The authors, who live in the area and are researching Kenidjack Common, aim to introduce readers to this lesser-known region. The article details the history of the Tregeseal stone circles, noting their restoration and the evidence of lost stones. It discusses the Tregeseal East circle, its historical stone counts from various sources (Borlase, Buller, Cotton, Halliwell), and its restoration by "persons unknown" by 1932. A second circle, Tregeseal Central, is mentioned as having largely disappeared, with only three uprights and one recumbent stone incorporated into a wall before 1905. A third circle, Tregeseal West, was discovered through aerial photographs. The article also explores other potential sites on the common, including traces of circles mentioned in older maps and books, which may have been barrow kerb surrounds or enclosures. It references Gol Voel, where traces of two circles were noted, and discusses the "site of stone circle" near Devil's Lane, which appears to have been a large semi-oval of stones. Other sites mentioned include a tumulus (bowl barrow) at St. Just 33, a Bronze Age settlement at Soldiers Croft, and several other barrows. The article concludes with a tentative supposition about lost stones on Kenython Hill, suggesting they might be the remains of a lost circle that would have been visible from the prominent high spot, linking it to the Tregeseal Chambered Tomb.

The Spirit of Kenidjack

This piece by Blight offers a flavour of the Kenidjack Common area, drawing on J.T. Blight's (1835-1911) book "A Week at Land's End" (1876). Carn Kenidjack, a conspicuous 640ft. high object, is described with its fantastic rock formations and the monotonous blackish-brown surrounding country. The area is characterized by a deep silence and mysteriousness, evoking a sense of the past. The article notes the presence of mystic circles, holed stones, and the "rock of judgement" (Carn Vrês) with a rock bason. The Gump, a barren plain below Carn Kenidjack, is described as a haunt of fairies, where travellers have been led astray and experienced strange phenomena. The area is also associated with ill repute, with tales of the arch-fiend riding old horses and haunting lost souls. An old stile nearby is said to be a place where souls are caught. The name Kenidjack, meaning "Hooting Cairn," contributes to the ominous and fearful impression of the place. The article includes a poem titled "House of Water" by Roger Venables, dedicated to J.T. Blight.

West Penwith Ley Lines No. 2 - Tregeseal Alignments

This article, referencing John Michell's "The Old Stones of Lands End" (1974), lists four ley lines emanating from the Tregeseal (East) circle. These "good" leys, generally under 6 miles long, link ancient sites without later historical markers. The article discusses the challenges of ley line interpretation, including the abundance of sites in West Penwith and the potential for coincidental alignments. The four leys detailed are:

1. Mulfra Settlement: Described as an impressive ley, running through major points and extending to Tregeseal Chambered Tomb and Carn Gluze Barrow, also crossing the site of a semi-circle on Kenidjack Common.
2. Chysauster: Another good ley, though points are not intervisible. It runs from the Tregeseal circle to Lanyon Quoit, Carfury menhir, and Chysauster, which Michell suggests was a religious and scientific establishment. The article notes that the large area of settlements can make statistical probability less significant.
3. Nine Maidens: This ley presents problems, running over a barrow on Kenidjack Common and a "site of stone circle" (identified as a barrow) to the Nine Maidens stone circle. The article questions the significance of these specific barrows and notes that the ley only touches the edge of the Tregeseal circle.
4. Trelew Longstone - NE Piper: This ley has only three points and a large gap between the circle and Trelew Longstone, making it doubtful. The article notes that the length of this ley (5.6 miles) is the same as Ley No. 2, which is considered a remarkable coincidence.

The article emphasizes the importance of precise measurements in megalithic construction, citing Professor Thom's work, and cautions about the difficulty of defining ley purposes today due to lost knowledge.

Other Sections

• Paganism in West Penwith (2): This article by Cheryl Straffon continues the exploration of paganism in the region, likely building on previous content.
• Book Reviews: A section dedicated to reviews of relevant books.
• The Pipers Tune: An unspecified feature.
• Feedback: Holy Wells: A section for reader contributions on the topic of holy wells.

The issue also includes advertisements for "Visions and Journeys" offering a range of crafts, photography, and jewellery, and the "Pan-Pagan School" offering informal study circles. The Quay Bookshop in Penzance is advertised with a wide selection of books, including those on Earth Mysteries, Megalithic Science, and Mythology.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Meyn Mamvro are the rich ancient heritage of West Penwith, particularly its megalithic sites and sacred landscapes. There is a strong emphasis on the importance of preserving this heritage, as highlighted by the quote from Frank Rurhmund. Paganism and Earth Mysteries are central to the magazine's focus, with articles exploring ley lines, ancient beliefs, and folklore. The editorial stance appears to be one of appreciation for and advocacy of the unique cultural and historical significance of the West Penwith region, encouraging readers to engage with and support its preservation. The magazine positions itself as a valuable resource for those interested in these subjects, offering well-researched content and a platform for contributors.

This issue of Meyn Mamvro, dated May 1987, features a cover story titled 'Mother and Sun: The Orientation of the Fogous' by Ian Cooke. The magazine also includes articles on paganism in West Penwith, walking routes, and reader feedback.

The Orientation of the Fogous by Ian Cooke

Ian Cooke, an artist and printmaker with a studio called Men-An-Tol, presents his theories on the purpose of Cornish fogous, ancient man-made structures. He argues that their most intriguing features—the restrictive 'creep' doorways, the permanence of their construction compared to dwellings, and particularly the curvature and orientation of the main passageway—point towards a ceremonial use rather than a practical one like a 'village cold-store' or hide-out.

Cooke's central thesis is that the curved passages of fogous are deliberately oriented to align with celestial events. He tested this theory at Carn Euny, a fogou with an open passage end, on the morning of the summer solstice. He observed that the passage was positioned to receive the first rays of the rising midsummer sun. A similar experiment at the above-ground fogou of Porthmeor yielded the same results.

He notes that while most fogou passages curve from north-east to south-west, Pendeen Vau is an exception, facing north-west. He discovered that this orientation aligns with the position where the sun appears to hover above the sea before setting on long midsummer evenings. The southern ends of the passages show more variation, but there seems to be a preference for the south-western position of the setting midwinter sun.

Cooke suggests that this orientation reflects the ancient use of solstice sunrise and sunset directions in megalithic structures, indicating a continuity of local traditions from the Neolithic period through to the Iron Age fogou. He concludes that these structures were likely concerned with the continuity of life, with caves and holes in the ground traditionally seen as entrances or exits to the body of Mother Earth, and the sun providing the 'male' energy for fertility.

The article includes a list of eleven fogou sites with descriptions of their remains, and a diagram illustrating the orientation of the main curved passages in relation to the midsummer and midwinter sun.

Feedback on Fogous

Dr. Alice Gilby writes in response to a previous article by Craig Weatherhill, correcting a potential geographical error regarding the location of Rosemorran. She clarifies that there are two Rosemorrans in the Penwith area and that Evelyn Clark's book 'Cornish Fogous' may have confused them. Gilby recounts a personal experience of seeing a tunnel known as 'Dead Men's Holes' at one of the Rosemorran sites, suggesting an old tradition associated with it.

The editor's note explains the confusion, attributing it to Clark mistaking the location of Rosemorran, or Vivien Russell misplacing Clark's reference. However, it is confirmed that Dr. Gilby has identified the correct Rosemorran site.

Walking Into The Sunset with Hugh Miners

Hugh Miners recounts his experience on a 14-mile walk along the Tinners Track from St. Ives to St. Just in the summer of 1986, which was attended by 75 people. This walk, initiated by the late Roland Barr, has gained official recognition from the Countryside Commission and popularisation through Radio Cornwall. The track is to be waymarked by the Manpower Services Commission.

Miners highlights that the Tinners Track is not just for long-distance walkers; numerous tributary paths allow for shorter walks. He also mentions two potential 'long distance' walks connecting opposite corners of Penwith. The track's significance lies in its route along hilltops, which were historically important for settlements and paths due to the forested lowlands. Many megalithic sites are located along this ridge, a pattern repeated across Britain.

He proposes a new designated Long Distance Path, 'The Sunset Trail', to connect Land's End with Salisbury Plain, running along upland ridges and incorporating existing prehistoric trackways like the Quantocks, Dorset Ridgeway, and Dartmoor-Exmoor Way. The Tinners Track would serve as the first and last leg of this trail, connecting to Stonehenge. Miners expresses his ambition to walk this entire length before long.

The article includes a map showing the Tinners Track and various alternative routes, as well as a list of ancient sites en route. A 40-page booklet, 'The Tinners Way', is available.

Fires of Bel: The Celtic Midsummer by Alan Bleakley

Alan Bleakley, a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Cornwall College, explores the Celtic midsummer traditions and their connection to the landscape of West Penwith. He discusses his deep love for the area and his alignment with a vision of awakening the 'Anima of the Isle' and the 'Celtic soul'.

Bleakley describes the significance of the sea and the light in Cornwall, particularly at Carn Brea, a hilltop offering a magnificent view. He notes that the twilight zone, after sunset and before sunrise, is considered a time of magic and the melting of boundaries between reality and illusion.

He details the Celtic year as a cycle divided into four quarter-days: Imbolc (eve of February 1st), Beltane (eve of May 1st), Lugnasad (eve of August 1st), and Samhain (eve of November 1st). These festivals are linked to agricultural cycles, fertility, and the transition between seasons.

Imbolc celebrates the birth of lambs and the fertility of ewes, sacred to Brigid, goddess of childbirth. Beltane, 'the fire of Bel', celebrates the health and fertility of cattle, marked by twin fires on hilltops and the driving of herds between them for purification. Lugnasad is sacred to the god Lugh and marks the first harvest. Samhain is sacred to the child born of the union of man and woman, and is a time of transition into Winter, associated with the mysteries of death and rebirth, and the 'otherworld'.

Beltane fires were historically lit on hilltops across the Celtic world, forming a chain that extended to the Scilly Isles. The intrusion of Christianity led to the loss of these pagan practices.

The article then describes a specific Beltane ceremony involving twin fires on Carn Brea and a maypole ceremony. The maypole ceremony involves asking an ash tree for a branch, painting it, and erecting it in a ceremonial site. The pole symbolizes the balance of nature and the connection between the masculine and feminine.

Bleakley also discusses the symbolism of the maypole ribbons as umbilical cords, connecting dancers to the 'mother-tree'. He relates the hawthorn month to the goddess Cardea or Oestre, the May-queen of fertility, and the 'May bride' representing a young woman coming into fertility. The maypole is also seen as the centre of the maze, symbolizing life's journey and the potential of the individual.

Paganism in W. Penwith (2) by Cheryl Straffon

This second part of an article on Paganism in West Penwith continues the exploration of ancient customs and traditions. It highlights the summer festivals and their pagan origins, noting that evidence of a pagan substrata lies just below the surface of modern civilization.

Referencing Alan Bleakley's 'The Fires of Bel', the article mentions James Frazer's assertion that Beltane fires were kindled with great ceremony on May 1st, with traces of human sacrifices. Janet & Colin Bord are cited for their observation that on this day, the fertility of the earth was reaffirmed and celebrated. This involved young men and women gathering in the woods to cut maypoles and greenery, and engaging in rituals to promote fertility.

The article notes that this practice is still seen in Padstow, where inhabitants collect flowers for garlands, and in Helston with the 'Hal-an-Tow' ceremony. In West Penwith, locals gathered 'May' (branches of trees in blossom or fresh leaf). A custom involved hanging furze on a door on May Day morning, with the person doing so demanding bread and cream at breakfast. This is linked to the widespread European custom of 'May-ers' announcing Spring's arrival with songs and dances in return for gifts.

At Pendeen, a horn was blown on the Carn to announce Spring's arrival, entitling people to bread and treacle. The article suggests these customs have links to the messengers of the gods bringing news of fecundity and fertility.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the ancient history and spiritual landscape of Cornwall, particularly West Penwith. There is a strong focus on the connection between ancient structures (fogous, megaliths), celestial observations (sun and moon orientation), and pagan/Celtic traditions and festivals (Beltane, Imbolc, maypole ceremonies). The magazine also promotes walking and the exploration of ancient pathways like the Tinners Track, suggesting a broader interest in connecting with the land and its history. The editorial stance appears to be one of uncovering and celebrating these ancient connections and traditions, presenting scholarly and personal interpretations of their meaning and significance.

MEYN MAMVRO | Issue 02 | May 1987

This issue of Meyn Mamvro delves into Cornish folklore, pagan traditions, and ancient sites, with a particular focus on the West Penwith region. It explores seasonal festivals, local legends, and the historical and cultural identity of Cornwall.

May Day Celebrations and Fertility Rituals

The magazine details traditional May Day customs in Penzance and Hayle, highlighting the 'Obby Oss' as a significant fertility ritual. Young people in Penzance engaged in processions with music and fires, while in Hayle, children sang and bonfires were lit. The Obby Oss, with its connection to water and the cycle of life, is presented as a representation of the death and rebirth of nature throughout the seasons. The use of water as a fertility symbol is further illustrated by the custom of visiting wells in May, with specific instructions for Madron well and the practice of dropping pins into the water by young girls to divine marriage prospects.

Midsummer Solstice and Fire Festivals

The issue then transitions to the Midsummer solstice, described as a great season of fire festivals marking the sun's peak. Drawing on James Fraser, it notes the Christian influence of naming the day after St. John the Baptist, but emphasizes its much older pagan origins. In Penzance and West Penwith, tar barrels were lit in streets, and bonfires were kindled on hills. Villagers danced in circles around the fires for protection against witchcraft, and some leaped through the flames for personal protection. The midsummer bonfires were lit in a chain across Cornwall, a custom still observed by the Old Cornwall Society. These fires celebrated the sun's power and the promise of ripeness. The article mentions the 'Garrack Sans' and 'Chapel Carn Brea' as sites for these celebrations, where herbs were cast into the flames. The term 'Bar-tiné' is explained as 'hill of fires,' possibly referring to ancient sun worshipper practices. Another solstice custom involved 'shooting the Midsummer holes' in St. Just, where miners used gunpowder, possibly commemorating the discovery of tin. The article connects these customs to ancient fire worship and the sacrifice of cattle to the Sun God for fertility.

The Crying of the Neck and Harvest End

Closely linked to the farming community, the 'Crying of the Neck' marked the end of the harvest around the Autumn Equinox. The last sheaf of corn, 'the neck,' was made into a miniature sheaf, decorated, and hung up. This custom is seen as representing the spirit of the harvest and the pagan figure of the corn-dolly, symbolizing the death and rebirth of the vegetation goddess. The article suggests a possible link to ancient sacrificial practices.

Book Reviews: Cornwall and the Celts

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to reviews of several books on Cornwall and the Celts: 'Celtic Britain' by Charles Thomas, 'The Celts' by F. Delaney, 'The Pagan Celts' by Anne Ross, and 'A History of Cornwall' by Ian Soulsby. The reviews highlight the overdue attention given to Celtic history and culture, particularly the distinctiveness of Cornwall. Thomas's book is praised for its focus on early Cornwall, while Delaney and Ross's works are noted for their broader Celtic scope, though with less specific Cornish material. Soulsby's history is commended for its inclusion of recent research on ancient sites and the density of settlement in West Penwith. The reviews emphasize the enduring Celtic identity of Cornwall, which was relatively undisturbed by invaders until the Norman arrival.

Cornish Legends and Folklore

'The Magic Ointment and Other Cornish Legends' by Eric Quayle and Michael Foreman is reviewed. The book retells a dozen legends from West Penwith, appreciated by both children and adults, and beautifully illustrated by Foreman. The review notes that while some legends are retold faithfully, others have been altered, sometimes unnecessarily, leading to a loss of original meaning, such as in the tale of 'Duffy and the Devil' and the interpretation of the Merry Maidens stone circle.

Ancient Sites and Mysteries

The article 'The Pipers Tune' discusses the mystery standing stone at Carn Eanes, explaining its recent erection by contractor workers. It touches upon the threat to ancient landscapes and the need for monitoring sites, mentioning Craig Weatherhill's initiative. The possibility of a West Penwith landscape zodiac is explored, and a note left at Boscawen-un stone circle seeking forgiveness for a misdeed in August 1984 is mentioned. The issue also reports on an exciting Beltane festival planned in West Penwith, involving workshops and community interaction.

Holy Wells of West Penwith

A substantial list of holy wells in West Penwith is provided, compiled by Craig Weatherhill, building on a previous article. The list is organized by parish and includes details of wells that are destroyed or have been re-discovered. Readers are encouraged to contribute further information. The 'Journal of the Holy Wells Group' is mentioned for its series on Cornish Holy Wells.

Upcoming Features and Community News

The next issue of Meyn Mamvro will feature articles on 'Dowsing the Earth Energies,' 'The Merry Maidens,' 'The Cornish Indian,' and 'More on Stones, Leys and Holy Wells.' Information is provided on how to obtain copies of the magazine. John Little Eagle's lectures on American Indian Culture are announced, and the magazine is exchanging journals with 'The Cauldron,' a pagan magazine. The formation of a Cornish Group for the Association for the Scientific Study of Anomalous Phenomena (ASSAP) is also noted, with contact details for inquiries and potential group meetings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the preservation and exploration of ancient traditions, folklore, and pagan practices, particularly within the context of Cornwall and West Penwith. There is a strong emphasis on the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth, as seen in seasonal festivals and fertility rituals. The magazine also highlights the unique cultural identity of Cornwall and its connection to its Celtic past. The editorial stance appears to advocate for the remembrance and respect of old ways, suggesting that ignoring them carries significant peril for mankind and the planet. The magazine actively engages its readership by soliciting information and promoting community initiatives related to earth mysteries, folklore, and anomalous phenomena.