Meyn Mamvro - No 008 - Spring 1989

Magazine Overview

Meyn Mamvro, Issue 08, Spring 1989, is a magazine focused on ancient stones, sacred sites, and related topics, particularly in West Penwith, Cornwall. The cover features artwork by Su French depicting standing stones and lists key articles by John Michell, Nigel Pennick, and others.

Contents

The issue's contents include:

• Editorial: Discusses reader feedback, the controversy around vegetarianism and paganism, and the importance of tolerance within paganism.
• Lost & Found: Reports on the rediscovery of a holed stone at Boscawen-Ros and the investigation into a potentially missing standing stone at Boswarthen.
• Duloe and the Mystery of Quartz: Explores the unique quartz Duloe Stone Circle and a potential source of the quartz blocks at Dupath Farm.
• Here There Be Leys?: An article by Cheryl Straffon examining the history and research of ley lines, particularly in West Penwith, and the criticisms leveled against ley hunting.
• Ley Lines & Liars at Land's End: John Michell's response to criticisms of his work on ley lines, defending his methodology and findings.
• The St Michael Line: An article by Nigel Pennick.
• Lyonesse - The Legend and the Land: An article by Nigel Pennick.
• Spirit of West Penwith: An article by Des Hannigan.
• Animal Allies with the Dream Weavers: An article by Jan Adamson.
• The Piper's Tune: An article.

Editorial: Tolerance and Paganism

The editorial addresses reader responses to a previous article, particularly regarding vegetarianism within paganism. It highlights contrasting views from readers Pam and Nick, with Pam questioning the concept of 'dead' vegetables and Nick criticizing the artificiality of modern animal farming for non-ritual slaughter. The editorial emphasizes that paganism's strength lies in its diversity of beliefs and practices, while acknowledging that this also presents a weakness. It stresses the importance of tolerance for differing views, citing examples of intolerance such as the Wayside Museum banning Meyn Mamvro for being 'too pagan' and the Methodist criticism of Hallow'een observance. The piece concludes by advocating for seeking common ground to ensure humanity's future.

Lost and Found: Rediscovered Stones

This section details the rediscovery of two stones in West Penwith. The first is a holed stone found buried in a hedge at Boscawen-Ros, previously noted by Vivian Russell and mentioned in an earlier issue of Meyn Mamvro as missing. The stone is described as approximately 4ft long, 3ft wide, and 1ft thick, with a shaped hole. Its rediscovery is considered an important find as it is part of a 6-point ley identified by Alan Bleakley.

The second case concerns a standing stone at Boswarthen, near Madron Well. Previous references placed it in a different hedge. A large stone was recently found buried in the field by new owners and now lies at the edge of the field. The article questions whether this is the missing Boswarthen stone, or if the boulder previously noted is natural rock outcrop, or the stump of the original menhir.

Duloe and the Mystery of Quartz

Lee and Gerry Jenkins recount their discovery of the Duloe Stone Circle, initially mistaken for marble but identified by geologists as almost solid quartz. The origin of these massive quartz blocks is unknown, presenting a mystery. During a tour of prehistoric sites, they visited Dupath Farm and observed what appeared to be white painted stones marking the entrance, which turned out to be massive blocks of brilliant white quartz. Mrs. Coombe, the farmer's wife, explained that a gigantic seam of quartz had been blasted to the ground for cultivation at the bottom of their farm. The article suggests this might be the source of the quartz for the Duloe Circle.

An editor's note highlights the significance of quartz in megalithic cultures, mentioning other sites with quartz stones and the potential piezo-electrical effect of quartz, suggesting Duloe could be a 'power station'.

Here There Be Leys?

Cheryl Straffon's article delves into the history and controversy surrounding ley lines, tracing their popularization to Alfred Watkins' 'Old Straight Tracks'. She discusses how ley lines have both stimulated and endangered earth mysteries research due to a tendency towards sloppy research, with many points being labeled as leys without proper alignment checks. The article notes the challenge of identifying ancient markers over long periods and in heavily farmed areas, leading to the use of 'mixed-marker' sites. West Penwith, with its abundance of megalithic sites, is presented as an exception and fertile ground for ley hunters. The article references John Michell's work, 'The Old Stones of Lands End', which surveyed 53 sites and identified 22 alignments, and notes that much of this work remains unknown outside specialist circles.

The article then details a 1976 computer study by Pat Gadsby and Chris Hutton-Squire that analyzed Michell's data. Their findings indicated that a significant number of Michell's leys aligned accurately, with average widths of 1 meter and some being exact fits. The study concluded that the results were well above chance and justified further research.

Ley Lines & Liars at Land's End

John Michell responds to criticisms, particularly from Tony Williamson and Liz Bellamy's book 'Ley Lines in Question'. Michell argues that the book's intention was to condemn ley hunting rather than inquire dispassionately. He refutes claims that his work is dishonest, citing Paul Devereux's review. Michell defends his selection of stones, stating that his aim was to outline existing stones that fell on his leys, not to claim all stones were megalithic. He specifically addresses the criticism regarding stone 11 on Trelew Farm, providing photographic evidence and testimony from Bob Forrest to show it is a unique, erected, earth-fast stone, unlike the surrounding natural boulders.

Michell also counters the criticism that his alignments are suspect due to consisting of only 3 points or natural features. He argues that 3-stone alignments could have originally had more stones, that landscape features were used by megalithic man, and that ancient settlements might have had focal stones. He highlights that some of his alignments are excellent, featuring multiple points over short distances.

Michell notes that Bob Forrest, a mathematician, has compiled a comprehensive database for further analysis, promising a major investigation into leys in West Penwith.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of ancient British history, megalithic sites, sacred landscapes, and paganism, with a particular focus on Cornwall and West Penwith. There is a strong emphasis on fieldwork, rediscovery of lost sites, and the interpretation of ancient monuments. The editorial stance promotes open-mindedness, tolerance for diverse beliefs within paganism, and a critical approach to research, encouraging readers to engage with the material and form their own conclusions. The magazine also engages with debates and criticisms within the field of archaeoastronomy and earth mysteries, providing platforms for both proponents and critics of various theories, such as ley lines.

Title: MEYN MAMVRO
Issue: 08
Volume: Spring 1989
Publisher: Meyn Mamvro
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of Meyn Mamvro focuses on two primary themes: the 'St Michael Line' and a comprehensive guide to standing stones in Cornwall. It also delves into the legend of Lyonesse, a lost land off the coast of Cornwall.

The St Michael Line

The article "The St Michael Line" explores one of the most impactful alignment ideas in Earth Mysteries, popularized by John Michell in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Michell claimed this line runs across southern Britain from St Michael's Mount in Cornwall to Avebury in Wiltshire, linking sites associated with St Michael. While initially proposed as a 'dragon current' (earth energy line) or a 'continuous sacred track', later interpretations suggested it might be a 'super-ley'. However, due to the Earth's curvature, the sites do not precisely align over long distances with the accuracy seen in shorter alignments like those in West Penwith.

The concept is being revitalized by two Cornish earth energy investigators, Paul Broadhurst and Hamish Miller. They have been dowsing the St Michael line from St Michael's Mount through Cornwall and beyond. Their findings suggest that the energy paths meander like a river, rather than forming a straight line, while still connecting ancient high places. They discovered confirmatory sites such as tumuli and ancient hill forts, leading Hamish Miller to comment on the constant reassurances that they were not following a mirage.

The article posits that these energy lines might reveal the meaning and purpose behind megalithic and Celtic sites, suggesting these peoples understood and harnessed earth energy. A confirmation of this is the alignment of sunrise on May Day with the St Michael lines. Paul Broadhurst theorizes an interplay of solar and earthly energy, which is benign and purifying but capable of being stimulated into extraordinary power if re-activated. He describes their journey through a land that is "incredibly beautiful because it is still reacting to the energy."

Broadhurst and Miller are publishing a book on the Dragon Line, and an article on it is planned for a future Meyn Mamvro issue.

Guide to Standing Stones in Cornwall

This section provides an up-to-date and comprehensive survey of standing stones in Cornwall, building on previous features in Meyn Mamvro. It details stones across various regions:

• 1. LELANT:
• BEERSHEBA (SW52313714): A 9ft menhir near Trencrom Hill, isolated from other West Penwith stones. Nearby stones like CARNELLO and LONGSTONE have only scant remains. A 6ft stone near GIEW MINE is also mentioned.

• 2. CARMENELLIS:
• PROSPIDNICK (LONGSTONE) (SW65923155): A 10ft high stone in a hedge.
• BURRAS (SW67973422): About 10ft high, re-erected in the early 1900s.
• EATHORNE (SW74603134): Slim with a tapering top.
• TREMENHERE (SW74853672): Nicely shaped, lying off a public footpath.
• MABE (SW75733245): A 6ft stone in the churchyard with a Latin cross added.

• 3. THE LIZARD:
• DRYTREE (SW75262119): An impressive 9ft menhir, re-erected near Goonhilly Downs satellite station.
• CROUSA COMMON (SW77522009): A double stone site, with one stone upright (about 6ft).
• TREMENHIR (SW77772103): A large 10ft menhir near St Keverne.
• HERVAN (SW69571645): Leaning sharply east, set in a garden hedge.

• 4. ST AUSTELL AREA:
• ROCHE: An 8ft menhir in front of bungalows, moved from LONGSTONE DOWNS, with a visible crack where the top was broken off.
• MOUNT CHARLES (GWALLON) (SX02965212): An 11ft stone in the grounds of Penrice School, possibly once part of a burial chamber.
• MENEAR (SX03455448): A 6½ft stone with views towards Mount Charles, aligned to a far hill on the equinoxes.

• 5. ST BREOCK DOWNS:
• NINE MAIDENS STONE ROW: A line of 9 stones (SW93636754).
• THE FIDDLER / THE OLD MAN / MAGI STONE: A fragment remains at SW93946820.
• MEN GURTHA (SW96786831): A 10ft high, 16.8-ton stone, the heaviest in Cornwall, re-erected in 1956.
• ST BREOCK DOWNS MENHIR (SW97326825): A 7ft tall stone.
• MUSIC WATER (SW90566870): An 11ft white quartz menhir.
• AIRFIELD (SW87156802): An 8¾ft stone, re-erected in 1932.
• Three stones (Airfield, The Fiddler, St Breock Downs menhir) form one alignment, and three others (Music Water, Boundary Stone, St Breock Downs menhir) form another, creating a 'pincer ley'.

• 6. BODMIN MOOR:
• PIPERS: Outliers to stone circles (SX25717143).
• FERNACRE CIRCLE MENHIR (SX14557998): A small menhir.
• TREHUDRETH DOWNS (SX12437281/12537258): Two stones.
• TREBINNICK (SX18016992) & LOUDEN HILL (SX13707954): Mounds with stones, one standing.
• ROUGH TOR (SX14448182): A 5ft leaning stone.
• CRADDOCK MOOR: Two natural stones (SX25067127, 25147116).
• RYLANDS (SX24937760): A 6ft rubbing post.
• MIDDLE TREMOLLET farm: Three stones.
• MOORGATE (SX11348197): A 9ft granite slab.
• SPETTIGUE (SX21307952): An 8ft menhir with a burial chamber.
• TREGARRICK TOR: A 4ft granite stone.
• MUTTON DOWN (SX19976953): A nearly 9ft stone incorporated into a hedge.
• SIBLYBACK reservoir (SX24077384): A 7ft stone with a shaped top aligned to the horizon, possibly indicating a winter solstice sunrise.

Lyonesse: The Legend and the Law

This article by Nigel Pennick examines the evidence for the lost land of Lyonesse, which is said to lie off Land's End. The legend describes Lyonesse as a fertile and prosperous land with numerous towns and churches, which was destroyed by a sudden cataclysm, possibly an underwater earthquake and a massive wave.

• Evidence for Lyonesse includes:
• Torrey Canyon grounding (1967): Press reports linked the incident to the reputed remains of Lyonesse.
• Historical accounts: The land was known as Ermonie or Parmenia, a former province of the ancient Kingdom of Dumnonia.
• Cornish tradition: Describes a fertile land with 140 churches, destroyed by a sudden cataclysm. The sole survivor, Trevilian, founded the Trevelyan family.
• Antiquary Camden: Asserted that Land's End once extended much further west, connecting with the Scilly Isles.
• Agnes Strickland's map: Depicts a territory with a coastline about 80 miles long.
• William of Worcester: Stated that St Michael's Mount was formerly five or six miles from the sea and surrounded by a dense wood. The Cornish name 'Carreg los en cos' means 'Grey Rock in the Wood'.
• Domesday Book (1086): Records St Michael's Mount as part of a territory of 8 Caracutes (approx. 480 acres), suggesting its present area is a fraction of its former extent.
• Submarine forest: Remains of trees found in Mount's Bay, suggesting a vast and sudden subsidence.

• Evidence from the Scilly Isles:
• Local tradition: Asserts the Scillies were once part of the mainland.
• Roman times: Solinus and Sulpicius Severus referred to the Scillies as Siluram Insulam, a single major island.
• Geographer Strabo: Noted the Scilly group had fewer than ten isles.
• Emperor Maximus (AD 387): Banished a heretic to Sylina Insula.
• Antiquary Risdon: Described the region as the "first of all Britain" and a kingdom before the sea swallowed the land.
• William Borlase (1753): Observed the sea's advance on low lands and found evidence of former union between islands, with sandbanks revealing walls and ruins. He noted stone walls ('hedges') descending under the sea and discovered house walls at Annet.
• Mr Troutbeck (1794): Re-examined house remains at Annet.
• O.G.S. Crawford (1926): Examined submerged stone 'hedges' on Samson Flats, citing them as evidence for the Lyonesse legend. He concluded that if sea levels were lowered by 60 feet, the Scilly archipelago would form one island, supporting the legend's historical truth.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of Earth Mysteries, ancient alignments, megalithic sites, and lost lands. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous investigation and archaeological evidence over speculative generalizations, as seen in the critique of "Ley Lines in Question" and the emphasis on completing Atkinson's surveys. There is a clear appreciation for the historical and geographical evidence supporting local legends, particularly concerning Lyonesse and the significance of standing stones and energy lines in Cornwall.

This issue of MEYN MAMVRO, number 08, from Spring 1989, explores a variety of esoteric, historical, and spiritual themes, with a strong focus on Cornwall and its surrounding regions. The magazine features articles on lost lands, ancient sites, spiritual practices, and unique local phenomena.

The Lost Land of Lyonesse

The first article delves into the legend of Lyonesse, a land said to have been submerged off the coast of Cornwall and the Scillies. Archaeological excavations in the Scillies, led by Tebbut and later Professor Thomas and his associates, have uncovered remains of stone structures, cists, and wells below the current high water mark. Their conclusions suggest that the mean sea level has risen by at least 14 feet since the time these structures were in use, placing the submergence sometime after the Roman period but before the end of the Middle Ages. Sir Richard Carew, a contemporary of Sir Walter Raleigh, believed in Lyonesse, noting the consistent depth of water between Land's End and the Scillies. The article also references Borlase, who attributed the changes to "encroachments of the sea, and as manifest a subsidence of the land," possibly linked to seismic activity. The 1757 earthquake, epicentred at Penzance, and another in 1799 near Guernsey, are cited as examples of significant seismic events in the region, demonstrating the potential for earthquakes to cause coastal inundation. Historical records from the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle also detail major sea floods in 1014 and 1099, with the latter possibly contributing to the formation of Mount's Bay and turning St. Michael's Mount into an island.

Spirit of West Penwith

This section, written by Des Hannigan, explores the landscape and legends of West Penwith in Cornwall. It touches upon the mystique of St. Michael's Mount, its possible connection to the giant Cormoran or the Phoenician Ictis, and its history as a religious site before becoming a fortress. The article also highlights inland sites such as Caer Bran, an Iron Age fortress, and the Iron Age village of Carn Euny, which has been restored. The author describes the unique atmosphere of West Penwith, emphasizing its 'Cornish heart' and the tendency for visitors to overlook its subtle charms.

Animal Allies with the Dreamweavers

This article introduces Jan Adamson, who offers training courses in West Penwith focusing on personal and spiritual development. It highlights the work of 'Dreamweavers' Arwen Larkin and Bridget Clausing, who blend Celtic mythology and Native American traditions. The article describes a workshop focused on finding 'animal allies' through ceremonies involving meditation, chanting, and dancing. Participants are guided to connect with animals that can offer guidance and teach specific qualities. The process involves creating a sacred circle, tuning into the four directions, and receiving animal allies through imagery or sound. The article details a personal experience of receiving an owl as an animal ally, which provided insights into detachment, power, and access to altered states of consciousness, aligning with the Native American belief of the owl as a "Messenger between the Worlds". The practice is described as a sacred bonding with a responsibility to honour the animal ally.

The Piper's Tune: Pentagram Dowsing

Reader Stephen Sayers draws attention to an unusual phenomenon involving a magic pentagram used by daffodil growers in the Isles of Scilly. According to A.P. Tabraham's booklet "Solar Energy and Dowsing," it was observed that Soleil D'or daffodil bulbs planted near granite outcrops flowered earlier. This led to the idea of raising ground temperature to promote earlier flowering. Historically, growers burnt straw over bulb fields, but modern cultivation with steel implements negated this effect. The solution found was to mark out a pentagram on the ground. The article explains that completing the pentagram is essential for the dowsing effect, which can raise ground temperature by several degrees, comparable to burning straw. It suggests that forming pentagrams around homes can warm houses and gardens, reducing fuel bills. The article also mentions the restoration of the Troy Town landscape maze on St. Agnes by dowsers, who discovered evidence of an earlier maze beneath the current one.

Noticeboard

The Noticeboard section includes announcements for a series of free lectures organized by the Cornwall Archaeological Unit and the Cornwall Archaeological Society, covering topics such as Bronze Age ritual monuments and recent archaeological surveys in West Penwith. It also lists various magazines available for exchange, including "The Ley Hunter," "Northern EM," "Earth Mysteries," "Fortean," "The Fountain," "Valknut Publications," "Stonehenge Viewpoint," "Anomalous Phenomena," and "Anomaly." A separate section lists "Paganism" related publications such as "The Cauldron," "The Pipes of Pan," "Wood and Water," "Dalriada," "The Scot-ic Pagan," "Circle Network News," "The Deosil Dance," "Quest," "Moonshine," and "Touchwood."

MEYN MAMVRO itself is available by annual subscription, with details provided for ordering. Information is also given about obtaining photocopies of back numbers. A preview of the next issue (MM9) mentions articles on Cornish fogous, healing, and divination in holy wells.

Art and Publications

An advertisement features a print titled "NINE MERRY MAYDENS BELTANE QUEEN" by artist Ian Cooke, inspired by stone circles in West Cornwall. The print celebrates Beltane and the renewal of nature. Additionally, "RITUALS OF THE STONES," a C90 cassette tape, is advertised for £3.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around ancient history, folklore, spirituality, and the natural landscape, particularly in Cornwall and the surrounding areas. There is a clear interest in lost civilizations (Lyonesse), archaeological discoveries, indigenous spiritual practices (Native American, Celtic), and phenomena that bridge the material and the mystical (dowsing, animal allies). The editorial stance appears to be one of exploration and documentation of these subjects, presenting them to a readership interested in alternative histories, earth mysteries, and personal spiritual growth. The inclusion of various exchange magazines and publications further reinforces this focus on a niche, esoteric audience.