Meyn Mamvro - No 010 - Autumn 1989

Magazine Overview

Title: MEYN MAMVRO
Issue: No. 10
Date: Autumn/Winter 1989
Price: £1.35
Publisher: MEYN MAMVRO
Country: UK
Language: English

This issue of Meyn Mamvro, subtitled "Ancient Stones & Sacred Sites of West Penwith," delves into the rich archaeological and folkloric landscape of the Penwith peninsula in Cornwall. The cover features a striking illustration of a unicorn, symbolizing a connection to ancient myths and nature.

Contents

The magazine's contents page lists a variety of articles, including an editorial, discussions on ancient sites under threat, lost and found stones, ley lines, Penwith altar stones, and folklore related to sites like St Michael's Mount and the ritual cycle. It also includes book reviews and a piece on the 'Spirit of Cornwall Past.'

Editorial: Paganism and Christianity in Cornwall

The editorial addresses the ongoing correspondence regarding paganism in 'The Cornishman.' It highlights a view that both paganism and Christianity share a reverence for the created world, suggesting potential for mutual learning. Conversely, it notes a contrasting perspective that downplays the pagan origins of midsummer celebrations. The editorial emphasizes the importance of understanding the true meaning of festivals and criticizes the degeneration of some feast days into secular events or even fox hunts. It contrasts this with the pagan ethos of respecting all life and living in harmony with nature, as articulated by Diana Marsun in response to a letter from Gwendolen Barter.

The editorial also touches upon the growing awareness among Christian ministers about a return to older spiritual roots, with one vicar noting that many of his flock are lapsed or neo-pagan. It recounts pagan and earth-magic gatherings at sacred sites in West Penwith, including maypole dancing at Carn Bosavern and a Summer Solstice ritual at the Nine Maidens, which was reported on the front page of 'The Cornishman.' The report described a circle of witches and pagan worshippers invoking ancient magic, calling upon the elements, and offering prayers for healing and peace, explicitly dissociating from 'black magic' and emphasizing positive energy.

Ancient Sites Under Threat

This section raises concerns about the development and management of ancient sites in West Penwith. Three main areas of concern are highlighted:

1. Chysauster Ruined Fogou: English Heritage initially threatened to bury the fogou rather than repair it, drawing strong objections from local heritage advocates like Peter Pool and Craig Weatherhill, who argued that heritage belongs to the Cornish people, not external bodies.
2. Bosullow Trehyllis Courtyard House Settlement: The land was recently purchased, and the new owner applied to English Heritage to fence it off, restricting public access. The Cornwall Archaeological Unit (CAU) reportedly approved this. The owner also attempted to prevent visitors from accessing the site.
3. Other Popular Sites (e.g., Chun Castle): Plans are underway to develop approximately 50 local ancient sites for tourism, including explanatory plaques and guided tours. This raises questions about site ownership and the input of local people who care for these sites. The magazine's views on this are further elaborated in 'The Pipers Tune' article.

The section also includes an advertisement for 'The Quay Bookshop' in Penzance, specializing in a wide range of subjects including Earth Mysteries, Megalithic Science, and Mythology.

Lost and Found

This article details the rediscovery of a 'lost' stone, 'Boleigh,' originally listed by Vivian Russell in 1959. The stone, located in the Merry Maidens area, was found independently by MM contributors and a reader. It is described as a 13ft long, menhir-shaped stone, potentially the '3rd Piper' mentioned in tradition. Another candidate stone is noted near the Tregurnow circle site. The article also reports on the recent erection of a 'new' standing stone found during roadworks near Wheal Buller farm, which was placed upright in a hedge. This stone is noted for its potential authenticity and its alignment with other sites like Dry Carne and a nearby menhir.

Into Alignment

This piece features a letter from Rick Walker, formerly of the Cornwall Archaeological Unit, who supports the consideration of 'leys' (alignments of ancient sites). He argues that archaeologists denying such alignments, particularly in West Penwith, are unprofessional. The article discusses documented leys in West Penwith and introduces new possibilities suggested by reader A. Inwards, including leys intersecting at the Runnel Stone. It also outlines a potential ley running from King Arthur's Table stone through Boscawen-un circle to the Drift Stones, forming a visual alignment with Sancreed Beacon. Another undocumented stone near Kelynack is mentioned as a possible point on a ley.

Penwith Altar Stones

This article explores the natural stones scattered across West Penwith that are distinguished by 'rock basins.' While acknowledging their natural origin, it considers the possibility that some speculations by Dr. Borlase about their use by 'Druidic priests' for catching rain and snow water for purifications might hold truth. Several notable stones are described:

• Giants Rock: Associated with a legend that touching it nine times at midnight turns one into a witch.
• Carn Vrês: Identified as the 'rock of judgement' overlooking the Tregeseal stone circle.
• Bosworlas: A group of immense granite stones near St Just Radio Station.
• Tom Thumb Rock: Associated with a curious legend of a stranger being sacrificed on Samhain to ensure crop fertility, a practice potentially reflecting ancient pagan motifs.

The article notes that people still visit these stones, suggesting a deep folk memory of processional routes.

The Kelynack Altars

MM reader Rory Te'Tigo believes that certain stones near the Tom Thumb Rock are the 'Kelynack Altars.' He also describes the recent re-discovery of 'King Arthur's Table' near Sennen. Te'Tigo recounts his investigation of a large, flat-topped rock resembling a table, possibly indigenous to the site, with a 'decapitated' appearance. He also describes finding a second, boat-shaped rock with a dip resembling a 'bathing or slaughter tub,' and an artificial-looking spout. The article lists several ley-lines originating from King Arthur's Table.

King Arthur's Table

This section provides further details on King Arthur's Table, mentioning its description in Claudia Cluesvanreden's book. The author recounts finding the stone, noting its prominent position and a missing upper southern tip. The stone has cup-marks and a peculiar indentation. The article details two distinct features: an oval 'seat' and a figure-of-eight shaped indentation. It also lists ley-lines connected to this site.

Spirits of West Penwith

This article discusses the work of Elliott O'Donnell (1873-1964), a prolific ghost hunter. It notes that while his books are largely out of print, his views on topics like spiritualism were controversial. O'Donnell lived in St. Ives and ran a private school, finding the inhabitants primitive. He documented hauntings, including footsteps and crashes in his own house, and believed in 'elemental spirits'—spirits that never inhabited a human body. The article suggests that O'Donnell believed these elementals were responsible for a high number of mentally subnormal inhabitants in the area. The author shares a personal anecdote of seeing a bizarre, tail-less animal in West Penwith, questioning if it was an elemental spirit or simply imagination.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the deep historical and spiritual significance of ancient stones and sacred sites in West Penwith, Cornwall. There is a strong emphasis on preserving this heritage against modern development and a critical stance towards the commercialization of these sites. The magazine champions the re-emergence of pagan and earth-based spiritual practices, highlighting their connection to the land and nature. It also explores the intersection of folklore, archaeology, and the paranormal, as seen in the articles on stone legends and ghost stories. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocating for the recognition and respect of ancient traditions and the natural landscape, often contrasting these with more conventional or materialistic viewpoints.

Meyn Mamvro, Issue 10, Autumn-Winter 1989-90, is a publication dedicated to exploring folklore, ancient sites, and unexplained phenomena, with a particular focus on Cornwall. This issue features articles on anomalous sightings, ancient crosses, and the cyclical nature of pagan festivals.

Anomalous Sightings in West Penwith

The issue begins by addressing the reluctance of people to report unusual experiences, particularly concerning spirits and strange animals. Meyn Mamvro has collected several such reports from West Penwith. Jo May's article "Spirits at Ancient Sites" is mentioned, discussing guardian spirits of wells and ancient sites like Carn Euny, Sancreed, Rosemerryn, and Bartinney Hill. Evans Wentz's work on elemental beings in Cornwall, and J.T. Blight's description of "shadowy regions of fairyland" and "the little people" on the Penwith Moors are also referenced. C19th folklorists Hunt & Bottrell collected numerous examples of spirits in Cornwall, with a selection found in Tony Deane & Tony Shaw's book "The Folklore of Cornwall".

Deane & Shaw also documented sightings of strange beasts, including a spectral black dog seen at Botterell and Berriow, a phantom black dog at Whiteborough tumulus, and a phantom white hare that forewarns of mining accidents. A bear-like creature with "huge fiery eyes" was seen at St Blazey. More recent sightings include an unidentified creature at Botallack and an animal resembling a hyena or jackal seen near Lanyon Quoit during a stormy night. The article highlights the "Morvah puma," first spotted in October 1988 by a Penzance couple, described as about 2ft long with a large head. Further sightings of the "Morvah puma" occurred, including one in Zennor and another in March 1989 by Jeanette Ratcliffe of the Cornwall Archaeological Unit. The common thread among these sightings is that the animals are either unknown or puzzling, and are never captured.

The article poses the question of what these anomalous spirits and creatures are, suggesting they might be aspects of the same elemental force. Future issues are promised to cover other strange sightings in Cornwall, such as a water monster and a bird man, alongside UFOs.

The Sun and the Serpent

This section announces a talk by Paul Broadhurst, organized by Meyn Mamvro, on "Dragon Line Earth Energies," featured in his new book. The talk was scheduled for Thursday, November 30th, in Penzance, with the venue to be announced. Contact information (0736 787612) was provided for full details.

Crowsow Kernow (The Crosses of Cornwall)

This multi-part feature details the numerous ancient crosses found in Cornwall. Part 2 of "Guide to the Crosses of West Penwith" by Su & Tony Bayfield lists over 30 additional crosses, completing a picture of more than 60. The article describes crosses at locations such as BRUNNION CARN, WHITECROSS, TREGENDER, LUDGVAN CHURCHYARD, TREASSOWE, ROSEMORRAN, HEAMOOR, BOSCATHNO, PARC-AN-GROWES, and TREREIFE. These descriptions include their locations, types (round-head, Latin cross, etc.), carvings (Christ figures, Celtic motifs, human figures), and historical notes.

Further descriptions of crosses are provided for NEWLYN CHURCH, PAUL CHURCHYARD, PAUL CHURCHTOWN, MOUSEHOLE, HALWYN, KEMYEL DREA, KERRIS, LOWER DRIFT, TRENUGGO HILL, HIGHER TREVORIAN, CHYOONE, TREGURNOW DOWN, PENDREA, ESCALLS, NANQUIDNO, LESWIDDEN, KENIDJACK, PORTHERAS, TOWEDNACK CHURCHYARD, HALSETOWN, and PENBEAGLE. The article notes the variety in design, from simple Latin crosses to more elaborate ones with figures, and mentions their antiquity and sometimes enigmatic origins.

St Michael's Mount Crosses

By Anne C.M. Long, this article details the four unique stone crosses on St Michael's Mount. The most elusive is a granite lantern cross on a tall shaft, covered in lichen. It features a Latin cross and weathered figures on its faces. This cross was brought from Redruth around the turn of the century. Another is a small wheel-headed cross, removed in 1890, which is weathered and has carved heads in profile on its shaft. A third is a six-foot monolith on the southwest side of the Mount, possibly the oldest, with a granite base and a cross carved in three panels, including a figure of Christ and a Latin cross. Finally, a large granite cross base, known as 'the cross', remains on the east side of the causeway; the cross itself, said to have been over 7 feet tall, disappeared around 1750, possibly broken down by a storm.

The article thanks Lord St. Levan for access and information. Photographs of crosses are credited to Cheryl Straffon, Su Bayfield, and Anne Long.

The Ritual Cycle

This article by Cheryl Straffon is a follow-up to a previous piece on the four great Celtic festivals (Samhain, Imbolc, Beltane, Lughnasad). This installment focuses on the other four festivals of the ancient round: Winter Solstice (Yule), Spring Equinox, Summer Solstice, and Autumn Equinox, completing the cycle of eight annual festivals.

Winter Solstice (Yule)

The Winter Solstice, occurring around December 21st or 22nd, marks the rebirth of the sun. The rituals surrounding this time are associated with anticipation and celebration. The article notes how Christianity adopted this period to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, drawing a parallel to the birth of the Sun God. A song, "Light" by Aeolian Songspell, is quoted, emphasizing the return of light and the awakening of nature. The celebration included midwinter bonfires and the burning of the Yule log, possibly a folk memory of the Sun God. The article connects Christmas customs like the Christmas tree and fires to these pagan traditions, intended to support the sun during its weakest hour.

Pagan Origins of Christmas Customs

Evergreen plants, mistletoe, and ivy are discussed as symbols of immortality and continuity, with pagan associations. The holly is called the "witches tree," and mistletoe was sacred to the Druids. The wren, hunted at Christmas, was a totem symbol for the Celtic God Bran, and its sacrifice was believed to bring fertility. The "Hunting the Wren" ceremony continued in Cornwall until recent times. Christmas feasting, including mince pies and Christmas pudding, is also linked to pagan origins, symbolizing abundance after lean winter months. Local festivals like Tom Bawcock's Eve and wassailing are mentioned as ancient memories of ending famine and encouraging fertility.

Yule, the original Nordic pagan name for the mid-winter festival, signifies the turning point of the year when the sun begins its upward journey. The theme of death and rebirth was common in Cornish traditions like the Guise or Geese dancing. The article notes the persistence of traditions like the "Cock Robin Boys" in St Ives, active on Christmas Eve, and the symbolic transition from the robin to the wren during the winter solstice.

Spring Equinox

The Spring Equinox, around March 20th/21st, is a time of equal day and night and is significant for the calculation of Easter. The goddess Eostre is mentioned as the namesake of Easter, and her association with the daily birth of the sun made her a symbol of rebirth, hence the use of eggs at Easter. The article quotes Aeolian Songspell again, referencing the balance of light and darkness and the awakening of the world. A Cornish festival called hurling, held on Shrove Tuesday and the following Saturday, is described as a pagan custom honoring Spring, with a challenge between town and country men for a silver ball, a sun symbol.

The article mentions T.F.G. Dexter's suggestion that many spring festivals have pagan origins, including Hall Monday and Nicky Nan Night, possibly related to folk memories of pagan deities and fertility cults. Several Saints Days are associated with Celtic gods and goddesses, such as Tan (fire god), St Teath (protectress of corn), Wennap (horse goddess), and Endellion (sea god). Sancreed is noted for its feast on Whit Sunday, a moon-date, and horse worship, with the church situated on a pagan site.

Summer Solstice

Following the Spring Equinox, the days continue to lengthen until the Summer Solstice on June 21st, celebrated as a time of maximum power and energy.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of folklore, ancient history, and unexplained phenomena within Cornwall. There is a clear interest in pagan traditions, their persistence through Christianization, and their connection to the landscape and local customs. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, presenting historical accounts, folklore, and contemporary reports without overt skepticism, encouraging readers to consider the possibility of underlying elemental forces or ancient continuities.

MEYN MAMVRO | Issue 10 | Autumn-Winter 1989-90

This issue of Meyn Mamvro explores the rich tapestry of Celtic traditions, folklore, and sacred sites, with a particular focus on Cornwall. It delves into the significance of the Celtic Year, the Midsummer Solstice, and various pagan rituals and beliefs.

Articles and Features

The Celtic Year and Midsummer Traditions

The issue opens with a poetic invocation referencing the sun, spirals, and the earth's cycles, leading into an exploration of the Midsummer Solstice. The horned hunter, identified as Herne and the Green Man, is discussed as the spirit of vegetation. Customs observed on Oak Apple Day (May 28th/29th) in Looe and St Germans, such as wearing oak leaves and ceremonies around walnut trees, are presented as memories of Herne and the Green Man. The paradox of the Green Man's sacrifice for fertility is highlighted, symbolizing the transition from the waxing to the waning year. Midsummer traditions in Cornwall included lighting bonfires on high places, parading with torches, driving cattle clockwise, and leaping through flames for good luck and fertility. The magical properties of fire ashes and the importance of holy wells are also mentioned. The dedication of this period to John the Baptist in Christianity is seen as a continuation of midsummer rituals.

At midnight on Midsummer Eve, witches in West Cornwall reportedly met at Trewa near Zennor to renew their vows, a practice linked to pagan solstice rituals. The Witches or Giants Rock near Zennor is described, with beliefs that touching it at midnight could ward off ill-luck or turn the supplicant into a witch. The 'Banishing of the Witches' ceremony at St Cleer on June 23rd (St John's Eve) involved crowning a bonfire with a witch's broom and hat and throwing a sickle into the flames.

The worship of the sun is reflected in place names like 'Din-sul' (sun-hill) for St Michael's Mount. Many Cornish feasts and fairs are noted to occur around dates of sun-worship, including the Spring Equinox and the Autumn Equinox (around September 21st-23rd).

The Lord of Light and the Dark Lord

As the sun begins to wane after the solstice, the Lord of Light gives way to the Dark Lord, symbolized by God Bran ruling the winter months. This period marks the gathering of the harvest. The revived Cornish custom of 'Crying the Neck' is described, where the last sheaf of corn, believed to contain the spirit of the harvest and the Goddess, was a focus of celebration. The cycle of the year is presented as turning towards the deep dark days of the Winter Solstice, when the sun is reborn, and life returns to the Earth Mother.

'Earthrise' - A New Tape

The issue reviews 'Earthrise', the second tape by the duo Aeolian Songspell, featuring Mike Woolf and Rachel Garcia. This tape offers ten songs exploring themes from pagan festivals to the Earth Mother and the unicorn. The production is praised, and the tape is available for purchase.

Book Reviews

Several books on Celtic matters are reviewed:

• 'Celtic Folk and Faerie Tales' by Kaledon Naddir: Offers insights but relies more on shamanistic intuition than source material.
• 'The Elements of the Celtic Tradition' by Caitlin Matthews: Contains source material but overlooks Cornish examples, focusing on Irish, Welsh, and Scottish myths.
• 'Traditions and Hearthside Stories of West Cornwall' by Bottrell: Highlighted as a treasure trove of Cornish folklore, with a selection from Vol II republished.
• 'Practical Celtic Magic' by Murray Hope: Incorporates Cornish material, discussing initiations, rituals, and Celtic magic, with a chapter on music and dance relevant to the Padstow Obby Oss.
• 'Celtic Mythology' by Ward Rutherford: A more academic work exploring Celtic peoples from Druidism to Arthurian legend, suggesting King Arthur might have been Cornish and giving Cornish provenance to the Tristan and Iseult legend.
• 'Cornwall - Land of Legend' by Joy Wilson: Praised for retelling the Tristan and Iseult legend and for its tour of associated locations in Cornwall.
• 'About Land's End' by Wendy Lewis: Explores the Land's End area with historic walks and local lore.

Spirit of Cornwall Past

An extract from Dame Daphne Du Maurier's 'Vanishing Cornwall' is featured. It discusses the deep-rooted religious beliefs of the Cornish, their worship of the Earth Mother, and the significance of granite rocks and stones as memorials to ancient burial practices and cults. The enduring majesty of these ancient sites, even when incongruously set in modern landscapes, is emphasized. The extract also touches on the belief in immortality and the intuitive perception of the past preserved by Cornwall's isolation.

Later generations, influenced by Puritan or Methodist upbringing, interpreted standing stones as people frozen by God. However, an instinctual connection to the magic of these places persisted, leading to placation rituals like spitting and crawling through holed stones (e.g., Mên-an-Tol) against the sun to ward off disease.

The Piper's Tune: Controversy Over Ancient Sites

This section addresses the controversy surrounding the reconstruction of the stone maze on St Agnes, Isles of Scilly, by Don Wilkins, Paul Broadhurst, Hamish Miller, and Ed Prynn. Earth Mysteries investigators Jeff Saward and Nigel Pennick, along with the Cornwall Archaeological Unit, expressed concern over the 'destruction' of the original maze. While the late 19th-century patterns were coincidentally retained and the rebuilt maze is broadly similar in size and shape, the Cornwall Archaeological Unit considered it unfortunate that the site was not scheduled, which might have prevented prosecution.

Paul Broadhurst argues that ancient sites are not just for investigation but are living monuments where the spirit is strong, allowing connection with the Creative Intelligence. He contends that the Scilly maze, transformed into a centre for people to connect with natural forces and ancient spirits, is a positive outcome.

The article suggests that for pagans, these sites are sacred due to their ancestral builders and their continued use for spiritual and magical purposes. It calls for cooperation and mutual listening among all interested parties – archaeologists, English Heritage, and pagans – to protect these living sacred places.

Exchange Magazines and Paganism Listings

The issue includes a list of 'Exchange Magazines' that Meyn Mamvro exchanges with, including titles like 'The Ley Hunter', 'Northern EM', 'Earth EM', and 'Stonehenge Viewpoint'.

A comprehensive list of 'Paganism' related publications is also provided, detailing journals 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 'Beltane Fire', along with their subscription details and addresses.

The Celtic Year Illustration

The back page features a detailed illustration of 'The Celtic Year', designed by Barry Millard. It visually represents the four lunar festivals (Samhain, Imbolk, Beltane, Lughnasad) related to the moon's movement and the four solar festivals (Yule, Ostara, Litha, Mabon) derived from the sun's apparent movement. The lunar festivals are associated with the triple goddess (virgin, mother, crone, death), while the solar festivals (equinox-solstice) are linked to male gods.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes an interest in Earth Mysteries, paganism, Celtic traditions, and folklore, particularly as they manifest in Cornwall. There is a clear editorial stance that views ancient sites as living, sacred places with ongoing spiritual significance, often contrasting this perspective with the more preservation-focused approach of traditional archaeology. The publication acts as a platform for sharing research, reviews, and personal accounts related to these themes, fostering a community of like-minded individuals. The emphasis on Cornwall's unique heritage and its connection to ancient European traditions is a recurring motif.