Meyn Mamvro - No 018 - Summer 1992

Magazine Overview

Meyn Mamvro Issue 18, Summer 1992

This issue of Meyn Mamvro, a magazine dedicated to ancient stones and sacred sites in Cornwall, presents a rich collection of articles exploring local history, earth mysteries, paganism, and community events. The cover features a striking illustration of a dolmen with a crow, hinting at the themes of ancient sites and folklore within.

Contents

The issue includes an editorial, articles on "Food for the Mind and Body," a noticeboard for events, and specific features on the Cornish Earth Mysteries Group, Crop Circle News, "Cromlechs: Sacred sites for the living," "Guide to Courtyard House Settlements," "Guide to Ancient Sites in West Penwith," "Bran the Blessed," "Dor Dama," and "Book Reviews." The magazine also lists various outlets where it is available and details summer exhibitions and displays in the Penwith area.

Editorial: Stones of Our Motherland

The editorial highlights Cornwall's increasing "alternative" activity, noting a successful New Age Festival and the formation of new groups like the Cornish Crop Circles Group and the flourishing Earth Mysteries Group. It suggests Cornwall is becoming a centre for alternative spirituality. The editorial also shares a positive testimonial from Professor Charles Thomas of the Institute of Cornish Studies, who describes Meyn Mamvro as "the most lively journal in south-west Britain" and a valuable watchdog for alternative archaeology and earth mysteries. A significant portion of the editorial addresses the controversy surrounding the pagan nature of Penzance's Mazey Day celebrations, featuring a letter from David Reed complaining about the "pagan festival" and the magazine's response, which defends paganism and notes the pagan origins of Christian festivals.

Food for the Mind and Body

This section features a debate initiated by Robin Ellis's article "Serpent Dreaming" regarding the commercialization of sacred sites. Susan Laws defends the presence of a cafe at St. Nectan's Glen, arguing for a balance between privacy and accessibility, and suggesting that visitors' joy can replenish the site's energy. Robin Ellis responds, preferring peaceful sites and questioning the profanity of charging admission to see a sacred waterfall, suggesting alternative locations for cafes and the possibility of a trust to preserve such sites. The section invites reader feedback on the issue of commercialism at sacred places.

Events and Groups

Several pages are dedicated to listing upcoming events and groups. These include Maypole dancing, Beltane festivals, walks to sacred wells, and rallies along the "Michael Line." The "Women's Ritual Group" is mentioned, along with workshops at Harmony Pottery and the Wellbeing Centre. The Research & Enlightenment Centre in St. Austell offers a diverse program of talks on topics ranging from Cosmic Law and Astrology to UFOs and ancient stone temples. The Kit Hill Healing Centre is also listed.

Cornish Earth Mysteries News Page

This section reports on the increased coverage of earth mysteries on Radio Cornwall, including interviews with editor Cheryl Straffon and Paul Devereux. It details past talks by George Bishop on crop circles, Paul Broadhurst on the Michael Line, and Craig Weatherhill on stone circles, noting their continued ritual use by pagans. Monthly meetings of the Earth Mysteries Group in Penzance are described, featuring talks on holy wells, ritual use of ancient sites, and sacred sleep. A program of field events and site visits for the summer is also announced, with contact details for Andy Norfolk.

Crop Circle News

This article presents findings on crop circles from 1991. Analysis of stalks from Trebulsue near Newquay, conducted by botanist Kay Larsen, revealed distorted cellular structures suggesting a powerful, unidirectional force, possibly microwaves, altered the cell walls. Archaeologist Charles Thomas noted minor compass deflections in Callington circles, indicating a local magnetic anomaly produced during formation, a phenomenon also observed at some stone circles. A map of 1990/91 crop circle locations in Cornwall is provided, with contact information for the Cornish Crop Circle Group.

Cromlechs: Sacred Sites for the Living

Authored by Cheryl Straffon, this article explores Cornish cromlechs, also known as quoits, which are described as a localized form of portal dolmens and potentially some of the earliest chambered tombs in Britain. The article discusses their construction, with examples like Chûn and Mulfra Quoits, and the immense effort involved. It examines two main theories for their function: territorial markers and communal tombs for the dead. The author notes problems with both theories, such as the location of some sites and the lack of systematic burial evidence. The article suggests that cromlechs may have served as houses for the spirits of the dead, blurring the line between the living and ancestors. It details the condition of various cromlechs, from perfectly preserved ones like Chûn Quoit to those that have collapsed or been altered. The article also touches upon potential ritual uses, such as cupmarks for libations and the possibility of gateways for communication with the dead.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the deep connection between the landscape, ancient sites, and spiritual practices in Cornwall. There is a strong emphasis on earth mysteries, paganism, and the ritualistic use of megalithic structures. The magazine appears to advocate for the preservation and respectful engagement with these sites, while also engaging in debates about their accessibility and the role of commercialism. The editorial stance seems to support alternative spirituality and a critical examination of historical and cultural practices, often challenging conventional views and fostering community discussion. The magazine also demonstrates a commitment to local events and the sharing of research within the field of earth mysteries and archaeology.

MEYN MAMVRO | Issue 18 | Summer 1992

This issue of Meyn Mamvro delves into the rich archaeological and mythological landscape of Cornwall, with a primary focus on ancient sites in West Penwith and a significant exploration of the Celtic deity Bran the Blessed.

Ancient Sites in West Penwith

The magazine presents a detailed look at various ancient structures found in West Penwith, Cornwall. These include cromlechs, dolmens, quoits, entrance graves, and chambered tombs. The article highlights their potential use as focal ritual sites for tribes to commune with ancestral spirits. Astronomical alignments, such as solar and lunar orientations, are discussed in relation to sites like Newgrange, Gavrinis, Maes Howe, and specifically within Cornwall at Zennor and Trethevey Quoits, with the Beltane and Samhain sunrises being key reference points. The midwinter sun setting in a notch of Carn Kenidjack, viewed from Chûn Quoit, is noted as a spectacular example.

It is suggested that rituals were performed prior to placing sacred bones in chambers, with regular offerings made to the tombs. The concept of shamans or shamankas entering ecstatic trances to mingle their spirits with the dead is proposed as a means to ensure the tribe's well-being. These sites are described not as mausoleums, but as dwelling places for ancestral spirits, where death and life were seen as one.

Courtyard House Settlements

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to 'Courtyard House Settlements,' described as unique to the West Penwith area and dating from the Iron Age (1st Century BCE). These structures are characterized by living quarters, workshops, and stores within a single, large, roughly oval unit, averaging 80ft in length by 58ft wide. A central, unroofed courtyard is surrounded by various rooms, with a large circular or oval room set aside for living, eating, and sleeping. Many of these sites are found in village groups, flourishing through the Romano-British period until abandonment between the 2nd and 6th centuries CE.

The magazine provides a comprehensive guide to extant and destroyed courtyard house sites in the SW map area, listing numerous locations with their coordinates and brief descriptions. Examples include Bojuthno, Boscreege, Bosigran East and West, Bosiliack, Boswarva, Boswednack, Bosporthennis, Bosullow, Botallack, Botrea, Carnaquidden, Carnelloe, Carne House, Chycandra, Chykembro, Crankan, Carn Euny, Chysauster, Croftoe, Foage, Goldherring, Greenburrow, Higher Bodinnar, Keigwin, Lanyon, Lower Boscaswell, Mulfra Vean, Nanjulian, North Bosporthennis, Porthmeor, Rosemergy, Tredinnick, Treen Coth, Trendrennen, Trevean, Trewellard, Trewern, Trewey-Foage, Trink, Try, Upper Porthmeor, Upper Treen, and Wicca. The descriptions often include details about their preservation state, associated features like fogous and round houses, and surrounding field systems.

Bran the Blessed

The issue also features an article by John E. Palmer on 'Bran the Blessed,' a significant figure in ancient British, Cornish, Welsh, Gaelic, and Breton mythology. The name 'Bran' itself means 'RAVEN' or 'crow' in these Celtic languages.

The article draws from 'The Mabinogian,' specifically 'Branwen, Daughter of Llyr,' to describe Bran as a crowned king who was raised to the throne of London. He is depicted as a magician-king, akin to the God Wodan, with Celtic leaders allying themselves to his name. Evidence for this is seen in the Mên Scryfa standing stone in West Cornwall, engraved with 'Rialobrani Cunovali Fili' ('Royal Raven son of Cunouallos'). The Caer Brân Hillfort and Brane chambered mound are also noted as marking Bran as Lord of the Mounds.

Bran's connection to astronomical alignments is further explored, with chambered mound passages often oriented towards the midwinter sunrise. His name is also linked to St. Breward on Bodmin Moor (from St. Branwalder). The article traces the name 'Bran' through placenames like Aber-Bran and Cwmbran in Cymru, and mentions Castell Dinas Bran. It references Geoffrey of Monmouth's 'Historia Regum Britanniae,' which lists Belinus and Brennus as British kings, corresponding to Beli and Bran in Welsh versions. The Gallic leaders named Brennus, who invaded Rome and Delphi, are also mentioned, as is the Gallic God Belenos.

The text discusses Pytheas of Marseilles' voyage to Britain around 330 BC, noting that the Land's End was known as Belerium, a tin mining area. The connection between 'Bel' and the Fires of Beltaine (May 1st) is made, and in Flemish, 'bron' means spring. In Eire, Bran is linked to Bron, son of Lir, and brother to Manannan, God of Navigation.

Branwen and the Cauldron of Rebirth

The article delves into Branwen, Bran's sister, and her connection to the magical Cauldron of Rebirth. Bran the Blessed, as a divine hero and God-king, obtains this cauldron, which, while a source of inspiration and plenty, ultimately leads to his destruction when he is wounded by a poisoned spear. His dying command is to have his head severed and buried at Gwynn Bryn in Lludein (London), facing France, to protect the country from invasion. His seven companions, including Manawydan, Pryderi, and Taliesin, embark on a journey that involves feasting for extended periods at Harlech and the isle of Grassholm, before returning to London. The mystical significance of the number seven and the burial site at the Tower of London (derived from 'gwyn' meaning 'white, holy') are highlighted. The tradition of the black ravens at the Tower, and the belief that their disappearance would signify the fall of the kingdom, is also mentioned.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the deep connection between ancient sites, ritual practices, and the spiritual beliefs of past peoples, particularly concerning the veneration of ancestors. The magazine emphasizes the importance of astronomical alignments and the landscape in the spiritual lives of ancient communities. The exploration of Celtic mythology, specifically the figure of Bran the Blessed, highlights the enduring influence of these ancient narratives and deities on the cultural and geographical landscape. The editorial stance appears to be one of scholarly yet accessible exploration of these ancient mysteries, aiming to inform readers about the archaeological and mythological heritage of Cornwall and Britain.

MEYN MAMVRO | 18 | Summer 1992

This issue of MEYN MAMVRO, published in Summer 1992, delves into Celtic mythology, folklore, ancient sites, and spiritual experiences. It features articles on the significance of ravens in Celtic lore, journeys to the Otherworld, and the spiritual connection to the land.

Mythological and Folkloric Explorations

The issue begins by exploring the Mabinogian and the figure of Owein, one of the three Blessed Kings of Britain, who possessed victorious ravens. It highlights the presence of ravens and crows among the avators of the Gods, connected with the Other World and battlefields, mentioning the triple Macha, the Morrigan (Goddess of Battle), and Badb.

The "Tain Bo Cualnge" is cited for its esoteric wording that a good warrior is "one who knows the way of the black ravens." The French romance "Didot-Perceval" is mentioned for a dramatic appearance of birds defending Urbain, which transform into a girl when one is killed. This girl is identified as a sister to the wife of Urbain, Modron, who is linked to the Gallic Matrona, the Irish Morrigan, and Morgan le Fay.

The article then recounts the Irish tale of Bran, son of Febal, and his journey to the Other World, Tir-nan-Oc. Bran meets his brother Manannán mac Lir, God of the Sea, and experiences visions. Upon returning to Eire, his men turn to ashes, illustrating a non-linear experience of time and reality.

Bran's sister, Branwen, gives birth to Gwern, the "aldertree," connecting Bran to the Celtic-Bardic calendar and the 13 trees. The BLACK RAVEN is discussed as a symbol of imagination or spirit, capable of transforming into WHITE, a concept explored by alchemists in their Quest for the Philosopher's Stone.

Personal Experience and Ancient Sites

Geraldine Andrew contributes an article detailing her experience at Boleigh fogou, a sacred site in West Cornwall. She describes an encounter with "spiral energy" that caused a powerful, spiralling sensation in her head, leading her to fall to the ground. Andrew connects this experience to the concept of the "dimensional shift" and the energizing properties of sacred sites like fogous, stone circles, and menhirs, which facilitate journeys into the unknown and enhance creative potential.

Book Reviews

The "Book Review" section covers several titles related to Celtic studies:

• DICTIONARY OF CELTIC MYTH AND LEGEND by Miranda Green: Praised as a beautifully-produced and excellent reference book with around 400 alphabetically arranged entries and 250 illustrations.
• A GUIDE TO EARLY CELTIC REMAINS IN BRITAIN by Peter Berresford Ellis: Traces archaeological remains from the Iron Age to 43 CE, covering various subjects like hill forts and burial grounds. However, the reviewer notes some contentious comments, particularly regarding the purpose of fogous.
• THE CELTIC SHAMAN by John Matthews: Described as a handbook for spiritual journeying and contacting the shaman within. It's noted that John and Caitlin Matthews have revived traditional Celtic lore, with "Taliesen: Shaminism and the Bardic Mysteries in Britain and Ireland" being a significant work.
• LADIES OF THE LAKE by John and Caitlin Matthews: A study of ninefold priestessly roles of Arthurian women.
• THE CELTIC BOOK OF THE DEAD by Caitlin Matthews: A problem-solving card-set and book based on Celtic immram texts.

Archaeological and Historical Perspectives

"IMAGES OF PREHISTORY" by Peter Fowler is reviewed. The reviewer highlights its unique section on West Penwith and Fowler's appreciation of sites as sacred places, acknowledging that archaeologists do not have exclusive rights to these sites. Fowler's comments suggest an awareness of the live functioning of these sites in contemporary society, moving beyond a purely scholarly or tourist perspective.

CORNISH ARCHAEOLOGY No. 30 (1991) is discussed, focusing on the excavation at Trethellan Farm, Newquay. The site was primarily used as a ritual one by Iron Age peoples, possibly due to a strong sense of tradition and the site's previous settlement history, indicating a deep-rooted spiritual connection to places.

THE PAGAN RELIGIONS OF THE ANCIENT BRITISH ISLES by Ronald Hutton is briefly mentioned as a detailed look at the evidence for continuity of pagan tradition, though it is described as uninspiring.

The Pipers Tune: Radiation and Ley Lines

A column titled "The Pipers Tune" discusses a debate about radiation levels in water cures at Cornish holy wells, specifically Madron Well. Branwen suggested low doses of radiation could be beneficial, while Judith Cook countered that prolonged exposure can be damaging. The article references Paul Devereux's comments on "Places of Power," suggesting homeopathic doses might have curative effects and citing examples like spas and the Men-an-Tol stone.

Another segment addresses the 'Open File' on ley-lines in Penzance Library, which was removed after Paul Devereux complained that such displays, without guidance, could reinforce stereotypes and lead people to view the subject as a "lunatic fringe."

Exchange Magazines and Events

The issue includes extensive listings of "EXCHANGE MAGAZINES" covering "EARTH MYSTERIES & SACRED SITES" and "PAGANISM," providing titles, subscription details, and contact information for various publications.

A "1992 CALENDAR OF CELEBRATIONS" from Harmony Pottery lists events like Beltane, Summer Solstice, Lammas, Autumn Equinox, Samhain, and Winter Solstice, with details on dates, times, and suggested items to bring.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the rich tapestry of Celtic mythology and folklore, the spiritual significance of ancient sites, and personal experiences of altered consciousness and energy. There's an underlying editorial stance that acknowledges and respects the contemporary use and spiritual meaning of ancient landscapes and monuments, moving beyond purely academic or historical interpretations. The magazine appears to cater to an audience interested in alternative spirituality, earth mysteries, and pagan traditions, encouraging exploration and personal connection with these subjects.