Meyn Mamvro - No 019 - Autumn 1992

Magazine Overview

Title: Meyn Mamvro
Issue: 19
Volume/Date: Autumn-Winter 1992-93
Price: £1.50
Publisher: Meyn Mamvro
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of Meyn Mamvro, a magazine focused on ancient stones and sacred sites in Cornwall, begins with an apology for the poor quality of the previous edition (no. 18, Summer 1992) due to significant printer issues. The magazine has changed printers to ensure better quality going forward and has also increased the typeface size for improved readability. The cover illustration artist has changed, with Andy Norfolk taking over for the next six issues. The magazine highlights its booklet, "The Earth Mysteries Guide to Ancient Sites in West Penwith," which has been a bestseller.

Contents and Key Articles

Editorial

The editorial addresses the printer issues and introduces the new cover illustrator, Andy Norfolk. It also mentions the popularity of "The Earth Mysteries Guide to Ancient Sites in West Penwith" and hints at future guides for Mid and North Cornwall. Andy, as Secretary of the Cornish Earth Mysteries Group (C.E.M.G.), has been active, giving interviews on Radio Cornwall about earth mysteries, alignments, paganism, ley lines, and even suggesting that visiting stone circles at 3 am on a full moon can lead to a profound experience.

Cornish Earth Mysteries Group - News Page

This section details recent events organized by the C.E.M.G. Ten people gathered at Tregeseal Circle on May 3rd, 1992, to observe the sunrise, which led to calculations about ancient solar alignments. A 'Three Wells Walk' from Sancreed to Carn Euny and Madron wells was led by Cheryl Straffon. On the Summer Solstice, a vigil at Boscawen-un stone circle was held, followed by site research including dowsing and radiation readings. An 'Imaging' session was also held at Halligye Fogou on July 12th, where participants reported mental images and sensations of flying.

Born-Again Farmer Uproots Standing Stone

This article reports on the vandalism of an 8ft Bronze Age standing stone by Philip Clemoes, a born-again Christian farmer in Constantine, Cornwall. Clemoes claims he fears the stone could be used for 'pagan practices' and refuses to return it to its original spot, despite requests from archaeological authorities. The article criticizes this act as vandalism and highlights the lack of legal protection for many ancient monuments in Cornwall, with only 29 out of approximately 100 stones being scheduled.

Meanness and Magic in Cornwall

This piece, contributed by JO PACSCO, responds to a previous article by Robin Ellis. It describes an experience at St. Nectan's Glen near Tintagel, where access to the waterfall was restricted and charged via a café, which the author found to be an example of extreme materialism. The author then recounts visiting Rocky Valley, known for its labyrinth carvings, and experiencing a sense of stillness. Tracing the carvings with a finger led to an unusual photographic anomaly, suggesting a possible connection to the site's energy.

Crop Circle News

Compiled by George Bishop, this report details crop circle activity in Cornwall during the 1992 season. Early discoveries included a 10-metre circle near Callington and a 60ft circle in a wheat field. The report also notes the reappearance of 'dragon's footprints' phenomena and a new effect where wheat stalks were bent in opposing directions, possibly interpreted as a 'vestigial nest'.

Folklore of the Fogou

Written by Ian Cooke, this article explores the folklore surrounding the five fogous in Cornwall (Pendeen, Boleigh, Carn Euny, Trewardreva, and Higher Bodinar). Tales describe them as extremely long, dangerous passages guarded by malevolent spirits, and sites for gatherings of witches and the devil. The article suggests these stories originate from forgotten events and practices, with meanings evolving over time. It recounts a specific tale of Squire Lovel encountering witches at the Boleigh fogou, involving a hare, a bonfire, and the devil. Another version describes witches congregating in a withered oak grove. The article also touches on the belief that fogous were inhabited by subterranean spirits, piskies, giants, and ghosts of prehistoric inhabitants.

Book Review

(Page 22, not fully transcribed in the provided OCR)

The Piper's Tune

(Page 24, not fully transcribed in the provided OCR)

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on the intersection of ancient sites, earth mysteries, folklore, and paganism within Cornwall. There is a clear stance against the destruction or commercialization of these sites, as evidenced by the strong condemnation of the standing stone vandalism and the critique of the St. Nectan's Glen situation. The editorial promotes an open-minded approach to exploring earth mysteries and encourages contributions from readers, fostering a community around these topics.

This issue of MEYN MAMVRO, number 19, published in Autumn-Winter 1992-93, explores various aspects of Cornish history, folklore, and pagan traditions. The cover prominently features the theme 'Nineteen Dancing Maidens', suggesting a focus on mythology and ancient practices.

The 'Spirit of Pendeen Vau' and Fogous

The magazine opens with a discussion of the 'Spirit of Pendeen Vau', a folkloric figure associated with a 'fogou' (an ancient Cornish underground structure). Several versions of the tale are presented, describing the spirit as a beautiful lady who appears at the entrance of the fogou, sometimes offering tidings from Ireland. The acceptance of a red rose is mentioned as a talisman to enter the underworld. The text links this spirit to the intermediary between Death and Rebirth, with powers particularly potent at dawn on Christmas morning. The connection to Ireland is suggested to be related to prehistoric maritime connections, and the White Lady is also compared to Gwenhwyvar, the wife of Arthur, who is described as a reincarnation of an earlier Iron Age Sun God.

The article also touches upon the folklore surrounding fogous, particularly the belief that their passages extend far underground. Instances at Carn Euny, Boleigh, and Pendeen are mentioned, with some believed to extend under the sea. The extreme length of these passages is linked to the concept of the 'never-ending spiral of immortality'. The issue also reports on the recent discovery of a potential new fogou at Boden near St. Anthony in Meneage and another possible fogou on Scilly.

Guide to Inscribed Stones

Professor Charles Thomas contributes a detailed article on inscribed stones in Cornwall and Devon, dating primarily from the mid-5th to mid-7th centuries CE. He clarifies the historical context of 'Cornishman' and the term 'Dumnonia', noting that the name 'Cornubia' for the region west of the Tamar emerged later. The article emphasizes that written history offers little about individuals from early Cornwall, making these inscribed stones crucial archaeological evidence. These stones, mostly in granite, are memorials rather than gravestones, commemorating Christian individuals, often from the elite such as princes, nobles, and landowners. The inscriptions, though sometimes worn, provide names and familial relationships, with examples like 'VAILATHI FILI VROCHANI' being of Irish origin. Professor Thomas explains the challenges in reading and interpreting these inscriptions, including variations in letter forms and the use of certain letters to represent different sounds. He highlights the Carnsew stone as one of the earliest, dating to the mid-5th century, with an inscription detailing the life and death of a woman named Cunaide, whose name is of Irish origin, suggesting a small-scale Irish colony in the area.

The Phillack stone, also from the mid-5th century, is noted for its early Christian 'chi-rho monogram'. The article also mentions comparable stones from Lundy and discusses the likely inspiration from Christian Gaul.

The Earliest Stones: Carnsew and Phillack

This section provides specific details about two of the earliest inscribed stones. The Carnsew stone (SW 557372) is a granite pillar found in 1843, with a ten-line inscription in Latin commemorating 'Cunaide' who lived thirty-three years. The Phillack stone (SW565385), built into a church gable, features a chi-rho monogram, a symbol combining Greek letters X (chi) and P (rho), representing Christ.

Lost and Found - FOGOUS

This section reports on recent discoveries of fogous. One was found at Boden near St. Anthony in Meneage, and another possible fogou has been identified on Scilly at Porth Mellion.

Nineteen Dancing Maidens

This article explores the significance of the number 19 in relation to Cornish stone circles, such as Boscawen-un and the Merry Maidens. The number 19 is linked to the moon's cycle (18.6 years) and to Celtic goddesses like Arianrhod and Brighid, who were associated with 19 priestesses. The folklore of stones being petrified maidens is discussed, particularly at the Merry Maidens circle, where the stones are said to be maidens who danced on the Sabbath. This legend is seen as a Christianization of an earlier pagan belief about priestesses dancing around the stones. The article suggests that this tradition of women worshipping at stone circles and in fogous was widespread.

Harmony's Celebrations

Geraldine Andrew writes about the festival celebrations organized at Harmony Pottery near Redruth over the past two years. She describes her personal journey into paganism and magic, emphasizing the importance of connecting with nature and the Earth Mother. The celebrations, held eight times a year, involve preparing barns, lighting, sound systems, and bonfires. Andrew shares her understanding of magic as an experiential evolution, encouraging individuals to seek the will of nature and use their creative force with love. She invites readers to join their celebrations or to connect with nature by hugging a tree.

Samhain and Winter Solstice Celebrations

The magazine details the celebrations of Samhain, the Celtic New Year, and the Winter Solstice at Harmony Pottery. Samhain is described as a time of introspection, remembering lost loved ones, and releasing fears, marking both death and new beginnings. The evening involved guests in costume, a bonfire, and rituals including smudging, meditation in a crystal ball, and a spiral dance around the fire, symbolizing the union of the Father (light) and Mother (darkness).

The Winter Solstice celebration focused on the sun's lowest point and the fertility of female energies. The ritual involved a circle dance, tasting salt for death, and crawling through a symbolic human tunnel to emerge into light, representing rebirth. Honey was tasted for the sweetness of life, and elements like coal, fire, water, and air were incorporated into a cauldron. Participants engaged in a meditation to discard unwanted feelings, followed by a moonlit walk and feasting. The article concludes by mentioning the book "Cornwall: Land of the Goddess" by Cheryl Straffon, which explores these themes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of MEYN MAMVRO consistently explores themes of ancient Cornish history, folklore, mythology, and pagan spirituality. There is a strong emphasis on connecting with the land, nature, and ancestral traditions. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting and preserving these cultural and spiritual aspects of Cornwall, encouraging readers to engage with them through personal experience and study. The magazine acts as a platform for researchers, folklorists, and practitioners to share their findings and insights into these rich traditions.

Meyn Mamvro, Issue 19, Autumn-Winter 1992-93, is a magazine focused on earth mysteries, paganism, and alternative spirituality. This issue features articles on seasonal festivals, herbalism, mythology, and ancient sites, particularly in Cornwall.

Seasonal Festivals: Imbolc and Spring Equinox

The issue begins with a detailed account of an Imbolc celebration, describing a harvest moon, a gathering of sixteen guests, and a ritual involving candles, poetry, and chanting. The celebration honored Brigit, the triple goddess of poetry, smithcraft, and healing. The ritual included a meditation, sharing of inspiration, and a dance under the stars. Following this, the Spring Equinox celebration is described, emphasizing balance and harmony. The ritual involved creating a sacred space with egg-shaped pebbles and decorated eggs, followed by a meditation and a crystal sharing exercise. Guests then rolled their eggs to symbolize breaking open creativity and new growth. The article notes that the second half of the year's cycle, from Beltaine to Autumn Equinox, will be covered in the next edition and invites reader contributions on their own festival interpretations.

Herbalism: Hedgerow Medicine

This section, written by Gabrielle Hawkes, explores the history and practice of herbalism. It posits herbalism as the earliest form of medicine, used by people worldwide to cure ailments. The article discusses how ancient peoples might have identified medicinal plants through trial and error, acknowledging the risks involved. It traces the use of herbs through various cultures, including the Hebrews, ancient Egyptians (who used herbs for perfumes, cosmetics, and medicines), and the Greeks, who developed a systematic approach to herbal knowledge. Hippocrates, the 'Father of Medicine', cataloged over 500 herbs. The Romans spread herbal knowledge across Europe, introducing many plants to Britain. The article notes the role of monasteries in preserving herbal medicine, but also the loss of knowledge during the Reformation. The invention of printing led to the production of herbals, with Nicholas Culpeper's work in 1649 being influential, incorporating astrological theories. The article highlights that many wild plants cataloged in this manner are still valued by modern herbalists, citing aspirin (from willow) and dandelion for liver complaints as examples. It also touches upon traditional Cornish remedies, including plantain and salad oil for adderbite, mugwort for colds, elderflowers and yarrow for flu, horehound for coughs, and onion for earache. A vivid anecdote describes a Cornishman's grandfather's remedy of swallowing a live slug for cleansing. The importance of gathering and preserving plants and berries for winter sustenance and vitamin C is emphasized. The author shares two personal recipes: Elderberry Vinegar for colds and sore throats, and Rosehip Mead.

Book Review: Tintagel and the Arthurian Mythos

This section reviews Paul Broadhurst's book, "Tintagel and the Arthurian Mythos." The reviewer notes the book's high quality and evocative illustrations by Vivienne Shanley. It covers Tintagel Island, its sacred sites, Arthur as an archetypal solar symbol, and the surrounding landscape's spiritual significance. The book examines archaeological evidence, literary accounts from Geoffrey of Monmouth onwards, and the geomantic structure of the land, including "earth energies" nicknamed Merlin & Morgana lines. Broadhurst argues that Arthur, as Sun-God, superseded the pre-Celtic goddess-nature religion, tracing this link to megalithic structures like those on Bodmin Moor. The review mentions the book's exploration of solar alignments connecting Tintagel to Stowe's Hill and Plymouth Hoe. While acknowledging some debatable interpretations, such as the description of an underground tunnel as a "fogou," the review praises the book as a celebration of Tintagel's "timeless magical rites" and the "living landscape," calling for a re-understanding of Nature. The price and ordering information for the book are provided. A separate listing is also given for "Grave News from Tintagel," a report on 1991 excavations.

Ancient Sites in West Penwith

This part of the magazine promotes "The Earth Mysteries Guide to Ancient Sites in West Penwith," a comprehensive illustrated guide to alignments, ley paths, and anomalous energies in West Cornwall. Several positive reviews are quoted. John Michell praises its depth and artistry, while Peninsula Voice highlights its comprehensive nature and usefulness for 'alternative archaeology' and conventional information, with good illustrations. The Cauldron describes it as a well-produced guide to alignments, sacred places, and anomalous energies, emphasizing spiritual and psychic aspects. Mercian Mysteries calls it an "incredible" guide, essential for anyone interested in prehistoric sites in the region. The booklet is available for £2.50 from Meyn Mamvro.

The Dragon Project Trust

The Dragon Project Trust, based at the Centre for Earth Mysteries Studies in Penzance, is running a program of dreamwork at ancient sites. This practice, involving sleeping at sacred locations for divination and spirit contact, has historical precedents. The project selected four sites, including three in Cornwall: Chûn Quoit, Madron Well, and Carn Euny fogou. Volunteers undergo structured sleeping sessions, with their dreams recorded and analyzed. The goal is to find common links between the dreams of different people at the same site, potentially revealing a "geography of consciousness" and offering a new understanding of the earth in a mythological way. So far, Carn Euny fogou has produced the most striking recurring images. The full results are expected in about a year. The trust can be contacted via mail.

Enigmas Magazine

A brief mention of "Enigmas," a magazine published five times a year by Strange Phenomena Investigations (SPI), which covers paranormal topics including UFOs, poltergeists, spiritualism, and life after death. Subscription details are provided.

Directories and Listings

The magazine includes extensive directories of other related publications and organizations. These include "Exchange Magazines" with prices for annual subscriptions to titles like "The Ley Hunter," "Mercian Mysteries," "The Cereologist," and "Hidden History." A "Paganism" section lists various pagan magazines such as "The Cauldron," "Pandora's Jar," "Dalriada," and "Moonshine." It also lists "Cornwall's New Age" magazine and provides subscription details for Meyn Mamvro itself. A "Contacts" section seeks information for a Cornish native seeking old friends. The "Noticeboard" section lists upcoming events and meetings, including "Cornish Earth Mysteries" talks, "Harmony Pottery" seasonal celebrations, "Cornwall's New Age Festival," "Research & Enlightenment Centre" talks, "Wellbeing Centre" workshops, and "Penwith Pagan Network" events.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Meyn Mamvro strongly emphasizes earth mysteries, pagan traditions, and the spiritual significance of ancient sites and the natural landscape, particularly in Cornwall. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting alternative perspectives on history, spirituality, and consciousness, encouraging reader participation and the sharing of knowledge and experiences. There is a clear focus on local traditions and lore, while also engaging with broader themes of mythology and the paranormal. The magazine serves as a hub for connecting individuals and organizations within these fields.