Meyn Mamvro - No 022 - Autumn 1993

Magazine Overview

Title: Meyn Mamvro
Issue: 22
Date: Autumn 1993
Publisher: Meyn Mamvro
Country: United Kingdom
Price: £1.50

This issue of Meyn Mamvro, a magazine dedicated to ancient stones and sacred sites in Cornwall, delves into the mysteries of several significant locations and reports on recent events within the Earth Mysteries community. The cover features an evocative illustration and highlights key articles on "The Tristan Stone" and "The Men-an-Tol: A Hole New Puzzle."

Contents

The magazine includes an editorial, news section, and a variety of articles covering topics such as the Cornish Earth Mysteries Group, crop circles, the Men-an-Tol, the Tristan Stone, pagan goddesses, inscribed stones of Mid-Cornwall, Cornwall's mysterious places, and the Lizard area. It also features book reviews and news.

Editorial

The editorial likely sets the tone for the issue, possibly touching upon the magazine's growth as a small publisher and the upcoming release of the editor's book, "Pagan Cornwall Land of the Goddess."

News

The news section covers several incidents and developments:

• Merry Maidens Chipped Off: The Merry Maidens stone circle in West Penwith was desecrated when a man chipped off a piece of one of the stones. Local media interviewed County Archaeologist Nick Johnson and Meyn Mamvro editor Cheryl Straffon, who expressed concern about the "love to death" phenomenon and the threat to free access to sites.
• Ballowall Barrow to be Entrusted: English Heritage plans to lease out sites, including Ballowall Barrow (Carn Gluze), to other bodies like the National Trust. While seen as a welcome move, fears remain for other sites.
• Celtic Cross Not at Piece!: An attempt to steal a Celtic cross at Piece near Redruth was thwarted by a local schoolteacher who encountered youths with a lorry and crane. This is believed to be part of an illicit export trade.
• Curse of Erasmus is Well Removed!: Phillack Well near Hayle, which was profaned over 250 years ago, has been restored by the Hayle Old Cornwall Society. The well was historically associated with a family curse after the High Sherriff Erasmus Pascoe washed his dogs in it.
• Bronze/Iron Age Settlements Reborn: Two independent projects are reconstructing Bronze and Iron Age settlements in Cornwall. One is on Bodmin Moor, building hut circles on Trewortha Farm, intended as a residential study centre. Another is a mock Iron Age village at Chacewater near Truro, featuring roundhouses and a weaving shed. Additionally, schoolchildren participated in activities at Chysauster ancient village, including Celtic music, flint knapping, and dressing in Celtic costume.

The Men-an-Tol: A Hole New Puzzle

This article examines the Men-an-Tol holed stone on the West Penwith Moors, a site of intrigue. It discusses its unusual size and shape, noting that while holed stones exist elsewhere, few are of this magnitude. Traditional interpretations include it being a unique monument or the remains of a chambered tomb. The article presents a plan by Dr. Borlase from 1754 showing a different arrangement, suggesting the holed stone might have been moved. The theory of it being an entrance to a tomb is explored, with parallels drawn to Cotswold tombs and features at Trethevey Quoit and Newgrange. The article also considers the Cornwall Archaeological Unit's suggestion that it was part of a stone circle, with the holed stone potentially serving as a ritual focus. It further explores the possibility that the site was a cairn circle of a burial chamber, similar to Bryn Celli Ddu and Newgrange, with the holed stone acting as an entrance or capstone.

The Tristan Stone - The Mystery of the Missing Line

This article by Craig Weatherhill investigates the Tristan Stone, located near Fowey. The stone is mounted on a pedestal and has a plaque from the Fowey Old Cornwall Society. The inscription, originally read as "CRVSTANS HIC IACIT CVNOWORI FILIVS," has been subject to scholarly debate. While earlier interpretations by Borlase and Macalister are discussed, it is now generally agreed that the first name is "DRVSTANS" or "DRUSTANVS," a British name adapted to "Tristan." The article explores the etymology of "Cunomorus" (sea-hound) and its connection to historical figures and place names. It also discusses the potential link between Cunomorus and Marcus, also known as Quonomorius, mentioned in the "Life of St Paul Aurelian," and Gregory of Tours' account of a Breton Count named Chonomor. The article posits that the inscription could be interpreted as "Tristan here lies, son of King Mark," potentially confirming the historical existence of the characters from the Tristan and Iseult legend. The article also details the stone's history of movement and damage, suggesting that a missing part of the inscription might have been lost during these moves and could potentially still be found.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on Earth Mysteries, ancient sites, folklore, and pagan traditions, particularly within Cornwall. There is a strong emphasis on local history, archaeology, and the interpretation of ancient monuments. The editorial stance appears to be one of reverence for these sites and a concern for their preservation and public access, as evidenced by the reaction to the Merry Maidens incident. The magazine also promotes the idea of connecting with nature and ancient practices, as seen in the reports on Beltane celebrations and goddess tours. The publication also acts as a platform for researchers and enthusiasts to share their findings and engage in debate, as seen in the discussion surrounding the Men-an-Tol and the Tristan Stone.

Title: Meyn Mamvro
Issue: 22
Date: Autumn 1993
Publisher: Meyn Mamvro
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of Meyn Mamvro delves into the rich tapestry of Cornwall's ancient history and mystical traditions, focusing on sacred sites, folklore, and pagan interpretations of legends.

The Tristan Stone and Celtic Christianity

The issue begins by discussing the Tristan Stone, a memorial believed to be from the early Celtic Christian period. Its T-shaped carving, referred to as a Tau cross, and its location near an important post-Roman route, The Saint's Way, are highlighted. The stone's impressive size and the effort required to transport it suggest it commemorated individuals of exceptional importance. The article speculates that the legend of Tristan and Iseult, linked to this stone, preserves a sense of magic.

Review: The Earth Mysteries Guide to Bodmin Moor and North Cornwall

A review by Bob Trubshaw of a guide to Bodmin Moor and North Cornwall, including Tintagel, is presented. The guide is praised as a "fact-filled compendium" covering stone circles, standing stones, ancient crosses, and Arthurian lore. It includes astronomical sighting information and grid references. The reviewer commends its effectiveness in compiling information, noting that while much of the content has appeared in previous Meyn Mamvro issues, its consolidation is highly valuable.

Iseult: A Pagan Goddess?

This article by Cheryl Straffon reinterprets the legend of Tristan and Iseult, suggesting Iseult was more than a "fair princess" but a powerful pagan goddess figure. The tale, originating from 1160, is analyzed for its pagan magic, love, and betrayal themes. Iseult is portrayed as a powerful, independent woman, a healer, and potentially a Goddess of the Land to whom a king or prince had to be wedded for power. Parallels are drawn with other rebellious female figures in Celtic mythology, and she is suggested to be a combination of a local vegetation goddess and a Cornish variant of Bridgit/Bride. The article posits that the legend echoes ancient themes of the fight between Summer and Winter kings over the Spring maiden.

Inscribed Stones of Mid-Cornwall

This section details several inscribed stones found in Mid-Cornwall, providing their locations, inscriptions, and estimated dates:

• Cubert: A stone inscribed "CONETOCI FILI TEGERNOMALI" (Conetocus, son of Tegernomalus), possibly 7th century.
• Cuby: A stone inscribed "NONNITA RIGATI TRIS FILI ERCILINI" (Nonnita, Rigatus, the three children of Ercilinus), dating from the 5th-7th centuries C.E.
• St Clement: An inscribed stone reading "IGNIOC VITALI FILI TORRICI" (Ignioc, son of Vitalus), with a cross at the top, from the 6th century. The inscription was also in ogam script.
• Menheer Farm, Ninnis: A Roman milestone dedicated to Emperor Gordianus, dated 238-244 CE.
• Mawgan Cross: A headless cross-shaft inscribed "CNEGUMI FILI GENAIVS" (Cnegumus, son of Genaius), with late lettering possibly from the 10th century.

Cornwall's Mysterious Places: The Omphalos

This series begins by exploring the concept of the Omphalos, the sacred centre of the world or a region. It discusses examples from ancient Greek, Babylonian, and Islamic cultures. For England, potential candidates like Oxford, High Cross, and Royston are mentioned. The article then focuses on Cornwall, identifying the village of Lanivet as its Omphalos. The name Lanivet itself signifies a "church-site at the pagan sacred place." The site is marked by a decorated wheel cross and an inscribed stone, and it lies at the midpoint of the Saints Way, a historic pilgrim route. The Feast Day at Lanivet coincides with the Pagan Celtic May festival of Beltane, further indicating its ancient significance.

The Lizard: Dream Weaver of the Lizard

This section explores the mystical qualities of The Lizard peninsula. The serpentine rock formations are described as resembling a "gigantic multi-faced snake-skin" radiating ancient power. The name 'Lizard' itself may derive from 'Lisarth', meaning 'Holy Place'. Lady Clara Vyvyan's writings are cited, describing The Lizard as having a sense of "something more" and an atmosphere of enchantment. The article mentions the "Lizard Peilar cult," known as "The Kachinas, The Keepers of the Ancient Dream," who study the area's potent earth energies, referred to as "Snake-Breath." These energies are believed to affect people, inducing visions and altered states of consciousness. The Kachinas aim to use this power for healing and evolution. The peninsula is also noted for its alleged honeycombed network of secret tunnels, some of which are believed to be of great antiquity, potentially dating back to the Neolithic period. Mysterious pathways radiating from Lizard Village are also discussed, which Geomancers claim follow ancient serpentine energy lines.

Summoning the Serpent of the Lizard

A mantric invocation is provided to "Summon the Serpent of the Lizard," attributed to the Kachinas. This ritual involves meditating and intoning specific phrases to communicate with the "dark Serpent Goddess," believed to be the mistress of The Lizard's secrets. The invocation seeks to bring "moon visions" and connect with the "Otherworld."

Mysteries of The Lizard's Deep Dark Places

The article concludes by reiterating the mysteries of The Lizard, including the secret tunnels and pathways. It suggests these tunnels lead to where the "Earth-Spirit dwells within the Earth," possibly connecting to "Temple Caves of the Dark Mother." The active forces on The Lizard are seen as still potent and ancient.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of ancient British and Celtic history, paganism, earth mysteries, folklore, and the interpretation of legends through a mystical or spiritual lens. The editorial stance appears to favour uncovering and presenting alternative perspectives on history and spirituality, particularly those related to Cornwall's unique landscape and mythology. There is a clear interest in connecting ancient beliefs and practices with contemporary spiritual exploration, often highlighting the enduring power of sacred sites and ancient traditions.

Meyn Mamvro, Issue 22, Autumn 1993. This issue is dedicated to the memory of the artist Penny Harris and features articles on Cornish history, archaeology, and pagan traditions.

Penny Harris: A Tribute

This section commemorates the life and work of Penny Harris, a Cornwall-based artist who passed away in July 1993. Described as an original and gifted artist, her work was deeply connected to the natural world and spiritual themes. She lived and worked in St. Agnes, and some of her previous works had been featured in Meyn Mamvros, including 'Spirits at Sacred Sites', 'St. Ambrew's Well', 'The Green Man', 'The Yule Wheel', 'Eostre's Egg', and 'The Corn Maiden'.

Harris came from an artistic family; her mother, Olive Frances Friend, was a pre-Raphaelite style artist. Penny was taught by her mother and studied at Exeter College of Art. Her primary artistic medium was painting by reverse on glass, creating detailed compositions of light and colour. She believed her images came from a source beyond her conscious control, often interpreted as originating from the 'Earth Mother'. Her later works featured powerful archetypal Goddess images.

The tribute is written by Cheryl Straffon, who recalls Penny as a warm, kind, and caring woman. One of Penny's last projects was illustrating 'The Web of Enchantment', a book of poems by Clare Persephone Marfell-Harris. Prints of Penny's work and copies of the book were available for sale through her husband, Philip Harris.

Book Reviews

"CELT AND SAXON - THE STRUGGLE FOR BRITAIN AD 410-937" by Peter Berresford-Ellis

This review discusses Berresford-Ellis's scholarly work on the period of Dark-Age Britain. The author argues that the Saxon takeover of England and the subsequent expulsion of Celts to Cornwall, Wales, Ireland, and Scotland was a deliberate policy of aggression and suppression, rather than a peaceful integration. He cites evidence of the slaughter of Celtic monks, the lack of Celtic words in English, and the banning of Celtic forms of worship. The review notes that this policy of 'annihilation' was never fully achieved, leading to ongoing conflict. Berresford-Ellis posits that the Celts were linguistically, culturally, and temperamentally distinct from the Anglo-Saxons, and that Cornwall was a separate entity within the western kingdom of Dumnonia until the 8th century.

"THE CELTS THE CONSTRUCTION OF A MYTH" by Malcolm Chapman

Malcolm Chapman offers a different perspective, suggesting that the term 'Celts' does not refer to an unbroken lineage but rather a symbolic opposition between a central defining power (England) and its fringes ('the other'). Chapman questions the notion of a unified Celtic identity, noting that anthropological and blood sample studies show people of Cornish descent are not significantly more Celtic genetically. However, he acknowledges that a people's sense of identity is also shaped by cultural and historical factors, and that Cornish people are proud of their traditions. The review suggests that both Chapman and Berresford-Ellis agree that the 'Celts' are 'other', though for different reasons: Chapman due to definition, and Berresford-Ellis due to marginalization by the English.

"TINTAGEL - ARTHUR AND ARCHAEOLOGY" by Charles Thomas

This review covers Charles Thomas's book on Tintagel, which is presented as an 'interim report'. Thomas's enthusiasm for the site is evident, despite his cautious interpretation. He points out that Tintagel Island was unsuitable for year-round occupation, that there's no early Cornish folklore connecting Arthur to the site, and that the previous interpretation of it as a Celtic monastery is erroneous. He suggests the 'King Arthur's Footprint' might have been a prehistoric sacred site for inauguration ceremonies. The review notes a peculiar absence of Otherworld legends associated with Tintagel, which is surprising. Thomas rebuts historical Arthurian associations but maintains a tolerant view of different interpretations. The book is praised for its excellent illustrations, maps, and diagrams, serving as a comprehensive summary of Cornwall's most famous site.

PAGAN CORNWALL land of the Goddess

This article, written by Cheryl Straffon, explores Cornwall as a land apart, deeply connected to ancient ways and the sacred land. Straffon posits that Cornwall's unique quality stems from the presence of 'The Goddess', a spiritual essence once revered in the land. The author's book, also titled 'Pagan Cornwall: Land of the Goddess', attempts to reclaim this connection. It argues for a continuity of tradition from the earliest times to the present day, supported by archaeological and mythological research. The book covers various aspects of the Goddess, including her sites, spirit, healing aspects (wells), connection to the Isles of Scilly, the land itself, the Wheel of the Year, witches, and wise-women.

MOTHER AND SUN THE CORNISH FOGOU

Ian McNeil Cooke discusses Cornish Iron Age souterrains, known as fogous. After visiting Carn Euny, Cooke questioned the common theories of storage or refuge, finding them irreconcilable with the architecture. He investigated their original use, suspecting a connection to pagan religion. Cooke discovered that many fogous have their northern passage aligned towards the north-east, possibly related to the rising sun at Beltane or the summer solstice. He also notes a mirroring of passage alignments with local subterranean mineral lodes and a coincidence with the tin trade between West Cornwall and ancient civilizations. His book, "Mother and Sun: The Cornish Fogou", is presented as a comprehensive collection of fogou material, with positive commentary from Dr. Patricia Christie, Director of Excavations at Carn Euny.

The Pipers Tune

This section discusses two related articles concerning the function of Cornish fogous. One is a new book by Ian Cooke (reviewed above), and the other is an article in "Cornish Archaeology 31" by Rachel Maciean. Maciean dismisses storage theories due to damp interiors and questions ritual use, finding subjective evidence for deity carvings and questioning the interpretation of cremated bone. She suggests fogous were primarily places of refuge, citing evidence from Ireland and Britain. The article also mentions an article by Adam Sharpe on cliff castles, suggesting they served as central places for cultural, administrative, and religious activities rather than defence or trade. Finally, it touches upon John Michell's questioning of the alignment of ancient sites as spirit paths in 'Northern Earth 55'.

Exchange Magazines

This section lists various magazines available for subscription, categorized under 'Earth Mysteries & Sacred Sites' and 'Paganism'. It includes details on publishers, prices, and sample copy availability for publications such as 'The Ley Hunter', 'Northern Earth', 'Mercian Mysteries', 'Touchstone', 'Markstone', 'The Cereologist', 'Pendragon', 'Caerdoia', 'Ash', 'Celtic Connections', 'The Cauldron', 'Pandora's Jar', 'Wood and Water', 'Dalriada', 'Bridestone', 'Deosil Dance', 'Quest', 'Moonshine', 'Touchwood', 'The Silver Wheel', 'Tides', and 'Circle Network News'.

Noticeboard

The Noticeboard section provides information on upcoming events and groups:

• Cornish Earth Mysteries: Meetings and talks in Penzance, including a Winter Solstice social and Chûn Quoit alignment visit.
• Cornish Crop Circles Group: Meetings and talks during Autumn/Winter.
• The Wellbeing Centre: Regular workshops and events in Illogan, Redruth.
• Harmony Pottery: Ritual celebrations at Samhain.
• Research & Enlightenment Centre: Regular monthly talks and discussions in St. Austell.
• Cornwall's New Age Festival: A weekend festival in Perranporth featuring talks, demonstrations, and stalls.
• The Goddess in Cornwall: An illustrated talk by Cheryl Straffon at the New Age Festival.
• Art & Healing Fayres: An event in Penzance with workshops on various holistic therapies.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on earth mysteries, paganism, Celtic history, archaeology, and the spiritual significance of Cornwall. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, embracing diverse interpretations of historical and spiritual phenomena, as indicated by the concurrence with Charles Thomas's sentiment about avoiding 'Thought Police' suppression of ideas. The magazine actively promotes related publications and events within these thematic areas.