Meyn Mamvro - No 024 - Summer 1994

Magazine Overview

Title: MEYN MAMVRO
Issue: 24
Date: Summer 1994
Price: £1.50

This issue of Meyn Mamvro, a small press publication focused on ancient stones, sacred sites, and earth mysteries, delves into the historical and cultural connections between Cornwall and Ireland. The cover art features a Celtic-inspired design with dancing figures and spiral motifs, hinting at the issue's themes of ritual landscapes, folklore, and earth mysteries.

Contents

The issue includes an editorial, reader contributions, and several feature articles:

• Editorial: Discusses the magazine's reliance on contributors and readers, thanks artists and printers, and highlights the special Cornish-Irish theme of this edition, coinciding with the International Celtic Congress in Falmouth.
• Cornish Earth Mysteries Group: Reports on recent talks by Paul Broadhurst on Tintagel and the Arthurian Mythos, and by editor Cheryl Straffon on "The Goddess in Cornwall." It also mentions a visit by John Billingsley discussing "Earth Mysteries in Japan."
• Readers Write: Features contributions from Calum MacIntosh on Wendron's Circle Alignments and John Michell on West Penwith Alignments, discussing the importance of map work and fieldwork for understanding megalithic sites. Jean Harris shares her personal connection to West Penwith and its sacred sites.
• CORNWALL & IRELAND The Ancient Link: This article explores the long-standing contact between Cornwall and Ireland, from the Mesolithic period through to the Bronze and Iron Ages. It highlights similarities in megalithic tombs, stone circles, and the potential influence of copper traders. The article also touches upon shared language roots, gods, goddesses, and folklore, as well as the presence of fogous/souterrains in both regions.
• Introduction: By Paul Thomas, this section further elaborates on the similarities between Irish and Cornish antiquities, focusing on portal tombs (quoits) and entrance graves, noting their presence in areas of copper mining. It also introduces the concept of fogous/souterrains.
• The Calendar of the Land: Co-authored by Caeia March and Cheryl Straffon, this article examines ritual landscapes on Bodmin Moor (Cornwall) and Loughcrew (Ireland). It discusses how Neolithic farmers aligned stone circles with celestial events and landscape features, using Craddock Moor as a central example. The article then contrasts this with the Loughcrew sites in Ireland, noting their similar astronomical alignments.
• The Fairy Lands: (Mentioned in contents, details not fully visible in provided scans)
• Fogous & Souterrains: (Mentioned in contents, details not fully visible in provided scans)
• Book Reviews: (Mentioned in contents, details not fully visible in provided scans)
• The Pipers Tune: (Mentioned in contents, details not fully visible in provided scans)

Key Articles and Themes

Cornwall & Ireland: The Ancient Link

This central article posits a continuous connection between Cornwall and Ireland dating back to the Mesolithic period. It suggests that early fisherfolk may have travelled between the regions, and that megalithic tombs like passage graves might have originated during this time. By the late 3rd and early 2nd millennium BCE, Cornwall appears to have had closer ties with Ireland and Brittany than the rest of England. Evidence for this includes similarities between stone circles in NW Bodmin Moor and SE Ireland, particularly around the Wicklow Hills. The article suggests that the centre stones in some Irish circles may have been influenced by Cornish practices, citing Boscawen-un's quartz pillar as an example.

During the Bronze and Iron Ages, trade in tin and gold facilitated further interaction. Settlement by Irish people in Cornwall led to the erection of inscribed stones and possibly the introduction of maze carvings. Linguistically, Cornish and Irish Gaelic are noted as cousin languages derived from Gaulish. They shared common gods, goddesses, saints, and folklore, including beliefs about fairy folk and their relationship to the land.

The article also highlights the presence of underground chambers, known as fogous in Cornwall and souterrains in Ireland, which are found in Cornwall, Ireland, Scotland, and Brittany. Souterrains are described as more widespread and elaborate in Ireland.

The Calendar of the Land: Ritual Landscapes of Bodmin Moor & Loughcrew

This piece explores how ancient peoples viewed the Earth as a living, magical entity, with megalithic sites acting as hubs for celestial cycles. The authors, Caeia March and Cheryl Straffon, focus on two case studies: Bodmin Moor in Cornwall and Loughcrew in Ireland. On Bodmin Moor, Neolithic farmers built stone circles with an awareness of the natural landscape and the sun's passage. The Craddock Moor stone circle is identified as a central point, with nearby sites like Stowe's Pound, Trevarrick Tor, and Caradon Hill forming a complex aligned with celestial events. The article details how cairns on Caradon Hill marked the sun's path from Samhain to Imbolc, and how a stone avenue may have served as a processional route to the stone circle. The authors describe this as a "huge sundial, a celestial clock marked out on the land."

The article then shifts to Loughcrew in Ireland, describing it as a peaceful megalithic complex. It notes that Cairn T at Carnbane East is aligned to the Autumn Equinox sunrise. The authors recount witnessing the sunrise on September 23rd, 1993, where the sun's light illuminated intricate carvings within the chamber. They mention that the Boyne Valley community, including Knowth, also shared this awareness of Spring and Autumn Equinox alignments.

Introduction

Paul Thomas's introduction expands on the links between Irish and Cornish antiquities, referencing Sean P. O'Roirdain's work. He discusses portal tombs (or quoits) found in Ireland and Cornwall, noting their structural similarities and association with copper mining areas. Entrance graves in West Penwith are compared to passage graves in Ireland, with examples like Pennance and Carn Glûze mentioned. The article also touches upon fogous/souterrains, stating they are found in Cornwall, Ireland, Scotland, and Brittany, with Ireland having the most elaborate examples.

News from the Cornish Earth Mysteries Group

This section provides updates on the group's activities. A talk by Paul Broadhurst focused on "Tintagel and the Arthurian Mythos," exploring sites on Tintagel island and the Winter Solstice line to Bodmin Moor. Cheryl Straffon presented on "The Goddess in Cornwall," tracing a continuity of tradition from prehistoric times to ancient sites, and discussing alignments, legends, and folklore related to priestesses and wells. John Billingsley shared insights into "Earth Mysteries in Japan," focusing on the province of ancient Kibi and its landscape lines, megalithic stones, and Shinto shrines.

Where Are the Garrack Zans?

Researcher Jan Gendall is seeking information about ancient Cornish "Garrack Zans" – table-like holy rocks that served as focal points in many parishes. These rocks were venerated, and examples like Table-maen are mentioned, along with others like Escols and Sowah. The article appeals to readers for any details or sightings.

Readers Write

Calum MacIntosh describes his attempt to verify a solstice alignment at Wendron stone circle, noting the challenges of visibility and weather. John Michell argues for a collaborative approach between amateurs and archaeologists to study megalithic alignments, emphasizing the importance of map work, fieldwork, and identifying missing stones to potentially restore understanding of ancient sciences. Jean Harris expresses her deep connection to West Penwith, sharing her experiences as a natural healer finding solace at local sacred sites like Alsia Well and Boscawen-un.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes an interest in ancient history, archaeology, folklore, and earth mysteries, with a particular focus on Cornwall and its connections to other Celtic regions like Ireland. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting grassroots research, encouraging reader participation, and valuing the preservation and understanding of ancient sites and traditions. There is a strong emphasis on the spiritual and energetic aspects of these landscapes, viewing them as living entities connected to celestial cycles and ancient beliefs. The magazine also highlights the importance of local history and the need to protect and study these heritage sites.

This issue of MEYN MAMVRO, dated Summer 1994, issue number 24, explores the ancient connections between Ireland and Cornwall, focusing on archaeological sites, mythology, and folklore. The magazine features articles on megalithic structures, Bronze Age artifacts, inscribed stones, and the rich tapestry of fairy lore across Celtic lands.

Irish Sites in Cornwall

The article "Irish Sites in Cornwall" details the evidence for links between Ireland and Cornwall, falling into three main categories: Bronze Age artifacts, Dark Age inscribed stones, and legends of pagan gods/goddesses and Celtic saints. It is suggested that copper from Ireland was smelted with Cornish tin to produce Bronze Age tools, with artifacts like axes and gold bracelets found in Cornwall indicating extensive trade. The presence of ogham lettering on inscribed stones in North Cornwall points to Irish incomers from SE Ireland. Legends of the goddess Bride and the white lady from Ireland are also discussed, along with the story of Tristan and Iseult, which highlights the connection between the two regions. The article also lists numerous Irish saints who became Cornish patrons, reinforcing the idea of regular contact from the Bronze Age onwards.

Cornwall's Mysterious Places: Rocky Valley Mazes & The Irish Link

This section focuses on the labyrinth carvings found in Rocky Valley near Tintagel, Cornwall. While a nearby plaque suggests they are Bronze Age, their quality of preservation and the likely use of a metal tool indicate they are more recent. The article notes that the left-handed labyrinth carvings are dissimilar, with one being more regular and the other more irregular. A significant connection is drawn to a mirror-image right-handed labyrinth carving found on the "Hollywood Stone" near Hollywood in the Wicklow Hills, Ireland. The similarity between these carvings is so striking that it raises the question of whether they were carved by the same hand, suggesting a possible link between people from Ireland and Cornwall.

The article further explores the significance of labyrinths, noting their ancient origins dating from pre-Christian times and their adaptation by Christianity. The 6th century was a period of transition, and the labyrinth came to symbolize a journey into the self. A connection is made to an important Bronze Age cemetery on Ballon Hill in County Carlow, known as "The Walls of Troy," which may have once featured a maze. The article also highlights another link at the Cornish end, at the church of Lewannick, which has inscribed stones with Irish ogham notches and a 12th-century font featuring labyrinth, spiral, and maze patterns. This suggests a trail of maze-related traditions from the Wicklow Hills to Rocky Valley and Lewannick.

The Fairy Lands

Authored by Cheryl Straffon and Caeia March, "The Fairy Lands" article delves into the legends and stories of the Fairy Folk common to Celtic countries, emphasizing the ancient significance of the 'genus loci' or 'spirit of place'. It explains how early ancestors believed places were infused with the spirit of the land, with inanimate objects embodying spirits of the earth and the Goddess herself. The article details how the 'little people' were known to inhabit ancient hilltops, 'fairy knolls', and prehistoric earthworks in Ireland and Scotland, citing place-names as evidence. The Isle of Man also had numerous fairy glens, and Wales has fairy glens and places near Bronze Age sites. In Cornwall, the term 'pisky' is applied to natural features and megalithic structures, with piskeys and spriggans thought to inhabit old ruins and megaliths, possibly representing a folk memory of Neolithic people. Fairy places are often sacred sites of ancestors, with examples like Caroy Church on Skye built on a burial mound. In Ireland, Tara and Lough Gur are mentioned as sacred spots where rites to ancient Goddesses were celebrated, suggesting fairy places may have originally been places of the Goddess.

The article continues by discussing fairy-haunted parts of the Isle of Man and Wales, and how fairies often occupied places ruled by giants in Cornwall. It explores how fairy places are often entrances to otherworlds, with Lough Gur in Ireland being known as the entrance to Tir-na-Nog. In Cornwall, places like The Gump near St Just and Mousehole are associated with fairy folk and otherworldly spirits. Legends on Skye and in Wales and Man connect lakes, sea-coasts, and specific locations to the 'little people'. Boundaries, particularly water, are important in fairy lore, with streams and moving water in glens serving as boundaries or places for fairies to dance. The article also touches on pathways, with fairy paths or passes believed to be magnetic arteries. It notes that houses in the way of fairy paths had corners cut off or doors left open. In Wales, meeting fairy folk on their paths was dangerous. The Fairy Bridge near Dunvegan on Skye is mentioned as a place of reverence and fear due to its association with fairies. In Cornwall, legends relate to St Nuns Well, where guardian elves and piskies are present, and the concept of being 'piskey-led' is discussed as a form of being led astray.

Fairies are deeply connected to the land and ancient paths. The time for connecting with them is often at twilight, and significant times of the year include May 11th (Old May Day's Eve) in Man. Fires were lit on hills to ward off evil spirits. The article concludes by stating that fairies are the spirit of the land, and as long as the land is believed to have spirit, fairies will have a place in mythology.

The Dancing Maidens

This article describes a legend attached to stone circles in Cornwall and Ireland that are identical in their stories. The legend tells of a group of maidens dancing to the music of a piper, and because their dancing strayed into the Sabbath, they were turned to stone. In Ireland, this legend is associated with the Piper Stones at Athgreany near Hollywood in the Wicklow Hills. In Cornwall, the legend is linked to The Merry Maidens stone circle, with nearby standing stones called The Pipers. Similar legends exist elsewhere, such as the Ninestones on Dartmoor and the Haltadans in Shetland. However, the identical legends in Ireland and Cornwall, and their proliferation in Cornwall, suggest an earlier origin. The article posits that these legends might be a Christian warning from the 16th or 17th centuries, or a folk memory of ritual dancing by women, perhaps priestesses of the Goddess, with the Irish-Cornish link indicating a shared ceremony or transmission of memory.

Pogous & Souterrains

The article "Pogous & Souterrains" discusses Iron Age structures in Cornwall known as 'fogous' and their related structures, 'souterrains', found in other Celtic countries like Ireland, Scotland, and Brittany. The consensus is that souterrains were part of fortified settlements for defensive purposes, a conclusion also applied to Cornish fogous. However, important differences exist. Cornish fogous appear to date from the Iron Age (500 BCE - 500 CE), possibly predating the settlements they are incorporated into. Irish souterrains are generally later, dating from the early Christian period. Structurally, Irish souterrains are described as complex, with multiple chambers, air shafts, and escape tunnels, often built with corbelled dry masonry. Cornish fogous, in contrast, typically have a simple, gently-curving passage. Location also differs: fogous are found near courtyard-house settlements, not in hillforts, while Irish souterrains are associated with military or defended sites like ringforts. A significant difference is the solar orientation of fogous, with their northern ends facing the midsummer sunrise or sunset, a feature not found in souterrains.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently explores the deep connections between ancient cultures, particularly the links between Ireland and Cornwall. It highlights the enduring influence of pagan beliefs, Goddess worship, and Celtic mythology, even as Christianity spread. The concept of sacred landscapes, the 'spirit of place', and the significance of astronomical alignments in ancient sites are recurring themes. The magazine also emphasizes the mysterious and often unexplained aspects of these ancient sites, from celestial clocks and labyrinthine paths to the pervasive presence of fairy lore. The editorial stance appears to be one of scholarly inquiry into these ancient mysteries, seeking to uncover the shared heritage and spiritual beliefs of the Celtic peoples.

Meyn Mamvro, Issue 24, Summer 1994, is a magazine focused on Earth Mysteries, archaeology, folklore, and Celtic culture. The issue delves into the enigmatic structures known as fogous and souterrains, exploring their history, potential functions, and cultural significance.

Fogous and Souterrains: A Comparative Study

The lead article, accompanied by an illustration of a souterrain at Knockdhu, Co. Antrim, discusses the relationship between Irish souterrains and Cornish fogous. While acknowledging surface similarities, the article posits that these structures may have served different purposes. In Ireland, they might have been refuges from the upper world, whereas in Cornwall, they could have been intended to connect with the 'womb of mother earth.' The article references works by R. Warner and Rachel Maclean, and features a postscript about a Cornish fogou at Pendeen with a legend linking it to Ireland, involving a woman in white who portends death.

Review: "Mother and Sun - The Cornish Fogou"

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a review of Ian McNeil Cooke's book, "Mother and Sun - The Cornish Fogou." This 350-page work is lauded as a beautifully produced and comprehensive study. The book is divided into two parts: the first lists approximately 62 fogou sites, including those considered definite, possible, and unlikely, with critical analysis of previous identifications. The review highlights Cooke's caution against misidentifying any hole in the ground as a fogou, citing instances where archaeologists have erred. The second half of the book focuses on the interpretation of existing fogous, including Ian Cooke's research on their deliberate orientation towards the midsummer sunrise or sunset, and evidence regarding tin-bearing lodes. The review also touches upon folk tales, anomalous energies, and comparisons with souterrains in Ireland, Scotland, and Brittany. The book considers alternative theories of refuge, storage, and ritual, and quotes Patricia Christie's conclusion that fogous had a significant religious purpose. Cooke's concluding statement is quoted: "The Cornish fogou, far from being a simple village larder or hiding-place hardly worthy of preservation, forms a class of Iron Age religious structure without precedent in England."

Review: "From Carnac to Callanish"

Another book reviewed is Aubrey Burl's "From Carnac to Callanish - The prehistoric stone rows and avenues of Britain, Ireland & Brittany." This work is described as the definitive book on stone rows, redressing the balance for these "neglected wonders of prehistoric Europe." It combines information on excavations, megalithic art, astronomical functions, and legends. The review notes the book's examination of Cornish sites and its exploration of links between megalithic countries, suggesting that Irish copper and Cornish tin played a role in the development of stone rows. Burl's belief that avenues were primarily processional while stone rows were astronomical in function is mentioned, as is the possibility of Neolithic origins for Celtic festivals. The reviewer praises Burl's unprejudiced and open-minded approach.

A Celtic Miscellany

This section presents a collection of reviews and mentions of books related to Celtic themes:

• "The Little Book of Celtic Designs" by David James: A collection of his Celtic illustrations, featuring 30 detailed designs and knotwork.
• Reprints by Constable: Several classic books on Celtic themes are reprinted, including J.A. MacCulloch's "The Religion of the Ancient Celts" and "The Celtic and Scandinavian Religions," and Roger Sherman Loomis's "Celtic and Arthurian Romance." Anne Ross's "Pagan Celtic Britain" is also mentioned.
• "The Celtic Lunar Zodiac" by Helena Paterson: This book is described as beautifully produced and fascinating, exploring a lunar zodiac and covering Celtic legend, myth, flower lore, and astrology. However, the review notes reservations about the author's interpretations, particularly her reliance on Robert Graves, and the inclusion of new-age concepts.
• "Ancient and Holy Wells of Cornwall" by M & L Quiller-Couch: A reprint of a classic work from 1894, providing reference to holy wells and their state a century ago.

New Publications and Resources

• WISHT MAEN: A new Earth Mysteries magazine covering Devon, inspired by "Meyn Mamvro." The review encourages support for this new publication.
• Meyn Mamvro Publications: Several new titles are available, including "The Earth Mysteries Guide to Ancient Sites in West Penwith" and "The Earth Mysteries Guide to Bodmin Moor & North Cornwall (+Tintagel)," both described as comprehensive guides to sacred sites. "Pagan Cornwall - Land of the Goddess" by Cheryl Straffon is also featured.
• "The Ley Hunter" magazine: The current issue (no.120) features an article by Paul Devereux on Cornish churchway leys, suggesting their origins lie in a perception of landscape where mindscape and landscape merged.

Noticeboard

The Noticeboard section lists various upcoming events and activities:

• May Day Celebrations 1994: Events in St. Just and Redruth.
• Cornish Earth Mysteries: Walks and fogou site visits, including a sunrise meet at Carn Euny with Ian Cooke.
• Cornish Crop Circles Group: Information on site visits and sessions.
• Mind Body & Spirit Festivals: Events in Wadebridge, Truro, Bude, and Newquay.
• The Wellbeing Centre: Workshops and events in Illogan.
• Research & Enlightenment Centre: Monthly talks in St. Austell on topics including the I Ching, Zen, and the pre-Christian origins of Irish saints.
• CAER (Centre for Alternative Education & Research): Programme of events in Lamorna, including Sacred Rhythm, Meditations for Sacred Sites, and Tantra.
• Walks: Guided walks such as the Tinners Way and Antiquity Walks with Ian Cooke.

Exchange Magazines and Bookshops

The issue includes extensive listings of other magazines and publications in the fields of Earth Mysteries, Sacred Sites, and Paganism, with subscription prices. It also features advertisements for "The Quay Bookshop" in Penzance and "Dragon Books," specializing in esoteric and alternative literature.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around ancient sites, particularly fogous and souterrains, their interpretation, and their connection to earth mysteries, Celtic culture, and spirituality. The magazine consistently promotes a perspective that values in-depth research, open-mindedness, and the exploration of alternative theories, often challenging conventional archaeological interpretations. There is a clear emphasis on the spiritual and psychic aspects of these sites, and a commitment to uncovering and preserving knowledge about them. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocating for the significance of these ancient structures as more than mere utilitarian sites, but as integral parts of a deeper cultural and spiritual heritage.