Meyn Mamvro - No 026 - WinterSpring 1995

Magazine Overview

Title: Meyn Mamvro
Issue: No. 26
Date: Winter-Spring 1995
Price: £1.70
Publisher: Meyn Mamvro
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of Meyn Mamvro, subtitled 'ancient stones and sacred sites in cornwall', delves into various aspects of Cornish heritage, spirituality, and earth mysteries. The cover features a striking illustration that hints at the themes of celestial alignments, ancient monuments, and pagan traditions.

Editorial and Events

The editorial section highlights a period of increased networking and contact within Cornwall, particularly noting the success of the annual New Age Festival in Perranporth and a Pagan Moot organized in Hayle. The editor, Cheryl Straffon, also mentions a significant interview published in 'Peninsula Voice' magazine, discussing her personal journey into paganism and her book 'Pagan Cornwall', which has achieved out-of-print status due to its popularity. The publication of 'The Earth Mysteries Guide to Mid-Cornwall' is announced, completing a trilogy on the region.

The Cornish Earth Mysteries Group (CEMG) is featured, detailing their Autumn & Winter talks. These included a presentation by poetess and writer Jill Smith on the ancient sites of Lewis and Callinish, an exploration of the history and meaning of Runes by Kelvin Jones, and a talk by dowser Don Wilkins on 'Dowsing Old Stones & New Discoveries'. The group also organized a Winter Solstice walk to Chûn Quoit and a story-telling social.

A significant update is provided on the restoration of Carwynnen Quoit near Troon. While the farmer has agreed to cooperate, the project faced a substantial bill from English Heritage for excavation. However, the Cornwall Archaeological Society has agreed to conduct the excavation using volunteers, avoiding the high cost, though English Heritage's insistence on a large surrounding excavation area and the farmer's reluctance due to disruption remain points of contention.

Articles and Features

Stone Circulars: The Nine Sisters and Mên-an-Tol

Aubrey Burl contributes to a discussion about a missing 'stone circle' site mentioned by John Norden in the early 17th century, referred to as 'The Sisters'. Burl suggests the site was likely on St. Breock Downs and seeks further information. The editor's note clarifies that Norden did not explicitly call it a circle, but the drawing suggests it might have been. The article also touches upon the Nine Maidens stone row and a psychic vision of smaller stone rings at the site.

Cup-marked Stones at Tregeseal: Reader Rory Te Tigo reports the discovery of cup-marks on six stones of the Tregeseal stone circle, noting their size, depth, and potential use for libations.

The Moon-an-Tol by Kris Bond: This in-depth article explores the Mên-an-Tol, a unique holed stone in Cornwall. Kris Bond investigates its potential astronomical orientations, particularly its alignment with the major southern moonrise. The article compares Mên-an-Tol to other stone circles in the Symmetrical Class (Barnatt's class E) and the South Western Freestanding Class (Barnatt's sub-class F9), noting similarities with Little Hound Tor and the Merry Maidens. The possibility that the holed stone was originally positioned at a right angle to the circle, framing the moon, is discussed, supported by historical plans and the site's architecture. The article also mentions the potential for the ring to be the kerb of a denuded barrow and discusses other related sites like Hurlers North and Westen Irregular Circles.

Pre-History and Goddess Sites

The Pre-History of Fowey & Goddess Sites: This section presents responses to an article by David Stringer. Lyn Harrison comments on the etymology of 'Lescrow' and mentions aerial photography revealing an early settlement. Andy Norfolk discusses the etymology of 'Covington' and suggests a possible pagan solar goddess site at St. Katherine's Chapel. Robin Ellis offers a more mystical interpretation, viewing local gods and goddesses as 'dream-time beings' within the sacred landscape, explaining the difficulty in separating old gods from Celtic saints.

Readers Write

This section features several reader contributions:

• Can We Trust St. Nectan's Glen? Robin Ellis questions the closure of the café at St. Nectan's Glen and suggests forming a trust to manage the site, similar to the Chalice Well Trust. The editor adds that the owner closed the site due to 'people treating him with disrespect'.
• Making a Jersey Contact: Steven Le Geyt and Rebecca Jeavons express interest in establishing contacts in Cornwall for exchange visits, sharing knowledge of natural and sacred sites, and organizing holiday-cum-pilgrimages.
• Saints Alive in Cornwall! Calum MacIntosh notes a correlation between Cornish saints and the eight basic festivals, analyzing the recorded feast days of male and female saints.
• Waking the Environmentally-Friendly Dragon: This piece introduces the 'Dragon environmental group', which unites ecological action with magickal ritual, and calls for new groups to form a network. It also mentions the Women's Environmental Trust's work in protecting ancient sites.

Other Content

Book Reviews: A section for book reviews is listed in the contents but not detailed in the provided pages.

The Pipers Tune: Also listed in the contents, its details are not present in the scanned pages.

Power of Place: An advertisement for an exciting new booklet exploring power locations, including photos, tips, and a visualization, priced at £2.75.

The Quay Bookshop: An advertisement for The Quay Bookshop in Penzance, listing a wide range of subjects including Earth Mysteries, Mythology, Shamanism, Astrology, and more.

Bibliography: A list of cited works is provided, including books on British stone circles, Dartmoor antiquities, and Cornish sites.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Meyn Mamvro revolve around the deep connection between the landscape of Cornwall and its ancient past, particularly focusing on megalithic sites, stone circles, and their potential astronomical and spiritual significance. There is a strong emphasis on paganism, earth energies, and the rediscovery of pre-Christian traditions and deities, often intertwined with Celtic mythology and folklore. The magazine actively encourages reader participation through letters and contributions, fostering a community of researchers and enthusiasts. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting the exploration and understanding of these ancient sites and traditions, challenging conventional historical narratives, and celebrating the spiritual heritage of Cornwall. The magazine also demonstrates a commitment to ecological awareness and the protection of ancient sites.

Title: MEYN MAMVRO
Issue: 26
Date: Winter-Spring 1995

This issue of MEYN MAMVRO focuses on Cornish history, mythology, and ancient sites, with a particular emphasis on the legend of Gereint and the exploration of holy wells.

Gereint: A Lost Cornish Sun God

This article by Andy Norfolk explores the legend of Gereint, a Cornish king and saint. The village of Gerrans is named after him, and his name appears in various spellings such as Gerontius and Geraint. The author posits that Gereint may have been a Dark-Age king who lived at Dingerein Castle and was buried under Carne Beacon. The article draws connections between historical accounts, Arthurian stories, and Welsh traditional tales like the Mabinogian, suggesting that the story of 'Gereint, son of Erbin' might be based on the Cornish king or a god he was named after. The lineage is traced back to powerful Celtic deities like Lud, Nudd, Nodens, and Nuada, suggesting a tradition of royal lineage tracing back to gods to establish divine right. The legend is further linked to ancient Celtic myths, possibly involving a triple god figure and a resurrection cult associated with the god Frey. The author speculates that Gereint's story might be connected to astronomical events and the cycle of death and rebirth, symbolized by the dying and rising sun observed from Carne Beacon.

Holy Hilltops of Mid-Cornwall

This section details several ancient sites in mid-Cornwall, many of which are Iron Age enclosures or Neolithic hilltop sites. The exact function of these sites is unknown, but they may have served defensive roles or been centers for peaceful occupation. Sites mentioned include:

• Castle Gotha: An Iron Age site near Porthpean, excavated in the 1980s, revealing traces of metalworkers' huts and artifacts like brooches and a linch pin, suggesting Celtic tradition of head veneration.
• Resugga Castle: A well-preserved Iron Age fort near St. Stephen-in-Brannel, considered an important ritual center.
• Roche Rock: An extraordinary granite outcrop near Roche, topped by an ancient chapel dedicated to St. Michael, and associated with the Celtic saint St. Conan. A legend speaks of a well at its base that ebbs and flows with the sea.
• Castle-an-Dinas: A large Iron Age hillfort near Roche, with earth ramparts enclosing a settlement area that may include Bronze Age barrows.
• Helman Tor: An eastern site near Lanivet, possibly containing a Neolithic hill fort and later a Bronze Age settlement.

In Search of Cornwall's Holy Wells - 1

This series of articles begins by exploring some of Cornwall's lesser-known ancient and holy wells, focusing on the area around Newquay. The author, accompanied by Carol Beale, visited several sites:

• Crantock: A village where a well is described as a miniature pisky house with a beehive roof, associated with the 5th-century Irish saint Caratocus.
• St.Ambrusca: Located near Crantock, this well is notable for its magnificently carved wooden door featuring the face of the saint. Although the door is now locked, the site was historically important.
• Holywell Bay (Trevornick Farm): A hidden well by a stream, located on a holiday site. The 14th-century stone building was restored and offers a unique experience of walking through arches into a water garden.
• Holywell Bay (Cave): A unique well located in a cave in the rocks of Holywell Bay. Described as a magical and sacred place, it was a site where mothers brought sickly children for healing, particularly on November 1st, the day of the old Celtic festival of Samhain.
• Our Lady of Nance: A well near Colan, described as a small stone building by a stream, associated with the Lady/Goddess of the Valley. It was known for curing sore eyes and foretelling the future.
• Rialton Manor: A well-house in the garden of Rialton Manor, containing clear cold water that is said to never fail. The structure was historically dismantled and moved but later returned to its original site.
• Treloy Farm: The hardest well to find, located in a valley by a stream. An ancient stone building covered in mossy-green weed, it was once associated with a chapel dedicated to St. Pedyr and was visited by the sick for healing.

The author concludes that these seven wells, all within a few miles of Newquay, are gifts from the Goddess, bringing peace and tranquility.

Wells News: Ancient Holy Well at Roughtor Re-discovered

This section reports on the re-discovery and renovation of an ancient holy well at Roughtor on Bodmin Moor by the National Trust, the North Cornwall Heritage Coast, and the Cornwall Archaeological Unit. The well, previously lost, is situated near the foundations of St. Michael's Chapel and is built into the hillslope, featuring a dry-stone chamber with flat steps leading down to the water. The site is described as being in a beautiful setting with views across the moor, and is accessible via a pathway from Roughtor Road. Nearby are Stannon Stone Circle and Fernacre stone circle.

Source Information

The issue also includes information about 'The Journal of Holy Wells', which has been revived under new editors. It consists of 32 pages of information and articles on wells, predominantly in Wales, with contributions from various authors. Details for subscription are available in the Exchange Listings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on the ancient history, folklore, and sacred sites of Cornwall. There is a strong emphasis on Celtic mythology, legends, and the spiritual significance of natural landscapes and water sources. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting interest in local heritage, archaeology, and esoteric traditions, encouraging readers to explore and appreciate these sites. The articles often blend historical accounts with mythological interpretations and personal experiences of visiting these locations.

MEYN MAMVRO | 26 | Winter-Spring 1995

This issue of Meyn Mamvro, a magazine focused on Earth Mysteries and Celtic traditions, features a prominent article titled "FROM EDGE TO EDGE" by Jill Smith, an Earth Mysteries writer and artist. The magazine also includes a "Noticeboard" section with event listings and contact information for various groups and organizations.

From Edge to Edge

This article is a personal travelogue by Jill Smith, who recently travelled from the Isle of Lewis, where she lives, to Cornwall to give a talk and explore the land. Smith describes her journey, which she found disturbing due to its speed, preferring walking. She recounts her experiences in Penzance, visiting St. Michael's Mount, and feeling a profound connection to the land and its ancientness. She contrasts the experience of the sea in the Western Isles with that of the Atlantic on the western side of Lewis. Smith also details her walk through the Penwith landscape, noting the lack of tourist-isation and the preserved sense of pilgrimage to ancient sites like Tregeseal Circle and Carn Kenidjack. She reflects on how the landscape has been left largely untouched, unlike some sites in Lewis which are becoming overly managed. The article touches upon the feeling of being "in the land" and the sense of safety found in lying on the earth, surrounded by weather. Smith also mentions the assistance of Caeia March and Cheryl Straffon in facilitating her journey.

Book Reviews

The "BOOK REVIEWS" section covers several titles:

• "And Shall These Mute Stones Speak?" by Charles Thomas: Reviewed by [CS], this book is described as a notable event, opening up the subject of inscribed stones in Demetia and Dumnonia. While it contains extensive detail, the reviewer finds some parts tedious and convoluted, though the arguments about the origin and diffusion of inscribed stones are fascinating. The review highlights points about potential Welsh immigration to Cornwall and the pagan belief in spirits residing in stones. It also critiques Thomas's identification of St. Nectan with King Brychan, suggesting Nectan is a Christianisation of the pagan deity Nechtan. The overall assessment is that the stones speak "only imperfectly".
• "Celtic Myths, Celtic Legends" by R.J. Stewart: This book retells 10 Celtic tales and is a companion to "Celtic Gods, Celtic Goddesses." It features colour illustrations by Courtney Davis.
• "King Arthur and the Grail Quest" by John Matthews: Co-author of "Legendary Britain," Matthews explores Arthurian themes in a "richly woven tapestry of myth and legend," drawing on traditional sources and accompanied by photographs.
• "The Celtic Druids Year" by John King: Written by a Meyn Mamvro reader, this book accounts for the seasonal cycles of the ancient Celts, with the first part offering a historical overview and the second part examining the agricultural cycle and ceremonies. The reviewer notes that while some suggestions are speculative, King's knowledge of Celtic matters, infused with his mathematical and linguistic expertise, is evident. The book includes Cornish material such as fogous and Cornish saints.

The 'Cordex' Binder

This section announces the availability of "CORDEX" binders for Meyn Mamvro issues, made of light brown leatherette with an embossed logo. Each binder holds 12 issues and costs £5.50, with a discount to £5 each for two or more. Orders should be sent to Meyn Mamvro at the Penzance address.

Archaeological Survey of Bodmin Moor

A brief mention of a "Mother Goddess shape" that is a map of Stowe's Pound hillfort on Bodmin Moor. It is described as a comprehensive reference tome with plans, maps, and photographs, available from CAU.

Competition Winners

This section lists the winners of a competition to win a copy of "Myths and Legends of Cornwall." The correct answers to the competition questions were: 1) The giants of Trencrom & St. Michael's Mount threw a (cobbling) hammer; 2) The carving of a mermaid is in Zennor church; and 3) Lyonesse lies under the sea between Lands End and the Scillies. The five winners are listed by name and location.

The Pipers Tune

This section features a letter by Roger Penhallurick, an archivist at the Royal Cornwall Museum, to "Current Archaeology" journal. Penhallurick suggested evidence of ancient North African trading contacts with Cornwall, citing three North African bronze coins found in West Cornwall. A London newspaper garbled this account, leading to nationalist reactions defending "pure Cornishness." Penhallurick has reportedly retreated to his archives after receiving abusive letters.

Fair Exchange

This column highlights other magazines Meyn Mamvro exchanges with. It features:

• DALRIADA: A Celtic magazine covering ancient pagan traditions of Alba and Eire, with articles on Celtic gods, the Sidhe, and legends. Contact information is provided for a sample copy.

Exchange Magazines

A comprehensive list of magazines available for annual subscription, categorized into "EARTH MYSTERIES," "PAGANISM," and "WOMEN/GODDESS." Prices for annual subscriptions and sample copies are listed for each publication, along with their respective contact addresses.

Noticeboard

This section provides listings for various groups and events:

• CORNISH EARTH MYSTERIES GROUP: Meets monthly in Penzance with talks on topics like the origin of Cornish Saints, sacred sites of Tibet, Earth Magic, and Dowsing. Further details are available from Andy Norfolk.
• CORNISH CROP CIRCLE GROUP: Offers site visits and sessions, including research into the inter-relationship of human and non-human energies and ancient sites, and "Songs of the Spirit."
• THE WELLBEING CENTRE: Located in Illogan, Redruth, offering regular workshops and events.
• RESEARCH & ENLIGHTENMENT CENTRE: In St. Austell, holding regular monthly talks, including one by Andy Collins.
• PENWITH UFO RESEARCH: Meets on the first Sunday of each month in Penzance.
• PAGAN MOOTS: Meets at the White Hart Hotel in Hayle.
• HARMONY POTTERY: Offers Wheel of the Year celebrations.
• PAN-PAGAN SCHOOL: Offers correspondence courses on Goddess/Wiccan topics.
• THE PAGAN FEDERATION: Europe's Oldest Pagan Organization, providing information, publications, and contacts. An information pack is available for £2.50.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around Earth Mysteries, ancient sites, Celtic traditions, paganism, and personal journeys of connection with the land. The magazine appears to promote a perspective that values the preservation of ancient sites and landscapes from excessive commercialisation, as highlighted in Jill Smith's travelogue. There is a strong emphasis on research, mythology, and spirituality, with a focus on the British Isles, particularly Cornwall and the Western Isles. The editorial stance seems to be one of exploration, discovery, and a deep respect for ancient cultures and natural landscapes, encouraging readers to engage with these subjects through articles, book reviews, and participation in listed events.