Meyn Mamvro - No 027 - Summer 1995

Magazine Overview

Title: Meyn Mamvro
Issue: 27
Date: Summer 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 history, folklore, and geomantic studies. The cover features an illustration of a tree and lists key topics such as Landscape Patterns, Cornish Goddesses, Holy Wells, Alignments, St. Nectans Glen, Scilly, and Lizard.

Contents

The issue includes an editorial, articles on Cornish Earth Mysteries, Carn Brea Midsummer Alignment, and reader contributions. Specific articles cover "The Giant of the Lizard", "The Pentagon of St. Mabyn", "The Scilly Zodiac", a guide to West Penwith Barrows, and a search for Cornwall's Holy Wells. Book reviews and a piece titled "The Pipers Tune" are also featured.

The editorial team is led by Cheryl Straffon, with contributions welcomed and artwork provided by Andy Norfolk for the front cover.

St. Nectan's Glen Closure and Sale

The issue addresses the ongoing debate regarding the closure of St. Nectan's Glen waterfall and café. Barry Litton, the owner, explains that the site was closed due to persistent issues with the public, including people entering without paying, which led to arguments and physical assaults. He states that 95% of the public were fine, but the other 5% made his life a misery. Litton has placed the 11½ acres of land on the market with an asking price of £350,000, negotiable down to £250,000. The Council of Druids reportedly backed off due to the price. Until sold, the site will remain closed to the public, though Litton agreed to consider visits from genuine seekers by arrangement.

Litton also shares his belief in the protective energies of the site and recounts an incident where a visitor felt an unseen presence. He notes a synchronicity with the legend of St. Nectan, who was supposedly beheaded there and carried his head to found a well.

Boscastle Witchcraft Museum

Meanwhile, the Witchcraft museum in Boscastle, owned by Cecil Williamson, remains open for the summer season. Williamson, in his 80s, is concerned about the museum's future and wishes to ensure the survival of his collection, which he states is three times larger than what is currently displayed. He is seeking help to preserve this unique collection.

Cornish Earth Mysteries Group (CEMG) Talks

The "news page" highlights talks organized by the Cornish Earth Mysteries Group (CEMG) in 1995:

• January 26th: Jill Harris presented "The Pre-Christian Origin of the Celtic Saints", discussing pagan and Goddess meanings behind legends, including St. Columb, St. Endellion, St. Keyne, and St. Senara (Zennor). She also touched upon sacred cow mythology and the head-cult at St. Piran's Oratory. Jill Harris is slated to write an article on this subject for a future issue.
• February: Rose Lewis spoke on "Sacred Sites of the Himalayas and Tibet", accompanied by slides, taking the audience on a tour of holy places, culminating at Mount Kylash.
• March: Serena Roney-Dougal, author of "Where Science and Magic meet", discussed the connection between the human mind and ancient sites, focusing on altered states of consciousness, the numinous dream-state, and the pineal gland's sensitivity to the Earth's magnetic field.
• April: Andy Norfolk explored "Dowsing: Gift or Heresy?", with further details to be published later.

Long Shadows of the Solstice Sun

CEMG member Kenny May researched a midsummer sunrise alignment at the Carn Brea neolithic hillfort. He describes observing the sunrise from a 15ft standing stone, noticing a shadow that moved to reveal a smaller 3ft standing stone. This shadow then continued across the ground to a gateway entrance, indicating a precise alignment. Kenny May will be available to show interested spectators this alignment on June 18th and June 21st, 1995.

Time Team TV in Cornwall

The Channel 4 television series "Time Team" filmed an episode in Cornwall focusing on "fogous" (Cornish underground chambers). They excavated near Boleigh fogou, finding Iron Age pottery and evidence of a small enclosure. A cast was taken of a carving at the fogou entrance, though results were inconclusive. Fogou expert Ian Cooke, along with local dowsers Hamish Miller and Don Wilkins, were involved. The programme was scheduled to air in January 1996.

Readers Write

• Aubrey Burl from Birmingham comments on a potential double row of standing stones on St. Breock's Down, suggesting Norden might have been describing the Nine Maidens. He notes the rarity of double rows in England south of Dartmoor and proposes a resistivity survey to find lost stoneholes. He also discusses Mên-an-Tol and 'entrance' stone circles, suggesting a possible Irish Sea enclave of such sites.
• Calum MacIntosh from London writes about the Treen Circle, questioning if the Cornish Archaeological Unit has investigated it recently. He suggests a cooperative effort to fund an investigation to definitively identify the site, which is currently described as Iron Age.

Kerrid-Who?

This article discusses the name "Kerrid" associated with Liskeard, suggesting it might derive from a Celtic moon-goddess mentioned in the "Song of Taliesin". The article explores the possibility that Kerrid could change form and that her symbol (bird-greyhound-horse) is found on ancient British coins from Carn Brea. It questions whether "Kerrid" is a truncated form of the Welsh goddess Cerridwen. The author also addresses the concept of the goddess "Ker", identified by Kathy Jones, and presents Andy Norfolk's counter-argument that names containing "ker" in Cornwall and Brittany typically mean 'fort', 'tor', 'rock-pile', 'horn', or 'peninsula', and not a goddess. Norfolk suggests "ker" might have been used affectionately or to placate a deity, but not as a proper name.

Landscape Patterns

This section features three articles on geomantics:

The Giant of the Lizard

By Andy Collins, this article details a research trip to the Lizard Peninsula in October 1993. At Polpeor Cove, a psychic partner, Debbie Benstead, felt a cave was a significant ritual site. Emerging from the cave, she perceived a nearby rocky headland as a 'giant's head'. The article explores the symbolic alignment of the headland and a nearby island (Man of War) with a midwinter sunset. It references Robert Hunt's folklore about original Lizard People being colonised by giants. The alignment was later checked and confirmed at the Winter Solstice 1994.

The Pentagon of St. Mabyn

By Bruce MacFarlane, this article investigates geometric relationships between churches in the St. Mabyn area. MacFarlane identified a pentagon formed by four Norman churches (St. Kew, St. Tudy, Helland, Egloshayle) and a fifth church, St. Conan, near Pencarrow Rounds. He notes the unusual isolation of St. Conan church, built in 1880, and questions its connection to a much older pentagonal pattern and a Norman font from Camelford.

The Scilly Zodiac

(This article is mentioned in the contents but not provided in the OCR text.)

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of ancient sites, geomantics, ley lines, folklore, and paganism, with a particular focus on Cornwall. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, encouraging reader contributions and speculative research. There is a clear interest in connecting historical and mythological elements with landscape features and potential energetic patterns. The magazine also serves as a platform for discussing current events related to these interests, such as the closure of St. Nectan's Glen and the filming of archaeological documentaries.

This issue of MEYN MAMVRO, dated Summer 1995 (Issue 27), delves into the rich tapestry of Cornwall's ancient past and spiritual landscape. It features articles on geographical patterns, archaeological sites, and the enduring significance of holy wells.

Landscape Patterns: The Scilly Zodiac - The Temple of Lyonesse?

Written by Jimmy Goddard, this article explores the Isles of Scilly, noting their dual nature as a place of treacherous rocks and a sub-tropical climate. It discusses the ancient belief that Scilly was once part of a larger landmass called Lyonesse, which legend states sank into the sea. Goddard observed that the outline of the Scilly islands bore a striking similarity to the figures of the Glastonbury Zodiac, but in reverse. The article identifies specific islands with zodiacal figures: Bryher as Cancer (a ship), St. Martin's as Leo (a lion), St. Mary's as Virgo, and St. Agnes as Libra (a dove). It also mentions other features like Peninnis (head of Virgo), Rat Island (attacking a rat), and the Troy Town labyrinth on St. Agnes.

Guide to Barrows in West Penwith

This section provides a detailed guide to visible ancient barrows in the West Penwith area of Cornwall. It references previous MM guides on Cromlechs and Entrance Graves and a comprehensive survey by Vivien Russel. Information is also drawn from a list compiled by reader Tony Ford. The guide details numerous barrow sites, including their grid references, dimensions, construction features (like kerbs and cists), and excavation details. Notable sites include:

• Mayon Cliff: Two round barrows, one with exposed cist remains.
• Boscregan (Carn Creis and Carn Leskeys): Barrows with visible retaining walls and central cists, yielding pottery, beads, and tools.
• Truthwall Common: Two round barrows, one with a Neolithic entrance grave.
• Portheras Common: A denuded round barrow with a central cist.
• Botrea Round Barrow Cemetery: A group of disc and bowl barrows.
• Chun Downs: A mutilated mound.
• Watch Croft: Two cairns, one with a trig pillar, the other with a central cist, yielding Roman coins.
• Nine Maidens: Denuded barrows near a stone circle.
• Mulffra Hill: A cairn excavated by W.C. Borlase.
• Trendrine Hill: Two large round barrows, one a stone cairn, the other with a kerb of large stones and a central cist.

In Search of Cornwall's Holy Wells 2

This article, by Cheryl Straffon and Sally Thomas, continues a series on holy wells, focusing on the Redruth/Camborne area. The authors describe their journey visiting several wells, noting their locations, associated legends, and current states of preservation. The wells visited include:

• St. Merlasek's Well (Camborne): A healing and wishing well, originally associated with the Virgin Mary.
• Carn Brea Well (Redruth): Located on the north side of Carn Brea hillfort, with a granite surround.
• St. Euny Well (Carn Brea village): A well in a granite basin, known for its purity and a legend about baptism.
• Figgy Dowdy's Well (Carnmarth): Associated with a harvest goddess, with a rhyme about its keeper.
• St. Gwennap's Well (Gwennap): A distinctive round hill with a swampy hollow where the well was located, once accompanied by a Baptistry and Celtic Cross.
• St. Ia's Well (Troon): A secret well hidden in a wooded gorge.
• Vincent's Well (Troon): Famed as a healing well for eyes, with waters collected in the 1930s.
• Lady Holy Well (Stithians): A secluded and peaceful well in a wooded vale, described as a female and soft place.
• St. Piran's Well (Perranaworthal): A beautifully preserved well, described as a grotto or shrine, dedicated to the patron saint of Cornwall.

The article emphasizes the enduring enchantment of these wells amidst modern industrial scars.

Bride's Bed Revisited

Written by Andy Norfolk, this article explores the connection between Cornish folklore, fertility goddesses, and ancient rituals. Norfolk posits that indigenous deities may be found within folk tales. He links the Cornish rhyme "See-saw Margery Daw" to a well on Carn Marth, known as Margery Daw's or Figgy Dowdy's well, suggesting 'Margery Daw' is another name for a Cornish harvest and fertility goddess, possibly identical with Bride. The article details Bride as a Celtic goddess of fertility, her representation by a corn dolly, and associated rituals in Scotland and Ireland involving a straw/hay bed. It also discusses the custom of baptizing dolls at wells on Good Friday and the broader connection between fertility rites and the sowing of seeds, as well as the naming of Easter after the fertility goddess Oestre/Ostara.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the deep historical and spiritual roots of Cornwall, evident in its ancient landscape features like barrows and its sacred sites like holy wells. The magazine highlights the importance of preserving and understanding these connections to the past, even as modern life encroaches. The editorial stance appears to be one of appreciation for these historical and cultural elements, encouraging readers to explore and connect with them. The inclusion of reader contributions and detailed guides suggests a community-focused approach to exploring local mysteries and heritage.

MEYN MAMVRO | Issue 27 | Summer 1995

This issue of Meyn Mamvro, a publication focused on earth mysteries and folklore, explores various aspects of ancient traditions, sacred sites, and mythology, with a particular emphasis on Cornwall.

Articles

The Equinox and Fertility

The first article discusses the historical connection between the Equinox and Easter, noting that Easter was originally timed with the Spring Equinox, celebrated on March 25th (Lady Day). This date is linked to the start of the year in mediaeval times and traditions of festivals at wells and on hills, connecting Easter with the fertility of the land and the rebirth of a vegetation deity. The author suggests that the tradition of baptising dolls in wells on Carn Marth and Carm Galva might be a remnant of a fertility ritual aimed at ensuring a good harvest. Furthermore, the article proposes that names like Margery Daw, Madge Figgy, and Figgy Dowdy could be derived from ancient Cornish names for a goddess, with interpretations of their meanings related to reaping, divinity, and scythes. The author poses a question about the location of a well on Carn Galva dedicated to a fertility goddess.

Strange Experiences in the Rame Area

Mary Coombs recounts a personal experience in Mt. Edgecumbe Country Park on the Rame Peninsula. While taking photos, she felt an overwhelming sense of being watched, leading to panic and a hasty retreat from a field. This unsettling encounter occurred on Halloween/Samhain. She notes that the name 'Maker' shares roots with 'Magor', often associated with Romano-British villas or fortifications, suggesting a potential Celtic interest in the area. She expresses a desire to learn more about this part of Cornwall.

Feelings & Reflections on West Penwith

Raymond Cox shares his feelings and reflections on West Penwith, Cornwall, during his 21st visit over 25 years. He describes the area's 'magnetism' and the call of the ancient granite land, which he views as a pilgrimage rather than mere tourism. He highlights the stunning coastline, cliff flowers, and moorland vegetation. Cox details several favourite sites, including the peaceful Alsia well (Holy Well of Saint Berriona), the mysterious Mên-an-Tol stone circle, Boscawen-un, and Tregeseal. He also mentions Carfury, a standing stone, and wayside crosses, particularly the Vellansaga cross. He emphasizes the profound peace and hypnotic enchantment found at these locations.

Book Review: The Earth Mysteries Guide to Mid-Cornwall and the Lizard

George Bishop reviews "The Earth Mysteries Guide to Mid-Cornwall and the Lizard" published by Meyn Mamvro Publications. He describes it as a handy guide to prehistoric standing stones, holy wells, and sacred sites in Mid-Cornwall, also covering parts of South-East Cornwall. The review praises the guide's evocative artwork and photographs, noting its inclusion of tales and myths. It also provides practical information on map references, accessibility, and the need for permission to visit sites. The reviewer highlights the book's ability to evoke a strong emotional response and recommends it for those interested in ley lines, earth alignments, myth, and legend. The review also mentions two other available guides from the same publisher: "The Earth Mysteries Guide to Bodmin Moor & North Cornwall" and "The Earth Mysteries Guide to Ancient Sites in West Penwith," as well as a forthcoming guide to the Scilly Isles.

Book News

This section announces new book releases. "Stone Circles: a guide to the megalithic rings of Britain, Ireland and Brittany" by Aubrey Burl is highlighted as a comprehensive guide to over 500 sites. A new novel by Caeia March, "Reflections," is mentioned, set in Cornwall and exploring women's spirituality and Cornish legend.

Keltic Designs

An advertisement showcases original T-shirts and prints by Jen Delyth featuring Keltic designs, including a Keltic Mandala and Triskelion. Information is provided on how to obtain a brochure.

Adventur-ine

An advertisement for "Adventur-ine," a shop offering crystals, incense, essential oils, books, tapes, and dreamcatchers, located in Penzance.

The Pipers Tune

This article addresses a mystery concerning a supposed turf labyrinth in Cornwall called "Maureen's Mump" at Crackington Haven. Jeff Saward of Caerdroia magazine investigated and discovered it was an elaborate hoax, part of a series of fabricated stories placed in magazines by businessmen. The article also touches upon the ongoing controversy surrounding the restoration of the St. Agnes labyrinth on the Scilly Isles in 1988, noting differing opinions on whether the restoration was 'energetically correct' or archaeologically sound.

Fair Exchange

This column provides a look at other magazines and publications. It highlights "SOURCE," a journal of Holy Wells, noting its coverage of factual information on wells across Britain. Issue 3 is mentioned for reprinting an article by Meyn Mamvro editor Cheryl Straffon and Caeia March on St.Bridget's Well, and Issue 4 will feature an article on the Three Wells Walk in West Penwith by Cheryl Straffon.

Exchange Magazines

A comprehensive list of magazines available for subscription in categories such as Earth Mysteries, Sacred Sites, Paganism, and Women/Goddess. Contact details and prices for annual subscriptions and sample copies are provided for numerous publications.

Noticeboard

The Noticeboard section lists upcoming events and workshops in 1995, including:

• May Day Celebrations (Harmony Pottery, Maypole Dance, Obby Oss Day, Helston Flora Day).
• Cornish Earth Mysteries events (Three Wells Walk, Midsummer sunrise alignment, Carn Euny fogou, St. Breock Downs, Halligye fogou).
• Cornish Crop Circles Group site visits.
• The Wellbeing Centre workshops.
• Research & Enlightenment Centre monthly talks.
• Pagan Moots at The Acorn.
• Dragon Environmental Group meetings.
• Tarot/Women's Mysteries courses.
• CAER (Centre for Alternative Education & Research) courses.
• Mind Body & Spirit Festival in Truro.
• Antiquities Walk with Ian Cooke.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on earth mysteries, folklore, paganism, and ancient sites, particularly within Cornwall. There is a strong emphasis on Celtic traditions, goddess worship, and the spiritual significance of natural landscapes and historical locations. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting and exploring these themes, providing a platform for personal experiences, research, and community events related to these subjects. The inclusion of book reviews and a noticeboard indicates a commitment to informing readers about related publications and activities within the field.