Meyn Mamvro - No 028 - Autumn 1995

Magazine Overview

Meyn Mamvro, Issue 28, Summer-Autumn 1995, is a magazine focused on ancient stones, sacred sites, paganism, Cornish pre-history, culture, and folklore. It is published by Meyn Mamvro and priced at £1.70. The cover features a striking illustration of a prehistoric stone circle and highlights key topics such as 'Shamans, Saints & Goddesses', 'Grumbla Cromlech Rediscovered', and 'Wells'.

Editorial and Main Articles

The issue opens with an editorial and a section on 'Madron Well Reports', which immediately delves into a significant controversy. The core of this discussion revolves around the actions of local Methodists who cleared the undergrowth and trees leading to Madron Baptistry and Well. This act, intended by some as maintenance, was widely perceived as vandalism, altering the site's atmosphere and provoking strong reactions from locals and readers.

Madron Well Controversy

Several letters to the editor address the Madron Well incident. Cheryl Straffon, the editor, questions who is responsible for the 'cutting back' of trees, noting that the discarded branches and 'clouties' (offerings) have altered the site's unique, brooding atmosphere. She states that Penwith Council and Madron Parish Council deny responsibility. Kelvin and Debbie Jones describe the scene as 'devastation', with trees hacked and branches thrown into the well, and the baptistry stripped of its wild flowers. They express distress and question if landowners' permission was sought. Steve Gardiner and Barrie Wright also visited the site and were horrified by the 'crude, seemingly random fashion' of the tree cutting, questioning the motive for making the site more open.

Bill Cock, a Steward at Madron Methodist Chapel, defends the action, calling it a 'marvellous job' done by volunteer workers. He claims the Bolitho Estate, the landowners, were satisfied. Cock disputes the tradition of hanging 'clooties' on the trees, suggesting it was a modern addition and misplaced, possibly influenced by Daphne du Maurier's writings. He implies the work was done to prepare for the annual pilgrimage.

Kelvin I. Jones responds to Mr. Cock's defence, calling it an 'attempt to re-write our Cornish history'. He cites Quiller Couch's 1894 account and Robert Hunt's work to establish the long-standing tradition of hanging rags and bandages ('clooties') at Madron Well. Jones highlights the fusion of Christianity and paganism, noting that in the 1840s, attendees of Wesleyan services also participated in pagan rituals at the baptistry.

Grumbla Cromlech Rediscovered

Another significant article details the rediscovery of the Grumbla Cromlech in West Penwith on Caer Bran farm, owned by Bruce and Alma Hathaway. The farm, previously 'off-limits', is now being managed by conservationists. The cromlech, mentioned in the 'Gentlemen's Magazine' in the 1840s as destroyed, has been found to be surprisingly well-preserved, consisting of a large upright stone and another partially upright stone, with other broken stones present. Its unusual siting low on the valley floor distinguishes it from other cromlechs. The article notes that this brings the total of extant cromlechs in West Penwith to eight.

Attempt to Steal a Merry Maiden

A brief report describes an attempt to steal a stone from the Merry Maidens stone circle during Midsummer. A green Volkswagen was seen near the site, and people were disturbed trying to dig up a stone, which was left tilted. Mike Rosendale of Penwith's Countryside Office notes the danger to popular sites like the Merry Maidens.

St. Bridget and Her Chapels

An extensive article by Cheryl Straffon and Caeia March explores the connections between St. Bridget and ancient sites in West Cornwall. Building on previous work about a St. Bridget well at Landue, they investigate evidence for links with St. Bridget (or the pagan Irish Goddess Bride) in West Cornwall. They found a reference to a chapel dedicated to St. Bridget at Lanyon, near Morvah and Madron. While Morvah Church is dedicated to St. Bridget of Sweden, the article suggests an earlier, pre-Christian association with the Celtic St. Bridget. Evidence points to two migration waves from Ireland into Cornwall, with the second wave potentially bringing the cult of Bride/Bridget to West Cornwall. They discuss the chapel at Tregaminion, dedicated to Saints Bridget and Morvetha, and the chapel site at Lanyon Farm, possibly a pre-Christian sacred site. The article posits that the worship of Mary and Bridget might be parallel, both being associated with water and healing, and suggests that the West Cornwall branch of 'Bride's Trail' may have been found.

Readers Write

The 'Readers Write' section features correspondence on nursery rhymes and their potential links to ancient deities. Jeremy Harte critiques Andy Norfolk's theory that children's rhymes derive from obsolete deities, arguing it's unlikely and that evidence for such social transmission needs to be proven. Andy Norfolk defends his position, citing examples like 'Jack and Jill' and 'London Bridge is falling down' as potentially containing echoes of ancient ritual and folk memory. He also mentions Cornish legends, including the female giant of St. Michael's Mount, Cormelian.

Other Content

The magazine includes listings for 'Cornish Earth Mysteries Group - Summer Activities', detailing events like dowsing for stone rows and visiting a fogou. Advertisements for 'The Quay Bookshop' in Penzance and 'Dragon Books' in Redruth offer esoteric and self-help books. A 'Book News' section is also listed in the contents.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the importance of preserving ancient sites and understanding their historical and spiritual significance. There's a strong emphasis on the connection between pagan traditions, folklore, and early Christianity in Cornwall. The editorial stance appears critical of actions that damage or misrepresent these sites, as seen in the strong reaction to the Madron Well incident. The magazine advocates for a sympathetic approach to heritage, contrasting insensitive 'improvement' with genuine conservation efforts. The exploration of St. Bridget's dual nature as a pagan goddess and Christian saint exemplifies the magazine's interest in syncretism and the layering of beliefs over time.

This issue of Meyn Mamvro, number 28, published in Summer-Autumn 1995, features a cover story titled 'A CORNISH SHAMAN' by Brendan McMahon. The magazine delves into Cornish folklore, mythology, and ancient spiritual practices, with a focus on the transition from paganism to Christianity.

A Cornish Shaman

The main article by Brendan McMahon explores the figure of 'Tom' and his encounters with a 'tinkeard' or tinker named Jack, as recorded by Robert Hunt in 'Popular Romances of the West of England'. Jack is described as having a remarkable coat made from a shaggy black bull's hide, which made him appear invulnerable and even mistaken for the devil. After their initial conflict, Tom and Jack become friends, and Jack teaches Tom skills such as wrestling, tillage, and tin mining. Jack eventually marries Tom's daughter, and their wedding is celebrated with traditional Cornish festivities.

Jack is presented as a fascinating and unique character, embodying the 'culture bringer' stereotype, similar to the Irish mythological figure Lugh Lamfhada. His other-worldliness is emphasized by his invulnerability and his unique coat. The stories featuring Jack are described as magical, taking place in a world beyond everyday constraints, aligning with Hunt's classification of 'Romances and Superstitions of the Mythic Ages'.

The article further examines Jack's association with the bull, highlighting the bull's significance in wider Celtic and Gaelic culture, including Samhain celebrations and the epic 'Tain Bo Cuailnge'. This connection suggests a possible link to ancient sky myths where light and darkness, personified as divine bulls, engage in warfare. Jack's magic coat is also compared to Neolithic cave paintings of priestly figures in animal skins and modern descriptions of shamans who wear animal skins for spiritual communication.

Jack's role as a 'priest' is seen as having a communal function, providing essential skills for survival and celebrating union with the divine. His introduction of wrestling and the Morvah Feast are noted as particularly Cornish cultural contributions. The story is interpreted as depicting Jack as a creator of the Cornish nation, or an attempt by the Cornish people to define themselves culturally and mythically, distinct from their Saxon neighbours.

The author suggests multiple interpretations for the tale, including viewing Jack as a Jungian 'trickster' figure or relating it to the social and economic conditions of early nineteenth-century Cornwall. The article concludes by positing that the priesthood of the sacred bull might be an unconscious meaning within the story.

The Pre-Christian Origin of Cornish Saints

This section, by Jill Harris, explores the pre-Christian roots of Cornish saints and the search for the Goddess. Harris, a local lecturer, authoress, and reflexologist, has been researching this subject, hoping to publish a book. She notes that the Goddess is elusive but enduring, woven into Cornish folklore and legends. Her research connects legends of early Cornish saints to earlier continental mythologies, suggesting that the monks who recorded these legends may have drawn from these sources.

Harris discusses how pagan rituals, such as the sacrifice of a mother and baby associated with Danae and Azenor, were sometimes incorporated into Christian saint legends to preserve or subvert these ancient practices. She argues that the temptation to dismiss these links as mere copying must be resisted.

The article touches upon the orgiastic nature of Goddess worship and how, with the rise of patriarchal dominance, women were forced into a state of 'eternal virginity'. This shift is linked to the eventual witch hunts. The transition from Goddess worship to a solar deity and then to a monotheistic patriarchal system is described as a gradual process.

Harris also examines the cult of the 'Maiden', 'Mother', and 'Crone' aspects of the Goddess. She identifies a 'Maiden' cult along the north-western seaboard of Cornwall, tentatively calls it 'the Land of the Running Virgins', and notes that the 'Crone' aspect is strongly present in Cornwall, suggesting it may have been a major centre for this form of worship.

The author also discusses her personal research into her local parish church saint, Stediana, and her holy well, Lady Holy Well. She connects this to a broader pattern of female saint cults and energy fields in Cornwall.

The Ritual Landscape of Scilly

This article describes the Scilly Isles as a significant ritual landscape, particularly from the Neolithic and Bronze Ages. The fertile plains were farmed, while hilltops and slopes were sites for ritual, featuring cairns, graves, tumuli, and chambered tombs, many shaped like wombs for re-birth. These places were used by the living for worship and to connect with the spirits of the dead and the Earth Mother.

The article details various alignments of these sacred sites with celestial events, such as the summer and winter solstices and equinoxes. Examples include the Samson hills on St. Mary's, the stone row on Higher Town Beach on St. Martin's, and entrance graves on Middle Arthur, Bants Carn, and Innisidgen. The islands themselves are described as forming a living landscape calendar.

The text highlights Tresco as being at the heart of this ritual complex. It also mentions the islets of Arthur, the Ganillys, and Nornour, with the latter being a shrine to the Goddess in Romano-Celtic times. The article notes the presence of prehistoric sites and later Christian chapels, indicating a continuity of sacredness.

Book News

The magazine includes a 'Book News' section, recommending several publications related to the themes discussed. These include:

• "The Age of the Saints" by William Copeland Borlase (reprint).
• "The Cornish Saints" by Peter Berresford-Ellis.
• "Celtic Women" by Peter Berresford-Ellis, examining the role of women in Celtic society and mythology.
• Afro-Celtic Studies publications from Punite Books, exploring links between Celts and African peoples.
• "The Celtic Tradition" by Caitlin Matthews, part of the 'Element Library Series'.
• "The Arthurian Tradition" by John Matthews.
• "Native American Traditions" by Arthur Versluis.
• "The Celtic Shaman's Pack" by John Matthews.
• "Goddesses for Every Season" by Nancy Blair.
• "Celtic Lore and Druidic Ritual" by Rhiannon Ryall.
• "The Sacred Ring" by Michael Howard.
• "Witchcraft in Cornwall" by Kelvin Jones.

An extract from Kelvin Jones' book is promised for the next issue.

In Search of Cornwall's Holy Wells-3

This article, the third in a series, details a journey by Cheryl Straffon and Gill Rourke around Bodmin Moor to find hidden wells. They describe two wells:

1. A well located 250 yards northeast of the church of Davidstow. It was restored in the 19th century and is a solid structure with a large stone surround and an old oak door. However, its atmosphere is diminished by a nearby water extraction system.
2. A well in the hamlet of St. Clether, described as a place of breathtaking beauty and peace. It is situated behind the church, with a path leading above the River Inney. The site features a well-chapel, the largest of its kind in Cornwall, restored in 1895 on Celtic foundations. The water runs from the well through the chapel.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are Cornish folklore, mythology, and the transition from paganism to Christianity. The magazine appears to have a strong interest in ancient spiritual practices, sacred landscapes, and the enduring influence of pre-Christian beliefs. The editorial stance seems to be one of scholarly exploration and appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of Cornwall, presenting diverse interpretations of myths and legends while acknowledging the complexity and multifaceted nature of these subjects. The inclusion of book reviews and news suggests a commitment to informing readers about related research and publications in the field of earth mysteries and Celtic studies.

MEYN MAMVRO | 28 | Summer-Autumn 1995

This issue of Meyn Mamvro, a publication focused on Earth Mysteries and related topics, delves into the rich history and folklore of Cornwall, with a particular emphasis on ancient wells and archaeological sites. The magazine features a blend of personal accounts, research findings, and discussions on the relationship between different approaches to archaeology.

Exploring Cornwall's Ancient Wells

The issue begins with a narrative journey through several ancient wells in Cornwall. The first stop is JORDAN'S WELL in Laneast, a 16th-century granite structure with a roofed surround. The water is described as clear and fresh, historically used for baptisms and divination. The church and well are dedicated to St. Sidwell, whose followers reportedly used the well for making butter and throwing pins. The well is noted for its quiet and isolated atmosphere.

From Laneast, the journey continues to ALTARNUN, known for its pretty bridge and river, and its church, often called the 'Cathedral of the Moors'. Nearby is ST. NONNA'S well, associated with the saint who is the mother of St. David. This well, though linked to Wales, is where St. Nonna was buried. Historically, it served as a 'browsening pool' where individuals believed to be mad were immersed to cure their condition, possibly reflecting ancient beliefs about the moon and mental health. This well, long forgotten, was rediscovered in the early 20th century.

The article then moves to Lewannick, where BLAUNDERS WELL is described as a square open structure with water running from a round hole. The stream in the woods nearby was the source of JOAN'S PITCHER well, suggested to be a remnant of pagan nature worship. ST. TORNEY'S WELL is mentioned as being in a tranquil spot above the river Lynher. ST. JOHN'S WELL in Cardon is noted for its shallow basin with running water.

In ST. CLEER, a well is located within a 15th-century chapel and was also used as a browsening pool, though it now possesses a 'sombre & souless atmosphere'.

Finally, the pilgrimage leads to ST. NEOT, a village with a picturesque setting. The well here is famed for curing sickly children, especially in early May, linking to the Celtic festival of Beltane. Despite a heavy-handed restoration in 1852, the well is described as feeling gentle, with a mention of Arachne spinning a web. This marks the end of the first leg of a 1800 journey around the Bodmin Moor area.

Madron Well Vision

Reader Bruce Davies shares an interesting experience at Madron Baptistry well in West Penwith. He and a friend decided to sleep inside the well-chapel. During the night, they heard a tune played on a pipe and a woman's voice whispering. They both dreamt of a procession, a woman at the altar, and a man by the well. They had met someone who claimed the water was prophetic and gave visions, and they drank the water.

Across the Borderline: Archaeology Debate

This section critically examines the perceived 'great divide' between 'professional' and 'alternative' archaeology, as discussed by archaeologist Peter Herring. Herring notes that academics may dismiss 'alternative' work as 'lunatic fringe', while 'alternatives' may caricature professionals as unimaginative and fact-focused. The article acknowledges that while past dismissals were common, there's a growing grudging respect for 'alternative' researchers like Paul Devereux, with some professionals like Charles Thomas engaging with their work.

Conversely, the article questions whether 'alternatives' truly view professionals as solely fact-driven. It points out that professionals are sometimes criticized for failing to properly preserve sites. The article also notes the envy 'Earth Mysteries' researchers might feel towards the funding available to archaeologists for amassing facts, while their own research remains unfunded and sites unprotected.

Despite the perceived alienation, the author suggests the divide might not be as real in the public's mind, as many subscribe to both 'Meyn Mamvro' and 'Cornish Archaeology'. Meyn Mamvro's policy is to publish well-argued speculative research. The article highlights convergence in perspectives, with both 'sides' becoming more aware of the significance of sites in their landscape and the people who built them. It concludes that generalizations are not a substitute for proper research and that both 'sides' can learn from each other to bridge the divide.

The Pipers Tune: Archaeological News

This section presents several pieces of archaeological news and research:

• Cornish Hillforts and Cliff Castles: Peter Herring's research suggests that sites in West Penwith, dating from the late Bronze/early Iron Age, may not have been primarily defensive but rather places for peaceful activity, administration, law-giving, or rituals. These sites served as defended central places for gatherings, trade, and social events.
• Bronze Age Burial Mound: The discovery of a 4000-year-old burial mound at Trelowthas Farm near Probus revealed Bronze Age pots and a stone-lined cist containing burnt bones. The deliberate smashing of pots around the cist is interpreted as a ritualistic act to 'free the spirit'.
• Mesolithic Settlement: A chance find at Land's End Greeb Animal Farm and Crafts Centre uncovered evidence of Mesolithic people, including flint arrowheads, knives, and scrapers, indicating a band of semi-nomads who lived by hunting and fishing from about 8000-3000 BCE.

Cornwall Archaeological Society Events

Announcements for upcoming events by the Cornwall Archaeological Society, including 'Archaeology Alive' events and a talk by Charles Thomas on 'Archaeology & Cornishness'.

Exchange Magazines and Subscriptions

A list of other magazines related to Earth Mysteries, Sacred Sites, Dragon Lore, Celtic/Arthurian themes, Paganism, and Goddess spirituality, with their subscription prices.

Noticeboard

Announcements for various groups and events:

• Cornish Earth Mysteries: Summer activities and a series of talks at the Acorn in Penzance.
• Penwith Psychic Research Group: Monthly meetings at the Acorn in Penzance.
• Penwith UFO Research Group: Monthly meetings at the Acorn in Penzance.
• Penwith Pagan Moot: Meetings and ceremonies throughout the year at various locations.
• Cornwall's New Age Festival: The 5th annual festival in Perranporth, featuring workshops, stalls, and talks.
• Adventur-ine: A shop offering crystals, incense, oils, books, tapes, and dreamcatchers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of ancient sacred sites, particularly holy wells in Cornwall, and the ongoing dialogue and potential reconciliation between professional and alternative archaeological approaches. The magazine appears to advocate for a balanced perspective, publishing well-argued research from various viewpoints and encouraging mutual understanding and learning between different disciplines and interest groups. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry into Earth Mysteries, historical sites, and cultural practices, while also engaging with contemporary academic debates.