Meyn Mamvro - No 029 - Winter 1995 - 96

Magazine Overview

Title: Meyn Mamvro
Issue: No. 29
Date: Winter 1995/1996
Price: £1.70

This issue of Meyn Mamvro, subtitled 'ancient stones and sacred sites in Cornwall', delves into various aspects of Cornish heritage, archaeology, and esoteric practices. The cover prominently features the headline "STANDING STONES NEWLY DISCOVERED" and lists topics such as Mên-an-Tol Alignments, Wells, Witchcraft, Rituals, and Books, along with a competition.

Contents

The magazine includes an editorial, followed by several articles:

• Cornish Earth Mysteries Group: Details the group's 1995 summer activities.
• Lost & Found - standing stones: Reports on the discovery of two new standing stones.
• News from Boscastle & Tintagel: Covers archaeological vandalism and conservation issues.
• The Mên-an-Tol Observatory: An in-depth analysis of astronomical alignments at the Mên-an-Tol stone circle by Andy Norfolk.
• In Search of Cornwall's Holy Wells - 3: Continues a series exploring the county's sacred wells.
• Cornish Place Names & Sites: An article on local place names and their significance.
• Witchcraft in Cornwall: 1: The first part of a series on witchcraft in the region by Kelvin Jones.
• Pre-Christian Origin of Celtic Saints: Explores the pagan roots of Celtic saints.
• Cerridwen's Cauldron: An article by Carol Beale.
• Book News & Competition: Information on new books and a competition.
• The Pipers Tune & Fair Exchange: A section for reader contributions or shorter items.

Editorial: Stones of our Motherland

The editorial discusses the recent uprooting and attempted removal of a stone from the Merry Maidens circle. It addresses allegations that the vandalism was carried out by Born-Again Christians aiming to desecrate a pagan site, citing an anonymous letter to "The Cornishman". The editorial notes the intolerance and aggression of such actions and draws a parallel to the uprooting of the Eathorne menhir. Positively, the incident has prompted a re-assessment of the need to protect the Merry Maidens site. A management plan is being developed with the Countryside Commission and the local farmer to improve maintenance, restore eroded parts, enhance the public footpath, prevent vehicular access, and erect a discreet signboard. Mike Rosendale, Penwith Council's Countryside Officer, emphasizes the need to protect the site from erosion, theft, and vandalism while allowing public access and farming. The editorial also references conservation debates at Tintagel and St.Nectan's Kieve, suggesting that the Merry Maidens approach could serve as a model.

Cornish Earth Mysteries Group

This section details the 1995 summer events organized by the Cornish Earth Mysteries Group (CEMG). The year began with the 7th annual Three Wells Walk on May 7th, attended by about two dozen pilgrims. On June 18th and 21st, members visited Carn Brea to observe the midsummer sun alignment, though mist obscured the view. On July 2nd, a visit to Carn Euny Fogou included explanations of solar alignments and site history, followed by a viewing of the newly-discovered Grumbla Cromlech at Caer Bran Farm. The annual away-day on August 6th took the group to St.Breock Downs, where they investigated the Nine Maidens stone row, with dowsing suggesting a former 13-stone row and the discovery of a second stone row. They also visited the Mên Gurtha standing stone, Music Water, the Airfield stone, and the Treburrick standing stone. The summer concluded on September 3rd with a session at Halligye Fogou, which yielded interesting results including entropic images and auditory phenomena during meditation.

Lost and Found - Standing Stones

This article reports on the discovery of two previously unidentified standing stones. The first is located at Ennis Farm, near Mousehole in West Penwith, found on the left-hand side of the farm entrance within an overgrown Cornish hedge. It is described as a pear-shaped menhir, about 7ft high, and is linked to local standing stones via three possible 3-point leys. The second stone is at Treburrick, north of Newquay, a 7ft high white quartz stone identified by MM reader Howard Balmer. It is similar to other nearby stones and is situated on a possible alignment to St.Eval Church and other significant sites. The article notes that even after 5000 years, ancient sites continue to be found.

News from Tintagel & Boscastle

This section covers several news items:

• Archaeological Vandalism at Tintagel: Paul Broadhurst criticizes English Heritage's management of Tintagel Island, describing the installation of modern metal railings, scaffolding, and a pump-house as "archaeological vandalism" that detracts from the site's atmosphere.
• Electric Fences to Keep Out Visitors at St.Nectan's Kieve: The owners of St.Nectan's Glen are threatening to install razor wire and electric fences to prevent visitors from accessing the sacred waterfall due to alleged abuse.
• Witchcraft Museum Collection to be Sold: Cecil Williamson is closing his Witchcraft Museum in Boscastle, and its unique collection is being offered for sale.

The Mên-an-Tol Circle Observatory

By Andy Norfolk, this article presents a detailed analysis of astronomical alignments associated with the Mên-an-Tol stone circle. Norfolk calculated azimuths for lunar and solar events, using lunar declinations for 2000BCE and solar declinations for 1800BCE. He provides tables of rise and set azimuths for lunar major and minor standstills, and for solar events like Candlemas, Spring Equinox, May Day, Summer Solstice, and Winter Solstice. Norfolk notes that while many alignments point eastwards to other ancient sites, some are less precise than expected, and he suggests the published grid reference for Mên-an-Tol might be slightly inaccurate. He also proposes an alternative reconstruction of the Mên-an-Tol circle, suggesting it may have originally comprised 19 stones, similar to the Merry Maidens and Boscawen-un circles.

In Search of Cornwall's Holy Wells - 3

Cheryl Straffon and Gill Rourke continue their exploration of Cornwall's holy wells. This installment covers wells around Bodmin Moor, starting from St. Neot. They visit a well at Trezance, described as surprisingly large with stepping stones leading inside. They then travel to Millpool and explore a path leading to Corner Quoit, noting the historical significance of St.Bellarmins Tor and its former Celtic chapel.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the preservation and understanding of Cornwall's ancient landscape, including standing stones, sacred sites, and holy wells. There is a strong emphasis on the historical and astronomical significance of these sites, with detailed analysis provided for the Mên-an-Tol circle. The magazine also addresses contemporary issues such as archaeological vandalism and the challenges of managing public access to sensitive heritage locations. The editorial stance appears to advocate for the protection of these sites while ensuring public access and respecting their cultural and spiritual importance. There is a clear interest in paganism, witchcraft, and earth mysteries, as evidenced by the article series on witchcraft and the discussion of pre-Christian origins.

Title: MEYN MAMVRO
Issue: 29
Volume: Winter 1995-96
Date: Winter 1995-96 (estimated 1995-12-01)
Publisher: meynmamvro.co.uk
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of MEYN MAMVRO presents a multifaceted exploration of Cornwall's rich history and folklore, with a strong focus on witchcraft and ancient sites.

Witchcraft in Cornwall: The Early Persecutions

The lead article, "WITCHCRAFT IN CORNWALL" by Kelvin Jones, delves into the historical context of witchcraft accusations and persecutions in the region. It highlights the scarcity of early records due to the isolated position of Cornwall, with references primarily found in the archives at Exeter and in Gaol Book entries. The article traces the legal framework, including legislation passed during the reigns of Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, and James I, which prescribed severe punishments, including death, for those found guilty. It recounts specific cases, such as the complaint against Sir William Botreaux in 1426, the grand jury's findings in Exeter in 1302, and Henry Hoigges' accusation against Sir John Harry in 1432. The piece also touches upon the superstitions surrounding witchcraft, such as the belief in "supernumerary teats" for familiars, as detailed in "Malleus Maleficarum."

Further sections of the article discuss the decline of witchcraft proceedings after 1645, the role of local authorities in apprehending and examining suspected witches, and the harsh conditions in Cornish gaols like Bodmin and Launceston. It notes that the last person hanged for witchcraft in England was Alice Molland in 1684. The article also mentions the case of Anne Jefferies, a healer from St. Teath, whose experiences in 1645 illustrate the prevailing beliefs and accusations of the time.

Cornish Sites & Their Names

This section features a review of Craig Weatherhill's book, "Cornish Place Names and Language." It explains how many ancient sites in Cornwall are named after the farms on whose land they are situated, offering a glimpse into the original descriptive meaning of these locations. Examples provided include ALSIA (well), BARTINNEY (hill), BOLEIGH (fogou), and BOSCAWEN-UN (circle), with their etymological breakdowns.

Illustrations by J.T. Blight (1835-1911) accompany this section, depicting sites such as the Entrance to Circular Chamber, Boscawen-ûn Circle, and Chân Cromlech.

The Pre-Christian Origin of Cornish Saints

Authored by Jill Harris, this article explores the connection between ancient goddesses, holy wells, and the origins of Cornish saints. It posits that many churches are associated with healing wells, suggesting a pre-Christian sacred site that was later Christianized. The article discusses how the worship of the Goddess was gradually subsumed into Christianity, with guardians of shrines being sanitized and awarded sainthood. It also touches upon the legends of Princess Azenor and Saint Stediana, and the cult of the triple Goddess, exploring the potential origins of place names like Madron and Madern.

Holy Wells of Cornwall

Several articles and sections within the magazine document a journey through various holy wells in Cornwall. These include:

• St.Pratt's Well: Located near Blisland, described as a Celtic cross beside the road with a square bowl covered in moss.
• Tregenna Well: Found in a wooded vale near Blisland, noted for its ancient chapel and water believed to be good for weak eyes.
• St.Breward's Well: Situated in a steep wooded valley near St. Breward, described as picturesque but unfortunately dry, with its water piped away.
• Fentonadle: Located near Tuckingmill, this well was part of a stile and proved difficult to find.
• St.Michael's Well: Found in the churchyard of Michaelstow, possibly on the site of an original Baptistry and aligned with other significant sites.
• RoughTor Well: A re-discovered and restored well on Rough Tor, featuring a dry-stone chamber and granite slabs.

The narrative emphasizes the magical and dramatic nature of these sites, often found in beautiful natural settings, and the feelings of peace they evoke.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the deep historical roots of Cornwall, encompassing its folklore, ancient religious practices, and the historical persecution of perceived deviants like witches. The magazine adopts an archival and investigative stance, presenting historical accounts, etymological analyses, and folkloric explorations. There is a clear interest in uncovering the layers of history and belief systems that have shaped Cornwall, from pre-Christian traditions to the more recent, yet still significant, history of witchcraft trials. The editorial stance appears to be one of scholarly inquiry and appreciation for the region's unique heritage.

Meyn Mamvro, Issue 29, Winter 1995-96, is a magazine focusing on Earth Mysteries, paganism, and spirituality, with a particular emphasis on Cornwall. The issue features a cover illustration titled 'Cerridwen's Cauldron' and includes articles, book reviews, event listings, and exchange magazine information.

Articles

Saints and Legends of Cornwall

The first section delves into the legends and puzzles surrounding Cornish saints, mentioning St.Kew and a stained glass window depicting her with a grizzly bear, contrasting it with the legend of a boar. It also discusses Madron and its holy well as a healing shrine. St.Issey is presented as another 'puzzle', known as Itha or Ida, who was a pure and holy woman who became an Abbess. Her aunt, Issey or Itha, was instrumental in training women in Cornwall. The Church of Issey was known as Eglos Cruck and St.Issey is suggested to be the patron of an older site, possibly the center of the 'First Aspect cult', evidenced by a carving in St.Issey's restored interior that bears similarity to Cretan priestesses' attire.

The article emphasizes the importance of respecting the spiritual quest of mankind and not discounting the past in favor of modern interpretations.

Cerridwen's Cauldron: Imbolc Celebration

This feature introduces a new series looking at paganism and ritual celebration in Cornwall. The first contribution is by Carol Beale, detailing her family's celebration of Imbolc. The celebration includes a 'Celebration bath' with fairy dust (salt), daffodil, primrose, and three-cornered-leek. They then have a special breakfast of buckwheat pancakes, discussing the importance of free-range eggs and the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. The family observes the lengthening days and the signs of new life emerging from the earth, connecting it to personal changes like moving house. They also make an offering to the spirit of the stream to protect their home from floods. The children write poems and create pictures, internalizing the meaning of Imbolc.

As they walk to a local Holy Well, the Persephone myth is discussed, and the children light candles and perform a dance. They ask the 'well maiden' for a blessing, leave apples, and drink wine. The article mentions planting pink lily bulbs and saying goodbye to the well maiden. The children create scrapbooks with pictures and poems, demonstrating their understanding of the festival. The next issue will feature Geradline Andrew on a women's moon festival.

The Pipers Tune

This section discusses recent events and discoveries related to neo-megalithic sites and standing stones in Cornwall. Eddie Prynn's site at St.Merryn, featured on BBC1's 'Island Race', is mentioned. A new standing stone, surplus to Prynn's needs, was placed by the local council at the start of the Camel Trail walking and cycling path in Wadebridge, dedicated to inventor Sir Goldsworthy Gurney. The stone is a 10ft high granite column that has attracted local interest, though no pagan rituals have been reported yet.

Dowser Don Wilkins has also placed a 5ft high stone in a Deer Park. His son, Ralph Wilkins, wrote about this in 'Kindred Spirit' magazine, detailing how the stone's placement and direction were determined by dowsing. The stone was placed on an 'energy centre', and the dowsers 'wound up the stone' by beating its sides with antler horn, a practice believed to have occurred in megalithic times, with remains found at Carnac, Brittany.

Book News

This section reviews several books related to Britain's landscape, magical traditions, and Earth Mysteries:

• 'The Enchanted Land' by Janet & Colin Bord: Explores natural features and how ancestors wove stories around them, peopling the landscape with spirits and giants. It provides reference material and encourages exploration of obscure places.
• 'Secret Places of the Goddess' by Philip Heselton: Encourages seeking the Earth Spirit at spiritual places, focusing on the Goddess in the land, a shift from earlier general terms about 'spirit of place'.
• 'Earth Mysteries' by Philip Heselton: Part of the Element Library series, featuring color photographs and artwork. It highlights Heselton's expertise in Earth Mysteries research. The review mentions the Earth Mysteries magazines and Cornish sites like the 'womb-like' fogou at Carn Euny and Hamish Miller dowsing at Sancreed Well.
• 'A Guide to Britain's Pagan Heritage' by David Clarke: A guide to fifty places where the Old Religion survives, covering areas of Britain and Ireland. It features legendary ancient sites, sacred rivers and trees, Celtic heads, pagan temples, and customs. Cornwall is mentioned with Madron Well and Padstow's Obby Oss. It is recommended as a reference book for exploring sacred places.

Videos

New video releases are highlighted, including:

• 'The World of the Goddess': An illustrated lecture by Marija Gimbutas on prehistoric European cultures, beliefs, and mythology.
• 'Women & Spirituality': A 3-part series on goddess-celebrating groups and societies.

Further details are available from Alternative View.

Fair Exchange

This column reviews magazines that Meyn Mamvro exchanges with, focusing on those relevant to readers. It highlights regional Earth Mysteries magazines as good value for original research and local interest.

• NORTHERN EARTH (Issue 64): Covers alignments, sacred stones, folklore, and landscape.
• MERCIAN MYSTERIES (Issue 25): Features ancient sacred sites, holy wells, folklore, mythology, astronomy, and consciousness studies, with detailed field trip reports.

Exchange Magazines Listings

A comprehensive list of magazines available for exchange is provided, categorized by theme:

• Earth Mysteries: The Ley Hunter, Northern Earth, Mercian Mysteries, Touchstone, Wisht Maen.
• Sacred Sites: Source (Holy wells), Caerdroia (Mazes & labyrinths), Ash (Albion's Sacred Heritage), Rilko (Patterns), The Cerealist (Crop circles).
• Dragon Lore: The Dragon Chronicle.
• Celtic/Arthurian: Dalriada, Celtic Connections, Pendragon.
• Paganism: The Cauldron, Deosil Dance, Quest, The Silver Wheel, Sirius.
• Wood and Water: Goddess-centered articles.
• Women/Goddess: From the Flames (feminist spirituality), MRRN (Matriarchy Research & Reclaim Network).

Subscription prices and sample copy prices are listed for each publication.

Noticeboard

This section provides listings for upcoming events and groups:

• Cornish Earth Mysteries: Autumn/Winter talks at Acorn in Penzance, including topics like Megaliths & Meanings, Reconstructing the Bronze Age, and A Circle of Calanais. A winter solstice sunset meet at Chûn Quoit is also listed. Membership details are available.
• Harmony Pottery: Ritual celebrations for Winter Solstice and details for Imbolc & Beltane.
• Penwith Pagan Moots & Dragon Environmental Trust: Contact details provided.
• The Wellbeing Centre: Regular workshops and events in Illogan, Redruth.
• Centre for Research & Enlightenment: Regular monthly talks in St.Austell.
• Centre for Inner Peace: Workshops and courses in Mawnan Smith.
• Cornish Psychic Research Group: Monthly meetings at The Acorn in Penzance.
• Penwith UFO Research Gro: Monthly meetings at The Acorn in Penzance.
• Pan-Pagan School: Goddess/Wiccan correspondence only.
• Antiquities Walk: A walk meeting at St.Buryan Church to Merry Maidens and other sites.

Competition

A free book competition is announced to celebrate the publication of the latest MM Earth Mysteries Guide to ancient sites on the Scilly Isles. Readers are invited to identify islands based on clues and send their answers by January 31st, 1996, for a chance to win a copy of the booklet.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes interest in Earth Mysteries, paganism, ancient sites, folklore, and spirituality, with a strong focus on Cornwall and its rich history. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging exploration, respect for ancient traditions, and the sharing of personal experiences within these fields. The inclusion of book and video reviews, event listings, and exchange magazine information suggests an aim to connect readers with resources and communities related to these subjects. The emphasis on the 'long journey' of human spiritual quest suggests a perspective that values historical continuity and diverse interpretations of spiritual experiences.