Meyn Mamvro - No 031 - Autumn 1996

Magazine Overview

Meyn Mamvro, Issue 31, Autumn-Winter 1996, is dedicated to exploring the ancient stones, sacred sites, and folklore of Cornwall. The cover prominently features the title 'Meyn Mamvro' with the subtitle 'ancient stones and sacred sites in cornwall', alongside a striking illustration and a price of £1.70. Key topics highlighted on the cover include "Jo May Down Boleigh Fogou", "Holy Wells", "Craig Weatherhill on Chapel Carn Brea", "Paganism & Christianity", and "Hidden Sites". The magazine is published by Meyn Mamvro and covers the Autumn-Winter 1996 period.

Contents

The issue's contents page details a range of articles, including an "Editorial", "Cornish Earth Mysteries Group" activities, "Into Alignment", and a multi-part feature on "Paganism & Christianity at the Interface" (pages 4-7). Other articles cover "In Search of Cornwall's Holy Wells:4", "Lesser-known sites in West Penwith", "The First and Last Hill", "Fogou - Gateway to the Underworld", "Cerridwen's Cauldron", and "Book Reviews". The magazine also lists its distribution outlets and provides contact information for contributions.

Editorial: Stones of Our Motherland

The editorial reflects on the busy summer of 1996 in Cornwall, noting the influx of tourists and the increasing openness of people to spiritual and ritual experiences at ancient sites. The editor, Cheryl Straffon, recounts an experience at the International Goddess Festival in California, contrasting the freedom pagans have in Britain to connect with the land with the more restricted environment in America. The editorial also addresses the growing tension between pagan revival and some Christian viewpoints, citing incidents at Madron Well and Sancreed Well where pagan offerings were removed. It suggests a need for greater understanding and proposes solutions like explanatory plaques at wells to foster respect.

Cornish Earth Mysteries Group News Page

This section details the 1996 summer program of outdoor visits by the Cornish Earth Mysteries Group. The "8th annual Three Wells Walk" attracted a good turnout, with an incident at Madron Well involving the hanging of "clouties" (cloth offerings) provoking an angry response from Methodists. Other walks included a visit to the Chyanhal Standing Stones led by Craig Weatherhill, an exploration of the Greenbottom Celtic reconstructed settlement with a talk by Imogen Wood, and a "Tregeseal Legends Walk" focusing on ancient legends and spirits. The season concluded with a trip to south-east Cornwall to visit Duloe stone circle and its holy wells.

Into Alignment

This article investigates possible alignments of the newly-discovered Newham Farm menhir using computer analysis. It lists several stone circles and menhirs in the Penwith area, providing grid references and offsets. The section also mentions a Dowsing Day led by Richard Webb in Porthchapel, following a ley-line walk, and discusses the stone identified as "King Arthur's Table" and its potential alignment with Chapel Carn Brea, suggesting the possibility of an earlier megalithic site beneath Sennen Church.

Paganism & Christianity at the Interface - 1

This feature, drawing from a Daily Express article, introduces Cassandra Latham, Britain's first pagan hospital chaplain in Cornwall. Latham, a Wiccan priestess, uses a portable altar and offers spiritual comfort to patients at Treliske Hospital, operating under the Patient's Charter. The article highlights her role in ministering to the pagan community, which she notes is often private due to historical persecution. She describes her rituals and beliefs, emphasizing worship of nature spirits and the Green Man. The Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust confirms her role is to meet the religious needs of all patients.

Cornishman Report & Letters

This section reprints a Cornishman newspaper report on Cassandra Latham's appointment, which gained national attention. It includes letters from readers reacting to the news. Rev. H.W. Roberts expresses concern about the erosion of Christian consensus and the resurgence of paganism, questioning the multi-faith approach. Debbie Jones defends the multi-faith approach, applauding the hospital for considering all patients' needs. Mrs. B. Hosking criticizes the Reverend's stance, emphasizing freedom of worship and the historical suppression of paganism.

Paganism & Christianity at the Interface - 2: Golowan's 'Pagan' Symbol

This article discusses the Golowan Festival in Penzance, describing it as a colourful and exuberant event with pagan origins. It notes the festival's revival after being suppressed over a century ago. The article highlights the "Lord of Misrule" character and the festival's blend of Cornish tradition with international performers. It also addresses a controversy regarding a banner displaying three skulls, which a local resident, Dorothy Pentreath, found inappropriate for a festival celebrating the Feast of St. John. Festival administrator Stephen Hall defends the banner, explaining its connection to the ancient "hobby 'oss" symbol and its significance in Celtic history.

Paganism & Christianity at the Interface - 3: Sancreed Well

This section details the concerns of members of Penwith's Pagan community regarding the alleged "desecration" of Sancreed Holy Well. Branches of the "spirit tree," where worshippers hang cloth offerings (clouties), were cut off and discarded. Local Pagans express distress, emphasizing the site's ancient and holy nature. The article also includes a statement from William John Thomas, the church warden, who condemns the actions but also expresses local frustration with "goings-on" at the well, citing instances of vandalism and misuse. He clarifies that while the church does not object to visits, it opposes abuse, such as cutting branches or making bonfires. He notes that local Christians also hold services at the well.

In Search of Cornwall's Holy Wells - 4

This article continues the journey of Caeia March and Cheryl Straffon in search of Cornwall's holy wells. They visit St. Keyne's Well, noting its restoration in 1932 and the legend that the first person to drink from it would be pre-eminent in marriage. The article mentions St. Keyne's connection to snakes and the pre-Christian origins suggested by the well's siting away from the nearest church. They then proceed to Duloe, visiting the stone circle and St. Cuby's Well, describing the latter as a still and contemplative place.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the rich pagan heritage of Cornwall, its sacred sites, and the ongoing dialogue and sometimes conflict between pagan and Christian traditions. The magazine consistently champions the preservation and respectful engagement with these ancient sites and practices. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocating for tolerance, understanding, and the recognition of pagan beliefs and practices within the broader community, while also acknowledging the concerns and perspectives of the Christian community. There is a clear emphasis on the spiritual significance of Cornwall's landscape and its historical layers of belief.

Meyn Mamvro, Issue 31, Autumn-Winter 1996, is a publication focused on Cornish history, folklore, and ancient sites. The issue explores various mystical and historical locations within Cornwall, including holy wells, ancient monuments, and unique underground structures.

Holy Wells of Cornwall

The magazine features several articles detailing the history and legends surrounding various holy wells in Cornwall. The first article discusses the wells of St.Cuby and Pelynt Well, noting their remote settings and associated folklore, such as offerings to appease piskies and legends of curses for those who disturb the wells. Pelynt Well is described as being guarded by an elf who influences health and fortune. The article also mentions the well at nearby Duloe and a similar legend involving a farmer who removed a stone bowl.

Page 2 continues the exploration of holy wells, detailing visits to St.Samson's Well at Golant, St. Bryvyth's Well at Lanlivery, and Luxulyan Well dedicated to St.Cyors. St.Bryvyth's Well is described as a delightful and magical place, adorned with flowers and a burning candle, having hosted a pagan blessing for a newly-wed couple. Luxulyan Well, in contrast, is a 15th-century stone well-building, recently restored but felt more like a garden of remembrance. The author reflects on the experience of visiting these wells, feeling their aliveness and ability to bestow blessings.

Ancient Sites in West Penwith

Another section, authored by Raymond Cox, focuses on lesser-known ancient sites in the West Penwith area. The article introduces several sites, including two ancient crosses, a standing stone, an entrance grave, and a cliff castle. Maen Castle, situated near the coast path between Sennen Cove and Land's End, is described as a cliff castle dated to before 3000 BCE, possibly serving as a ritual or cultural center. Sennen Green Cross and Rospletha Cross are discussed as isolated crosses with historical significance, potentially aligning with other ancient stones and circles.

The article also covers Trevervan Standing Stone, a solitary upright stone with mysterious alignments to other ancient sites, suggesting an intricate web of mystery. Tregiffian Vean Chambered Tomb is described as a collapsed structure, a kerbed mound excavated in the 1878, now lying forlorn. The author emphasizes the feeling of an arcane presence and the interweaving of past and present at these sites.

Chapel Carn Brea: The First and Last Hill

An adapted extract by Craig Weatherhill introduces Chapel Carn Brea, described as Britain's most south-westerly hill and a significant beacon site for centuries. The hill, known as 'the hill of the cairn chapel,' has been used for early warning systems and continues the tradition with fires lit by the St.Just and Pendeen Old Cornwall Society. The hill has a long history, with evidence of Neolithic and Bronze Age activity, including barrows and entrance graves. The summit features the remains of a large stone cairn, originally an entrance grave, later covered by a massive cairn. The article details the history of the cairn, the small hermitage chapel of St. Michael of Brea built on top, and its eventual demolition. It also recounts the stories of hermits who kept a beacon burning and mentions a cloud of misfortune hanging over them, including an anecdote about Harry the Hermit and charges of sorcery.

Further details about Chapel Carn Brea include legends of hermits conjuring storms and a boat from bones. The area also contains a Quaker burial ground and remains of pre-history, including round houses and courtyard houses. The article notes the deliberate uprooting of a standing stone and the vanishing of a barrow, lamenting the loss of Cornwall's heritage. The sunset view from Chapel Carn Brea is highlighted for its commanding sea horizon, offering a glimpse into the significance of the hill to ancient peoples.

Fogou - Gateway to the Underworld

The final article, by Jo May, explores the concept of a 'fogou' and a related ceremony. Jo May, who runs CAER courses and workshops, describes a 'fogou initiation' ceremony designed to attune participants to Mother Earth. The ceremony involves disorientation, a 'blind walk' through the fogou, and an attempt to communicate with 'little people.' May shares personal experiences of extraordinary events that challenged his beliefs and led him to adopt a scientific attitude towards such phenomena. The process involves suspending disbelief and communicating messages, often in the form of riddles, from the 'Little People.' The article includes examples of these riddles and the recipients' comments, highlighting their surprising relevance.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Meyn Mamvro are the deep connection between landscape, history, and folklore in Cornwall. The magazine showcases a strong interest in ancient sites, mystical traditions, and the enduring power of local legends. The editorial stance appears to be one of reverence for Cornwall's heritage, encouraging readers to explore and appreciate these sites and the stories they hold. There is a consistent focus on the spiritual and mysterious aspects of the Cornish landscape, presenting these as living traditions rather than mere historical artifacts.

Meyn Mamvro Issue 31: Autumn-Winter 1996

This issue of Meyn Mamvro, a publication dedicated to Cornish folklore, witchcraft, paganism, and Earth mysteries, presents a rich tapestry of articles, book reviews, and event listings. The cover features a striking image and the title "The Pipers Tune," hinting at the mystical and traditional themes within.

Contents and Articles

Personal Reflections and Encounters

The issue opens with a series of evocative quotes and personal reflections that touch upon encounters with unseen realms and beings. One passage describes figures dancing in rings with "little people" wearing "robes of pink and green," who possess "sparkles behind the eyes that connect them to the unseen." The author shares a ten-year search into the unseen, involving travel and meditation to connect with the cosmos. Another reflection describes beings in "silver armour" that is "thin, silvery, elfin-like," and how this relates to a natural ability to switch states or emotions. A further passage speaks of a figure who "rides on swans' backs across deep waters," possessing a magical nature that entices people to let go of their wounds, connecting to the author's daily therapy work.

An unexpected event is recounted where a "Druid's bell" jumped out of the author's hand, or a message was received that "that's it" even when more messages were expected. In one instance, the author knew there was another person present, but the "Little People" insisted there wasn't, and it later turned out the person had been mediating elsewhere.

The article "The fogou has pressed me to learn about it" describes a personal compulsion to become a guardian of a fogou, leading to research into its history and the people who were there before. The author felt a need to write about it, as if the fogou itself needed a voice. A forthcoming publication, "Fogou - Gateway to the Underworld" by Jo May, is announced for October.

Cerridwen's Cauldron: Samhain Celebration

Carole Beale contributes an article about the celebration of the seasonal festival of Samhain with her children. She describes the arrival of the "Crone Lady" from deep within the earth, an ancient figure with a long black skirt and top, a spider's web shawl, and a black hat. The Crone Lady is depicted as carrying a scythe, trimming back the countryside, and conjuring winds to create a "crunchy carpet" for the spring flowers. Beale recounts taking her children to visit the Crone Lady's "House," a cave by the sea, where they left a gift and made wishes. They found a large black stone in the shape of a heart, a round stone, and feathers at the cave entrance. The Crone Lady is described as having a magical ability to take away what is no longer needed, transforming problems like leaves from trees.

The family then sits on the beach, plays music, and watches the sun set. A porpoise is observed. The article concludes with a mention of a forthcoming article by Geraldine Andrew about a women's moon festival at Imbolc and an invitation for readers to share their own ritual experiences.

Book News and Reviews

The "Book News" section highlights new publications on Cornish folklore and history. Oakmagic Publications/Sir Hugo Books are releasing moderately-priced booklets by Kelvin I. Jones on Cornish witchcraft and healing. "Witchcraft in Cornwall" is detailed as an account of witchcraft, its practice, customs, and condemnation in Cornwall, exploring the history of persecution and the beliefs of those involved. "Cornish Witchcraft: its lore and legends" is an alphabetical compendium of traditions, myths, and folklore, including bonfires, charms, cunning men, fairies, and seasonal rituals. "Cornish Charms and Cures" offers traditional remedies attributed to village wise women.

Oakmagic has also reprinted volumes of Hunt and Bottrell's 19th-century folklore collections. Bottrell's "Traditions and Hearthside Stories of West Cornwall" is reprinted in three volumes by Llanerch Press, noted as a long-awaited and invaluable source of material.

Several other books on Celtic subjects are reviewed:

• "The Celtic Image" by David James, with artwork by Courtney Davis, is a colourful, lavishly-illustrated exploration of Celtic subjects like 'The Kingdom of Nature,' 'Sacred Places,' and 'The Sun and the Seasons.' Cornwall is included alongside other Celtic countries.
• Nigel Pennick's "Celtic Sacred Landscapes" is described as a fine, text-based book with line drawings, covering themes such as sacred trees, stones, springs, wells, caves, mountains, islands, and trackways. It includes a 40-page Gazetteer with a section on Cornwall.
• Mike Dixon-Kennedy's "Celtic Myth and Legend" is an encyclopaedic alphabetical listing of entries on Celtic heroes, heroines, Goddesses, Gods, and ancient texts, drawing from Irish, Welsh, British, and Gaulish mythic cycles. It proposes an idea that the Cornish giant Cormoran was a prototype for English giant-slaying legends.
• David Clarke and Andy Roberts' "Twilight of the Celtic Gods" explores Britain's hidden pagan traditions through contemporary traces, including research into isolated communities and Cornish customs like the Padstow Obby Oss and May-Day.

A new book, "Celtic Cornwall" by Marjorie Filbee, is announced for review in the next issue.

The Pipers Tune: A New Mên-an-Tol

An article titled "The Pipers Tune" reports on a new Mên-an-Tol (holed stone) that has appeared in West Penwith. Sculptor Rory Te Tigo from Germany created this contemporary version, shaping stones from a nearby quarry and decorating them with spirals and pentagrams. The central stone features a "humming stone" cavity, inspired by a similar stone in Germany and the Hypogeum in Malta. The site was inaugurated at the Autumn Equinox '96 and is freely accessible.

Advertising and Listings

The issue includes advertisements for "White Dragon," a quarterly magazine of pagan thought, and "Dragon's Head Press," which publishes "The Dragon Chronicle" and other dragon-related titles.

Ian Mc Neil Cooke's book "Journey to the Stones" is highlighted as an extensively revised and re-published edition focusing on ancient sites and pagan mysteries of Celtic Cornwall. It features new walks, detailed descriptions, and colour illustrations.

The Centre for Fortean Zoology is mentioned for its ongoing investigation into paranormal phenomena in Cornwall, with a series of booklets being published, including one on "Morgawr - the Monster of Falmouth Bay."

"Adventur-ine" is advertised as a source for crystals, incense, books, tapes, magazines, and dreamcatchers, with contact details for Liz Allmark.

Exchange Magazines and Noticeboard

A comprehensive list of "Exchange Magazines" is provided, detailing subscription prices for publications in categories such as "Earth Mysteries," "Celtic/Arthurian," and "Paganism." Specific titles include "The Ley Hunter," "Northern Earth," "At The Edge," "Touchstone," "Wisht Maen," "Source," "Caerdroia," "Ash," "Rilko," "The Dragon Chronicle," "Dalriada," "Celtic Connections," "Pendragon," "The Cauldron," "Deosil Dance," "Quest," "The Silver Wheel," "Sirius," and "Wood and Water."

The "Noticeboard" section lists upcoming events and meetings for various groups and centres:

• Cornish Earth Mysteries: Autumn/Winter talks at Acorn in Penzance, featuring speakers like Andy Norfolk on UFOs and fairies, and Jane Thurnell-Read on Geopathic Stress.
• Antiquities Walks: Guided walks with Ian Cooke, including a 10-mile walk to Bosporthennis and a circular walk of a Hill Fort.
• Cornish Psychic Research Group: Monthly meetings at the Acorn in Penzance.
• Penwith Pagan Moots: Meetings at Acorn in Penzance.
• Harmony Pottery Samhain Celebrations: Events at Wheal Rose, Scorrier.
• "Cream Teas" Talks Day: With Hamish Miller and others at Withiel Village Hall.
• The Wellbeing Centre: Offers regular workshops and events.
• Research & Enlightenment Centre: Holds regular monthly talks.
• CAER (Centre for Alternative Education & Research): Offers courses and workshops, including "Earth Mamas" and "Fogou."
• CUFORG (Cornwall UFO Group): Monthly meetings at Richard Lander school in Truro.

Subscription and Back Issues

Information is provided for subscribing to Meyn Mamvro at £5.50 for three issues. It is noted that issue 32 will include articles on Bronze Age ritual barrows, Epona, and piskies. Most back numbers are sold out, but photocopies are available for subscribers and regular readers at £1.75 each.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Meyn Mamvro are deeply rooted in the mystical, folkloric, and historical traditions of Cornwall and the wider Celtic world. There is a strong emphasis on Earth Mysteries, paganism, witchcraft, and the exploration of ancient sites and their significance. The magazine appears to foster a community of interest in the paranormal, folklore, and alternative spiritualities, providing a platform for personal experiences, research, and the sharing of knowledge. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry and appreciation for the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of the region, encouraging readers to engage with these subjects through events, publications, and personal exploration. The inclusion of book reviews and event listings suggests a role as a central hub for those interested in these niche subjects.