Meyn Mamvro - No 035 - Winter 1998

Magazine Overview

Meyn Mamvro, Issue 35, Winter-Spring 1998, is a magazine focused on "ancient stones and sacred sites in Cornwall." The issue features a cover illustration of a stylized brain within a circular pattern, with prominent article titles listed below. The price is £1.90.

Contents and Key Articles

The magazine's contents page lists a variety of articles, including an editorial, reports on the Cornish Earth Mysteries Group and Cornish Sacred Sites Group, and several feature articles:

• The Hummadruz at Zennor Quoit by Andy Norfolk: This article explores the mysterious 'hummadruz' phenomenon, a strange humming noise heard in the countryside, with personal accounts from visits to Zennor Quoit and Trendrine Hill. The author discusses possible explanations, including insect swarms, aircraft, and even otherworldly sounds, referencing historical accounts and modern research.
• In Search of Cornwall's Holy Wells (6) by Cheryl Straffon & Caeia March: This installment of a series details a circular tour of rivers, creeks, and estuaries in Cornwall, focusing on holy wells. It describes visits to Mylor churchtown, noting its well and the blend of pagan and Christian elements, and the overgrown site of Tolverne spring well.
• Lesser-known sites in West Penwith by Raymond Cox: This article highlights sites in the West Penwith region of Cornwall.
• Traces of the Goddess Sillina by Chris Jenkins: This piece investigates the presence and significance of the Goddess Sillina.
• Terence Meaden's Cornish Diary: A personal account or observations from Terence Meaden.
• Cerridwen's Cauldron by Sheila Bright: This article likely delves into themes related to the Celtic goddess Cerridwen.
• Book Reviews and The Pipers Tune/Fair Exchange: These sections cover reviews of relevant books and other miscellaneous content.

News and Initiatives

Meyn Mamvro also reports on several ongoing initiatives and news items:

• Sacred Sites Group Formed: A new Protection of Sacred Sites Network Group has been established, bringing together representatives from various organizations like the National Trust, Cornwall Wildlife Trust, and the Cornwall Archaeological Unit. The group aims to address site damage and management, with no support for fencing off sites but general agreement on entrance noticeboards. Ideas like 'Sitewatch' and volunteer forces for site maintenance are being considered.
• Hallowed Ground 2000: An initiative coordinated by Andy Norfolk and Clare Prout to document the state of British sacred sites and promote a guardianship scheme. A pilot study is running in Cornwall.
• Total Eclipse of the Sun 1999: The magazine highlights the upcoming total solar eclipse on August 11th, 1999, which will be visible in its totality from west Cornwall. It anticipates a significant influx of visitors (around 500,000) and the implications for accommodation, traffic, and crowds, particularly at ancient sites.

Cornish Earth Mysteries Group (CEMG) Activities

Page 4 details recent activities of the CEMG:

• Autumn 1997 Talks: The series included a talk by Craig Weatherhill on "The First and Last Wilderness," exploring legends and sites in Penwith. Dr. Ken George from the University of Plymouth presented on "Megalithic Astronomy," discussing research by Alexander Thom and Christian O'Brien. John Downes from the Centre for Fortean Zoology spoke on "Morgawr, the Owlman and other Fortean Animals," covering crypto-zoology and anomalous animal sightings.
• December Gathering: An annual gathering at Chûn Quoit to observe the winter solstice sunset alignment, followed by feasting and storytelling in St. Just.

Friends of the Witchcraft Museum

Information is provided about the efforts of Graham King and Liz Crow to improve the Witchcraft Museum in Boscastle, including an inaugural meeting with a talk by Ronald Hutton and a ritual at St. Nectan's Kieve. Contact details are provided for those wishing to become a Friend.

The Hummadruz Phenomenon Explored Further

Pages 6-9 delve deeper into the 'hummadruz' phenomenon:

• Personal Accounts: The article includes accounts from Peter Hannah (Arran, 1972), John Merron (Allt-yr-Ancr, 1984), and Charles Hay (White Sheet Hill), who experienced similar humming or buzzing sounds, sometimes interpreted as bees or other phenomena.
• Historical References: John Billingsley's article in Northern Earth is referenced, along with historical descriptions by Gilbert White (1769) and Maurice Hewlett.
• Scientific and Esoteric Connections: The article links these sounds to altered states of consciousness, earth energies, and electromagnetic phenomena. It mentions research by Philip Heselton, Paul Devereux, John Steele, and David Kubrin, suggesting brainwave resonance with Earth's rhythms and the potential for accessing 'biological-frequency natural forces'. Serena Roney-Dougal's book "Where Science and Magic Meet" is cited regarding the effect of the Earth's magnetic field.
• Other Strange Noises: Examples of other unexplained sounds at ancient sites, such as ticking noises at the Rollright Stones and 'earth thunder' at the Blind Fiddler, are presented.
• Modern Investigations: A Westcountry TV program and Western Morning News article are mentioned, focusing on humming noises in Cornwall, particularly in the Hayle, Penzance, and Praa Sands area. Theories include sensitive hearing picking up microwave signals, with suggested frequencies of 15-20 Hz and 40Hz.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of earth mysteries, ancient sites, folklore, and the intersection of archaeology with alternative perspectives. There is a strong focus on Cornwall's unique landscape and heritage. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various theories and personal experiences while encouraging further research and preservation of sacred sites. The magazine also highlights community initiatives and upcoming events relevant to its readership.

This issue of MEYN MAMVRO, number 35, published in Winter-Spring 1998, is a travelogue and exploration of ancient sites, holy wells, and pagan traditions primarily in Cornwall, United Kingdom. The magazine features articles by Raymond Cox, Chris Jenkins, and Terence Meaden, detailing their journeys and research into the historical and mystical significance of various locations.

Holy Wells of the Roseland Peninsula

The issue begins with an account of visiting holy wells on the Roseland peninsula. The author describes finding two holy wells near St.Just-in-Roseland: Ventongassick, located beside a steep and slippery road, and the holy well associated with St.Just Church, which was found hidden along a path by a creek. The latter is described as a liminal place predating the Christian church. The journey continues to St.Mawes, where a holy well is noted but described as being in an unattractive setting. Further exploration leads to St.Anthony, where the search for a holy well was thwarted by overgrown rhododendrons. The author then visits the holy well of St.Ruan, identified by a water shute, and concludes the day by finding the holy well of St.Clement, described as a pretty stone surround with clear water, located beside a river path.

Lesser-Known Sites in West Penwith

Raymond Cox contributes an article on lesser-known sites in the West Penwith area. He details the Botrea complex, a site on a sloping hillside with a courtyard house, round house, and well-preserved field system, including disc and bowl barrows. Cox also describes the Nanquidno valley, noting its lush growth and a stream leading to the sea, and mentions Nanquidno Cross, found near an ancient baptistry. The article also touches upon St.Helen's Oratory, a Celtic ruin with a rebuilt structure and associated priest's house, and discusses the mysteries surrounding its history and a cross found there.

Traces of the Goddess Sillina

Chris Jenkins explores the theme of the Goddess Sillina and her connection to Cornwall and the Scilly Isles. Jenkins posits that Cornwall's shape and name (Kernow) relate to the concept of a horn or cornucopia, symbolizing fertility. He discusses the ancient divisions of Dumnonia and Dyfneint, linking them to matriarchal traditions and the 'Otherworld'. The Scilly Isles, known as Sylinarees, are presented as the Isles of the Blessed, associated with burial cairns and the Goddess Sillina. Jenkins recounts legends of nine druidesses residing there, including Morgana, King Arthur's half-sister. The article further breaks down the legendary 'Nine Sisters' into aspects of Maiden, Mother, and Crone, associating them with specific locations and folklore on the Scilly Isles, such as the 'Old Woman's House' and the 'Isle of Maidens Bower'. The cult of Minerva and an eternal flame on Nornour are also mentioned, as is the association of Tresco Abbey with witches and a Druid wishing stone.

Terence Meaden's Cornish Diary

Terence Meaden, a physicist and meteorologist, shares his diary of visits to ancient sites in Cornwall in April 1997. He recounts attending a talk by the Cornish Earth Mysteries Group and subsequently visiting megalithic sites. His journey includes Dartmoor's Merrivale, Trethevy Quoit (a portal-dolmen), and The Hurlers (triple rings). Meaden discusses the potential astronomical alignments of The Hurlers and Pipers. He also visits Pendeeen Fogou, Carn Euny Fogou and Courthouse Settlement, exploring their potential functions as symbolic entry points to the underworld or sites for birthing rituals. The diary concludes with visits to the Merry Maidens Circle, Gun Rith standing stone, Tregiffian Cist, and Boscawen-un Circle, highlighting the latter as a significant Goddess site with quartz megaliths arranged for the Beltane sunrise.

Further Reading and Publications

The issue includes a section on further reading related to Sillina and pagan traditions, listing several books available from Meyn Mamvro Publications and other booksellers, including "The Earth Mysteries Guide to Ancient Sites on the Isles of Scilly," "Pagan Cornwall: Land of the Goddess," and "The Earth Goddess: Celtic and Pagan Legacy of the Landscape."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of ancient British and Celtic heritage, with a particular focus on Cornwall and its surrounding islands. There is a strong emphasis on paganism, Goddess symbolism, and the mystical significance of natural landscapes and ancient sites. The editorial stance appears to be one of reverence for these ancient traditions and a desire to uncover and share their hidden histories and folklore. The magazine promotes a blend of travelogue, historical research, and mythological interpretation, encouraging readers to engage with the 'earth mysteries' and the spiritual legacy of the land.

Title: MEYN MAMVRO
Issue: 35
Date: Winter-Spring 1998
Publisher: Meyn Mamvro
Country: United Kingdom
ISSN: 0966-5897

This issue of Meyn Mamvro, a magazine focused on earth mysteries, folklore, and paganism, delves into various aspects of Cornish heritage and contemporary spiritual practices. It features articles on ancient sites, personal ritual experiences, book reviews, and a noticeboard of related events and groups.

Articles

Men-an-Tol and Chun Quoit: Ancient Sites and Interpretations

The issue begins with a visit to the Men-an-Tol stone circle, noting the perforated stone and its potential repositioning. The author describes passing through the 'enticing vulva' three times. Nearby, the Dark Age standing stone Men Scryfa is mentioned. The article then focuses on Chun Quoit, a mushroom-like stone near Chun Castle. The author discusses the cupmarks on its capstone, contrasting the mystification of British archaeologists with the clear interpretation in Hindu India, where they are seen as symbols of the yoni and the Great Goddess. The text suggests that British cupmarks also represent vulva engravings, possibly for spirit passage, and links this to a widespread Goddess-yoni tradition in prehistory, suppressed by later invaders and missionaries. The author critiques Christian archaeologists for their narrow focus.

Cerridwen's Cauldron: A Ritual Experience

This section details a powerful ritual experience led by Sheila Bright at Halligye fogou on the Lizard, coinciding with a full moon eclipse and the author Cheryl's 50th birthday. The ritual involved invoking the elements, purification, and descending into the 'womb of the Earth Mother' in the dark fogou. Cheryl experienced a 'rebirth' in a narrow passage. The group witnessed the spectacular sight of the eclipsed full moon, described as 'dark menstrual-blood-red,' gradually revealing a bright white crescent as the eclipse ended. The experience is described as awe-inspiring and transformative, reinforcing the presence of the Goddess.

Book Reviews

Oakmagic Publications is highlighted for producing new booklets on Cornish folklore and customs from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Reviews cover titles such as 'Penzance Customs & Superstitions,' 'Robin Hood in Cornwall,' 'Cornish Witches & Cunning Men,' 'Cornish Giants,' 'Cornish Ghosts,' 'Cornish Feasts and Folklore,' 'Hawker's Tales of Ghosts & Witchcraft,' 'King Arthur in Cornwall,' and 'Customs & Superstitions of East Cornwall.' The Cornish Folklore Handbook by John Kinsman is also reviewed. Several new books from Blandford's Celtic series are discussed, including 'Classic Celtic Fairy Tales' by John Matthews, 'Celtic Pilgrimages' by Elaine Gill and David Everett, and 'Holy Places of Celtic Britain' by Mick Sharp. Reprints of 'Celtic Britain' by Charles Thomas and 'The Travellers Guide to Arthurian Britain' by Geoffrey Ashe are also noted. Miscellaneous items include new Ordnance Survey Explorer maps and the launch of a new pagan magazine, 'Pagan Pen,' from West Penwith.

Fair Exchange: The Pendragon Society

This section introduces Pendragon, the journal of the Pendragon Society, which focuses on Arthurian topics. The Summer 1997 edition is highlighted for its focus on Arthurian Topography, with several articles concerning Cornwall and Tintagel, including discussions on the name's meaning, Victorian writings, and Arthur's connection to the region. Details for subscribing to the society are provided.

Exchange Magazines and Noticeboard

A list of 'Exchange Magazines' is provided, categorizing publications by theme such as Earth Mysteries, Celtic/Arthurian, Paganism, and Goddess/Feminist. Contact details and subscription prices are included for numerous magazines. The 'Noticeboard' section lists upcoming events and regular meetings in Cornwall, including winter talks on Cornish Earth Mysteries, meetings for the Cornwall UFO Group (CUFORG), workshops at The Wellbeing Centre and Research and Enlightenment Centre, an Antiquities Walk, Penwith Pagan Moot, Kettles Pagan Group, Kali Women's Group, CAER courses, and Beltane Celebrations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of ancient sites, folklore, paganism, and contemporary spiritual practices, with a particular focus on Cornwall. There is an evident appreciation for pre-Christian traditions and a critical stance towards the suppression of such knowledge by later religious and academic establishments. The editorial stance appears to champion alternative perspectives on history, spirituality, and the interpretation of ancient mysteries, encouraging readers to engage with these themes through events, publications, and community groups.