Meyn Mamvro - No 041 - Winter 2000

Magazine Overview

Meyn Mamvro, Issue No. 41, Winter-Spring 2000, is a publication dedicated to "ancient stones and sacred sites in Cornwall." The magazine is edited by Cheryl Straffon and published by Meyn Mamvro. The cover price was £2.00. The issue's main headlines highlight a "Napalm Attack on the Mên-an-Tol & Lanyon Quoit," an event described as "turning back the Millenium Clock," and the controversy surrounding the "Eclipse at Boscawen-Un."

Contents

The table of contents on page 2 outlines the articles featured in this issue:

• Editorial (p. 1)
• Cornish Earth Mysteries Group (p. 2)
• Men-an-Tol & Lanyon Quoit napalmed! (p. 3)
• Well Restored & Well Discovered (p. 4)
• Eclipsed at Boscawen-ûn: Levannah Morgan/ Debbie & Kelvin Jones/ Andy Norfolk & Cassandra Latham (p.6)
• Other Sacred Sites News (p.11)
• Lesser Known Sites in West Penwith - Raymond Cox (p.12)
• [Extra 4 page pull-out Total Eclipse Supplement]
• Turning Back the Millenium Clock - Cheryl Straffon (p.14)
• Dor Dama - Tides - Pamela Harvey (p.21)
• Tarot Review (p.22)
• Cornish Heritage (p.23)
• The Pipers Tune/Fair Exchange (p.24)

The editorial contact is Cheryl Straffon, Editor, Meyn Mamvro, 51 Carn Bosavern, St.Just, Penzance, Cornwall TR19 7QX. The magazine's phone number is 01736-787612, website is www.cornwt.demon.co.uk, and email is [email protected]. An annual subscription is £6.

Napalm Attack on the Mên-an-Tol & Lanyon Quoit

This lead story details the attack on the Mên-an-Tol stones and Lanyon Quoit on the night of November 5th, 1999. Under cover of darkness and bonfires, the sites were attacked and set on fire. Two days later, The Cornishman newspaper received photographs and an anonymous letter signed by "Friends of the Stone," claiming responsibility and the use of napalm. The letter stated the attack was an act of "finely planned worship" to "make the monuments better" and correct the "miscontrued" meaning of the sites. The perpetrators threatened to remove Mên-an-Tol and destroy Lanyon Quoit, warning of further burnings if attempts were made to stop them. The police received an overwhelming response from the public, and local pagans performed healing and protection rituals. Investigations included security camera footage and DNA samples.

Eclipsed at Boscawen-Un

This section addresses the controversy within the pagan community regarding the Total Eclipse of the Sun on August 11th, 1999, and its celebration at the Boscawen-ûn stone circle. The debate became bitter and spilled into local newspapers. The article includes an account by Levannah Morgan, the local Pagan Federation organiser, who describes the event as "awesome, life-changing" and a successful collaboration with the media. She highlights the dual purpose of protecting fragile sites and providing an inclusive focus for Pagans. Morgan details the ritual, including casting the circle, invoking deities, and a period of drumming, chanting, music, and dancing, emphasizing the "unity" and "acoustic power of the stones." The media, including Channel 4 News and Westcountry TV, were reportedly pleasant and respectful. The site was left clean. The article also includes a letter from two members of the local pagan community raising concerns about the "genius loci" warning letter issued prior to the eclipse, the vandalism of gorse bushes for access, and the perceived absurdity and negative public perception of televised pagan rituals. They questioned the patronizing tone of the warning letter.

Well Restored

This article reports on the restoration of a hitherto un-recorded well at Coxford, near Crackington Haven in north Cornwall. The well, possibly dedicated to Saint Tremayne, was in a sorry state. Thanks to a Cornwall Landscape Project grant, the work of Malcolm Ure of Capability Landscaping, and local artist Jacky Allan, the well was rebuilt using local stone and slate. Native wildflowers were planted, and Jacky Allan carved "Rest And Be Thankful" on a nearby seat. The article also reviews the book "Fentynyow Kernow - In Search of Cornwall's Holy Wells," praising it as an accessible, comprehensive guide to 125 holy wells in Cornwall.

Well Discovered

This piece explores the holy wells and the 'Hill of the Goddess' in the Padstow area. It notes that many holy wells have been lost since the Reformation, but mentions the landing place of St. Petroc. A path leads to St. George's Cove, where a pool is identified as St. George's holy well. Across the estuary, Brea Hill is described as a breast-shaped hill, possibly retaining its prehistoric significance as a sacred place of the Earth Goddess, later Christianized. The hill is surmounted by a nipple-shaped prehistoric cairn, reinforcing its numinous energy.

Other Sacred Sites News

This section provides updates from the Cornish Earth Mysteries Group (CEMG) and the West Penwith Archaeology Club.

CEMG's autumn activities included a site visit to the Merry Maidens complex, a talk by Rob Stephenson on "Ancient sites and psycho-spiritual practices," and a talk by Paul Newman on hill figures. Chesca Potter gave a presentation on Celtic Shamanism. The group also visited Chûn Quoit for the midwinter solstice alignment. Details of future events are available on the Meyn Mamvro website.

The West Penwith Archaeology Club has been formed to re-survey ancient sites previously surveyed by Vivien Russell in 1971. They have also surveyed Caer Bran hillfort and have planned field trips.

Turning Back the Millenium Clock

This article by Cheryl Straffon discusses the concept of the Millennium, noting that the year 2000 is actually the last year of the current millennium, with the new one starting in 2001. It points out that the Western calendar was not fixed until the 6th century and that the calculation of Christ's birth is also debated. The article then shifts focus to Cornwall, highlighting that there have been at least six millennia of occupation. The author looks back 6000 years for a snapshot of life in Cornwall at the turn of each millennium, contrasting this with the recent attack on the stones, and expressing hope for their preservation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly emphasizes the protection and reverence of ancient sacred sites in Cornwall, as evidenced by the outrage over the napalm attack and the discussions surrounding the Boscawen-ûn eclipse. There is a clear focus on Earth Mysteries, paganism, and Cornish heritage. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocating for the preservation of these sites and promoting a deeper understanding of their historical and spiritual significance, while also acknowledging and sometimes mediating internal community debates. The magazine also serves as a platform for promoting local groups and events related to these themes.

Meyn Mamvro, issue 41, published in Winter-Spring 2000, is a magazine focused on ufology, archaeology, history, and esoteric topics, with a particular emphasis on Cornwall. The issue features articles and news items that blend historical research with contemporary events and spiritual perspectives.

Response-Able Pagans?

This section addresses a controversy surrounding events at Boscawen-ûn Stone Circle in December 1997, during a solar eclipse. The Cornwall Sacred Sites Protection Network decided to cut back the gorse around the circle for fire safety and erosion control. The article, written by Kelvin & Debbie Jones, criticizes the manner in which this was carried out by a private contractor, questioning whether 'permission' was sought from the 'spriggans' or 'genius loci' and expressing concern about the intrusion of media and the transformation of a sacred place into a 'media circus'. They highlight that local pagans may not have wanted this 'shenanigans' forced upon them. The article also mentions that the landowners, Bolitho Estates and Penwith District Council, declined offers of sensitive gorse cutting by Pagan volunteers. The authors, Cassandra Latham & Andy Norfolk, respond by explaining the necessity of contingency plans for large events like eclipses and state that their intentions were honourable, with no reported damage to sacred sites. They also note that a press release written in an ironic vein was appreciated.

Other Sacred Sites News

This section provides updates on various sacred sites in Cornwall:

• Sancreed Well: The issue of the footpath from Sancreed Church to the holy well remains unresolved, with ongoing discussions about a diverted path versus preserving the original 'historic church path'.
• Rocky Valley Mazes & St. Nectan's Glen: Concerns are raised about offerings and graffiti at St. Nectan's Kieve. Additionally, the potential development of the inscribed maze site by Rossart Developments and a blacksmith's plans to charge for access are mentioned.
• Slaughter Bridge Stone: A new Arthurian Visitor's Centre has opened, and access to the inscribed stone of Latinus (King Arthur's Tomb) is now restricted, requiring payment at the Centre run by the Camelot Project.

Lesser-Known Sites in West Penwith

This article, by Raymond Cox, explores several archaeological sites in the West Penwith peninsula of Cornwall:

• Carn Gulva: Described as a prominent hill with ancient fields, coastal roads, mine remnants, and scattered farms. It is noted for its rock piles and legends of giants.
• Iron-Age Courtyard House Settlements: The article highlights three less-visited but rewarding sites: Chysauster, Carn Euny, and Bosporthennis. These settlements feature stone walls, courtyards, and round rooms, with Bosporthennis noted for its expansive site and a unique two-room medieval building adapted from a prehistoric structure.
• Porthmeor Settlement: This is described as a well-known excavated courtyard house village, featuring thick stone walls, entrances, paved courts, and a significant above-ground fogou with a corbelled roof. The fogou's passage is aligned to receive the rising midsummer sun. The site is noted as being overgrown and difficult to navigate in summer.
• Bosporthennis Settlement: Contrasted with Porthmeor, this site is described as expansive and rewarding, with scattered remains, stone walls, and courtyard houses. It also contains a rare two-room medieval building.

The article also mentions that North Area (2) in the next issue will cover the Bosporthennis Beehive Hut and Bosigran Courtyard House settlement.

Turning Back the Millenium Clock: 6000 Years of Living in Cornwall

Written by Cheryl Straffon, this article provides a historical snapshot of life in Cornwall at the turn of each millennium, from 1000 BCE to 2000 CE.

• 1000 AD/CE: Cornwall was known as Cornubia, part of Dumnonia, with administrative ties to Exeter. It was divided into petty kingdoms, likely vassals of England. Christianity was established, with centres of learning and chapels built near holy wells. The population was small and rural, with Bodmin as a significant settlement.
• 1000 CE: Cornwall was still perceived as distinct from England, populated by people of Celtic stock. Despite English influence and border demarcations, it remained culturally separate. The Norman Conquest treated Cornwall as distinct, and its language was Old Cornish.
• 1 AD/CE - 1 BCE: This period marks the height of the Iron Age Celtic culture, with people living in round and oval houses, forming courtyard house settlements. Sites like Chysauster and Carn Euny are mentioned, along with field systems and the distinctive Iron Age structure of the fogou, believed to have served a ritual function.
• 1 CE/ 1 BCE (continued): Other structures from this period include cliff castles and hill forts, possibly used for defense, meeting places, or ceremonial sites. Burial practices included inhumations in stone-lined cists, with large cemeteries found at Harlyn Bay and Trelan Bahow. The tin trade flourished, indicating prosperous lives and trade contacts with the Mediterranean.
• 1000 BCE: The Bronze Age was ending, with ceremonial sites like stone circles being abandoned, possibly due to climate deterioration. Celtic peoples began arriving around 800 BCE. Round house settlements were adapted for seasonal grazing, and people occupied more fertile low-lying areas. Cornwall was a source of metals, trading gold torcs and armrings. Hillforts and cliff castles emerged, indicating territorial organization.
• 2000 BCE: The Bronze Age was flourishing. Hunting was largely abandoned in favour of farming. The Beaker People. Bronze technology, using Cornish tin, was established, mainly for ceremonial objects. The tin trade made Cornwall an important centre, with links to Ireland and other maritime places.
• 2000 BCE (continued): Cornwall was characterized by a proliferation of megalithic building, including stone circles, standing stones, and cairns. Sites like Merry Maidens and Boscawen-ûn are mentioned. Standing stones were used for alignments, territorial marking, and denoting ritual times. Stone rows marked sacred spaces. Holed stones served as entrances to barrows. Grave goods indicate a rich culture focused on honouring the dead and celebrating the Earth Mother.
• 3000 BCE: This period predates most megalithic culture. Dolmens or cromlechs (Quoits) were the earliest megalithic monuments, likely originally covered by earthen barrows.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of ancient history, archaeology, and contemporary spiritual beliefs, particularly within the context of Cornwall. There is a strong focus on sacred sites, their preservation, and the cultural significance of pagan and Celtic traditions. The editorial stance appears to be one that values the preservation of heritage, questions modern intrusions into sacred spaces (like media events), and seeks to educate readers about Cornwall's deep and multifaceted history, from prehistoric times to the turn of the millennium. The inclusion of 'Other Sacred Sites News' and detailed archaeological site descriptions suggests a commitment to documenting and promoting awareness of these locations.

Title: MEYN MAMVRO
Issue: 41
Date: Winter-Spring 2000

This issue of Meyn Mamvro explores the deep history and spiritual landscape of Cornwall, focusing on ancient cultures, identity, and the profound impact of a recent solar eclipse. It features articles on Neolithic and Mesolithic life, megalithic monuments, the debate around Cornish heritage, and personal reflections on the 1999 solar eclipse.

Ancient Cornwall: From Hunter-Gatherers to Farmers

The issue begins by transporting the reader back to 3000 BCE, describing the purpose of megalithic chambers like Chûn Quoit as places for reverence and connection with ancestral spirits, often aligned with the solar wheel. It paints a picture of early Neolithic people as intimately connected to the land, having transitioned from nomadic hunter-gatherers to settled farmers. This period, characterized by a favorable climate, saw the development of distinctive earthenware pottery, trade in goods, and the production of axes for utility and ceremony. Axes from Cornwall were traded widely, even to communities that later built Stonehenge. The region experienced prosperity, but a decline in farming and land reversion to scrubland a few hundred years later may have prompted the construction of megalithic monuments as a reaction, which ultimately helped re-establish prosperity.

Moving further back to 4000 BCE, the magazine discusses the Mesolithic peoples who inhabited Cornwall after the last Ice Age. These hunter-fisher-gatherers lived seasonally, hunting red deer and other animals, and their connection with the animal world was expressed through identification with animal spirits. While they left no grand monuments, evidence of their presence is found in microliths, sherds of axe-heads, and beach pebbles. Significant Mesolithic sites have been identified at Bodmin Moor, on the Lizard at Poldowrian, and near Newquay. By 4000 BCE, these bands began clearing forests and establishing hill-top encampments, with Carn Brea being one of the earliest settlement sites dating from around 4500 BCE. This marked the beginning of a 6,000-year period of development that would see the taming of the land, the building of settlements and farms, and the construction of megalithic monuments.

Cornish Identity and Heritage

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to the ongoing debate surrounding Cornish identity and heritage. It references a previous report about the Cornish Stannary Parliament's frustration with English Heritage imposing English signs on Cornish ancient monuments. A reader's response, attributed to Simon Hayward, argues that many ancient sites predate English influence and that the term 'English Heritage' is therefore inappropriate. Hayward criticizes the Stannary Parliament's use of the English language and their perceived extremist mentality. The article then delves into the broader debate about whether Cornwall is fundamentally 'different' from England in its customs, legends, and culture, or if these differences are a modern construct. This discussion is framed within the context of defining ethnic groups, referencing Lord Fraser's criteria, and noting Cornwall's eligibility based on its shared history, cultural tradition, geographical origin, and revived language.

Arthurian Legends and Ancient Carvings

The article 'The Pipers Tune' revisits the inscribed stone found at Tintagel Castle in 1998, which English Heritage suggested meant 'Arthur'. However, Professor Charles Thomas repudiated this interpretation. The 6th-century inscription, 'Paterni...Coli Avi Ficit.... Artognov', has led to various interpretations, including potential connections to 'Arthnou' or 'Paternus'. The article also discusses an earlier carving found above the 6th-century inscription, with the letters 'AXE'. Roger Irving suggests this could be part of the name 'Maxentius', a Roman Emperor. The dating of the 'AXE' lettering to around 400 CE makes this plausible, especially given the commemoration of Licinius, Maxentius's co-Emperor, on another stone in Tintagel Parish Church. While the dating of the Tintagel slate is around 400 CE, inscribed stones and milestones generally do not date later than 341 CE, making the 400 CE dating somewhat out of sequence. An alternative suggestion is that Maxentius might be the brother of Budic of Brittany.

Tarot Reviews and Publications

The issue includes reviews of two tarot decks with Cornish associations. 'The Pagan Tarot' (Tarot 2000), produced in Cornwall, is compiled by Robin Payne and illustrated by Rosemarie Lewsey. It is described as a culmination of study and an attempt to resurrect the lost Pagan series, drawing on Italian origins for the Major Arcana and pagan themes for the Minor Arcana. 'The Greenwood Tarot' by Chesca Potter and Mark Ryan is also reviewed, with illustrations inspired by ancient Cornish sites and the wildwood. Chesca Potter has also illustrated 'The Celtic Shaman's Pack'. The magazine also features an advertisement for 'Adventurine', offering a catalogue, newsletter, and numerological and astrological services.

Events and Listings

The 'Noticeboard' section provides a comprehensive listing of upcoming events and organizations related to Cornish Earth Mysteries, Pagan Federation, and other related interests. These include talks, celebrations like Imbolc, Spring Equinox, and Beltane, as well as regular meetings for various groups across Cornwall. The listings offer contact details, times, and locations for these events and organizations.

The Spiritual Eclipse of 1999

A special four-page supplement details the profound impact of the Total Eclipse of the Sun on August 11th, 1999, in Cornwall. The supplement includes personal reminiscences that emphasize the emotional, spiritual, mystical, and psychological experience of the event, rather than just its visual aspect.

One account, 'TOTALITY' by Rose Lewis, describes the collective anticipation, the thickening cloud cover, and the swift, awe-inspiring arrival of the 'Mother of Darkness' that extinguished the light, plunging the world into an eerie twilight. The experience is described as one of being stripped bare, mind naked and empty, in communion with the cosmos and ancestral memories.

'DRAGON ENERGY ECLIPSED' by Karen Deeley recounts a personal experience at Kynance Cove. She describes seeing the Lizard Point as the shape of a dragon that rose and swallowed the sun. This was followed by a struggle with an archangel Michael and the imagined transformation of an obsidian ball into the eclipse. The experience concluded with the sun reappearing and balance being restored.

A third perspective, 'SPIRITUAL ECLIPSE', details the months of preparation for the event by a small, focused group. They undertook a ritualistic pilgrimage to a local holy well and hilltop for purification and grounding. The experience of the eclipse itself was not solely visual, as the day was cloudy. The group focused on the spiritual effect and performed an invocation of the 'Dark Goddess of death, endings, separation, cutting and letting go', describing it as a moment of immense power and clarity.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Meyn Mamvro revolve around the deep historical and spiritual connection of Cornwall to its land and past. There is a strong emphasis on ancient cultures, from the Mesolithic to the Neolithic periods, and the enduring presence of megalithic sites. The magazine also engages with contemporary issues of identity and heritage, highlighting the distinctiveness of Cornish culture. Furthermore, it explores the spiritual and mystical dimensions of natural phenomena, particularly the 1999 solar eclipse, presenting personal experiences and interpretations that go beyond the purely scientific. The editorial stance appears to be one that values ancient wisdom, indigenous heritage, and a holistic, spiritual understanding of the world, encouraging readers to explore these themes through personal experience and engagement with local history and traditions.

MEYN MAMVRO, Issue 41, Winter-Spring 2000, published by Meyn Mamvro, is a magazine focused on ufology, spirituality, and personal transformation. This issue delves into the profound experiences of individuals during a total solar eclipse, exploring its spiritual, emotional, and psychological impacts.

Personal Eclipse Experiences

The issue features personal accounts from contributors C and S, detailing their experiences during a total solar eclipse. C describes the ritual of 'giving back' to the Goddess of Complete Nothingness, releasing personal 'props' and connecting deeply with the spirit of the universe. This process culminated in a profound spiritual experience during the moment of total eclipse, leading to a sense of vulnerability and transformation.

S recounts a similar experience of intense presence during the eclipse, feeling 'stripped to the bone' and profoundly affected by the concentrated power. The experience was cathartic, leading to the release of burdens and a sense of rebirth. Both contributors emphasize the lasting impact of this spiritual and emotional work on their lives.

Shattering Eclipse

Bernadette Cahill's account, "Shattering Eclipse," describes the experience of waiting for a total eclipse at Sennen's Old Manor Hotel. Despite initial hopes for clear skies, the event was largely obscured by clouds, leading to feelings of powerlessness and frustration. The author reflects on the 'meaning of what is happening' and the shift in focus from the sky to the earth due to the overcast conditions. The darkness of the eclipse is described as 'mystical, magical, awesome,' and the dawn that followed felt like waking up 'in a new dimension.'

Following the eclipse, the author felt depressed and unreal, particularly upon seeing news reports of the best view being in Turkey. The experience in West Penwith is described as a 'sensitive land,' and the author questions whether the cloud cover protected it from the 'force of the skies' and the 'shattering power' felt internally, drawing a parallel with an earthquake that occurred in Turkey shortly after the eclipse.

Moonshadow Festival

Deasy Bamford writes about the "Moonshadow Festival," a consciousness expansion event held in an 80ft dome at Grumbla. The festival involved meditation workshops, visualizations, and life force energy transformations, with participants feeling they were fulfilling a destiny. During the totality of the eclipse, there was a heightened sense of excitement and awareness of the surrounding energy. The experience was described as emotional and led to a 'massive sense of relief' for many.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the transformative power of celestial events, particularly eclipses, and their impact on personal spirituality and consciousness. The magazine appears to promote a perspective that views these events as significant opportunities for inner growth, emotional release, and spiritual connection. The editorial stance seems to be one of exploring and documenting profound personal experiences related to ufology, spirituality, and the unexplained, encouraging readers to reflect on their own inner dimensions and the potential for transformation.