Meyn Mamvro - No 042 - Summer 2000

Magazine Overview

Meyn Mamvro, Issue 42, Summer 2000, is a magazine dedicated to "ancient stones and sacred sites in cornwall". The cover prominently features artwork related to these themes and lists key articles on the Mên-an-Tol, Mazey Day, and Merrie Maidens. The price is £2.00.

Contents and Key Articles

The magazine opens with a table of contents, listing articles such as 'Editorial', 'Cornish Earth Mysteries Group', 'Sacred Sites News', and several pieces focusing on the Mên-an-Tol and Lanyon Quoit. Specific articles include:

• The Mên-an-Tol: Attacks and Curses: This article details the "napalm" attack on the Mên-an-Tol and Lanyon Quoit in November 1999, the subsequent arrest and sentencing of the perpetrators (Ian Thomas Woolridge and Benjamin James Warner), and the controversy surrounding the pagan community's response, including a 'cursing' ritual by Cassandra Latham and debates on an email list.
• Readers Write about THE STONES ATTACK: This section features letters from readers Keith & Maureen Osborne (Cambridge), Raymond Cox (Halesowen), and Robin Ellis (Hathersage), offering perspectives on the desecration of sacred sites, societal malaise, and the potential involvement of 'dark forces'.
• WHO WERE THE 'FRIENDS OF THE STONE'? This article publishes the anonymous letter sent to The Cornishman newspaper by the group claiming responsibility for the attack. The letter expresses a belief that the monuments' meanings have been 'misconstrued' and states an intention to 'act further', including moving the Mên-an-Tol to a private garden and destroying Lanyon Quoit.
• THE MÊN-AN-TOL - NOT PROPERLY ALIGNED? This piece discusses the 'Friends of the Stone' claim that the Mên-an-Tol is not correctly aligned. It notes that Lanyon Quoit is a 'false reconstruction' and that the Mên-an-Tol's stones may not have always been in their current triangular arrangement, referencing a sketch by William Borlase from 1769. It also mentions a 1992 excavation by the Cornwall Archaeological Unit suggesting the stones are part of a larger stone circle.
• POSSIBLE 4TH CIRCLE FOUND AT THE HURLERS: CAU archaeologist Peter Herring discovered potential remains of a fourth stone circle at The Hurlers complex on Bodmin Moor, located northeast of the existing three circles.
• GORSE CUT BACK AT TREGESEAL CIRCLE: Following a request from local residents, gorse was cut back at Tregeseal Stone Circle with the cooperation of the Sacred Sites Group and BTCV volunteers, aiming to improve access while being mindful of past controversies.
• ...AND LARGE GORSE FIRE BURNS AT OTHER SITES: A significant gorse fire in West Penwith Moors affected ancient sites including Mên-an-Tol, Nine Maidens, and Lanyon Quoit, burning over a large area and requiring at least a year to recover.
• Lesser Known Sites in West Penwith: An article by Raymond Cox.
• Mazey Day: a pagan festival revived: An article by Cheryl Straffon.
• The Merrie Maidens: a ritualistic art form: An article by Rodney Blunsden.
• Dor Dama Tides: An article by Pamela Harvey.
• Book Reviews, Cornish Heritage, Letters Extra/Cecil Williamson: These sections provide shorter contributions and reviews.

Cornish Earth Mysteries Group News

Page 4 features a 'news page' from the Cornish Earth Mysteries Group (CEMG). It reports on a series of talks held in early 2000:

• 'The Western Mystery Tradition' by Jan Machin.
• 'Prehistoric Bodmin Moor' by CAU archaeologist Peter Herring, discussing alignments and landscape design.
• 'The Wheel of the Year' by Geraldine Andrew, covering Goddess spirituality and the revival of paganism.
• 'Folklore and Witchcraft' by Kelvin Jones, focusing on Cornish lore and witchcraft.

Details of forthcoming CEMG events are available on the Meyn Mamvro website or Noticeboard. The West Penwith Field Archaeology group is also mentioned, with a project to clear vegetation at Bodrifty Courtyard House settlement.

Editorial Stance and Recurring Themes

The editorial on page 3 expresses relief that the attackers of the Mên-an-Tol and Lanyon Quoit were caught, noting the estimated £10,000 cost of clean-up. It highlights the growing pagan and alternative community in Cornwall, evidenced by the large attendance at the 2nd regional Pagan Federation Conference. The editorial also laments the closure of the Quay Bookshop in Penzance, a long-time supporter of Meyn Mamvro. Recurring themes include the protection of sacred sites, the intersection of archaeology and earth mysteries, pagan festivals and rituals, and the vibrant alternative culture in Cornwall. The magazine appears to advocate for the preservation of heritage and a respectful approach to ancient sites.

The magazine also includes advertisements for 'Stone Age Jewellery', 'The Earth Goddess' book by Cheryl Straffon, and 'FENG-SHUI' services, indicating a focus on spirituality, alternative healing, and paganism.

This issue of Meyn Mamvro, number 42, published in Summer 2000, focuses on ancient sites, pagan traditions, and archaeological discoveries primarily in Cornwall, United Kingdom. The magazine explores the mysteries of stone circles, the revival of ancient festivals, and lesser-known historical settlements.

The Mên-an-Tol: Alignment and Ritual

The first article discusses the Mên-an-Tol, a stone with a hole, and its potential astronomical alignments. The current position offers no obvious explanations, but the CAU suggests it was moved at a right angle from its original position. If moved, it could have been tangential to the circle, allowing observations through the hole to the NNW or SSE. From the center of the circle, the moon would rise at its major southern standstill every 18.6 years, framed by the holed stone. The article also notes the remains of a possible mound next to the holed stone, which might have been a barrow, and suggests the holed stone could have been an entrance stone to this barrow. If the barrow was in the way, the alignment might not have been visible from the center, but it's possible the holed stone was on the barrow's southern edge. This implies the holed stone has been moved. The author questions whether recent events or discussions about the monument being incorrectly aligned are related to this speculative material.

The Mên-an-Tol: The Gypsy Switch

This article, by Modesto & Janet Gutierrez, recounts a personal experience at the Mên-an-Tol. Inspired by Charles DeLint's book 'The Little Country,' the authors visited the site. They learned that passing through the holed stone against the sun is believed to secure good health, cure illness, or ensure good harvests. A modern use is for couples to confirm engagements. The proper ritual involves a child being passed through three times and an adult nine times. The authors observed a gypsy family performing a ritual at the stone. The children played around the stones, and the adults arranged themselves around the holed stone. The older woman passed a baby through the stone multiple times to the younger women. The authors noted the seriousness of the ritual and were left wondering about its meaning. They also observed flowers left at the base of the stones and on the baby and women.

Lesser-Known Sites in West Penwith

This section, by Raymond Cox, details several archaeological sites in the West Penwith area.

Bosporthennis

The site at Bosporthennis (SW438 360) is described as a remote and lonely region that was likely a large Iron Age village settlement. Its most intriguing structure is the 'Beehive Hut,' a round, corbelled chamber 13ft across, connected to a rectangular room. The hut walls reach 7.5ft high. Its purpose is speculative, possibly related to fogous. Remnants of turf covering suggest it might have been covered by a mound. Its orientation is to the southeast.

Bosigran Courtyard House Settlement

Located a few fields west of Bosigran Farm, this is a large, open site with recognizable features. Carn Galvar serves as a backdrop, and the area is thought to have been a sacred ancestral visionary place. The settlement was recorded in 1937 as having two courtyard houses, two hut circles, and fragments. Later recognition identified a complex of features including four courtyard houses, a roundhouse, hut circles, and a field system. The site includes low grass-covered banks and dry stone wallings. A central courtyard house has three prominent standing stones and a recumbent stone. Another courtyard house to the northeast is noted as being mutilated by more recent huts.

Mazey Day - A Pagan Festival Revived

By Cheryl Straffon, this article details the Golowan Festival in Penzance, culminating in Mazey Day, which occurs near St. John's Day (June 24th). The festival is a revived celebration incorporating original pagan elements. The article traces the history of the festival, mentioning William Borlase's 18th-century account of 'Festival Fires' (bonfires) and traditions like fire crackers, tar barrels, and dancing around bonfires for protection against witchcraft. These bonfires are still lit by the Old Cornwall Society. The article describes the Midsummer Eve customs of girls decking themselves with garlands and dancing, a tradition carried into Mazey Day parades with effigies like the Green Man, Sea Witch, and Dragon.

The article explains that Mazey Day's name likely comes from the Cornish dialect word 'mazed' (bewildered or disorientated), possibly linked to trance-inducing states in pagan festivals. Alternatively, it might refer to the maze-like meanderings of the Serpent Dance. The Serpent Dance involves townspeople weaving through the streets, forming chains, and creating an 'eye' or archway. This dance is described as an exciting, hypnotic experience, possibly representing the sun's pattern and the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. The dance incorporates a mystic spiral weaving and is linked to 'Troys' (mazes) and the Cornish word 'troyl' (ceilidh).

Towards the end of the dance, the Obby Oss Penglaze emerges. This figure, with a real horse's skull, is described as a powerful shamanistic figure. Old Penglaze was a character in Christmas mummer's plays and may have been used as an idol as early as the 16th century. The Obby Oss tradition has been transferred to the Midsummer celebrations, modeled after Padstow's Obby Oss. The festival is seen as a revived tradition with roots deep in the past, successfully bringing together historical elements with Celtic music and culture.

The Merrie Maidens - A Ritualistic Art Form

By Rodney Blunsdon, this article explores the Merrie Maidens stone circle and other prehistoric sites in West Penwith. It discusses the enduring mystery of why stone circles were built, questioning whether they were temples, observatories, or something deeper. The author suggests that beyond factual detail, consideration should be given to their visionary impact as works of art and their significance as communal gathering places for tribes. The construction of these monuments is linked to a period of peaceful existence and a drier climate, allowing for the development of astronomical knowledge and increasingly complex religious ceremonies.

The article mentions the Lamorna area as illustrating the phase of build growth within climatic changes around 2500 BCE. It notes the first known habitation in the area as a natural cave (Castallac Vow) around 4000 BCE, and the Tregiffian Chambered Tomb, which shows evidence of long-term use and ritual dispersal of remains. The Merrie Maidens are presented as part of this grand scheme, with their vertical design intended to be seen against the landscape. The approach to the site is described as creating a visually stunning and unexpected impact.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently emphasizes the connection between ancient sites, folklore, and living traditions in Cornwall. There's a strong focus on the archaeological and historical significance of stone circles and settlements, coupled with an appreciation for the continuation of pagan and folk practices, as exemplified by the Mazey Day festival. The editorial stance appears to be one of scholarly inquiry combined with a deep respect for the cultural heritage and spiritual resonance of these places. The magazine encourages readers to consider both the scientific and the more visionary or artistic aspects of these ancient monuments and traditions.

MEYN MAMVRO | 42 | Summer 2000 is an issue dedicated to exploring various aspects of Cornish heritage, folklore, and ancient sites. The magazine features articles on rituals, standing stones, historical controversies, and reviews of relevant books and publications. The cover headline prominently states "CORNISH HERITAGE."

Articles and Features

Rituals and Gatherings at Ancient Sites

The issue opens with a vivid description of imagined gatherings and rituals at ancient sites, likely stone circles or enclosures. It evokes the atmosphere of family groups meeting, the smells of campfires, the hubbub of trading, and the drama of fertility ceremonies. The text describes the role of a Shaman priest leading rhythmic drumming, dancing, and chanting, aiming to transport participants into the spirit world. The excitement is described as building, leading to a state of ecstasy where performer and spectator merge.

Monolithic Standing Stones of Cornwall

The article then shifts to the monolithic standing stones in the landscape, noting that many more likely existed than are currently visible. It highlights two prominent stones known as "The Pipers." Local legend suggests the SW stone was a healing stone, while the NE stone was called the "Bloodstone," possibly named after a battle fought in the area. Another stone, "Gûn Rith" or "The Fiddler," is mentioned, with its base excavated in 1870 by Borlase yielding only a beach pebble. A particularly interesting and overlooked standing stone is described as being used as a gate post, locally known as the "Bargain Stone" or "Troth Stone." Historically, deals and marriages were sealed by clasping hands through its aperture. Sadly, the last person with memories of these ceremonies has recently passed away.

The text emphasizes that while the true nature and purpose of these edifices may be unknown, their artistry, symbolism, and beauty are undeniable, evoking deep emotions.

A Walk on Trencrom Hill

"The Earth Mother" column, written by Pam Hatton, recounts a walk with her husband on Trencrom Hill in Cornwall. The walk was undertaken on a blustery morning, approaching the hill from the south and intending to visit "Bowl Rock." They describe the ascent, the wind, and the glimpses of blue sky between scudding clouds. They encountered "Twelve O'Clock Rock," a curious and fascinating rock formation, and reflected on its possible purpose as a marker or sentinel. The view from the top of Trencrom Hill is described as breathtaking, encompassing the Hayle estuary, Godrevy, and the distant coastline. The author expresses a sense of timelessness and space while observing the landscape.

The article continues, personifying the rocks as living beings and guardians of the place. The author describes a feeling of disorientation in the Cornish mist but notes a special experience emerging from the wild moorland.

Book News & Reviews

• This section provides reviews of books published by Oakmagic Publications, focusing on Cornwall's folklore, myths, and legends. Books reviewed include:
• "The Faery Faith of Cornwall" (reprint of W.Y. Evans-Wentz)
• "An Joan the Crone" by Kelvin I. Jones (history and craft of Cornish witchcraft)
• "St. Michael's Mount: its history and legends" by Joan Wake
• "Tintagel Castle: its history and romance" by Henry Jenner
• "King Arthur in Cornwall Fact File" by W.H. Dickinson
• "King Arthur's Country" by F.J. Snell

Oakmagic has also launched "The Cornish Antiquary," a twice-yearly folkloric journal featuring original research, biographical material, and book reviews. The first edition is highlighted, with contributions from Kelvin Jones, Craig Weatherhill, and Cheryl Straffon.

Cornish Heritage Controversy

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the ongoing controversy surrounding the management of Cornish ancient sites by "English Heritage." The Stannary Parliament has protested this management, removing English Heritage signs from sites like Chysauster. Rodney Nute, Keeper of the Seal of the Parliament, stated their intention to continue removing signs until English Heritage relinquishes its imposed position. Susan Bode of English Heritage questioned the democratic basis of the Stannary Parliament and asserted EH's care for Cornish monuments.

Local Bard and researcher Craig Weatherhill provides a detailed critique of English Heritage, questioning their democratic mandate, the qualifications of their board members, and their record of care for Cornish sites. He cites examples of destruction of ancient monuments in Penwith and delays in scheduling recommendations. Weatherhill also criticizes the handling of the "Artognov" stone discovery at Tintagel in 1998, suggesting it was suppressed and then hyped for revenue. He advocates for the devolution of responsibilities to regional archaeological units.

Letters Extra

• Two letters are included:
• Robin Ellis expresses concern about the "tidal wave of consumerism" in North Cornwall, leading to vandalism of sacred sites like the Rocky Valley labyrinths and Slaughter Bridge stone.
• Alison Englefield and Clare Calder-Marshall connect the eclipse with potential commercialization of sites and suggest that lessons learned from the eclipse should be applied to preserve heritage.

Cecil Williamson (1909-1999)

A tribute is paid to Cecil Williamson, an occultist and former owner of the Witchcraft Museum in Boscastle. His life, career in film and the Secret Service, and his establishment and relocation of the museum are detailed. His interest in traditional witchcraft, village wise women, and white witches is highlighted, along with his amassed collection of artifacts. The tribute concludes with a quote from Williamson about the spirit inhabiting the body and continuing beyond death.

Exchange Magazines and Subscriptions

A list of magazines available for exchange or subscription is provided, categorized under "Sacred Sites/Earth Mysteries," "Pagan/Celtic/Arthurian," and others. Contact details and prices are included for publications such as "Third Stone," "Northern Earth," "Dalriada," "Celtic Connections," and "The Cornish Antiquary." Information on subscribing to Meyn Mamvro itself is also present, along with details on obtaining photocopies of back issues.

Noticeboard

• The "Noticeboard" section lists upcoming events and meetings:
• Beltane Celebrations: Events scheduled for April and May, including celebrations at Harmony Pottery, Carn Bosavern, and Obby Oss Day in Padstow.
• Cornish Earth Mysteries: Summer activities and events from June to September, including awaydays to Roche Rock, Uther Bosence Story walks, and a Lammas Picnic on Trencrom Hill.
• Pagan Moots: Regular meetings in Penzance, Pendeen, Truro/Falmouth, Camborne/Redruth, North Cornwall, and St. Austell.
• Well Walks: Led walks focusing on wells and springs in July.
• The Phoenix Group: A Cornwall-based group studying the western mystery tradition.
• Cornwall UFO Research Group: Monthly meetings in Truro.
• Harmony Pottery: An event for Lughnasad.
• Penwith Native American Circle: Details for meetings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes an interest in ancient sites, folklore, mythology, and esoteric traditions, particularly within Cornwall. There is a strong emphasis on preserving Cornish heritage and a critical stance towards external management of these sites, as evidenced by the detailed coverage of the English Heritage controversy. The editorial stance appears to support local control and a deeper, more authentic engagement with the region's history and spiritual landscape. The inclusion of book reviews and event listings further reinforces its role as a resource for those interested in these subjects.