Meyn Mamvro - No 043 - Autumn 2000

Magazine Overview

Meyn Mamvro, Issue 43, Autumn 2000, is a magazine dedicated to exploring ancient stones, sacred sites, and related cultural and historical topics, primarily focusing on Cornwall. The issue is priced at £2.00 and edited by Cheryl Straffon.

Contents

The magazine features a diverse range of articles, including an editorial, news from the Cornish Earth Mysteries Group, reader letters, and in-depth pieces on specific sites and themes. Key articles cover:

• Editorial: Discusses the Mên-an-Tol incident and its astrological context.
• Cornish Earth Mysteries Group: Reports on the group's summer activities, including May Day celebrations, a Three Wells Walk, and site visits to Roche Rock, St. Gundred's Well, Castle-an-Dinas, the Devil's Quoit, Botrea Barrows, Bosence Chapel, Trencrom Hill, and various Sennen sites.
• News: General news updates.
• Readers Write about Rocky Valley: A collection of letters expressing differing opinions on the sale and future of the Rocky Valley site, with concerns about commercialization versus preservation.
• Rocky Valley - What is Really Going On?: An interview with Simon Summers, the new owner of the Rocky Valley site, detailing his vision for its preservation and public access.
• Caer Bran: More Than Just a Hill Fort: An article by Craig Weatherhill examining the multi-phase history of Caer Bran, suggesting it was originally a Bronze Age ritual enclosure before being adapted as an Iron Age hill fort.
• Seeing Double - 1 - The Lost Multiple Rings of Cornwall: Cheryl Straffon explores the phenomenon of double and multiple stone circles, focusing on the Merry Maidens and the lost Boleigh Circle in West Penwith.
• Lesser Known Sites in West Penwith: An article by Raymond Cox.
• Arddhu - Traditional Witchcraft & the Hidden Mysteries: An article on witchcraft.
• Romany Lore & 20th Century Witchcraft: An article on Romany traditions and witchcraft.
• Dor Dama: An article by Pamela Hatton.
• Ritual Invocations in Cornish - 1: The first part of a series on Cornish rituals.
• The Pipers Tune/Fair Exchange/Book Review: Shorter items including a book review.

Cover Story and Visuals

The cover features the "meyu mamMVRO" logo with the subtitle "ancient stones and sacred sites in cornwall". It is illustrated with drawings of standing stones, a stone circle, and a map-like diagram. The cover also lists key topics covered within the issue: STONE CIRCLES, ROCKY VALLEY, CAER BRAN, BRYHER MIRROR, WITCHCRAFT, RITUAL & LORE.

Key Incidents and Discoveries

The issue highlights several significant events and discoveries:

• Mên-an-Tol Incident: The magazine revisits the fire attack on the Mên-an-Tol stones and the subsequent large moorland fires in West Penwith in 1999/2000. The article speculates on astrological influences and synchronicity related to the August 1999 solar eclipse.
• Iron Age Grave Discovery: On Bryher, Isles of Scilly, an Iron Age grave was discovered containing a sword and a bronze mirror, a rare find that challenges traditional assumptions about burial and gender. DNA analysis is pending to determine the occupant's gender.
• Roman Coin Hoard: A substantial hoard of Roman coins, dating to the 3rd century CE, was found in a riverbank in Cornwall by metal detector hunters.

Site Focus: Rocky Valley

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the Rocky Valley site, including reader letters and an interview with the new owner, Simon Summers. Readers Steve Dawes and Graham King express concerns about the site's sale and potential commercialization. However, Emma Rawling defends the new owner, Simon Summers, a blacksmith, stating his intention is to preserve the site, ensure free public access, and restore the mill using traditional methods. Summers himself explains he felt chosen by the Goddess to be a keeper of the land and aims to dedicate his life to preserving the site, setting up a Celtic Trust for its safeguard.

Archaeological Investigations

Caer Bran: Craig Weatherhill analyzes Caer Bran, proposing it was initially a Bronze Age ritual enclosure with three ring cairns, later adapted into an unfinished Iron Age hill fort. The article suggests that other hill forts like Chûn Castle and Castle-an-Dinas may also have multi-phase histories, potentially preserving earlier Neolithic or Bronze Age structures.

Merry Maidens: Cheryl Straffon discusses the phenomenon of multiple stone circles and focuses on the Merry Maidens in West Penwith, noting the existence of a lost second circle, the Boleigh Circle, until the 1860s. Evidence, including a recent crop mark, supports the idea that it was once part of a double circle site.

Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes an interest in ancient British and Cornish heritage, with a particular focus on megalithic sites, earth energies, paganism, folklore, and witchcraft. The editorial stance appears to advocate for the preservation of these sites and the understanding of their historical and spiritual significance, often questioning conventional archaeological interpretations and exploring alternative perspectives, including astrological and folkloric influences. There is a clear concern about the impact of commercialization and development on these ancient places, balanced with an appreciation for individuals dedicated to their stewardship.

This issue of Meyn Mamvro, number 43, published in Autumn 2000, delves into the rich tapestry of ancient sites and enduring folklore in Cornwall, particularly focusing on the West Penwith peninsula. The magazine explores both the archaeological significance of stone circles and the historical context of witchcraft and traditional practices.

Ancient Sites of West Penwith

The issue details several stone circles and ancient monuments in the West Penwith area. It begins by discussing the Tregurnow Circle, originally mentioned by Borlase and Blight & Haliwell, noting that no remains currently exist but a possible ley line has been plotted through the area.

The Merry Maidens, Boleigh, and Tregurnow sites are presented as part of a significant cluster. The article then moves to the restored Tregeseal Stone Circle, also known as Tregeseal East, located on the northern moors outside St.Just. It highlights that a second circle, Tregeseal West, formerly existed in the field to the west, with records from Borlase in 1796 and Buller in 1842 detailing its diminishing stones. By 1905, only three upright and one fallen stone remained, later incorporated into a wall, with further stones piled against it in 1961. This site was later doused by the Cornish Earth Mysteries Group.

A potential third site to the west of Tregeseal West is mentioned, forming an east-west alignment with the other two. Aerial photography suggests this site might be a cairn circle or enclosure rather than a classic stone circle, but its alignment with a possible funerary monument is considered significant.

The article notes that many stone circles in West Penwith show evidence of having 'twinned' companion rings. Boscawen-un, described as beautifully located, also consists of 19 stones, similar to Merry Maidens and Tregeseal, and features a central stone. One of its stones is made of white quartz, possibly used for observing the May Day sunrise or Imbolc/Samhain sunset. A destroyed circle is referenced about half a mile to the south at Higher Trevorrian.

The ruined Boskednan Nine Maidens stone circle is also featured. John Barnatt suggests an outlying menhir and a prominent western stone may have flanked Carn Gulva, a sacred hilltop, forming a processional way.

Further west, the Mên-an-Tol monument is discussed. It is suggested that Mên-an-Tol was originally a stone circle, possibly with 19 stones, and alignments have been observed on the major southern standstill moonrise. Astronomical and ceremonial connections are proposed between Mên-an-Tol and the Nine Maidens, particularly concerning the Beltane sunrise.

The "Lesser-Known Sites in West Penwith" section, authored by Raymond Cox, covers the Treen Tombs, a Neolithic and early Bronze Age site with four barrows, two of which are chambered. The article details the dimensions and orientation of one well-preserved barrow. Pennance Barrow is also described as a Scillonian Chambered Tomb, noting its cone-shaped mound and granite kerb.

Sperris Quoit is presented as a site found in burnt ground after a moorland fire, lying close to a cairn. It is described as being in the remains of a barrow with one upright and three fallen stones, its capstone missing. Excavations by Charles Thomas revealed traces of a cremation burial, flints, pottery sherds, and charcoal. A map illustrates the locations of these sites in relation to Zennor.

Arddhu - Traditional Witchcraft and Hidden Mysteries

This section explores the beliefs and historical background of Arddhu, a group practicing paganism and witchcraft in Cornwall. It traces the origins of the term 'Britain' to the sea-faring Phoenician traders and their tutelary Goddess 'Brito-Mari'. The article posits a connection between Phoenician tin-mining activities and the construction of Megalithic structures, suggesting they facilitated an archaic fire-cult linked to the Resurrecting Sun.

It discusses the remnants of archaic settlements, standing stones, circles, and burial mounds found in the Land's End peninsula, noting the chemical name for tin, 'Cassiterides', and drawing parallels with other sites in Britain. The influence of Phoenicians is further suggested through examples like the name 'Prydain' and the lineage of figures like John the Baptist's father, Zecharias, who is described as an Aryan Fire-Priest.

The article touches upon the survival of indigenous beliefs despite the enforcement of Christianity. It differentiates between Ancient Fire-Priests (Druids) and Lunar-inspired Priestesses, termed 'Witches' by the early church. While the Druidic tradition declined, the 'Craft of the Wise' continued to flourish, surviving medieval persecution.

The text contrasts modern 'Wicca', as popularized by Gerald Gardner, with older witchcraft traditions, suggesting that the latter dug themselves in deeper with the arrival of the 'New Age'. Arddhu is presented as a unique practice combining witchcraft and the Old energies of the Warrior Cult, aiming to recover race memories. Acceptance into its course is by application only.

Romany Lore and 20th Century Witchcraft

Authored by Kelvin I. Jones, this section investigates two 20th-century court cases with overtones of witchcraft and Romany lore.

The first case, from October 27th, 1927, at the Cornwall Assizes, involved Mary Hearne, a 68-year-old Romany gypsy described as a "hawker of no fixed abode". She was found guilty of demanding money by menaces from Richard Harris Paddy, a gardener from St.Mawes, by pretending to exercise witchcraft. Hearne had claimed Paddy's illness was due to being "overlooked" by the "evil eye". The case involved Hearne using a compass and talking about planets, with Paddy stating that no black cat appeared as done by charlatans. Hearne threatened Paddy with blindness and becoming a bed lier if he didn't pay. She was sentenced to six months imprisonment. The article notes the case's similarity to 17th-century accounts and suggests the relationship between accuser and accused had soured, leading to witchcraft being used for revenge.

The second case concerns Harriet Richards, a 72-year-old gypsy woman from Hendra, accused of defrauding and deceiving a farmer and his wife, the Osbornes, at Penhale. Richards allegedly obtained £297 over two to three years by false pretences. She claimed to possess the power to "work the planets" and vanquish evil spirits that were causing the Osbornes misfortune, including serious farm losses and a still-born baby. Richards sold them a rug for wishes and agreed to "put money on the planets" to increase their fortunes. Over the following year, her visits became regular, and neighbours avoided the couple due to fear of the Romany witch. Mr. Osborne claimed to have given Richards turkeys, fowl, and lent her money totaling £600, though Richards later denied this in court. The prosecution argued Richards exploited Mrs. Osborne's ill-health and Mr. Osborne's anxiety. Mrs. Osborne testified she believed Richards could change their fortune. Richards eventually admitted to obtaining small sums under false pretences. Her defence was that she had the power to remove evil spells by "putting money on the planets". A method involving burning small pieces of paper to create explosions was described. After a baby was born to Mrs. Osborne, Richards reportedly claimed credit for the child's survival.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently highlights the deep historical and spiritual layers of Cornwall, particularly the West Penwith peninsula. There is a strong emphasis on the continuity of ancient beliefs and practices, from megalithic structures and astronomical alignments to witchcraft and folklore. The magazine presents archaeological findings alongside accounts of historical and contemporary esoteric practices, suggesting a persistent connection between the land, its history, and its people's spiritual lives. The editorial stance appears to be one of exploration and documentation of these often-overlooked aspects of Cornish heritage, treating them with a degree of seriousness and academic interest, particularly in the detailed descriptions of sites and historical cases.

Meyn Mamvro, Issue 43, Autumn 2000, is a magazine focused on folklore, earth mysteries, and paganism, with a particular emphasis on the West Country of England. The issue includes a variety of articles, reviews, and listings.

The Witch in Modern Society

This section details a case involving a woman named Harriet, who was accused of a "very cruel fraud" on the Osbornes by claiming to remove a curse. The article explores the perceived power of witches in modern society, drawing parallels to 17th-century accusations. It highlights the intense relationship between the witch and her client, the exchange of goods, and the implicit belief in the witch's powers. The author suggests that the Osbornes' fortune did not improve as hoped, leading to the accusation. The case is presented as a fascinating insight into the bond between witch and client, and the witch's vulnerability and position as an outsider.

Earth Mother Column: Pam Hatton's Walk

Pam Hatton recounts her walk down from Trencrom Hill, a site of a CEMG Lammas picnic. Her journey through the landscape of West Penwith is described with evocative imagery. She encounters wooden sculptures of the female form, including one rising against a Menhir, which she interprets as a description of earth energies. She notes the ruins of an engine house in a lush valley and the natural beauty of the area. The walk leads her to 'Bowl Rock Chapel' and the Bowl Rock itself, a place she describes as magical and secretive, with a stream and a path creating a natural triangle. The experience is imbued with a sense of nature and ancient spirituality.

Publication: The Norse Goddess

A new publication from Meyn Mamvro, "The Norse Goddess" by Monica Sjöö, is announced. This book is described as an original work by an internationally respected writer and artist, focusing on the Goddess spirituality of Sweden and Finland & Lappland/Saamiland. It features artwork by Sjöö and explores the re-discovery of the ancient Nordic Goddess through stories, sites, and prehistory. The book covers topics such as "The People of the Sun and the Wind," "The Ahkkas, Saami Goddesses & the Sajvva Spirit Folk," "Great Mother Hel's people," "The Icelandic Eddas," "Nerthus, ancient earth mother," "The Norns & the Runes," and "Finnish Kalevala & mythology of the Arctic peoples." The price is £7.50 (postage free).

The Pipers Tune

This article by Aubrey Burl traces an interesting link between the Boscawen-ûn stone circle in West Penwith and the Goresdd stone circles erected in Wales. Boscawen-ûn is mentioned in the Welsh MS "The Triads of the Bards" as one of the 3 Gorsedds of ancient Britain. The article discusses how the MS was copied and how Edward Williams (Iolo Morganwg) drew a plan of a 'traditional gorsedd' based on Boscawen-ûn, altering the entrance to face the rising equinoctial sun and arranging outlying stones to align with midsummer, Beltane, and midwinter sunrises. It notes that modern Welsh versions are based on Morganwg's sketch and that the Cornish College of Bards held their inaugural ceremony at Boscawen-ûn, ironically celebrating a ceremony founded on an invented tradition.

Fair Exchange

This section introduces two new Cornish magazines: "The Cornish Antiquary," which covers folklore, superstitions, antiquities, and mysteries, and "The Lighthouse," subtitled "A beacon for the pagan arts." Details are provided for subscriptions and websites for both. It also announces the formation of a new national "Society of Ley Hunters" aimed at encouraging ley hunting and organising local events. Information on how to join or get more details is provided.

Book Review: Crosses and Churchway Paths

Volume 2 of the series "Crosses and Churchway Paths in the Land's End Peninsula" by Ian McNeil Cooke is reviewed. Published by the Men-an-Tol Studio, this book is a comprehensive listing of crosses, recorded sites, cross bases, field names, and churchway paths for the parishes of Sennen & St.Levan. It is described as a limited edition of 150 copies and an indispensable resource for those interested in the subject.

Exchange Magazines Listings

A comprehensive list of magazines available for exchange or subscription is provided, categorized by theme such as "Sacred Sites/Earth Mysteries," "Pagan/Celtic/Arthurian," and "Celtic Connections." Each listing includes the magazine title, a brief description, contact details (address and website), and prices for annual subscriptions and sample copies.

Noticeboard

The "Noticeboard" section provides a calendar of upcoming events and activities. This includes talks on "Cornish Earth Mysteries," pagan moots in Penzance, Pendeen, Truro/Falmouth, Camborne/Redruth, and North Cornwall. It also lists events related to "Harmony Pottery," "Cornwall's New Age Festival," workshops at "Caer Lamorna nr. Penzance," "Chy Morgan Residential Workshops for Women," and events hosted by the "Friends of the Witchcraft Museum at Boscastle."

Ritual Invocations in Cornish

This article begins a series on ritual invocations in Cornish, presented as a way to use the native Cornish tongue in ceremonies. It provides lists of invocations for "Guardians of the East," "Powers of Air," "Place of sunrise," "New beginnings," "Breath of life," and "Birds in flight," along with their Cornish translations and pronunciations. Similar sections cover "Guardians of the South," "Powers of fire," "Place of noon," "Place of summer," "Peaks and culmination," "Fruition and fulfilment," "Bright sun," "Summer's passion," "Spark of life," and "Sacred energy." The series continues with invocations for the West and North, covering "Powers of water," "Place of sunset," "The great sea," "Rivers and streams," "Deep wells," "The rain," "Healing; cleansing," "Love, compassion," "Powers of earth," "Place of midnight," "Place of winter," "Stillness, silence & darkness," "Endings and death," "Cornerstone of all power," "The soil; the rock," "Trees; mountains," and "Fertile fields."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes interest in local folklore, earth mysteries, paganism, and ancient traditions, particularly within Cornwall and the West Country. There is a strong emphasis on connecting with the land, historical sites, and esoteric practices. The editorial stance appears to be one of exploration, preservation, and sharing of knowledge within these communities, evidenced by the diverse range of articles, event listings, and publication reviews.