Meyn Mamvro - No 044 - WinterSpring 2001

Magazine Overview

Meyn Mamvro, Issue 44, Winter-Spring 2001, is a magazine dedicated to exploring ancient stones, sacred sites, and folklore in Cornwall. The issue is priced at £2.00 and is published by Meyn Mamvro.

Editorial and Contents

The issue begins with an editorial highlighting the ongoing challenges in protecting and preserving ancient sites in Cornwall, describing a sense of being under siege from ignorance and irresponsibility. It mentions a fire attack on the Boscawen-ûn quartz stone and the idea of voluntary site wardens. The magazine also addresses the controversy surrounding 'English Heritage' signs on Cornish sites, with the Cornish Stannary Parliament campaigning for their removal.

• The contents page lists a variety of articles, including:
• Editorial
• Cornish Earth Mysteries Group
• Sacred Sites News
• Were the Romans ever in Cornwall?
• Seeing Double:2 - Cheryl Straffon
• Bodmin Moor circles and their meanings - Aubrey Burl
• Lesser Known Sites in West Penwith - Raymond Cox
• Focus On St.Agnes
• The Spirit of Land Project - Sarah Vivian & Andy Norfolk
• RIDDLE COMPETITION: The Last Rite - Robin Payne
• Book Reviews
• Ritual Invocations in Cornish
• The Pipers Tune

Contact information for submissions and subscriptions is provided, with Cheryl Straffon listed as Editor. The magazine also promotes its own publications, including guides to ancient sites in Cornwall, and lists other related publications from Oakmagic Publications, Fentyntow Kernow, and Dor Dama Press.

Protection and Preservation of Ancient Sites

The article "Stones of Our Motherland" on page 3 discusses the continuous challenges in protecting Cornwall's ancient sites. It details the fire attack on the Boscawen-ûn quartz stone, which was significantly blackened. Despite efforts to identify the perpetrator, no further action was taken by the police. The article also touches upon the debate over ownership and signage of these sites, specifically the campaign by the Cornish Stannary Parliament to remove 'English Heritage' signs, which they deem insulting. The Cornwall Heritage Trust, patronised by Prince Charles, manages sites on behalf of English Heritage, but the signs themselves have been a source of conflict, with many being removed or attacked.

News and Events

Page 4 features a 'News Page' from the Cornish Earth Mysteries Group, detailing recent talks and events. These include a presentation by Philip Heselton on 'A History of Earth Mysteries', Sheila Jeffries discussing 'The Cornish Landscape Zodiac', and Graham King talking about 'The Museum of Witchcraft' at Boscastle. The page also mentions an annual Chûn Quoit walk for the midwinter sunset and a seasonal gathering for Yule.

Sacred Sites News

• Several sacred sites are highlighted in the 'Sacred Sites News' section:
• Fire Attack at Boscawen-ûn Quartz Stone: This article details the fire damage to the quartz stone on Samhain Eve, caused by paraffin. While the blackening was significant, the stone's surface was not permanently damaged. Members of the Sacred Sites Group, along with Ann Preston-Jones from CAU/English Heritage, managed to clean the stone and re-turf areas disturbed by fire pits. Discussions included increasing publicity and providing notices to deter future fires.
• Water Flows Again at Madron Baptistry: In contrast to the damage at Boscawen-ûn, there is positive news from Madron Baptistry Well, which had dried up completely. Following the uncovering of the original Madron Well, water channels were altered. A letter to The Cornishman by the editor and Sheila Bright prompted local pagans to restore the water flow. A management plan for the site is being considered.
• Stakes are Raised on Sancreed Path Row: This section reports on a dispute over a footpath leading to Sancreed Well. A barbed wire fence was erected by the owners of Glebe Farm, but it was quickly removed. The County has agreed to instate the path on the Definitive Map, which would require the Hoskins to apply for diversion, potentially leading to a public enquiry. Planning permission was controversially granted for a driveway that crosses the footpath.
• Carn Euny Beehive Hut Runed: Vandalism occurred at the Beehive Hut at Carn Euny, where runic inscriptions were carved into the moss above a shrine. The local co-ordinator noted that while the damage was temporary, the attitude behind it showed a lack of respect.
• Arthurian Centre Sold Down the Line: An international centre celebrating King Arthur literature, planned for Worthyvale Manor in North Cornwall, is in jeopardy due to a lack of funding. The Arthurian Heritage Trust needs to raise over £1 million to purchase the manor, which houses historical Arthurian material and the inscribed stone to Latinus.

News and Developments

• Page 7 presents a 'News' section covering several topics:
• A Sign of the Stannary Times: Cornish nationalists are campaigning against what they call cultural aggression and racism by systematically removing English Heritage signs from ancient monuments. They argue that 'English' Heritage is an insult to Celtic Cornwall and prefer the St.Piran flag.
• Do Cornishmen Have Viking Genes?: A study is underway to determine the extent of Norse ancestry in the genetic makeup of people in Cornwall, involving DNA sampling across the British Isles. Historical records of Viking incursions into Cornwall are cited.
• Witch Hanged at Launceston in Year 2000: An 're-enactment' of a witch hanging took place in Launceston as part of the town's Millennium celebrations. The event, which included a mock trial, generated some controversy among council members regarding its potential effect on children.

Were the Romans Ever in Cornwall?

This article examines the evidence for Roman presence in Cornwall. Despite finds of Roman coins, the absence of typical Roman infrastructure like towns, bath houses, and temples suggests that the Romans were not extensively present. During the Romano-British period, people lived in round houses and built cliff castles. Trade with neighbouring Celtic tribes likely occurred, and the coin finds may indicate direct trading links. Large hoards of Roman coins have been found, such as at Porthluney Valley and Gare near Probus. Anna Tyacke suggests these coins, found on riverbanks, might have been offerings. Other finds include a Roman-period pottery lamp and a figurine carved from animal bone, possibly used as a votive offering in tin-working. The article notes that while Roman forts like Nanstallon existed, their occupation was brief. Other Roman-style camps might have been native-built enclosures. The lack of a sustained Roman presence could be due to a lack of opposition or Cornwall being too far from Roman centres. The article concludes that the coin finds do not necessarily prove a significant Roman presence.

Seeing Double: The Lost Multiple Rings of Cornwall. Part 2

By Cheryl Straffon, this article continues the exploration of stone circles in Cornwall. It discusses the Nine Maidens circle in Wendron, which originally comprised two circles, and its potential alignment with nearby cairns. The article then focuses on Bodmin Moor, noting that out of 13 circle sites, three are doubles or triples, and two others are close together. The Hurlers, a famous multiple site with three stone circles, is examined, along with potential smaller circles at the same location. The article references works by Aubrey Burl and John Barnatt.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently emphasizes the importance of preserving Cornwall's ancient heritage and sacred sites. There is a strong undercurrent of local identity and a critical stance towards external influences, particularly 'English Heritage', which is seen as an imposition. The publication champions Cornish history, folklore, and earth mysteries, encouraging local engagement and awareness. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocacy for the protection of these sites and a celebration of Cornwall's unique cultural and spiritual landscape.

This issue of MEYN MAMVRO, number 44, from Winter-Spring 2001, focuses on ancient sites and folklore in Cornwall, United Kingdom. The magazine explores megalithic structures, their potential meanings, and associated legends, while also addressing contemporary issues of site conservation.

Bodmin Moor Circles & Their Meaning by Aubrey Burl

This article examines the stone circles on Bodmin Moor, describing their arrangement and possible functions. The Hurlers, a triple stone circle, is discussed in relation to celestial alignments, specifically the Beltane/Lughnasad sunset and sunrise observations. The author suggests that the three circles might have been built to avoid confusion and allow for more complex rituals or separate cults. The central circle of the Hurlers may have had a floor of quartz crystals, possibly serving as a ritual foundation. Other double circles mentioned include the Leskernick Circles and King Arthur's Downs Circles. Neighbouring sites like the Trippet Stones, Stripple Stones, Stannon, Fernacre, and Louden Hill are also noted for their intervisibility and alignments with natural landmarks like Brown Willy, the highest hill on Bodmin Moor, particularly at equinox sunrise/sunset. The author posits that these circles were part of a larger ritual landscape involving stone circles, holy hilltops, and celestial alignments, though their precise meanings are now lost.

Further details are provided on the arrangement of circles on Bodmin Moor, with the Hurlers possibly being the first of three, with partners added later to accommodate larger populations or more complicated rituals. The paved areas between circles and missing stones suggest movement between enclosures. The landscape features of Garrow Tor, Rough Tor, and Brown Willy are described, with Stannon, Fernacre, and Louden Hill being vast megalithic rings. Each ring could have accommodated over 300 people. The article speculates that these rings might have been contemporary and used for rituals at different times of the year, with tors serving as key landmarks. Solar sightlines are discussed, linking the sun, landscape, and prehistoric minds. The Louden Hill ring had a crude alignment to the midwinter sunrise over Garrow Tor, and Stannon was aligned with Brown Willy for the equinox sunrise. Fernacre's position is described as a crux where north-south and east-west intersected. The author imagines seasonal gatherings at these sites for rituals of fecundity and supplication.

Duloe Circle

This section introduces the Duloe Circle, a unique site consisting of only 8 shining white quartz stones. It does not align with any other obvious site or landscape feature, suggesting it might have been built long after the meaning of multiple circles was forgotten. The article notes that one cannot generalize about the nature of double stone circle sites in Cornwall based on this single example. Aubrey Burl's speculations on the reasons for double circles are presented, including possibilities for "male and female ceremonies," "adolescents and puberty," "natives and strangers," "trade and ritual," or "midsummer and midwinter ceremonies." The idea of sites being used for different seasons or celebrating different aspects of a goddess (spring/summer vs. winter) is explored. The observation that women are sometimes naturally attracted to one of two circles is mentioned, along with Hamish Miller's dowsing findings of "Michael" and "Mary" lines at the Hurlers. The section concludes by stating that double and neighbouring stone circles in Cornwall leave more questions than answers.

Lesser-Known Sites in West Penwith by Raymond Cox

This article focuses on lesser-known archaeological sites in the West Penwith area of Cornwall. The author describes a walk from Zennor & Sperris Quoits towards the Trendrine Hill Barrows, passing the Sperris Croft settlement, a group of seven hut circles. Trendrine Hill offers spectacular views and alignments with other ancient sites like Zennor Quoit, tumuli on The Beacon, and the Nine Maidens circle. Two barrows on Trendrine Hill are detailed, one a large pile of stones and the other with a kerb of large stones and a central cist. The author reflects on the climate of 3000 years ago and speculates about the energies of human consciousness and natural energies linking these structures. The possibility of burials and ceremonies, as well as altered states of consciousness, is raised.

The article then discusses the Zennor Stone Row, which the author finds questionable due to the profusion of stones in the landscape. The row consists of at least four stones, but they do not form a straight line. The author questions whether a row must be perfectly straight to qualify. Nearby is the Giant's Rock or Witch's Rock, associated with legends of becoming a witch. The author uses a dowsing pendulum to investigate if the stone row is a sacred place, receiving a clockwise answer indicating yes.

A map illustrates the locations of Zennor, Trendrine Hill, and related sites.

Focus on St. Agnes

This section introduces a new series focusing on areas of Cornwall not widely known for ancient places. The first installment covers the St. Agnes area on the north-western coast. St. Agnes is a town of about 4,500 people, whose growth is linked to 19th-century tin and arsenic mining. The parish was a significant mining area, with remains of mines and chimneys visible. The town is named after an early Celtic saint, Agnes, about whom little is historically known. The site of her chapel and well are mentioned.

Mythological legends surrounding St. Agnes are presented, hinting at something older than her Christian status. The local legend tells of the giant Bolster falling in love with St. Agnes, who tricked him into filling a hole with his blood, which led to his death. This legend may echo pagan motifs of the sacrifice of a consort lover to a Goddess. The chasm is known as 'Wrath's Hole,' possibly derived from a word meaning witch, hag, or crone.

The theme of St. Agnes as a 'witch, hag, or crone' is echoed at St. Agnes Beacon, a dramatic hill outcrop with breathtaking views. On its summit are the remains of a prehistoric barrow or cairn, used as a beacon in the Napoleonic wars, and two smaller cairns. The legend associated with the hilltop features the giant Bolster, who supposedly stood with one foot on St. Agnes Beacon and the other on Carn Brea, suggesting an ancient linking of these holy hilltops. The giant's wife is said to have cleared fields of stones, piling them into the three barrows on the Beacon.

The motif of the giantess' apron and stones is found in other places and may represent a creation myth featuring a Goddess. The Beacon was significant in the Bronze Age. Tubbys Head, a rocky promontory south of St. Agnes Head, had an Iron Age Cliff Castle. The author suggests that St. Agnes Beacon appears as a distinctive shape of a sleeping woman or Goddess from the ground above Tubby's Head, making it an ideal viewing platform. An alleged Stone Circle north of Tubby's Head is also mentioned, though Ann Preston-Jones suggests it is more likely random scatter from mine workings.

To the south of St. Agnes Beacon lies The Bolster Bank, an earthwork likely from the 5th or 6th centuries CE, which enclosed the area of the Beacon and St. Agnes Head. Its name is linked to the giant Bolster. A strange tale recounts a piece of driftwood found near Trevaunance Cove, carved with a female figure, interpreted as the Virgin Mary or St. Agnes, found on St. Agnes' feast day. The carving also bore the letters 'Gaudete' ('rejoice'). The area of St. Agnes, though seemingly less interesting for ancient sites, offers a wealth of possibilities and legends, suggesting it was once a very sacred place.

A map shows the locations of Tubby's Head, St. Agnes Beacon, St. Agnes Well, Chapel Porth, and Bolster Bank.

The Spirit of Land Project by Sarah Vivian & Andy Norfolk

This article discusses the damage caused to ancient Cornish sites by mistreatment and increasing numbers of visitors for spiritual purposes. The Penwith Pagan Moot is concerned about ancient sites being treated as a commodity. The authors propose a project to create new sacred space, involving multiple organizations and aiming for spiritual, conservation, educational, cultural, and environmental objectives. The new sacred site(s) would combine Pagan ideals with aspirations for Cornish Heritage and Culture, serving as a focus for spiritual activities and seasonal celebrations. This would provide an alternative venue, reducing pressure on ancient sites and aiding their conservation.

The project might involve reconstructing ancient monuments like Fogous or courtyard houses, which would be of interest to archaeological groups and have conservational and educational value. The new site would also educate visitors on respectful interaction with the land and sites. The initiative itself aims to highlight the problems facing heritage sites. The site would reflect Cornish culture and could host various activities like storytelling, music, and dance, and would be a place for Sacred Art/Land Art. Habitat creation for wildlife is planned, and the site would ideally be located in an area that would benefit from their presence, thus reclaiming and healing damaged land.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the rich tapestry of ancient sites, folklore, and landscape geomancy in Cornwall. There is a strong emphasis on the interconnectedness of natural landmarks, megalithic structures, and celestial events, suggesting a deep spiritual and ritualistic relationship between prehistoric peoples and their environment. The legends of giants and saints are presented not just as stories but as potential echoes of older pagan beliefs and creation myths. The issue also addresses the modern challenges of preserving these heritage sites, advocating for a more respectful approach and proposing initiatives like the 'Spirit of Land Project' to ensure their future. The editorial stance appears to be one of reverence for Cornwall's ancient past, a desire to understand its mysteries, and a commitment to its preservation for future generations.

Meyn Mamvro, issue 44, Winter-Spring 2001, is a publication focusing on Cornish folklore, earth mysteries, paganism, and related antiquities. The magazine features articles, book reviews, and a noticeboard of events and services.

The Pipers Tune

This section details a controversy running in 'The Cauldron' magazine between Andy Norfolk and Kelvin Jones concerning the use of ancient sites in Cornwall for rituals. The debate began with a press release about the 'Genius Loci of West Penwith' and an article by Kelvin Jones questioning the assumption of contemporary pagans that these sites were necessarily pagan in use, suggesting a lack of archaeological and folkloric evidence and calling modern usage an appropriation. Andy Norfolk responded by providing evidence of historical pagan use and citing examples like Leskernick Moor. Kelvin Jones reiterated his view that the link between paganism and ancient sites is largely Romantic imagination, acknowledging some sites were used for healing and divination but distinguishing this from grand druidical scenarios. He concluded that the original use of sites is unknown and that local people in the 18th and 19th centuries feared them, advising caution in modern assumptions.

The Last Rite

This is a fictional piece by Robin Payne, author of 'The Romance of the Stones'. It tells the story of Arfyn, a woman with 'second sight' who performs a forbidden ritual at a stone circle (the 'Silver Hawk' henge) as a final offering. She consumes mushrooms and a shaman's brew, experiencing visions of a battlefield, crashing symbols, and a great silver hawk. The ritual is proscribed due to a predicted curse, and Arfyn is the solitary officiant. The story ends with her death and the belief that the Silver Hawk has come to take her home.

Book Reviews

White Witches: A Study of Charmers

This book by Rose Mullins, published by Oakmagic Publishers, explores the tradition of 'charmers' or 'white witches' in Cornwall. It details their healing practices, paranormal abilities, and the transmission of powers through generations. The review highlights that charmers' skills extended beyond simple charms to include healing wounds, stopping bleeding, and convulsions. It mentions traditional charms, a mix of Christianity and paganism, and features historical figures like Tamsin Blight, Anne Jeffries, and Grannie Boswell, as well as contemporary charmers Joan Bettinson and Ivan Miners. The book is described as well-illustrated and good value at £3.95.

The Dance of the Dragon

This new book by Paul Broadhurst and Hamish Miller follows their previous work 'The Sun and the Serpent'. It describes a journey tracing 'earth currents' named Apollo and Athena from Ireland, through Cornwall (including Pendour Cove, Zennor, Giant's Rock, Trencrom Hill, and St. Michael's Mount), France, Italy, Greece, and to Israel. The authors explore the significance of the Mermaid of Zennor legend and the concept of a Great Goddess. The book also details healing cures from a 13thC manuscript at St. Michael's Mount and traces the currents through various Cornish locations, including sites dedicated to St. Winwaloe. The review suggests it will appeal to fans of their previous work.

Ritual Invocations in Cornish

This section presents a 'Calling of the Quarters' ritual in Cornish, attributed to Andy Norfolk. It includes invocations and thanks to the spirits of the East (Air), South (Fire), West (Water), and North (Earth), as well as to those Above, Below, and the Ancestors. Both the Cornish and English versions of the invocations are provided.

The Cornish Antiquary

This is an advertisement for 'The Cornish Antiquary', issue No. 2, published in November 2000 by Oakmagic Publications. It covers Cornish folklore, superstitions, antiquities, and mysteries.

Exchange Magazines

This section lists various magazines available for annual subscription, categorized into 'Sacred Sites/Earth Mysteries' and 'Pagan/Celtic/Arthurian'. It provides publication titles, brief descriptions, contact addresses, website details, and prices for subscriptions and sample copies. Magazines listed include 3rd Stone, Northern Earth, The Right Times, Touchstone, FOGS, Walking the Talk, Living Spring, Caerdroia, and Rilko in the first category, and Dalriada, Celtic Connections, Pendragon, The Dragon Chronicle, The Cauldron, Quest, The Silver Wheel, Beltane Fire, and Wood and Water in the second.

Noticeboard

The noticeboard section provides information on upcoming events and services:

Cornish Earth Mysteries

Talks scheduled for January to April 2001 at The Acorn in Penzance, covering topics such as Goddess sites, myths of the Isles, 'The Romance of the Stones', and the Celtic Lunar Calendar. Contact details for CEMG and Andy Norfolk are provided.

Pagan Federation Devon & Cornwall

Announces a conference on Saturday, March 11th, at King Arthur's Castle Hotel, Tintagel, featuring speakers and a film. Contact details for the event are given.

Penwith College

Lists alternative life courses and workshops, including Celtic Wheel of the Year, Dowsing, Exploring Spirituality, Ley Lines, and Feng Shui, with dates and contact information.

Pagan Moots

Provides a list of regular Pagan Moots in various locations across Cornwall (Penzance, Pendeen, Truro/Falmouth, Helston, St. Austell, Liskeard), including meeting times and contact phone numbers. It also calls for volunteers to run Moots.

Friends of the Witchcraft Museum

Mentions occasional events, gatherings, and talks at the museum in Boscastle.

The Phoenix Group

Describes a mid-Cornwall group studying and offering teachings on the western mystery tradition. Contact details are provided.

Penwith Native American Circle

Provides contact details for Stephen (Golden Eagle) Stangroom.

Beltane Celebrations

Lists upcoming Beltane events, including a celebration at Harmony Pottery, a Maypole Dance and feast at Carn Bosavern, Obby Oss Day at Padstow, and Helston Flora Day, with dates and contact information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on Cornish culture, folklore, earth mysteries, paganism, and ancient sites. The editorial stance appears to be one of exploration and documentation of these subjects, providing a platform for discussions, reviews, and event listings within these communities. There is a clear interest in the historical and contemporary practice of paganism and earth-based spirituality, as well as an engagement with local legends and archaeological sites.