Meyn Mamvro - No 045 - Summer 2001

Magazine Overview

Title: Meyn Mamvro
Issue: 45
Date: Summer 2001
Theme: Ancient stones and sacred sites in Cornwall.

Editorial

The editorial highlights the severe impact of the Foot and Mouth disease restrictions on access to ancient sites in Cornwall, effectively making them off-limits with the threat of a £5000 fine. It reflects on the fragility of the land and environment, suggesting that intensive farming practices and a drive for profit may contribute to disasters like BSE and Foot and Mouth. The editorial expresses hope that lessons will be learned and that access will eventually be restored, emphasizing the fortune of having relatively unfettered access to these spiritual places.

A significant portion of the editorial is dedicated to criticism of English Heritage's management of sacred sites. It points to the prolonged delay in removing debris from the Mên-an-Tol and Lanyon Quoit following a fire attack, despite perpetrators being convicted and funding being secured. This inaction is seen as sending a poor message to visitors and those who care about the sites. The editorial contrasts this with a past instance where English Heritage filled in a fogou at Chysauster with rubble, though this has since been removed due to criticism. The piece calls for English Heritage to build on local cooperation and demonstrate a genuine care for the sites.

Contents

The magazine features a variety of articles and news items, including:

• Editorial
• Cornish Earth Mysteries Group
• Knobs and Nodules on Sennen Stones
• Sacred Sites News
• Readers Write
• Lost & Found - Well Restored
• West Penwith circles and their meanings - Aubrey Burl
• Lesser Known Sites in West Penwith - Raymond Cox
• The Gateway: Nor-Nour - Patrick McCarthy
• The Cornish Otherworld - Cheryl Straffon
• Book Reviews
• Ritual Invocations in Cornish
• Competition result/Fair Exchange

All articles and artwork are copyrighted by Meyn Mamvro or the authors. Contributions are welcome and should be sent to Cheryl Straffon, Editor.

Cornish Earth Mysteries Group - News Page

The "news page" section details recent talks and events organized by the Cornish Earth Mysteries Group:

• "The Norse Goddess": A talk by Monica Sjöö on January 25th, featuring images of sites in Saamiland and Sweden, Icelandic Eddas, Freya, and Nerthus. The talk blended the personal, political, and sacred.
• "Mother of the Isles": A presentation by Jill Smith on March 1st, covering stories, dreamtime, legends, and myths of sites in the Western Isles of Scotland. This talk was based on her forthcoming book.
• "The Romance of the Stones": A talk by local author Robin Payne on March 29th, discussing his book on Cornish standing stones and megalithic sites. The talk explored his personal quest to find the magic of these places.
• "The Celtic Lunar Calendar": The final session of the 2000/2001 season, featuring Serena Roney-Dougal on April 26th. A report will appear in the next issue.

The Summer season of walks and site visits was set to begin in May.

Knobs & Nodules on Sennen Stones

This article discusses the presence of natural nodules or bosses on stones in the Sennen area, observed during a Cornish Earth Mysteries Group (CEMG) visit. These nodules, found at other megalithic sites like Brittany and Dartmoor, may have been deliberately incorporated by prehistoric builders. In Brittany, some nodules are associated with fertility legends. The article notes that two prominent nodules on a Sennen menhir are similar to those found on other stones and may represent breasts, linking them to Mother Goddess symbolism. A nearby stone, the Giants Rock, features a deliberately carved boss surrounded by a shallow cup, suggesting that these protuberances held significant ritual or magical meaning for megalithic peoples. The article speculates that the Sennen area may have been a special ritual site and encourages readers to look for similar features at other Cornish megalithic sites.

Sacred Sites News

This section reports on several news items concerning sacred sites in Cornwall:

• Fuggy Holes Covered and Uncovered: English Heritage has finally un-filled the fogou at Chysauster, which had been previously filled with rubble. A local group in Carbis Bay is investigating a lost fogou at the end of Fuggoe Lane, believing a mound marks its original site.
• Signs are Pointing to a Cornish Flag Logo: Tourist signs in Cornwall, including those for ancient sites, have had their "Tudor Rose" logos blacked out and replaced with the St.Piran's flag by members of Cornish Solidarity, who object to English symbols on Cornish sites. Separately, three members of the Stannary Parliament have been charged with stealing English Heritage signs from ancient sites, which they claim are being stored as "evidence of English cultural aggression".
• Calling Cards Left with Holy Glue Attack: In Penzance, churches and chapels had their doors superglued, preventing entry. Tarot cards were left at some sites. While some church spokespeople suggested "dark forces", pagans, through Andy Norfolk and Sarah Vivian of the Penwith Pagan Moot, dissociated themselves from the attacks, emphasizing their support for religious freedom.

Readers Write

This section contains two letters from readers:

• Cormac McCarthy writes in response to comments about Simon Summers, the new owner of Rocky Valley. McCarthy praises Summers, viewing him as a guardian of the site. He clarifies that windchimes found alarming by Graham King were previously in the Witchcraft Museum. McCarthy also addresses claims about "sacred ivy" being cut, providing historical context and suggesting that damage to carvings might be related to teaching about the Cornish witch symbol. He notes that the carvings were apparently hidden until 1948.
• Kelvin Jones expresses sadness over further damage to Bosacwen-ûn Circle, listing a catalogue of vandalism and disasters at Cornish antiquity sites since 1985. This includes stones being dug up, fogous being filled, wells being altered, and sites being burned or damaged. Jones questions why these sites, which now attract many people, are being systematically damaged and eroded, suggesting a lack of respect for antiquity and asking if it is time for action.

Lost & Found - Well Restored

This section reports on the re-discovery and renovation of three holy wells:

• Fenton Sauras: Located near Lelant, this well was discovered and cleared by builder Richard Crowe during renovations of the old Abbey. It features a two-storey well building inscribed with the date 1612.
• Tregaminion: The holy well of Tregaminion Chapel, located north of Morvah Church, was thought to be destroyed but was found to have water rising from a bank nearby. Graham Roberts from the Old Schoolhouse Community Centre is working to uncover its source and clear the area.
• North Petherwin: This holy well of St.Paternus, near Launceston, was almost lost but was recovered and restored through a project coordinated by the Countryside Office of North Cornwall District Council and involving the local community. A re-dedication ceremony attracted 200 people. The newly-built well entrance is, however, enclosed with a padlocked grill.

A map is included showing the locations of Fenton Sauras, Tregaminion, and North Petherwin wells in relation to local landmarks and roads.

West Penwith Circles and Their Meaning

By Aubrey Burl, this article examines the stone circles in the West Penwith region of Cornwall. Burl notes that the circles become smaller as one travels further south-west towards Land's End. He identifies four main regions of occupation, each with a large ring: the south-east (Merry Maidens), central Penwith (Boscawen-ûn), north-west (Tregeseal circles), and North Downs (Boskednan). The article discusses how these circles were erected on the 105m contour or higher, possibly where the coastal plateau was less densely forested. Burl suggests that the four rings are culturally related and notes rudimentary entrances at Boscawen-ûn and Merry Maidens. He mentions Tom Lethbridge's attempt to date the Merry Maidens to 2540 BCE using pendulum dowsing, acknowledging the unorthodox nature of the experiment but noting the potential accuracy of the date.

An illustration depicts pendulum dowsing at the Merry Maidens.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Meyn Mamvro revolve around the preservation and understanding of Cornwall's ancient landscape, sacred sites, and folklore. There is a strong emphasis on the spiritual and healing aspects of these places, contrasted with the threats they face from modern development, neglect, and vandalism. The magazine also highlights the importance of local community involvement in conservation efforts and expresses concern over the management practices of official bodies like English Heritage. The editorial stance is one of advocacy for the protection of these sites, urging greater respect and care, and questioning the motivations behind their damage. The issue also touches upon paganism and earth mysteries, reflecting the magazine's focus on these subjects.

This issue of Meyn Mamvro, number 45 from Summer 2001, focuses on ancient sites and mythology, particularly in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. The magazine explores the history, construction, and potential meanings of stone circles, as well as the concept of the 'Otherworld' in Celtic folklore.

Articles

The Cornish Stone Circles

The issue features several articles discussing Cornish stone circles. The first section details sites like Boscawen-ûn, noted for its excellent restoration and a tall, leaning central pillar, and Boskednan, with a small cairn and tall pillars possibly framing Carn Gulva. It highlights the spacing of these circles and their relationship to chambered tombs and round barrows, suggesting the circles might be earlier than the barrows. The article also touches upon the difficulty in determining which sites were truly ceremonial enclosures, mentioning the Nine Maidens at Porthmeor and the multiple circle site at Botallack.

A subsequent article compares Cornish stone circles to those in other parts of England, noting no essential differences in features like circularity and entrances. It discusses the early Neolithic population in Cornwall and the trade in stone axes, suggesting this intermixing of people contributed to the spread of the idea of stone circles. The rites within these circles are inferred to be similar to those in larger northern circles, with evidence of fires but a scarcity of material finds, possibly indicating that gifts of food and drink were not part of the ceremonies. The article also explores the significance of north-south and east-west alignments, and the non-equinoctial alignments of the tallest stones in some Cornish circles, potentially linked to the times of sunset and the Celtic bisection of the year.

Lesser-Known Sites in West Penwith by Raymond Cox

This section focuses on specific sites in the West Penwith area. The Beersheba Standing Stone is described as a fine example, nearly 10ft tall and isolated. The article notes its location on St. Michael's Way and mentions other potential menhirs in the vicinity. Trencrom Hill and Bowl Rock are discussed, linked to legends of giants who lived on the hilltops and scattered rocks. The Trencrom giant is said to have been friends with Cormoran and Cormelian of St. Michael's Mount. The Bowl Rock is believed to be a stone rolled down the hill by a giant, and the area was also used by Wesley for preachings. The picturesque setting of the Bowl Rock is described, with ivy, pink campion, and gorse.

Trencrom Hill itself is highlighted for its fine hill fort remains, featuring a wall constructed of upright blocks and two gateways. The site also contains numerous hut circles and two wells, including 'Giant's Well' and Trencrom Castle Well. A visit to Trencrom offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including Mounts Bay, St. Michael's Mount, and the Lizard.

The Gateway: A Journey to Nornour by Patrick McCarthy

This personal narrative recounts a journey to Nornour in the Isles of Scilly. The author describes the experience of arriving at the island, which is referred to as 'sacred'. The first impression is of the well-preserved ancient buildings and an 'offering stone' with rounded indentations. The author reflects on the survival of these treasures against the elements and human influence, noting the island's respect among locals. A profound personal experience of connection to the island's energy is described, feeling like a fountain of energy. The narrative also mentions the significance of the moon phase and its effect on the author's sensitivity.

The author also describes a strange rock formation on the north-west side of Nornour, which felt significant and intertwined with the island's sacredness. The sea channel between Nornour and St. Martins is discussed, along with navigation markers like Hanjague, suggesting Nornour's importance as a gateway. The narrative concludes with a reflection on the past inhabitants of Nornour, their activities, and their reverence for the Goddess. The article mentions a planned CEMG weekend trip to Scilly in July 2001.

The Cornish Otherworld by Cheryl Straffon

This article explores the concept of the 'Otherworld' in Celtic literature and myth. It explains that this concept is present in Irish ('Aes Sidhe') and Welsh folklore ('Annwfyn' or 'Annwn'), with various names like 'Tir-na-nog' (The Land of Youth). The Otherworld is described as having Upperworld, Middle World, and Underworld components, and is often where ancestors reside. It is not a place of doom but a gateway to another kind of life, a 'magical idealised mirror image of the human world', inhabited by gods, spirits, and fairy folk.

The article notes that time moves differently in the Otherworld, and passage into it can occur through burial mounds or across water, often during Celtic festivals when boundaries between worlds are thin. It references stories like 'The Voyage of Bran' and 'Pwyll, Lord of Dyfed' as examples of voyages to the Otherworld. The article includes references to 'Dictionary of Celtic Myth and Legend' by Miranda Green and other related works.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around ancient history, archaeology, mythology, and the spiritual or mystical connections to the landscape. The magazine appears to have a strong interest in the megalithic heritage of Cornwall and the broader Celtic cultural sphere. The editorial stance seems to be one of exploration and appreciation for these ancient sites and beliefs, presenting both scholarly information and personal experiences. The focus on specific locations like stone circles, Trencrom Hill, and Nornour, alongside mythological concepts like the Otherworld, suggests an aim to connect readers with the deep history and folklore of the region.

Title: MEYN MAMVRO
Issue: 45
Volume: 45
Date: Summer 2001
Publisher: Oakmagic Publications
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of MEYN MAMVRO, a magazine focused on Cornish folklore and antiquities, explores the concept of the 'Otherworld' in Cornish traditions. It draws upon historical texts and folkloric evidence to illustrate how the Otherworld is represented in Cornish stories, comparing it to similar concepts in other Celtic nations.

The Cornish Otherworld

The magazine posits that while the Otherworld plays a significant role in the stories of other Celtic nations, a Cornish equivalent is also evident. The Cornish words 'annown' and 'ankow' are discussed in relation to this concept. References are made to W. Evans-Wenz's 'The Fairy Faith in Celtic Countries', which describes the Otherworld as a hidden realm of subjectivity accessible through mystic vision. Mythic islands like Ys (Brittany), Caer Arianrhod (Wales), and Hy Brasil (Ireland) are mentioned as potential dwelling places of the Otherworld, with the Isles of Scilly also being associated with the place of the dead in Cornish legend.

Folkloric Evidence from Hunt and Bottrell

The primary evidence for the Cornish Otherworld is drawn from the stories collected by Robert Hunt and William Bottrell in the late 19th century. A key story is Bottrell's 'Fairy Dwelling on Selena Moor', which recounts the experience of farmer William Noy. Noy gets lost on the moor and encounters the 'Fairy Folk', including his deceased former sweetheart, Grace Hutchens. This story suggests the Otherworld is inhabited by prehistoric people and is depicted as a beautiful, abundant garden surrounded by trees and water. The 'Fairy Folk' are described as 'star-worshippers', possibly reflecting ancient pagan beliefs. Grace Hutchens' ability to shape-shift is also noted as a common Celtic motif.

Journeys to the Otherworld

Further examples of journeys to the Otherworld are presented, often through caves and mounds, typical of Irish and Welsh tales. The story of Richard Vingoe involves a path into an underground passage on Treville Cliffs leading to Fairyland, where he meets his former lover. The 'Lost Child of St.Allen' story describes a child being lured by music into a dark grove and entering the Otherworld through an invisible passage, encountering a beautiful lady and a landscape of glass pillars and crystals. These narratives share elements with Welsh and Irish sagas, including beautiful music leading to the Otherworld, locations near lakes, and an exceptionally beautiful land.

'Cherry of Zennor' and Other Tales

The story of 'Cherry of Zennor', from Robert Hunt's 'Popular Romances of the West of England', is analyzed for its 'trigger words' indicating a journey to the Otherworld. Cherry meets a 'gentleman' at a crossroads and travels through a lane filled with abundant nature. The story emphasizes the fecundity of nature as a sign of approaching the Otherworld, with clear streams and rivers acting as liminal markers. The destination is a garden of intense beauty, followed by an even more beautiful house. Cherry's experience includes seeing people turned to stone and gaining the gift of seeing the Fairy Folk. These stories are seen as linking back to early Celtic sagas and demonstrating the pervasive presence of the Otherworld concept in Cornish lore, akin to classic Celtic literature.

Competition Solution and Book News

The issue includes the solution to a riddle from a previous issue, 'The Last Rite', by Robin Payne. The winner, Howard Balmer, correctly identified the 'Stripple Stones on Hawks Tor' as the location and interpreted Arfyn's visions, including the 'great grey snake' as the A30 road and the 'large silver Hawk' as a Hawk jet. The name 'Arfyn' is discussed as a potential unique pre-Celtic name.

The 'Fair Exchange' section reviews new publications from Oakmagic Publications, focusing on Cornish folklore and antiquities. These include 'Devon and Cornwall's Holy Wells', 'Cornish Saint and Sinners', 'Folklore in the Cornish Language', 'Folk Tales of Cornwall', 'The Mên Scryfa and other Cornish Antiquities', and 'The Royal House of Damnonia'. Additionally, it announces the publication of Volume 3 of Ian Cooke's series on 'Crosses and Churchway Paths in the Land's End Peninsula', highlighting its detailed record of local crosses and potential sanctuary areas.

Ritual Invocations in Cornish

A section is dedicated to 'Ritual Invocations in Cornish', featuring the Casting of the Circle, Opening, Greeting, and Closing. Translations are provided by Craig Weatherhill and Neil Kennedy, with Cornish and English versions of the invocations for various deities and purposes, including invoking the Goddess, guarding the circle, and bidding farewell.

Advertising and Listings

The magazine also includes advertisements for 'The Sacred Wood', suppliers of pagan/wiccan/divination tools, and a list of 'Exchange Magazines' with subscription details for various publications related to folklore, paganism, Celtic and Arthurian topics. A 'Noticeboard' section provides listings for local events, including Beltane Celebrations, Pagan Moots in various locations across Cornwall, events at the Friends of the Witchcraft Museum, and archaeological perspectives from FOGOUS.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are Cornish folklore, the concept of the Otherworld, Celtic mythology, paganism, and witchcraft. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting and preserving Cornish cultural heritage, particularly its folklore and ancient beliefs, by publishing research, historical accounts, and practical information for enthusiasts in these fields. The magazine actively engages with its readership through competitions and by providing a platform for related publications and events.