Meyn Mamvro - No 046 - Autumn 2001

Magazine Overview

Meyn Mamvro, Issue No. 46, Autumn 2001, is a magazine dedicated to exploring ancient stones, sacred sites, paganism, and folklore, with a particular focus on Cornwall. The cover features a striking illustration and lists several key articles, including those on standing stones, the Truro Black Madonna, and strange phenomena at the Merry Maidens.

Contents

The magazine includes an editorial, articles on the Cornish Earth Mysteries Group, Sacred Sites News, and specific features on "Light & Sound at the Merry Maidens," "The Truro Black Madonna" by Geraldine Andrew, "Standing Stones: more than just a menhir" by Cheryl Straffon, and "Lesser Known Sites in West Penwith" by Raymond Cox. It also contains "Cornish Witchcraft and the Curse" by Kelvin Jones, "Ritual Invocations in Cornish" by Sheila Bright, "Dor Dama," book reviews, and "The Pipers Tune" by Sarah Vivian. A four-page supplement on a CEMG visit to Scillies is also included. Contact information for submissions and subscriptions is provided, along with details for "Adventurine" (Astrology and Numerology services) and "Oans Maen Oils."

Editorial and Summer 2001 Reflections

The editorial section reflects on the summer of 2001, noting the impact of the Foot and Mouth crisis which initially restricted access to sites. However, upon reopening, the sites were found to be refreshed and beautiful, with a notable display of bluebells at Boscawen-ûn. The article expresses dismay at the mistreatment of ancient sites, such as fire pits appearing at Tregeseal Circle and Mên-an-Tol. It highlights the ongoing work of organizations like ASLaN and the Pagan Moots in preserving these sites. The West Penwith Pagan Moot is noted for its increased activity, including a candlelit vigil in Penzance commemorating the 50th anniversary of the repeal of the Witchcraft Act and a Summer Solstice ritual at Sancreed House. The vibrant Golowan Festival and Mazey Day in Penzance are also mentioned, with a particular highlight being the Serpent Dance and a torchlight procession.

Cornish Earth Mysteries Group and Events

The Cornish Earth Mysteries Group held its 11th annual series of talks, with Serena Roney-Dougal presenting on "The Celtic Lunar Calendar." The talk explored seasonal rhythms and their relevance today. The annual Maypole Dance on Carn Bosavern was a success, though the traditional Three Wells Walk had to be postponed due to Foot and Mouth restrictions, later being rescheduled. An event at Harmony Pottery served as a prelude to a Scillies Weekend, featuring slides, poetry, music, and a full moon ritual. The Earth Mysteries visit to the Isles of Scillies involved exploring ancient sites on St.Marys and a boat trip to a hut circle and shrine settlement on Nor-Nour.

Sacred Sites News and Archaeological Finds

Significant news regarding sacred sites in West Penwith is reported. The Mên-an-Tol and Lanyon Quoit have been cleaned up following a fire attack in 1999. A Management Agreement is in place for Tregeseal Stone Circle, and the Madron Old Cornwall Society is working to maintain the path to Madron Baptistry/Well. A new signposted route to Sancreed Well has been created, and the National Trust has undertaken sympathetic repairs at St.Helen's Chapel. Additionally, Bodrifty Farm features a replica Iron Age hut. In archaeology, a hoard of over 1000 Roman coins from the 3rd Century CE, found at Ethy Creek, was declared treasure trove. Jonathan Clemes also discovered a silver Viking coin near St.Austell, dating back 1200 years. The article notes Clemes' hobby of searching for ancient coins by studying old maps.

Light and Sound at the Merry Maidens

This section details two unusual occurrences at the Merry Maidens stone circle. In Autumn 2000, photographer Serena Wadham observed anomalous shadows from adjacent stones pointing in different directions. A second incident, occurring about 6-7 years prior, involved Rod Blunsdon and a friend experiencing camera malfunctions, unexplained brilliant white light illuminating them from the feet up, and hearing strange voices speaking an unknown language. Rod Blunsdon possesses photographs of these phenomena.

The Truro Black Madonna

Geraldine Andrew writes about the "Our Lady" statue in Truro Cathedral. She notes that the statue, created in 1976, had not been placed in its rightful position. The article draws parallels with other Black Madonnas, particularly "Our Lady of Willesden," describing their history, appearance, and veneration. The Truro statue, carved from dark oak, was initially hidden away but eventually placed in the North Aisle. The author discusses the broader significance of Black Madonnas, linking them to ancient goddess traditions, empowerment, compassion, and the feminine aspect of the divine. A quote from Robert Graves is included, suggesting the Black Goddess promises a new bond between men and women and a return to instinctual love. The article encourages readers to visit the Truro Black Madonna and seek courage and love.

Standing Stones - More Than Just a Menhir

Cheryl Straffon explores the function and purpose of standing stones, or 'menhirs,' in Cornwall. She references theories suggesting they served as ley-markers, territorial boundaries, or cult centres for social groups. Excavation reports indicate associated burial functions, such as cist graves, but also suggest the stones were part of larger, complex structures that evolved over time. The article lists materials found in earlier excavations of 17 Cornish menhirs, including cremated material, charcoal, flint, baked clay, urns, coins, bone chips, and ashes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes an interest in Earth Mysteries, ancient sites, and pagan traditions within Cornwall. There is a clear stance on the importance of preserving these sites and a concern over their mistreatment. The publication also engages with anomalous phenomena, such as those reported at the Merry Maidens, and explores spiritual and symbolic themes, exemplified by the article on the Black Madonna. The editorial tone is informative and encourages reader participation and investigation into these subjects.

This issue of MEYN MAMVRO, number 46, from Autumn 2001, published by Oakmagic Publications, focuses on the rich archaeological and folkloric heritage of Cornwall. The magazine explores ancient standing stones, their ritualistic contexts, and the historical practice of witchcraft and cursing within the region.

Standing Stones and Ritual Sites

The issue details several significant archaeological sites in Cornwall and South Wales. In 1935, the Kerrow menhir near Zennor was excavated, yielding two urns. In 1956, the Mên Gurtha on St. Breock Downs was re-erected, revealing a layer of white quartz stones. A pivotal excavation took place at Try Farm (SW460 350) between 1958 and 1962, revealing a unique standing stone with a separate stone cist containing a handled beaker, bones, pottery, and an offering of meat, suggesting a ritual offering to the dead. The site's separation of the standing stone and cist contrasts with other investigated sites.

Further examples include the complex site at Stockpole Warren in South Wales, where the standing stone known as The Devil's Quoit was part of a multi-phase site from the Neolithic to Roman eras, featuring a Neolithic round hut and a setting of over 3000 small stones. Another site at St. Ishmaels near Milford Haven also appeared to be part of a stone enclosure complex. Excavations at Longstone Downs near St. Austell (SW984 561) in 1970 revealed four phases of development, including foundation offerings and evidence of wooden posts, suggesting continuity in religious practice over centuries.

The article "Lesser-Known Sites in West Penwith" by Raymond Cox explores several specific locations. Bleu Bridge, featuring the Bleu Bridge Inscribed Stone (SW477 317) with a 6th-century inscription, is described as a picturesque rural scene. Brunnion Carn Cross (SW504 360) is noted as a fine example of a Cornish cross. Rosemorran Cross (SW476 327) is highlighted for its setting and the Christ figure on its front and Latin cross on its rear, suggesting it marked a long churchway path.

The interpretation of these sites suggests they became sacred due to landscape features, land borders, or ancestral connections. They were marked with standing stones, sometimes aligned with stone rows, and received foundation offerings of special pebbles or quartzite. The stones themselves may have been decorated and considered 'alive'. Burials later occurred at these sacred sites, with the site itself being sacred, and the standing stones amplifying this sacredness.

Cornish Witchcraft and Curses

The article "Cornish Witchcraft and the Curse" by Kelvin I. Jones delves into the historical beliefs and practices surrounding witchcraft and curses in Cornwall. A notable tale concerns Granny Boswell, a Helston witch who cursed a car, leading to its breakdown and enhancing her reputation. The article discusses the universal belief in a witch's ability to ill-wish, and the role of 'white witches' or cunning folk in counteracting such curses.

Image magic, particularly the use of poppets (dolls), was widespread for cursing opponents, as evidenced by a collection at the Museum of Witchcraft at Boscastle. Examples include a woman using a doll with pins and needles to inflict pain, and another using gunpowder ignited on a hearth to convey an attack of fever.

The nature of a witch's curse is described as a ritualised form of words intended to cause harm, drawing parallels with the Church's use of curses and excommunication. Historical accounts include a 17th-century case where a family cursed a man who had wronged them, with the curse persisting for generations. A 19th-century example details a labourer who cursed a farmer, resulting in the death of the farmer's cattle.

More recent cases include a doctor in 1929 who declared an old woman's illness incurable, leading to the woman threatening to ill-wish him, after which his wife broke her leg and his car suffered major mechanical failures. Another case involves Mother Ivey, a Padstow witch, and a field cursed by 'Squire Peter' for his refusal to share pilchards during a time of starvation. The curse persisted for a century until the land was acquired by William Hellyar.

The article concludes that in Cornwall and the West Country, cursing was a popular, widespread, and authorised method of seeking justice from the 17th to 19th centuries. It was linked to ill-wishing, image magic, and the perceived power of witches to harm. Curses were popularly seen as a means to achieve justice against oppressors and were considered effective in causing illness and death, with approval from both Church and State.

Ritual Invocations in Cornish

The final section presents "Ritual Invocations in Cornish," a translation by Craig Weatherhill and Neil Kennedy of Doreen Valiente's 'Charge of the Goddess' into the Cornish language. The text invokes the Great Mother under various names and describes principles of freedom, love, and the pursuit of knowledge and peace.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the intersection of ancient beliefs, ritual practices, and folklore in Cornwall. There is a strong emphasis on the archaeological evidence for prehistoric ritual sites and the enduring cultural impact of beliefs in magic, curses, and witchcraft. The editorial stance appears to be one of scholarly inquiry into these historical and cultural phenomena, presenting detailed accounts and analyses of Cornish heritage.

MEYN MAMVRO | Issue 46 | Autumn 2001

This issue of Meyn Mamvro, published in Autumn 2001, delves into the sacred landscapes and pagan traditions of Cornwall. The magazine features a blend of personal spiritual journeys, book reviews, and artistic expressions inspired by the land.

Personal Pilgrimage: A Sacred Circuit in West Penwith

Sheila Bright, an astrologer and Goddess-priestess, shares her experience of walking a local sacred circuit in Pendeen, West Penwith. She describes her pilgrimages to Carn Eanes, a local 'holy' hilltop, and a standing stone on Trewellard Common, detailing the sense of wholeness and connection she gains from these experiences. She also visits Higher Boscaswell well, appreciating its purity and serenity, and a standing stone that, though not ancient, has become sacred to her through regular use. Bright emphasizes that the importance of a holy place lies in its current role in our lives rather than its age or original use. The article concludes with her communion with the four elements and a feeling of deep fulfillment.

Book News & Reviews

The magazine includes a section dedicated to book reviews, highlighting several publications from Oakmagic/Oakleaf publications and others, focusing on Cornwall and related topics:

• Carn Brea by Sir Gardner Wilkinson: A revival of an 1860 examination of the hill fort site near Redruth, discussing its antiquity and rock structures.
• The Halligye Fogou: An early look at the site at Trelowarren, featuring accounts of its interior and structure.
• The Celts in Cornwall by Henry Jenner: A scholarly 1916 examination of the linguistic and historical research on the origin and spread of Celtic peoples.
• Hawker's Cornish Witchcraft: Extracts from the writings of Rev. Robert Hawker, detailing ill-wishing, the Evil Eye, charmers, and fairy folk in Cornwall.
• Civilisation in Britain by T.F.G. Dexter: A reprint discussing the influence of Egyptians on British megalithic builders, though its conclusions are now considered erroneous due to carbon dating.
• The Stone Circles of Cornwall by George Fox Tregelles: Highly recommended for its detailed examination of Cornish stone circles, their dimensions, layout, and orientations, supporting the idea of them being sun and star temples.
• Inside Merlin's Cave: A Cornish Arthurian Reader 1000-2000: A collection of texts exploring various aspects of Cornishness related to Arthurian legends, with contributions from Alan Kent, Amy Hale, and Tim Saunders.

Artistic Expressions of Sacred Landscapes

Sue Aston: Sacred Landscapes

This section features "Sacred Landscapes," music inspired by the landscape of Celtic Cornwall by Sue Aston. It is described as gorgeous, beautiful, moving, and redolent of Sacred Cornwall, highly recommended by Cheryl Straffon.

Genius Loci - The Spirit of Place

Genius Loci offers music, art, and teachings supporting the landscape of Cornwall. Cassandra Latham and Sarah Vivian are mentioned as contributors. A CD is available for £10.99.

The Pipers Tune: Sarah Vivian's Exhibition

Local artist and Pagan Moot co-ordinator Sarah Vivian presents her first exhibition of paintings at the Morvah Schoolhouse Gallery. Her work, described as vivid realism, visually expresses Earth Energies and celebrates sacred sites, rock pools, and trees. Vivian's professional background is in craft textiles, but she now creates large oil paintings and a banner. She views her painting as an expression of her "connectedness" to the land, building layers of color and texture to reach for the magical energy and resonances of a place. Her work stems from a pagan perspective deeply connected to the spiritual essence of West Penwith. Cards and prints are available.

Exchange Magazines and Publications

The magazine lists various exchange magazines and publications related to sacred sites, earth mysteries, paganism, Celtic and Arthurian topics, providing subscription prices and website details. These include "3rd Stone," "Northern Earth," "The Right Times," "Touchstone," "FOGS," "Caerdroia," "Rilko," "The Cornish Antiquary," "Dalriada," "Celtic Connections," "Pendragon," "The Cauldron," "Wood and Water," "Quest," "The Silver Wheel," and "Beltane Fire."

Meyn Mamvro itself is available on annual subscription for £6.00 for three issues. Information is provided for ordering back numbers and photocopies.

Noticeboard

The noticeboard section provides a comprehensive list of upcoming events and activities:

• Cornish Earth Mysteries: Includes a Zodiac visit to the Lizard Landscape, folklore walks, and talks on "Rings of Stone" by Aubrey Burl and "Strange Lights & Fairies" by Andy Norfolk. A Yuletide Gathering is also announced.
• Cornwall's New Age Festival: The 11th annual festival is scheduled for November 23rd-26th at Ponsmere Hotel, Perranporth.
• Pagan Moots: Listings for regular meetings in Penzance, Pendeen, Truro/Falmouth, St. Austell, and North Cornwall, with contact details.
• Friends of the Witchcraft Museum: Announces regular events, gatherings, and talks at Boscastle.
• CAER: Lists upcoming events in Lamorna, including "Skydancing Tantra for Women," "Soul Wave - Moving into Winter," and a New Year Ritual, Retreat & Celebration.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly emphasizes the spiritual and mystical aspects of Cornwall, particularly its sacred sites, folklore, and pagan heritage. The editorial stance appears to be one of appreciation and exploration of these themes, encouraging readers to connect with the land and its energies. The inclusion of personal spiritual experiences, reviews of relevant literature, and listings of pagan events suggests a focus on fostering a community interested in Earth Mysteries and alternative spiritual paths. The magazine acts as a platform for sharing knowledge, promoting artists and authors within this niche, and informing readers about related activities and resources.