Meyn Mamvro - No 048 - Summer 2002

Magazine Overview

Meyn Mamvro, Issue No. 48, Summer 2002, is a magazine dedicated to "ancient stones and sacred sites in cornwall." It features articles on local history, folklore, earth mysteries, and paganism, with a focus on the Cornish landscape and its megalithic heritage. The cover art depicts celestial and terrestrial imagery, hinting at the magazine's themes.

Editorial and Project Updates

The editorial section likely addresses current events and ongoing projects within the earth mysteries and pagan communities. A significant focus is placed on the application for funding for an Ancient Sites Management Officer (ASMO), a proposal spearheaded by the Sacred Sites Network Group. Rob Poole, Penwith's Economic Development Unit Objective 1 Officer, is coordinating meetings with various stakeholders, including the National Trust, Bolitho Estate, and Tregothnan Estate. The article highlights that site maintenance and management are low priorities for many landowners, underscoring the need for the ASMO role to improve site conservation and access. The ASMO's tasks would include managing volunteer teams for site monitoring, identifying necessary improvements, liaising with relevant bodies, and developing educational programs. Support for this post comes from numerous groups, including the Cornish Earth Mysteries Group, Penwith Pagan Moot, Order of Bards, Ovates & Druids, the Pagan Federation, ASLaN, and Meyn Mamvro itself. The Cornwall Archaeological Unit (now the Historic Environment Section) is also a strong supporter. The funding application, amounting to £260,000 over three years, has progressed through several stages, with the next crucial step being the Regional Council of the Objective One funding board. Matched funding is also being sought through the Heritage Lottery Fund. The project is anticipated to go live in October 2002, with further updates promised in the next issue.

Cornish Earth Mysteries Group (CEMG) News

The "news page" covers recent activities of the CEMG. The 12th annual series of talks began on November 29th with Andy Norfolk presenting on "Faeries, strange lights & Celtic gods," linking earth mysteries and anomalous phenomena. Anna Crowley also presented on the Tree of Life Gardens Project in West Penwith, which sparked debate among the audience regarding its impact on existing ancient sites and the appropriateness of imposing a Kabbalistic concept on Cornish land. A midwinter sunset alignment walk at Chûn Quoit on December 22nd was followed by Celtic Storytelling in St.Just. The Winter/Spring Programme 2002 featured talks by Caradoc Peters, Ian Addicoat, Cheryl Straffon & Sheila Bright, and Martin Matthews. Full reports of these events are expected in the next issue.

Penwith Pagan Moot

Sarah Vivian reports on the activities of the Penwith Pagan Moot. They celebrated festivals for Yule at St.Buryan Village Hall and Imbolc at Sancreed House, both marked by weather that ranged from storms to sunshine. Upcoming rituals include one for Eostre or the Spring Equinox on March 23rd, which will be held on the nearest Saturday to avoid clashing with personal rituals. The Spring Equinox ritual is planned for a wooded valley with a stream, focusing on honoring tree spirits. The moots, open to all, are held on the second Tuesday of the month at Chy Gwella, Penzance, serving as a forum for news, events, and planning. Recent moot topics included Gypsy magic, Irish witchcraft, Holy Wells, and Tree Lore and Ogham. Contact details for Sarah Vivian and Andy Norfolk are provided.

A new dolmen has reportedly appeared in West Penwith on a triangle of land where three roads meet, near the Mên-an-Tol, erected by a local farmer.

Sacred Sites News

Firepits Cleaned Up at Ancient Sites

A task force comprising members of the Sacred Sites Network Group and the Pagan Moot spent a day clearing up unsightly firepits left at major sites in West Penwith in 2001. Affected sites included the Mên-an-Tol stones, Tregeseal Stone Circle, and Sancreed Well Chapel. Efforts to educate visitors about not building fires continue, with hopes that the summer will not see a repeat of the problem.

Tregaminion Well Restored

The restoration of Tregaminion Well at Morvah, previously reported, has progressed with the demolition of the old pumping station and the enclosure of the well surround. A special leaflet detailing the well's history and restoration, authored by editor Cheryl Straffon, is available.

The Tree of Life Tries to Grow in Cornwall

The Tree of Life Project, aiming to establish a 100-acre site in West Cornwall with Lottery funding, has generated significant local controversy. Described as a "unique sensory experience," the project intends to re-activate leys and earth energies. However, its approach, involving crystal pathways activated by solar and sonar currents, has met with opposition from those who feel it is out of harmony with the natural sites. The group is seeking a suitable site and plans an exhibition in Penzance. They recently faced a setback when denied Objective 1 funding.

Conventions & Conferences

Announcements for upcoming events include the Society of Ley Hunters Convention 2002 in Bath (May 18th-19th) and the ASLAN (Sacred Land) Conference in Chesterfield (July 6th-7th).

The Sword and the Mirror - Priest/ess Burial on Bryher?

This article delves deeper into the Iron Age cist grave discovered on Bryher in 1999. The grave contained a sword (34 inches long in a bronze scabbard) and a mirror, which upon cleaning, revealed elaborate decoration including incised chevrons and a possible sun symbol. Other items found were a brooch, a ring, a shield, a spiral ring, and a tin object, which might be a decorated bronze canister. English Heritage speculates it could be a prototype for other mirror burials found in Britain. While DNA samples couldn't determine the sex of the occupant, the findings suggest a high-status individual, possibly from the priestly caste, rather than a warrior. Charles Johns of the CAU suggests the mirror might have been used for scrying. The burial, dated between the 3rd-1st Century BCE, occurred when Bryher was part of the same island as Nor-Nour. The article speculates that this important burial could be of a priest/ess of the Goddess Sillina. The mirror and sword are now on display at the Isles of Scilly Museum on St. Marys.

Dowsing & Other Reactions at Sacred Sites

Sarah Head from Solihull shares her experiences at sacred sites. She describes observing visitors' reactions, including a man who dropped an object with a straw pentacle. At Boscawen-ûn, she and her friends experienced a sensation of falling forward, as if wrapped in something warm, while their German companion swayed the other way. They also investigated "lines" of force, experiencing pushes forwards or backwards. Head notes this was her second experience sensing a ley line, the first being in Hanbury Church, Worcestershire, where the ley felt "corrupted" and caused unease. The energy at Boscawen-ûn is described as gentle and positive. As a spiritual healer, she also sensed energy at the stones, felt on the back of her hands, pushing towards the stones. She asks if others have had similar experiences. The article also mentions two standing stones near Porth Luny beach, Mevagissy, which are not documented in Cornish guides, and asks for identification of their age and origin.

Standing Stones on the Lizard Peninsula

Ted Jeffries discusses the standing stones of the Lizard Peninsula, contrasting them with those found on Bodmin Moor and in West Penwith. The Lizard is characterized by quiet, flat open land. While Bodmin Moor and West Penwith have over 200 standing stones, many large, and feature stone circles, rows, and quoits, the Lizard has at least 129 stones, with only two over 6ft tall, and no constructions like circles or quoits. The Lizard stones are often small and arranged in patterns that appear to align with stars in constellations such as Cygnus, Leo, Orion, and Lyra. The article includes a table detailing these differences. Jeffries also highlights the importance of the 1908 OS maps for field research, as modern maps have covered up ancient details. The survey work from 1871 is particularly valuable for identifying ancient stones, burial mounds, and other features.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of ancient history, archaeology, folklore, paganism, and earth mysteries, with a strong emphasis on the unique landscape and heritage of Cornwall. There is a clear editorial stance in favor of preserving and understanding these ancient sites, as evidenced by the support for the ASMO project and the critical examination of modern developments like the 'Tree of Life' project. The magazine aims to educate its readers about local history and spiritual traditions, encouraging active participation and research within the community.

This issue of MEYN MAMVRO, number 48, published in Summer 2002, focuses on ancient traditions and celebrations in Cornwall. The magazine features articles on megalithic alignments, pagan festivals, and historical folk customs.

Standing Stones & Tumuli on the Lizard Peninsula

This section presents data from 1908 OS maps detailing standing stones, tumuli, and hut circles on the Lizard Peninsula. It lists sheet references and the number of each type of structure found in various grid squares. For example, sheet reference 81 SW Goonhilly has 30 standing stones and 29 tumuli. The total count for the surveyed area is 129 standing stones, 125 tumuli, and 38 hut circles. Accompanying photographs show the Drytree menhir at Goonhilly Downs, the Tremenhir stone near St. Keverne, and Crousa Common stones east of Traboe Cross.

CYGNUS

This article discusses the astronomical alignments of megaliths across Britain and Ireland, based on the work of Professor Alexander Thom of Oxford University. It highlights how many stone circles and arrangements point to significant celestial events like midwinter or equinox sunrises, or the rising and setting places of stars. The article explains how bright stars can be used to estimate the time at night and mentions the constellation Cygnus, specifically the star Deneb, as a useful circumpolar star for timekeeping.

The Nine Maidens Stone Row

The Nine Maidens Stone Row on St. Breock Downs is presented as an example of an alignment indicating the rising of Deneb. The row of stones, approximately 80 yards long and 5 feet high, points to Deneb at an angle of 26° east of north. The head of the row is marked by a group of three stones, possibly forming a sighting arrangement.

The Traboe Cross

Similar to the Nine Maidens, the Traboe Cross row on the Lizard is described as a line of five stones pointing to a spot 26° east of north, marking the rise of Deneb. This row is over a mile long. The article includes diagrams illustrating the pattern of stars in the constellation Cygnus, with Deneb at the top, and shows how the stones on the Lizard are arranged to mirror this pattern, suggesting the construction is a model of the constellation in the shape of a swan.

SUMMER IS A-COMING IN: MAYTIME IN CORNWALL

Written by Jill Millington, this article recounts personal experiences of May-Day/Beltane festivities in Cornwall. It describes the vibrant celebrations, which differ slightly each year, and highlights the pagan and alternative communities' focus on welcoming the summer. The author details the Maypole Dance on Carn Bosavern, the atmosphere, and the traditions involved, including the revival of the Maypole 13 years prior. The piece touches on the continuity of these traditions, with younger generations participating.

Beltane Festival Activities

The article describes various activities during the Beltane festival, including the Maypole Dance, bonfires, and wishes made for the coming year. It also mentions a special Beltane Mummers Play performed by a group from the Grampound area, featuring traditional characters like St. George, a fair maiden, and the Dragon, with the addition of Herne the Hunter representing Mother Earth. The performance, with women playing the Dragon and Herne, was noted for its joyful and exuberant nature.

Private and Public Rituals

Over the days following the main celebrations, private Beltane rituals are described, including a Women's Group celebration at Boscawen-ûn circle, involving purification and energy raising. Another private ritual in a wooded area invoked Aphrodite. A more public ritual takes place at Harmony Pottery, where Geraldine and Paddy host pagans for a festival involving an opening ceremony, blessings, dancing, jumping the bonfire, and feasting. The growing interest in such gatherings suggests Cornwall is a center for this pagan revival. The Carn Brea Morris Men also contribute to the celebrations.

The Obby Oss at Padstow

The climax of the Beltane period is the Obby Oss festival in Padstow, described as "Europe's last living pagan festival." The article details the stimulating atmosphere created by drums, accordion music, and the swirling skirts of the man-Oss, guided by the Teaser. The Oss, either Red or Blue, is deeply ingrained in the community. The author recounts following both Oss figures, noting the Blue Oss for its dancers and singers and the Red Oss for its primal energy. A memorable incident involved the Oss "taking" a woman, described as a "very real enactment of the sexual and fertility aspects of the Festival." The article emphasizes the primal, elemental movement of the man in the Oss and the sensual ritualistic nature of the event, harking back to ancient times.

Other Cornish Celebrations

The article mentions other events like the Three Wells Walk, a gentle stroll through varied terrain to connect with nature and Mother Earth, and the Helston Furry Dance and Hal-an-Tow. The author reflects on the sustaining joy and power of these Maytime revels and celebrations.

OLD MAYDAY CUSTOMS IN CORNWALL

This section, excerpted from Margaret Courtney's "Cornish Feasts and Folk-Lore" (1890), details historical May-Day customs in Cornwall. It describes boys and girls marching with musical instruments, the blowing of tin horns at Penzance, and begging for money. Customs include fixing a "May bough" over a farmer's door for breakfast, and in West Cornwall, hanging a piece of furze and demanding bread and cream. In Landrake, a fern could earn cream, and chastisement with nettles was given to those found in bed late. The article mentions the making of a "feeper" whistle and "a junketing" tradition. It describes celebrations at Hayle with decorated children and evening bonfires. In Polperro and East/West Love, children and adults gathered branches called 'May' and engaged in "dipping" by splashing passengers with water, singing "The first of May is Dipping-day."

THE HAL-AN-TOW: AN ANCIENT MYSTERY

Written by Kelvin I. Jones, this article explores the Hal-an-Tow festival in Helston, held on May 8th. The event is described as a ritual for awakening earth energies to commence summer, also known as Furry Day or Flora Day, named after the Roman Goddess of flowers and fertility. The participants dress in antique and bizarre costumes, including "hedges" (women festooned in greenery), Robin Hood, Maid Marian, Friar Tuck, Little John, "Spaniards," St. George, St. Michael, a dragon, and a devil. The company reaches the bridge, blowing whistles and banging sticks. The event is characterized as a "pageant" which is sung, with verses that are difficult to comprehend. Despite Flora Day being a fertility rite, the Hal-an-Tow is described as wild, anarchic, and sometimes absurd, contrasting with gentility.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on Cornwall's rich cultural heritage, blending ancient traditions with contemporary celebrations. There's a strong emphasis on paganism, folklore, and the connection between the land, celestial events, and seasonal festivals. The editorial stance appears to be one of appreciation and documentation of these unique cultural practices, highlighting their continuity and significance.

Title: MEYN MAMVRO
Issue: 48
Volume: 48
Date: Summer 2002
Publisher: Oakmagic Publications
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English
ISSN: 0966-5897

This issue of MEYN MAMVRO, a publication focused on folklore, paganism, and earth mysteries, particularly from Cornwall and the West Country, delves into various aspects of local traditions, mythology, and contemporary pagan practices. The cover story, "WHO WERE URSULA BIRDHOOD & AUNT MARY MOSES?" by Cheryl Straffon, explores the enigmatic figures associated with traditional May Day celebrations.

Articles and Features

The Hal-an-Tow and its Ancestors

The issue opens with a piece discussing the Hal-an-Tow tradition, noting its near demise but continued existence. It highlights the connection to ancient May Day games, the tribe from the estuary and dunes, and the ritualistic elements involving whistles, drums, and the 'King of the wood' and 'May Maid'. The article mentions the River Cober and a historical practice of throwing men and women into the river, suggesting a link to a 'River Deity' and the Celtic name 'Cober' for a River Goddess, as noted by Professor Charles Thomas in his pamphlet "Totem and Taboo". The piece evokes the awakening of Summer with the figure of Jack in the Green.

Who Were Ursula Birdhood & Aunt Mary Moses?

This main article by Cheryl Straffon investigates the obscure figures mentioned in the Padstow Obby Oss song and the Helston Hal-an-Tow. The Padstow Obby Oss song includes a verse about "Ursula Birdhood" and an "old yow" that died. The article references Herbert Kille's book "West Country Hobby Horses" (1935), which mentions a figure dressed as a woman in a scarlet cloak and cape as part of the original horse procession. It is speculated that this figure could represent Ursula Birdhood, as historical accounts mention an old woman in a scarlet cloak watching the Oss and an older 'Mayers' figure often being an old woman in a scarlet cloak and cape. The article notes that from 1889 to 1914, two women, Chrissie Anna Bray and Elizabeth 'Drucker' Prynne, were 'Mayers'. Kelvin Jones suggests that this "old woman" Mayer may have evolved into the present-day Teaser, a role that has sometimes involved men dressed as women, citing William Thomas (1894-1977) who wore a dress and silk underwear. This role reversal is seen as part of the anarchic tradition of May Day festivals.

The article also draws parallels with the Helston Hal-an-Tow, which references "Aunt Mary Moses." Kelvin Jones describes her as a figure revered at the end of the dance, often bearing a floral crown and cloak. Both Ursula Birdhood and Aunt Mary Moses are suggested to be powerful figures presiding over the death of winter and the rebirth of life at Spring, possibly representing aspects of the Great Mother Goddess who predated Christianity.

Book Reviews

The "BOOK NEWS & REVIEWS" section features several publications, primarily from Oakmagic Publications:

• St.Nectan's Glen - its History and Legends by Kelvin I.Jones (Oakmagic 2001, £3.95): This book is described as an important research work that re-evaluates the mythology surrounding St. Nectan's Glen near Boscastle. Kelvin Jones argues that much of the mythology is a modern invention, particularly the association with St. Nectan, which he claims was grafted onto the place in 1864 by the Rev. Stephen Hawker. Before this, the site was known as "Nathan's Cave" and "Nathan's Kieve." Hawker, influenced by Arthurian myth, gradually shifted the name and attributed romantic notions of a saint's cell and hermitage, with no historical evidence. The story of the two sisters is also attributed to Hawker's imagination. The review notes that Hawker's work fed into the Arthurian fever of Tennyson's "Idylls of the King," and the spurious Nectan mythos was later adopted by others.
• Occult Cornwall: Magic, Witchcraft and the Supernatural in Cornwall by Kelvin L.Jones (Oakmagic, 2001, £4.95): This booklet compiles Kelvin Jones' earlier writings on witchcraft in Cornwall, covering topics like Cunning Folk, the Cornish Witch, ghosts, cursing, the sacred hare, and Crowley's associations with Cornwall. It is noted that the book could have benefited from a contents list and index.
• The Stone Monuments of Cornwall by R.N. Worth (Oakmagic, 2001, £3.50): A reprint from 1895, this is an account of standing stones and stone circles in Cornwall as seen by a Victorian antiquarian, including diagrams and drawings.
• Crosses and Churchway paths in the land's End Peninsula Vol 4; Paul & Sancreed by Ian McNeil Cooke (Mên-an-Tol Studio, 2001, £14.95, £16.95 inc. postage): This volume is described as detailed and thorough, a must for enthusiasts of Celtic crosses and Cornish antiquities. It includes folklore snippets, such as the Gwavas Cross at Newlyn formerly standing on a churchway path where fishermen offered to the sea-god Bucca.

Music and Art Features

• Sue Aston: Sacred Landscapes: An album of music inspired by the landscape of Celtic Cornwall, described as "gorgeous - beautiful and moving and so redolent of Sacred Cornwall." Cheryl Straffon highly recommends it.
• Genius Loci - The Spirit of Place: This initiative supports the landscape of Cornwall through music, art, and teachings, featuring Cassandra Latham and Sarah Vivian. Their website is www.geniusloci.co.uk.
• The Pipers Tune - Denyse Dawn Shorrocks: This section introduces Denyse Dawn Shorrocks, a pagan artist whose work magically expresses the spirits of ancient sites. She has trained in Gardnerian and Alexandrian Wicca. Her artwork is inspired by her magical homeland of Cornwall and can be obtained as cards and prints. Her contact details are provided.
• Faces in the Forest - Christine Rusling: Christine Rusling is presented as a pagan photographer drawn to woods and trees. She is the guardian of a woodland near Wadebridge and photographs faces and spirits she perceives in trees. Her cards are available from the address provided.

Exchange Magazines and Publications

A comprehensive list of other relevant magazines and publications is provided, categorized by theme such as "SACREDSITES/EARTH MYSTERIES," "PAGAN/CELTIC/ARTHURIAN," and "THE CORNISH ANTIQUARY." Details include subscription prices, sample copy prices, and website addresses. Oakmagic Publications is listed as a source for back issues of "The Cornish Antiquary."

Noticeboard

The "NOTICEBOARD" section contains listings for various events and activities:

• BELTANE CELEBRATIONS: Events listed include a Maypole Dance at Carn Bosavern, Obby Oss Day at Padstow, Beltane at Harmony Pottery, and a Three Wells Walk.
• CORNISH EARTH MYSTERIES: Upcoming events include explorations of lesser-known sites in the Kerrier area, a journey to St. Eval Stone Circle, a Lammas picnic at Trencrom Hill, and a tour around Kerris & Paul focusing on carvings and stones.
• SUMMER CELEBRATIONS: Events include Midsummer Eve bonfires and Mazey Day in Penzance.
• PAGAN MOOTS: Listings for regular pagan moot meetings in Penzance, Camborne, Truro/Falmouth area, St. Austell area, and North Cornwall, with contact details.
• WALKS with Ian Cooke: Scheduled walks include visits to Zennor Quoit, Bosporthennis hut, and Mên-an-Tol.
• EARTH, HEALTH & MYSTIC FAYRES: Fayres are scheduled for St.Johns Hall, Penzance.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of MEYN MAMVRO are deeply rooted in Cornish folklore, paganism, and earth mysteries. There is a strong emphasis on uncovering and preserving ancient traditions, such as the Hal-an-Tow and Padstow Obby Oss. The magazine appears to critically examine the origins and evolution of these traditions, distinguishing between historical roots and modern interpretations, particularly in the context of the New Age movement, as seen in the review of the St. Nectan's Glen book. The publication also highlights contemporary pagan artists and practitioners, showcasing their work and events. The editorial stance seems to be one of scholarly inquiry combined with an appreciation for the mystical and spiritual aspects of the landscape and its history, encouraging readers to engage with these traditions through events, books, and art.