Meyn Mamvro - No 050 - WinterSpring 2003

Magazine Overview

Title: Meyn Mamvro
Issue: 50
Date: Winter-Spring 2003
Publisher: Meyn Mamvro
Focus: Ancient stones and sacred sites in Cornwall.

Editorial

The editorial for issue 50 celebrates reaching the 50th publication of Meyn Mamvro, sixteen years after its inception. The editor reflects on the magazine's journey, highlighting its loyal readership and its focus on the rich sacred sites and prehistoric monuments of Cornwall. Despite not being a high-tech publication, Meyn Mamvro has endured by connecting with like-minded individuals passionate about Cornwall's heritage. The editor notes that while other magazines may have come and gone, Meyn Mamvro's strength lies in its dedicated audience. The issue features a special 50th edition cover reproducing four favourite earlier covers, showcasing artwork by Geraldine Hawkes, Su Bayfield, Barry Millard, and Andy Norfolk. The editor emphasizes the magazine's inclusive approach, covering archaeology, sacred sites, prehistory, mythology, pagan spirituality, and earth energies, all viewed through the lens of sites being sacred and spiritual places for connection.

Cornish Earth Mysteries Group Activities

The magazine details the Summer 2002 outdoor activities of the Cornish Earth Mysteries Group (CEMG). The season began on June 2nd with a visit to lesser-known sites in the Kerrier area, led by Andy Norfolk. The group dowsed at Crowan Church, visited the Prospidnick menhir and Wendron Nine Maidens circle, and explored the Mên Amber stone, identifying it as an important energy centre. They also attempted to locate the original Vincent's Well, finding a stone surround. On July 7th, a visit to the St. Eval Area was hosted by Howard Balmer, where standing stones, a church with a serpent carving, and the cave-like structure of Porthcothan were explored. On August 4th, the 4th annual Lammas Picnic was held on Trencrom Hill. The final outing was on September 1st, a walk led by Rod Blunsden, which included examining possible Sheela-na-Gig carvings near Paul Church, exploring Castallack Carn, Castallack Vau, and Kerris, and viewing an inscribed stone. The article notes that a special feature on St. Eval sites will appear in MM51.

Aubrey Burl Comes to Talk to CEMG

On September 6th, the CEMG meeting at the Acorn in Penzance hosted Aubrey Burl, a leading authority on stone circles and author. The event was well-attended, with the doors closed due to overcrowding. Burl delivered an entertaining talk on the evolution of knowledge regarding stone circles over the past 50 years, accompanied by slides of various circles, including the Swinside Circle in Cumbria. Audience members raised questions, suggesting a more sacred use for these sites than traditionally proposed by archaeologists. Burl acknowledged the potential for further discoveries and encouraged continued research.

The Society of Ley Hunters

This section introduces The Society of Ley Hunters, a forum for those interested in ley lines. The Society does not enforce a single definition of a ley but embraces diverse opinions, operating as a 'broad church'. They welcome cooperation with other organizations and aim to build a library of ley information through cataloguing, indexing, and surveys. Members receive a newsletter and attend meetings with speakers, as well as visits to important sites. Subscriptions are £10 per annum, with a reduction for unwaged persons, and Life Membership is £250. Further information is available from the Secretary and Newsletter Editor at Runetree Press, London.

Penwith Pagan Moot

Written by Sarah Vivian, this article describes the Penwith Pagan Moot's celebration of eight seasonal festivals. It recounts rituals for Lammas (honouring the harvest of the sea on Sennen beach), Autumn Equinox (focusing on the balance of dark and light at Chapel Carn Brea), and Samhain (an intense honouring of the Spirits of the Dead at Bodrifty Round House). The article mentions that rituals are open to all and that monthly Moots take place on the second Tuesday of each month at Chy Gwella, Penzance. Recent topics discussed include Charms & Amulets, Protection, and calling Quarters. Contact details for local organizers Sarah Vivian and Andy Norfolk are provided.

Readers Write

This section features contributions from readers. Paul R. Ford expresses his fondness for Boscawen-ûn circle, viewing himself as a 'guardian' of the site and sharing experiences of spiritual presence. He notes the importance of caring for these places and laments the wear and tear caused by visitors. Karin Attwood writes about her experience cleaning up rubbish at Sancreed Well, detailing the extensive amount of discarded items found, including plastic ties, a baseball cap, sunglasses, coins, and even fresh dahlias and rotting tomatoes. She contrasts this with the cleanliness of Boscawen-ûn. The editor adds a note that site pollution is an increasing problem, and the Sacred Sites Network is working to address it by placing notices and publicizing the issue.

Wells - Lost, Found & Rediscovered

This article details the exploration and rediscovery of several holy wells in Cornwall. St.Morwenna's Well, located dramatically on a cliff near Morwenstow, was made accessible again in August 2002 by local resident Alan Rowland and National Trust helpers, though the spring has since dried up. The article also reports on two wells in the northernmost part of Cornwall: St. Peter's Well near Kilkhampton, which was destroyed when a farmer built a cattle shed, and St.James Well in the parish of Jacobstow, which has been restored by the North Cornwall Heritage Group. The article highlights the lack of protection for many of Cornwall's holy wells and criticizes the archaeological/heritage bodies' attitude. A publication titled "FENTYNYOW KERNOW: IN SEARCH OF CORNWALL'S HOLY WELLS" is advertised, detailing 125 holy wells with maps and information.

Quoits - Not Just Fun and Games

Authored by David Kaiser, this article explores the game of quoits and its connection to prehistoric Cornish sites. A quoit is defined as a Cornish name for a stone burial chamber, also known as a dolmen or cromlech. The article explains that the game of quoits, where a flat piece of metal or ring of rope is tossed at an upright peg, is believed to have been played by giants. The game has ancient origins, with variations found globally, and was once considered a martial sport in England, even being outlawed by Edward III to encourage archery. By Tudor and Elizabethan times, it was a popular pastime for all social classes and continued to be played in parts of Britain until the 1930s.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Meyn Mamvro revolve around the sacredness and spiritual significance of ancient sites in Cornwall. There is a strong emphasis on earth energies, prehistory, mythology, and pagan spirituality. The magazine champions the preservation of these sites and highlights the importance of community involvement, as seen in the activities of the Cornish Earth Mysteries Group and the contributions from readers. The editorial stance is one of deep care and respect for Cornwall's heritage, advocating for a holistic view that integrates historical, archaeological, and spiritual dimensions. The magazine's longevity and loyal readership underscore its success in connecting with an audience passionate about these themes.

This issue of Meyn Mamvro, number 50, published in Winter-Spring 2003, delves into the rich archaeological and folkloric heritage of Cornwall. The magazine explores ancient myths, prehistoric finds, and the enduring legends associated with the Cornish landscape.

Megaliths and Myths: Giants, Quoits, and Legends

The issue begins by explaining the term 'quoit' in relation to megalithic structures, specifically dolmens, where the capstone resembles a discus. It notes that the association of these sites with giants is common, with names like 'The Giant's Quoit at Pawton' and indentations on stones attributed to giants' fingers. The article broadens this theme by mentioning that in ancient Greece, gods also played quoits, and in Britain, King Arthur and the Devil are associated with this pastime. Geoffrey Ashe is cited as counting 11 'Arthur's Quoits'. The term 'quoit' is said to be Cornish, but the legends are widespread, with Welsh examples like 'King's Quoit' and 'Samson's Quoit'. Other sites mentioned include 'Hautville's Quoit' in Somerset and 'The Hurdlestones', where a game of quoits between a giant and the Devil is a prominent legend. The association of prehistoric monuments with a gigantic game of quoits is prevalent throughout the west of Britain, particularly in Cornwall, where the name became synonymous with dolmens.

Lost & Found: Buried Treasures Unearthed

Several articles highlight recent archaeological discoveries in Cornwall.

Celtic Brooch Unearthed

Jonathan Clemes, a metal detector hunter, discovered a solid bronze Celtic brooch on the Fal estuary. This find, dating from the 1st century CE, is the first of its kind found in Cornwall. Clemes had previously found a hoard of Roman coins and a Viking silver coin. Steve Hartgroves from the Historic Environment Section described the find as 'remarkable', and believes more Roman coins nearby suggest ancient settlements along the estuary.

Prehistoric Finds at University Site

Archaeologists have uncovered evidence of 6000-year-old human activity at the site for the Combined Universities of Cornwall's main campus building at Tremough, near Penryn. Fieldwork revealed a long history of settlement, including a later prehistoric (Iron Age or Romano-Celtic) settlement enclosure. Finds span the Mesolithic period to the present day, including flint work, a polished greenstone axe, and pottery from the Bronze Age, Iron Age, and Romano-Celtic periods. Andy Jones of the Historic Environment Section stated that excavations aim to answer questions about Tremough's prehistoric occupation.

Neolithic Arrow & Spear Heads Found

Several Neolithic and Bronze Age arrow and spear heads have been found in Cornwall. Jonathan Clemes unearthed a Bronze Age arrow head near St.Austell. Eight-year-old Rowan Hastings found a flint spearhead at Carbis Bay, and her father, Julian Hastings, suggested it was washed down from nearby fields containing standing stones. Stone sculptor Rory Te'Tigo found arrowheads at Kelynack, believed to be a tribal meeting place for Beaker People. All finds have been reported to the Archaeological Unit.

Golden Treasures from Cornwall's Past

This section, authored by Cheryl Straffon, details significant gold finds from Cornwall's prehistoric past, highlighting its wealth and trade connections.

Bronze Age Gold Bracelets from Carne

A major Bronze Age find was made at Carne Farm, near Morvah in West Penwith. A hoard of six gold bracelets was discovered, three with trumpet-like ends, and one with engraved geometric designs. These bracelets were likely made in Ireland or from Irish gold, traded to Cornwall likely in exchange for tin. They are now housed in the British Museum.

Towednack Gold Hoard

Another similar hoard of gold ornaments was found in December 1931 near Towednack, West Penwith. Concealed in an ancient stone hedge, this collection included two twisted neckrings, four armrings, and unfinished gold rod. These ornaments, likely dating from the late Bronze Age, also probably originated from Ireland. The reason for their deposition and non-recovery remains a mystery.

Trade Links and Gold Ornaments

The issue suggests a lively trade in the Bronze Age between Ireland and Cornwall, and possibly Brittany. Finds of gold crescents and bracelets from Ireland have also been found in north-western France. These Cornish finds are located near an ancient track across the peninsula from the Hayle estuary/St.Ives island to St. Michael's Mount, suggesting a direct sea route from Ireland to Brittany. These hoards may have been deposits left by traders intending to return, or part of trade for tin.

Gold Lunulae from Harlyn Bay

A significant find includes four gold lunulae (fine neck ornaments, 215-222 mm in diameter) found in Cornwall. Two were found at Gwithian and St.Juliot, likely from Ireland. The other two, found at Harlyn Bay near Newquay, include one from Ireland and another with decoration matching one found with unfinished pieces in France. These Harlyn Bay lunulae, found in 1865, date from the early Bronze Age (2300-2000 BCE) and may have been grave goods, as a burial site is nearby. Their fragile, wafer-thin nature and crescent shape suggest symbolic or ritual significance, possibly representing lunar horns.

The Rillaton Gold Cup

The Rillaton gold cup, discovered in 1837 in a cist in Rillaton barrow on Bodmin Moor, is described as perhaps the most famous gold object discovered in Cornwall. Made from corrugated sheet gold, it was found with a skeleton, a bronze dagger, and ivory and glass beads. Patricia M. Christie suggests the cup may be connected to the Aegean, specifically the Mycenean world, indicating contact between Bronze Age peoples. The cup disappeared for many years before resurfacing in King George V's dressing room, and is now in the British Museum.

Recent Gold Bracelet Finds

More recent discoveries include two gold bracelets found in the last decade. In the summer of 1987, three gold bracelets, dating from the middle Bronze Age (1000-600 BCE), were found on Rosemorran Farm. These were sold at auction for £25,000. In 1989, another Bronze Age gold bracelet, dating from about 1000 BCE, was found on a beach on St. Martin's in the Isles of Scilly. This bracelet, made of Irish gold, may have been a votive offering. The finds suggest that precious gold objects were frequent in Bronze Age Cornwall and many more may await discovery.

50th Bumper Bundle Competition

To celebrate its 50th issue, Meyn Mamvro is holding a competition with a grand prize of over £100 worth of Cornish and Celtic books on archaeology, history, and folklore. The competition involves answering 50 questions covering various aspects of these subjects. The closing date for entries is March 1st, 2003. The prize includes a selection of books, some of which are rare and out-of-print.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are Cornish archaeology, folklore, and ancient history, with a strong emphasis on the Bronze Age and its connections to Ireland and other parts of Britain. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Cornwall, encouraging reader engagement through discoveries and competitions. There is a clear focus on tangible archaeological evidence (gold hoards, artifacts) intertwined with the enduring myths and legends that shape the understanding of the region's past.

MEYN MAMVRO | Issue 50 | Winter-Spring 2003

This issue of Meyn Mamvro, a publication focused on folklore, earth mysteries, and ancient sites, particularly in Cornwall and the South West of England, presents a diverse range of content. It includes a feature on Arthurian legends, reviews of relevant books, an artist profile, and a detailed noticeboard of upcoming events. The magazine's website is meynmamvro.co.uk/archive.

Articles and Features

The Pipers Tune

This section speculates on the potential return of King Arthur to Cornwall, citing several curious augurs: the discovery of the 'Arthur stone' at Tintagel, the return of the chough (Cornwall's national bird and King Arthur's emblem) after decades of absence, and the discovery of a fragment of a mid-16th century Cornish play about King Arthur. The article notes Cornwall's current troubled times, including economic hardship and rising house prices, suggesting a need for a champion. It also reports on sightings of 'Morgawr', the Cornish sea monster, first seen in 1976 and filmed in 1999. The location of the sighting, Gerrans Bay, is linked to legends of King Gereint and potential Bronze-Age fertility rituals, raising questions about cycles of death and rebirth.

Cerridwen's Cauldron

This feature presents an extract from Margot Miller's new novel, "The Priestess of Ennor," described as a magical tale set in Celtic Britain. The extract focuses on a ritual menache ceremony, detailing the preparation and invocation of the pagan Goddess Sillina. It describes the priestesses' connection to Sillina's moon cycle and the twins Adwyn and Kenya preparing for their passage into womanhood. The ceremony involves a procession, the casting of a magic circle, rhythmic drumming, chanting, and dancing around a sacred flame. The narrative follows Adwyn's dreamtime journey on Sillina's ship through the cosmos, culminating in a celestial bath experience.

The book "The Priestess of Ennor" by Margot Miller (illustrated by Jenny Jones) is available from Ogma Publications for £12.00.

Book News & Reviews

Dowsing - A Journey Beyond Our Five Senses by Hamish Miller: This book is reviewed as a 'gem' written with years of dowsing experience. It covers various aspects of dowsing, including history, tools, streams, buildings, map dowsing, earth energies, chakras, sacred sites, and remote viewing. The writing is described as understated, gentle, succinct, and accessible, enhanced by full-page illustrations by Jean Hands. The reviewer highly recommends it for anyone interested in dowsing.

Crosses and Churchyard Paths in the Land's End Peninsula by Ian McNeil Cooke: This is Volume 6 of a series, covering Gulval and Ludgvan. It details local crosses, the Rosemorran Cross, and the Bleu Bridge Inscribed Stone. The volume also includes information on William Borlase and provides valuable historical details on lost crosses and churchway paths, serving as a reference and a guide for local walks.

Genius Loci - The Spirit of Place

This section highlights the work of artist Izumi Omori, who was born in Japan in 1967 and moved to Cornwall in 1995. Her style of painting connects to the spiritual landscape of West Cornwall, drawing viewers into a mystical experience with elements of beauty, hidden dangers, and mysteries. Her recent exhibition at The Old School House in Morvah received praise. Contact details and websites for viewing her work are provided.

"Genius Loci - The Spirit of Place" is presented as an initiative promoting the sacred landscape of Cornwall through art, music, crafts, and teachings, listing various associated individuals and enterprises.

Noticeboard

The Noticeboard section provides a comprehensive listing of upcoming events and activities in the region:

• Cornish Earth Mysteries: A Winter/Spring Programme 2003 featuring talks on St. Eval, Carnac, Goddesses of Ancient Egypt, Legends of Ancient Sites, and Cosmic Geomancy. Membership details for CEMG are provided.
• Pagan Moots: Listings for regular meetings in Penzance, Truro/Falmouth, St. Austell, Bude, and Wadebridge, with contact details.
• PF Devon & Cornwall Spring Conference: Scheduled for March 8th in Tintagel, with speakers including Ronald Hutton and Vivienne Crowley.
• Penwith College: Offers alternative life courses and workshops, including dowsing, ley lines, and the paranormal.
• Beltane Celebrations: A series of events in late April and early May, including a Maypole Dance, Obby Oss Day, Pagan Moots, and a Three Wells Walk.
• Friends of the Witchcraft Museum: Regular events, gatherings, and talks at Boscastle.

Exchange Magazines

This section lists various magazines available for subscription, categorized by theme:

• Sacred Sites/Earth Mysteries: 3rd Stone, Northern Earth, T.E.M.S News, Touchstone, FOGS, Caerdroia, Rilko.
• Pagan/Celtic/Arthurian: Dalriada, Celtic Connections, Pendragon, The Cauldron, Wood and Water, Quest, The Silver Wheel.
• The Cornish Antiquary: Offers back issues and information on folklore and antiquities.

Meyn Mamvro itself is available on annual subscription for £6.50 for 3 issues.

Quiz Questions

The magazine includes several quiz questions (Q12-Q23) related to Cornish folklore, ancient sites, stone circles, and mythology, testing readers' knowledge of local legends and history.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on the mystical, historical, and folkloric aspects of Cornwall and the surrounding regions. There is a strong emphasis on ancient sites, pagan traditions, Arthurian legends, and earth energies. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting and exploring these themes, encouraging reader engagement through quizzes and event listings, and supporting related publications and artists. The magazine acts as a hub for information and community within the pagan and earth mysteries scene in the South West of England.