Meyn Mamvro - No 052 - Autumn 2003

Magazine Overview

Title: Meyn Mamvro
Issue: No. 52
Date: Autumn 2003
Price: £2.20

This issue of Meyn Mamvro, a magazine dedicated to ancient stones and sacred sites in Cornwall, delves into various aspects of Cornish earth mysteries, pagan practices, and archaeological news. The cover features a striking black and white illustration of a complex stone structure, hinting at the mystical and historical content within.

Editorial: Stones of Our Motherland

The editorial section, titled 'Stones of Our Motherland', addresses the critical state of management and maintenance of Cornish sacred sites. It highlights the efforts of the Sacred Sites Committee (SSC) and the Penwith Pagan Moot (PPM) in keeping a watching brief and undertaking practical work like clearing vegetation. The article discusses the difficulties in securing funding for an Ancient Sites Management Officer (ASMO) through Objective 1 money, which is primarily aimed at economic regeneration. It also points out the lack of proactive action from statutory bodies like Cornwall Historic Environment Section (HES), English Heritage (EH), and Penwith District Council (PDC), despite their responsibilities. The piece expresses concern over the neglect of these significant archaeological sites and questions whether action will be taken.

News Page

The 'News Page' section reports on the 2003 programme of presentations by the Cornish Earth Mysteries Group (CEMG). The year began with Howard Balmer discussing 'Discovering St. Eval and Carnac'. This was followed by Jan Machin on 'The Goddesses of Ancient Egypt', Craig Weatherhill on 'Legends of Ancient Sites', and Jude Currivan on 'Cosmic Geomancy - the harmonics of consciousness'. The section also covers the 15th annual Maypole Dance on Carn Bosavern on May Day eve, which was attended by over 60 people and celebrated with music, cake, and a Beltane fire.

Articles and Features

The Forgotten Wells of West Penwith: Part 2 - North [St.Just to St.Ives] by Cheryl Straffon
This is the main feature of the issue, continuing the exploration of historical wells in the West Penwith area. The article details the locations and significance of various wells, including Chapel Carn Brea well, Kelynack Well (recently restored), Lower Kelynack well, Cot Valley well, and a well at Levant. It also mentions Venton East holy well near St.Just, Chûn Castle, and Bartinney Castle, discussing their reputed properties and historical context. The article highlights the rediscovery of Tregaminion holy well near Morvah, which had been destroyed by the construction of a pumphouse in the 1940s. It touches upon the dedication of wells to saints like St.Morwetha and St.Bridget, and the enduring practice of well-worship.

Crankan Wakes - Raymond Cox
This article likely details the Crankan Wakes event, possibly a pagan or folk festival, though the content is not fully detailed in the provided text.

Vision at Treen Common Stone Circle - Geraldine Charles
This piece probably offers a personal account or interpretation of experiences at the Treen Common Stone Circle.

My Favourite Fuggy Holes: 1 Carn Euny - Wella Penwrath
This article focuses on Carn Euny, a fogou (an ancient Cornish underground structure), describing it as a 'fuggy hole' and sharing the author's personal connection or findings.

Cornwall's Colourful Sites
This appears to be a general article showcasing visually appealing or significant sites across Cornwall.

• The Summer 2003 Activities
• This section details several outings and events organized by the group:
• 15th Annual Three Wells Walk (May 4th): A walk from Sancreed to Chapel Euny wells and Madron well, involving the mixing of waters for a Summer's blessing.
• Lesser Known Sites of the Kerrier Area (June 1st): A walk led by Andy Norfolk, focusing on sites in the southern Kerrier area, including Maen Pearn (a former tall standing stone) and Maen Pol stone. The group also visited the site of the Tollmen stone and Piskey Hall fogou.
• St. Eval Area Walk (July 6th): A follow-up walk led by Howard Balmer, exploring standing stones and barrows in the St. Eval area, with speculation about their astronomical or landscape significance.

Penwith Pagan Moot by Sarah Vivian

This section reports on the recent activities of the Penwith Pagan Moot, including rituals for Spring Equinox, Beltane, and Summer Solstice. The Spring Equinox ritual at Bodrifty Roundhouse focused on peace, using symbolism of a black bird transforming into a white bird. The Beltane celebration, despite poor weather, was a lively event with around 35 attendees. The Summer Solstice ritual was held at Cape Cornwall, focusing on the sun and incorporating a dragon symbol. The article also provides details on the monthly Moots held in Penzance and contact information for Sarah Vivian and Andy Norfolk. It also mentions an exhibition of Sarah Vivian's oil paintings titled 'For the Love of Stone'.

Sacred Sites News

Gûn Rith Stands Up Again
This news item reports on the re-erection of the Gûn Rith menhir, which had fallen over earlier in the year. A team from Cornwall's Heritage Environment Section, along with local stonemasons, successfully repositioned the 12ft high Bronze Age standing stone. Senior Archaeologist Ann Preston-Jones noted its importance to the Bronze Age landscape and its potential link to fertility rituals.

Bronze Age Barrow Up For Sale
An ancient Bronze Age barrow near Nancledra in West Penwith has been put on the market for £150,000. The barrow, consisting of two rings of stone, was uncovered by rock musician Nic Potter. Principal Archaeologist Steve Hartgroves described it as a 'lovely early Bronze Age barrow, and a site of ceremonial and ritual significance'.

Bronze Age Craft
This is an advertisement for practical workshops focused on ancient technologies, allowing participants to create items like bronze axes, daggers, swords, and jewelry. Contact information and a website are provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the preservation and understanding of Cornwall's ancient landscape, including sacred sites, standing stones, and wells. There is a strong emphasis on the importance of these sites, the challenges they face due to neglect and lack of funding, and the dedication of volunteers and enthusiasts in their study and maintenance. The editorial stance is clearly one of concern for the state of these sites and a call for greater action and responsibility from official bodies. The magazine also promotes pagan practices and earth mysteries, showcasing rituals and events related to these interests, and highlights the ongoing work of researchers and groups like the CEMG and Penwith Pagan Moot.

MEYN MAMVRO | Issue 52 | Autumn 2003

This issue of Meyn Mamvro delves into the rich history and mysterious phenomena of Cornwall, focusing on ancient holy wells and unusual sightings. It combines historical accounts, archaeological observations, and personal testimonies to explore the landscape's spiritual and unexplained aspects.

Holy Wells of Cornwall

The magazine details several significant holy wells across Cornwall, many of which are now forgotten or difficult to access.

• Venton Bebibell: Located south of the Four Parishes Stone on the edge of Nine Maidens Downs, this well is described as picturesque and was frequented in the past. Its name, derived from Cornish, means 'well of the little people,' suggesting a possible association with fairy folk. Historically, children used to baptise dolls there on Good Fridays, indicating a pre-Christian sacred site.
• Bosporthennis: Found on the east bank of a stream in overgrown and reedy ground, this well was once as famed as Madron and was used to cure skin diseases.
• Well on Lady Downs: Located on the left-hand side of a track heading up to Lady Downs, this well rises in a small grotto within a sunken walled enclosure. It has no known dedications and is often overgrown.
• St. Senara's Well: Re-discovered by Craig Weatherhill, this well is located on the lower slopes of Zennor Carn. It consists of a massive granite block over a spring, surrounded by a small pool. St. Senara gave her name to Zennor, and her legend is intertwined with that of the Zennor mermaid.
• St. Ia's Well House: In St. Ives, the restored well house of St. Ia is mentioned, located just above the beach and below the cemetery.
• Fairy Well: Located near Lelant, this well issues from a low rock fissure and tumbles down to the coast. It is famed as a wishing well where wishes are granted if not spoken aloud. The Feast Day in Lelant was February 1st, linked to the Celtic Imbolc festival and the healing power of wells.
• Fenton Sauras: Also in Lelant, this well is an imposing stone structure on two levels, inscribed with the date 1612. It was discovered and cleaned out by builder Richard Crowe during house renovations.

The article notes that while many wells have been lost, others have been re-located and restored, encouraging a journey of rediscovery.

Cornwall's Colourful Sites: Standing Stones

This section features photographs of ancient sites in colour, showcasing standing stones through the seasons. Images include:

• Trevorgans near St.Buryan in early Spring time.
• Treverven towards Land's End at daffodil time.
• Bluebells at Carfury in Maytime.
• The Blind Fiddler at harvest-time.
• Boswens with Autumnal gorse.

Readers are invited to submit their own colour photographs of ancient sites.

Crankan Wakes by Raymond Cox

This article explores the Land's End Peninsula, focusing on the area known as Crankan. It highlights the continuous occupation of the land from the Neolithic era to the present and the mysterious presence of the past within the landscape.

• Geological and Historical Features: Crankan is an elevated place above the hamlet of Newmill, overlooking the Try Valley. The area features a disused granite quarry, old farms, the Rosemorran stream, and the old churchway path from Try to Gulval. It also contains the Rosemorran wayside cross and the Bleu Bridge inscribed stone.
• Iron Age Settlement: Near the hilltop of Crankan are the overgrown remains of an Iron Age courtyard house settlement, including houses, hut circles, and a field system. The site shows evidence of multiple historical periods, from modern shelters to Bronze Age dwelling places.
• Courtyard House Settlement: Described as the largest feature, it is a nearly circular enclosure with a surrounding wall and traces of other rooms, including a better-defined house with a jamstone and a long room with a smaller chamber. There is also mention of a possible fogou nearer Rosemorran.
• Historical Finds: The area has yielded Roman coins and, in 1987, three Bronze Age gold bracelets found on Rosemorran Farm.

UFO Encounter at Newmill

The article recounts a memorable encounter experienced by Caroline Bond and Peter Boulton on Saturday, September 17, 1977, near the old post office at Newmill.

• The Sighting: At approximately 9:30 pm, Caroline saw a 'green-haze thing' in the driveway. The object was described as 'red and green and silver, flashing at a thirty degree angle' above a nearby tree, with a projection like a pole. It seemed solid and could not be seen through. The object moved away up the steps of a barn and was observed for about two minutes.
• Witness Confirmation: Other witnesses, including neighbours, confirmed seeing a second, similar object visible in the night sky towards the north-west. These objects appeared to meander with small angular movements and had red lights within a sharply defined green oval.
• Aftermath: Both Caroline and Peter experienced a mysterious illness a week later, with symptoms including vomiting, muscular pains, and headaches, though hospital tests revealed no cause. They sensed an 'intelligence' behind the object's movements.
• Further Sightings: The following day, Caroline and Peter, along with other residents, reported seeing the same objects again in the night sky.

Explanations and Theories

The issue explores potential explanations for such phenomena, moving beyond purely extraterrestrial interpretations.

• Earthlight Theory: Paul Devereux's theory suggests that earthlights, and possibly ball lightning, result from fault lines in geological strata and powerful piezo-electrical effects in tectonic strain, contributing to atmospheric events that can appear intelligent and interact with witnesses.
• Electromagnetic Pollution: Albert Budden's research highlights the impact of ubiquitous electromagnetic (EM) pollution. He suggests that human consciousness, responding to specific fields, can produce altered states and perceptions of interaction with 'aliens' and 'spacecraft'. These experiences can overlap with psychic phenomena like apparitions and poltergeists.
• Hypersensitivity and Hot-Spots: Budden notes that individuals with electrical hypersensitivity are more prone to such experiences. 'Hot-spots' like road junctions, forest clearings, and quarries are identified as locations that can amplify or contain energy, potentially leading to geopathic stress and UFO entity cases.
• EM Signal Interaction: It is proposed that an EM signal could connect a witness with an unidentified atmospheric phenomenon, influencing its movement and form based on the person's unconscious thoughts, thus creating the appearance of intelligence.

Conclusion

The article concludes by reflecting on the complex interplay of environmental factors, geological energies, and human consciousness in understanding unexplained phenomena. It suggests that while scientific explanations are valuable, they may not fully capture the spiritual aspects of the universe. The enduring feeling of the past in places like the Land's End Peninsula transcends individual experiences, hinting at a connection to something beyond physical forces.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently explores the intersection of ancient history, folklore, and unexplained phenomena in Cornwall. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various historical accounts, scientific theories, and personal testimonies without definitively favouring one explanation. There is a clear interest in the spiritual and energetic aspects of the landscape, particularly concerning holy wells and ancient sites, alongside a willingness to investigate modern phenomena like UFO sightings through scientific and theoretical lenses. The magazine encourages reader participation and further exploration of these enigmatic subjects.

MEYN MAMVRO | 52 | Autumn 2003

This issue of Meyn Mamvro, number 52, published in Autumn 2003, focuses on earth mysteries, archaeology, and folklore, particularly concerning Cornwall. The magazine features personal accounts, book reviews, and event listings.

Vision at Treen Common Stone Circle

By Geraldine Charles

Geraldine Charles recounts her experience on holiday in Cornwall on December 26th, 2002, with her partner Brian. While driving near Zennor to Penzance, they stopped to investigate the Treen Common Stone Circle. Charles describes the circle as not being in particularly good condition, with one large stone and many fallen stones, making it difficult to discern its original form. However, while standing behind the largest stone and touching it, she experienced a 'double sight', perceiving a second and third concentric circle, and felt she had entered an altered state, describing it as a 'portal' or a feeling of a string tied to her solar plexus tugging her in a south-westerly direction. She compares the site to Stanton Drew and notes that English Heritage revealed concentric post-holes there in 1998. Charles concludes that the Treen Common circle tried to tell her something of importance.

My Favourite Fuggy Holes: 1: Carn Euny

By Wella Penwrath

Wella Penwrath begins a series on Cornwall's 'fogous' or 'fuggy-holes'. She describes Carn Euny as a magical journey to approach, with a twisty road leading to a verdant wooded area. She details two ways to reach the site: one via a road from Sancreed, and another, known mainly by locals, from Higher Grumbla. Both routes lead to the remains of Celtic Courtyard Houses, with the fogou hidden below ground. Penwrath describes the experience of entering the fogou as leaving the 'upper, everyday, familiar world' and going into an 'unknown underworld'. She notes that the passage curves away, revealing itself gradually. She mentions that originally both ends were sealed, with access only through a tiny creep passage. Penwrath reflects on the potential visions, spirits, and trance journeys experienced by those who meditated, fasted, or used hallucinogenic plants there. She shares her own experiences, including sleeping there on Samhain Eve and feeling at peace. She highlights the round chamber within the fogou, the 'Beehive Hut', as a profound place, comparing it to Newgrange in Ireland, where the midwinter sun would have illuminated a recess or shrine. She concludes that the fogou and settlement are places to dream, rest, calm the inner self, and connect with the spiritual world.

Book News & Reviews: Prehistoric Sites in Cornwall

Reviewed by John Michell (Wessex Books, 2003, £3.99)

This section reviews a new 44-page booklet by John Michell titled 'Prehistoric Sites in Cornwall'. The reviewer praises its concise format, useful information, good colour photographs, and clear map. While not a detailed inventory, it provides a sample of sites to whet the appetite. The book is noted for conveying the deeper meaning of the places and the people who built them, emphasizing the sacred tradition and the spirituality of the megalithic builders. It touches upon astronomical significance and the relationship with natural features. The reviewer mentions minor quibbles, such as the description of dolmens and the Nine Maidens stone row, but overall considers it a lovely guide that shows the author's sensitivity.

Meyn Mamvro offers 5 copies of the booklet as a giveaway, requiring readers to answer a question about John Michell's original book on megalithic sites of West Penwith.

Book News & Reviews: The Popular Mythology of Cornwall

Oakmagic Publications has started a new series of booklets on 'The Popular Mythology of Cornwall' at £5 each. Volume 1 is on Faeries and Volume 2 on Witches, Charms and Spells. These volumes contain extracts from early works, including those by Margaret Courtney, Robert Hunt, and William Bottrell, as well as rarer extracts. Examples include an account of a pisky visiting a woman and extracts on Cornish superstitions, distinguishing between witches and 'wise women'. Volumes 3 and 4 are planned to cover 'Cornish Feasts and Customs' and 'Cornish Ghosts and Legends'.

Genius Loci - The Spirit of Place

This is a promotion for 'Genius Loci - The Spirit of Place', an enterprise promoting the sacred landscape of Cornwall through art, music, crafts, and teachings. It lists contributors and mentions a photographic library of Sacred Cornwall with over 25,000 hits per week.

The Pipers Tune

This article discusses the controversy surrounding Channel 4's 'Time Team' Big Dig weekend. The project aimed to involve the public in archaeological digs. However, local archaeological units and societies, including Cornwall's, were not consulted in good time, leading to significant opposition. Nicholas Thomas, President of the Cornwall Archaeological Society, is quoted criticizing the programme for 'dumbing down archaeology' and turning it into mere TV entertainment without consulting experts. Cornwall's Heritage Environment Service (Archaeological Unit) would cooperate, but expressed disappointment that some Cornish applicants could not participate.

Fair Exchange

This section notes the passing of 'Exchange Magazine 3rd Stone', a publication on archaeology, folklore, and myth, which had become a principal magazine in earth mysteries. Its demise leaves the field without a national magazine, with only Northern Earth and Meyn Mamvro continuing to provide regional coverage. The proposed 'Megalithic Magazine' by Terence Meaden never materialized. The section also mentions 'Goddess Alive!', co-edited by MM editor Cheryl Straffon and Sheila Bright, which has reached its 4th issue and is a full-colour publication on Goddess studies. Susan Garlick is congratulated for winning the MM's 50th Bumper Bundle Competition.

Quote......Unquote

An excerpt from Cornwall Archaeological Unit's 'Archaeological & Historical Assessment of Lower Boscaswell (fogou and surrounding area), West Penwith. Feb 2003' is quoted. It describes archaeological features being recorded by sketch survey and plotted at 1:2500 scale, using pacing for locations and a ranging rod for dimensions, rather than tape measures or electronic instruments.

Exchange Magazines

This section lists various magazines available for annual subscription, including Northern Earth, T.E.M.S. News, Touchstone, FOGS, Caerdroia, RILKO, Dalriada, Celtic Connections, Pendragon, The Cauldron, Wood and Water, Quest, The Silver Wheel, The Hedgewytch, Pagan Dawn, Pentacle, Cornish Pagan Wheel, and Goddess Alive!. Prices and website details are provided.

Meyn Mamvro itself is available on annual subscription for £6.50 (inc p&p) for 3 issues. Back numbers are available as photocopies for £2.00 each. A contents list and index are available on floppy disk or in printed format.

Noticeboard

The Noticeboard lists upcoming events and talks related to Cornish Earth Mysteries, Pagan Moots in various locations (Penzance, Truro/Falmouth, St.Austell, Bude), a 3rd Annual Witchcraft Seminar in Tintagel, Cornwall's 13th New Age Festival in Perranporth, and events for the Friends of Boscastle Witchcraft Museum. It also lists alternative life courses and workshops at Penwith College, including dowsing and ley lines.

Courtyard House settlement at Crankan, looking towards Chysauster

This section describes the courtyard house settlement at Crankan as the largest feature, consisting of a circular enclosure with unclear room traces. It mentions a defined house with a jamstone and the remains of a long room. Craig Weatherhill suggests a possible above-ground fogou, and Ian Cooke refers to a fogou nearer Rosemorran. The area was historically a tin bound, and traditions exist of a prehistoric settlement. Finds include Roman coins and Bronze Age gold bracelets. A footpath connects the Rosemorran Valley to the Try Valley. The article then poses questions about dormant earth energies and residues of psychic energies from ancient peoples. It recounts a memorable encounter by Caroline Bond and Peter Boulton in 1977 with a strange 'green-haze thing' in the driveway of their old post office at Newmill.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of ancient sites and their spiritual significance, particularly in Cornwall, with a focus on stone circles and fogous. There is a strong emphasis on personal experiences and altered states of consciousness related to these sites. The magazine also covers broader earth mysteries, folklore, paganism, and archaeological debates, such as the criticism of 'Time Team'. The editorial stance appears to be one of valuing traditional knowledge, personal spiritual experiences, and the preservation of ancient sites and their associated lore, while also engaging with contemporary archaeological and cultural discussions.