Meyn Mamvro - No 059 - WinterSpring 2006

Magazine Overview

Meyn Mamvro, Issue 59, Winter-Spring 2006, is a magazine dedicated to "ancient stones and sacred sites in Cornwall." The cover prominently features a holed stone and highlights key articles on "Holed Stones & Moon Standstill," the replacement of the Eathorne Menhir, the vandalism of the Rocky Valley Labyrinth, and other Cornish sites and walks.

Editorial and News

The editorial section provides a mix of good and bad news regarding ancient sites. The good news is the successful re-instatement of the Eathorne Menhir after 13 years, with the new owners of the farm facilitating its return to its original position. This was a collaborative effort involving the Cornwall Archaeological Unit (CAU), now the Historic Environment Service (HES), and local pagan Steve Patterson. The bad news concerns the vandalism of the rock-carved labyrinths in Rocky Valley near Tintagel, where one of the labyrinths was deeply scoured with a stone. The magazine emphasizes the ongoing efforts by CASPN (Cornish Ancient Sites Protection Network) to protect and preserve these sites through renewed notices and public education.

CASPN has also been active in monthly site clearances and has seen its membership grow through the FOCAS scheme, which provides funding. Raven LeFay, CASPN's Project Development Worker, is working to establish links with other organizations and secure long-term funding.

Site Visits and Events

The magazine details several site visits and events from the Summer 2005 season organized by the Cornish Earth Mysteries Group (CEMG). These included visits to Coastal Barrows and Settlements, Sacred Sites on Bodmin Moor, and a walk along the St. Michael Way to Trencrom Hill, where participants saw sites like Bowl Rock and the Beersheeba standing stone. Another visit, led by Geraldine McCarthy, explored the St. Agnes area, including Iron Age earthworks, St. Agnes Well and Chapel, a cave with copper seams, St. Agnes Beacon, and Tubby's Head cliff castle. The year concluded with a visit to Chûn Quoit for the solstice sunset.

Talks and Presentations

Several talks are mentioned, including Peter Rose's presentation on "Caves in Cornwall - historic uses and perceptions" for CEMG, and a talk by MM Editor Cheryl Straffon on "Megalithic Mysteries in Cornwall," which covered ley-lines, energy lines, and anomalous phenomena experienced at Cornish sites.

Other Earth Mysteries Groups

A section lists contact details and activities for various related groups across the UK, such as Dorset Earth Mysteries, Glastonbury Earth Mysteries Group, London Earth Mysteries Circle, TEMS (Travel & Earth Mysteries Society), and the Society of Ley Hunters.

Specific Articles and Features

Eathorne Menhir Back in Place!

This article details the saga of the Eathorne Menhir, its uprooting in 1992 by farmer Philip Clemoes due to "pagan practices," and its eventual re-instatement in August 2005. It highlights the challenges in finding the original position and the collaborative effort to restore the stone.

Rocky Valley Maze Vandalised

This news item reports on the defacement of a rock-carved labyrinth in Rocky Valley near Tintagel in October 2005. The vulnerability of the site is noted, and CASPN is seeking permission to place a notice asking for respect.

Sancreed Well Glitters

Another news item reports on the defacement of Sancreed Well with plastic glitter, which proved difficult to remove.

News from the Archaeological Digs

This section provides brief updates on archaeological discoveries, including the uncovering of St. Piran's Old Church at Perranzabuloe, the start of a survey and restoration project at Lescudjack Hill Fort in Penzance, and the discovery of a Neolithic settlement at Goss Moor.

Penwith Pagan Moot

Written by Sarah Vivian, this article describes the activities of the Penwith Pagan Moot, including their monthly meetings, rituals, and ancient sites clearances. It recounts rituals for the Autumn Equinox at Perran Sands and Samhain at Sancreed Village Hall, emphasizing the community and spiritual aspects of these events.

View from the Islands

A regular column by Isles of Scilly resident Tyto Alba, this piece offers a reflective description of the landscape and atmosphere of the Isles of Scilly, touching on the ebb and flow of the tide, ancient boundaries, and the ephemeral nature of human presence.

Around Cornwall's Holed Stones

This feature revisits holed stones in Cornwall, focusing on those believed to be prehistoric. It provides updates on several sites, including Men-an-Tol, Tregeseal Holed Stones (one of which has fallen and broken), Holed Stones at the Merry Maidens, Tolvan Stone near Gweek, Grade Church, and the Betrothal Stone on St. Mary's, Isles of Scilly.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes interest in Cornwall's ancient stones, sacred sites, and prehistoric heritage. There is a strong emphasis on community involvement through groups like CASPN and CEMG, with calls for members to participate in site clearances and support the preservation of these sites. The editorial stance is one of advocacy for the protection of ancient sites against vandalism and neglect, while also celebrating their spiritual and historical significance. The magazine also covers pagan practices and beliefs associated with these sites, reflecting a broad interest in earth mysteries and folklore. The price increase and subscription details indicate a commitment to continuing publication despite rising costs.

This issue of MEYN MAMVRO, number 59, published in Winter-Spring 2006, focuses on ancient sites and astronomical phenomena in Cornwall. The magazine's website is meynmamvro.co.uk/archive. The issue features articles on holed stones, lunar standstills, and atmospheric optical phenomena.

Holed Stone in Newlyn Garden

The lead article discusses a holed stone recently reported to MM, located in the garden of a house called Rockside in Newlyn, near Penzance (SW4612 2920). This stone was apparently moved in 1930 from Laregan House in Penzance, but its original existence is elsewhere. The stone was first mentioned and illustrated in 1885 by W.C. Lukis & William Copeland Borlase in their 'Prehistoric Stone Monuments of Cornwall', where it was in use as a gatepost near the cliffs at Tregiffian, Sennen. Vivien Russell's 'West Penwith Survey' (1971) locates it near the chambered tomb at Tregiffian Vean (SW3725 2774), excavated by Copeland Borlase in 1878, raising the possibility it came from the tomb or a nearby ritual site. Vivien Russell also lists other holed stones nearby, suggesting a possible lost holed stone row. Copeland Borlase removed the stone to Penzance for safekeeping. Charles Henderson, in his 'Notebook of Parochial Antiquities' (Vol 1,8) in 1916, described it as 'probably a stone axel, with a parallel sided hole evidently drilled in modern times'. However, examination suggests the drilling is by counter-sinking, similar to other holed stones at Tregeseal and the Merry Maidens. A ridge in the centre of the hole may indicate incomplete drilling or later work. In 1960, the OS recorded the stone as roughly oval (0.9m x 0.8m) with a pointed top and a 15cm diameter hole, which was filled with earth. The owner, Jo Olivier, intends to move it to a more prominent garden location. The article concludes that if the stone is prehistoric and originated from Tregiffian Vean, its journey to Newlyn is remarkable and fortunate for its survival.

Tregeseal Holed Stones

This section describes the enigmatic holed stones on Tregeseal Common, near St.Just, presumed to be contemporary with the Tregeseal stone circle (SW3895 3255). Four stones (three standing, one fallen and broken) are in a line, with a fifth nearby to the NW. Another stone with a larger hole has recently fallen over. The five stones close together are 3-4½ft high with bevelled edge holes of about 3-5 inches in diameter. The NE outlier has a 7-inch diameter hole with smooth edges, possibly made by a metal implement and potentially more modern. Rev. Buller first mentioned the four stones in a line in 1842, showing them in a rough line and fallen state. J.T. Blight's 'The Holed Stones of Cornwall' (1864) provides measurements and drawings, noting a fifth stone discovered about a hundred yards north, which must have been moved into its present position after 1864. Blight also mentions a 'block of stone' with a commenced but unfinished hole near Tregeseal Circle. Sometime before 1985, farmer Egbert Rowe re-erected the fallen stones (1, 3, & 4), placing them upright without attempting to ascertain their original orientation. Stones 3 & 4 are now at right angles to their original position, and they were placed on the ground, not in sockets. Stone 5 has since fallen again. Close examination suggests the four stones originally stood in a line and plane, and if correctly re-erected, their holes would align. It is speculated that the holes were oriented to face the Boswens menhir or used to observe the equinox sunrise/sunset. Re-erecting the stones would restore them closer to the builders' original intentions.

Cornwall's Colourful Sites: The Men-an-Tol

This colour section features The Men-an-Tol, with images showing the stones as part of a stone circle, animals drawn to the site, and the holed stone interpreted as a fertility symbol, rebirth canal, or portal. Images also depict the site in different conditions: a person crawling through the stone for 'healing', flames licking the stone during a fire attack in November 1999, and snow falling in January 2003.

Major Lunar Standstill in Cornwall 2006

This article explains the phenomenon of the major lunar standstill, which occurs every 18.61 years and was known to megalithic builders. In 2006, the moon reached its most southerly rising point in this cycle. Unlike the sun's annual cycle, the moon's cycle has a larger 18.61-year period. The moon rises in different positions and angles throughout this cycle. At the beginning of the cycle, it rises at its most southerly point (major standstill) in summer, moving northwards over 9.3 years to its most south-easterly point (minor standstill). Similarly, in winter, it rises at its most northerly point (major standstill) and moves to its most north-easterly point (minor standstill) after 9.3 years. The article notes that observers would have seen the moon rising low and large. The standstill is a pause in the 18.61-year cycle, analogous to a solstice in the solar cycle. The actual standstill is in March 2006, with the nearest full moon to the major southerly standstill being on June 11th, 2006. The article includes a diagram illustrating moonrise and moonset arcs at major and minor standstills, and mentions the book 'Sun Moon & Standing Stones' by John Edwin Wood.

Ancient peoples were aware of this phenomenon and observed it at various sites. Examples include Aberdeenshire recumbent stone circles, where upright stones framed the moonrise, and Callanish stone circle, where the moon's rise was observed in relation to a local hill's shape. The author suggests that the 19 stones in West Penwith circles (Merry Maidens, Boscawen-ûn, Tregeseal, etc.) and the 19 Aubrey Holes at Stonehenge might symbolize this cycle. In 1987, during the previous major standstill, Meyn Mamvro was just starting, and systematic observation was limited. However, the author recalls the moon rising very far south and brushing the tops of southerly hills when viewed from the Mên-an-Tol.

The Cornwall Archaeological Unit (CAU) surveyed the Mên-an-Tol site in 1993, suggesting the holed stone originally stood at right angles and was used as a focus for rituals or observing distant features. Andy Norfolk confirmed in 1995 that the rising full moon at its southerly standstill would have been framed by the holed stone when viewed from the centre of the circle. A project for 2006 is proposed to turn the holed stone back to its original right-angled position. Andy also found that the northerly major standstill was bracketed by two tumuli NW of the Nine Maidens stone circle. The moonrise in winter would have skimmed over the top of the southerly barrow.

The article notes that other sites in Cornwall likely observed the standstill, citing a line of four holed stones near the Merry Maidens stone circle, aligned close to the northerly major standstill. These stones are now in various states of accessibility (in a hedge, on the ground, used as a gatepost, in a wall). The year 2006 offers a prime opportunity to observe the full moonrise from these ancient sites.

Green Flashes, Moonbows and Stellar Conjunctions

This article by Cheryl Straffon discusses rare phenomena observed by ancient peoples and potentially incorporated into their rituals. It begins by referencing the lunar standstill discussed previously. The passage of the sun and its cycles (solstices, equinoxes) were well-known, and sites were constructed for viewing them. Eclipses were also of great interest.

The 'green flash' is described as an occasional phenomenon at sunset when the sun dips below the horizon, causing the light spectrum to refract and produce a brief green flash. Optimal viewing requires a clear sky and horizon, and an elevated position. The author notes it is an unforgettable experience, seen only a dozen times a year despite living with panoramic western views. Ancestors likely had more frequent and reliable views due to a better climate in the Neolithic and early Bronze Ages.

Even rarer is the turquoise and blue flash. The author has seen greeny-turquoise flashes but only two blue flashes in her life. The sun's spectrum of colours (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet) appears at sunset, with green appearing just before the sun disappears. On rare occasions, the green flash lingers, allowing turquoise and blue to appear. This would have been a magical experience for ancestors.

The article notes a line of barrows along the north-western coast of Cornwall from which sunsets and green/blue flashes would have been particularly visible. These sites, though some are now inland due to sea level changes, are on high ground and face NW, W, or SW.

A list of barrows is provided, including those at Higher Longbeak, Lower Longbeak, Millook, Newton Farm, Lower Beeny, Port Isaac, Polzeath, Brea Hill (described as 'Brea' meaning breast, with nipple-like cairns), on the cliff edge at Harlyn Bay, on Trevose Head (suggested as a sacred headland), a line of six tumuli from Treyarnon Bay to Porthcothan, tumuli at Trevelgue Head and Tolcarne Beach, tumuli north of Holywell Bay, tumuli between Perranporth and St. Agnes, six destroyed tumuli above Reskajeage Downs, one at Hudder Cove, one at Godrevey Headland, and seventeen tumuli stretching from Kenidjack Castle to Mayon Cliff near Sennen and Land's End. These sites were positioned to overlook the sea, allowing views of sunsets and green flashes, and may have been sacred places for shamans' spirit journeys.

The article then discusses the 'moonbow', which occurs when the full moon's light is covered by light cumulus cloud, causing the light to break into its spectrum of colours. Although shorter-lived and less distinct than rainbows, moonbows are visually stunning. The author first saw one during a full moon ritual at Alsia Well, near St.Buryan.

Finally, the article touches upon the significance of planets and stars in ancient cultures, mentioning Venus (Ishtar), Orion and Thuban (pole star) for Egyptian pyramids, the Pleiades star system (Seven Sisters) in Hindu and Australian Aborigine mythology, and Sirius (dog star) known to the Dogon people and Egyptians (identified with Isis). A Bronze Age disc depicting the sun, moon, and Pleiades was found in East Germany.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the astronomical and geological heritage of Cornwall, particularly its megalithic sites and their potential astronomical alignments. The magazine emphasizes the importance of understanding these ancient sites in relation to celestial events like lunar standstills and solar phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting research, documentation, and preservation of these sites, encouraging readers to contribute their own observations and findings. There is a clear interest in the intersection of archaeology, folklore, and archaeoastronomy, with a focus on how ancient peoples perceived and interacted with the natural world and the cosmos.

MEYN MAMVRO | 59 | Winter-Spring 2006 is an issue focused on ancient sites, folklore, and archaeological perspectives in Cornwall, United Kingdom. The magazine features articles on megalithic sites, ancient pathways, and book reviews, alongside a noticeboard of upcoming events and resources.

Articles

Merry Maidens Stone Circle and Ancient Astronomy

This section explores the astronomical significance of the Merry Maidens stone circle near Lamorna. Sir Norman Lockyer suggested that an observer at the Gûn Rith standing stone in 1960 BCE would have seen the Pleiades star system rising over the circle, potentially signaling the imminence of the Beltane festival. Alan Bleakley further discovered a line extending from Gûn Rith through the circle and on to other standing stones, splitting the circle into two crescents. The article posits that the apparent movement of stars and planets, including conjunctions, would have been of great interest to ancient priestesses. It also suggests that unusual celestial events like comets may have been incorporated into rituals, possibly seen as spirits of the dead or visits from Ancestors, and that comets may have played a role in the origin of life on Earth. The piece encourages a broader understanding of ancient sites to include observations of celestial events beyond the sun and moon.

Pathways to the Past: The Zennor Churchway Path

This article details the Zennor Churchway Path, an inland track in West Penwith that runs parallel to the coast. It is described as a medieval Church Path or Coffin Path, possibly with an earlier origin marked by standing stones. The path passes three parish churches (St.Ives, Zennor, and Morvah) but notably avoids them. The route is traced from St.Ives, passing through various farmsteads like Venton Vision Farm (potentially a holy well site), Trowan, Trevalgan, Trevega, Trevessa, and Trendrine, before reaching Wicca Farm. The name 'Wicca' is noted as being of Anglo-Saxon origin, meaning settlement, but also potentially linked to witchcraft. The path continues to Tregerthen, meaning 'rowan-tree farm', a place associated with ancient sacred trees and where witches of West Penwith reportedly met. The article mentions the 'Witch's Rock' on Burnt Downs, which was formerly there. The path also leads to a spot chosen in the 19th century for a chapel, whose ruins are now picturesque. A strange fox-like creature has been sighted in this area, contributing to a sense of otherworldliness. The path then leads to Zennor, where refreshments are available at the Tinners Arms. The church in Zennor features a famous mermaid carving, linked to the legend of Matthew Trewhella and potentially a Christianized memory of an ancient sea-goddess. From the church, a path leads to a rock called the Giant's Rock or The Witch's Rock, where one must go round it nine times at midnight to become a witch. Nearby, at Treveglos, is a stone row with a large standing stone. The article concludes by mentioning Trewey farmstead, also associated with witchcraft, and a legend of a witch transforming into a hare.

Book Reviews

#### The Archaeology of Cornwall - Caradoc Peters

This review critically assesses Caradoc Peters' book, describing it as having "Archaeological Establishment" written all over it, from its appearance to its price (£49.95). The reviewer finds the book to be a "major work" but criticizes its smug tone and the claim that it pioneers a "new archaeology." The reviewer argues that much of the content, particularly on prehistoric material, is not new to those involved in Earth Mysteries research. The book's style is found to be sometimes inaccessible, verging on "Pseud's Corner." While acknowledging the book's exploration of concepts like "ecotones" and "emergent hierarchies," the reviewer laments the lack of excitement and connection to the ancient sites and their meanings. The book is criticized for dedicating only a page and a half to stone circles and a short paragraph to fogous, with no acknowledgement of Ian Cooke's work. The research is described as coming from deep within the archaeological establishment, resulting in a pedestrian approach. The reviewer suggests spending the money on practical exploration tools instead.

#### Cornwall in Prehistory - Toni-Maree Rowe

In contrast to the previous review, Toni-Maree Rowe's book is presented as a more engaging and affordable option (£16.99). The reviewer highlights Rowe's approach to the Mesolithic period, emphasizing the importance of understanding the people behind the archaeology rather than just classifying objects. Rowe's writing is praised for showing a personal connection to the sites and people, offering more detail than Peters' book. Her interpretations of astronomical and ritual significance are presented as open and not dogmatic. The book discusses stone circles, stone rows, and mentions Ian Cooke's theories on fogous, as well as the Earth Goddess. Rowe concludes that rituals in fogous may have been connected to fertility. The book also touches upon Celtic religion, spirits in nature, and Celtic festivals. It ends with an examination of folklore, myths, and legends, which the author admits may place her on the "fringe" of the archaeological establishment. The book is described as lively, open-minded, with good photos, and a sound overview of Cornish prehistory.

Noticeboard

The noticeboard section provides a comprehensive list of events, talks, and organizations related to Cornish Earth Mysteries, Paganism, and ancient sites. This includes:

• Cornish Earth Mysteries: A series of talks scheduled from January to March 2006 on topics such as "Song Lines," "Moving between the Three Worlds," and "Mythical Beasts."
• Ancient Sites Clear-Ups: Scheduled clean-up events at Sancreed Well, Mulfra Courtyard House, Boscawen-ûn circle, and Sperris Quoit.
• Devon & Cornwall Spring Conference: Scheduled for March 11th.
• Earth, Health & Mystic Fayres: Events in Falmouth and St.Johns Hall, Penzance.
• Pagan Moots: Listings for Penzance, Earth Moot, Redruth/Camborne, Bodmin, St.Columb, Tintagel, and Bude, with dates, times, and contact details.
• Beltane Celebrations: Events including a Maypole Dance at Carn Bosavern, the Obby Oss Day in Padstow, Helston Flora Day, and the Three Wells Walk.
• Organizations: Information on CASPN (Cornish Ancient Sites Protection Network) and its F.O.C.A.S scheme, with contact details and website.

Other Features

• New Websites: Mentions of new websites dedicated to Cornwall's holy wells (www.daverobe.hostrocket.com/holywells&sacredspringsof cornwall.html) and ancient sites (http://cornovia.org.uk).
• Ancient Egyptian Centre: An announcement about the opening of an Ancient Egyptian Centre in Dobwalls.
• Cornwall Archaeological Society Controversy: A note about the ongoing dispute within the Cornwall Archaeological Society regarding its stance on amateur archaeologists, leading to Jacqui Wood's resignation.
• Supernatural Phenomena in West Cornwall: Research by Sky TV and Lionel Fanthorpe suggests a triangular area in west Cornwall is a hotspot for supernatural phenomena due to ley-line intersections, magnetic field irregularities, and extraterrestrial activity.
• Liz Allmark: Advertisement for Astrological and Numerological Services.
• Exchange Magazines: A list of other magazines related to Earth Mysteries and Paganism, with subscription prices and website details.
• Meyn Mamvro Subscription Information: Details on how to subscribe to Meyn Mamvro, including back issue availability and pricing.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the deep connection between ancient sites, natural landscapes, and spiritual beliefs in Cornwall. There is a strong emphasis on the astronomical and ritualistic significance of megalithic structures, and the integration of folklore, mythology, and witchcraft into the understanding of these sites. The magazine appears to champion a more holistic and personal approach to archaeology, as evidenced by the positive review of Toni-Maree Rowe's book and the critical review of Caradoc Peters' more establishment-oriented work. The editorial stance seems to favor research that acknowledges and explores the 'Earth Mysteries' and the 'fringe' aspects of history and belief, encouraging readers to engage directly with the landscape and its ancient heritage. The inclusion of a noticeboard highlights a community actively involved in preserving and celebrating these traditions through events and local groups.