Meyn Mamvro - No 060 - Summer 2006

Magazine Overview

Title: Meyn Mamvro
Issue: 60
Date: Summer 2006
Price: £2.40

This issue of Meyn Mamvro, subtitled 'ancient stones and sacred sites in cornwall', is dedicated to the theme of sacred caves, with additional features on a newly discovered henge and other aspects of Cornish heritage.

Contents

The magazine opens with an editorial and features from various groups and individuals.

Editorial

The editorial section is followed by contributions from the Cornish Earth Mysteries Group and the Penwith Pagan Moot.

News

Key news items include the discovery of a 'Wooden Henge found in Cornwall' and a 'CASPN News Round-up'. There is also a piece titled 'View from the Islands' by resident Tyto Alba.

Cornwall's Sacred Caves Feature

This is a major section of the magazine, with an overview of Cornish caves by archaeologist Peter Rose, covering folklore, cult, and their historical use. The feature includes beautiful colour photographs of Holywell Cave near Newquay and Bolster's Cave at St. Agnes, along with accounts of contemporary ceremonies and visits to these sites.

Cornwall's Colourful Sites - Caves

• This section delves into specific caves and their associated myths and rituals:
• Ritual at Holywell Caves: Explored by Cheryl Straffon & Jackie Dash.
• Holy Well: Written by Rose Lewis.
• St.Agnes Cave & Holy Well: Detailed by Geraldine McCarthy.

Other Sections

The issue also includes 'Book Reviews', 'The Pipers Tune', and a note thanking Andy Norfolk for the front cover artwork. Contact details for Meyn Mamvro are provided, including its address, phone number, website, and email.

Articles and Features

Stones of Our Motherland

This article discusses the ongoing efforts to restore Madron Baptistry, which suffered significant vandalism in late 2005/early 2006. The restoration is a partnership project involving Bolitho Estates and organisations like CASPN. The article highlights the importance of protecting these ancient sites from further damage and mentions CASPN's work in maintaining access to popular sites and establishing an archaeological monitoring system for lesser-known ones. Dave Munday is noted as the Ancient Sites Maintenance Co-ordinator for CASPN.

News Page

• The 'News Page' covers recent talks and events:
• Andy Norfolk spoke on "Song Lines: Myths in the Landscape", drawing parallels between Cornish legends and Australian aboriginal 'songlines'. He noted that Cornish giant legends offer insights into Neolithic, Bronze Age, and Iron Age life and trade routes.
• Barry Reilly, a local Druid, gave a talk on "Moving between the Three Worlds: Druid cosmology, totems and archetypes", exploring the Material, Lower, and Upper Worlds and how they can be accessed through meditation and ritual.
• Gloria Falconbridge presented a talk on "Mythical Beasts", discussing archetypes like dragons, Pegasus, unicorns, and the Phoenix, and their relevance to inner life and society.

Penwith Pagan Moot

Written by Gemma Gary, this section reports on the recent activities of the Penwith Pagan Moot. Celebrations for Yule and Imbolc are described, including ceremonial logs, poems, and processions to Holy Wells. The Spring Equinox ritual at Trewidden is also detailed, focusing on the symbolism of the Goddess and the young God. The article encourages readers to visit the Moot's website and welcomes new members.

Wooden Henge Found in Cornwall

This article reports on the discovery of a Neolithic wooden henge at Deep Tye Farm, near Indian Queens, by Oxford Archaeology. This is described as a unique find for Cornwall and rare in SW Britain, with only Castilly Henge and Stripple Stones henge being other known examples in the county, though they are stone or earthwork henges. The Deep Tye Farm site had a ring of 10 post holes. The article quotes excavating archaeologist Stuart Foreman, who suggests henges may have served as astronomical alignments or burial-related monuments, noting that no bodies were found at this site, possibly due to excarnation practices.

C.A.S.P.N NEWS ROUND-UP

This section details recent activities of the Cornish Ancient Sites Protection Network (CASPN). It reports on the vandalism at Madron Baptistry and the subsequent restoration plans, which are a major partnership project. CASPN has received a substantial £12,000 grant from the AONB for projects including maintaining access to 10 ancient sites, purchasing tools for clearance, producing signage, developing a website, establishing an archaeological monitoring system for 50 lesser-known sites, and creating a database. MM Editor Cheryl Straffon is the Project Administrator.

View from the Islands

Written by Isles of Scilly resident Tyto Alba, this column offers a personal reflection on the landscape and atmosphere of the islands, specifically from Giant's Castle. The author describes the natural environment, the historical significance of Giant's Castle with its ramparts, and the powerful, almost overwhelming, force of the wind and sea. The piece contemplates the possible reasons for ancient inhabitants fortifying such a exposed location.

Cornwall's Sacred Caves

This introductory article sets the stage for the special feature on caves. It touches upon the earliest human use of caves in Europe, citing findings in Petralona, Greece, and discusses the significance of caves for Paleolithic ancestors as shelters and communities. It references cave art in France and Spain and mentions the identification of some paintings in Britain. The article highlights the research of Jean Clottes, David Lewis-Williams, and Graham Hancock, who explore the shamanic and trance-like experiences associated with cave art. It outlines the structure of the special issue, which includes an overview, photographs, and accounts of ceremonies.

Cornish Caves: Folklore & Cult

By Peter Rose, an archaeologist, this article explores how Cornish caves have been used and perceived throughout history. It focuses on caves in folklore and myth, particularly smugglers' caves, and their mysterious properties as described in popular tales. Examples include Piper's Hole, Smuggler's Cottage, the Sheep-stealers' Cave at Kynance, and caves associated with hidden treasure or passages to other realms. The article also touches upon caves as cult places and mentions their practical uses as habitations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the study and preservation of Cornwall's ancient sites, natural landscapes, and cultural heritage. There is a strong emphasis on folklore, mythology, paganism, and earth energies, reflecting the interests of the 'Cornish Earth Mysteries Group' and 'Penwith Pagan Moot'. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocacy for archaeological research, site protection (as exemplified by CASPN's work), and the sharing of local history and spiritual traditions. The magazine also highlights contemporary events and discussions within these communities, fostering a sense of local engagement and shared interest in Cornwall's unique heritage.

Title: MEYN MAMVRO
Issue: 60
Volume: 60
Date: Summer 2006
Publisher: Meyn Mamvro
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

Content Summary

This issue of Meyn Mamvro, titled "CORNWALL'S COLOURFUL SITES," focuses on the theme of SACRED CAVES in Cornwall, featuring a color section with photographs and in-depth articles exploring their folklore, historical significance, and spiritual uses.

Folklore and Legends of Cornish Caves

The magazine opens with an exploration of folklore surrounding Cornish caves, often depicted as dwelling places for supernatural beings like serpents, giants, witches, and the devil. The oldest recorded story from Cornwall, from the 8th-century Life of St. Samson, tells of him expelling a serpent from a cave. Folklorist Hunt is quoted describing giants dwelling on mountains, cliffs, and in caverns. Specific giants mentioned include Giant Wrath (or Ralph) who preyed on shipping from his cavern near Portreath, and Giant Trebiggan near Land's End, who reputedly dined on children.

A prominent legend is that of the Giant Bolster, who was persuaded by St. Agnes to fill a hole in the cliff with his blood to prove his love. This hole opened into a sea cave, and the rocks are still said to be stained with his blood. This story is linked to Towanwroath, 'the hole of the wrath or giant' at Chapel Porth, St. Agnes. Similar tales exist on the south coast at Dodman, where a doctor fools the giant, and at St. Minver, where a saint throws her comb at the devil, causing him to disappear into a sea cave at Topalundy. These stories suggest a folk tale prevalent in the 17th/18th centuries. The fate of Merlin in "Le Morte D'Arthur," trapped by Nimue beneath a rock in Cornwall, is also mentioned as potentially related. The 'Spirit of the Vow' at Pendeen fogou, appearing as a tall lady in white, is suggested by Ian Cooke to be a representation of a goddess.

Mermaids are also unexpectedly linked to sea caverns, with an account from the West Briton of July 6, 1827, describing sightings of up to five mermaids over three days near a cavern at Mawgan Porth. Stories of saints are sometimes associated with caves, perhaps to symbolize their holiness illuminating dark places. St. Samson's cave, where he is said to have lived a heavenly life, is possibly identified with a cave above the river Fowey.

Caves as Places of Cult and Ritual

Worldwide, caves are recognized as natural features imbued with supernatural significance, acting as transitional spaces between the human and supernatural realms. In Cornwall, prehistoric ritual use of caves, clefts, and overhangs is expected, particularly given the ritualistic significance of tors and carns in the Neolithic and Early Bronze Age. The most significant identified site is a small cave at Crane Carrick Crag, Lowland Point, St. Keverne, where late Neolithic Grooved Ware pottery was found in a 1918 excavation, suggesting a votive deposit. Cavities in granite outcrops on Penwith and Bodmin Moor may also have been used for offerings.

The only site in Cornwall with well-documented cult use is Holy Well, Cubert. Practices there in the 17th to 19th centuries focused on Ascension Day or Holy Thursday, when the waters were believed to be particularly effective. Mothers brought deformed or sickly children to be dipped in the well and passed through an aperture connecting two cisterns for healing. The well, rather than the cave itself, is the focus, though the cave's setting is important.

Holy Well cave is located at the north end of Holywell Bay, accessible at low to mid tide. It features rock-cut steps leading to an upper chamber with a sloping roof. The walls are covered in calcareous deposits, giving the cave a distinctive appearance. A rock basin in the upper steps likely serves as the holy well. A narrow entrance leads to a small chamber, from which a slit-like opening allows sick children to be passed down to attendants below.

At St. Agnes, a cave beneath St. Agnes' Chapel at Chapel Porth is associated with healing waters. Water from the holy well next to the chapel drips into the sea cave, mirroring the legend of Giant Bolster's blood. In the nineteenth century, visitors sought refreshment from these waters. Cheryl Straffon suggests the legend of St. Agnes and Giant Bolster is a Christianized version of an older pagan tale involving the sacrifice of a consort-lover of the Earth Goddess. The demise of Giant Bolster by St. Agnes may symbolize the supplanting of paganism by Christianity, similar to Samson and the Serpent.

Ritual at Holywell Caves

Cheryl Straffon and Jackie Dash recount a ritual performed at Holywell Caves on the Autumn Equinox 2005. They visited three caves, timing their arrival with the low tide. The main cave, accessible only at low to mid tide, contains a holy well. They describe swimming into the interior of the cave, which they found to be a liminal place on the threshold between worlds. Cheryl sang a soft invocation to the 'Ancient Mother,' while Jackie meditated. They felt they had undergone an initiation and purification.

They then moved to a third cave above the high tide line for the heart of their Equinox ritual. Here, they lit candles and invoked the Goddess Blodwedd, first as the Flower Maiden and then as the Owl Maiden of Autumn, symbolizing the transformation from Spring to Autumn. This invocation was described as a powerful and dramatic experience.

Holy Well: Nature's Architect

The Holy Well in the Cave at Holywell Bay is described by William Hals (c.1750) as a famous spring discovered on Allhallows Day, located in a dark cavern on the sea cliffs. The water distills from veins of white, blue, red, and green rocks, containing minerals like alum, iron, and copper. Quiller-Couch, quoting J.C. Oliver (1894), recounts the legend of mothers bringing sick children for healing on Ascension Day. Cripples also reportedly left their crutches there. The well's discovery on All Hallows Day (November 1st) and its use on Ascension Day (in May) connect it to ancient festivals like Samhain and Beltane. Quiller Couch poetically describes the well as having "Nature only for its architect."

A poem by Rose Lewis, "HOLY WELL," further describes the cave's atmosphere, with dripping water, flowstone formations, and pools reflecting light and darkness. It speaks of sacred steps leading to a 'foetal chamber' and emerging through a 'blood-stained portal' of white rock with red and green streaks.

St. Agnes Cave & Holy Well

Geraldine McCarthy describes an experience at St. Agnes Cave and Holy Well on a clear November evening. The group entered a small, dry cave at Chapel Porth cove, finding shelter and a sense of calm. The cave is described as a sacred space held in the arms of the Mother. Later, they waded through salty pools and observed the cave walls adorned with jeweled rocks and rich red streaks. This sea cave, washed daily by the tide, is integral to the legend of the giant Bolster.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the mystical and spiritual significance of natural landscapes, particularly caves and holy wells in Cornwall. There is a strong emphasis on folklore, ancient legends, and prehistoric practices, juxtaposed with contemporary spiritual rituals and personal experiences. The magazine explores the liminality of these sites as thresholds between the physical and supernatural, the sacred and profane. The editorial stance appears to be one of reverence for these ancient traditions and natural wonders, encouraging exploration and connection with the earth and its spiritual energies. The articles blend historical accounts, folkloric tales, archaeological findings, and personal narratives to provide a comprehensive view of Cornwall's sacred geography.

Meyn Mamvro, Issue 60, Summer 2006, is a magazine focused on Cornish culture, folklore, paganism, and archaeology. It features articles exploring local legends, sacred sites, and recent archaeological research, alongside a noticeboard of events and services.

The Legend of Bolster and Agnes

The issue begins by recounting the legend of Bolster, a giant who fell in love with a young maiden named Agnes. To prove his love, Agnes asked Bolster to fill a hole at the cliff edge with his blood. This hole, however, led to a bottomless sea cave. The legend is noted for its possible pagan associations, with the consort being offered as a sacrifice to the Goddess, a motif linked to the cycle of the Wheel of the Year. Bolster's wife's task of collecting stones is also seen as a possible echo of an ancient story where the Goddess moves rocks to create barrows and holy hilltops.

The enactment of this tale takes place on May Day at Chapel Porth, involving a large effigy of Bolster, his wife carrying stones, and a ritual killing symbolized by red ribbons representing blood. These red streamers are taken down a stream to Bolster's sea cave, invoking the blood of the Goddess seen in the iron-laden seams of St. Agnes Well.

St. Agnes Well and Chapel

The article then retraces steps to the cliff path at Chapel Porth, named after a chapel and a holy well. The well, now a dip in the cliffs where a stream runs to the sea, is described as a place of pilgrimage. An account is given of a journey taken by 18 women and men to this sacred site in early September. They experienced the beauty of the ocean and rested on a grassy mound, the remains of a storehouse built on the chapel's foundations.

An account written by Quiller-Couch in 1894, related by an old lady, describes the well's existence until about 1820. It was situated on the western side of St. Agnes Beacon in a narrow dell. The well house was likely built around 1500 and was owned by the Catholic Church until the Reformation. William Borlase, in 1756, described the well water as having a good drying quality, useful for rheumes and ulcers. As late as the 1890s, the well was still in use, providing refreshment to visitors. The article notes that by the time of the author's visit, only a tiny pool remained, and the stream was not visible, leaving the site feeling denuded.

The author reflects on the well's use for divinatory purposes and experiences a vision of a stream in a ravine, a stone bench, and walls painted with images of Our Lady, with niches containing holy statues. The sick, elderly, and lame would seek blessings from these icons. A pit beneath the well is suggested to have been used for full immersion for pilgrims and for curing madness and spiritual sicknesses. The author believes the well's healing properties were significant, and the practice of immersion was known as 'bowsenning'.

The Enigmatic Figure of Agnes

The article questions the identity of Agnes, suggesting that due to strong Irish links, her original Celtic chapel might have been dedicated to St. Anne. This connection is traced back to the original Mother Goddess, known by various names such as Tanith (Phoenician), Anatha (Syrian), Di-Ana (Semitic), and Nanna (an incarnation of Freya). Thus, the parish is seen as dedicated to the Great Mother Goddess.

The final episode of the pilgrimage took place during the Dark Moon in December. Returning to the Cave at Chapel Porth, the winter rains had filled the natural basin and created rivulets running to the sea. The author describes the flowing liquid of the Goddess returning to bless the land with life-giving waters.

Book Reviews

Cornish Archaeology Vol. 41-42 (2002-3)

This review discusses the annual volume of Cornish Archaeology, noting its improved appearance with a glossy cover and color photographs. The editors, Graeme Kirkman and Peter Herring, are credited with including more contemporary archaeological viewpoints. The lead article by Charles Johns details the Iron Age sword and mirror cist burial from Bryher, Isles of Scilly. The excavation yielded an iron sword, metal fittings from a shield, a bronze mirror, a brooch, a finger ring, and a tin object. The mirror is suggested to have had magical and prophetic properties, indicating a south-western school of Celtic art.

Another article, "Journeys to the Rock: archaeological investigations at Tregarrick Farm, Roche" by Dick Cole & Andy M. Jones, describes fieldwork that uncovered Neolithic pits containing pottery, flints, a saddle quern, and charred hazelnuts. These pits are suggested to be the result of ritualized activity associated with seasonal gatherings near Roche Rock. The authors discuss how Roche Rock may have been venerated as the dwelling place of spirits or gods, and how the landscape was seen as their creation.

Cornish Bronze Age Ceremonial Landscapes c.2500-1500 BC by Andy M. Jones

This review focuses on Andy M. Jones's study of Cornish barrows from the perspective of ritual and ceremonial use. The book examines Beaker burial sites and analyzes deposits within excavated barrows. It explores the location of barrow cemeteries within the landscape, questioning the influence of natural features and specific ritual practices. Sites like Tregarrick Tor Cemetery, St. Breock Down Cemetery, and Botrea Cemetery are discussed, noting relationships to neighboring hills and prominent tors. The arrangement of sites at Botrea is suggested to define a ceremonial pathway. The review praises the book for its engaging approach, bringing the Bronze Age landscape to life and opening up possibilities for future Cornish archaeology.

The Pipers Tune

This section references an article in the March 2006 issue of The National Geographic magazine about the Celtic Realm. Senior Writer Tom O'Neill's journey through the Celtic 'fringe' of Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Cornwall, and Brittany is mentioned. In Cornwall, he meets Cheryl Straffon, described as a Cornish Goddess worshipper, who is the editor of Meyn Mamvro. Straffon discusses her connection to the Cornish landscape, feeling as if she was born with memories of these places. The article also touches upon the celebration of the pre-Christian Celtic calendar in Cornwall and Brigid's festival at Madron Well.

Liz Allmark: Astrological and Numerological Services

This section provides contact information and services offered by Liz Allmark, including birthchart printouts, interpretations, and numerology profiles.

Exchange Magazines

A list of exchange magazines is provided, categorized under "Earth Mysteries" and "Paganism," with subscription prices and website details.

Noticeboard

The noticeboard section lists upcoming events and activities in Cornwall, including:

• Beltane Celebrations: Maypole Dance at Carn Bosavern, Obby Oss Day at Padstow, Helston Flora Day, and the Three Wells Walk.
• Megaliths by Moonlight: A talk about the Lunar Standstill by Cheryl Straffon, followed by a guided walk to Tregeseal Stone Circle.
• Cornish Earth Mysteries: Dowsing events, walks around Treen Circular, Tregonning Hill, and Holywell cave & Wells.
• Ancient Sites Clear-Ups: Events at Mulfra Ctyd Houses, Boswens menhir, Boscawen-ûn circle, and Tregeseal circle.
• Summer Celebrations: Midsummer Eve bonfires and Mazey Day in Penzance.
• Pagan Moots: Listings for Penzance, Redruth/Camborne, Bodmin, St. Columb, Newquay, St. Austell, Tintagel, and Bude.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes an interest in Cornish heritage, encompassing its folklore, pagan traditions, and archaeological significance. The editorial stance appears to be one of appreciation and exploration of these aspects, encouraging readers to engage with local history and spirituality. The inclusion of events, reviews of relevant publications, and personal accounts suggests a commitment to fostering a community interested in these subjects. The emphasis on the 'living past' and the connection between ancient practices and the contemporary landscape is a recurring theme.