Meyn Mamvro - No 062 - Winter 2007

Magazine Overview

Title: Meyn Mamvro
Issue: 62
Date: Winter 2007
Price: £2.40

This issue of Meyn Mamvro, a magazine dedicated to ancient stones and sacred sites in Cornwall, delves into local legends, earth energies, and pagan practices. The cover features a striking illustration of a serpent-like creature intertwined with a map of Cornwall, accompanied by a list of featured stories and articles.

Contents and Featured Articles

The table of contents on page 2 outlines a diverse range of articles:

• Editorial: A brief introduction to the issue's content.
• Cornish Earth Mysteries Group: Reports on recent outings and the group's activities.
• Dowsing News: Updates from various dowsing groups in Cornwall.
• CASPN News Round-up: Information from the Cornish Ancient Sites Protection Network.
• Penwith Pagan Moot: Details on their celebrations and activities.
• News: Various short news items related to Cornish sites and mysteries.
• Major Moon Standstill at Mayon Cliffs: An article by Cheryl Straffon detailing observations of the moon standstill phenomenon.
• The Nine Maidens & the Moon's Standstill: A piece by Chris Cooper.
• Cornwall's Colourful Sites: Focusing on Nine Maidens and Boskednan.
• Songlines - Legends in the Landscape: Part 1 by Andy Norfolk.
• The Ancient Ways of Cornwall: By Simon Mitchell.
• Pathways to the Past: The Saints' Way - 1: The first part of a series.
• Book Review: A review of a relevant publication.
• The Pipers Tune: A concluding article.

Cornish Earth Mysteries Group (CEMG)

Page 3 discusses the Cornish Earth Mysteries Group (CEMG) taking a break from its annual talks at the Acorn in early 2007. This decision was influenced by falling attendance, increased venue costs, and the committee members feeling they had explored available topics and speakers. However, the group will continue its popular Summer site visits, with details available on their website. The article notes the emergence of new dowsing groups, such as Tamar Dowsers, and suggests CEMG might resume talks in the future, indicating the continued health of the 'Earth Mysteries' field in Cornwall.

CASPN (Cornish Ancient Sites Protection Network)

CASPN is reported to be flourishing, nearing completion of its funded projects for 2006/7, including the Adopt-a-Site scheme and the construction of new granite information stones. Their website is being improved to become a comprehensive resource. FOCAS (Friends of Cornwall's Ancient Sites) is organizing a weekend of walks and talks in May. The article emphasizes that membership income directly supports site preservation.

News and Site Reports

Page 4 details a Summer 2006 outing by the Cornish Earth Mysteries Group to Tregonning Hill and Godolphin Hills. The visit included exploring ancient remains, an Iron Age fortification, and legends associated with the area. Dowsers detected an energy line to Godolphin Hill. The group also visited Tresoweshill well and examined stones at Godolphin Hill, noting alignments and potential menhirs. The report mentions geopathic stress on the north side of the hill and observations at Germoe Church and St.Germoe's Chair.

Another report on September 10th describes a visit led by Cheryl Straffon and Geraldine McCarthy to a holy well in a cave at Holywell Bay, accessible only at low tide. The group, numbering 40, also visited St.Cubert's Well, noting a large Christian cross placed at its entrance. The day concluded with a cream tea at Crantock.

Page 5 introduces the "Dowsing News" section. Tamar Dowsers, founded in 2002, has explored numerous sites across Cornwall. A new spin-off group, Celtic Dowsers, has been formed for field trips and teaching. Bart O'Farrell has established West Cornwall Dowsers, which held its inaugural meeting in April 2006 at Castle an Dinas, exploring the Iron-Age hillfort and finding energy lines, water lines, and evidence of ancient habitation. The group also visited Roche Rock and Roche church.

Page 6 provides a "C.A.S.P.N NEWS ROUND-UP." The Adopt-a-Site Scheme is successful, with over 25 locations and nearly 100 sites monitored by volunteers, primarily in West Penwith, supported by AONB funding. Contact information is provided for the Project Co-ordinator and Administrator. New granite boulders with contact numbers for reporting damage are being installed at West Penwith sites. The monthly "Clear-Ups" at sites throughout 2007 are detailed, with dates and locations provided. CASPN's daughter group, FOCAS, is organizing a Guided Walk and a Weekend event. Information on joining FOCAS and contacting CASPN is also included.

Page 7 features "Penwith Pagan Moot" by Gemma Gary. It describes their Lammas celebration in Sancreed, involving rituals with John Barley Corn, corn-dollies, and a symbolic sacrifice and resurrection of the Corn King. The Autumn Equinox celebration at the Marry Maidens involved greeting the stone circle, a double spiral dance, and a web of wishes ritual. The Samhain celebration took place in Sancreed House's Conservatory, with rituals honoring the dead, scrying into a bonfire, and drawing tarot cards from the Crone's grotto. The Moot welcomes everyone and provides website and contact details.

Page 8 contains news items. An appeal has been launched to buy the land on which the ruined Bronze Age dolmen, Carwynnen Quoit, stands in West Cornwall. The Sustainable Trust is negotiating to purchase the site and plans to restore the Quoit using original methods, creating an educational resource. Information on contributing to the purchase is available online and via phone. The Rocky Valley site near Tintagel has been sold, with buyers unidentified. The site is known for its labyrinth carvings, which were recently vandalized. The article also mentions ongoing controversy at St. Nectan's Kieve regarding the accumulation of offerings.

Page 9 reports on the dating of the Eathorne Menhir near Constantine. Carbon dating of charcoal fragments from the stone's original socket hole yielded a surprising result: 70-240 CE (AD), placing it in the Romano-Celtic period. This suggests the stone may have been re-erected during this time, indicating a reverence for ancestral monuments. The section "A CHIP OFF THE OLD CELTIC CROSS!" discusses the fitting of invisible microchips to 100 medieval Celtic crosses in Cornwall to prevent theft and displacement. Ann Preston-Jones from HES highlights the importance of these monuments and the need for such protection against a lucrative market, particularly in America. Examples of threatened crosses include Reperry Cross, Whitecross Hill, and Sandyway Cross.

Page 10 presents "MOON STANDSTILL AT MAYON CLIFFS" by Cheryl Straffon. The article discusses the 18.6-year lunar standstill phenomenon and observations made in Cornwall during 2006. The author recounts being in Crete and Scotland during some key standstill periods but was able to observe the November 5th full moon at Mayon Cliffs above Sennen. She describes a dramatic sunset and the moon rising at its most northerly extreme, a stunning sight that welcomed her friend to Cornwall. The event coincided with a firework display, evoking a sense of the ancient past.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on the "Earth Mysteries" and "ancient stones and sacred sites" of Cornwall. There is a strong emphasis on local folklore, legends, and pagan practices, as evidenced by the articles on the Penwith Pagan Moot and the various site explorations. The magazine also actively promotes the preservation of these sites through organizations like CASPN and FOCAS, highlighting community involvement and the importance of heritage. The editorial stance appears to be one of reverence for Cornwall's ancient past, its sacred landscapes, and the continuation of traditional practices, while also embracing modern methods for research and protection.

Title: MEYN MAMVRO
Issue: 62
Date: Winter 2007
Publisher: meynmamvro.co.uk
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of Meyn Mamvro delves into the astronomical significance of ancient sites and explores rich Cornish folklore.

The Nine Maidens & The Moon's Standstill

Author: Chris Cooper

Chris Cooper, a researcher, details his observations at the Nine Maidens stone circle at Boskednan, Cornwall, during the 2006 Major Moon Standstill, a significant event in the moon's 18.61-year cycle. The Nine Maidens circle, featuring the tallest stones in West Penwith, is situated in an area scarred by mining but offers an ideal vantage point for observing celestial risings and settings due to its distance from the horizon.

Cooper explains how various features on the horizon, such as the logan stone on Zennor hill, a nearby tumulus, and a notch formed between Boswens Common and Bartinney Down, serve as markers for extreme moonrise and moonset points. He notes specific alignments observed in 2006, including moonrise at maximum north, moonset at maximum north, and moonset at maximum south. Additionally, the tumulus to the NW provides an alignment for moonrise at maximum south. The site also exhibits solar alignments, with equinox sunrises over Castle-an-Dinas and summer solstice sunrises over Trendrine Hill.

A diagram illustrates the western horizon as seen from the circle, showing moonset positions around the full moon of March 14th, 2006. The text highlights that the easiest time for recording moon positions is at dusk or dawn when the moon is visible and landscape features are discernible. At night, distinguishing features are scarce, with only Carn Gulva and Little Gulva providing some reference points, along with the pole star which remains stationary.

The granite stones of the circle are noted for their crystalline nature, reflecting light well at night. Cooper suggests that the circle's nineteen stones could have been used to precisely mark consecutive moon risings and settings, potentially serving as a lunar calendar for festivals or tide prediction.

Further observations from 2006/2007, focusing on the full moon rise towards Zennor Hill, Sperris Hill, and Trendrine Hill, are presented with moon phases indicated. The maximum northerly rising occurred on January 2nd, 2007, at 2:40 pm. The article posits that the stones were used as markers for consecutive moon settings, and the construction of such circles required years of research, with knowledge passed down through generations during key 18.6-year cycles.

Views from other locations, such as Trewey and Lanyon Quoit, show the circle silhouetted against the horizon, appearing similar in size to the moon. The article suggests that from Lanyon Quoit, the moon would have risen at its most northerly extreme, and from Trewey Common, it would have set at its most southerly extreme, describing this as "Pure megalithic magic!"

Colour photos of the Nine Maidens circle, both before and after its 2005 reconstruction, are included, showing the site covered in gorse and heather, and later with a re-erected portal stone framing the alignment to Carn Gulva. Additional photos depict a sunrise at the circle on June 12th, 2006, and a full moon setting off its maximum northerly standstill in 2006.

Songlines - Legends in the Landscape (Part 1)

Author: Andy Norfolk

Andy Norfolk explores the parallels between Australian aboriginal songlines and Cornish legends, drawing from a talk given to the CEMG in 2006. Aboriginal songlines are described as stories sung into existence by ancestors, linking sacred sites across Australia and representing a mythologised history of their arrival 60-65,000 years ago. These beings, portrayed as supernatural, are interpreted as ordinary people seen through millennia of oral tradition, or as semi-human totemic figures who shaped the landscape.

Norfolk initially thought Cornish giant legends were simple creation myths but now believes they are mythologised versions of real stories about chiefs from the late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age. DNA research suggests most Britons descend from original inhabitants, with a cultural transfer rather than a Celtic invasion. Cornish legends may have been preserved because invaders did not displace the original inhabitants.

The article recounts Bottrell's stories about the Giants of Towednack. One tale involves Tom transporting beer from Marazion to St Ives, passing through areas with ancient cliff castles dating to the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age. Tom encounters giants who built hedges and walls, including Denbras and a giant near the old road from Market-jew to St Ives.

Bottrell's narrative describes Tom's journey along St Michael's Way, potentially linking to Trencrom, where a giant who built hedges lived. Tom fights and kills this giant, taking over his castle. Tom, described as a giant himself, is from Lelant. The story also involves Jack the Tinkard, who arrives and eventually becomes friends with Tom after a fight. Jack, originally from a region possibly in the Alps, brings knowledge of metalworking, including smelting tin and working iron, likely dating back to around 700 BCE.

Another legend concerns the giants Cormellian and Cormoran, who built St Michael's Mount, and Trecrobben, the giant of Trencrom. They shared a hammer, and Cormellian was killed by it. The giants of Castle Treen (Treryn Dinas) are depicted as middle-aged and childless, with the giantess becoming troublesome. A "wise man" suggests stealing a baby from the giant of Maen, leading to the giantess killing the old giant after adopting the boy.

Norfolk connects these legends to songlines, suggesting giants created landmarks and shaped the countryside. The stories may also relate to trade in greenstone axes from Neolithic quarries around St Ives Bay and Mounts Bay. St Michael's Way and the Tinners' Way link these sites. These axes, traded widely, were prestige items with ritual significance, possibly symbolizing fertility. Bronze axes were also important and traded along similar routes, serving as equivalents to Australian churingas.

St Michael's Way is suggested as a route for trading ritual objects along the south coast of Cornwall. The legends of Maen and Treen cliff castles are thought to date from the late Bronze Age to the early Iron Age, a period of land enclosure and field system development. Jack's origin in the Alps and his knowledge of ironworking suggest external influences. The story of the Maen and Treen giants is linked to the Iron Age, a time of resource pressure and aggressive societies, where fosterage was practiced to maintain peace between tribes.

The Jan Tregeagle Legend

This section discusses the legend of Jan Tregeagle, meaning "Jack of the dung farm," who may have been a historical figure. Moses Pitt's 1696 letter to the Bishop of Gloucester about Anne Jefferies mentions John Tregeagle, Esq., a steward and justice of the peace who sent Anne to Bodmin jail. However, a later figure became associated with an older legend.

Tregeagle's ghost was summoned to a trial, and after its resolution, he refused to leave. He was sentenced to perform impossible tasks, such as emptying Dozmary Pool with a limpet shell with a hole. He escaped to Roche Rock, where his head was placed in a consecrated space, but his body was mauled by hounds. He was then banished to move sand at Padstow or the mouth of the Cober, where he tripped and created the Doom Bar or Loe Bar. Finally, he was banished to Gwenver to spin ropes of sand, which he achieved using freezing water from Vellandreath Brook, causing him to sweep sand and choke ports.

The author speculates that the Tregeagle story might originally have described him digging Dozmary Pool and creating Roche Rock. The rest of the story could relate to changes in Cornwall's coast as sea levels rose after the last Ice Age, particularly during the Mesolithic period when St Michael's Mount became an island. The Loe Bar formation, however, is dated to the 13th century.

The article concludes by reiterating the similarities between Cornish giant legends and aboriginal songlines, suggesting that Cornish heritage offers valuable insights into ancient life, rather than needing to look to Welsh and Irish legends.

Part 2 of the article on Songline legends is promised for MM63. Andy Norfolk will be leading a Songlines walk for the CEMG on August 12th, 2007.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of ancient sites, astronomical observation, and local folklore. The editorial stance appears to favor in-depth research and the presentation of historical and archaeological findings, often linking them to mythological narratives. There is a clear interest in uncovering the practical and cultural significance of ancient monuments and the stories passed down through generations, suggesting that these narratives hold valuable historical and societal insights. The magazine promotes a connection to local heritage and encourages further exploration through events like guided walks.

MEYN MAMVRO, Issue 62, Winter 2007, is a publication focusing on ancient history, archaeology, and folklore, with a particular emphasis on Cornwall. The magazine features articles, book reviews, and a noticeboard for related events and groups.

The Ancient Ways of Cornwall

This section, written by Simon Mitchell, introduces the Saints' Way, an ancient track traversing Cornwall from Padstow on the north coast to Fowey on the south. The article explores the historical significance of this route, suggesting it existed long before its use by saints and was strategically important for trade. Evidence points to early visitors like Phoenicians, Egyptians, and Greeks using Cornwall as a gateway to Britain for trade and seeking Celtic wisdom. The route took advantage of the land's shape and navigable rivers, offering a crucial shortcut compared to circumnavigating the peninsula. The article highlights the historical links between Ireland, Wales, and Cornwall, noting similar labyrinth carvings found in these regions. It mentions the importance of the River Fowey and River Camel, which were navigable inland before silting from tin streaming. The route was protected, evidenced by Roman-period encampments and a site near the Camel's highest navigable point. The existing Saints' Way is described as rich in natural springs and holy wells, with landmarks like the Church at Lanlivery and ancient standing stones on Helman Tor serving as beacons for travellers. The journey concludes by mentioning the Church at Lanivet and its connection to the River Camel at Ruthernbridge, leading north to Padstow.

Pathways to the Past: Part 1 - Padstow-Lanivet (13½ miles)

This part of the article details the first leg of the Saints' Way walk, starting from St.Petroc Church in Padstow, which stands on the site of an original Celtic monastery. The route passes Fenton Luna well, Dennis Creek, and Dennis Hill. It continues to Little Petherick, noting its 14th-century church dedicated to St.Petroc. The path leads through Mellingey Fields towards Trenance, where the remains of an Iron-Age settlement are found. The name 'Blable' is explained as deriving from 'wolf pit', referencing a time when wolves were prevalent in Britain. The journey progresses past Blable House, crossing the A39 road towards St.Breock Downs, an area rich in ancient remains, including a Bronze Age barrow cemetery. The Mên Gurtha Standing Stone, a 10ft high menhir veined with white quartz, is highlighted as a significant monument. The excavation of the stone revealed a layer of white quartz stones around it, possibly forming a cairn. Nearby are the remains of a small entrance grave. The article also mentions a second standing stone and a well-preserved barrow. Views from St.Breock Downs are described as magnificent, encompassing St.Austell Downs, Castle-an-Dinas hill fort, and Bodmin Moor.

The route then descends towards Tregustick, crossing the Ruthern River. It passes through Blackhay Farm and the village of Withiel, noting its medieval church and a Celtic Cross. The path traverses fields and a valley named Lanzota, possibly a former Celtic settlement site. It continues through Withielgoose Lane and skirts the hamlet of Retire. At Tremore-bridge, the Ruthen River is crossed via an 18thC clapper bridge. The route follows a road past Tremore Manor and Tremore Crossroads, where a Celtic cross head is visible. The path eventually leads to Lanivet, described as the "centre of Cornwall" and the halfway point of the walk. Lanivet's name is linked to 'church site' and 'pagan sacred grove', possibly being the 'omphalos' or 'navel' of Cornwall. The churchyard contains two elaborately carved crosses, one a wheel-headed cross and another with detailed decoration, including a figure with a tail, possibly representing a pagan god.

Book Review: The Dust of Heroes

This section reviews 'The Dust of Heroes: The Life of Cornish artist, archaeologist & writer John Thomas Blight 1835-1911' by Selina Bates & Keith Spurgin. The reviewer finds the title irrelevant, as it has no direct connection to Blight, but praises the book for its comprehensive account of Blight's life and work. J.T. Blight is recognized as a significant 19thC Cornish antiquarian artist, known for his drawings of ancient sites. His book 'A Week at the Land's End' is still in print. The review mentions that Blight's life did not end at 35 as previously thought, but that he spent his final 40 years in St. Lawrence's Hospital in Bodmin due to his mental condition. The biography incorporates newly surfaced journals, providing detailed information about his life. The 230-page book is described as a valuable and fascinating tribute, well-illustrated with Blight's own drawings and paintings.

The Pipers Tune

This short piece introduces 'Cliff Dreamers', a 3-part paleolithic novel by Jackie Wood, an experimental archaeologist and author. The book is available as an e-book and has had its first three chapters released as podcasts. To promote the book, Jacqui Wood organised a Quest, offering a £10,000 Golden Goddess figurine as a prize. The Quest involved teams deciphering clues across Cornwall, culminating on Trencrom Hill. A group of four women won the figurine. Jacqui Wood also runs the Saveock Water Archaeological Centre near Truro, where excavations have uncovered evidence of mesolithic, 17thC, and 18thC CE activity at the site.

Noticeboard

The noticeboard section provides information on various groups and events related to earth mysteries, paganism, and ancient sites in Cornwall and Devon. It lists upcoming talks and site visits for the Tamar Dowsing Group, West Cornwall Dowsers, and Cornish Earth Mysteries. It also details 'Ancient Sites Clear-Ups' organised by Dave Munday and walks organised by FOCAS (Friends of Cornwall's Ancient Sites), including a weekend event with Paul Bonnington and Cheryl Straffon. Information is provided for Pagan Moots in Penzance, Redruth/Camborne, and Bodmin, as well as a PF Devon & Cornwall Spring Conference. Several Beltane celebrations are listed, including a Maypole Dance at Carn Bosavern, the Obby Oss Day at Padstow, and a Three Wells Walk. Contact details and websites are provided for most listings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes interest in Cornwall's rich history, archaeology, and folklore, with a strong focus on ancient sites, pathways, and pagan traditions. The editorial stance appears to be one of appreciation and exploration of these subjects, encouraging readers to engage with local history and heritage through articles, events, and publications. There is a clear emphasis on connecting the past with the present, highlighting how ancient sites and routes continue to hold significance and offer insights into earlier cultures.