Meyn Mamvro - No 065 - Winter 2008

Magazine Overview

Title: Meyn Mamvro
Issue: No. 65
Date: Winter/Spring 2008
Price: £2.50

This issue of Meyn Mamvro, subtitled 'ancient stones and sacred sites in cornwall', offers a comprehensive look into the earth mysteries and archaeological heritage of Cornwall. The cover highlights key themes such as Shamans & Druids, Coastal Barrows, Chapel Carn Brea, Boundary Stones, CASPN & CEMG, Dowsing, and general news, with a notable mention that all photos are now in full colour.

Contents

The magazine features a detailed table of contents, listing articles on a wide range of topics:

• Editorial (p. 1)
• Cornish Earth Mysteries Group (p. 2)
• Dowsing News (p. 3)
• CASPN News (p. 4)
• Penwith Pagan Moot (p. 5)
• News (p. 6)
• Holy Wells News (p. 7)
• Pathways to the Past: St.Just-Sennen coastal barrows (p. 8)
• In-Site: Chapel Carn Brea (p. 12)
• Shamans & Druids - by Cheryl Straffon (p. 14)
• Remote & Ancient Places in W.Penwith: 3 Boundary Stones - by Raymond Cox (p. 18)
• Penzance's Midwinter Festival (p. 20)
• The Fellowship of St.Piran - Andy Phillips & Book Review (p. 22)
• St.Clether's Holy Well & Chapel Celebrations (p. 23)
• The Goddess in Cornwall Event (p. 24)

The issue also thanks Andy Norfolk for the front cover artwork and provides contact details for Meyn Mamvro publications and subscriptions.

St.Nectan's Kieve and West Penwith Sites

An article discusses St.Nectan's Kieve near Tintagel, noting that over the past 20 years, the magazine has received significant feedback regarding the site's offerings and the owners' charging for admission. It is pointed out that the site has no clear evidence of prehistoric use, and its association with 'Saint Nectan' is a 19th-century attribution. The owners, Barry and Jean Litton, are retiring and have put the site and surrounding woodland on the market for £1.25 million. The National Trust and The Dandelion Trust have been considered as potential buyers, but the price may be too high. An e-list for correspondence about the site is available online.

Meanwhile, the article highlights the ongoing problem of misuse and vandalism at ancient sites in West Penwith. Incidents include blue paint graffiti on stones at Madron Baptistry, stones being dislodged, and the Baptistry well being blocked. More disturbingly, the Mên-an-Tol site was targeted with the ground dug up and ritualised objects placed, suggesting ritualistic activity rather than random vandalism. The CASPN/FOCAS team are actively monitoring these sites.

Cornish Earth Mysteries Group Activities

The 'news page' details recent activities of the Cornish Earth Mysteries Group (CEMG). Summer 2007 walks included a dowsing day on the Lizard, a Mên-an-Tol circular walk, and a 'Songlines in West Penwith' walk led by Andy Norfolk, exploring ancient legends and routes. This walk covered Chapel Carn Brea, barrows, and sites associated with local folklore.

Another outing on September 2nd visited St.Nectan's Glen & Rocky Valley, led by John Ashton. Participants explored the waterfall, discovered a holed stone, and examined labyrinth carvings in Rocky Valley, with dowsers dating the original carving to the Bronze Age. The group also visited St.Julitta's Well at Lanteglos.

Dowsing News

This section reports on recent dowsing activities. The Tamar Dowsers visited North Petherwin and Langstone Downs, dowsing a churchyard, a labyrinth, and holy wells. The West Cornwall Dowsers, led by Bart O'Farrell, conducted visits to Carn Marth near Redruth, identifying numerous energy lines, and to Chapel Carn Brea, mapping energy lines connected to various ancient sites. Future dowsing events for 2008 are listed, including visits to Nine Maidens, Godolphin Hill, Bartinney Castle, and St. Breock Downs.

C.A.S.P.N. News Round-Up

The Cornish Ancient Sites Protection Network (CASPN) and its daughter group FOCAS (Friends of Cornwall's Ancient Sites) continue to address problems of vandalism. Sites like Boscawen-ûn, Tregeseal, Merry Maidens, and Nine Maidens have suffered damage, including fire pits and chipped stones. The Mên-an-Tol site experienced vandalism involving dug-up turf and ritual objects. A bizarre message, 'Get the future wolf-shaped', was found formed from stones at Zennor Quoit. The 'Damage Line' for reporting incidents has proven effective. The 'Adopt-a-Site Scheme' and monthly site clear-ups are ongoing, with activities including Bosullow Trehyllis Settlement and Boscawen-ûn stone circle clear-ups. Contact information for CASPN and FOCAS is provided.

Penwith Pagan Moot

By Gemma Gary, this article describes recent pagan rituals and gatherings. The Penwith Pagan Moot celebrated Lammas in Sancreed with a ritual involving a 'white Maiden', 'red Mother', and 'black Crone'. They also marked the Autumn Equinox on Chapel Carn Brea with a stone ritual and celebrated Samhain in Sancreed House conservatory with a mirror scrying ritual and a fire ceremony. Information on seasonal celebrations and the moot's website is included.

Archaeological News

Dating Surprise at Sperris Quoit: Recent radiocarbon dating of human bone from portal dolmens on the West Penwith moors indicates that Sperris Quoit (SW4709 3826) is older than Zennor Quoit (SW4688 3801), dating to the early Neolithic (3633-3557 BCE) compared to Zennor's (3342-3024 BCE). A new project using thermo-luminescence is underway to date other dolmens and entrance graves.

New Roman Fort Found at Restormel: A previously unidentified Roman fort has been discovered on a hill south of Restormel Castle. Magnetometer surveys revealed a site with banks and ditches, occupied from the 1st to early 4th centuries CE, similar to the fort at Nanstallon. The forts may have been used to guard mineral deposits.

More Details on Recent Beaker Sites: Further information on Beaker sites in West Penwith is presented. A pit and mound at Lower Boscaswell yielded radiocarbon dates of Early Bronze Age (2290-2020 BCE and 2220-1950 BCE), likely used for cooking and feasting. The Sennen site, also from the early Bronze Age, appears to be a scooped hollow dwelling.

Holy Wells News

Holy Well at Roseworthy Rediscovered: A holy well at Roseworthy Barton, previously noted in 'Fentynyow Kernow', has been confirmed. It is located in the corner of an old millpool and is a source of fresh, clear water.

St.Petroc's Well Found at Prideaux Place?: Amateur archaeologist Jonathan Clemes believes he has found a 'lost' well at Prideaux Place in Padstow, potentially the original well of St.Petroc.

Trelowthas Well Saved from Development: A holy well near Trelowthas Farm, south of Probus, has been spared from development after a planning application for a garage was turned down. The well, though overgrown, was found to be full of water.

Pathways to the Past: St. Just to Sennen coastal barrows walk

This article describes a 5-mile coastal path walk between St. Just and Sennen, focusing on a series of coastal barrows. It details the route, starting from St. Just, passing Balowall Barrow (a Bronze-Age barrow with an entrance grave), and continuing towards Letcha Carn, where the remains of a cairn are noted. The article references previous articles on Chapel Carn Brea and barrows and discusses legends associated with Balowall Barrow, including interpretations of earthlight phenomena and folk memory of sacred rituals.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Meyn Mamvro strongly emphasizes the preservation and study of Cornwall's ancient sites and earth mysteries. There is a clear concern for the ongoing vandalism and misuse of these historical locations, with CASPN and FOCAS actively working to combat these issues. The magazine promotes engagement with these sites through organized walks, dowsing activities, and pagan rituals, fostering a sense of community among enthusiasts. The inclusion of archaeological news, such as new fort discoveries and dating of ancient sites, highlights the dynamic nature of research in the field. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocacy for the protection and understanding of Cornwall's rich cultural and spiritual landscape, encouraging readers to participate in its exploration and preservation.

This issue of MEYN MAMVRO, number 65, from Winter 2008, focuses on the prehistoric archaeology and spiritual landscape of West Penwith, Cornwall. The magazine features a walk through sites of ancient barrows and cairns, and an article exploring the roles of Shamans and Druids as spiritual mediators in Cornish prehistory.

The Boscregan Barrows and Carn Creis

The issue begins by describing the Boscregan Barrows, a collection of ancient burial mounds. The first sites mentioned are on Carn Polpry, also known as Carn Leskys, where only the northeastern remains of a bank of earth and stone surrounded by a ring of stones are discernible. Good views are noted towards Chapel Carn Brea.

Further south, at Carn Creis, two more cairns are described. The northern one, Middle Cairn (SW3577 2969), was originally 18ft in diameter with an outer and inner ring of stones, an E-W oriented cist, and a kerb of seven stones. The southern cairn, Carn Creis (SW3576 2966), is similar in size and features a natural granite boulder at its centre, suggesting a reverence for natural features and a possible mirroring of Chapel Carn Brea's form.

The barrow at Carn Creis yielded a rich array of grave deposits, including five urns, one containing part of a small globular green glass vessel, along with bones, ash, and flint chips. Fragments of a fifth vessel were associated with twelve bright blue faience beads, a leaf-shaped arrowhead base, and a perforated heart-shaped stone.

A Walk Through the Landscape

The text then details a walk that descends to Nanjulian Valley, continuing along the cliff. A diversion inland to Nanjulian Courtyard House Settlement (SW361 289) is suggested, dating from the Iron Age, with remains of five courtyard houses and a possible fogou. The walk proceeds to Aire Point on Gurland Cliff, where a diversion to Tregiffian Vean Chambered Tomb (SW3725 2770) is recommended. This tomb, in a ruined state, was 21ft in diameter with a chamber 8ft long and 3ft wide when excavated in 1878.

The path then leads to Gwenver Bay, and a scramble up the cliff to reach another barrow, offering magnificent views. The walk concludes by noting that over approximately 5 miles, seven cairns or barrows were seen, varying in size and structure, all positioned on high ground with a view of Chapel Carn Brea.

Escalls Cairn and Mayon Cliff

Behind a rocky outcrop are the remains of Escalls Cairn (SW 3623 2723), a small chambered cairn excavated by Borlase in 1879. It was built over natural rock, surrounded by a double retaining wall, and contained flints, shells, and a middle Bronze Age urn.

The path continues to Sennen Beach and then climbs to Mayon Cliff, where the final barrow in the sequence is found: a well-preserved kerbed cairn (SW3482 2602). Chapel Carn Brea becomes visible from this site. Nearby, a jumbled heap of stones marks the remains of a Tumulus (SW3500 2607).

Chapel Carn Brea Barrows

A centre-page feature focuses on Chapel Carn Brea, described by archaeologist Paul Bonnington as "the epicentre of the Land's End ritual landscape." Originally, there were eleven barrows on the hill, but only seven remain, many disturbed. Three are still visually identifiable.

One of these is an Early Neolithic Long Cairn (c.3000 BCE) [SW3857 2799], a rare construction for Cornwall, consisting of an 11m linear stone mound integrated with a natural rocky outcrop. This integration suggests a deliberate design, possibly perceiving the rocks as a dwelling place for spirits or ancestors, facilitating a connection between the living and the spiritual realm.

Summit Barrow and Bronze Age Kerbed Barrow

Returning to the summit of Chapel Carn Brea, the Summit Barrow [SW3859 2807] is described as originally a Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age entrance grave (c.2500-2000 BCE). By 1872, it had a mound 21m in diameter and 5m high, possibly once surrounded by a stone circle. In medieval times, a chapel and lighthouse were built on top. Excavations revealed three concentric walls and central stone-lined chambers containing pot sherds and bones.

About 30 yards northwest of the Summit Cairn are the remains of a Bronze Age kerbed Barrow [SW3853 2815]. This barrow has a dramatic visual alignment with the Summit Barrow and overlooks other hills crowned by barrows. It also has a juxtaposition with a natural rock outcrop, similar to the Long Cairn, but dating 500-1000 years later. A narrow passage through this rock may have been seen as a journey into the Other World, guarded by a rock with an animal-shape appearance, possibly representing a guardian spirit.

Shamans and Druids - Spiritual Mediators from Cornish Prehistory

This article by Cheryl Straffon explores the spiritual leaders of prehistoric Cornwall. Lacking written records from the earliest periods, understanding relies on archaeology and comparative anthropology. The article hypothesizes about the roles of spiritual leaders, comparing prehistoric practices with those of 19th and 20th-century native tribes.

Shamans are described as individuals singled out to contact the spirit world. The term is applied broadly to spiritual mediators in many native tribes, though strictly it refers to the Ural-Altaic people of Siberia. The author suggests that Neolithic people in Britain likely had similar spiritual leaders.

The article traces the development from foraging Hunter-Gatherers in the Mesolithic era to the settled Neolithic communities (c.3500 BCE) who built permanent houses and hut circles. The people then began constructing megalithic structures like dolmens and cromlechs, found in Cornwall, Ireland, and Wales.

Dolmens and Communal Burials

Dolmens, or Quoits in Cornwall, were box-like structures enclosed in earth mounds with a capstone, possibly used for excarnation (leaving bodies for carrion birds). Bones were later placed inside the dolmens, often disarticulated and from different individuals, implying communal burials and an understanding of people as interrelated family members. Paul Bonnington describes this as "the burial of people being 'absorbed into the ancestral body'."

The purpose of these communal burials is imagined to involve Shamans ascending hills to enter dolmens in altered states of consciousness, possibly through fasting, rhythmic repetition, or narcotic substances. These spirit journeys were undertaken to learn secrets of healing and understanding the universe, connecting with the spirits of ancestors buried within.

Bronze Age and Iron Age Transitions

By the early Bronze Age, different structures, particularly barrows, were built. Excavated barrows in Cornwall show that only 55% contained burial remains, and 41% none at all, suggesting a shift from Neolithic practices. Barrows may have continued as places for shamans' spirit journeys or served as monuments to ancestors.

Moving to the Iron Age and Romano-Celtic period (c.500 BCE - 500 CE), a change in living structures is evident, with Courtyard House settlements and earthworks like 'hill forts'. Genetic research suggests that the 'Celtic' people of Cornwall were descendants of earlier Neolithic and Bronze Age inhabitants, not a continental invasion. They adopted some cultural styles but remained indigenous.

Druids and Fogous

Roman writers like Tacitus describe a priestly caste of Druids who ministered to Celtic tribes. Tacitus recounts their attack and defeat on the Isle of Anglesey by Suetonius Paulinus around 60 CE, and the destruction of their sacred groves. This suggests Druids had abandoned megalithic monuments for woodland worship.

The Celtic tribe in Cornwall was the Cornovii. Evidence of specific sacred groves is limited, but Cornish place names derived from 'neved' (sacred grove) exist. Fogous, found only in Cornwall, were constructed with Courtyard House settlements and likely used for ritual and ceremonial purposes. Entry was via a narrow creep passage, requiring crawling, which is compared to the experience of entering Neolithic dolmens.

The article posits a continuity of purpose from Neolithic shamans entering earth mounds to Bronze Age successors in barrows, and finally to Iron Age Druids entering fogous for spirit journeys. These journeys, possibly timed with solstice sunrises or sunsets, aimed to connect with ancestors and gain knowledge. This suggests an unbroken spiritual tradition over thousands of years.

Remote & Ancient Places in West Penwith: Boundary Stones

This section by Raymond Cox discusses boundary stones in West Penwith. Standing at a parish boundary stone (SW4372 3531) on the high moorland, the author notes alignments with prehistoric monuments, linking to sites like the Boswens menhir and the Nine Maidens stone circle. Three lines pass through this boundary stone, connecting to other tumuli, a quoit, and a 'circle' marked 'Enclosure'.

The boundary stones, often in remote locations, are seen as integrated into the prehistoric ambience of the land. The alignment of historic elements like stone crosses with prehistoric monuments creates a sense of mystery.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the rich prehistoric archaeological heritage of West Penwith, Cornwall, particularly its barrows and cairns, and the exploration of spiritual beliefs and practices from the Neolithic to the Iron Age. The magazine emphasizes the connection between the landscape, ritual sites, and the spiritual mediators of those times – Shamans and Druids. The editorial stance appears to be one of archaeological and anthropological inquiry, seeking to understand the past through evidence and comparative study, while acknowledging the speculative nature of interpreting spiritual beliefs. There is a clear appreciation for the enduring mystery and significance of these ancient sites and their connection to the natural landscape.

MEYN MAMVRO | 65 | Winter 2008 is an issue dedicated to exploring the rich spiritual, historical, and folkloric landscape of Cornwall. The magazine features articles on ancient alignments, local festivals, and the revival of pre-Christian traditions.

Parish Boundaries and Ancient Alignments

The first article discusses the significance of parish boundary stones in Cornwall, noting that while created in the 12th century, they often followed older tracks. These stones are considered in the context of 'ley lines' and alignments with other ancient monuments like tumuli, menhirs, and quoits. Several alignments are detailed, including one from the Boswens menhir through a tumulus and Zennor Quoit, and another linking the Carfury menhir with the Bishop's Head. The article posits that these boundary stones, though younger and with a known purpose, share an ambience with prehistoric sites, suggesting a continuity of human connection to the land.

Penzance's Midwinter Festival (Montol)

This section details the revival of Penzance's midwinter festival, named Montol, by the Golowan team in 2007. The festival, which took place the week of December 16th-22nd, included a lantern procession, stalls, music, and an appearance by Penglaze, the horse-God/dess. The article draws on 19th-century folklore collectors like W.S.Lach-Szyrma and Margaret Courtney, mentioning customs such as filling a basket with sand and candles, dancing around a fire, and the Yule Log. It also references Kelvin I.Jones's work on Penzance Customs & Superstitions, linking the Yule Log to Sun Worship and the Irish ritual of relighting fires.

Guise-Dancers and Wassailing

The text further explores the tradition of mummers, or 'Goose/Geese-dancers,' who paraded in disguise. It quotes R.Edmonds (1862) describing a 'hobby-horse' character, suggesting a link to ancient shamanic spirit cloaking. The guise-dancers also performed plays, such as 'Duffy and the Devil,' recorded by William Bottrell. The article also covers the custom of wassailing, particularly in East Cornwall, where trees were saluted and sprinkled with cider to ensure a good harvest. This practice, along with other customs, is seen as a memory of pre-Christian religion, now being revived.

The Fellowship of St. Piran and Celtic Christianity

Andy Phillips writes about the founding of Crowethas Peran Sans in July 2006, an organization dedicated to rediscovering Cornwall's Celtic spiritual heritage. The group believes this heritage resonates with their identity and can renew the Christian faith in Cornwall. They do not seek to be an alternative church but aim to follow the traditions of the orthodox Celtic Church.

Book Review: Celtic Christianity Today

A review of Andy Phillips's 40-page booklet, 'Celtic Christianity Today,' is presented. The booklet is recommended for anyone interested in spirituality in Cornwall. Phillips, a Christian minister, examines the current state of spirituality, offers a critique of modern Christianity, and explores the characteristics of early Celtic Christianity, emphasizing its flexibility, connection to nature, and tolerance. The review notes the booklet's inclusion of a Celtic Christian Wheel of the Year, which integrates pre-Christian and pagan elements with a Christian interpretation.

St. Clether's Holy Well

This section describes St. Clether's Holy Well and Chapel, located northwest of Bodmin Moor. Owned by Vanda Inman, who acts as Guardian, the site has hosted celebrations for Celtic festivals throughout 2006/2007, aiming to raise awareness of the Celtic year. The article mentions specific events like the Imbolc 2007 holy well decoration and the Midsummer Solstice 2007 wreaths. For 2008, celebrations are planned for solar festivals and Celtic festivals, with the Spring Equinox event scheduled for March 22nd.

The Goddess in Cornwall Event

The second year of 'The Goddess in Cornwall' event took place in September 2007 at Boswedden House. The four-day event featured a range of activities including workshops on Serpent Energy, Brigid's Healing Flame, and The Goddess of the Sea, as well as site visits to ancient locations. Evening workshops included Middle Eastern Dancing and Tarot. The event concluded with a ceremony led by trainee Priestesses. The article announces the 2008 event, scheduled for September 10th-14th, with a program of workshops, therapies, and site visits, including to Boscawen-ûn circle and Boleigh fogou.

Exchange Magazines and Listings

The magazine includes a section listing various 'Exchange Magazines' related to Earth Mysteries, Paganism, and other esoteric subjects, providing subscription details and websites. It also features a 'Noticeboard' with listings for local groups such as Tamar Dowsing Group, West Cornwall Dowsers, Celtic Dowsers, and Cornish Earth Mysteries Group. Additionally, it lists upcoming events like Ancient Sites Clear-Ups, Pagan Moots, and Beltane Celebrations across Cornwall and Devon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently emphasizes the deep spiritual and historical roots of Cornwall, focusing on the interplay between ancient pagan traditions, Celtic Christianity, and modern revivals of these practices. There is a strong focus on the land, its sacred sites, and the enduring connection to nature and the cycles of the year. The magazine appears to advocate for the rediscovery and preservation of Cornwall's unique cultural and spiritual heritage, encouraging participation in local events and groups.