Meyn Mamvro - No 069 - Summer 2009

Magazine Overview

Title: Meyn Mamvro
Issue: 69
Date: Summer 2009
Publisher: Meyn Mamvro
Country: United Kingdom
Price: £2.70

This issue of Meyn Mamvro, a magazine dedicated to ancient stones and sacred sites in Cornwall, delves into a variety of topics including archaeological investigations, local folklore, dowsing activities, and ongoing preservation efforts.

Contents and Key Articles

Editorial The editorial discusses the rising cover price to £2.70 and the increased subscription cost to £9 due to rising postage rates. It also highlights a free 8-page CEMG 20th Anniversary supplement included with this issue for subscribers.

Dowsing News This section details recent activities of three dowsing groups in Cornwall: Tamar Dowsers, West Cornwall Dowsers, and Celtic Dowsers. Visits included St.George's Island off Looe, Lammana, Halligye fogou, Poldowrian, St.Agnes Beacon, Helman Tor, and Pendarves Farm. Dowsers reported finding energy lines, ley lines, traces of ancient structures like chapels, wells, and burial sites, and evidence of prehistoric and early Christian activity.

Time Team on Looe Island Channel 4's 'Time Team' returned to Cornwall for their third visit in three seasons, investigating St.George's Island off Looe and Hannafore on the mainland. They explored two chapel sites, concluding they were built on earlier structures. Excavations revealed a stone chamber possibly for relics, burials, evidence of a wooden chapel, and a 'Monk's House'. On the island, a chancel was added to an earlier chapel, a 13thC burial was found, and a hoard of Roman coins indicated earlier activity. A potential prehistoric standing stone was also uncovered.

The Tintagel Slate Unravelled This article revisits the discovery of a slate with the inscription 'ARTOGNOU' on Tintagel island in 1998. Initially interpreted by some as a reference to King Arthur, this was disputed. Professor Charles Thomas's extensive analysis suggests the slate contains two sequences: an earlier one interpreted as '(H)AVG' (referring to Emperor Honorius Augustus) from around 400 CE, and later names from the 6th century, including 'Paterni' and 'Artognov'. The findings imply continued contact with the late Roman world and suggest Tintagel was a significant site for Dumnonian rulers, potentially linking to the Arthurian legend.

C.A.S.P.N. News Round-Up The Cornish Ancient Sites Protection Network (CASPN) is organizing its third 'Pathways to the Past' weekend and participating in the Festival of British Archaeology. CASPN continues its 'Adopt-a-Site' and clear-up schemes, and has launched a new initiative, the Lizard Ancient Sites Network (LAN), to extend these efforts to the Lizard Peninsula.

Pathways to the Past: From the Tamar to Lands End: 2 This is the second part of Cheryl Straffon's personal account of a 100-mile walk through Cornwall. Day 6 covers the area around Cardinham, visiting the churchyard cross and an inscribed Early Christian stone. Day 7 follows the Camel Trail and explores Nanstallon, a Romanised fort. Day 8 leads through fields and hills to Withiel and St. Wenn, passing Castle-an-Dinas hillfort and a Neolithic Henge site. The day concludes with a visit to the Devil's Coyt, the capstone of a destroyed Neolithic dolmen.

Maytime Special: Summer is a coming in This section covers various Maytime events and traditions. It includes articles on Helston's May Fest, Ursula Birdhood & Aunt Mary Moses, and the revival of the Penzance Mayhorns festival.

Other Features

• Missing Menhirs: The first part of a series focusing on the Fiddler & Nine Maidens row.
• In-Site: St. Breock Downs stones: A look at stones on St. Breock Downs.
• Book Review: A review of a book, with the title not fully legible.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes interest in Cornwall's ancient history, archaeology, and sacred sites. There is a strong emphasis on the importance of preserving these sites and engaging local communities in their protection and study, as evidenced by the CASPN and FOCAS initiatives. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting awareness and appreciation for Cornwall's rich heritage, from prehistoric times through to more recent folklore and traditions. The inclusion of dowsing activities suggests an openness to exploring energetic and less conventional aspects of these sites. The magazine also seems to foster a sense of community among its readers and contributors, evident in the shared activities and collaborative efforts described.

Title: MEYN MAMVRO
Issue: 69
Volume: Summer 2009
Publisher: Meyn Mamvro
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of Meyn Mamvro delves into two key aspects of Cornish culture: its ancient megalithic heritage and its vibrant pagan festivals. The magazine features articles on significant stone circles, menhirs, and stone rows, alongside a detailed account of the Beltane and Maytime celebrations that take place across the county.

Cornwall's Lost Stones: The Fiddler & Nine Maidens

The issue highlights the enigmatic Nine Maidens stone row near St. Columb Major, noted as Cornwall's only major stone row. It discusses historical mentions by John Norden in the early 17th century, who described 'The Sisters' as nine great stones, possibly forming a double row. By 1754, Borlase observed them much as they are today. The current site consists of nine stones, with five standing between 5ft and 6ft high, two broken stumps, one leaning, and one fallen. Crucially, dowsing by various groups, including the CEMG and West Cornwall Dowsers, has repeatedly confirmed the existence of a second stone row running parallel, about 25ft to the west. Some dowsers even suggested two double rows, with large stones found in the adjacent hedge and ditch. The article also mentions the Fiddler stone, formerly known as the Old Man or Magi stone, a 7ft high standing stone that was toppled and broken between 1885 and 1902, with only a stump remaining. The prehistoric designers of these sites are noted for their awareness of landscape, solar, and lunar alignments.

St. Breock Downs Stones

Another significant feature focuses on the St. Breock Downs Stones. Travelling east from the Fiddler stump, the article describes two standing stones. The most prominent is Men Gurtha, meaning 'Stone of Meeting' or 'Stone of Waiting'. It is a massive stone, 5m/16ft in length (3m/10ft above ground) and weighing nearly 17 tons, making it the heaviest standing stone in Cornwall. Streaked with quartzite veins, it collapsed in 1945 and was re-erected in 1956. A circular layer of small quartz stones and shallow hollows were found at its base, possibly used for ritual libations. The stone was recorded in 1613 as being on a boundary between St. Breock and St. Wenn parishes. Approximately 150 yards south of Men Gurtha lies a 'kist vean' or 'demi-dolmen', identified by William Copeland Borlase, consisting of a capstone supported by a single upright, with a raised area of quartz around it, suggesting a burial or ritual site.

Further east, another standing stone, The St. Breock Downs menhir, stands over 2m/7ft high and is also speckled with quartz. About 300 yards further east is a grass-covered tumulus. The article presents a diagram illustrating potential alignments between these sites, including the Fiddler, Men Gurtha, St. Breock Downs menhir, and a tumulus, suggesting they may have been used for viewing celestial events like the spring and autumn equinox sunrises. The Music Water menhir is also described, noted for its distinctive shape resembling a hooded old woman and a vulva-like cleft in the rock.

Beltane/Maytime Special

The second major section of the magazine is dedicated to the Beltane and Maytime celebrations in Cornwall, with an article by Jill Millington. This year (2009) marks the 21st anniversary of the May Day Eve Maypole Dance on Carn Bosavern and the Three Wells Walk. The article reproduces content from a 2002 issue, emphasizing that the traditions remain relevant.

Summer is a Coming In: Maytime in Cornwall

Jill Millington describes the Beltane festivities as a vibrant celebration of summer. The May Day Eve Maypole Dance on Carn Bosavern is a central event, regardless of the weather, involving dancing, music, and a bonfire. The author recounts personal experiences, including meeting old friends and making new ones, with the dancing continuing until sunset.

A special Beltane Mummers Play is mentioned, performed by a group from Grampound, featuring traditional characters like St. George and the Dragon, with a pagan twist involving Herne the Hunter representing Mother Earth. The play was noted for its joyful and exuberant nature.

Private Beltane celebrations are also described, including a Women's Group celebration at Boscawen-ûn circle at 5 am, involving purification rituals, letting go of the past, and raising energy. Another private ritual in a stone circle in the woods involved invoking Aphrodite and engaging in a sensual, earthy dance.

A more public ritual takes place at Harmony Pottery, hosted by Geraldine and Paddy, attracting pagans from Cornwall and Devon. These events typically include an opening ceremony, invocation of Beltane's meaning, blessings, Maypole dancing, visits to sacred groves, bonfire jumping, feasting, and drinking. The growing interest in such gatherings suggests Cornwall is an epicentre for this pagan revival.

The climax of the Beltane period is the Obby Oss in Padstow, described as "last living pagan festival in Europe." The event features drumming, accordion music, and the wild energy of the man-Oss, guided by a Teaser. The Oss, either Red or Blue, is deeply ingrained in the community. The author describes the primal energy of the Red Oss and the more refined performance of the Blue Oss, noting instances where the Oss 'grabs' a woman, a symbolic enactment of fertility aspects. The article shares an anecdote from Karin Heath, who described the experience as "totally unexpected" and "great."

The Obby Oss celebrations are described as multi-layered, allowing participants to engage at various levels, from watching to actively dancing with the Oss. The author recounts dancing and singing throughout the day, following the Oss through the streets, and even into a pub. A powerful moment is the 'dying' of the two Osses, followed by their revival.

Other Maytime Events

The magazine also mentions the Three Wells Walk, a gentle stroll on the first Sunday of the month, offering a connection with nature and the awakening earth, with sights and smells of bluebells, leeks, gorse, and campions. The walk is described as a time for talking with friends and taking in the surroundings. The Helston Furry Dance and the Hal-an-Tow are also mentioned as events for those seeking more Beltane energy.

The issue concludes by listing the dates for the 2009 May Day Eve Maypole Dance (April 30th), Padstow's Obby Oss Day (May 1st), the Three Wells Walk (May 3rd), and Helston's Flora Day + Hal-an-Tow (May 8th).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on aspects of Cornish heritage, particularly its ancient megalithic sites and its enduring pagan and folk traditions. The editorial stance appears to be one of appreciation and preservation of these cultural elements, encouraging readers to engage with and understand the historical and spiritual significance of these practices. There is a clear interest in archaeo-astronomy, folklore, and the continuation of ancient rituals in modern times, as evidenced by the detailed exploration of stone circles and the Beltane celebrations.

This issue of Meyn Mamvro, number 69, published in Summer 2009, focuses on Cornish traditions, folklore, and pagan practices, with a strong emphasis on May festivals and ancient sites.

Helston's May Fest - Flora, Furry or Faddy?

This article by Cheryl Straffon explores the origins of Helston's May festival, commonly known as Flora Day. The dances are often referred to as 'Furry Dances', and older writers sometimes described the music and dances as a 'Faddy'. The author discusses the theory that 'Flora' derives from the Roman Goddess Floralia, associated with nature and fertility, though this festival was later viewed by the church as licentious. An alternative suggestion from a 1790 Gentleman's Magazine article posits that the name comes from the floral garlands worn on the day. The term 'Furry' is explored, with possible derivations from the Latin 'feria' (holy day) or the old Cornish 'fuer' (fair or merry-making). The article notes that Furry Days were celebrated in other Cornish towns. The 'Faddy' dance is linked to an old English dance called 'The Fading', with Daniel Defoe noting in 1724 that the Helston festival was called the Furry and the dance the Faddy. Ultimately, the author suggests the festival's true origin lies in the ancient Celtic Beltane festival celebrating summer and fertility.

Ursula Birdhood & Aunt Mary Moses Revisited

Cheryl Straffon revisits the enigmatic characters of Ursula Birdhood (Padstow) and Aunt Mary Moses (Helston), who are featured in their respective May songs. Building on a previous article, she presents new information suggesting these figures were not just in songs but were represented in actual ceremonies. For Ursula Birdhood, evidence points to her being a real person, possibly the leader of Padstow women who allegedly repelled a French invasion by dressing in scarlet. An 1838 engraving and accounts from Frederick I. Cowles and Donald R. Rawe support this. Ursula is thought to be the figure in a scarlet cloak who watched the Obby Oss perform. The article questions whether Ursula was a real person or a mythological figure representing the 'Crone of Winter'.

Regarding Aunt Mary Moses, she appears in the Hal-an-Tow pageant on May 8th. Kelvin I. Jones suggested she represents a mature 'crone' figure contrasting with younger participants, and is a representation of the 'Great Mother Goddess'. The Hal-an-Tow itself, though ancient in spirit, was revived in 1930 by the St.Ives & Helston Old Cornwall Societies after falling into disrepute. The article notes that Aunt Mary Moses wore a floral crown and cloak and was bowed to by the company. She is depicted standing facing the rising sun, surrounded by children.

Penzance's Mayhorns Festival Revived

This section details the revival of Penzance's Mayhorns festival. An 1890 account by Margaret Courtney describes the discordant blowing of large tin horns by boys at daybreak, perambulating the town and begging for money. This festival eventually deteriorated and was banned in the 1930s by Penzance Borough Council. After a 70-year gap, the celebrations were revived on May 4th, 2008, by town councillor Simon Reed. Reader Paula Cox describes the event, where residents marched and made noise with whistles and horns, risking arrest. A group had earlier walked to Trereife for a picnic and to learn to make wooden whistles. The procession included 'The Green Man', 'Lady of the May', and Dennis Dowrick, with music by the Turkey Rhubarb Band. The parade went through various parts of Penzance, culminating at the Admiral Benbow Inn. The event aimed to restore a tradition for Penzance, like Golowan and Montol.

Penwith Pagan Moot

Eve Benney reports on the activities of the Penwith Pagan Moot. They celebrated their Yule ritual, honouring the 'Sun Child' and 'Lord of Light'. The Imbolc ritual at Sancreed Hall honoured the 'three gifts of Bride: healing, inspiration, and smithcraft', involving poetry, ribbons for wishes, and a visit to Sancreed Well. The Spring Equinox ritual took place in Trewidden Gardens, focusing on the transition from darkness to light and winter to spring, with a yin-yang symbol created from white flowers. They also held an Easter Egg Hunt. The moot holds rituals for the eight festivals and meets on the second Tuesday of the month at the Stella Maris Centre in Penzance.

Book Review: Traditional Witchcraft: a Cornish Book of Ways

This section reviews Gemma Gary's book, published by Troy Books. The review highlights that Troy Books is a new venture by Jane Cox and Gemma Gary, focusing on Cornish folklore and magic. The book is described as a 21st-century version of traditional Cornish witchcraft, drawing on ancient practices of white witches, charmers, and 'pellars'. It incorporates published material and the experiences of 'wise women' and country witches. Topics covered include the Cunning Path, the Fairy Faith, Places of Power, and Rites of the Year's Round. The book is presented as a sourcebook of magical workings in Cornwall.

Liz Allmark: Astrological and Numerological Services

This is an advertisement for astrological and numerological services offered by Liz Allmark, including birthchart printouts, interpretations, predictions, and character profiles.

Exchange Magazines and Meyn Mamvro Outlets

This section lists various magazines available for exchange, categorized under 'Earth Mysteries', 'Arthurian', and 'Paganism', with subscription prices. It also lists Meyn Mamvro outlets and subscription details. A note mentions the death of Hugh Miners, ex-Grand Bard of the Gorseth, a supporter of Meyn Mamvro, and that the next issue will include a tribute.

Noticeboard

The Noticeboard section lists upcoming events in Cornwall, including Beltane/Summer Events (Maypole Dance, Obby Oss Day, Three Wells Walk, Mayhorns Festival, Helston Flora Day, Midsummer Bonfires, Golowan), Pathways to the Past (walks and talks on ancient sites), Ancient Sites Clear-Ups, West Cornwall Dowsers, Tamar Dowsers, Celtic Dowsers, and Festival of Archaeology events. It also lists Pagan Moots in Penzance, Redruth/Truro/Falmouth, and Bodmin.

Cornish Earth Mysteries Group: 20th Anniversary 1989-2009

This article celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Cornish Earth Mysteries Group (CEMG). It recounts the group's origins in 1989 when Meyn Mamvro suggested starting a local group. The first event was a talk by Paul Broadhurst and Hamish Miller. A committee was formed, and subsequent meetings and events included talks on Earth Mysteries, electromagnetic radiation, dowsing days, ley walks, and visits to ancient sites like Tregeseal stone circle, Nine Maidens, and Boscawen-ûn. The article details talks and field trips from 1991 to 1993, featuring speakers like Andy Norfolk, George Bishop, Paul Broadhurst, Cheryl Straffon, Paul Devereux, Professor Charles Thomas, Craig Weatherhill, Tom Graves, Alan Bleakley, Andy Norfolk, Maggie Stewart, Monica Sjöö, Jeanette Ratcliffe, and Colin Wilson. It notes that local researchers often received a better reaction than 'big names'. The 1993 summer activities included the Three Wells Walk, Zennor Churchway Walk, an Imaging Session, an awayday to Bodmin Moor, and an investigation of the Mên-an-Tol stone circle.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are Cornish folklore, pagan traditions, ancient sites, and seasonal festivals, particularly those celebrated in May. The magazine appears to have a strong focus on local history, mythology, and 'alternative' research, particularly within the realm of Earth Mysteries and paganism. The editorial stance seems to be one of documenting and promoting these traditions, encouraging participation in events, and providing a platform for both local researchers and established authors in the field. There is a clear interest in the historical roots of these practices and their modern-day manifestations.

MEYN MAMVRO | 69 | Summer 2009

This issue of Meyn Mamvro, published in Summer 2009, serves as an archive of the activities of the Cornish Earth Mysteries Group (CEMG) from 1993 through to the group's 20th anniversary in 2008. The magazine details a rich history of talks, workshops, and site visits focused on earth mysteries, folklore, megalithic sites, and Celtic traditions primarily within Cornwall.

CEMG Activities: 1993-2008

The magazine meticulously documents the group's events year by year, highlighting a diverse range of speakers and topics. The Autumn 1993 season featured talks by Helena Patterson on Celtic Lunar Zodiacs, Craig Weatherhill on Cornish Legends, and John Michell on The Old Stones of Land's End, concluding with a Chûn Quoit walk and social. The following year, 1994, saw talks by Paul Broadhurst, Cheryl Straffon, John Billingsley, and Roy Lake, alongside summer activities like the Maypole Dance, Three Wells Walk, and visits to sites such as Carn Euny Fogou, Madron Well, Lanyon Quoit, Chûn Castle, and Carn Brea. Autumn 1994 included speakers like Jill Smith, Kelvin Jones, and Don Wilkins.

1995 began with talks by Jill Harris, Rose Lewis, Serena Roney-Dougal, and Andy Norfolk. Summer events included a midsummer solstice meeting at Carn Brea, a visit to the Grumbla Cromlech, and an exploration of the Nine Maidens stone row. Autumn talks featured Craig Weatherhill, Jacqui Wood, Jill Smith, and Celtic storytelling sessions.

1996 brought talks on Megalithic Mysticism by Ed Prynn, experiences at Boleigh Fogou by Jo May, research on Celtic Goddesses by Cheryl Straffon & Caeia March, and Kelvin Jones on Witchcraft. The magazine notes this was a particularly successful season.

Summer 1996 activities included a walk around Chyanhal standing stones, a visit to Jacqui Wood's reconstructed Bronze-Age settlement, and a story walk with Kelvin Jones. Autumn talks featured Andy Norfolk on UFOs, Jane Thurnall-Read on Geopathic Stress, and Jeremy Harte on folklore.

1997 saw a return visit by Jill Harris, talks by archaeologist Jackie Nowakowski, Barry Reilly, and Terence Meaden. Summer events included visits to Pendeen fogou, Zennor Quoit, and Ed Prynn's Seven Sisters stone circle. Autumn 1997 talks included Craig Weatherhill, Ken George, and John Downes.

1998 saw the group move to the Queens Hotel due to the temporary closure of The Acorn, leading to increased attendance for talks by Hamish Miller, Caitlin Matthews, and Cassandra Latham. Summer activities included dowsing St.Levan's pathway and visits to various lesser-known sites in West Penwith. The magazine describes these years as the "heyday of CEMG."

Autumn 1998 included a talk by Chesca Potter and the annual Chûn visit. 1999 featured talks on the Total Eclipse of the Sun, stone circles, and psychic energy forces. Summer visits included Leskernick Hill and various sites in West Penwith. The decade concluded with Autumn 1999 talks by Rob Stephenson, Paul Newman, and Chesca Potter.

2000 began with talks by Jan Machin and Peter Herring. Summer activities included the Maypole Dance and visits to Mid-Cornwall sites like Roche Rock and Castle-an-Dinas, as well as a walk around the First & Last Sites of Lands End, culminating at a new World's End stone circle which gave the group "very bad vibes."

The 11th annual season of talks in Autumn 2000 included Philip Heselton, Sheila Jeffries, and Graham King. 2001 saw a visit from Monica Sjöö and a return visit by Jill Smith. The Summer 2001 events were affected by the Foot and Mouth crisis, leading to postponed events and a special weekend visit to the Isles of Scilly, which included visits to Nor-Nour and Gugh. The 3rd annual Lammas picnic took place in August 2001, followed by site visits and a storytelling walk by Kelvin Jones. Talks in late 2001 and early 2002 covered a wide range of topics from earth mysteries to folklore.

Summer 2002 visits continued with lesser-known sites in the Kerrier area and a visit to a stone circle discovered by Howard Balmer. Autumn 2002 talks included Aubrey Burl on stone circles, Michael Kent on Egyptian Magic, and Jane Pugh on the Inca Trail. 2003 saw talks by Howard Balmer, Jan Machin, Craig Weatherhill, and Jude Currivan. The 15th Maypole Dance was celebrated, and summer activities included visits to various sites in the Kerrier area and the St.Eval area.

Autumn 2003 brought talks by Julie Walker, Michèle Brown, and Geraldine Andrew & Cheryl Straffon. The Chûn visit in 2004 was marked by a glorious full rainbow. 2004 talks included Pam Masterton, archaeologist Paul Bonnington, Steve Gardner, and Howard Balmer. Summer 2004 outings included visits to sites in St. Austell area.

Autumn 2004 talks were by Steve Patterson, Valentia Lithryn, Pamela Gray, and the Chûn walk. 2005 continued with talks by Pat Angove, Marcus Mason, Gloria Falconbridge, and Andy Worthington. The magazine notes that audience numbers were beginning to fall away.

Summer 2005 outings included coastal barrows and visits to St. Michael's Way. Autumn 2005 brought talks by archaeologist Peter Rose and Cheryl Straffon, along with the Chûn walk. 2006 talks included Andy Norfolk, Barry Reilly, and Gloria Falconbridge. Summer outings in 2006 focused on dowsing and visits to various hills and caves, with a record attendance of 40 people for one visit.

Autumn 2006 brought a return visit by Jill Smith and talks by Craig Weatherhill and Alan Neil. This marked the last season of talks, with the group then concentrating on outings and activities with the West Cornwall Dowsers Group.

Summer 2007 outings included dowsing in the Lizard area, walks around Mên-an-Tol, and visits to various wells and sites. The Yule gathering and Celtic Storytelling continued, though with smaller numbers. 2008 marked the 20th Anniversary Maypole & Three Wells Walk celebrations. The final Summer 2008 season included visits to Lizard stones and Carn Brea. The climax was a joint CEMG/Society of Ley Hunters visit to Tregeseal Common, where the group had first gone in 1991, bringing the cycle full circle. The final season ended with the 20th anniversary gathering to see the Chûn Quoit sunset, followed by Celtic Storytelling and feasting, celebrating 20 years of CEMG.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout this issue are the exploration of ancient sites, particularly megalithic structures and sacred wells in Cornwall, the study of folklore and mythology, and the investigation of earth mysteries. The editorial stance is one of enthusiastic documentation and preservation of local heritage, fostering a community of like-minded individuals. The magazine celebrates the shared knowledge, discoveries, and companionship among its members, highlighting the enduring appeal of these subjects over two decades of activity.