Meyn Mamvro - No 072 - Summer 2010

Magazine Overview

Title: Meyn Mamvro
Issue: No. 72
Date: Summer 2010
Price: £2.70

This issue of Meyn Mamvro, a magazine focused on ancient stones, sacred sites, and earth energies in Cornwall, is a special edition dedicated to the Arthurian legend and the Tintagel area. It includes articles on the Tintagel Trail, Secret Land, and Kings at Castle, alongside a feature on the 20th anniversary of the Tintagel churchyard archaeological dig. The magazine also reports on recent dowsing activities by various Cornish groups, news from ancient sites protection networks, and includes a tribute to the late Hamish Miller, a prominent figure in the field of earth energies.

Contents and Key Articles

Editorial

The editorial highlights the emergence of new groups like the 'Helston Society for the Antiquarian and Arcane' and the continued activity of existing ones such as the Tamar Dowsers Group. It emphasizes the vibrant state of 'Earth Mysteries' and alternative archaeology in Cornwall, mentioning upcoming events and site activities. The editorial also sadly reports the death of Hamish Miller, a significant figure in earth energies, and announces a tribute and a reprinted article in this issue. The main focus of this MM is the Tintagel area, coinciding with the 20-year anniversary of the Tintagel churchyard dig and a new book by Paul Broadhurst.

Dowsing News

This section details the site visits undertaken by three Cornish dowsing groups during the Autumn of 2009.

• Tamar Dowsers: Visited Looe Island in September, investigating a Bronze Age standing stone uncovered by Time Team. They found energy lines and evidence of continuous use of the island from prehistoric times to the present.
• West Cornwall Dowsers: Visited the new National Trust woodland at Roundwood, discovering Bronze Age hut circles and a lost standing stone. They also visited St. Michael's Mount, finding traces of Iron Age occupation and dowsing four energy lines that converge there.
• Celtic Dowsers: Visited Bodrifty Courtyard House Settlement, identifying a potential Shaman's House and a linked fogou. Later, they visited the Giant's Quoit at Prospidnick Hill, dowsing it as a genuine megalithic structure with surrounding stones and energy lines. They also visited Boleigh fogou, identifying it as a potential birthing sanctuary. In November, they visited Carnmenellis Hill, confirming sunrise lines and finding the Druids Altar stone.

CASPN & LAN News Round-Up

This section covers the activities of the Cornish Ancient Sites Protection Network (CASPN) and the Lizard Ancient Sites Network (LAN).

• FOCAS (Friends of Cornwall's Ancient Sites): The 4th annual 'Pathways to the Past' weekend is announced, featuring walks and talks in West Penwith. Site clear-ups were conducted at holy wells in Sancreed and Madron, Portheras Common barrow, and Treen Circle.
• LAN: Conducted site clear-ups at the Three Brothers of Grugwith and Croft Pascoe Barrow on the Lizard, and visited Carminowe Mill.

Contact details and membership information for these organizations are provided.

Missing Menhirs - Cornwall's Lost Stones

• 4: Selena Stones: Discusses the Treverven menhir and the former Selena Stones near St. Buryan, which were recorded in 1842. Dowsing revealed a large part of one stone built into a field wall. Another marker stone was also identified, suggesting a possible triangular relationship between the sites.
• Lost and Found - Carn Clough Barrow: Reports on the discovery of a Bronze Age barrow at Pendeen, revealed by a fire. The barrow, known as Carn Clough, is described with its dimensions and surrounding stones.

Pebbltripping Over Pendeen

By David Jones. This article details the author's fascination with alignments related to Chûn Castle, Chûn Quoit, and Pendeen Carn. Through personal observation and research, he explores potential astronomical alignments, particularly around the equinox and solstice, and the significance of these ancient sites.

Mên-an-Tol alignment

This piece describes the author's investigation into alignments involving the Mên-an-Tol, Mên Scryfa, and Carn Galva. Using a ladder and flags, a true North-South alignment was found from the holed stone of Mên-an-Tol to a notch near Carn Galva. The author speculates that the alignment might have been more accurate if the holed stone were in its original position.

Penwith Pagan Moot

By Eve Benney. This article recounts three pagan rituals celebrated by a moot group:

• Midwinter Solstice: A ritual involving a cauldron, the welcoming of the Old King (Holly King) and the new King (Sun King/Oak King), and offerings to the Goddess.
• Imbolc: A ritual walk to a sacred well at Sancreed, involving purification, calling upon Bride for gifts of healing, poetry, and smith-craft, and receiving blessings.
• Spring Equinox: A ritual at Trewidden gardens, welcoming the Green Man (Lord of the Wild), followed by an egg hunt and a libation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly emphasizes the continued relevance and activity surrounding 'Earth Mysteries', ancient sites, and pagan traditions in Cornwall. The magazine champions the exploration of these subjects through dowsing, archaeological investigation, and personal experience. There is a clear editorial stance supporting the preservation and study of Cornwall's ancient heritage, as evidenced by the coverage of CASPN and LAN activities. The focus on Tintagel and Arthurian legend highlights the enduring appeal of local myths and history. The passing of Hamish Miller underscores the magazine's connection to key figures in the earth energies movement. The overall tone is one of enthusiastic engagement with the landscape, history, and spiritual significance of Cornwall's ancient sites.

Title: MEYN MAMVRO
Issue: 72
Volume: Summer 2010
Publisher: meynmamvro.co.uk
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English
Cover Headline: PATHWAYS TO THE PAST The Tintagel Trail

The Tintagel Trail: A Journey Through History and Legend

The article "Pathways to the Past: The Tintagel Trail" guides readers through a 3-4 mile walk in the Tintagel area of North Cornwall, highlighting a rich tapestry of historical sites, archaeological discoveries, and enduring legends. The trail begins at St. Nectan's Glen, a place steeped in mystery and associated with the 6th-century saint St. Nectan. Tradition holds that St. Nectan occupied a hermitage here, using a silver bell to warn sailors of treacherous coastal rocks. The legend states that upon his death, the bell was dropped into the Kieve (waterfall), where it is said to still ring as an omen. However, researcher Kelvin Jones points out that the name St. Nectan and the associated legends were largely popularized by the Rev. Stephen Hawker in the mid-19th century; prior to this, the site was known as Nathan's Cave.

Near the entrance to St. Nectan's Glen, two monuments are noted. One is a recently re-erected Inscribed Stone, dated to 251 CE, bearing the inscription 'C DOMIN GALLO ET VOLVS'. The other is a holy well dedicated to St. Perran, an older dedication than that to St. Nectan. The well itself is described as having crumbling masonry and old iron, with its water piped off for domestic use.

Continuing the walk, the trail leads to Rocky Valley, where the river from St. Nectan's Glen flows to the sea. Here, approximately halfway down the valley, are rock-cut unicursal labyrinth carvings. These are believed to date from the early Christian period, though a plaque claims a 'Bronze Age' origin, a claim generally not accepted due to their preservation quality and the use of a metal tool for carving. Similar right-handed labyrinths have been found in Ireland, suggesting a possible connection through sea travel.

The path then follows the coast towards Tintagel, passing the Iron Age Cliff Castle of Willapark. The route continues to Barras Nose and then to Tintagel itself, a site featured in detail elsewhere in the magazine. The walk then proceeds to the Parish Church of St. Materiana, built on a site of 5th and 6th-century occupation. Within the church's transept is another Inscribed Stone, dating to around 250 CE, bearing the inscription 'IMP C G VAL LICIN'. The churchyard is of particular interest, with excavations in 1990-1991 uncovering cist graves from the 5th and 6th centuries, indicating it was likely the burial ground for the Tintagel Island community. Finds included an oil jar from the Island and evidence of ritual feasts. A granite marker stone with a hollow top, possibly used for ritual libations, was also found.

Tintagel Island and Castle

The article also delves into Tintagel Island and Castle. The ruins of the castle visible today largely date from the 13th century, with a rectangular walled garden enclosed between the 1230s and 15th century. Prior to the castle, an 11th-century Chapel dedicated to St. Julitta existed on the island, possibly an estate church converted from an earlier ruin. This chapel's use declined when St. Materiana's Church was built on the cliffs opposite. The island features include rock-cut medieval wells and basins, suggesting adequate water supply for temporary occupation. A tunnel, possibly cut by medieval masons, is also present; its purpose is debated, with suggestions ranging from a larder to a mystical or ritualistic site.

Numerous features on the island plateau are associated with Arthurian legends, though these associations largely date from the 19th century. These include King Arthur's Elbow Chair or Bed, Seat, Window, and Footprint. King Arthur's Seat is a natural notch in the cliff, and the seat itself has cupmarks. The 'Footprint', a natural or human-shaped carving on the highest point of the island, is theorized by Prof. Charles Thomas to have been used by pre-Roman Celtic peoples for inaugurations, where a chieftain would stand to gain the right to rule. This practice is known in other Celtic lands and, if true for Tintagel, would make it one of the earliest features of the site, contemporary with the 6th-century remains. Thomas speculates that kings of Dumnonia may have been crowned here.

At the base of the island is Merlin's Cave, accessible at low tide, legendary as the place where Merlin snatched the baby Arthur from the sea. The article notes that even without the legends, Tintagel remains a fascinating and awesome place.

Historical and Archaeological Interpretations

The article discusses the historical and archaeological interpretations of Tintagel. Henry Jenner opined in the early 20th century that Tintagel Castle was "rather a fraud" historically and romantically, though he speculated about its potential as a religious establishment for Celtic saints or monks. Ralegh Radford, in the 1930s, excavated the site and interpreted it as a Dark Age Celtic monastery, evidenced by imported pottery. However, in 1973, Ian Burrow challenged this, suggesting it was an early medieval secular site. A fire in 1983 revealed earlier structures beneath Radford's monastic cells, leading to a re-identification of many structures as medieval, likely 11th-century.

Charles Thomas's 1986 guidebook established Tintagel as a genuine 5th/6th-century high-status stronghold. Investigations led by Christopher Morris and Charles Thomas in 1990 aimed for a more accurate modern assessment, revealing the promontory site was occupied not by monks, but by the entourage of powerful local leaders, who encouraged the import of Mediterranean goods.

Interpretation of Dark Age Power

Neil Faulkner suggests that Tintagel may have been a seat of power for a Dark Age warlord, fitting the Arthurian legend. The article considers potential leaders, discounting King Teudar and focusing on Guedianus, a local leader mentioned in the Life of St Samson. The article also discusses King Mark of the romances, uncle of Tristan, whose summer residence was Tintagel. Gregory of Tours' account of a Breton king Chonomoris, identified with Marcus, king of Dumnonia, is linked to a stone in the Fowey area bearing the names of Conomorus and his son Drustanus or Tristan. However, Charles Thomas views Mark as part of a complex tangle of history, hagiography, and epigraphy, and suggests the reference to Mark at Tintagel might be a relocation from Fowey.

The Oxford genealogical manuscript 'Jesus 20' lists kings of Dumnonia, including Gwrmawr, Tudwawl, Kynmawr (possibly Cunomorus), Custennin, Erbin, and Gereint, whose locations are uncertain beyond Dumnonia.

The Arthur Stone and Dark Age Graves

The so-called Arthur Stone from Tintagel, revealed in 1998, features a Late Roman inscription with superimposed 6th-century names like Paternus, Coliavus, and Artognou. The excavation team suggests these individuals were Dumnonian rulers who controlled shipping. In 1990, several Dark Age graves of Christian affiliation were revealed in Tintagel churchyard, including cist graves and mounded graves. The article concludes by referencing J Cuming Walters' poetic description of Arthur's spirit revisiting Tintagel, suggesting that with the return of the chough to Cornwall, this imagery resonates.

News from Tintagel and Boscastle

Two new discoveries are reported: a cist cemetery with about 40 graves near Boscastle, possibly dating to the 4th century CE, and a well-preserved Bronze Age roundhouse excavated at Trevalga, which may have been the home or workplace of a bronze maker. These finds highlight the area's rich prehistory.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of history, archaeology, and folklore, particularly concerning the Tintagel area and its legendary associations with King Arthur. The editorial stance appears to favor a critical examination of legends, grounding them in archaeological evidence and historical context, while still acknowledging the enduring power and atmosphere of these ancient sites and myths. There is a clear emphasis on presenting recent archaeological findings and scholarly interpretations, challenging older theories and providing a more nuanced understanding of Tintagel's past.

This issue of MEYN MAMVRO, number 72, published in Summer 2010, features a prominent article titled "THE SECRET LAND OF TINTAGEL" by Paul Broadhurst, which is a review of his book of the same name. The magazine also includes a "Noticeboard" section with event listings and a "Book Review" section. The overall theme of the issue appears to be focused on earth mysteries, ancient sites, and geomancy, particularly in Cornwall.

The Secret Land of Tintagel

The main feature delves into Paul Broadhurst's book, "The Secret Land," which explores a series of giant effigies outlined by ancient roads in the landscapes of north and east Cornwall. The article focuses on the first of these effigies: a great Bear defined by features in and around Tintagel and Boscastle. The Bear's outline is traced through ancient roads, with specific landmarks like Tintagel Island (linked to King Arthur, whose name means Great Bear), Boscastle, Pentargon Cove (Arthur's Head), St. Materiana's Church, Minster, Lesnewth, Treworld, Camelford, Slaughterbridge, St. Nectan's Kieve, and the Rocky Valley mazes all identified as part of this landscape carving.

The discovery of this Bear effigy prompted Broadhurst to explore the meaning of the Bear in the pre-Christian era, suggesting it represented timeless principles of cosmic order and was linked to the Great Bear constellation. The article posits that Tintagel may have served as a natural observatory for these celestial bodies.

Further exploration of Tintagel reveals a standing stone in the churchyard of St. Materiana's Church, identified as a potential sighting stone for observing circumpolar stars and constellations. Robin Heath, a leading researcher in megaliths and astroarchaeology, advised that this stone could have been used to view the sky against the horizon of Tintagel Island, creating an artificial horizon for stellar observation. The article describes the potential sight of the Great Bear rising above the island on the Winter Solstice, a spectacle of immense symbolic power.

The article also touches upon Robin Heath's discovery of a geodetic triangle connecting Stonehenge, Lundy, and the Preseli mountains, and how this triangle, when mirrored, aligns with significant Cornish sites, including the Great Bear of Tintagel. This suggests a larger, interconnected design in ancient sites.

Another significant finding discussed is a previously unrecorded stone row near Boscastle, tentatively named "The Arthur Stones." These white quartz boulders, set in a valley, are believed to delineate the eastern extremity of the Great Bear's body and appear to point towards True North, possibly aligning with a specific star in the Great Bear constellation.

The text reflects on the deep connection people feel to certain places, suggesting they harbour ancestral memories and have something to say to us. It laments the loss of contact with the Earth and the arrogance of modern humanity, questioning if ancient sages left messages in the land for us to rediscover lost wisdom.

Book Review: The Secret Land

A separate section provides a detailed review of Paul Broadhurst's book, "The Secret Land." The reviewer notes the book's extensive research and original ideas, covering the "revelation" of gigantic landscape shapes and effigies outlined by natural features, roads, and tracks. It mentions other landscape zodiacs and effigies found by Broadhurst, including lions, a pig, a wolf, a hare, and a giant. The review highlights the book's exploration of place names, significant sites, local history, churches with relevant iconography, and the contributions of archaeo-astronomer Robin Heath regarding stellar alignments.

The review emphasizes that the book links Cornish landscape alignments with those in Wales, forming a geodetic triangle centered on Lundy. It concludes that the book offers a wealth of information, facts, ideas, theories, and possible meanings, leaving the interpretation of a grand design to the reader.

Hamish Miller 1927-2010

This issue also features an obituary for Hamish Miller, a renowned dowser who passed away in January 2010. Miller, born in Scotland, had a successful business career before a near-death experience in 1982 radically changed his life. He became a prominent figure in the dowsing community, making significant discoveries and co-authoring books like "The Sun and the Serpent" and "The Dance of the Dragon." He is credited with bringing the art of dowsing out of obscurity and presenting it to a wider audience interested in Earth Energy investigation. The obituary includes personal recollections from the author, highlighting Miller's gentle energies, deep insights, and his role in forming The Parallel Community, an organization dedicated to fostering a more caring and positive future.

Dowsing the Earth Energies

An article written by Hamish Miller for MEYN MAMVRO in 1988 is also included. In this piece, Miller recounts his early experiences with dowsing, inspired by a talk by Colin Bloy. He describes how he was encouraged to "do it yourself" and subsequently forged his own dowsing rods. The article details his first dowsing experience on Trencrom and his subsequent work in the West Penwith area, which he found to have a compelling pull and strange energies. He relates a legend about two giants on Trencrom and St. Michael's Mount, symbolizing massive exchanges of energy between these sites.

20 Years Ago

This section revisits an article from MM13 (1990) about excavations at Tintagel Churchyard, written by Professor Charles Thomas. The original article discussed the relationship of the churchyard to the island site and its significance. Thomas suggested that before the 12th century, Tintagel Island was considered a citadel of great figures, possibly linked to the King Mark, Tristan, and Isolde story cycle. The island was used sporadically as a seasonal citadel until about AD 600, with finds including imported pottery, dishes, and glass from the Mediterranean, indicating trade and tribute. The article also proposes that the Tintagel parish churchyard, with its cist-graves and mounds, might date back to the 5th and 6th centuries AD, representing a sacred site associated with the military-political occupation of the island.

Noticeboard and Other Sections

The magazine also contains a "Noticeboard" with listings for various events, including Beltane/Summer Events, West Cornwall Dowsers, Tamar Dowsers, Celtic Dowsers, Pathways to the Past, Helston Society for the Antiquarian & Arcane, Ancient Sites Clear-Ups, The Lizard events, and Pagan Moots. There is also a section for "Exchange Magazines" listing various publications related to Earth Mysteries and Paganism, along with subscription details. An advertisement for Liz Allmark's Astrological and Numerological Services is also present.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around ancient landscapes, geomancy, megalithic sites, Arthurian legends, and the exploration of Earth energies. There is a strong emphasis on Cornwall as a region rich in such mysteries. The editorial stance appears to be one of deep respect for ancient knowledge, a belief in the interconnectedness of landscape, history, and cosmology, and an encouragement for readers to explore these connections themselves. The inclusion of both academic research and personal accounts, such as Hamish Miller's dowsing experiences, suggests an open-minded approach to investigating these subjects.

Title: MEYN MAMVRO
Issue: 72
Volume: 72
Date: Summer 2010
Publisher: Meyn Mamvro
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

Article: Earth Energies and Dowsing in Penwith

This issue of Meyn Mamvro features an in-depth account by Hamish Miller regarding his explorations into Earth Energies and dowsing, primarily focusing on the Penwith peninsula in Cornwall, UK. Miller begins by describing his initial experiences with dowsing rods on Trencrom, a hill fort, where he felt a connection to something beyond the five senses. He recounts finding energy lines, which he initially discovered as two bands and later identified as a single line running from Trencrom to St. Michael's Mount. This discovery is described as the beginning of a "dramatic, intriguing, tantalising relationship with what I now believe is our planet Gaia's nervous system."

The Evolution of Energy Lines

Miller details how, after a few weeks, the single line he had initially found had evolved into five lines, and through intensive dowsing and recording over a couple of months, it re-established itself with eight clearly defined bands, spanning approximately six feet in width. He suggests that the strength of the line responded to the awareness that it existed, making it possible for many people, even those new to dowsing, to detect the energy field naturally. This phenomenon brought him great pleasure, observing the expressions of people realizing the rods were moving on their own accord.

Discovering the Earth Energy Centre at Trencrom

Using a different dowsing technique, holding the rods together and sighting along them, Miller discovered that the lines did not consistently point towards St. Michael's Mount as expected. After further investigation, he realized that in the reverse direction, the lines consistently pointed to a specific rock at the top of Trencrom. By identifying this rock, he was able to locate what he describes as the "earth energy centre of this powerful sacred site." From this central point, he observed forty-eight energy lines radiating outwards, described as "spokes of a wheel," discernible up to two hundred yards away. Additionally, a "colossal right hand energy spiral" originated from the source, winding outwards and becoming weaker, covering most of the area around the hill.

Personal Reflections and Lessons

Miller reflects on the nature of these energies, stating they must be treated with care, respect, love, and humility. He believes that a good intent leads to inner peace, while harmful intent results in rejection. He shares a personal anecdote about an "egotistical triumph" where he placed his hand on a stone near the Merry Maidens and received a "violent electric shock," rendering him unable to drive for twenty minutes. This experience taught him a profound lesson about interconnectedness with the earth, emphasizing that "we are one, the earth and us, and we must learn to stop abusing our parent body."

He notes that indigenous peoples like the American Indians, Aborigines, and some African tribes retain a deeper understanding of humanity's relationship with the earth, which modern society has largely lost. He suggests that the stones and sacred sites hold knowledge desperately needed by contemporary people, which will be shared with those who demonstrate care.

Hamish Miller's Works

The magazine includes a comprehensive list of Hamish Miller's published books and DVDs, detailing their titles, co-authors, publishers, and publication years. Notable books include "The Sun and the Serpent" (1989), "It's Not Too Late" (1998), "The Dance of the Dragon" (2000), "The definitive wee book on Dowsing" (2002), and "In Search of the Southern Serpent" (2006). A forthcoming book, "A Life Divined," co-authored with Nigel Twinn, is listed for 2010. The list also includes DVDs such as "The Spirit of the Serpent," "Hamish on the Parallel Community," and "Diverse Dowsing."

Event Announcement

The issue concludes with an announcement for a "Celebration of Hamish" to be held at the Parallel Community Open Day on May 8th at Treviscoe, near Lelant.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are Earth Energies, dowsing, sacred sites, and the spiritual connection between humanity and the Earth. The editorial stance, as conveyed through Hamish Miller's writing, is one of reverence for natural energies, advocating for respectful interaction with the environment, and highlighting the ancient wisdom held within sacred places. There is a clear emphasis on the importance of intent and humility when engaging with these powerful forces.