Meyn Mamvro - No 076 - Autumn 2011

Magazine Overview

Title: Meyn Mamvro
Issue: 76
Date: Autumn 2011
Price: £2.70
Publisher: Meyn Mamvro
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of Meyn Mamvro, a magazine dedicated to ancient stones and sacred sites in Cornwall, delves into a variety of topics related to the region's rich history, folklore, and pagan traditions. The cover features artwork depicting mythical creatures and highlights key articles on piskies, standing stones, spirits in rocks, the Winter Solstice, CASPN & LAN, new prehistoric finds, and dowsing news, with a note that all photos are in full colour.

Contents

The issue includes an editorial, followed by a comprehensive list of articles covering a wide range of subjects:

• Editorial: Page 1
• Dowsing News: Page 2
• Spring into Summer 2011: Page 4
• Penwith Pagan Moot: Page 5
• CASPN & LAN: Page 6
• Recent Prehistoric finds: Page 7
• Uncovering the Lizard: 4 - Chynhalls Point: Page 8
• The Tide Rock - Keith Rundle: Page 9
• Winter Solstice 2010 at Chûn Quoit - Cheryl Straffon & Lana Jarvis: Page 10
• In-Site: Chûn Quoit & Castle: Page 12
• Faces in the rocks, Spirits in the stones - Cheryl Straffon: Page 14
• Pixies and standing stones: a cult of the dead - Brendan McMahon: Page 18
• Book Reviews: Page 22
• A tale of two Osses: Page 23
• 20 years ago: Mazey Day 1991: Page 24

The magazine also provides contact information for Meyn Mamvro, including their address, phone number, and email, as well as details about their publications.

Key Articles and Features

Tregeseal Common Controversy

An article on page 3 discusses ongoing controversy at Tregeseal Common regarding cows rubbing against and dislodging stones in the Tregeseal Circle. The Save Penwith Moors (SPM) group advocates for removing the longhorn cattle altogether, citing repeated archaeological damage. English Heritage is exploring more robust repairs and considering placing new stones away from the circle to deter the cattle. The farmer, Kenny Trembath, plans to manage grazing by burning off areas and using ponies in winter. Meanwhile, a nearby holed stone has fallen and broken; English Heritage will repair it. The article concludes with a request for a penfriend for Rosemary White, who lives in Ireland.

Dowsing News

Pages 4 and 5 detail recent dowsing activities. The West Cornwall Dowsers visited Rosewall Hill, identifying a gatepost with strong energy and a potential 'viewing platform' alignment. They also explored a Bronze Age barrow and a tor with a 'view frame'. Tamar Dowsers investigated an earth alignment on Bodmin Moor, linking stone circles and barrows. Further dowsing by West Cornwall Dowsers at Eagles Nest explored Sperris Quoit and identified potential excarnation platforms and energy spots. They also investigated barrows on Nanjulian Headland and the Cliff Castle of Carn Les Boel.

Spring into Summer 2011 Events

Page 6 covers early spring and summer events. The season began with the well-clear and blessing of dollies at Fenton Bebibell on Good Friday. The 23rd annual Maypole Dance took place in St.Just with a new venue and musicians. Beltane celebrations for the Penwith Pagan Moot were cancelled due to bad weather, but the 4th Penzance May Horns event proceeded. The Padstow Obby Oss Day and Helston Furry Dance also occurred. The issue highlights the 23rd annual Three Wells Walk and mentions Midsummer bonfires and Penzance's Golowan Festival.

Penwith Pagan Moot

Written by Eve Benney, this section (pages 7) details two pagan rituals. The Spring Equinox ritual was held at Crean Mill, involving decorating eggs as symbols of hope and fertility, with a 'Hare of Spring' adding a playful element. The Beltane meeting at Boscawen-ûn Stone Circle was cancelled due to severe weather. Instead, a Midsummer solstice celebration took place at Ballowal Barrow, focusing on fire, the Sun, and the dragon symbolism, culminating in finding a 'serpent's egg' as a talisman.

CASPN & LAN News Round-Up

Page 8 provides updates from the Cornish Ancient Sites Protection Network (CASPN) and the Lizard Ancient Sites Network (LAN). CASPN is now permanently managing Lesingey Round, an Iron Age hill fort. 'Pathways to the Past' events included guided walks and talks on Bartinney, Chapel Carn Brea, Nine Maidens Common, and The Tinners Way. The Kernow Search and Recovery Group also presented their findings. Contact details for CASPN, FOCAS (Friends of Cornwall's Ancient Sites), and LAN are provided.

Recent Prehistoric Finds

Page 9 details several significant prehistoric discoveries. A rare gold Iron Age pendant, found in 2008, is being acquired by the Royal Cornwall Museum. A Bronze Age gold lunula, discovered in 1783, was loaned to the Penlee Museum. An excavation at Tremough Campus yielded four Bronze Age moulds, suggesting a worker's forge. A unique Bronze Age hoard of 47 artefacts, including axe-heads and daggers, was found at St. Michael's Mount, providing evidence of Bronze Age use of the site.

Uncovering the Lizard: Chynhalls Point

This section (page 10) focuses on Chynhalls Point cliff castle on the Lizard peninsula. It describes the site as a rocky headland with two banks and a ditch, possibly used for retreat, trade, or ceremonies. LAN has been involved in clearing the site, and a serpent carving was discovered there.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Meyn Mamvro strongly emphasizes the importance of preserving Cornwall's ancient sites and cultural heritage. There is a clear focus on pagan traditions, folklore, and the practice of dowsing as a means of understanding these sites. The magazine actively promotes archaeological discoveries and the work of local heritage networks like CASPN and LAN. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocacy for the protection of these sites and the promotion of a deeper understanding of their historical and spiritual significance. The inclusion of reader requests, such as the penfriend notice, suggests an aim to foster community engagement among those interested in Cornwall's ancient past and esoteric subjects.

Title: MEYN MAMVRO
Issue: 76
Date: Autumn 2011

This issue of MEYN MAMVRO delves into the rich folklore, megalithic heritage, and astronomical alignments of Cornwall, UK. It features articles on local legends, ancient sites, and the spiritual beliefs of past cultures.

The Tide Rock - A Legend from Goonhilly Downs

This article by Keith Rundle investigates the legend of The Tide Rock, a large rock on Goonhilly Downs near Coverack. Local legend states that a pool on the rock fills at high tide and diminishes as the tide recedes. Rundle recounts his personal quest to find the rock, recalling a childhood visit and his father's stories. After fruitless inquiries, he sought local help and was directed to the rock. He visited the site when the tide was about one-third of the way in, observing that the water in the pool was indeed fresh, not saline, and occupied about one-third of the depth to a moss line. Rundle theorizes that underground fissures might play a role, potentially pushing fresh water inland and causing a pressure surge that fills the rock's crevice to form the pool. He concludes that whether the legend is true or not, the experience offered a sense of tranquility.

Winter Solstice 2010 at Chûn Quoit

Cheryl Straffon and Lana Jarvis describe the magical occasion of the Winter Solstice on December 21st, 2010, which coincided with a total eclipse of the full moon. This rare event, the first such occurrence in Britain in over 450 years, happened at the dawn of the solstice, blending lunar and solar energies. The timing allowed for visibility of the eclipsed moon from around 7:40 am until sunrise at 8:30 am in West Penwith. Lana, working in Helston, witnessed the full moon eclipse turn deep red, while Cheryl saw the beginning of the eclipse before cloud obscured the view. The solstice day itself offered a perfect sunset. The authors drove to Chûn Quoit, a megalithic site, where they witnessed the sun setting into a distinctive notch on the natural rocky outcrop of Carn Kenidjack. They discuss how the Quoit may have been deliberately placed by megalithic builders to observe this phenomenon, a theory supported by alignments observed in 1989. Despite annual pilgrimages by the Cornish Earth Mysteries Group, clear views were rare due to overcast conditions, though individuals sometimes observed the alignment a few days either side of the solstice. The article emphasizes that the alignment only works precisely at the Quoit, suggesting deliberate construction. They describe the sunset as the sun hovering over the notch before slowly sinking into it, an awe-inspiring sight that touched their souls.

Chûn Quoit & Castle

This section focuses on the megalithic monument of Chûn Quoit and the nearby Iron Age hill fort of Chûn Castle. Chûn Quoit, located on a high spot on the West Penwith moors, is described as the only Quoit still almost perfectly preserved. It consists of a chamber formed by four large slabs supporting a convex capstone, surrounded by a low circular mound and part of a kerb. A cupmark is present on the capstone. The article reiterates that the midwinter solstice sun sets in a distinctive notch over Carn Kenidjack when viewed from the Quoit, and mentions an energy line connecting Chûn Castle, the Quoit, and Carn Kenidjack. It also notes a visual alignment from Portherras Common entrance grave to the Quoit. Anomalous multi-coloured lights were observed at the Quoit in 1979, and a high radioactive count (123% higher than the environment) was noted by archaeologist John Barnatt, with Paul Devereux commenting on its potential relation to the lights.

Chûn Quoit dates from the Neolithic period (3500-2500 BCE) and is among the earliest prehistoric monuments in Cornwall. These sites were likely non-utilitarian, possibly serving as repositories for the dead, where bodies were laid out for excarnation. The article suggests they might have been places for tribal consultation with ancestral spirits. A few hundred yards away lie the remains of Chûn Castle, an Iron Age hill fort from the 3rd century BCE. Despite being robbed of stone, much of its structure remains, including concentric granite walls and ditches. The site was re-occupied in the sixth century CE with stone houses and a tin smelting furnace. The castle was an important Iron Age and early Christian site, possibly a meeting place for tribes and a hub for tin production and trade, situated along 'The Tinners Way'.

Faces in the Rocks - Spirits in the Stones

Cheryl Straffon explores the ancient belief that natural stones, rocks, and tors were considered dwelling places for spirits, particularly departed ancestors. Citing archaeologists Dick Cole and Andy M. Jones, the article suggests that landscapes were seen as creations of spirits, gods, or ancestors, with significant natural features acting as homes for these entities or gateways to other worlds. The shape of Roche Rock, for instance, is described as resembling a stone head. The article posits that ancient peoples, viewing the natural world as alive and inhabited by spirits, would have recognized such features. While ancient names are unknown, modern examples include rocky outcrops named after historical figures due to perceived resemblances, such as Dr. Johnson's Head. Legends, like that of the 'Irish Lady' rock stack, show how shapes can give rise to legends or vice versa. The Cailleach Bheara stone in Ireland, believed to be a petrified hag, exemplifies this, with offerings still made to it.

The article discusses other Cornish sites, including the Merry Maidens stone circle, where stones are thought to be petrified maidens, and the Pipers standing stones. It also mentions the Boscawen-ûn stone circle and The Blind Fiddler standing stone, linked to similar legends. Some researchers suggest that megalithic people deliberately chose or shaped stones to resemble human forms, particularly heads and faces, citing examples at Avebury. Stones with such features are found in Cornwall, including Boswens menhir, Music Water menhir, and Long Rock menhir.

Other sites with suggestive stones include Duloe stone circle, where a prominent stone resembles a 'Crone' or 'Cailleach' shape. Bosiliack Barrow features an 'ancestor stone' with an ancient face-like appearance. The article also notes stones with animal shapes, such as the 'Animal' rock guarding a barrow on Chapel Carn Brea, reflecting the prehistoric human relationship with animals and their perceived spiritual presence. The significance of animals like dogs (chthonic, guiding to the Other World), horses (associated with the Goddess Epona), and ravens (emissaries between humans and gods) is discussed. The 'Nag's Head' rock on St. Agnes in the Isles of Scilly and 'Dropnose Point' on Gugh are presented as examples of animal and human-shaped rocks, respectively, potentially part of ancient ceremonial paths.

Pixies and Standing Stones: A Cult of the Dead?

Brendan McMahon examines the origins of folklore, critiquing modern science's assumptions and the 19th-century folklore studies that often imposed racist subtexts. He focuses on the belief in pixies, particularly in Cornwall, where they were widely regarded as the spirits of the dead. The 'knockers' in mines were believed to be the souls of Jews deported by Romans, while 'pisgies' or pixies were thought to be the souls of prehistoric inhabitants. This belief in fairies as spirits of the dead is also found in Ireland and the Isle of Man, where they occupy a liminal space between the living and the dead. Pixies were seen as existing on boundaries of space and time, and while sometimes benign (like helping farmers), they could also be cruel, blinding those who discovered their secrets or abducting human babies. However, they were also known to be kind, as illustrated by a story of a lost child returned to his parents.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently explores the intersection of the natural landscape, ancient history, and enduring folklore in Cornwall. The articles highlight a deep respect for the land and its ancient inhabitants, suggesting that natural features were imbued with spiritual significance and that legends and beliefs have persisted through millennia. The magazine appears to adopt a stance that values these historical and cultural narratives, presenting them as integral to understanding the region's identity and the human relationship with the natural and supernatural worlds. There is a recurring theme of seeking meaning in ancient sites and natural formations, often linking them to astronomical events, ancestral spirits, and a worldview where the spiritual and physical realms are closely intertwined.

References

[1] Journeys to the Rock, archaeological investigations at Tregarrick Farm, Roche" Cornish Archaeology 41-42 p.136.
[2] Terence Meaden "The secrets of the Avebury stones" (Souvenir Press, 1999)
[3] Paul Devereux "Sacred Geography" (Octopus, 2010)

Title: MEYN MAMVRO
Issue: 76
Volume: 76
Date: Autumn 2011
Publisher: Meyn Mamvro
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English
ISSN: 0966-5897

This issue of Meyn Mamvro, a magazine focused on earth mysteries and folklore, delves into the rich tapestry of Cornish traditions, particularly concerning folklore, paganism, and historical societal challenges.

Folklore and Infant Mortality in Cornwall

The issue opens by addressing the very real threat of child loss in Cornwall during the late 19th century. It highlights the high infant mortality rate (150.0-149.9 per 1000) and early childhood mortality rates, exacerbated by diseases like whooping cough, measles, and scarlet fever, as well as the great influenza pandemic of 1918-19. The text explores the potential connection between these losses and the folklore of fairy changelings. It is suggested that the concept of changelings may have served as a psychological coping mechanism for parents, allowing them to dissociate from the grief and perceived inadequacy associated with congenital disorders, which were poorly understood at the time and are now known to affect about one in twenty babies.

A specific tale illustrates this theme: Betty Stoggs of Towednack Moor, who reportedly left her baby alone, only to find it later beautifully cleaned and wrapped, suggesting fairy intervention. This story is linked to the belief that pixies, a dying race, needed to steal human babies to survive, reinforcing the vulnerability of infants and the importance of parental supervision.

The Nature and Origins of Pixies

The article probes the nature of pixies, suggesting they might represent the remnants of a small, ancient race. This theory, though considered by some to be based on confusion with other terms, associates pixies with the dead. The folklore project, in general, reflects a lament for the passing of fairies and their stories in the 19th century. The issue also touches upon the idea that pixie or pisgey stories, while ancient, may have been influenced by transmissions from Ireland, possibly representing vestiges of ancestor worship.

Historical Hardship and Folklore

The context of the 19th century in Cornwall is further elaborated, describing it as a traumatic period marked by the loss of the Cornish language, significant emigration, and widespread hardship. The 'hungry forties' saw crop failures, soaring food prices, and riots, with little choice for many between emigration or starvation. It is proposed that these folklore stories, including those about pixies, helped communities to accommodate loss and change by embodying these fears in narrative, serving a vital psychological need.

Ancient Sites and Death Cults

The magazine explores the connection between folklore and ancient sites, particularly stone circles and megaliths. It notes that pixies are often associated with remote moorland locations where these stones are found. Sites like the Hurlers on Bodmin Moor, the Trippet Stones, the Nine Maidens at Wendron, and the Boskednan stone circle are mentioned. Cromlechs, such as those at Lanyon and Trethevy, are identified as prehistoric burial chambers, sometimes called 'Giants Graves'. Natural rock formations also carry legends, like the rock at Pedn-men-du representing a shipwrecked Irish lady, and the 'Hellstone' at Helston said to bring death. Charles Thomas speculates that these stones might have been seen as habitats for ancestral spirits.

The Museum of Witchcraft Review

A book review highlights 'The Museum of Witchcraft: a magical history', published by The Occult Art Company. The book celebrates the 60th anniversary of the museum's founding by Cecil Williamson and its 50th anniversary of moving to Boscastle. It features contributions from various individuals involved with the museum, detailing its history, its relationship with figures like Gerald Gardner, and the efforts to restore it after the 2004 Boscastle floods. The review notes that the book goes beyond mere celebration, touching on the deeper themes of those executed as witches and the re-burying of Joan Wytte's skeleton.

Festivals and Paganism: Golowan and Mazey Day

The issue revisits the revival of the Golowan Festival and Mazey Day in Penzance, first reported in MM16 from Autumn/Winter 1991. The article details the controversy surrounding the Obby Oss tradition. Initially, the festival was seen as a revival of old pagan midsummer solstice rituals. However, a dispute arose in 2008 when the original Obby Oss, Penglaze, was withdrawn, leading to the creation of a new Oss, Penglaz. This was followed by further conflict in December 2010 when the new Golowan Director banned the Latham-Jones Penglaz and distanced the festival from pagan associations. This caused significant controversy. The article also introduces Penkevyll, a reborn Oss merged with a Border Morris tradition by Cassandra and Laetitia Latham-Jones, who aim to express a wild, anarchic part of culture.

'20 Years Ago' Feature

This section reflects on a 1991 report about the revival of the Golowan Festival and Mazey Day. It includes a letter from a resident, Mrs Gillian Bailey, who was appalled by the 'paganism' of the celebrations, comparing it to 'Old Testament times'. An editorial reply defends the festival as a celebration of summer, fertility, and kinship with nature, suggesting that pagan paths offer a positive morality. The article notes that similar controversies and debates about paganism have continued over the years.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of folklore, paganism, and local history in Cornwall. It highlights the resilience of traditions and their role in helping communities cope with hardship and loss. The editorial stance appears to be one of documenting and understanding these traditions, acknowledging their psychological and cultural significance, while also presenting differing viewpoints, as seen in the discussion of the Golowan Festival controversies. The magazine also serves as a platform for promoting related publications, events, and organizations within the earth mysteries and pagan communities.