Meyn Mamvro - No 080 - Winter 2013

Magazine Overview

Title: Meyn Mamvro
Issue: No. 80
Date: Winter-Spring 2013
Price: £2.90
Subtitle: ancient stones and sacred sites in cornwall

This issue of Meyn Mamvro delves into the rich tapestry of Cornwall's ancient heritage, focusing on stone rows, sacred sites, and archaeological investigations. The cover prominently features the headline "STONE ROWS - WHERE THE SHAMANS WALKED?" alongside other article teasers like "HOME SWEET ANCIENT HOME" and "CARWYNNEN QUOIT EXCAVATION". The magazine also notes that "ALL PHOTOS NOW IN FULL COLOUR".

Contents and Key Articles

The contents page lists a diverse range of articles, including:

• Editorial: (p. 1)
• Dowsing News: (p. 2) Reports on various dowsing activities and findings across Cornwall.
• Investigating Carwynnen Quoit: (p. 4) Details the archaeological work at the Carwynnen Quoit, a Neolithic dolmen.
• CASPN & LAN: (p. 6) News from the Cornish Ancient Sites Protection Network and Lizard Ancient Sites Network regarding their site clear-up activities.
• Home Sweet Ancient Home: 1 - Goldherring: (p. 7) Explores the Courtyard House settlement of Goldherring in West Penwith.
• News: (p. 8)
• Missing Menhirs: 9 - Crowpound stone: (p. 9)
• Penwith Pagan Moot: (p. 10)
• Book Reviews: (p. 11)
• In Site: Stone rows on Bodmin Moor: (p. 12) An examination of stone rows in the Bodmin Moor area.
• Searle's Down: a newly discovered stone row: (p. 16) An article by Peter Herring on a newly found stone row.
• Walking the Shaman's path: the use of stone rows in Cornwall: (p. 18) Explores the spiritual and shamanic significance of stone rows.
• 20 years ago: holed stone alignment near the Merry Maidens: (p. 24) A look back at a holed stone alignment.

Dowsing News (Pages 2, 4, 5)

The "Dowsing News" section provides updates on the activities of various dowsing groups. The West Cornwall Dowsers visited Carwynnen Quoit, investigating its original entrance and identifying energy lines and a processional path. They also visited Rock Villa, where a mound was dowsed as a former tomb. Trencrom Dowsers visited Sancreed Beacon and Caer Bran hill fort, dowsing for barrows and hut circles. They also identified an energy line and found a five-sided stone. Tamar Dowsers demonstrated dowsing at Cotehele House and visited Trefranck Farm. West Cornwall Dowsers began their winter programme with visits to Alsia Well and Balowall Barrow. Trencrom Dowsers held their AGM and planned future talks, including one on the "Mary/Michael Pilgrim Route" by Richard Dealler, author of books on the subject. Sig Lonegren, author of "Sacred Space Handbook," was scheduled to give a talk on labyrinths.

Investigating Carwynnen Quoit (Pages 4, 6, 7)

This detailed article covers the history and recent archaeological investigations of Carwynnen Quoit, a Neolithic dolmen in West Penwith. The site, acquired by the Sustainable Trust, underwent preliminary digs in July 2012, revealing flint tools and stone settings. In September 2012, the stones were moved for a three-week excavation led by HE's Jackie Nowakowski and James Gossip. The excavation uncovered original socket holes, pottery, a greenstone pestle, and unusual small granite balls. A pavement of small stones, possibly a hard-standing, was also found. The evidence suggests Carwynnen Quoit served as a community monument and a place for commemorative events over 5-6,000 years ago. The article notes that the site is being recovered, with plans for further excavation and eventual restoration. Information and photos were provided by Pip Richards and the Sustainable Trust.

CASPN & LAN News Round-Up (Page 8)

The Cornish Ancient Sites Protection Network (CASPN) and Lizard Ancient Sites Network (LAN) reported on their site clear-up activities in West Penwith and the Lizard during the summer and autumn of 2012. CASPN cleared sites including Bosiliack, Boscawen-ûn stone circle, Nine Maidens barrows, Tregeseal stone circle, Bosullow Trehyllis, Mulfra, Bodrifty, and Lesingey Round. LAN cleared Poldowrian hut circle, Roskruge Barton barrow, St.Rumons church, and the Three Brothers of Grugwith, where they discovered an unrecorded line of enclosing stones. The article encourages participation in clear-ups and mentions the "Pathways to the Past" event in May 2013. Contact details for CASPN, LAN, and FOCAS are provided.

Home Sweet Ancient Home: Goldherring (Page 9)

This article explores the Courtyard House settlement of Goldherring in West Penwith. Previously buried by gorse, the site was cleared by PAROW and is now accessible. Dating from the Romano-Celtic period, excavations from 1958-62 revealed round houses, a bronze fibula, and evidence of pottery making. A terraced field system was also present. The Courtyard House was built over earlier round houses, and the site was later adapted for tin smelting. Sancreed Beacon is identified as a local sacred hill overlooking the site. Dowsing indicated the spiritual centre was the hut circle, and the site was occupied by 35-40 people, offering a peaceful atmosphere.

Neolithic Enclosure Found at Truro (Page 10)

Archaeologists discovered the remains of a Neolithic enclosure in Truro, dating to 3800-2400 BCE. The enclosure features two segments of ditch and a causeway. Its exact form (causewayed enclosure or henge) is uncertain. The site is located on a striking topographical saddle. Features within the ditches include pits with Peterborough Ware and Grooved Ware, and a unique slate disc with geometric patterns. Similar artefacts have been found elsewhere in the British Isles.

Scilly Engraved Pottery On Display (Page 10)

An engraved ware pottery piece, dating from the late Bronze/early Iron Age (1000-800 BCE), recovered from St.Agnes on the Isles of Scilly, is now on display at the National Maritime Museum in Falmouth. Some suggest the engravings represent a masted boat, though this is not certain. Sean Taylor suggested it might depict a Phoenician trading vessel. A CAS talk on recent work on the Isles of Scilly was scheduled for March 14th, 2013.

Publications and Events

The magazine also promotes "Meyn Mamvro Publications," including "Pagan Cornwall," "Megalithic Mysteries of Cornwall," and "Fentynyow Kernow." It also lists "Earth Mysteries Guides to Ancient Sites" volumes covering different areas of Cornwall. Information on ordering these publications is provided.

Upcoming events mentioned include talks by Richard Dealler on the "Mary/Michael Pilgrim Route," Sig Lonegren on labyrinths, and Robin Heath on Earth Mysteries. A CAS talk on the Isles of Scilly was also scheduled.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the preservation and understanding of Cornwall's ancient landscape and heritage. There is a strong emphasis on archaeological discoveries, the significance of megalithic sites, and the practices of dowsing and Earth energies. The magazine highlights the challenges faced by conservation efforts due to funding cuts and the increasing reliance on volunteer organizations. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocacy for the protection of these ancient sites and the promotion of public engagement with Cornwall's rich history and mystical traditions.

This issue of MEYN MAMVRO, number 80, published in Winter-Spring 2013, is dedicated to exploring aspects of Cornwall's ancient landscape and pagan traditions. The magazine features articles on missing megalithic stones, pagan celebrations, and detailed guides to archaeological sites, particularly stone rows.

Missing Menhirs - Cornwall's Lost Stones: Crowpound Stone

The issue opens with an article detailing the disappearance of the Crowpound Menhir, a stone listed in Robin Payne's 'The Romance of the Stones'. Originally described as a 1.5m high stone at a crossroads near St.Neot, it was found to be missing. An investigation using GPS suggested its original location was about 150 yards west of the crossroads. However, the correct grid reference for the crossroads was SX1747 6777, where a modern signpost now stands. The stone is not listed in the Historic Environment Record, but a photo by 'Ocifant' (Mark Camp) confirmed its presence at the crossroads previously. Further inquiry with Cornwall Council and Ian Thompson from the Milestone Society led to information from St.Neot Parish Council that the stone had been 'reused for other signage' at the southern end of Goonzion Downs. A search at another crossroads found a stone at SX1740 6689, similar in size but with a levelled top and a finger post. The author laments this fate, noting the stone's top has been defaced but it has not been completely destroyed.

Pagan Pages: Penwith Pagan Moot by Eve Salthouse

This section covers the activities of the Penwith Pagan Moot. The article describes their Midsummer Solstice celebration at the Merry Maidens, focusing on honouring ancestors and the stones as a physical bond. They also celebrated Lammas (First Harvest) by making corn dollies at Trencrom, a custom dating back thousands of years, where the corn dolly was believed to house the Spirit of the Corn. The Autumn Equinox celebration was hampered by bad weather, forcing a change of venue from Chapel Carn Brea to a more sheltered location. The moot's seasonal celebrations are open to all and are held at various ancient sites.

Pagan Pages: Book Reviews

Two book reviews are featured:

• The Black Toad by Gemma Gary: Published by Troy Books (2012), this book is described as a collection of fascinating magical practices and lore from Westcountry witchcraft and magic, including spells, charms, blessings, and curses, drawing on spirit forces, Faerie lore, and Christian sources. A notable anecdote describes a tradition of bringing a black toad to a new property for blessings of good fortune.
• Spirit Chaser: the Quest for Bega by Alex Langstone: Published by Spirit of Albion Books (2012), this book is an updated account of the author's search for the Cumbrian saint/Goddess figure Bega. It details psychic questing, esoteric exploration, and spiritual fulfillment, including Alex Langstone's journey to Cornwall and his search for Elen of Cornwall. The review highlights the book's exploration of St.Bega, the sacredness of the British landscape, and the experience of divine esoteric reality.

The Stone Rows of Bodmin Moor

This is a significant feature, presented as a 4-page guide to the stone rows of Bodmin Moor, acting as a lead-in to a more detailed article on pages 16-18. It identifies nine definite stone rows and two possible sites, detailing their locations, grid references (NGR), orientations, and the number and condition of stones.

Sites covered include:

• Trehudreth Downs [SX1247 7295]: Two sections on a NE-SW axis, 350m apart, with upright, recumbent, and buried stones. A standing stone marks the southern end.
• Colvannick Tor [SX1282 7187]: A row oriented NW-SE, approximately 378m long, with upright, leaning, and recumbent stones. It has a tall upright stone at the southern end and a shorter one at the northern end.
• Searle's Down [SX1759 7122]: A newly discovered site, a 66m long straight row of 32 stones, aligned SSE. It is located on low-lying land beside Colliford Lake. The article notes that reservoir wave action has scoured soil, leaving only 15 stones on edge.
• Carneglos [SX1988 7740]: A row of 34 (possibly 36) stones aligned WSW-ENE, located on a WSW facing hillslope. Many stones are upright but lean, and some are barely visible. It appears to point towards a cove-like feature.
• Tolborough Tor [SX1756 7786]: A small row of 5 stones extending NW towards a cairn at the top of the Tor. The stones are very small.
• East Moor [SX2245 7801]: A long row (560m) extending NNE to SSW, with 21 identifiable stones (4 upright, rest recumbent). It has a blocking stone at the SSW end, possibly aligned with ring cairns and a 'ritual enclosure'.
• Possible Site: Fox Tor [SX2302 7862]: Described as a stone setting rather than a row, with two upright slabs and lesser blocks.
• Leskernick [SX1884 7988]: A row approximately 316m long, oriented ENE/WSW, situated between two stone circles. It consists of at least 27 exposed stones, with only two still standing. The row dips to a stream, offering a view of Rough Tor.
• Buttern Hill [SX1693 8158]: A disturbed row of 21 small stones, oriented ENE-WSW, about 78m long. It is located in a boggy area and is difficult to access.
• Craddock Moor [SX2402 7214]: A well-defined but disturbed row, now 244m long, on a NE-SW axis. It comprises 85 closely spaced stones. At the NE end, a right angle turn leads to an alignment with a stone circle and avenue.
• Possible Site: Langstone Downs [SX2538 7379]: A possible row of 15 small stones extending 50-55m in a WSW-ENE line.

Searle's Down - A Newly-Discovered Stone Row by Peter Herring

This article details the discovery of the Searle's Down stone row, found while walking around Colliford Lake reservoir during a period of low water levels in 2006. It is described as a 66m (71yd) long straight line of 32 stones. The row's SSE end likely continues into the reservoir. Field evidence suggests the area has not been intensively farmed, preserving prehistoric remains. The row does not conform to the rectilinear pattern of nearby fields. There appears to be no terminal feature at the uphill NNW end. Reservoir wave action has scoured soil, leaving about 15 stones on edge. Gaps between stones range from 0.6m to 0.9m, and it's estimated there were originally 34 to 39 more stones. The article notes that six stones were lost to a hollow-way, and others may have been removed by modern stone-splashers.

Further details on the Searle's Down site are provided, including measurements of the stones (tiny, none longer than 0.5m, standing stones rising no more than 0.2m). The stones are irregular in shape and quality. Nicholas Johnson's 1994 observation that six of the seven known Bodmin Moor rows had southern terminals is mentioned, and Searle's Down also has a southern terminal orthostat. The article discusses Frances Griffith's excavation of three round cairns at the site in 1977-8, which provided radiocarbon dating evidence placing the cairn and orthostat from the early second millennium BC (calibrated to 2040-1620 cal BC), representing the tightest dating evidence for a stone row in south-west Britain.

Walking the Shaman's Path - The Use of Stone Rows in Cornwall by Cheryl Straffon

This article discusses the interpretation of stone rows, moving beyond the archaeological description of them as 'enigmas'. It references Aubrey Burl's work in defining and classifying stone rows. The focus is on Cornwall's stone rows, particularly those on Bodmin Moor, which are described as mainly single rows of small stones that wander in roughly straight lines. These are compared to Dartmoor rows, which tend to be larger and more impressive. The article suggests that migrants from Dartmoor may have followed ridges to reach Bodmin Moor. It identifies five distinct geographical areas for stone rows on Bodmin Moor: East Moor/Fox Tor, Leskernick/Buttern Hill, Craddock Moor/Langstone Downs, Carneglos/Searle's Down/Tolborough Tor, and Trehudreth Downs/Colvannick Tor. The author questions the use of these rows, noting that they often start and finish nowhere in particular and are not closely related to significant monuments like stone circles.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of archaeology, folklore, and paganism, with a strong focus on the ancient landscape of Cornwall. There is a clear interest in megalithic structures, particularly stone rows and menhirs, and their potential meanings and uses. The editorial stance appears to be one of scholarly inquiry combined with an appreciation for the spiritual and cultural significance of these sites, encouraging readers to engage with and understand their local heritage. The inclusion of book reviews and details of pagan moot activities further reinforces this focus on contemporary paganism and its historical roots.

MEYN MAMVRO | 80 | Winter-Spring 2013

This issue of Meyn Mamvro, number 80, published in Winter-Spring 2013, delves into the fascinating world of prehistoric stone rows, primarily focusing on sites in Cornwall. The magazine's website is meynmamvro.co.uk/archive. The cover headline highlights 'Stone Rows', and the issue explores their potential astronomical alignments and the experiential aspects of walking them.

Stone Rows and Solar Alignments

The main article examines several stone rows across Cornwall, including those on Bodmin Moor (Trehudreth Downs, Craddock Moor, Colvannick Tor, Leskernick, Buttern Hill, Tolborough Tor, Langstone Downs), and others in the west of the county (Nine Maidens on St.Breock Downs, Treveglos near Zennor). The author, referencing researchers like Aubrey Burl, Christopher Tilley, and Peter Herring, investigates whether these rows have consistent orientations and astronomical sightlines.

While some rows show no significant solar alignment, others are oriented towards key solar points. For instance, Trehudreth Downs and Craddock Moor face NE-SW, aligning with midsummer solstice sunrise and midwinter solstice sunset. Colvannick Tor aligns NW-SE with midsummer solstice sunset and midwinter solstice sunrise. Leskernick and Buttern Hill face ENE-WSW, aligning with Beltane/Lammas sunrise and Imbolc/Samhain sunset. Tolborough Tor and Langstone Downs also exhibit significant orientations related to solar events.

Out of ten known orientations for definite and possible stone rows, seven have significant alignments, with four at the main solar points and three at the cross-quarter days.

'Perspectival Effects' and Landscape Bursts

Beyond simple astronomical alignment, the article highlights the concept of 'perspectival effects' or 'view bursts' associated with walking these stone rows. As one walks along a row, specific landscape features, such as prominent hills (tors), may appear or disappear, or be framed by the landscape. This is thought to have been a deliberate design element, intended to create spiritual experiences or revelations for those walking the row, possibly in a meditative or altered state of consciousness.

• Examples include:
• Buttern Hill: Brown Willy disappears from view, and a significant visual burst occurs at the terminal stone, revealing a Neolithic pseudo-quoit on Leskernick Hill. Peter Herring suggests this effect might be height-dependent, possibly linked to adolescent rites of passage.
• Tolborough Tor: Though a short row, it is suggested to align with a sixth upright. Upon reaching the cairn, a spectacular view opens up, revealing tors like Brown Willy, Catshole, Butterstor, and Garrow. This could have been a dramatic spiritual experience or a 'trigger' for communion with ancestors and deities, especially if walked at summer solstice sunset.
• Leskernick: Walking the row from ENE to WSW leads the eye towards Leskernick Hill. Crossing a stream marks a liminal boundary. Climbing the row from the stream in a WSW direction reveals Rough Tor. Alignments with solar events at Samhain, Imbolc, Beltane, or Lugnasad are also possible depending on the direction of walk and time of year.

Nine Maidens and Treveglos Rows

Moving west, the Nine Maidens row (St.Breock Downs) and the Treveglos row (Zennor) are examined. The Nine Maidens row, oriented SSW to NNE, is noted for its tall stones. The northern end has a gap leading to the stump of a standing stone known as the Magi Stone, Fiddler, or Old Man, considered a terminal pillar. Aubrey Burl suggests people may have proceeded to this column for ceremonies.

The Nine Maidens row also exhibits 'landscape bursts'. As one walks towards the 'Fiddler' stone, views open up to the north coast, the Camel estuary, and Trevose Head. Howard Balmer suggests Trevose Head, with its Goddess-like shape and Neolithic quarry, was a significant prehistoric landscape feature. The midsummer sun sets into Trevose when viewed from the Fiddler, making it a fitting terminus.

The Treveglos row, the only one in the far west of Cornwall, has three upright stones. Its WNW-ESE orientation points to sunset at Beltane and Lammas at its westerly end, and sunrise at Samhain and Imbolc at its easterly end. The ESE terminal stone, re-used as a gatepost, is shaped to point towards Trendrine Hill, a holy hilltop, creating a significant landscape 'burst'.

Purpose and Function

The article concludes that stone rows were likely designed for walking at significant times, such as astronomical points or times of initiation. They were constructed to offer glimpses of significant landscape features, believed to be dwelling places of gods or ancestors. These walks may have been undertaken by shamans, possibly in altered states of consciousness, with blocking stones potentially serving to ground their spirits upon return. These sites were places where shamans walked and where the dwelling places of ancestors were revealed.

20 Years Ago: Holed Stones

A section titled '20 YEARS AGO' revisits an article from MM20 (Winter/Spring 1993) about a line of holed stones near the Merry Maidens stone circle. This line, identified through research into the Mên Frith holed stone, runs over 1.11 km and involves several holed stones and other features. Andy Norfolk's computer check confirmed the alignment's accuracy, with an azimuth of 45°, suggesting a possible orientation towards the midsummer solstice sunrise or midwinter moonrise. This deliberately-aligned line of stones is considered to have been used for astronomical purposes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the astronomical and spiritual significance of prehistoric stone rows and alignments in the Cornish landscape. The magazine presents a detailed analysis of archaeological evidence and interpretations, suggesting that these ancient structures were not merely functional but deeply connected to the natural world, celestial events, and ritualistic practices. The editorial stance appears to be one of scholarly inquiry, presenting research and theories to deepen the reader's understanding of these ancient sites and their place in prehistoric belief systems. The inclusion of the '20 Years Ago' feature highlights the magazine's ongoing commitment to exploring and revisiting topics within the field of Earth Mysteries.