Meyn Mamvro - No 082 - Autumn 2013

Magazine Overview

Title: Meyn Mamvro
Issue: 82
Date: Autumn 2013
Price: £2.90

This issue of Meyn Mamvro, a magazine dedicated to ancient stones and sacred sites in Cornwall, is a 'Dowsing Special' that delves into various aspects of dowsing practices and their connection to the landscape and heritage of the region. It also addresses critical issues of conservation and the threats faced by ancient sites.

Contents and Key Articles

The magazine features a comprehensive table of contents, listing articles on dowsing news, specific ancient sites, and related cultural events.

Dowsing News

The 'Dowsing News' section reports on recent activities of dowsing groups in Cornwall. The West Cornwall Dowsers were active on The Lizard, exploring the Polcoverack settlement and nearby sites, finding evidence of a round house oriented to solstices and equinoxes, a burial place, and an energy line. On Trencrom Hill, an International Dowsing Day event brought together over 60 people to dowse the Athena line, followed by a ceremony. The group also investigated Trink Hill, discovering a possible destroyed cromlech and new standing stones. Further explorations by the West Cornwall Dowsers took them to Sancreed Beacon and Caer Bran hillfort, identifying 'constructed viewing stones' and energy lines, with evidence of Neolithic, Bronze Age, and Iron Age occupation at Caer Bran. A significant event was the first dowsing get-together at Carwynnen Quoit, involving three dowsing groups, where discussions focused on the Michael Line and the discovery of a 'pavement' of stones interpreted as a ceremonial walkway or cairn base.

Spring into Summer 2013 Events

This section covers a series of springtime events in Cornwall. It details the Fenton Bebibell well clear-up, the Figgy Dowdy's well custom of dolly dunking, and the 25th May Day Eve Maypole Dance at Bosavern Farm, organized by editor Cheryl Straffon. The issue also mentions the Boekka group welcoming May Day on Chapel Carn Brea, International Labyrinth Day, the Three Wells Walk, the Penzance May Horns event, and Helston's Flora Day.

CASPN & LAN News Round-Up

The Cornish Ancient Sites Protection Network (CASPN) and Lizard Ancient Sites Network (LAN) report on their activities. The 'Pathways to the Past' weekend in West Penwith included guided walks led by Cheryl Straffon, Lana Jarvis, archaeologist David Giddings, and talks by Paul Bonnington on cave art, Bart O'Farrell on dowsing, and Craig Weatherhill on place names. These events highlighted various ancient sites, including Treen entrance graves, Bosporthennis quoit, Treen Common circle, Chûn Quoit and Castle, and Bosullow Trehyllis courtyard house settlement.

Ancient Tracks: 2 - Mulfra farm to Quoit

This article by Raymond Cox explores ancient pathways in West Penwith, focusing on a deeply incised track leading from Mulfra Farm to Mulfra Quoit. The track is described as being bordered by tall hedges and passing by Iron Age settlement features. An energy line is noted to run parallel to this track.

Home Sweet Ancient Home: 3 - Mulfra settlement

This piece details the Mulfra Courtyard House settlement, consisting of possibly four courtyard houses on the southern slope of Mulfra Hill. It describes the systematic clearing of gorse by CASPN and the excavation of the southernmost courtyard house (CH 1), which yielded pottery finds indicating occupation from the 1st-3rd centuries CE. The article also describes other structures (CH 2, CH 3, CH 4) and mentions earlier discoveries of huts in the area, painting a picture of a thriving settlement.

Missing Menhirs - Cornwall's Lost Stones: 11: The Great Arrow menhir

This article discusses the Moorgate menhir near Camelford and investigates the possibility of a 'Great Arrow menhir' in a field of the same name. Through dowsing and clearing a Cornish hedge, a fallen standing stone, approximately 8.9ft long, was discovered, believed to be the missing menhir, likely built around by the hedge in the late 19th or early 20th centuries.

Conservation and Desecration

A significant theme throughout the issue is the conservation and preservation of ancient sites. The editorial and articles highlight threats posed by thoughtless actions, including damage from farming vehicles at Trethevey Quoit and the Trippets stone circle, and public disregard for site rules, such as camping at Lesingey Round. Organizations like CASPN are actively involved in clearing sites and raising awareness.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Meyn Mamvro consistently advocates for the conservation and respect of Cornwall's ancient sites and sacred landscapes. The magazine serves as a platform for reporting on dowsing activities, archaeological findings, local folklore, and the ongoing efforts to protect these valuable heritage assets from damage and neglect. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of preservation and responsible engagement with the historical and spiritual significance of these locations.

MEYN MAMVRO | Issue 82 | Autumn 2013

This issue of Meyn Mamvro delves into the rich tapestry of Cornwall's ancient history, folklore, and spiritual landscape. It features articles on local legends, holy wells, and the discovery of energy lines through dowsing, offering a glimpse into the region's deep past and its enduring connection to the earth.

Lost & Found - Giant's Chair on Sancreed Beacon

Andy Norfolk writes about the historical mention of a 'Giant's Chair' near Sancreed Beacon by James Halliwell-Phillipps in his 1861 work 'Rambles in Western Cornwall'. Halliwell-Phillipps described it as a cromlech with a covering-stone that had slipped down, forming a wide seat, possibly the resting place of a ruler of Caerguidn. Norfolk speculates if this refers to Caer Bran or Chûn Castle. He recounts a visit by the West Cornwall Dowsers to Sancreed Beacon, where they wondered if they had found this 'Giant's Seat' in the southern of two large barrows. The article includes photos of the barrows and questions whether a cap-stone was removed from a natural rock outcrop that had been a cist.

Wells Corner - Monks Well at Place

This section focuses on Cornwall's holy wells, highlighting Monks Well at Place House on the Roseland peninsula. The well, located near the church, was visited in the 1990s and found to be inaccessible due to overgrown rhodedendron bushes. However, wells enthusiast Baba Boom has since cleared a pathway and uncovered a small stone-lined chamber, making the well accessible again. The article notes the well's lovely spot and encourages a visit to this once-neglected site, providing a Facebook group link for more information.

Penwith Pagan Moot

Eve Salthouse writes about the rituals and gatherings of the Penwith Pagan Moot. She describes their Spring Equinox ritual at Sancreed, celebrating the return of spring and the balance of nature. The Beltane ritual was cancelled due to weather, but the Midsummer Solstice was celebrated at Ballowal barrow, focusing on fertility, abundance, and the power of fire. The article details the Moot's core activity: a monthly meeting at the Admiral Benbow pub in Penzance, open to all. Contact details for Sarah, Dave, and Eve are provided for those interested in attending Moots or seasonal rituals, along with the Moot's blog address.

Alsia's Other Well

Trevor Rogers explores the history and significance of wells at Alsia. The main Alsia well is known as a goddess well, possibly dating from the late Bronze Age, with theories linking it to Demeter of Eleusis. It is suggested that Phoenicians brought this goddess culture to Cornwall. The well escaped Christianization and has preserved its pagan origins. Rogers also introduces a lesser-known, second well at Alsia, which was previously undocumented. He recounts information from retired farmer John Rich, who provided details about the second well, its associated pathway (the Bosfranken Way), and local folklore. Rich spoke of 'dancing maidens' and a possible connection to 'White Sunday' (Whit Sunday) celebrations. He also clarified that the main well was used for cooling cream and for bathing infirm infants due to its mineral-rich water. The article notes that this second well is mentioned for the first time here, with the main source of information being William Bottrell's story.

Dowsing Special - The Bart Line

This extensive section details the discovery and mapping of the 'Bart Line', an energy line identified through dowsing by the West Cornwall Dowsers (WCD) between 2006-2010. Led by Bart O'Farrell and named by Laurence Main, the Bart Line is a serpentine energy line that connects at least 10 significant sites, including prehistoric enclosures, barrows, and natural features. It is also described as a dowsable line that marks a prehistoric track from approximately 5000 years ago. A second line, the 'Geological Line' or 'Mineral Lode Line', crosses the Bart Line and is associated with geological faults and mineral deposits.

The article traces the Bart Line's path across Cornwall, detailing numerous sites:

• Carn Brea: A powerful Neolithic tor enclosure where the Bart Line meets the Geological Line. It was a hot spot for UFO sightings in the past.
• Four Lanes Barrow: Identified as a hilltop site buzzing with energy lines.
• Hangmans Barrow: A massive ruined cairn with traces of a settlement.
• Crowan Beacon: Features a large barrow and remains of stone circles, with an embanked avenue running towards Maen Amber.
• Maen Amber: A prominent logan stone, considered special and significant, possibly used for generating terrestrial currents.
• Godolphin Hill: A hub of energy lines, with a processional path, rows of stones, and a 'Look-Out shelter' with a rock formation shaped like a chair.
• St. Erth Church: Located on the Bart Line, its name 'Lanuthinoc' suggests an earlier pre-Christian foundation.
• Trencrom Hill: A Neolithic tor enclosure and Iron Age hill fort, where the Bart Line crosses the Athena line.
• Trink Hill and the Twelve O'Clock Rock: The Bart Line meets the western end of the mineral line here. The Twelve O'Clock Rock is a logan stone with folklore attached, said to rock at midnight and used for healing children.
• Rosewall Hill: The Bart Line ends here, identified as a site with energy lines and probable sites, including a fallen standing stone.

The article also describes the mineral lode line that crosses the Bart Line at Carn Brea and Trink Hill, connecting sites like Gwinear Church and the Beersheba menhir, and notes that all these sites are dowsable, offering insight into ancient pathways.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of ancient history, paganism, folklore, and the spiritual connection to the landscape of Cornwall. There is a strong emphasis on dowsing and the identification of energy lines (ley lines) as a means of understanding prehistoric sites and beliefs. The editorial stance appears to be one of respect for ancient traditions and a desire to uncover and preserve local heritage, encouraging readers to explore and appreciate these sites. The inclusion of practical information, such as contact details for groups and directions to locations, further supports this aim.

This issue of MEYN MAMVRO, dated Autumn 2013, issue 82, features a cover story titled "THE WANDERING MICHAEL & MARY LINES" by Cheryl Straffon. The magazine, published by Meyn Mamvro, focuses on Earth Mysteries and related topics, with a clear emphasis on Cornwall and its ancient sites.

The Wandering Michael & Mary Lines

Cheryl Straffon's article introduces the Michael and Mary energy lines, which traverse Cornwall and extend to Norfolk. These lines were popularized by Hamish Miller and Paul Broadhurst in their 1989 book "The Sun and the Serpent." The article distinguishes between two 'Michael Lines': one straight line named by John Michell, linking St. Michael hilltops, and a more serpentine line dowsed by Miller and Broadhurst. Both lines can be located on 1:50,000 maps. A second line, the 'Mary Line,' discovered by Miller and Broadhurst, passes through sites like wells, old chapels, and castles. Significant landscape points where both lines intersect in Cornwall include St. Michael's Mount, Resugga Castle, Lostwithiel Church, and the Hurlers stone circle.

The article notes that while many have followed Miller's research, others have filled in 'missing gaps,' creating a detailed route. Beyond Michael and Mary, dozens of other 'energy' lines exist, including the Apollo and Athena lines found by Miller and Broadhurst, and the E-line and Bart Line identified by other dowsers. A key phenomenon observed by West Cornwall Dowsers (WCD) over recent years is that these identified lines, including Michael and Mary, appear to be moving.

Observed Line Movements

The dowsers first noticed this movement at the Three Brothers of Grugwith monument on the Lizard peninsula. The Athena line, which previously passed south of the monument, was found in 2011 to be nearly touching it. This occurred after the site was cleared of vegetation. A similar shift was observed at Carwynnen Quoit near Camborne, where the Miller and Broadhurst Michael Line moved further north to nearly touch the monument, following site activity including excavation and reconstruction.

On Bodmin Moor, the curved Michael line shifted south of a cross to run by it. At Alsia Well, the Hamish Miller Mary Line did not change position, but another strong energy line with a Mary signature appeared nearby, running in a different direction. This phenomenon is not restricted to one area.

Explanations for Line Movement

Bart O'Farrell and Andy Norfolk of WCD offer insights. O'Farrell suggests that lines plotted 30-40 years ago may have moved, citing observations at Avebury where the Michael/Mary pattern changed. He believes these lines are 'living energies' that expand with attention and shift with landscape and celestial changes. Norfolk agrees, stating lines do move and it's unsafe to assume current positions match original findings. Both suggest that ground activity, such as work at wells, can affect these lines.

The complexity is increased because dowsers following Hamish Miller's identified lines may still find them at the original locations due to a 'trace' laid down by previous dowsing. However, other energy lines may be present, creating a 'braid' effect. The article posits that these lines are not fixed but a constantly shifting 'rope' of energy.

Damage & Desecration at the Mên-an-Tol

Alan Simkins writes about his experience on New Year's Day in Cornwall, visiting the Mên-an-Tol monument. He describes finding the site in a muddy state due to heavy rain and observing an extended family allowing their children to trample and climb on the holed stone for photographs. Simkins contrasts this with respectful behaviour.

He notes that in early 2012, CASPN (Cornish Ancient Sites Protection Network) undertook remedial work, including filling in worn ground and re-turfing, after obtaining permissions for this Scheduled Ancient Monument. Although the turf did not fully take, ground levels were improved and the stone stabilized. This remedial work is planned for monitoring and continuation for three years.

Simkins expresses concern that despite such efforts, a family's actions, even if unintentional, could cause further damage by eroding the ground level. He questions whether visitors are aware of the site's history, signs, and the need for additional measures to promote awareness, suggesting outreach sessions in local schools.

Grazing Scheme Concerns

Beyond visitor impact, the article highlights a more significant threat: recent decisions concerning grazing on the moor. Plans to allow large cattle to graze could lead to them trampling the stones and using them as rubbing posts. A similar scheme on Carnyorth Common has resulted in the Tregeseal Circle stones being damaged, loosened, and toppled at least thirteen times in four years. The article directs readers to the 'Save Penwith Moors' campaign website or Facebook page for more details.

20 Years Ago: The Tristan Stone

This section revisits an article from MM22 (Autumn 1993) by Craig Weatherhill concerning the Tristan Stone. Weatherhill's research focused on the mystery of a missing third line of inscription. William Borlase's 1754 drawing showed two lines, which are close to the accepted reading: 'DRVSTANVS HIC IACIT/CVNOWORI FILIVS' (Drustan lies here, son of Cunomorus). Drustan is Tristan, and Cunomorus was a 6th-century ruler of Dumnonia, also known as King Mark.

Weatherhill claimed that two hundred years before Borlase, John Leland recorded a now missing third line: 'CVM DOMINA CLUSILLA,' which he interpreted as 'with the lady Ousilla.' Ousilla could be a Latinization of 'Eselt,' the Cornish name for Iseult, Tristan's lover. This would connect all principal characters of the Tristan and Iseult legend. A comparison of Borlase's drawing with the stone today suggests a piece on the left side, containing the third line, may have broken off during the stone's multiple moves.

Planning Application Controversy

The article connects this historical research to a current controversial planning application by Wainhomes to build 80 new houses in Fowey. To prevent the Tristan Stone from being enveloped by the development, a proposal is made to move it. This has led to strong objections from Cornwall Councillors and locals. A sign promoting the development near the stone was vandalized. A 'Marie Curie Field of Hope' with daffodils will also be destroyed. Wainhomes must meet planning conditions, including recording and laser scanning the stone by English Heritage, before proceeding.

Exchange Magazines & Meyn Mamvro Folders

The magazine includes a directory of other 'Exchange Magazines' related to Earth Mysteries and Paganism, listing titles, publishers, addresses, and subscription prices. It also advertises 'Meyn Mamvro Folders' for storing magazines and guides.

Subscription Information and Back Issues

Details are provided for subscribing to MEYN MAMVRO (£9.90 for 3 issues annually) and for purchasing back numbers or photocopies (£3.30 each). A contents list and index are available on CDr or in printed format. The next issue (MM83, due Jan 2014) will feature 'Green men, witches + all the usual features.' The magazine is printed by Paul of Brighid Design.

Noticeboard

The 'Noticeboard' section lists upcoming events and groups, including:

• West Cornwall Dowsers: Regular site visits.
• Trencrom Dowsers: Talks and site visits.
• Tamar Dowsers: Talks and site visits.
• Ancient Sites Clear-Ups: Scheduled clean-up events at various West Penwith sites (Bosullow Trehyllis, Mulfra Courtyard Houses, Bodrifty, Lesingey Round) and The Lizard (Chynhalls Point, Carminowe Mill, Croft Pascoe, Kynance Gate).
• Montol - Penzance's Winter Solstice Festival: An evening event with a lantern parade, fire beacon, ceremony, guising, and dancing.
• Cornwall's New Age Event: A weekend of talks, workshops, and stalls in Newquay.
• One Heart Healing Arts: Workshops on various dates in Perranporth.
• Know Thy Self: Workshops and talks in Falmouth.
• Pagan Moots: Listings for regular Pagan gatherings in Penzance, Redruth/Truro/Falmouth, Longdowns, Bodmin, Callington, Liskeard, and Bude.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of earth energies, ley lines, and ancient sites, particularly within Cornwall. There is a strong focus on dowsing as a method of investigation and a concern for the conservation of these sites against damage from human activity and natural processes. The magazine also touches upon historical research related to local legends and monuments, such as the Tristan Stone. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting awareness and respect for ancient landscapes and monuments, encouraging active participation in their preservation, and providing a platform for researchers and enthusiasts in the field of Earth Mysteries.