Meyn Mamvro - No 083 - Winter 2014

Magazine Overview

This issue of Meyn Mamvro, number 83, published in Winter-Spring 2014, is dedicated to exploring ancient stones and sacred sites in Cornwall. The magazine, priced at £2.90, features a cover headline about 'The Green Man in Cornish Churches' and highlights articles on various aspects of Cornish heritage, including dowsing, ancient settlements, and archaeological investigations. The publication aims to promote a greater understanding and preservation of these historical sites.

Contents and Key Articles

The issue opens with an editorial and sections on Dowsing News and CASPN & LAN news, followed by a series of articles detailing specific sites and investigations:

• Editorial: (p. 1) Likely setting the tone for the issue.
• Dowsing News: (p. 2) Reports on dowsing activities by West Cornwall Dowsers at St. Piran's Round and Tamar Dowsers at South Penquite, detailing findings about ancient structures, energy lines, and historical uses of the sites.
• CASPN & LAN News Round-Up: (p. 6) Updates from the Cornish Ancient Sites Protection Network (CASPN) and Lizard Ancient Sites Network (LAN) on their site clear-ups and conservation efforts throughout the summer and autumn of 2013. It also promotes upcoming events like the 8th annual Pathways to the Past weekend.
• Ancient Tracks: 3 - Brane: (p. 8) By Raymond Cox, this article explores ancient pathways in West Penwith, focusing on a track leading to the hill fort of Caer Bran and its connection to old estate boundaries and churchway paths. It details alignments and significant points along the track, including Brane Cross.
• Home Sweet Ancient Home: 4 - Bodrifty: (p. 9) This article examines the Bodrifty hut circle settlement, a significant site occupied from the late Bronze Age to the late Iron Age. It describes the settlement's layout, hut circles, and its relationship to the Neolithic quoit and the later Iron Age courtyard house settlement of Mulfra.
• Missing Menhirs - Cornwall's Lost Stones 12: Hellandbridge stone: (p. 10) This piece investigates a stone found in a garden at Hellandbridge, initially thought to be a statue menhir with anthropomorphic attributes. While dowsing suggested natural weathering, it may have originally been a menhir from St.Mabyn church.
• Ancient Scilly / Wells Corner: (p. 9) Mentioned in the contents, likely a brief exploration of sites on the Isles of Scilly.
• Mapping the Sun at the Hurlers - Alex Langstone: (p. 10) An article focusing on astronomical alignments at the Hurlers stone circle.
• The Green Man in Cornish churches - CS: (p. 12) Explores the motif of the Green Man found in Cornish churches.
• Riding a stem of ragwort - Cheryl Straffon: (p. 16) An article by Cheryl Straffon, likely exploring folklore or symbolism related to ragwort.
• The wayside witch and the living stones - Steve Patterson: (p. 20) An article by Steve Patterson, possibly delving into folklore and the spiritual significance of ancient stones.
• NEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWS ONE LEG UP FOR CARWYNNEN QUOIT: (p. 7) Reports on the restoration of the Carwynnen Quoit, detailing the excavation and the replacement of the first upright post.
• BRONZE AGE REPLICA BOAT LAUNCHED: (p. 7) Describes the project to build and launch a replica Bronze Age boat, hosted by the National Maritime Museum at Falmouth. It highlights the experimental archaeology aspect and the boat's performance.

Controversies and Conservation Efforts

A significant portion of the issue addresses the controversy surrounding cattle grazing near ancient sites in West Penwith, particularly at the Mên-an-Tol. The Save Penwith Moors (SPM) group has been campaigning to remove livestock from these areas, facing opposition and differing views from organizations like Natural England (NE) and English Heritage (EH). EH's statement that "the evidence of the presence of cattle in the vicinity of the stones does not equate to evidence of damage" is highlighted as particularly infuriating to SPM. The article also notes that EH has withdrawn a small grant previously provided to CASPN for repairs at Mên-an-Tol, a move seen as detrimental to local heritage groups. Despite these challenges, CASPN volunteers continue their practical work, and the magazine expresses hope that future countryside schemes will be more attuned to local needs.

Dowsing and Energy Lines

The 'Dowsing News' section details several excursions by dowsing groups. West Cornwall Dowsers visited St. Piran's Round, identifying it as a former Iron Age farm and Middle Ages 'Playing Place', with evidence of an earlier stone circle and processional entrance. They also noted distinct energy patterns within the site. Tamar Dowsers explored South Penquite on Bodmin Moor, finding remains of a megalithic structure (a fallen quoit or dolmen) later enclosed by a mound. Alignments, energy lines, and a water spiral were identified. Later, West Cornwall Dowsers visited Alsia, identifying traces of Paleolithic/Mesolithic shelters and later Bronze/Iron Age dwellings, as well as a holed stone aligned with the winter solstice sunset. Trencrom Dowsers visited Gunwalloe on the Lizard, exploring the church and tower where Athena and Apollo lines cross. West Cornwall Dowsers also explored stone circles on Bodmin Moor, including Stannon, Fernacre, and Louden Hill, noting energy fields and potential burial cairns.

Archaeological and Historical Investigations

The issue features detailed explorations of specific ancient sites. 'Ancient Tracks: 3 - Brane' by Raymond Cox maps pathways in West Penwith, connecting settlements to churches and highlighting the significance of Brane Cross as a nodal point for multiple alignments. The 'Home Sweet Ancient Home' series continues with an examination of the Bodrifty hut circle settlement, detailing its long period of occupation and structure. The 'Missing Menhirs' series investigates the Hellandbridge stone, exploring its potential origins and characteristics. The restoration of Carwynnen Quoit is reported, marking the completion of a significant phase of the project. Additionally, the launch of a replica Bronze Age boat at the National Maritime Museum in Falmouth is covered, emphasizing the value of experimental archaeology.

Publications and Contact Information

The magazine includes a section on 'Meyn Mamvro Publications', listing several books by authors like Cheryl Straffon, including 'Pagan Cornwall', 'Megalithic Mysteries of Cornwall', and 'Fentynyow Kernow'. It also promotes a series of 'Earth Mysteries Guides to Ancient Sites'. Contact details for Meyn Mamvro, including its address in St.Just, Penzance, and website, are provided, along with information for joining FOCAS (Friends of Cornwall's Ancient Sites) and details for CASPN's Adopt-a-Site scheme and clear-ups.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Recurring themes in this issue include the importance of preserving Cornwall's ancient sites, the ongoing efforts of local heritage groups like SPM and CASPN, and the exploration of earth energies and dowsing. The editorial stance appears to be strongly in favour of protecting these sites from damage and neglect, advocating for a more responsible approach from authorities and organizations. There is a clear emphasis on the historical and cultural significance of Cornwall's prehistoric and early historic landscape, with a focus on practical conservation and research. The magazine also highlights the value of experimental archaeology and the interpretation of ancient sites through various methods, including dowsing and folklore studies.

MEYN MAMVRO | 83 | Winter-Spring 2014 is a magazine issue featuring articles on archaeology, folklore, and historical motifs. The issue includes an occasional column on new ideas and discoveries on the Isles of Scilly, an in-depth exploration of the Green Man motif in Cornish churches, and a piece on the folklore of witches and their practices.

Archaeological Dig Discovers Earliest Arrivals on Scilly

This article reports on a significant archaeological excavation on the island of St. Martin's in the Isles of Scilly, which has revealed evidence of the earliest settlers. Led by Dr. Duncan Garrow of Liverpool University and Dr. Fraser Sturt of Southampton University, the excavation focused on traces of Neolithic peoples who arrived on Scilly approximately 5000 to 6000 years ago. The dig, which took place in September 2013 as part of a 'Stepping Stones' project investigating northward migration from Europe, involved a team of ten supplemented by locals. They excavated 2m square test pits, uncovering Neolithic flint and pottery, as well as a pit with a "ritual deposit". This discovery indicates that Scilly was visited before the Bronze Age, the period from which most of the island's monuments and finds typically date. The project aimed to understand the transition of nomadic hunter-gatherers into settled farmers.

Wells Corner

This section highlights the recent restoration of two holy wells in the same area. St. Columba's holy well in Ruthvoes, near St. Columb, which had no stones remaining and was merely a shute of water, has been restored, proving wrong a previous assessment that restoration would be impossible. A few miles north, St. James holy well at Ball (Ballelacadew), near Newquay Airport, was also restored. This well was a frequented stop on the pilgrim route to St. James Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Nearby is the Catholic establishment Lanherne House, formerly the monastery of St. Mawgan.

Mapping the Sun at The Hurlers

This article details a project in Autumn 2013 focused on The Hurlers stone circle on the southern fringe of Bodmin Moor, investigating its use and construction. Alex Langstone reports on the event, which aimed to understand the Bronze Age past through the lens of the stone circles and surrounding ceremonial landscape. A key element was the archaeological excavation of the 'crystal pavement', first discovered in 1938. Brian Sheen from Cornwall's Roseland Observatory gave a talk on the area's astronomy, suggesting the Hurlers align to celestial events, particularly the winter solstice, and possibly to Orion's belt. The landscape also aligns to significant horizon sites like Stowes Hill (North), Kit Hill (East), MinionsMound (South), and a series of Cairns (West).

The excavation of the 'crystal pavement' faced delays due to rain but eventually commenced. The dig raised questions about whether it is truly a pavement, given its rough local granite composition. Crystalline rock deposits found in a ditch beside it might offer clues. A small standing stone within the pavement has led archaeologist Jacky Nowakowski to speculate it served as a fixed point for mapping stars. Astronomer Brian Sheen agrees, viewing the monument as a giant landscape calendar.

Geologist Calum Beeson suggested an upright stone was once encrusted with black crystal, earning it the nickname 'crystal pyramid'. The 'pavement' aligns with Rillaton barrow. The dig discovered a gap between the 'pavement' and the two stone circles, but it's believed to be part of the site's ceremonial architecture. Two prehistoric stone tools were found near the 'pavement'. Samples from beneath the stones are being sent for radio carbon dating to determine if the 'pavement' is contemporary with the stone circles.

A "lighting up the monument" evening involved archaeologists and astronomers using torches and radio contact to survey the ceremonial landscape and its interrelationships. Other discoveries included a stone row north of The Hurlers, with stones spaced 8-10m apart in two parallel rows, aligning towards Kilmar Tor. Calum Beeson noted the stones in the rows have a black mineral layer called 'wad'. The article concludes by suggesting that much information is yet to be revealed about this ancient landscape monument.

The Green Man in Cornish Churches

Authored by Cheryl Straffon, this article traces the long and complex history of the Green Man motif. Researchers link its appearance to Roman and Byzantium times, associating it with vegetation deities like Pan, Bacchus, and Dionysus. A leaf-clad statue of Dionysus in Naples (c. 420 BCE) is considered an early example. The disgorging form of the Green Man, spewing vegetation from its mouth, is first seen on the tomb of St. Abre (4th-5th Century CE). These foliate heads were incorporated into Christianity, possibly fusing with the Celtic 'cult of the head' and veneration of sacred trees. Despite pagan origins as a fertility figure or nature spirit, the motif was gradually absorbed into Christian iconography between the 6th and 11th centuries, allowing a nod to old practices while remaining under Church control.

The 12th to 15th centuries were the peak period for Green Man carvings in churches and other buildings across Britain and Europe, with examples in Chartres Cathedral, St. Nicholas Church in Nicosia, and numerous British cathedrals and churches, including many in Devon and Cornwall. The article lists specific Cornish churches with carvings from the 13th to 15th centuries.

From the Renaissance onwards, the Green Man appeared in manuscripts, metalwork, and stained glass. The Protestant Reformation of the 16th century saw a resurgence, associating the motif with productivity and dominion over Nature. It continued to appear in English architecture, with examples in Cornwall from this period at Lanreath, Launcells, St.Dominick, St.Buryan, St.Ives, St.Mellion, and Whitstone. A significant carving is noted on a font in Lostwithiel church.

By the 19th century, the motif experienced a renewed popularity with the Gothic Revival and Arts and Crafts movements. Victorian versions appear on important buildings like the Palace of Westminster and St. David's Cathedral. Cornish examples from this period include carvings at Lanhydroc House and Truro Cathedral. Paul Broadhust describes a Green Rood Screen in St.Buryan church, painted in vivid colours, as indicative of early church roots in the natural world, symbolizing rebirth and renewal.

Into the 20th and 21st centuries, Green Man carvings continue to be made, such as one in Mullion church in 1961. The term 'Green Man' was coined by Lady Raglan in 1939, but the motif has been present for centuries. Carvings vary from naturalistic faces peering from foliage to more abstract representations. While predominantly male, female Green Men and even animal forms are found. The article notes that human skulls sprouting vegetation on gravestones symbolize resurrection.

The Green Man remains a symbol of Nature, appearing in pagan celebrations and secular festivals. It is still found in Cornish churches, often in roof bosses or on bench ends. The article concludes by offering a list of Cornish churches where Green Men carvings can be found and invites readers to contribute to the list. Sources for the article include works by Luke Mastin, William Anderson, and Paul Broadhust.

Riding a Stem of Ragwort

This article by Cheryl Straffon explores the folklore surrounding Cornish witches, focusing on their supposed ability to travel supernaturally. It begins with a 19th-century account by Margret Courtney, describing 'white witches' who could cure diseases or 'overlook' offenders, bringing ill luck. The seventh son/daughter of a seventh son/daughter, or anyone touching a logan (rocking) stone nine times at midnight, could become a witch. These witches, it is said, rode on ragwort stems instead of broomsticks.

The article delves into the 'riding between the realms' aspect, linking it to shamans who rode horse-headed sticks to the World Tree. This is connected to the folk image of the hobbyhorse and Scandinavian mythology, where Frigg, Odin's wife, rode a broomstick. The practice of 'seidh' (trance divination) is also mentioned, performed by 'seidhkonka' who experienced out-of-body states. The witches' flights on ragwort stems are presented as part of a long tradition of shamanic and hallucinatory magic.

A further aspect discussed is the cultural transmission of shamanic flight, often depicted as an upward ascent by ladder. The example of Madgy Figgy climbing a 'chair-ladder' (a pile of granite masses) at Tol-Pedn-Penwith is given. The article posits that flying on broomsticks or ragwort was a hallucinatory experience, often accompanied by shape-shifting into animal forms, a phenomenon recorded across cultures and linked to psychotropic substances. Examples include foxes, hares, cats, and wolves.

Cornish tales feature witches transforming into familiars like hares and cats. The tale of 'The witch of Treva' describes a woman turning into a hare to fetch food. At her funeral, hares and a cat were seen leaping over her coffin. Another tale, 'The witch of Kerrow', involves a shape-shifting witch accompanied by a familiar black cat. A story about a magician Pengersec includes a spirit of a murdered woman turning into a hare.

The article also recounts a tale of a witch turning into a toad. An old woman named Alsey cursed her landlord's wife, after which an enormous toad fell from the ceiling. The toad's injuries mirrored those of Alsey, who died in a house fire. The article notes that while these animal transformations were later Christianised as devilish, they originated from pagan practices involving shape-shifting and altered states of consciousness. Toads were associated with the Goddess Hecate and hallucinogenic properties, with some people in Vancouver reported to lick toads for psychedelic experiences.

Finally, the article describes a ritual for becoming a witch, involving church elements, Celtic magic, and a toad. This ritual, recounted by Margaret Courtney, involves hiding consecrated bread and meeting a toad, which then breathes on the person, marking them with five black spots under the tongue. Toads, hares, and cats are presented not just as familiars but as part of the altered states of consciousness achieved by those seeking visionary experiences of the Otherworld, linking the Cornish witch to ancient shamanic traditions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of history, archaeology, and folklore, with a particular focus on Cornwall and the surrounding regions. There is a clear interest in uncovering ancient practices, beliefs, and symbols, from Neolithic settlements to medieval church carvings and enduring folk traditions. The editorial stance appears to be one of scholarly yet accessible exploration, presenting research and historical accounts in a way that engages a general audience interested in local history, archaeology, and the esoteric. The articles often highlight the continuity of certain themes and practices across different eras, suggesting a deep cultural heritage in the region. The magazine also seems to value the contribution of local experts and researchers, citing their work and encouraging reader participation.

This issue of MEYN MAMVRO, number 83, published in Winter-Spring 2014, is a magazine focused on earth mysteries, folklore, and paganism, with a strong emphasis on Cornwall and the West Country of England. The issue features articles, book reviews, and a noticeboard of events and organizations.

The Wayside Witch & The Living Stones: Cecil Williamson & The Lore of The Stone Circles

This extensive article by Steve Patterson explores the life and work of Cecil Hugh Williamson (1909-1999), who is described as an unsung hero of folklore and witchcraft. Williamson founded the Museum of Witchcraft in Boscastle and dedicated his life to the study of traditional witchcraft. His interest was sparked by childhood encounters and his work with MI6, where he established 'The Witchcraft Research Centre'.

The article highlights Williamson's belief that traditional witches drew power from the wild landscape, particularly from standing stones and stone circles. He viewed these ancient sites as repositories of 'spirit force' and emotional energy imbued by ritual, acting as conduits or 'doorways to the spirit-land'. Williamson's work is characterized by his oral history approach, gathering accounts from wayside witches whose informants often remained anonymous due to the sensitive nature of their practices.

Patterson notes Williamson's observations on the connection between witches and the landscape, quoting Williamson's description of the West Country's wild places and the 'man-made message' of the stones. The article also touches upon the tension between traditional witchcraft and modern movements like Wicca and the New-Age Movement, as discussed in an article by Marian Green regarding the use and abuse of sacred sites.

Williamson's writings are presented as a valuable, though sometimes unfathomable, source of knowledge on the lore and practices of the old craft. The article also mentions other figures like T.C. Lethbridge and Ithell Culquhoun, who were independently developing similar ideas about megalithic stones as repositories of energy.

Between The Realms: Cornish Myth and Magic by Cheryl Straffon

This section features an advertisement and description for the book "Between The Realms: Cornish Myth and Magic" by Cheryl Straffon. The book is described as an exploration of the Celtic Otherworld through the writings of folklorists, oral tradition, and explorations of the prehistoric sacred landscape. Chapters include topics such as rituals at Cornish sites, shamans and druids, fairy lands, the Cornish Otherworld, mermaids, sea goddesses, giants, songlines, Celtic goddesses and gods, and Arthurian realms.

Book Review: Wassailing by Simon Reed

This section reviews Simon Reed's book "Wassailing", which focuses on the British midwinter blessing custom. The review identifies three types of wassailing: banquet, visit, and crop wassails, noting that the crop wassail, focused on apple harvests, has seen revival. The book is said to contain information on the origins and history of wassailing across Britain, with specific material relating to Cornwall, including historical records and wassailing songs.

20 Years Ago: Tribute to Artist Penny Harris

This section revisits a tribute to artist Penny Harris, who died in July 1993. The tribute describes her as an original and gifted artist whose work was rooted in her love for the natural world. Harris specialized in painting by reverse on glass, creating compositions of light and colour. Her themes included ancient sites and archetypal images of the Goddess and Earth Mother. The article recounts how a reader, Dr. Clive Buckle, was able to reunite a set of three paintings by Harris, which he had previously been unable to purchase, through contact with the magazine.

Exchange Magazines and Noticeboard

The magazine also includes sections listing other relevant publications available for exchange or subscription, such as "Earth Mysteries", "Society of Ley Hunters", and various pagan-themed magazines like "The Cauldron" and "Quest".

The "Noticeboard" section provides details for various groups and events, including "West Cornwall Dowsers", "Trencrom Dowsers", "Tamar Dowsers", "Ancient Sites Clear-Ups", "Fenton Bebibell Well", and "Know Thy Self" workshops. It also lists Pagan Federation events, Pagan Moots in various locations across Devon and Cornwall, and Beltane celebrations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are Cornish folklore, traditional witchcraft, the significance of sacred landscapes and megalithic sites, and the preservation of ancient customs and beliefs. The magazine appears to support and promote these interests, providing a platform for discussion, information sharing, and event listings within the earth mysteries and pagan communities. The editorial stance is one of appreciation for historical and traditional practices, while also acknowledging the evolution and modern interpretations of these traditions.