Meyn Mamvro - No 088 - Autumn 2015

Magazine Overview

Meyn Mamvro, Issue 88, Autumn 2015, is a magazine dedicated to exploring ancient stones and sacred sites in Cornwall. The issue is priced at £3.00 and can be found online at meynmamvro.co.uk/archive. The cover features a stylized illustration and a photograph, with a headline promoting "ancient stones and sacred sites in cornwall" and listing several article titles.

Editorial and Planning Issues

The editorial section highlights two recent planning decisions that offered hope against "developer-led" planning in Cornwall. The first was the successful campaign led by local councellor Peter Jenkins to withdraw an application for a new phone mast near the Merry Maidens stone circle. The second was the defeat of a wind farm application near the Nine Maidens stone row by Cornwall Council, despite a recommendation from planners and support from English Heritage. However, the wind farm application was later re-submitted with reduced turbine height, raising concerns about its impact on the ancient monument's setting. The article also notes Andrew Kerr's statement that Cornwall Council was becoming "developer-led" and mentions a controversial planning permission for a large housing development near Castle Canyke, a significant historical site.

Dowsing News

The "Dowsing News" section covers several events from early 2015. Trencrom Dowsers organized a talk by Paul Gerry on recording brain wave activity during dowsing, demonstrating how brain wave patterns change when an energy line is found. Tamar Dowsers hosted Wendy Scott, who presented on the effects of sound emanations, such as playing a Chinese gong at sunrise near a menhir, which reportedly doubled human aura size and affected energy lines. Nigel Twinn spoke about "Making sense of the new reality," and Paul Broadhurst discussed his book "The Greenwich Meridian - Axis of Heaven."

Following indoor activities, outdoor dowsing events took place. On April 26th, Trencrom Dowsers visited Zennor hill and Quoit, discovering a Propped Stone and tracking the Athena Line. On the same day, West Cornwall Dowsers explored Grade church, St.Ruans holy well, and Landewednack church and holy well on the Lizard peninsula, identifying an energy line linking these sites. On the May bank holiday weekend, as part of International Dowsing Day, Trencrom Dowsers walked John Watts' labyrinth in Polgigga. They also visited Carn Lês Boel, a headland known for its energy lines, where singing enhanced the energy.

In June, West Cornwall Dowsers revisited Kus-Skewes Farm to explore a stone column experiment. The experiment suggested that prehistoric monuments created a "structural landscape" to energize and fertilize the land. They also found traces of an original Round enclosure on the farm. Later, Trencrom Dowsers visited Lesingey Round, identifying energy patterns, and then visited Boleigh fogou.

Spring into Summer 2015

This section covers various seasonal events. The 10th year of the revived tradition of visiting Fenton Bebibell well on the West Penwith moors took place on Good Friday. On the same day, members of the Betwixt Moot held their dolly-dunking custom at Figgy Dowdy's well. May festivals included a Maypole Dance at Bosavern Community Farm and the Padstow Obby Oss day. Trencrom Dowsers celebrated International Labyrinth Day by walking John Watts' labyrinth. The Penzance May Horns procession marked the start of summer, aiming to "drive the devil of winter out." Simon Reed has formed a Cornish Cultural Association to revive old festivals. The Midsummer solstice saw celebrations including a bonfire at Marazion and events at the Seed of Life circle at Trencrom. The issue also mentions Penzance's Mazey Day.

CASPN & LAN News Round-Up

The Cornish Ancient Sites Protection Network (CASPN) and Lizard Ancient Sites Network (LAN) reported on their "Pathways to The Past" weekend. The event included a guided walk by Cheryl Straffon & Lana Jarvis covering sites like Mên-an-Tol, Nine Maidens stone circle, and Bosiliack Barrow. David Giddings led a walk on the Nanjulian Courtyard House settlement. Paul Bonnington gave a talk on "Hot Metal: the discoveries that changed the world." Archaeologist Charlie Johns presented on ancient sites on the Isles of Scilly. Adrian Rodda led a walk to sites in the Merry Maidens area, and John Moss gave a talk on "Dowsing at ancient sites." The 10th anniversary weekend for 2016 was announced for May 28th-29th.

Contact information for CASPN, FOCAS (Friends of Cornwall's Ancient Sites), and LAN is provided, including addresses, websites, and contact numbers for various schemes like Adopt-a-Site and Sites Clear-Ups.

Ancient Tracks: 8: Vounder Gogglas (western section)

This article explores Vounder Gogglas, an ancient route in West Penwith that likely served as a pathway for ancestors. The route, which largely defines the northern boundary of St.Buryan parish, runs from Gulval churchtown to Sancreed. The western section, from Sancreed Beacon, goes past Caer Bran and Chapel Euny wells, across Tredinney Common, and finishes at Chapel Carn Brea. The article notes that Chapel Carn Brea was a sacred hill in prehistoric times. The track may have originally been a long-distance trading route, and the western section is recommended for walking due to its vistas and energy lines.

Home Sweet Ancient Home: 9 - Trevean

This piece describes the Trevean Courtyard House settlement, located on a west-facing slope near Morvah. The site consists of several courtyard houses and a possible Round House. A nearby Iron Age Round may have been used as a cattle enclosure. The article also details the remains of a probable above-ground fogou, noting its dimensions and entrance. The settlement is described as a "small, peaceful and lovely Courtyard House Settlement."

Missing Menhirs - Cornwall's Lost Stones: 15: Brea farm menhirs

This article documents the destruction of the Brea farm menhir in 1984 by a farmer, despite it being scheduled as a monument. The stone, which was 2.1m high, was photographed by John Michell. Michell recorded three alignments through the stone, connecting it to various other sites. The article notes that English Heritage did not prosecute the farmer for this act of vandalism. Megalithic researcher David Cheepen has identified a potential second standing stone nearby, which may have been part of a pair with the destroyed Brea menhir.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on the preservation and understanding of Cornwall's ancient sites and heritage. There is a strong emphasis on "people power" and local action against threats to these sites, particularly from development. Dowsing and the study of earth energies are recurring themes, presented as methods for understanding the landscape and the purpose of ancient monuments. The magazine also covers local folklore, seasonal celebrations, and historical research, advocating for the recognition and protection of Cornwall's unique cultural and archaeological landscape.

This issue of MEYN MAMVRO, number 88, published in Autumn 2015, delves into various aspects of Cornish history, archaeology, and folklore. The cover prominently features the headline "PREHISTORIC CORNISH GOLD," highlighting the discovery of an ancient gold trade route.

Prehistoric Cornish Gold

The lead article discusses the evidence for an ancient gold trade route between Cornwall and Ireland during the Early Bronze Age. Archaeologists, led by Dr. Chris Standish of Southampton University, used laser ablation mass spectrometry to analyze 50 Bronze Age artefacts from the National Museum of Ireland. Their findings suggest that Cornwall was the primary source of gold in Western Europe, with up to 200 kilos extracted, worth nearly £5 million in modern terms. This gold was found in river sands and gravels, alongside tin, which was crucial for bronze production. Geologist Simon Camm notes that gold deposits in Cornish rivers were much richer in the Bronze Age. The article also mentions the complexity of the trade, with some Cornish artefacts appearing to be made with Irish gold. Approximately 270 gold artefacts from the Bronze Age have been found in Britain and Ireland, indicating that much more Cornish gold was likely in use but has since been melted down.

A recent discovery by metal detectorist Shane Swanson near St. Austell is also detailed. He found a rare Bronze Age gold strap, measuring 95mm in length and 10mm wide, composed of 86-88% gold and weighing just over 5g. The strap was found in March 2013, and its status as treasure was confirmed at a Truro Coroners' Court inquest. The British Museum expressed interest in acquiring it. Swanson initially mistook it for brass and only realized its significance after cleaning it at home. Anna Tyacke, finds liaison officer at the Royal Cornwall Museum, confirmed its identity before it was sent for further analysis.

Tree House Spiritual Centre

This section describes the Tree House Spiritual Centre, an eco-house built in Stithians in 2009 on the site of an old village farm. It features walls made of box-encased straw bale and floors/ceilings of box-encased sheep's wool. The house is situated on the Mary earth energy line. A new stone circle was built in 2012 using lintels from a demolished old village church, and a labyrinth has also been constructed. Tree House is used for spiritual healing courses and B&B, with details available online or by contacting Annie Turner.

Wells Corner: St.Morwenna's Well

This regular feature focuses on Cornwall's holy wells, specifically St.Morwenna's well in Morwenstow. It is described as Cornwall's most remote and inaccessible well, lying 150ft down a cliff, reachable only by a difficult path. Local researcher Alan Rowland visited it in 2002 for CS's book 'Fentynyow Kernow'. The path and surrounding vegetation have since become denser. However, recent efforts by contributors to the Cornish Holy Wells Facebook page, including John Litton and Nic Phillips, have seen the well accessed again. The Facebook moderator, Cam Longmuir, organized a special day on St.Morwenna's Feast Day (July 5th) where volunteers cleared a path to the well.

More on Morvah

This article presents a theory by reader Chris Jenkins regarding the parish of Morvah and its connection to Arthurian legend. Jenkins suggests that the name 'Morvah' might be linked to Morgana, Arthur's sister, and that the area's place names and features align with Arthurian mythology. He proposes that 'Genevra' is a variant of Guinevere, and that 'Jack the Hammer' could represent Arthur, paralleling Thor in Norse myth. The name 'Morvah' itself is speculated to mean 'sea' or 'woman of the sea', linking to Morgana (Morrigana in Irish folklore, often associated with crows). The article also connects the holy well of Tregaminion and Fox Carn to Morgana/Modron ('Mother Goddess'). The marriage of Jack the Hammer and Genevra at Morvah on August 1st is compared to the Tailtu myth in Ireland, involving handfasting and divination. The presence of crows (associated with Morrigana) and tales like the Mermaid of Zennor are seen as further links to Morgana.

Decoding King Arthur's Hall

Authored by Roy Goutté, this article investigates the purpose of 'King Arthur's Hall,' a banked enclosure on Bodmin Moor near St. Breward. Originally known as an animal pound for the manor of Trigg, Goutté questions this interpretation due to the site's complexity and unique features. The enclosure consists of a sunken rectangular area (49 x 20m) with surrounding banks and a 2.5m wide 'apron'. Granite standing stones, described as 'façade stones,' were erected along the inner face of the banks, forming a pattern. Goutté discovered a previously unrecorded revetment wall behind the façade stones, prompting a re-evaluation of the site's construction sequence and purpose. He argues that the effort involved in excavating the sunken area, building the revetment wall, and erecting the standing stones suggests a more significant function than a simple animal pound. The sunken area, which appears to hold water, leads Goutté to speculate about a possible ritualistic or ceremonial use, perhaps as a pool connected to a spring, dating back to the Neolithic or Bronze Age. He notes the absence of similar structures on Bodmin Moor, which is known for its livestock, further questioning the animal pound theory. English Heritage's website also expresses doubt about the pound theory, citing the effort required for construction. Goutté believes the site might have been a gathering place for people, possibly connected to water rituals and beliefs about the underworld and afterlife.

Further investigation by Goutté and other Heritage Trust members revealed a granite paved area near the façade stones, which he suggests would be unnecessary for an animal pound but could be for people to walk on or to cover something up. A small incision also revealed the continuation of the revetment wall. Goutté advocates for a full re-evaluation of the site, including excavation and dating, to determine its true purpose and significance.

The Rough Tor Triangle

Roy Goutté also examines a trio of stone circles north of King Arthur's Hall: Stannon, Fernacre, and Louden. These Late Neolithic circles are similar in design, each featuring a prominent triangular stone. Goutté observed that these 'tri-stones' point towards Rough Tor, believed to be a principal sacred hill. He further noted that the tri-stones in Fernacre, Stannon, and Louden are positioned due east, west, and south, respectively. Plotting the circles on a map revealed they form a scalene triangle that is a mirror image of Rough Tor itself. Goutté concludes that this alignment is unlikely to be coincidental and suggests that prehistoric peoples deliberately created a sacred landscape pattern, possibly indicating that they lived, worked, and were buried within sight of Rough Tor and its mirrored image.

Telling Stories at Boleigh Fogou

Elyn Aviva recounts her experience visiting Boleigh Fogou, an underground, stone-lined passageway in Cornwall, near Rosemerryn woods. Fogous are debated in purpose, but are thought to have been used for community ritual and ceremony. Aviva describes her journey to the fogou, noting the path through woods and the entrance as a dark, downward-slanting hole. She emphasizes the importance of asking permission three times before entering, a practice she followed. The fogou is described as a gaping-mouth stone toad or gremlin perched above the entrance. The article touches on the nature of 'story' and how it is used to make meaning of experiences.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently explores the rich archaeological and mythological heritage of Cornwall. Recurring themes include the interpretation of ancient sites, the connection between landscape and belief systems, and the enduring power of local folklore and legends. The magazine appears to adopt an investigative and speculative stance, encouraging readers to consider alternative explanations for historical and archaeological evidence, particularly in relation to Arthurian legend and prehistoric practices. There is a clear emphasis on fieldwork, personal discovery, and the sharing of theories among readers and researchers.

Meyn Mamvro issue 88, Autumn 2015, is a publication focused on Cornish culture, folklore, ancient sites, and related research. The magazine features articles, book reviews, and historical retrospectives, maintaining a strong connection to the landscape and traditions of Cornwall.

Articles

The Fogou Experience

The issue opens with a personal account of exploring a fogou (an underground stone structure) at Rosemerryn. The author describes the sensory experience of entering the dark, muddy passage, noting the enigmatic carving at the entrance and the feeling of descending into the earth. Inside, the passage is lined with rough granite stones, and a faint light emanates from a hole at the end. The author recounts an experience of communing with the 'Spirit of the Place,' which conveyed images of ephemeral human stories and a ritualistic burial in the Underworld, emphasizing the cyclical nature of life and death.

Montol at the Winter Solstice

Authored by Alex Langstone, this article details the revival of the Montol festival in Penzance, which began in 2007. Montol aims to bring back ancient mid-winter and Victorian Christmas customs of Cornish culture, with its name derived from the Cornish word for Winter Solstice. The article highlights the festival's evolution over the years and its 2014 return to its origins. It discusses the historical significance of 'Guise Bands' in the early 1800s, particularly the notorious Corn-Market Revellers, whose traditions have influenced modern 'guise guilds' like 'The Glorious Company of the Egyptian House.' The article also describes the 'guise beasts,' such as 'Old Ned' the crow and 'Ramesses,' and the ceremonial burning of the 'Kasek-Nos' nightmare 'Oss' to symbolize the end of the old year and the beginning of the new. The Montol 2014 event is described as a spectacular community-focused festival that brought colour, music, and dance to Penzance.

West Penwith: Ancient Sites and Alignments Online Map

This section introduces an online map created by Palden Jenkins, detailing ancient-to-medieval sites and straight-line alignments in West Penwith. Developed using Google Maps, the project builds upon previous work by Alfred Watkins, John Michell, and Raymond Cox. The map aims to reveal deliberate locational patterns of ancient sites, considering factors beyond mere landscape setting, such as underground water-flows, prominent hills, and astronomical observations. Three major example alignments are presented: one connecting the Nine Maidens stone circle, Lanyon Quoit, Boscawen-ûn stone circle, and Treen Circle; another linking Boscawen-ûn with St Michael's Mount and sites on the Isles of Scilly; and a third aligning Lanyon Quoit with St Michael's Mount and Pendeen Watch. The article discusses the accuracy standards for alignments and the importance of considering four-point alignments, even if three-point alignments are also accepted in specific contexts like the Isles of Scilly or the Kemyel/Swingate group.

20 Years Ago: Delving into the pages of MM from the past

This retrospective section revisits articles from MM27 and MM28 (Summer/Autumn 1995). It highlights news items such as the Channel 4 Time Team investigating Boleigh fogou, an attempted theft from the Merry Maidens circle, and the rediscovery of the Grumbla Cromlech. Articles on landscape patterns by Andy Collins, Bruce Macfarlane, and Jimmy Goddard are mentioned, along with Kenny May's solstice alignment. The section also focuses on original research into historical legends and folklore. Cheryl Straffon and Caeia March investigated chapels, Jill Harris searched for the Goddess in early saints' stories, and Brendan McMahon proposed that the giant Jack in the legend of Tom the Tinkeard was a disguised Neolithic shaman. Andy Norfolk presented a theory that the rhyme 'Margery Daw' relates to a harvest Goddess, suggesting names like Margery Daw, Madge Figgy, and Figgy Dowdy derive from ancient Cornish names for this goddess, and that effigies of this Goddess were used to 'awaken the newly sown seed.' This research, though challenged, is noted as an important idea for reclaiming Cornish deities.

Book Reviews

Trethevy Quoit: Cornwall's Megalithic Masterpiece by Roy Goutté

This 50-page booklet investigates the Trethevy Quoit monument. It examines the structure as it appears today and proposes a reconstruction, suggesting that four of its eight stones are out of position and that it may have been rebuilt in its current form after falling. The author also discusses whether the monument was ever covered by a mound, concluding it was not, but may have been surrounded by a stone ring.

No Stone Unturned by 'Artferret' (Linda King)

Described as a delightful booklet, this work by artist Linda King focuses on prehistoric sites in the West Penwith area, including lesser-known and obscure locations. The author's mode of transport (bus and bike) is noted. The booklet covers 30 sites, including hillforts, cliff castles, standing stones, entrance graves, settlements, quoits, and barrows. Each entry provides directions, a description, and colour photographs, along with some of the artist's own observations.

A Wreck Upon The Ocean: Cornish Folklore in the Age of the Industrial Revolution by Brendan McMahon

Brendan McMahon, a researcher into Celtic folklore, explores the meanings behind 19th-century Cornish folk tales collected by Robert Hunt and William Bottrell. The book examines stories of pixies, giants, mermaids, and Arthurian myths, connecting them to the socio-economic conditions and psychological forces of 19th-century Cornwall. McMahon argues that these stories helped communities cope with tensions and conflicts, teeming with themes of desire, death, love, and loss.

Celtic Saints of Western Britain by Nic Phillips

Although purporting to cover saints in Wales, Cornwall, Devon, and Somerset, this book primarily focuses on Cornwall. Nic Phillips recounts legends of saints using historical research, archaeological findings, medieval hagiographies, and place names. A notable error identified is the linking of St. Nectan to St. Nectan's Glen near Tintagel, which was a mid-19th-century association made by Rev. Stephen Hawker; previously, the site was known as 'Nathan's Cave.' Despite this, the book is praised for its research and information on early Christian saints.

Other Sections

Exchange Magazines and Paganism Listings

The magazine includes listings for other relevant publications and organizations in the 'Exchange Magazines' and 'Paganism' sections, providing subscription prices and website details for titles like 'Northern Earth,' 'Touchstone,' 'Quest,' 'The Cauldron,' and 'Goddess Alive!'

Meyn Mamvro Folders and Subscription Information

Information is provided on purchasing Meyn Mamvro folders to store the magazines and details on subscribing to the magazine itself. Back numbers and photocopies are also available. The printing is done by Paul of Brighid Design.

Noticeboard

A 'Noticeboard' section lists various groups and events, including West Cornwall Dowsers, Trencrom Dowsers, Tamar Dowsers, Ancient Sites Clear-Ups, The Lizard (LAN), Goddess in Cornwall/Priestess of Kernow, and a Mind Body & Spirit Event in Newquay. It also lists Pagan Moots in various locations across Cornwall and the Cornish School of Mysteries and Healing Tree Centre.

Thoughts and Observations About the Map of Penwith Ancient Sites and Alignments - Part 1

This is the first part of an article by Palden Jenkins, detailing his work on mapping ancient sites and alignments in West Penwith. He discusses what qualifies as an alignment, emphasizing straight alignments of sites rather than dowsed energy lines. Jenkins notes that sites were deliberately located and that alignments are accurate. He also mentions other locational factors such as underground water-flows, prominent hills, and astronomical observations. The article highlights three key alignments: one connecting four major sites (Nine Maidens, Lanyon Quoit, Boscawen-ûn, Treen Circle), another linking Boscawen-ûn to St Michael's Mount and the Isles of Scilly, and a third aligning Lanyon Quoit with St Michael's Mount and Pendeen Watch. The article also touches upon the accuracy standards for alignments and the importance of four-point alignments.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Meyn Mamvro are Cornish folklore, ancient history, megalithic sites, landscape archaeology, and pagan and spiritual traditions. The editorial stance appears to be one of deep engagement with Cornwall's heritage, promoting research, exploration, and the revival of ancient customs and beliefs. There is a clear emphasis on the connection between the landscape, its history, and the spiritual significance of its ancient sites and traditions. The magazine serves as a platform for both personal experiences and scholarly research, encouraging community participation and the rediscovery of local heritage.

Title: MEYN MAMVRO
Issue: 88
Volume: 88
Date: Autumn 2015
Publisher: Meyn Mamvro
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of Meyn Mamvro delves into the ancient landscape of Penwith, Cornwall, focusing on the concept of alignments and the 'presence' of hills and headlands. The magazine explores how these features were perceived and utilized by ancient peoples from the late Neolithic and Bronze Age periods.

Alignments in Penwith

The article begins by discussing how alignments can be observed on maps, noting that many significant alignments have four or more points. It highlights specific prominent hills and headlands in Penwith, such as Trencrom Hill, Godrevy, Carn Brea, Godolphin Hill, Tregonning Hill, St Michael's Mount, Carn Kenidjak, Carn Galva, Chapel Carn Brea, and Bartinney, which dominate the landscape and are visually apparent even without fog. The concept of 'presence' is explored, suggesting that ancient cultures likely viewed these natural features not just as geographical points but as entities with inherent significance.

Victorian perceptions of Cape Cornwall as 'land's end' are mentioned, contrasting it with the more tourist-focused Land's End. The text posits that ancient inhabitants imbued their world with a sense of animism, attributing presences and beings to major geographical features. These hills and headlands, along with coastal features misleadingly termed 'cliff castles,' formed the foundational canvas for the alignment systems established from approximately 3500 BCE onwards.

Agriculture, earth-moving, and construction projects began in this era, with older field systems, like those around Zennor, dating back to the late Bronze Age (1000 BCE). Prior to the Neolithic period, people lived in closer harmony with nature, considering hilltops, trees, rocks, cliffs, wells, and glades as sacred places.

Sites Used for Alignments

The article lists the types of sites that have been accepted as valid alignment points:

• Significant hilltops, headlands, carns (natural tors & outcrops) and large rocks.
• Stone circles, quoits (cromlechs) and menhirs (standing stones).
• Holed stones, old boundary stones and other placed stones.
• Hill enclosures ('hillforts'), cliff strongholds and rounds (lowland enclosures).
• Cairns, barrows and tumuli (chambered and solid).
• Ancient settlements and villages.
• Fogous (underground chambers) and holy wells.
• Old churches and early Christian crosses.

The Nature of Alignments

The magazine then addresses the nature of these alignments, noting that while they are numbered on maps, the order is not significant. Alignments are grouped by type. The article clarifies that drawing lines on a map to identify alignments is figurative, not literal. In contrast to some parts of England where roads and tracks follow alignments, this is less common in Penwith. The core assertion is that ancient peoples precisely and deliberately located standing stones, mounds, and other sites in relation to each other.

The author suggests that the ancients might not have conceived of 'lines' in the modern sense but rather as a form of resonance between points, akin to lining up Lego blocks. Another analogy used is a circuit board, where individual lights blink but form patterns. This concept of resonance is presented as a hypothetical but interesting possibility.

The verification of these site alignments is presented as an evidential fact that archaeologists and historical geographers often overlook. Dowsers, who detect energy-lines, sometimes find these lines coinciding with alignments, though the proportion is not systematically researched, with a guess of around 20%.

The focus is primarily on the *location* of points rather than the drawing of lines. The article uses an analogy of bronze age sheet music to explain that while the notes (points) can be analyzed, it is the 'playing and hearing' (the overall experience and interpretation) that holds the true meaning.

Ancient peoples of Penwith were meticulous about location. While many sites boast visually impressive settings, this is not universally true. Some locations, like the Carfury menhir, are described as having unremarkable positioning despite being a major alignment hub with a view of St Michael's Mount. Conversely, sites like Bosiliack Barrow offer clear visual connections to multiple other sites, including Lanyon Quoit, Carn Kenidjak, Mulfra Quoit, Sancreed Beacon, and Watch Croft. Moving just a short distance from such a site can disrupt these connections.

At the site itself, a sense of clicking or understanding emerges, making one feel at the 'centre of the universe.' This concept is linked to the ancient Greek idea of an 'omphalos' or psychic gravity-centre.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the interpretation of ancient landscapes, the significance of geographical features, and the potential spiritual or energetic connections perceived by ancient peoples. The editorial stance appears to favor a more holistic and intuitive understanding of these ancient sites, suggesting that conventional archaeological approaches may overlook crucial aspects of their meaning and purpose. The magazine encourages readers to consider the 'presence' and 'resonance' of these locations, moving beyond purely literal interpretations.