Meyn Mamvro - No 091 - Autumn 2016

Magazine Overview

Meyn Mamvro, Issue 91, Autumn 2016, is a magazine focused on "ancient stones and sacred sites in Cornwall." This issue marks the publication's 30th anniversary. The cover features a collage of images of ancient stone sites and highlights the 30-year milestone. The price is £3.00.

Editorial and Anniversary Reflections

The editorial section reflects on the 30th anniversary of Meyn Mamvro, which began in 1986. The editor notes that in its early days, the concepts of 'earth mysteries' and 'alternative archaeology' were not widely recognized in Cornwall, with pioneers like John Michell and Craig Weatherhill working in relative isolation. The magazine aimed to create a community and bridge the gap between 'earth mysteries' and 'paganism'. The editor reaffirms the original intent to produce a professional and polished magazine accessible to both outsiders and insiders, fostering a breadth of vision and interaction of knowledge. This anniversary issue includes regular columns, lesser-known sites, local dowsing activities, original articles, and contributions from well-known researchers. It also features an extended '20 years ago' column, looking back at issues from 30, 20, and 10 years ago, and updating discoveries since then. The editor expresses gratitude to the readers who have been instrumental in the magazine's longevity.

Contents and Featured Articles

The table of contents lists a variety of articles and features:

• Editorial (p. 1)
• Dowsing News (p. 2)
• Pip Richards - obituary (p. 3)
• Spring into Summer (p. 4)
• CASPN & LAN (p. 5)
• Ancient Tracks: 11 - Castallack Carn (p. 6)
• Home Sweet Ancient Home: 12 - Treen (p. 7)
• The St.Just bull - Alan Crutch (p. 8)
• Trewern - another menhir with breast carvings?/ Another cup-marked stone (p. 11)
• 'New' sites on the Scillies dowsed (p.12)
• King Arthur's Hall - Gateway to the stars - Paul Broadhurst (p.14)
• Cornish Folklore: Looe island - Alex Langstone (p.18)
• Professor Charles Thomas obituary + 30 years of innovative research (p.20)
• 10 years ago (p.22)
• 20 years ago (p.23)
• 30 years ago (p.24)
• A 4-page supplement on Penwith map alignments by Palden Jenkins - Part 4.

Articles are credited to the authors, with special thanks to James Kitto for front cover photography. The magazine is printed by Paul Williment of Brighid Design.

Dowsing News

The "Dowsing News" section reports on several events. The 10th anniversary get-together of West Penwith Dowsers on the Isles of Scilly was cancelled, but three members still visited and explored 'new' sites uncovered by the Community Archaeology Group. Details of these sites and results are in the centre pages. On May Day, Tamar Dowsers visited Kit Hill with the Wreckers Morris side. Nigel Twinn identified a prominent energy line, which expanded significantly due to interaction with the dowsers, dancers, and the rising sun. The report notes that while not a spiritual event, it felt like engaging with Gaia. International Dowsing Weekend saw Trencrom Dowsers meet at Carn Lês Boel to dowse Michael and Mary energy lines, followed by a 'Sing the Lines' event on Trencrom Hill. Dowsing events for the rest of summer 2016 will be in the next issue.

Pip Richards Obituary

This section commemorates Pip Richards (1951-2016), founder and director of the Sustainable Trust, who was responsible for the recent re-erection of Carwynnen Quoit. She passed away in May at the age of 65. Pip studied textile design, fine art, and management, and later moved to Cornwall. In 1990, she purchased land and founded the Sustainable Trust to manage Crenver Grove woodland. She was a passionate environmentalist and supporter of Friends of the Earth. In 2009, grants enabled the Trust to purchase land containing the ruins of Carwynnen Quoit, leading to its restoration in 2014. Pip was also a founder member of the West Cornwall Dowsers. Bart O'Farrell described her as a "sunny, cheerful dowsing companion, and also a staunch friend to the Cornwall dowsing community." Her legacy includes Carwynnen Quoit and other projects.

Penwith Press Publications

Penwith Press, founded by Hamish Miller in the 1990s, offers books, DVDs, maps, and tools related to earth mysteries and dowsing. It features works by researchers like Grahame Gardner, Billy Gawn, Nigel Twinn, David Leesley, Sig Lonegren, Christopher Strong, and Palden Jenkins, as well as Hamish Miller's own publications. They also stock energy current maps for journeys such as "Sun and the Serpent" and "Dance of the Dragon." Information and ordering are available via their website.

Spring into Summer 2016

This section details various events celebrating the transition from spring to summer in Cornwall:

• Fenton Bebibell Well Visit: On Good Friday (March 25th), the 11th year of the revived tradition of visiting Fenton Bebibell for the annual clear-up and baptising of dollies took place. It was a sunny day with a large family turnout.
• Figgy Dowdy's Well: Members of the Betwixt Moot met for their fourth year at Figgy Dowdy's well on Carn Marth near Redruth on the same day.
• Maypole Dance and Beltane Ritual: On May Day eve, a Maypole Dance was held at Bosavern Community Farm. On May Day itself, despite overcast weather, the Penwith Pagan Moot held a Beltane ritual. In the evening, a celebration took place at The Seed of Life at Treviscoe, led by Rachel Holder, involving a ceremony at a stone circle.
• Penzance May Horns and Padstow Obby Oss: The Penzance May Horns procession occurred, and the Padstow Obby Oss day took place on Bank Holiday Monday, May 2nd, after initial rain cleared.
• Helston Flora Day: On May 7th, Helston Flora Day featured dances and the Hal-an-Tow.
• Summer Solstice: Events included Midsummer Bonfires on hilltops across Cornwall, solstice celebrations at The Seed of Life, and Golowan week in Penzance.

C.A.S.P.N & LAN News Round-Up

The 10th annual year of walks and talks organized by the Cornish Ancient Sites Protection Network (CASPN) and Lizard Ancient Sites Network (LAN) was a success. The event began on Saturday, May 28th, with a guided walk by Cheryl Straffon & Lana Jarvis. Other walks were led by David Giddings. Michelle Brown gave a talk on Protohistoric to Historic monuments in West Penwith. On Sunday, May 29th, archaeologist Adam Sharpe spoke on "Mining in Cornwall," followed by Adrian Rodda's poem-walk "In the footsteps of Giants." The weekend concluded with an informal gathering where Palden Jenkins discussed his map of alignments in West Penwith. Contact details for CASPN and FOCAS (Friends of Cornwall's Ancient Sites) are provided.

Ancient Tracks: 11 - Castallack Carn

This article explores ancient pathways in West Penwith. It focuses on a track that goes over Castallack Carn, passing two ancient sites: the remains of an Iron Age Round and a Bronze Age menhir. The menhir, recorded by Henderson and photographed by John Michell, measures 1.5m high and is overgrown. It is noted to be on alignments plotted on Palden Jenkins' map. A reader, Linda King, found a modern menhir at a house called The Haven, suggesting the track attracts enthusiasts.

Home Sweet Ancient Home: 12 - Treen

This is the third in a series on Courtyard House settlements in West Penwith. Treen, located on a gentle north-facing slope, consists of three well-preserved courtyard houses. The article describes the layout of these houses, noting their westerly facing orientation and the presence of round rooms, oval rooms, and back doors leading to contemporary fields. It mentions the absence of a fogou at Treen but notes the proximity of Treen chambered tombs, dating from an earlier period. The article concludes that this is the final site in the feature on ancient settlements, with previous ones being Carn Euny and Chysauster.

The St.Just Bull

This article by Alan Crutch discusses a small, corroded bronze bull housed in the Royal Cornwall Museum in Truro. The bull was reputedly found in January 1832 in the vicarage grounds of St Just by a workman dismantling a stone hedge. The workman found it within ashes of what appeared to be a burnt-down ancient structure. The bull, less than 2 inches tall, was initially kept by the workman and then sold by his widow. It became a subject of discussion among local antiquarians, with debate over whether it was Greek or Phoenician, suggesting a Bronze Age tin trade. The bull was eventually sent to the British Museum around 1849, prompting a paper by Mr S Birch in the Archaeological Institute Journal.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on the ancient landscape of Cornwall, particularly its stones, sacred sites, and prehistoric remains. Themes of dowsing, earth energies, folklore, and paganism are prominent throughout the issue. The editorial stance, as reiterated in the 30th-anniversary reflection, is to be inclusive, bridging different disciplines and interests within the 'earth mysteries' field, and to provide a professional and engaging platform for research and discussion. There is a strong emphasis on local history, archaeology, and the spiritual or energetic aspects of the landscape.

MEYN MAMVRO, Issue 91, Autumn 2016, is a magazine focused on archaeology, ancient history, mythology, and folklore, with a particular emphasis on Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. The issue features articles on a mysterious bull statue, prehistoric sites, ancient structures, and local legends.

The St Just Bull Statue: A Phoenician Connection Debated

The issue begins by examining a bull statue found in St Just, Cornwall. The author discusses a debate regarding its potential Phoenician origin, which is largely dismissed due to a lack of supporting evidence. Instead, the statue's horns and shape are identified as Egyptian, linking it to the Apis Bull cult. The mythology of the Apis Bull, representing male and female aspects of Osiris with a sun disc signifying divinity, is explained. Crescents inscribed on Apis Bulls and their appearance on coins from Alexandria during Hadrian's reign are noted. The Cornish bull is attributed by Mr Birch to the Roman period, suggesting the Apis cult migrated from Egypt via Greece. This opinion was met with resistance, with Dr Barham presenting a paper arguing for a stronger local interest in the artifact. Despite this, the article on Cornish maritime connections with the Phoenicians was published, while the bull remained in the Truro museum. Later, a vicar suggested the bull might have been brought to St Just by a follower of the Mithras bull cult involved in tin trading. The British Museum's expert concluded it was Romano-Egyptian from Hadrian's period, which is its current attribution.

The author notes that the St Just bull differs from hundreds of Apis bulls viewed online, particularly in its sun disc. A similar bull is found in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, also dated to the 1st-2nd century CE. However, the St Just bull appears to lack a crescent, contrary to Birch's drawing, which is deemed fanciful.

Intriguingly, the bull was found in a pile of ash within a stone structure. The article questions its presence there: was it grave goods, a ritual deposit, or simply abandoned? The claim of a direct Phoenician maritime trading connection with Cornwall is now discredited. Bronze Age tin trade with the Mediterranean is thought to have been overland via France. However, Cornish tin was found in iconic Continental items like the Nebra Sky disc and the Gundestrup cauldron, suggesting Mediterranean presence in Penwith during the Bronze Age. The Roman Empire's tin trade with Cornwall grew significantly in the 3rd Century CE, potentially explaining the appearance of Courtyard Houses. The bull might have belonged to a buyer from that period or been traded for tin with a Courtyard House occupier.

Local artist Kurt Jackson has been inspired by the bull, creating a sculpture using tin mined from Cot Valley.

References are provided for 'Tin in Antiquity' by R. D. Penhallurick, an article by S. Birch on the bronze figure, an abstract by Dr C. Barnham, and correspondence from the Royal Cornwall Museum/Library. A note on the Gundestrup cauldron highlights its silver and gold content, and the use of tin from Cornwall for soldering, consistent in lead-isotope composition.

TREWERN - Another Menhir with Breast Carvings?

Researcher Paul Blades believes he has found carvings similar to those at Boscawen-ûn on the Trewern standing stone in West Penwith. He describes 'very clear manmade carved breasts' on the north-western side, stacked vertically, with a 'cup' and a smaller 'breast' nearby. The north-eastern side also has a larger, lower carving. The Historic England entry for the stone mentions granite with protruding nodules of black tourmaline and white quartz, suggested to have been artificially enhanced. Ann Preston-Jones of Historic England finds it hard to believe the carvings represent breasts due to their spacing and non-horizontal position, leaving the decision to experts. The possibility of Tom Goskar using photogrammetry is raised.

Another Cupmarked Stone Identified

Following a feature on Rock Art, another prehistoric cupmarked stone, Treganhoe, has been identified. Discovered in July 2010 by Simon Camm near Drift Reservoir, it was found when waters were low. The area shows evidence of Mesolithic activity, with finds from 1989. Nearby are a holed stone and the Drift standing stones.

'NEW' SITES ON THE SCILLIES DOWSED

The Community Archaeology Group (CAG) on the Isles of Scilly, led by archaeologists Katharine Sawyer and Charlie Johns, has been clearing prehistoric sites. A recent visit by West Penwith dowsers explored several sites.

On Gugh, an entrance grave on Carn Valla was dowsed. It was found to face north-east, possibly aligned with Obadiah's Barrow. Dowsing suggested an original walkway entrance on the south side. The site was described as 'humming' with energy, with an 8-fold radial of lines leading to other significant sites, similar to patterns found at Bants Carn.

Stone rows on Gugh, previously identified as stone walls by CEMG in 2001, were re-evaluated. Katharine Sawyer also believed they were stone rows, a finding supported by archaeologist Sandy Gerrard, who is compiling a database of stone rows in Britain. This re-evaluation is considered a significant discovery for the Scillies.

On St.Marys, a little-known entrance grave on Halangy Down was explored. Dowsing indicated it was used for female burials, contrasting with the nearby Bants Carn entrance grave, suggested for male burials. The Romano-Celtic period settlement below Halangy Down was moved uphill as the sea rose, with the area between the two graves perceived as 'hallowed ground'.

A Halangy Downs menhir, not listed in Gary Robinson's 'complete' list, was also visited. It is described as an attractively shaped stone, nearly 2m high. An energy line was dowsed running between it and the Long Rock menhir.

KING ARTHUR'S HALL - GATEWAY TO THE STARS

Authored by Paul Broadhurst, this article explores the enigmatic Neolithic or Bronze Age structure known as King Arthur's Hall on Bodmin Moor. Its purpose has been debated, with suggestions ranging from an animal pound to a Neolithic paddling pool due to its location above a natural spring. The author, after researching the connection between Cornish mythology and ancient starlore for his book 'The Secret Land', proposes that the site was a precision scientific instrument.

The structure's orientation along a north/south axis is considered fundamental. The name 'Arthur', meaning 'Great Bear' in old Cornish/Brythonic, is linked to the Great Bear constellation, suggesting the site's alignment with the heavens. The article posits that the Arthurian mythos is older than commonly believed and that King Arthur's Hall was aligned towards the celestial pole.

Evidence supporting this theory includes a row of three white quartz boulders near St Juliot's Church, identified by astronomer Robin Heath. These boulders, visible at night, pointed towards True North. Their longitude was similar to King Arthur's Hall. Further investigation revealed other ancient sites in Cornwall with a similar north/south alignment, suggesting an ancient meridian and that King Arthur's Hall may have served as an early observatory.

A survey by Robin Heath revealed the inner megalithic wall of upright stones was built in 'Pythagorean' proportions of a 5:12 rectangle, using the megalithic yard measure. This 5:12:13 ratio, also found at Stonehenge, is known to encode astronomical information, including the soli-lunar cycles, and could be used as an eclipse predictor.

The presence of water in the structure is explained as a method for observing star transits. A vertical pole aligned to True North in a pool of water would have allowed for accurate verification of star transits by reflection, acting as an early reflecting telescope. The pool was set deeply with a raised bank to create a level horizon and minimize ripples.

The investigations concluded that King Arthur's Hall was a sophisticated prehistoric observatory, built by individuals with a profound understanding of the cosmos. This knowledge was encoded in mythology, particularly references to King Arthur and the Great Bear constellation. The article promotes two books: 'Axis of Heaven' and 'The Secret Land', which explore these themes.

WELLS CORNER

This section features a regular column on Cornwall's holy wells. Mark Camp posted a reference from Robert Hunt's 'Popular Romances of the West of England' about Saint German, who fled an angry mob and whose tears formed a holy well. The location is unknown, but Garry Wells on Rame Head is suggested as a candidate. The stone at the well's entrance has 'UBIQUE' carved on it. Craig Weatherhill suggests 'Gary' might be a corruption of Germanus.

CORNISH FOLKLORE

A new column by folklorist Alex Langstone begins with a piece on Looe Island. Originally St Michael's Island, it was a center for smugglers and has folklore about lost caves and a secret tunnel. Sisters Roselyn and Evelyn Atkins, owner-residents, received a letter from a clergyman in Cumbria with a treasure map. Dowsing indicated something buried, and a large stone was found. On September 15th, 1900, The Cornish Times reported 'Remarkable discoveries' on the island, including a huge cave and an adjoining one resembling Etruscan caves at Clusia, Italy. However, no further details were published, fueling conspiracy theories.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of archaeology, mythology, and folklore, particularly within the Cornish landscape. There is a strong emphasis on re-interpreting ancient sites and legends through new methodologies like dowsing and astronomical analysis. The editorial stance appears to favor in-depth investigation and the presentation of alternative theories, often challenging established historical narratives. The use of dowsing as a research tool is presented without skepticism, and the connection between ancient sites and celestial observation is a recurring theme. The magazine also highlights local artists and their engagement with historical and archaeological subjects.

This issue of Meyn Mamvro, number 91, published in Autumn 2016, is a substantial magazine focusing on archaeology, folklore, and ancient sites, particularly in Cornwall. The cover prominently features a tribute to the recently deceased Professor Charles Thomas, a highly regarded archaeologist.

Professor Charles Thomas: A Tribute

The magazine dedicates significant space to commemorating Professor Charles Thomas (1928-2016), described as 'Cornwall's greatest archaeologist'. It details his education at Winchester College and Oxford, his academic career at universities in Edinburgh, Leicester, and Exeter, and his leadership roles, including President of the Council for British Archaeology and President of the Cornwall Archaeological Society. His founding of the Institute of Cornish Studies and its journal 'Cornish Studies' is highlighted. Thomas's archaeological work included significant excavations at Gwithian and Tintagel churchyard. His publications are noted, particularly 'Explorations of a Drowned Landscape' on the Isles of Scilly and 'Shall These Mute Stones Speak?' on inscribed stones. The article also mentions his contributions to Meyn Mamvro itself, with several articles on topics like 'Tintagel's Sacred Site' and 'Arthur? What Arthur?!'. His interest in 'alternative' ideas is shown by a talk on 'Holes in Space & other Fortean items'. The personal account describes him as an intelligent, personable man with a strong sense of Cornishness.

Looe Island: Folklore and Mystery

An article delves into the mysteries and folklore of Looe Island. It discusses early archaeological investigations that suggested the island contained extensive, ancient caves with 'architecture' dating back to around 800 BCE, possibly of pre-Mesopelagic or Etruscan design. However, subsequent reports of major developments and finds never materialized, leaving the claims a mystery. The island is also rich in ghost stories, possibly invented by smugglers to deter visitors. These include tales of a dark-skinned man and a haunted house occupied by the ghost of an aristocratic gentleman with long fingers, often accompanied by an ominous blue glowing light. A persistent legend links the island to Joseph of Arimathea and the young Jesus, suggesting Joseph left Jesus on the beach while he conducted trade. This legend is thought to have originated from the monks at Glastonbury Abbey, who owned the island from 1144 to 1289.

Charles Thomas: 30+ Years of Innovative Research

This section further details Professor Charles Thomas's extensive body of work, spanning over 30 years and coinciding with the duration of Meyn Mamvro. It highlights his early publications on Christianity in Britain and Ireland, followed by his influential 1985 book 'Explorations of a Drowned Landscape', which presented a comprehensive view of the Isles of Scilly, incorporating geology, folklore, and language, and proposing a link to a Goddess figure. His 1986 book, 'Celtic Britain', covered the period from the end of Roman rule to the 7th century, with a focus on 'Early Cornwall'. Thomas's extensive work on Tintagel is discussed, including his leadership of excavations and his 1993 guidebook. His strong reaction to the interpretation of the 'Artognov' slate as being connected to King Arthur is noted. In the 1990s, his focus shifted to Dark Age inscribed stones, resulting in 'And Shall These Mute Stones Speak?' (1994) and subsequent works that explored inscriptions and their meanings, often challenging conventional archaeological interpretations.

10 Years Ago: Neolithic and Early Bronze Age

This section revisits articles from the Autumn 2006 issue (No. 61), celebrating Meyn Mamvro's 20th anniversary. It covers articles on the Mesolithic period ('Hunter-Gatherer Stations in West Penwith') and the Neolithic and early Bronze Age. The focus is on how recent archaeological research revealed that prehistoric peoples constructed sites in relation to landscape features, viewing them as ancestral places for ceremonial activities. Examples include excavations at Stannon Downs, revealing seasonal activity and community congregations, leading to the construction of a stone circle. Another example is Roche Rock, where ritual deposits suggest offerings to spirits residing in the rock, which was perceived as a powerful liminal point.

20 Years Ago: Megalithic Sites and Viewframes

This section looks back at articles from Spring/Summer 1996 (MM30) and Autumn 2002 (MM49). It discusses the identification of a new type of megalithic site called a 'propped stone', first identified at Leskernick Hill on Bodmin Moor. These stones, often aligned with the summer solstice sunset, were part of a sacred landscape. The concept of 'viewframes' is also explored, where stones were positioned to provide viewpoints over neighboring hills and tors. The article notes that propped stones have become accepted by archaeologists.

30 Years Ago: Radioactive Properties of Stone Circles

This section revisits the first issue of Meyn Mamvro, which featured a piece on the radioactive properties of stone circles in Cornwall. It references an article from 'The Ley Hunter' magazine detailing geiger-teller readings. Background radiation in Cornwall's 'granite kingdom' was found to be higher than elsewhere. Some stone circles showed unexpectedly low or high readings, with the Merry Maidens exhibiting a peak reading and Stannon Circle showing a negative reading. The Dragon Project, initiated by Paul Devereux, further investigated these sites, finding that some enclosed spaces had high radiation, while stone circles often had lower readings. Theories suggest that the rings of stones might have created a 'ring of power' that absorbed radiation, creating a sanctuary area.

The Piper's Tune: Community Projects and Exchange

This section highlights several ongoing projects and exchange opportunities. 'Reading the Hurlers' is a community archaeology project funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, aiming to identify the sources of granite for the Hurlers' standing stones and conduct excavations. Roy Goutté is excavating and clearing fallen stones at Leskernick stone circles. The section also lists exchange magazines and details new exchange opportunities. Information on 'Alignments in West Penwith' and 'Meyn Mamvro Folders' is provided, along with subscription details for Meyn Mamvro and information on purchasing back numbers.

Noticeboard

The Noticeboard section lists various upcoming events and groups related to dowsing, goddess events, witchcraft, pagan moots, and archaeological site clear-ups across Cornwall. It includes contact details and websites for each listing.

Thoughts and Observations: Map of Penwith Ancient Sites and Alignments

This article, Part 4 of a series by Palden Jenkins, continues the exploration of the map of Penwith's ancient sites and alignments. It discusses 'clustering' and notes that St Michael's Mount, Tren crom Hill, and St Ives Head form a straight line, suggesting a lost site at Pen Dinas. The relative emptiness of ancient sites in the Penzance area is discussed, with speculation that it might have been considered outside the 'magical landscape' or that sites have been removed. The article identifies ten 'notional tribal areas' based on geographic patterns of sites and settlements.

Double Menhirs and Geometry in Penwith

This section focuses on 'double menhirs' in Penwith, noting their prevalence in the southern part of the peninsula and suggesting differences in style and purpose compared to northern sites. It discusses how alignments can be directed to one or both menhirs, or pass between them, posing a challenge to normal accuracy rules. The orientation of these paired menhirs is marked by green lines, possibly indicating astronomical or topographical alignments, though their purpose remains enigmatic. A specific example at Carn Les Boel describes a propped stone and a fallen menhir acting as an 'energy-gateway'. The author also touches upon the geometry and pattern of alignments in West Penwith, noting that while modern thinking seeks neat geometry, there seems to be little or none, though some noticeable patterns exist.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a deep interest in Cornish history, archaeology, and folklore, often with an emphasis on 'alternative' perspectives and earth mysteries. The editorial stance appears to be one of celebrating and preserving Cornish heritage, encouraging community involvement in archaeological projects, and exploring the less conventional aspects of ancient sites and beliefs. The magazine acts as a platform for both academic and amateur researchers, fostering a sense of local identity and historical inquiry.

This issue of Meyn Mamvro, number 91, published in Autumn 2016, focuses on the intricate system of ancient alignments and geomancy within the Penwith landscape of Cornwall. The publication's website is meynmamvro.co.uk/archive.

Parallel Alignments

The article discusses various types of alignments found in Penwith. Parallel alignments are highlighted, with examples like #124 (Pendeen Watch to Nare Head) and #90 (The Brisons to Pendennis Point/Nare Head) described as long-distance lines oriented just north of east. Another significant parallel alignment, #54, runs from Cape Cornwall through Pen Dinas (St Ives Head) to St Agnes Head, parallel to the 'Michael Line'. The author speculates that these parallel lines may be intentional, though their purpose remains unknown.

Symmetries

Some 'backbone' alignments emanating from major nodes like St Michael's Mount, Lanyon Quoit, Trencrom Hill, and Gurnard's Head exhibit an angular splay, suggesting a form of symmetry or order. While the angles are not uniform, they display a certain orderliness, contrasting with the more haphazard spread of radials from other nodes. This suggests a potential geomantic significance.

Quoits

In the northern sector of Penwith, quoits are connected by three-point alignments, with an additional site between them. These alignments appear to form a 'sub-circuit' within the larger system. Given that quoits are considered early sites, these alignments might be among the oldest layers. The alignment passing through Chûn Castle and its proximity to Chûn Quoit suggests that the castle's site might predate the Iron Age, a hypothesis that geomancy could support where archaeological evidence is lacking.

Hills

Alignments commonly pass over hills at various points, not just at summits. Some hills with distinct hilltop sites, like Bartinney Castle, see alignments passing through a single point. Carn Galva is described as a serpent hill with multiple humps, offering different alignment profiles depending on the viewing direction. Similarly, Cape Cornwall allows alignments to pass over it at different elevations. Gurnard's Head, St Ives Head, and Godolphin Hill seem to have two distinct spots where alignments meet, while St Michael's Mount exhibits very exact alignments.

Locational Issues

The landscape of Penwith appears to possess an inherent logic, with factors such as underground water, energy, astronomical variables, and geographical features influencing the location of ancient sites. However, alignment-oriented geomancy plays a crucial role in this 'locational engineering'. The density of sites and the unique principles observed in Penwith suggest it was a significant place for megalithic people from Britain and Europe. The peninsula shares characteristics with islands, despite its geographical connection.

Questionmarks

'Questionmarks' are noted on maps at locations where multiple alignments intersect precisely, but no known ancient site exists. These points warrant investigation as they might reveal destroyed sites or represent 'interesting chance' occurrences.

Archaeological Layers

The issue of 'recycling' of sites and materials can obscure former ancient sites, particularly in urban areas and villages. This phenomenon is also observed with old churches, early Christian crosses, and Iron Age hillforts, which are often located on top of older sites. An analogy is drawn to Bethlehem, where the Church of the Nativity sits atop older temples, with cultural layers dating back to 8000 BCE.

Christian Crosses and Alignments

Many old Christian crosses and churches in Penwith align with the established system. Examples include the four crosses of the Merry Maidens complex, the cross at Crows-an-Wra, and churches at St Buryan, Pen Sans, and Sancreed. This raises the question of whether these sites replaced earlier ones or if their builders adhered to similar locational principles as the megalithic builders. St Buryan and Gulval churches appear to be located within earlier circular enclosures.

Conclusion

The author hopes that this mapping project will encourage further research into ancient alignments in Cornwall and megalithic NW Europe.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are geomancy, ancient site alignment, and the interpretation of landscape as a deliberate, engineered system. The editorial stance appears to be one of scholarly inquiry, seeking to uncover the underlying logic and intentionality behind the placement of ancient sites, integrating archaeological observations with geomantic principles. There is an emphasis on the interconnectedness of sites and the potential for geomancy to confirm or suggest archaeological hypotheses.