Meyn Mamvro - No 096 - SummerAutumn 2018

Magazine Overview

Meyn Mamvro, Issue No. 96, Summer-Autumn 2018, is a magazine dedicated to exploring ancient stones, sacred sites, folklore, and the earth energies of Cornwall. Priced at £3.00, this issue features a special focus on Carn Galva, a prominent landscape feature in West Penwith.

Contents

The magazine's contents include an editorial, dowsing news, spring and summer events, CASPN news, a special feature on Carn Galva, and articles on curious monuments like the Boskednan 'fogou'. It also covers Cornish folklore, book reviews, and historical retrospectives ('20 years ago', '30 years ago').

Editorial and Publication Information

The editorial reflects on the longevity of Meyn Mamvro, which is approaching its 100th issue and has been published for 32 years since December 1986. The editor, Cheryl Straffon, expresses gratitude to contributors and discusses the future of the magazine, suggesting it may become a yearly or twice-yearly publication after issue 100. The magazine's postal address has changed to Whitewaves, Boscaswell Village, Pendeen, Penzance, Cornwall TR19 7EP. The website is www.meynmamvro.co.uk and the email is [email protected]. A new venture, Cornwall's Pagan Radio internet station, is also highlighted.

Meyn Mamvro Publications

Several publications by Meyn Mamvro are advertised, including 'Pagan Cornwall: Land of the Goddess', 'Megalithic Mysteries of Cornwall', and 'Fentynyow Kernow: In Search of Cornwall's Holy Wells'. The 'Earth Mysteries Guides to Ancient Sites' series is also promoted, with volumes covering West Penwith, Bodmin Moor & North Cornwall, Mid-Cornwall & the Lizard, and the Isles of Scilly.

Carn Galva Special Feature: Into Alignment

This section, authored by Peter Herring and Kenny Price, delves into the relationship between Carn Galva and the surrounding ancient monuments. Herring's research, presented in the book "Archaeology and Landscape at the Land's End", suggests that Carn Galva was made culturally significant by the early Neolithic tor enclosure built upon it. Later monuments, dating from the end of the Neolithic and early Bronze Age, formed a complex aligned with the tor, possibly holding ancestral significance. The Nine Maidens stone circle was built along the line of the barrows, creating a visual alignment and a ceremonial path towards the tor. The alignment is towards the NW, the direction of the winter solstice sunset.

Several barrows or cairns are detailed: Cairn A [4350 3496] has a stone surround and view of Carn Galva. Cairn B [4366 3509] is also identifiable. Cairn C [4327 3531], to the NW of the circle, though denuded, may have been a stopping place on the ceremonial pathway. A set of four small cairns (Cairns D), 300m from the tor, are placed transversely to the alignment, possibly marking a point for final offerings before climbing Carn Galva. Peter Herring reconstructs a scenario of movement between these monuments, highlighting the visual connections to Carn Galva and St. Michael's Mount.

Kenny Price details "More Propped Stones on Carn Galva", describing various propped, upended, and placed stones. He highlights a propped loggan stone and a triangular horizon marker stone. He also describes a 3-sided 'box' formed by stones, from which a propped marker stone on the opposite peak is visible, aligning with St. Michael's Mount at 53 degrees east from south, towards the mid-winter solstice sunrise.

Dowsing News

This section covers various dowsing events. A Tamar Dowsers workshop facilitated by Denise Lockwood focused on 'Hypnotherapy and Dowsing', exploring the power of the mind and energy manipulation. A planned workshop by Peter Stott on 'Dowsing and Feng Shui' was cancelled. Tamar Dowsers also hosted Gwynn Paulett, who shared anecdotes from his dowsing experiences, including the discovery of a well at a castle in Kent and dowsing crop circle marks attributed to alien origin. Trencrom Dowsers hosted Beverley Davis, who spoke on 'Crystals, Dowsing and the Interconnectedness of Everything', demonstrating crystal use for healing. Grahame Gardner discussed 'Dowsing Magic - Symbols, Shapes and Sigils', explaining sigils as a way of encoding intention. A group from Tamar Dowsers dowsed a new stone circle at Pentillie Estate and a prehistoric standing stone site. Trencrom Dowsers conducted their first dowsing trip of the season to Tregonning Hill. International Dowsing Day was celebrated with Trencrom Dowsers' 'Celebration of Wells' in West Penwith, visiting several wells and concluding at Carn Lês Boel.

Spring into Summer 2018

This section details various spring and early summer events in Cornwall. The revived custom of visiting Fenton Bebibell ('well of the little people') on the West Penwith moors took place on Good Friday. May Day celebrations included Maypole Dancing at Carn Bosavern Farm and the Padstow Obby Oss. The Parallel Community held Beltane celebrations at Treviscoe. The Living Well Centre at Sancreed also held a Beltane ceremony focused on blessing wells. The Cornish Cultural Association led the annual Penzance May Horns walk. Maytime festivities concluded with Helston Flora Day. The Summer Solstice was marked by midsummer bonfires and Mazey Day in Penzance.

CASPN & LAN News Round-Up

The 12th annual 'Pathways to the Past' walks and talks organized by CASPN (Cornish Ancient Sites Protection Network) and LAN (Lizard Ancient Sites Network) were held on May 26th & 27th. The event included walks led by John and Jill Moss around Trencrom Hill, and by David Giddings to 'The First and Last hills'. Archaeologist Andy Jones gave a talk on 'Hendraburnick Quoit and rock art'. Archaeo-astronomer Carolyn Kennett presented research on 'Cornwall's celestial stones'. Adrian Rodda led a walk focusing on local legends, and Geevor miner Steve Carter gave a talk on 'A Miner's Tale'. The weekend was free for CASPN members, and dates for 2019 were announced.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes interest in Cornwall's ancient heritage, megalithic sites, folklore, and earth energies. There is a strong emphasis on local history, archaeology, and the spiritual or energetic significance of the landscape. The editorial stance appears to be one of preservation and appreciation of these sites, encouraging community involvement through organizations like CASPN and promoting local publications and events. The magazine also embraces dowsing as a tool for exploring these themes. The shift towards full-colour photography and the discussion about the magazine's future suggest an adaptation to modern trends while maintaining its core focus.

Title: MEYN MAMVRO
Issue: 96
Date: Summer-Autumn 2018
Publisher: Meyn Mamvro
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of Meyn Mamvro magazine, number 96, published in Summer-Autumn 2018, is dedicated to exploring various aspects of Cornwall's landscape, history, and spiritual heritage. It features articles on megalithic sites, folklore, and the history of the magazine itself.

Carn Galva: Landscape, Human Scape and Celestial Scape

This section, authored by Graham Hill, delves into the significance of Carn Galva, a conical tor in West Penwith. The article describes the visual experience of approaching Carn Galva, noting its appearance as two mountains with a chasm and the discovery of quartz veins and sculpted 'Grooved Ware' style fracturing. The author speculates on its use as a temple or shrine and identifies a standing stone that points towards the sea. The text also discusses alignments, noting that Carn Kenidjack lies 53 degrees west from south, potentially aligning with the mid-winter sunset. Several other alignments are mentioned, including those involving Boscawen-ûn, Lesingey Round, and Tintagel Head. The author wonders about the presence of a marker for St. Michael's Mount but not Carn Kenidjack, concluding that the Mount's visibility is enhanced by its castle and sea framing, whereas Carn Kenidjack stands out majestically on its own. The name 'Galva' is suggested to mean 'look out point' or possibly 'observatory'.

Further exploration of Carn Galva by Graham Hill details a triangular leaning rock pointing north to Little Galva and discusses the path cutting through the landscape. The ascent leads to a gap between rocks and an 'excarnation platform slab'. The text also describes a 'puzzling ribbed square of gorse' and a 'gorse circle', suggesting a possible settlement. The ground patterns are compared to 'Grooved Ware' from Bosigran Castle to St. Michael's Mount. The author recounts climbing rocks to a quartz-veined step pointing the way through to another side, and notes the presence of an imaginary 'statue menhir' overlooking the sea.

Curious and Enigmatic Monuments: Boskednan 'Fogou'

This section focuses on the Boskednan 'fogou', described as an occasional series looking at megalithic sites that don't fit easily into existing categories. The structure is located in an inaccessible part of West Penwith and is listed in Ian Cooke's book 'Mother and Son: the Cornish fogou' as a 'possible' fogou. It consists of two chambers built into a mound, with mining disturbance nearby. The south-easterly facing chamber is a 'beehive chamber' made of large and small granite stones. The easterly facing chamber is a long, low passage, approximately 5.4m long, with partially corbelled walls and eight granite capstones. It is suggested that the passage may have silted up over time.

Ian Cooke's book is cited, suggesting the long passage could be the remains of a fogou, possibly with a side passage. Inside the beehive chamber, it appears a passage could extend further back. Recent dowsing of the site yielded an unexpected response: the long chamber was identified as Bronze Age and a 'healing chamber', while the beehive chamber was identified as Iron Age. It's suggested that the site was remodelled in the 18th or early 19th centuries, with stone robbed to turn the beehive chamber into a 'crow', a type of monument used for holding small animals. The structure is considered enigmatic and curious.

Meyn Mamvro and the Re-enchanted Landscape

Authored by Rupert White, this section discusses the role of Meyn Mamvro magazine in the context of neo-paganism and earth mysteries in West Penwith. The launch of Cheryl Straffon's 'Meyn Mamvro' in 1986 is marked as a watershed, providing a platform for a Cornish blend of Paganism and Earth Mysteries. The period from 1986-1996 is described as productive for these movements in Cornwall, though the magazine's accessibility may have led to a loss of its radical edge. The magazine was launched at 'Visions and Journeys' gallery in St.Just in December 1986, with the intention to cover earth studies, archaeology, Cornish culture, and paganism, united by a respect for the land and its ancient monuments.

Cheryl Straffon, the 'editress', moved to West Cornwall and had previously contributed to 'The Ley Hunter' magazine. She was influenced by figures like John Michell and Paul Devereux, attending Devereux's classes on alternative archaeology. Straffon also studied for a DipEd at Cambridge University and took up a job as Library Manager at St.Just Library. She observed a lack of a regional Earth Mysteries magazine for Cornwall and saw Meyn Mamvro as a way to connect isolated individuals interested in these subjects. She viewed Paganism and Earth Mysteries as inseparable, believing that understanding the people who used ancient sites was vital. The magazine's eclecticism is highlighted as a key to its longevity.

Straffon's personal spiritual journey is described, including her interest in earth-connected spirituality and her experience with a working coven in London. She later formed a small group in south London with Ken Rees and Arthur Straffon, building a stone circle. Upon moving to St.Just, she connected with Jo O'Cleirigh, who helped her establish a stone circle in Lamorna. Early editions of Meyn Mamvro were well-received, with stockists rapidly increasing. However, some outlets, like a folk museum in Zennor, refused to stock the magazine, deeming it an 'affront to Christians'. Straffon became a spokesperson for Paganism, articulating its tenets of earth reverence, respect for all creatures, and the sacredness of ancient sites.

The article mentions Kevin Carlyon, a media-friendly witch, who acted as printer for Meyn Mamvro and 'The Ley Hunter'. Carlyon and his wife Ingrid performed public rituals in Cornwall. Straffon herself continued to perform rituals with her discreet group, 'Lor Hag Mor' (meaning 'moon and sea'), which focused on ritual drama linked to Cornish legends. She also organized public May Day celebrations and Halloween/Samhain events. Part 2 of this article is promised for the next issue.

Wells Corner: Quethiock Well

This regular feature on Cornwall's holy wells describes Quethiock well. According to the Vennings Directory of East Cornwall (1901), before the restoration of Quethiock church in the 1880s, there was a holy well with steps. No trace remains in the church, but a well house exists opposite, dated to the mid-19th century. It has a gable-ended roof of four stone slabs and a rectangular opening with a slate lintel. The well is associated with St. Cadoc, a 6thC Abbot of Llancarven, reputed to have the power of making water rise in dry places. Quethiock is located about 5 miles east of Liskeard, and its name derives from the Old Cornish 'cuidoc', meaning 'wooded place'. The parish church was dedicated to St.Hugh of Lincoln in 1288.

Cornish Folklore: St Morwenna and Reverend Hawker

Authored by Alex Langstone, this column discusses St. Morwenna, the patron saint of the northerly parish in Cornwall, Morwenstow. Morwenna's story is one of pilgrimage and sacredness of place. Born in South Wales in the early 6th century, she is believed to have trained in Ireland before coming to North Cornwall, where she built her cell on the cliff top. Legend states she carried building stones from the beach, and a miraculous spring gushed forth where she dropped a large stone. The holy well of Morwenna is located halfway up the cliff. Morwenna is said to have died and been buried near the Norman church.

The column also features Reverend Robert Stephen Hawker, a folklorist, antiquarian, poet, and eccentric. Hawker championed St. Morwenna as patron of his parish. When questioned about the reality of Morwenna's story, Hawker famously replied, "What! Morwenna not lie in the holy place at Morwenstow! Of that you will never persuade me, -- no, never. I know that she lies there. I have seen her, and she has told me as much; and at her feet ere long I hope to lay my old bones." Hawker arrived in Morwenstow in 1834 and spent the rest of his life there, earning a compassionate reputation and attending shipwrecks. The figurehead of the ship Caledonia, which foundered in September 1842, marks the grave of five crew members.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Meyn Mamvro are the exploration of ancient sites and their connection to the landscape, the significance of folklore and mythology in understanding the past, and the promotion of Paganism and Earth Mysteries. The magazine positions itself as a platform for these interconnected interests, emphasizing a respect for the land and its history. The editorial stance, as articulated by Cheryl Straffon, is one of reverence for nature, ancient sites, and traditional ways, advocating for a holistic understanding of spirituality that is deeply connected to the earth. The magazine aims to bridge the gap between academic archaeology and more spiritual or esoteric interpretations of ancient sites, fostering a sense of community among like-minded individuals.

MEYN MAMVRO, Issue 96, published in Summer-Autumn 2018, is a magazine focused on earth mysteries, folklore, archaeology, and spirituality, with a particular emphasis on Cornwall. The issue features a mix of historical accounts, book reviews, and explorations of ancient sites and traditions.

Reverend Robert Stephen Hawker

The issue begins with an in-depth look at the life and eccentricities of Reverend Robert Stephen Hawker, a significant figure associated with Morwenstow. It details two landmarks linked to him: a small hut built on the cliff top from driftwood and wreckage, used as a retreat for smoking opium, writing poetry, and entertaining guests, and an unusual vicarage with chimneys modeled after churches significant in his life. Hawker's unorthodox church services are described, including walking among parishioners, muttering liturgy, and allowing pets into the church, though he famously excommunicated one of his cats for catching a mouse on a Sunday. The article recounts his strong belief in the supernatural and his encounters with demons, including one that appeared from the sea at Marsland Mouth during a storm, which he escaped by galloping away on his horse. Another encounter involved a demon appearing from under gorse near Marsland Mill. Hawker also reported visions of St. Morwenna and an angel in the church. His younger days included dressing as a mermaid at Bude until threatened. The author expresses admiration for Hawker as an eccentric visionary and a man of the people.

Book Reviews

Several books are reviewed in this issue:

• 'Of Shadows: one hundred objects from The Museum of Witchcraft and Magic' by Sara Hannant and Simon Costin: This book features 100 full-size color plates of objects from the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic in Boscastle, each accompanied by informative text about its history and significance. It includes essays by the photographer, the museum director, and historian Ronald Hutton. The review highlights mysterious objects like moon talismans, hag stones, and witch bottles, emphasizing the palpable power of the objects and quoting the museum's founder, Cecil Williamson, on the reality of the spirit world.

• 'Magical Folk: British & Irish Fairies 500 AD to the Present' by Simon Young & Ceri Houlbrook (eds.): This collection of essays covers English, Celtic, and North American fairy folklore. The chapter on Cornwall, 'Piskies and Knockers', is contributed by Ronald M.James. The review notes James's research into Cornish fairies, their size, and the unique Cornish adaptation of widespread European fairy tales. It mentions William Bottrell's 1873 legend and Robert Hunt's classification of Cornish fairies.

• 'Cornish Archaeology no.54 (2015)': This annual volume from the Cornwall Archaeological Society includes reports on an Iron Age settlement at Camelford, a Bronze Age cist burial, a Bronze Age greenstone axe, Middle Bronze Age pottery, late Bronze Age stones, an incised Mesolithic pebble, a Romano-British settlement, and a significant find of slate with an ogham inscription.

• 'Lien Gwerin no.2': This journal of Cornish folklore, compiled and edited by Alex Langstone, includes articles on folklore from Looe Island, the Black Dog of Tregrehan, the Cornish Otherworld, and folklore from the Lizard, along with reprints of traditional stories and illustrations.

• 'ALIGNMENTS IN WEST PENWITH': A new revised edition by Palden Jenkins & Raymond Cox, listing nearly 200 megalithic alignments and lines, is available.

Historical Articles: MM Archives

The magazine revisits past articles from its own archives:

• 20 YEARS AGO (MM36, Spring/Summer 1998): This section features a special on Maytime Celebrations in Cornwall, including the 10th anniversary of the Maypole Dance in St.Just. Kelvin Jones explored May Day Games across Europe and Cornwall, discussing the Hal-an-Tow festival, the Queen of May tradition, and Maypole dancing rivalries. It also covered Padstow's May Day celebrations and the 'Obby Oss' tradition, with an article by Cheryl Straffon examining its age, referencing historian Ronald Hutton's claim it dated to the early 19th century, and historical mentions of hobby horses from 1502 and 1595.

• 30 YEARS AGO (MM issue 6, June 1988): This section highlights the magazine's early focus on stones and sites. It discusses a stone from Trewern Round with possible ogham markings, the search for the 'third Piper' stone near Merry Maidens, and the exploration of other holed stones in the area. It also mentions the discovery of a 'recumbent standing stone' and a menhir possibly from the destroyed Tregurnow stone circle.

Current Research and Projects

• Mayes Creative 'THE PIPER'S TUNE': This multimedia group worked on the Dark Skies project on Bodmin Moor, investigating the archaeoastronomical significance of stone circles. They also conducted investigative work on sound frequencies at stone circles in West Penwith, including Merry Maidens, Boscawen-ûn, and Nine Maidens, to understand how sound bounces off the stones.

• 'Fairy Stacks' on Bodmin Moor: The phenomenon of people stacking stones on Bodmin Moor, first seen in 2017, is discussed. This practice is described as 'historic vandalism' by Roy Goutté and condemned by Historic England. The article notes that moving stones from prehistoric sites is illegal and disrespectful to ancestors.

Other Content

The magazine also includes sections on:

• Exchange Magazines: A list of related publications with subscription details.
• Meyn Mamvro Website: Information on renewing subscriptions, purchasing books, and accessing content.
• Alignments in West Penwith: Details on a new revised edition listing megalithic alignments.
• Meyn Mamvro Folders: Information on purchasing magazine storage folders.
• Noticeboard: Announcements for various events, workshops, and groups related to dowsing, witchcraft, spiritualism, and paganism across Cornwall.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are Cornish history, folklore, archaeology, and spirituality, with a strong emphasis on the mystical and ancient aspects of the region. The editorial stance appears to be one of deep interest and respect for these subjects, encouraging research, preservation, and exploration of Cornwall's unique heritage. The magazine actively promotes related publications, websites, and community groups, fostering a sense of shared interest among its readers.