Meyn Mamvro - No 100 - Winter 2019

Magazine Overview

Title: Meyn Mamvro
Issue: 100
Date: Winter 2019-2020
Price: £3.00

This issue marks the 100th publication of Meyn Mamvro, a magazine dedicated to exploring ancient stones, sacred sites, paganism, and Cornish culture. The cover features a collage of illustrations representing various ancient sites and symbols in Cornwall.

Editorial and Future Plans

The editorial reflects on the 33-year journey of Meyn Mamvro, reiterating its original aim to provide a forum for ideas and interests in earth studies, archaeology, Cornish culture, and paganism. The magazine emphasizes a respect for the land and its monuments. The editor expresses surprise at the magazine's longevity and announces plans to convert all 100 issues into a digital archive, with the help of Palden Jenkins. This issue, number 100, will be the last in the first series, but a Second Series is planned to begin in 2020, with publications twice a year (Spring and Autumn). Readers are encouraged to subscribe to support the continuation of the magazine.

Contents

The issue features a diverse range of articles and news items:

• Editorial: Reflecting on the magazine's history and future.
• Dowsing News: Reports from Tamar Dowsers, Trencrom Dowsers, and others on their explorations of sacred sites, energy lines, and wells across Cornwall.
• PLP News - Tregaminion well & chapel: An account of an excavation at Tregaminion, uncovering a well, chapel wall, and a fallen menhir.
• Lost and Found standing stones: Reports on newly discovered or rediscovered standing stones, including one at St. Agnes Beacon and a possible prehistoric stone at Housel Cove.
• CASPN news: Updates from the Cornish Ancient Sites Protection Network on their clear-up activities at various ancient sites.
• Trethevy Quoit excavation: Details of an excavation at the Trethevy Quoit, revealing a significant platform of elvan stone.
• Potential Neolithic engraved stone at Great Bosullow: An article by Graham Hill describing the discovery of a boulder with possible Neolithic engravings.
• Lighting the Darkness: cross based urns: An article by Carolyn Kennett.
• Gwragh-witch, hag or ancient Goddess?: An article by Andy Norfolk.
• Pagan glimpses from Lamorna: An article by Jo O'Cleirigh.
• 33 years ago-Meyn Mamvro no.1: A look back at the first issue.
• The Hilla and the Stag: An article by Craig Weatherhill.
• Cornish Folklore: Folklore of St. Allen: An article by Alex Langstone.
• 33 years of Book Reviews: A retrospective of reviews.
• The Pipers Tune-issue no.1: A mention of another publication.

Dowsing News

Several dowsing groups, including Tamar Dowsers and Trencrom Dowsers, reported on their activities. Tamar Dowsers visited sites in East Cornwall, including Halton Quay, Monk's Field, Pentillie Castle, and Dupath Well, identifying wells and energy lines. They also experienced a 'flower of life manifestation' at The Hurlers. Trencrom Dowsers explored Carn Brea, noting concentrations of energy. Other excursions included visits to St. Cohan's church in Merther, Siblyback Lake on Bodmin Moor, King Arthur's Hall, and Mount Edgcumbe House, where various energy lines, leys, and historical features were investigated.

Penwith Landscape Partnership News

An excavation led by Laura Ratcliffe-Warren at Tregaminion Well uncovered evidence of the well, an adjoining chapel wall, and a fallen menhir. The area also revealed an extensive pavement of small stones and fragments of Neolithic flint. The fallen menhir, discovered by dowsing, is located across the coastal path and shows three alignments to other significant sites.

Lost & Found Standing Stones

This section details the discovery of several standing stones. A fallen menhir was found near Tregaminion, identified by dowsing, with three alignments to other sites. A previously unrecorded standing stone was discovered at the base of St. Agnes Beacon. Additionally, a possible prehistoric standing stone was identified by the National Trust near Housel Cove.

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

The Cornish Ancient Sites Protection Network (CASPN) reported on their clear-up activities at various ancient sites in conjunction with the PLP. They also announced their annual 'Pathways to the Past' weekend of walks and talks for May 2020, featuring guided walks and illustrated talks on topics such as fogous, Boscawen-ûn, King Arthur, and liminal landscapes.

Stone Platform Found at Trethevy Quoit Excavation

An excavation at the Trethevy Quoit site in Cornwall, managed by the Cornwall Heritage Trust, revealed a significant platform of elvan stone extending approximately 20 metres by 12 metres on its western side. The excavation also found a pavement of small stones. The article references a booklet by Roy Goutté that presciently suggested a banking around the Quoit might have been an 'exclusion zone'.

Potential Neolithic engraved stone at Great Bosullow

Graham Hill reports on the discovery of an unusually flat boulder on a roadside granite hedge at Great Bosullow. Sharply defined lines were observed on the stone, which is estimated to weigh 150kg and has been part of the hedge since before 1878. The marks are not consistent with modern ploughing and are speculated to be Neolithic engravings, possibly made with flint flakes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Meyn Mamvro are the exploration and documentation of ancient sites, standing stones, and megalithic structures in Cornwall. There is a strong emphasis on dowsing as a method for investigating energy lines and sacred sites. The magazine also covers local folklore, archaeology, and paganism, advocating for the protection and preservation of the land and its historical monuments. The editorial stance consistently promotes a deep respect for Cornwall's ancient heritage and its connection to the natural landscape.

This issue of Meyn Mamvro, number 100, dated Winter 2019-2020, is titled "LIGHTING THE DARKNESS - CROSS BASED URNS" and features an article by Carolyn Kennett. Kennett is described as a leading archaeo-astronomer and original researcher of Cornwall's ancient sites, having previously contributed an article on Boscawen-ûn stone circle alignments.

Lighting the Darkness - Cross Based Urns by Carolyn Kennett

This article explores the historical significance of the Sun and its symbolic representation in prehistoric art. Kennett highlights that the Sun's regularity defined ancient lives, and its symbolic representation dates back to prehistory. By the Bronze Age, solar symbolism was common, often depicted as abstract circles, waves, and cross shapes. The cruciform shape, in particular, is linked to the Sun by Mary Cahill's work on Irish Sun discs, which are flat gold objects etched with a cross to represent solar rays and events like sundogs and halos. While no Sun discs have been found in Cornwall, similar golden objects have been linked to lunulae, with a lunula found alongside Sun discs in Coggalbeg, Ireland. Lunulae designs are also thought to relate to sunlight observation. The Penlee House Gallery in Cornwall displays the Penwith Lunula.

Beyond golden discs, other objects in Cornwall from this period feature cross designs, notably on Trevisker style urns, prevalent in the South West of the UK and dating from the Bronze Age. These urns are characterized by hash/dash and zig-zag lines and the use of local gabbroic clay. Occasionally, these urns have a cross or cruciform design on the interior of the base. Examples have been found at the Trevisker village excavation, Boleigh barrow, and Tregeseal chambered tomb. A further example from Kent, dated to 1600-1320 cal BCE, was found shattered but reconstructed, revealing an internally crossed base.

The Tregeseal chambered tomb urn, recovered by William Copeland Borlase in 1879, is now housed in the British Museum. This urn is a large example, 21 inches in height, with a meticulously drawn cross shape in plan form. Radio carbon dating from a burial at Bosiliack yielded a similar date (1690-1510 cal BCE). The article questions the practical reason for the cross design on the urn's base, suggesting it might follow the tradition of Sun discs and represent solar symbolism. The initial disc shape of the urn, with the added cross, could have visually represented the Sun when viewed from the top. An alternative explanation by R. Kavanagh suggests the cross might represent the bottom of a basket, referencing basketry traditions.

The Tregeseal urn was found within the tomb base, potentially above cremated remains. The placement of a cross on top could symbolize a Sun in the dark or a route to the heavens. A recent survey of the Tregeseal entrance grave indicated an orientation towards the winter solstice sunrise, a common feature in local tombs. The sunlight on this day would illuminate the back upright stone, behind which the urn was positioned in a separate area or cist. This placement might have been intentional to ensure the urn, shielded from natural light, symbolically provided its own light.

Photographs suggest a possible blocking stone at the passageway entrance that would have further limited light. The urn's final resting place likely followed a period of use as a transportation vessel for food, as evidenced by animal fats found in the Kent urn. While cruciform additions to urn bases are rare, they appear on more decorative funerary examples. Other cross-based urns have been found in Ireland, Scotland, and Yorkshire. The author concludes that while the exact meaning remains unknown, the cross likely served as a symbolic addition to bring light to dark places.

Gwragh - Witch, Hag or Ancient Goddess? by Andy Norfolk

Andy Norfolk explores the figure of the Cailleach, described by Ithell Colquhuon as an "ageless ambiguous, multi-parous figure that haunts the hinterland of folklore in all Celtic countries." The word 'cailleach' in modern Irish and Scots Gaelic means old woman or hag, derived from Old Irish 'caillech' meaning veiled one. She is seen as a mother of gods and peoples, a creator of landscapes, a summoner of storms (the Old Wife of Thunder), and a bringer of winter. In Scotland, she is known as the Cailleach Bhéara, in Ireland as Cally Berry (though sometimes depicted as a maiden), and on the Isle of Man as Cailleach ny Groamagh ('the old gloomy woman'). She is associated with cliffs and the sea, and figures like the gruagach are thought to be the Cailleach in disguise.

The article extends this concept to Wales, where the Cailleach is equated with the Hag of the Mist, Gwrach-y-Rhibyn, a water deity and potential aspect of the goddess Don. In Pembrokeshire, the last sheaf of harvest is called the 'cailleach' or 'carline', a custom possibly linked to the Scottish tradition. The article notes a claim that the Cailleach was not present in Wales but was purely a Gaelic goddess.

In Brittany, nine priestesses called Gallicenae, living on the island of Sena, are described as being able to raise storms and shape-shift, seemingly corresponding to the later 'Groac'h'. The Groac'h, a name given to Druidesses, is linked to Breton 'gwrac'h' and Welsh 'gwrach', meaning hag or witch. These priestesses worshipped a Groac'h or hag goddess. Monuments in Brittany are named after the hag, such as 'Le Dolmen de la Groach'. The Groac'h is associated with wells, springs, and the sea, and is described as an ogress or water witch. The closest Breton equivalent to the Cailleach is the Groac'h Ahes. A statue at Castenec, known as the Venus of Quinipily or Ar groareg Houarn ('the Iron Hag'), may represent this figure. A goddess statue found at Ballachulish in 1881 might also be a representation of the Cailleach.

Anne Ross describes the basic Celtic goddess type as encompassing mother, warrior, hag, virgin, and conveyor of fertility, tied to the land. Norfolk suggests that Cornish legends of hags and witches, such as Madgy Figgy's Chair at Tol Pedn and the giant Wrath (linked to Gwragh), might actually refer to this powerful, archaic goddess. The legend of the Irish Lady, seen sitting on her rock in storms with a rose in her mouth, is also proposed as a manifestation of the Cailleach. Similar figures are associated with Mermaid's Rock at Lamorna and Pendeen fogou.

Margaret Courtney's description of a figure on Castle Treryn, a meeting place of witches, and the mention of Lady Logan, might also hint at a Cornish version of the Cailleach. The Mermaid of Zennor is also considered a potential manifestation of the sea goddess Gwragh. The story of St Agnes and the giant Bolster could also be reinterpreted as relating to this archaic sea goddess. The Groac'h of Brittany is associated with wells and springs, and a well at Kenidjack is said to be haunted by a witch fitting this description. The article concludes by suggesting that legends of witches and mermaids in Cornish folklore may actually be disguised references to this ancient goddess.

Pagan Glimpses from Lamorna by Jo OCléirigh

Jo OCléirigh shares personal reminiscences of Lamorna Valley, a place with which he maintains a strong attachment. His interest in Lamorna was sparked by Ithell Colquhoun's book "The Living Stones." Although Colquhoun did not identify as a pagan, she strongly identified as an animist and was interested in magic, particularly witchcraft. Her time in Lamorna was spent in a simple hut named 'Vow Cave,' without electricity or mains water, where she embraced a connection with nature.

Colquhuon's work, including her Surrealist Art and Gothic novel "Goose of Hermogenes," has been subject to biographical studies. The article mentions an alchemical experiment called 'Ancient Scent' in Lamorna Valley, which aimed to evoke the 'Genii Locus' using Colquhuon's surrealist techniques. While her work influenced the art world, it was not considered mainstream.

OCléirigh recounts meeting Gerald Gardner, the founder of Wicca, and Aleister Crowley. He also knew Cecil Williamson, founder of the Museum of Witchcraft. Colquhuon was involved with Magical Orders and was initiated as a Priestess of the Fellowship of Isis (F.O.I.). OCléirigh became friends with her in her later years, discussing her interest in archaeology in Egypt and Crete.

The article mentions that since the late 1970s, seasonal pagan celebrations have taken place at Nemeton and other ancient sites in Penwith. Ithell Colquhoun participated in a Samhain celebration in 1980. The article also references other pagans who visited Lamorna, including Starhawk and Monica Sjöő. Cheryl Straffon, the editor of Meyn Mamvro, also used a stone circle dedicated at Nemeton in 1977 for her Goddess group.

Janet Gibbs, who knew the Woodcutters (conscientious objectors who practiced a form of paganism and were known for bathing naked), introduced OCléirigh to Biddy, a Woodcutter. The article notes that Laura Knight also painted naked young women on these rocks. Janet herself was influenced by Krishnamurti and had a Gnostic slant on Christianity, being involved with CND and the Peace Movement.

OCléirigh saw an oak carving by Ray Perry, Biddy's partner, depicting a woman with a baby, embodying the wild spirit of Lamorna. This carving was left to Peter Perry, Biddy's son.

33 Years Ago: Exploring the pages of Meyn Mamvro no.1

This section reflects on the first issue of Meyn Mamvro, published in December 1986. It was a 28-page, A5 size publication, similar in format to the current issue. The first issue included an editorial, an article on "The Gorseth of Cornwall" by Hugh Miners, "The riddle of the fogous" by Craig Weatherhill, and "Milpreves or Adders Beads" by Jo OCléirigh. A central feature was on West Penwith Ley Lines, later identified as a Mythic Pathway. Other articles covered "Holy Water" and wells in West Penwith, and "Paganism in West Penwith" by editor Cheryl Straffon. Book reviews and "The Pipers Tune" completed the issue.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores themes of ancient symbolism, particularly solar motifs in Bronze Age artifacts, and delves into Celtic mythology, focusing on figures like the Cailleach and their regional variations. There is a strong emphasis on Cornish archaeology and folklore, with connections drawn to similar traditions in Ireland, Scotland, and Brittany. The magazine also highlights contemporary pagan practices and historical figures associated with witchcraft and ancient beliefs, particularly in the Lamorna region. The editorial stance appears to be one of scholarly inquiry into ancient cultures, mythology, and their enduring influence, presented through detailed articles and historical references.

Meyn Mamvro, Issue 100, Winter 2019-2020, is a publication focused on Cornwall's history, folklore, earth mysteries, and ancient sites. This issue features articles on mythical creatures, local legends, and a retrospective of book reviews.

The Hilla and the Stag

This article by Craig Weatherhill introduces readers to lesser-known Cornish folklore figures: the Hilla and the Stag. The Hilla is described as a heavy, hairy creature that constricts the chest of a sleeping person, making breathing difficult. Local folk would conceal an iron fork in their beds to ward it off, as the creature feared cold iron. The Stag is a lighter, shaggy, formless entity that also disrupts sleep. The article recounts a story of a man from Sancreed parish who believed the Hilla was a disguised Piskey. After being led astray by a Piskey, he experienced the Hilla's oppressive weight, leading him to conclude they were the same entity.

Cornish Folklore: Folklore of St Allen

Authored by Alex Langstone, this piece explores the folklore of the parish of St. Allen, located north of Truro. It details the parish's geography, the River Allen, and mentions the patron saint, possibly arriving from Brittany in the 6th or 7th century. The article notes the presence of three early medieval wayside crosses. A significant portion is dedicated to a folktale collected from a St. Allen resident, concerning a child who was temporarily lost to the land of the piskies after being lured by their music. The child was found three days later, unharmed, and lived a long life, suggesting the sprites' guardianship.

33 Years of Book Reviews

This feature looks back at highlights from over 270 book reviews published in Meyn Mamvro across its 100 issues. It covers books on Cornwall's prehistory, ancient sites, earth mysteries, folklore, and legends. Early reviews include works on antiquarian William Borlase and Celtic Britain by Professor Charles Thomas. Notable books discussed include Ian Cooke's 'Journey to the Stones', Paul Broadhurst's 'Secret Shrines', and Hamish Miller & Paul Broadhurst's 'The Sun and the Serpent'. The review section also mentions books by Cheryl Straffon, Ian McNeil Cooke on Cornish fogous, and works by Professor Charles Thomas on inscribed stones. Later reviews cover topics such as 'Pagan Cornwall', 'Holy Wells', 'Celtic Cornwall', and 'Cornwall's First Golden Age'. The section concludes by listing more recent books on earth mysteries, folklore, and ancient sites, including works by Craig Weatherhill and Alan Kent.

The Piper's Tune

This regular column, which first appeared in issue one, covers a variety of newsy items. The first issue featured a 'mystery menhir' discovered near Carn Eanes, initially thought to be related to mining operations but later understood to be a prehistoric menhir re-erected by an earth healing group. Another item discussed Geiger counter work at stone circles in West Penwith and anomalous radiation results. The column also touches upon Cornwall's geological and genetic history, revealing a geological boundary and discussing the genetic makeup of its indigenous population, suggesting they are among the oldest in Britain.

Other Content

The magazine also includes sections on exchanging magazines, the Meyn Mamvro website, and a noticeboard listing upcoming events, talks, and conferences related to earth mysteries, paganism, and magick. A list of previous Meyn Mamvro covers from issues 1-25 and 26-50 is also provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Meyn Mamvro consistently focuses on the rich tapestry of Cornwall's ancient past, its folklore, and earth mysteries. The magazine appears to champion local history, mythology, and the study of ancient sites, often featuring contributions from local scholars and researchers. The editorial stance is one of exploration and preservation of Cornish heritage, with a particular interest in the esoteric, the unexplained, and the spiritual connections to the landscape. The extensive book reviews indicate a commitment to documenting and disseminating knowledge on these subjects.

This document presents a collection of covers from the magazine "Meyn Mamvro," specifically issues numbered 51 through 100. The publication is identified as having a "Winter 2019-2020" issue, with the website meynmamvro.co.uk/archive also indicated. The covers span a period from approximately Summer 2005 to Winter 2019-2020, with specific issues marking significant milestones such as a "25 years anniversary" and the "100th issue."

Content Focus and Themes

The covers consistently emphasize themes related to ancient sites, sacred landscapes, folklore, archaeology, and mysteries, with a strong geographical focus on Cornwall, UK. Recurring sub-themes and article titles visible on the covers include:

• Sacred Sites and Ancient Stones: Numerous issues highlight "Sacred Sites," "Ancient Stones," "Stone Circles," "Alignments," and "Megalithic Sites." Specific locations and features like "Chapel Carn Brea," "Rocky Valley Labyrinth," "The Hurlers," "Rough Tor," and "Carn Kenidiack Tor" are mentioned.
• Folklore and Mythology: Themes of "Folklore," "Legends," "Mythic Pathways," "Goddess in the Land," "Shamans & Druids," "Celtic Totem Animals," and "King Arthur" are prominent.
• Dowsing and Earth Mysteries: "Dowsing," "Caspin & Cemg Dowsing News," and "Earth Mysteries News" appear frequently, suggesting an interest in geomythic and paranormal phenomena.
• Cornwall Specifics: The phrase "Cornwall's Colourful Sites" is a recurring subtitle or feature, indicating a deep dive into the unique heritage of the region. Specific areas like "Stardek Downs & Stevil Area," "West Penwith," "Boscastle," "Land's End Area," and "Isles of Scilly" are also referenced.
• Archaeological Discoveries: Mentions of "Excavations," "New Finds," and "Prehistoric Discoveries" suggest an archaeological component.

Visual Style and Presentation

The cover art varies, employing both detailed illustrations and photographic elements. Many covers prominently feature the magazine's title, issue number, price, and a selection of article headlines. A consistent tagline across many covers is "ALL PHOTOS NOW IN FULL COLOUR," indicating a commitment to visual quality.

Notable Issues and Milestones

• Issue 52 (Autumn 2004): Features "Forgotten Wells of West Penwith" and "Cornwall's Colourful Sites."
• Issue 56 (Autumn 2004): Highlights "Ancient and Secret Sites in Cornwall" and "Cornwall's Colourful Sites."
• Issue 60 (Summer 2005): Focuses on "Sacred Landscape Issue" and "Cornwall's Colourful Sites."
• Issue 75 (Winter Spring 2011): Includes "Megalithic Sites of SE Cornwall Issue."
• Issue 80 (Winter/Spring 2013): Marks "25 years anniversary" and features "Piskies & Standing Stones."
• Issue 100 (Winter 2019-2020): Celebrates the "100th issue" with themes like "Mythic Pathways" and "Barrows."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The editorial stance of Meyn Mamvro appears to be deeply rooted in exploring the esoteric, historical, and mystical aspects of Cornwall. The magazine consistently delves into the region's rich tapestry of ancient sites, folklore, and earth mysteries, presenting these topics through articles, features, and photographic evidence. The emphasis on dowsing and "earth mysteries" suggests an alignment with alternative perspectives on history and landscape. The recurring "Cornwall's Colourful Sites" feature underscores a dedication to documenting and celebrating the unique heritage of the area. The consistent use of full-colour photography across all issues indicates a visually driven publication.