Wisht Maen - No 2 - 1994 Spring

Magazine Overview

Title: WISHT MAEN DEVON EARTH MYSTERIES MAGAZINE
Issue: No 2
Date: Spring 1994
Publisher: WISHT MAEN
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of WISHT MAEN delves into the rich tapestry of Devon's earth mysteries, folklore, and ancient sites. It features a blend of articles, news, letters, and poetry, offering insights into the region's spiritual and historical landscape.

Key Articles and Features

Signposts in Nymetland

Hugh H Franklin explores the significance of 'Nymet' placenames in Devon, tracing their origins to a British word for 'a pagan sacred place, sacred grove or shrine.' He discusses how these names, along with other geographical indicators, suggest a deep connection to ancient deities and worship sites. The article highlights the discovery of a Roman fort at North Tawton, previously overlooked, and a Neolithic Henge near Bow, described as a Class II henge with a unique ovoid of nineteen pits. Franklin posits that these sites indicate a continuity of sacredness in the area from Neolithic times through to the Saxon and Norman periods, with 'Nymetland' potentially being a significant tribal meeting place.

Andy Norfolk on Nymets

Andy Norfolk further examines the 'Nymet' placename, linking it to the British tribal name 'Dumnonii' and the Celtic word 'nemetos' for a sacred place or shrine. He suggests that the river Yeo, known as 'Nimed' or 'Nymed' in Saxon times, may have been regarded as holy. Norfolk also touches upon the potential meaning of 'Way' as a 'holy place or heathen temple' and discusses the distribution of Nymet names, possibly marking boundaries of sacred land.

In Search of Bride in Devon

Christine Kitt embarks on a personal quest to understand the presence of St. Bride in Devon. She recounts her initial hesitations and eventual investigation into the village of Bridestowe, which she notes was once an important ecclesiastical centre. Kitt delves into the mythology of Brigit, the Irish goddess of learning, poetry, prophecy, healing, and smithcraft, and her connection to the Celtic deity Brigantia. The article highlights the 'Bride Project' initiated by John Billingsley of Northern Earth, which aims to map occurrences of Bride-related sites. Kitt also mentions the discovery of a St. Bridget's Well in Cornwall and the potential for Irish tinners to have named places along their trade routes after their patron saint.

Riddle of the Rows

Roger Hutchins presents his theory that Dartmoor stone rows are 'coded direction signs' for Bronze Age travellers. He believes these rows, often aligned with ports and estuaries, formed a network to guide people across Britain. While acknowledging the intriguing nature of this idea, the article also presents alternative theories, including interstellar landing strips, shamanic trance paths, and astronomical alignments, inviting reader opinions.

Preserving Our Precious Heritage

This section addresses concerns about the impact of development on Devon's natural and historical sites. It highlights the threat of china clay companies extending quarrying operations on Southern Dartmoor, potentially engulfing ancient sites and tors. The article also criticizes the Ministry of Defence's treatment of the Lych Way, a historic track, which has been marred by concrete curbstones, questioning the army's archaeological expertise in this context. The Dartmoor Preservation Association is mentioned as a group fighting to protect the moor.

Brideswells Revisited!

This piece discusses the clearing of two 'Ladywells' at Cator, described as rectangular troughs fed by a groundwater spring. While their exact use is unknown, the article suggests they might have been holy wells dedicated to the Goddess, or the Virgin Mary, given their persistent water source and the presence of other Ladywells in Devon.

Bridestone Revisited!

This section explores the mystery of the 'WIFE/WIFF' stone, a crude inscription on a boulder. It links 'Old Wife' place-names to Bride sites and suggests a connection to the Gaelic hag, the Cailleach, and potentially the Aegean goddess Brizo. The article also notes the overlap between places linked to Bride and ancient trackways.

The Omphalos of Devon

William Saxton contributes a letter discussing the concept of the 'omphalos' (navel) as a sacred centre. He explains that an omphalos can be a tree, mountain, cave, or spring, representing a place of passage between worlds. Saxton argues that the omphalos is a mental construct, a sacred centre that exists in the mind, and that its significance is tied to its ability to facilitate a connection with a higher Divinity. He relates this to the 'Practice of the Presence of God' and the harmonious cosmology of the East, contrasting it with the dualistic nature of Western religions.

News and Letters

The 'News' section includes a brief mention of the Gog and Magog figures in Plymouth and an update on an archaeological dig at Nymet Tracey. The 'Letters' section features correspondence from readers, including William Saxton's detailed thoughts on omphalos and sacred centres, and a discussion on the 'Omphalos of Devon' article from Issue 1.

Poetry

The issue includes poems titled 'The Wheel' and 'Ebb-Tide' by Mary Coombs, and a piece titled 'IMBOLG' with a subtitle referencing the sun lengthening and inspiration growing.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of WISHT MAEN are the exploration of ancient sacred sites, the interpretation of placenames, and the investigation of folklore and mythology connected to the land of Devon. The magazine appears to have a strong interest in Celtic and pre-Christian traditions, as well as the impact of modern developments on these historical landscapes. The editorial stance seems to be one of encouraging reader participation, sharing experiences, and fostering a deeper understanding of earth mysteries. There is a clear advocacy for the preservation of heritage and a critical view of destructive practices, such as quarrying and insensitive development.

This issue of "Wisht Maen" (Issue 1, Volume 1, Summer 1993) explores ancient myths, folklore, and sacred sites, primarily focusing on Devon and Dartmoor in the United Kingdom. The magazine features a cover story titled "Goddesses and Gods of Devon" by Cheryl Straffon, alongside letters to the editor and articles delving into historical and mythological themes.

Letters to the Editor

The issue opens with letters responding to a previous article on Wistmans Wood. One letter questions the association of Mithraic and Druidic rites, detailing the origins of the Mithras cult from the Indian god Mitra, its Roman development as a male-dominated religion involving bull sacrifice, and its eventual parallels with Buddhism. The writer also corrects a statement about the archangel Gabriel, clarifying his role as a psychopomp and angel of life, not just the angel of death, and discusses the ancient Jewish belief in three parents for a child, with Gabriel delivering the soul.

Another letter provides information from psychometrist Iris Campbell regarding her impressions of Dartmoor's ancient sites, noting how stones resonate differently and that Druids used circles for planetary alignment and magnetism. Specific sites like Brentor, Spinsters Rock, Scorhill Circle, and Cornish sites are briefly mentioned with their associated folklore.

Articles

Mithraic/Druidic Rites and Wistmans Wood

One of the core articles examines the potential connections between Wistmans Wood and ancient religious practices. It discusses the legend of Mithras' birth from a sacred rock, his association with a sacred stream and tree, and how these elements align with the concept of an Earth Mother. The article suggests that Wistmans Wood could have been a perfect setting for Mithras' birthplace, and that the name might have evolved from "Visg/Wysg Maen Coed" (water-rock-wood). The persecution of such rites by early Christian rulers is also touched upon.

The Mithraic Cult and Christianity

This section delves deeper into the Mithraic cult, detailing its seven degrees of initiation (linked to planets) and its festivals, including the bull sacrifice (taurobdium). It draws extensive parallels between Mithraic myths and Christian narratives, such as the witnessed birth, the bull sacrifice mirroring Christ's crucifixion, and the use of bread, water, and wine in initiation rites. The article highlights how early Christians viewed Mithraism as a significant rival, leading to its portrayal as the "work of the Devil." The spread of Mithraism throughout the Roman Empire and its influence on the date of Christ's birth (December 25th) are also discussed. Connections are drawn to the lunar goddesses, the Phrygian cap, and potentially the Psilocybe Semilanceata mushroom.

Goddesses and Gods of Devon

Cheryl Straffon's article explores the folklore and legends of Devon, linking them to ancient Celtic deities. It mentions Bridestowe being named after the Celtic goddess of healing, Bride, and the river goddess Tamara. The article emphasizes that rivers, streams, and waterfalls were sites of spiritual experience, often associated with healing. Legends of waterfalls and holed stones with curative properties are recounted.

Legends of Dartmoor's Stone Circles

This section continues the exploration of Dartmoor's folklore, focusing on stone circles. It discusses legends of maidens turned to stone for dancing on the Sabbath (e.g., Nine Maidens at Belstone), suggesting this might be a Christian corruption of older meanings related to women's rituals or gatherings. The significance of numbers like nine and the Celtic god Bel (associated with Beltane) in place names is explored, indicating the continued use or memory of Bronze Age sites into Celtic times.

Moving Stones and Folk Memories

Further legends of stone circles involve movement, such as the Grey Wethers walking at sunrise or stones dancing. These are interpreted as distant folk memories of ritual dancing and the use of these sites for connecting with gods and goddesses. The presence of pixies in these legends is seen as a possible folk memory of ancient peoples.

The Devil and Paganism

The article touches on the custom of "Turning the Boulder" and its association with the Devil, suggesting that the Devil in folklore often represents the old horned Nature god of Paganism in a Christianized guise. Stories of the Wild Hunt and witches transforming into hares are presented as evidence of a continuity of goddess worship, with priestesses being demonized as witches.

Archaeological Discovery

A recent archaeological discovery of a Bronze Age shipwreck in the River Erme, containing tin ingots and a figurine of a Goddess, is mentioned as a tangible link to ancient worship whose memory persists in folklore.

East Devon Ways: Wayside Stones

• Steven Shipp's article focuses on East Devon, highlighting its often-overlooked ancient sites and folklore. It details several wayside stones and their associated legends:
• Hangman's Stone: Named after a sheep-thief who died there accidentally when the sheep's cord tightened around his throat.
• Witches' Stone / Rolling Stone / Hunter's Lodge Stone: Associated with witches' meetings and dark deeds, and legends of it rolling to the river or dancing.
• Devil's Stone: Linked to the Devil interfering with church construction in Honiton.
• Unworked stone near Salcombe Regis church: Its purpose is unknown, possibly a mounting stone.
• Standing Stone on Salcombe Hill: Identified from an old map, likely moved by farmers.
• Scirland Stone: Believed to be a boundary marker near an Iron Age hillfort.

Community Events and Publications

The issue includes a section on "Beating the Bounds," an ancient custom revived to remind communities of their common boundaries. It also lists upcoming guided walks and talks on Dartmoor's folklore and mysteries. A "Coming Soon" announcement for "Squercle" magazine, focusing on crop circles, is included. A "Midnight Books" section offers secondhand books on paranormal topics. Finally, a comprehensive list of "Pagan journals" and "Local Publications & Groups" is provided, along with stockists of "Wisht Maen."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of ancient pagan beliefs, mythology, and folklore with the landscape, particularly in Devon and Dartmoor. There is a clear interest in uncovering the roots of these traditions and how they have been interpreted, sometimes demonized, by later dominant cultures, particularly Christianity. The editorial stance appears to be one of valuing and preserving these ancient traditions and their connection to the land, encouraging readers to explore and engage with local history and mythology through events and publications. The inclusion of practical information like guided walks and a directory of related journals suggests an aim to foster a community interested in these subjects.