The Welsh Witch Podcast
By Mhara Starling
The Welsh Witch PodcastJan 16, 2024
Magicians and Fairies with Andrew Phillip Smith
In the most recent episode of the Welsh Witch podcast I am joined by Andrew Philip Smith, Author of the book "Pages From a Welsh Cunning Man's Book: Magic and Fairies in Nineteenth-Century Wales", which only recently released. In this book Andrew explores the lost "Llyfr Cyfrin" (mystic/secret book) of a Denbighshire cunning man, which included spells to call upon and conjure the Tylwyth Teg, Welsh fairies. Here's what I had to say about the book in an endorsement: "Anyone with an interest in magic, folklore, or even Welsh history in general will find something in this book...read it and revel in the magic of Wales' traditional folk magical culture". During this interview we explore the interplay between fairies and magicians within a Welsh cultural context. Glossary:
Llyfr Cyfrin - A "mystic book of secrets", a book kept by a cunning person, where they recorded all their methods and knowledge.
Byd y Dyn Hysbys - A book by Kate Bosse Griffiths, published in 1977, which not only explored Welsh cunning craft, but also the Llyfr Cyfrin of an unnamed cunning man from Denbighshire
Tylwyth Teg - the name given to fairies in Welsh. Translated, it means 'the fair family'.
Links to Andrew's work
Bardic Press: http://bardicpress.com/
Andrew's Book, "Pages from a Welsh Cunning Man's Book":
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pages-Welsh-Cunning-Mans-Nineteenth-Century/dp/B0CJSYS6VZ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2GDS6Y0N6AJ6E&keywords=pages+from+a+welsh+cunning+man%27s+book&qid=1705421711&sprefix=pages+from+a+welsh%2Caps%2C114&sr=8-1
Andrew's Twitter/X Account: https://twitter.com/MythWelsh
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Support me on Patreon to keep this podcast going!
patreon.com/mharastarling
Mabon: Pagan Festival, or Welsh Deity? With Kris Hughes
Mabon is recognised by Pagans across the world today as one of the spokes of the Wheel of the Year. But did you know the name Mabon comes from Welsh mythology? And that he is in actuality a Welsh God?
In this episode I am joined by Kris Hughes. Together we discuss the myth and lore pertaining to Mabon, Mabon's connection to Maponos, and how he relates to the festival of the Autumn Equinox.
Follow Kris elsewhere via these links!
Website: www.GoDeeper.info
Patreon: www.Patreon.com/KrisHughes
YouTube: www.youtube.com/KrisHughes
Kris also has a Mabon class coming up! Sign up here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/krishughes/974812?fbclid=IwAR1NM0xfdsgisbjA4gGA2kWczVA_ikXz2yRbE_jpGG28PqH4I35bButGLiQ
Liked this episode? Drop me a tip via Ko-Fi! https://ko-fi.com/mharastarling
https://linktr.ee/mhara_starling
Connecting to the Magic of Wales With Jhenah Telyndru
How does one connect to a magic that is tied to a specific culture or location, when one is not immersed in that location or culture? In this episode of the Welsh Witch podcast, I am joined by renowned author, and founder of the sisterhood of Avalon, Jhenah Telyndru. We discuss the above topic as well as explore our own personal views concerning Goddesses such as Arianrhod, Rhiannon, and Blodeuwedd.
Learn more about Jhenah!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=jhenah%20telyndru
Author Page: https://www.llewellyn.com/author.php?author_id=4998
Support the Welsh Witch Podcast!
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mharastarling
Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/mharastarling
The Magic of the Natural World with Alex from the Lores of Nature
Croeso! Welcome! In this episode of the Welsh Witch Podcast I am joined by Alex from @theLoresofNature. We discuss the magic of the natural world, and the folklore surrounding trees, flowers, mushrooms and more! Tune in to listen to us discuss Merlin, Celtic Tree Astrology, the Bardsey Apple, the Green Meadows of Enchantment and so much more!
The Welsh Witch Podcast is a podcast hosted by Mhara Starling, a Welsh Witch, author, and folklorist from Anglesey, North Wales. Each episode explores a theme from the legends, lore, and magic of Cymru, Wales.
Follow Alex elsewhere!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theloresofnature/
TikTok: https://www.instagram.com/theloresofnature/
Threadless Apparel Store: https://theloresofnature.threadless.com/
Want to support the Welsh Witch Podcast? Become a Patron! Patrons hear the episode before anyone else, and get access to exclusive content within the theme of Welsh magic, witchcraft, folklore, and mythology. You can become a patron for as little as £1 a month! Sign up here:
https://www.patreon.com/mharastarling
Thank you for listening! Diolch am wrando!
Annwfn, The Welsh Otherworld with Dr. Gwilym Morus-Baird
In this episode I am joined by the wonderful Dr. Gwilym Morus-Baird, we discuss Annwfn, the Welsh Otherworld in myth, folklore, and the Welsh bardic tradition. Dr. Gwilym Morus-Baird studied at Bangor University in North Wales, and is best known today as Celtic Source on YouTube, TikTok, Facebook and elsewhere! He dispenses his knowledge via online courses and content. You can find Gwilym via the links below!
Gwilym's website: celticsource.online
Celtic Source socials
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CelticSource
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/celticsource
The Welsh Witch Podcast is only made possible thanks to my Patrons! Become a Patron or follow my other socials by following the link below!
https://linktr.ee/mhara_starling
The Enchantment of Celtic Mythology and Folklore with Celtic Siân
In this episode I am joined by Siân Esther Powell, aka Celtic_Siân, who is a museum professional and mythology enthusiast from Cornwall. We discuss the enchantment of Celtic myths and legends, and how they help us connect to our local landscape. We also discuss the ways in which Pagans and Witches might perceive myths and legends differently to academics and scholars, and how we can sometimes bump heads because of that. Beyond this, Siân and I also delve into the concept of "gatekeeping" our cultural traditions, and we wax lyrically about our upbringing in a Celtic nation throughout.
Siân Esther Powell is the host of the Celtic Myths and Legends podcast, and can be found as @Celtic_Siân on TikTok!
To learn more about Siân check out her link tree! https://linktr.ee/SianEsther
The Welsh Witch Podcast is only made possible thanks to my Patrons! Become a Patron or follow my other socials by following the link below!
https://linktr.ee/mhara_starling
Welsh Monsters & Mythical Beasts with CCJ Ellis
Welcome to the Welsh Witch Podcast! A podcast exploring the magical culture of Wales. Today I am joined by Ellis, known professionally as CCJ Ellis, author of the upcoming book Welsh Monsters & Mythical Beasts releasing later this year. In this episode we chat about fantastical creatures from Welsh legend and lore...as well as the way in which Welsh legend and lore has influenced so much of modern fantasy. But overall we just have a lovely chat!
To support this podcast, you can join my patreon!
https://www.patreon.com/mharastarling
Support Ellis! Follow Ellis via the links below:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ccjellis
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccjellisart/
Pre-Order the Book! https://www.amazon.co.uk/Welsh-Monsters-Mythical-Beasts-Celtic-Welsh/dp/1777081777/ref=sr_1_1?crid=36UHEH2UDD53T&keywords=welsh+monsters+and+mythical+beasts&qid=1653014390&sprefix=welsh+mons%2Caps%2C344&sr=8-1
The Welsh Witch Podcast | Episode 1 | Finding Welsh Magic with Kristoffer Hughes
Welcome to the first episode of the Welsh Witch Podcast! In this episode I sit down to chat with Kristoffer Hughes, Chief of the Anglesey Druid Order, Author, and my lovely friend! We discuss how one might find their way into a magical or spiritual practice that is rooted in the magic of Wales.
To learn more about Kristoffer, follow the links below:
Kristoffer's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristofferdruid/?hl=en
Anglesey Druid Order Website: https://www.angleseydruidorder.co.uk/kristoffer
Llewellyn author page: https://www.llewellyn.com/author.php?author_id=5316