Journey into a winter’s tale where a child’s soft question stirs the magic of an Cailleach, the ancient grandmother spirit of Irish folklore — and the quiet miracles that can mend a grieving heart.

In our story, we meet a Little Boy navigating his first Christmas without his mother. Through his eyes, we witness a world filled with both sorrow and wonder — as he holds a single wish for the season: snow.

In a tale where myth is woven alongside the human heart, an Cailleach offers the Little Boy (and listeners alike) a spark of winter magic and a gentle reminder: our loved ones remain connected to us, even when their physical presence feels far away.

More on an Cailleach

Sitting with the Mothers: Getting to know An Cailleach. Into the Circle with Erica O’Reilly. Substack. 17 November, 2024.

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In Molly’s Story, journey into a tale that moves between beginnings and endings, held by the ancient ones who dwell betwixt the veils. As Samhain continues, let us look to the North — to the ancestors, an Cailleach, and the quieting Earth — as we’re reminded that death is not an ending, but perhaps immram into a new beginning.

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They say trouble finds those who seek it — unfortunately, Thomas O’Malley was just the sort to ignore his grandmother’s warnings. On a chilly November evening, Tommy finally learns why every woman should be met with reverence and respect. For not all who wander after dark are among the living.

Continue your journey into our ‘Stories of Samhain’ series with a tale inspired by Dr. Patricia Lysaght’s research and the haunting legend of The Imprint of the Banshee’s Five Fingers.

Additional Resources

Lysaght, Patricia. The Banshee: The Irish Death-messenger. 1997.

“Blúiríní Béaloidis 27 - the Banshee (With Professor Patricia Lysaght).” Spotify, 31 Oct. 2020.

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Show Notes

The first in our ‘Stories of Samhain’ series, journey with Erica into a reimagining of the Irish folktale ‘The Witch Hare’ - as shared through the magical friendship of Mrs. Murphy & Mrs. O’Sullivan.

Inspired by the tale shared in Treasury of Irish Fairy and Folk Tales. Barnes & Noble Inc, 2016.

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Vision of a Selkie Mother: Receiving a Lost Soul Part | S1 Ep1

Journey with Erica to the shores of County Kerry; where, on her final night, she receives a vision of a Selkie Mother and retrieves a long lost soul part.

Related Into the Circle Stories or Articles

The Calling of the Sea and a Lost Sealskin

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