The Welsh Witch Podcast

By Mhara StarlingReligion & Spirituality Spirituality

The Welsh Witch Podcast episodes

March 14, 2025 Hafren, or Sabrina, Goddess of the River Severn with Brett Hollyhead, Witch of Salopia
On this episode of the Welsh Witch Podcast I am joined by Brett Hollyhead, also known as Witch of Salopia online, a practicing Witch from the Welsh marches. Together we go on a journey to discover the Goddess of Britain's longest river, the River Severn or Afon Hafren. Let us explore the myth, magic, and lore of this often overlooked river Goddess!About Brett: Brett Hollyhead, also known as the Witch of Salopia across social media, is a practicing Welsh Marches Folk Witch, workshop leader and a public speaker at regular Pagan related events/ conferences throughout the United Kingdom. He's a member of the Cylch y Sarffes Goch (Circle of the Red Serpent) alongside Mhara Starling and Moss Matthey. He's also a member of OBOD and a guardian of the Doreen Valiente Foundation. He lives in Wrexham, UK.Brett's debut book is available for pre-order now!UK pre-order: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pagan-Portals-Sabrina-Discovering-Goddess/dp/1803418079/ref=sr_1_1?crid=398I9YSW6RV6U&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.cUZot28noWNTy3QVsGL73_C3Jdv93GjJ-Xghpla-8ZMVYxJ9W9ulfNWulYS2IzH2-0K_bCAtktvCSHBeyOYgOuAP6F8yfJGh-XGjBQPyg7g.MCbiQAmVVM_a43n8kpWISIOuwrdIwoH5h5ZgIFV67xI&dib_tag=se&keywords=Sabrina+pagan&qid=1739851165&sprefix=sabrina+pagan%2Caps%2C80&sr=8-1US pre-order: https://www.amazon.com/Pagan-Portals-Sabrina-Discovering-Goddess/dp/1803418079/ref=sr_1_1?crid=28JRYTMBV6VED&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ZxSJ_HXlzA1SuXNh2FuNTMxo8uiLg5CM9bCvCUEFcT-HjqznMG4aVFYxMiWTe2MQ.JZFG-Byxw4XCt3uObsHFw9E_k1MbnKMI4YIYYxZ-YAU&dib_tag=se&keywords=pagan+portals+sabrina&qid=1739851257&sprefix=pagan+portals+sabrin%2Caps%2C232&sr=8-1******Are you interested in Welsh myth, lore, and magic? Want to support these podcasts and receive access to exclusive courses, classes, and articles relating to Welsh witchcraft, paganism, polytheism, and magic? Then why not join us on Patreon! On top of exclusive content, and early access to content such as episodes of the podcast...my patrons are also thrown into a community of people who share an interest in Welsh myth, lore, and magic. How to join? Follow this link: https://patreon.com/mharastarling?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink
1 hr 15 min
February 18, 2025 Entering The Realm of the Green with Sian Sibley
On this episode of the Welsh Witch Podcast I am joined by Sian Sibley, a coven leader from South Wales, an author, a conference organiser, and an all-round badass Witch! Together we discuss aspects of Sian's practice which weave alchemy, planetary magic, and magic that is rooted in the land surrounding us. Together we unveil the Green. About Sian: Sian Sibley is a traditional witch, animist and a lover of the green world. Sian has been the leader of DragonOak coven in South Wales for nearly 30 years, she also organises the two Welsh Occult Conferences each year. Giving people a chance to hear some of the top names in occult practise. She also holds a masters degree in applied biology, specialising in medical genetics and a Masters degree in ecology and spirituality. This makes for a very odd combination of a scientist who’s is also an animist witch. Sian’s books present a unique way of looking at the craft in the world of modern science and how we can adapt our world to be more aligned with the natural currents of the planet, to put others before ourselves as humans and live more fully in the ecology of our world.Sian's books are out now! You can purchase her debut book, Unveiling the Green, here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Unveiling-Green-alchemically-astrologically-psychologically-ebook/dp/B0CZY7N1F1Her latest book can be purchased here: https://www.blacklodgepublishing.com/all-products/p/black-paths-green-cathedrals******Are you interested in Welsh myth, lore, and magic? Want to support these podcasts and receive access to exclusive courses, classes, and articles relating to Welsh witchcraft, paganism, polytheism, and magic? Then why not join us on Patreon! On top of exclusive content, and early access to content such as episodes of the podcast...my patrons are also thrown into a community of people who share an interest in Welsh myth, lore, and magic. How to join? Follow this link: https://patreon.com/mharastarling?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink
1 hr 29 min
January 02, 2025 Sacred Springs, Legendary Lakes, and Witching Waters with Annwyn Avalon
In this episode I am joined by water priestess, Witch, and author Annwyn Avalon. Together we geek out over the magic of water! From discussions pertaining to sacred springs, legendary and liminal lakes, and witching waters...all the way to discussions of initiation, Glastonbury, and ladies of the lakes. A wonderful conversation between two watery witches!
About today's guest:
Annwyn Avalon is a Water Priestess and Celtic Witch. She is the Author of The Way of the Water Priestess and Water Witchcraft: Magic and Lore from the Celtic Tradition. She is the founder of Water Priestess Training, The Water Priestess Confluence, Bewitching the Waters Symposium, and Triskele Rose Witchcraft an Avalonian Witchcraft Tradition. She has devoted her life to the study of Esoteric Water Mysteries, art, witchcraft, and magic. Her path is one of sacred service to the waters of this world and her ancestors. She is an initiated Witch and Priestess, Reiki Master Teacher, award-winning Dancer, and published author and has a BFA in sculpture, BA in Anthropology.. She has also received an apprentice certificate in Herbalism. She writes for the Magical Times Magazine in the UK and has contributed to other published works such as The New Aradia a Witches handbook for resistance, Brigid's Light: Tending the Ancestral Flame of the Beloved Celtic Goddess, This Witch, and Witchology Magazine. She is the author of the Patheos Blog The Water Witch. She now lives in Glastonbury as the sacred steward of Chalice Orchard, the former home of the famous occultist Dion Fortune and is a Keeper at the White Spring. One of the sacred springs located in Glastonbury.
You can find Annwyn's socials via the link below!
https://linktr.ee/annwynavalon?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZ8K9qFSuFOpBWmcpa8MHQNBR5_oO7_YwIjCvBHTLABYYc2ovhth-_Sb_Y_aem_A3Ar-kUd1sZLvXhaNzyPPQ
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Do you love the Welsh Witch Podcast? Then why not support us! By supporting me on Patreon you make it possible for me to continue doing what I do! My Patrons get exclusive access to courses, classes, videos, articles, and more! And they get to listen to podcast episodes before anyone else! To join or to learn more follow the link below:
https://patreon.com/mharastarling?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink
1 hr 13 min
January 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

1 hr 22 min
August 26, 2023 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

1 hr 24 min
July 17, 2023 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
1 hr 15 min
June 12, 2023 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!
1 hr 7 min
March 01, 2023 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
1 hr 15 min
September 29, 2022 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

1 hr 6 min
May 20, 2022 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

48 min

About The Welsh Witch Podcast

From the publisher's feed

Enter a world of sacred lakes, enchanting folklore, and magical traditions. This is the Welsh Witch Podcast! Hosted by Mhara Starling, a Welsh folk Witch who grew up in North Wales. Each episode will…