Send us a text

In this enchanting episode, we delve into the magical realms of Welsh folklore and bardic traditions with our special guest, Mhara Starling. Hailing from North Wales and raised on the Isle of Anglesey, Mhara is not only a native Welsh speaker but also a transgender woman deeply immersed in traditional practices since childhood. Known for her popular witchcraft videos on TikTok, Mhara is a celebrant, tarot reader, and the author of 'Welsh Witchcraft,' a celebrated exploration of the magical traditions rooted in the landscape of Wales. 

As part of our ongoing commitment to the WikiLovesFolklore project's Feminism and Folklore campaign, this episode uncovers the rich tapestry of Welsh folklore with some of its feminist folk tales and how women were, in fact, central to many of the societal roles that previously had been solely attributed to men. From the mystical concept of Awen to the deep connection with the natural world, explore the intersections of language, culture, and magic. Get ready for a captivating journey through the rich tapestry of Welsh traditions with our delightful guest.

Books and Resources mentioned by Mhara in the Podcast: 

• Four Branches of the Mabinogi
  • Learn more about it here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mabinogion
  • And here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_Branches_of_the_Mabinogi
  • You can find Lady Charlotte Guest's translation here: https://www.gutenberg.org/files/5160/5160-h/5160-h.htm
• The Mabinogion (2008) translated by Sioned Davies
• Pagan Portals - Rhiannon: Divine Queen of the Celtic Britons by 
  Jhenah Telyndru
• Pagan Portals - Blodeuwedd: Welsh Goddess of Seasonal Sovereignty by 
  Jhenah Telyndru
• Forthcoming Anthology by Ninth Wave Press: https://sisterhoodofavalon.org/ninth-wave-press/
• Cerridwen: Celtic Goddess of Inspiration by Kristoffer Hughes

Find Mhara on Social Media: 

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mhara_starling/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MharaStarling
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mhara_starling
• YouTube: https://youtube.com/@mharastarling2730?feature=shared

From her publisher:

• Author Profile: https://www.llewellyn.com/author.php?author_id=6824
• Author Blogpost:

Welcome to the Wikimedia community Ireland podcast, your portal to free knowledge and Irish culture.

Intro contains Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/kevin-macleod/achaidh-cheide
License code: JBQCMVAHZIMU692D

Sign up to our newsletter at wikimedia.ie or follow us on social media @wikimediaie to keep up to date with upcoming events all over Ireland in 2025!

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to our podcast, leave a review, and share it with your friends or on social media. Together, we can make Ireland’s heritage accessible to all. Until next time, keep exploring and celebrating our shared history.

Go raibh míle maith agaibh as éisteacht linn, thank you very much for listening!