Welsh Witchcraft

A Guide to the Spirits, Lore, and Magic of Wales

By: Mhara Starling

Narrated by: Lorna Bennett

The history of magic and witchcraft in Wales will inspire any modern-day witch. Written by a Welsh practitioner, this book shares the magical traditions of the land of the red dragon, exploring deities, fairies, folklore, charms, plants, and magic with dozens of exercises for hands-on practice.

Explore the history and terminology of Welsh magic and methods for honoring the land. Learn to connect with Cerridwen, Rhiannon, and other deities, as well as fairies and mystical creatures. Discover how you can incorporate traditional Welsh folk magic into your modern witchcraft practice, with exercises for honoring those who came before, connecting with the spirit of your home, protecting against adversity and malignant spirits, changing the weather, and much more.

©2022 Mhara Starling (P)2022 Tantor

Full of good information

Overall I liked the book. It’s a little more advanced than a beginner may be ready for, but does go over a lot of the basics. This is most pronounced in the exercises. They range in accessibility, and it would have been nice to see more of a “building towards” structure to how the book was built out. The only downside to the book is the Welsh pronunciation, which is a critique of the performance and not the book itself. Overall I would recommend if you have a book or two that is more geared towards newcomers under your hat.

An Excellent Perspective

There is another review of this book which calls this work a disappointing waste because this work focuses on identity witchcraft. I thought it was quite clear that this was the book's focus. Mhara deals with identity and representation head on in the introduction. She does not try to create a set dogma or recipe but delineates a mindful approach to creating your own witchcraft centered on the genius locae, or spirit of place. Not only does Mhara use her identity, she uses the techniques involving her mytho-historic research, and techniques from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy to create an individual form of Witchcraft centered on hearth and home.
Unfortunately, this book fails in that the narrator is not a Welsh speaker. This is obvious in the prayers Mhara writes, even to me another non Welsh speaker. The narrator stumbles things and appears to second guess herself. This is Tantor Audios (the publisher's) fault as they do not vet narrators for the works they use. Per the Author to not use this as a pronunciation guide.

Fantastic overview of welsh witchcraft… Practices

Not only did the author provide information about witchcraft from a Welsh perspective, using her own personal practices as well as traditional folk, Magic, etc.. She also encouraged the listener to explore practices in their own land, and to use the practices presented within this book that resonate with them.  She encourages continual learning throughout the book as well as acceptance of different perspective and life experiences. Noting that let me say thank you Ms. Starling.

Excellent Culmination of Narration, Old Myth and Modern Magickal Adaptations

Let me thank the author for bearing their soul here in this work. Sharing the pain and the joy of your life was touching, insightful and encouraging.
The deep connection you have to your land could truly be felt. As well as your authentic and personal approach to your magicks.
Let me also thank the narrator, who wonderfully spun this tale from her lips in a naturally enchanting way, one gets the sense she is a native Welsh spraker, and I suspect she also is a native of one of the honored island of Wales or ones close by.
This book was very inspiring, so let me express my appreciation to all involved in its development.

Beautifully done!!!

Thank you so much for this!!! It was beautiful! And I loved the Narrator!!! I look forward to more of your books🙃 Many Blessings!

unexpectedly charming and delightful

At first I will admit, I found the book to be repeative in speech and wordy. HOWEVER, I highly recommend sticking through the begining. As the context delves deeper and becomes more meaningful with lessons in Welsh history and magick.

Permission!

Permission to be a Christian, or not, or used to be, or never was. Permission to not be in a coven, or to join, whatever you wish your practice to be. Permission to explore your surroundings for potent ingredients, or go to the store. Permission to practice the traditions of Welsh Witchcraft wherever you live in the world. Permission makes magic accessible to all. Inclusive.

This author is authentic, knowledgeable, and a bit charming. I found Welsh Witchcraft, and Mhara Starling, to be smart, descriptive, and engaging. I can see where some other reviewers called out the audio book as a bit repetitive, but I find that is the nature of audiobooks that are more informational and educational in nature. I have ordered the hardcopy book to use as a reference. Well done!

Great book

This is a very good introduction to the unique Celtic culture and mythology which informs modern Welsh witchcraft and Druidic magical practices and seasonal observations

Love this!

Full of information and stories of Welsh folklore. Will listen again and again easy to listen to.

Too much Christian

The author explains how as a child who didn’t quite fit into the world they lived in were persecuted berated, made fun of, and even tortured physically and mentally. They went on to explain their rationale for being willing to perform curses based on - did they not deserve to have justice against those who persecuted them.

Then the author chose to rationalize including Christian believes and practices in their witchcraft. I assume that’s because the author had not experienced Christian’s persecuting them… though I find that hard to believe considering the authors lifestyle choices.

It has been my experience that the Christians who were once persecuted in ancient times are now far worse persecutors themselves. And have been so throughout their history… Burning, witches anyone?

So I personally find it repulsive to include them and their practices in a belief system and practice that they actively, even today, persecute and try their best to stomp out and destroy. I don’t believe the author would choose to include their childhood bullies in their practice. I think they would find that as repulsive as I find the judgmental, persecuting, bullying Christians being included in a witch’s practice.