Welsh Magic & Folklore Unveiled: Exploring the Feminist Narratives in Welsh Folklore & Tradition with Mhara Starling

Send us Fan MailIn 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 MabinogiLearn more about it here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MabinogionAnd here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_Branches_of_the_MabinogiYou can find Lady Charlotte Guest's translation here: https://www.gutenberg.org/files/5160/5160-h/5160-h.htmThe Mabinogion (2008) translated by Sioned DaviesPagan Portals - Rhiannon: Divine Queen of the Celtic Britons by Jhenah TelyndruPagan Portals - Blodeuwedd: Welsh Goddess of Seasonal Sovereignty by Jhenah TelyndruForthcoming Anthology by Ninth Wave Press: https://sisterhoodofavalon.org/ninth-wave-press/Cerridwen: Celtic Goddess of Inspiration by Kristoffer HughesFind Mhara on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mhara_starling/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MharaStarlingTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mhara_starlingYouTube: https://youtube.com/@mharastarling2730?feature=sharedFrom her publisher:Author Profile: https://www.llewellyn.com/author.php?author_id=6824Author Blogpost: https://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/2994Podcast Episode Art designed by Wikimedia Community Ireland with the use of background images via Wikimedia Commons: Din Lliwgy ancient Settlement near Moelfre Colin Park Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Din_Lliwgy_ancient_Settlement_near_Moelfre_-_geograph.org.uk_-_5608271.jpgWelcome 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-cheideLicense code: JBQCMVAHZIMU692DSign 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!