Book Reviews: Welsh Witchcraft by Mhara Starling

 

Mhara Starling grew up practicing witchcraft and is currently based in England where she runs classes, moots, and gatherings, along with workshops and classes that teach Tarot. Starling has also been featured in TV shows and documentaries. Her new book Welsh Witchcraft: A Guide to the Spirits, Lore, and Magic of Wales uses Welsh traditions to explore Witchcraft and takes you on a journey into these traditions with Starling's personal commentary woven throughout. The book serves as a guide on fairytales, important herbs, Welsh folklore, the emblem (of the mighty red dragon), and even curses. All of which is woven from a personal perspective from someone that practices Witchcraft. Starling delivers a guide through a hands-on approach that will allow you to learn how to empower yourself through your spirituality. You can find the book here.

You can learn more about Welsh culture, fairies, witchcraft, and more at Starling's YouTube channel which can be found here. 

REVIEW

This empowering guide delivers a thorough exploration of Welsh traditions, folklore, and Witchcraft in a conversational format that provides the first steps in a hands-on journey to find your path. This book primarily focuses on Welsh traditions from the perspective of a Practioner. Starling takes you into another world that introduces you to the beauty of Welsh folklore seen through her eyes. The tone Starling takes for this guide on Welsh Witchcraft creates a personal connection to her and through that connection allows you to explore ways to channel your own empowerment. This book comes to life through the passion and love that Starling has for Welsh folklore and Witchcraft which delivers a guide on everything from fairy tales to cursing wells to deities. This book also features various terms that introduce you to the Welsh language (if you don't already know it) with words such as Swynydd (someone that works with magic) and Awenydd (similar to Oracles in Ancient Greece). 

The book offers background on some of the deities common in Welsh lore such as Cerridwen, Llyr, Gwydion, Braint, and Rhiannan. Starling includes what they represent and how to commune with each deity while offering personal insight that comes from a significant part of herself. The book contains a thorough wealth of information that features background on all things Welsh such as changelings, fairies, charms, the Abracadabra Triangle, the power of wells, curse pots, and so much more. Herbalists and plant lovers will particularly enjoy learning about important herbs and trees which include (but are not limited to) chickweed, sage, rosemary, alder, willow, and hazel. The book also features a list of recommended reading for those wishing to do further research into Welsh Witchcraft and traditions. By opening up a piece of her soul, Starling has created a guide that does more than teaching Welsh Witchcraft and folklore. But a guide that creates a stepping stone in finding yourself, empowerment, a  path to a peaceful state of being, and the discovery of making the most of your own sacred places. 

Whether you're seeking to find a new path in your life, looking to learn Witchcraft, fascinated by folklore, love Welsh traditions, or simply curious, Starling has something for everyone.