Mhara Starling
@mharastarling.bsky.social
Welsh Witch | Swynwraig
Llen Gwerin, hudoliaeth, a mwy! | Folklore, Magic, and more!
Author, Cauldron and Troll doll hoarder. Whimsy and chaos embodied ✨
Llen Gwerin, hudoliaeth, a mwy! | Folklore, Magic, and more!
Author, Cauldron and Troll doll hoarder. Whimsy and chaos embodied ✨
Girls just wanna have fun! 😁 night out with my girlie Mari Môn last week! 😁 she’s gotta let her bells and ribbons down before the busy pwnco season ahead!
December 1, 2025 at 8:27 PM
Girls just wanna have fun! 😁 night out with my girlie Mari Môn last week! 😁 she’s gotta let her bells and ribbons down before the busy pwnco season ahead!
Just a Troll, enjoying the sunset 🥹
November 27, 2025 at 11:36 PM
Just a Troll, enjoying the sunset 🥹
Rather fabulous day today out and about filming for Welsh TV 😁
Tiwniwch i mewn i ‘Heno’ ar S4C unai nos fory neu nos Fercher, ac efallai welwch chi fi!!
Tiwniwch i mewn i ‘Heno’ ar S4C unai nos fory neu nos Fercher, ac efallai welwch chi fi!!
November 24, 2025 at 11:45 PM
Rather fabulous day today out and about filming for Welsh TV 😁
Tiwniwch i mewn i ‘Heno’ ar S4C unai nos fory neu nos Fercher, ac efallai welwch chi fi!!
Tiwniwch i mewn i ‘Heno’ ar S4C unai nos fory neu nos Fercher, ac efallai welwch chi fi!!
In case you’re interested: The radio documentary was part of the BBC World Service’s “Heart and Soul” series. It’s available to listen to now on BBC Sounds and such!
November 19, 2025 at 1:07 AM
In case you’re interested: The radio documentary was part of the BBC World Service’s “Heart and Soul” series. It’s available to listen to now on BBC Sounds and such!
What a week it has been!
After almost 8 years of living in Chester…travelling back and forth to visit family on Anglesey, and missing home so very much…
I am back on my island home! We moved back last Friday, and my heart is singing with joy 🥹
To this new chapter!
After almost 8 years of living in Chester…travelling back and forth to visit family on Anglesey, and missing home so very much…
I am back on my island home! We moved back last Friday, and my heart is singing with joy 🥹
To this new chapter!
November 19, 2025 at 12:44 AM
What a week it has been!
After almost 8 years of living in Chester…travelling back and forth to visit family on Anglesey, and missing home so very much…
I am back on my island home! We moved back last Friday, and my heart is singing with joy 🥹
To this new chapter!
After almost 8 years of living in Chester…travelling back and forth to visit family on Anglesey, and missing home so very much…
I am back on my island home! We moved back last Friday, and my heart is singing with joy 🥹
To this new chapter!
Her time has come…winter has arrived…soon her bells shall echo through the streets. Are you prepared to answer her call?
Croeso’n ôl Mari Môn 🖤
Croeso’n ôl Mari Môn 🖤
November 2, 2025 at 1:09 AM
Her time has come…winter has arrived…soon her bells shall echo through the streets. Are you prepared to answer her call?
Croeso’n ôl Mari Môn 🖤
Croeso’n ôl Mari Môn 🖤
“I asked ChatGPT…”
Yeah? Well, I asked the Mari Lwyd and she said “stop rotting your brain, and BRING ME ALL YOUR BEER!!!”
Yeah? Well, I asked the Mari Lwyd and she said “stop rotting your brain, and BRING ME ALL YOUR BEER!!!”
October 21, 2025 at 12:34 AM
“I asked ChatGPT…”
Yeah? Well, I asked the Mari Lwyd and she said “stop rotting your brain, and BRING ME ALL YOUR BEER!!!”
Yeah? Well, I asked the Mari Lwyd and she said “stop rotting your brain, and BRING ME ALL YOUR BEER!!!”
Historical fiction that draws on Welsh Witch lore?! Yes please!
This new book by Mari Ellis Dunning is out now! Set in the early modern period, following a woman who approaches a local wise woman for help.
Incorporating Welsh witch lore and inspired by real history. A lot of fun for sure!
This new book by Mari Ellis Dunning is out now! Set in the early modern period, following a woman who approaches a local wise woman for help.
Incorporating Welsh witch lore and inspired by real history. A lot of fun for sure!
October 20, 2025 at 9:27 PM
Historical fiction that draws on Welsh Witch lore?! Yes please!
This new book by Mari Ellis Dunning is out now! Set in the early modern period, following a woman who approaches a local wise woman for help.
Incorporating Welsh witch lore and inspired by real history. A lot of fun for sure!
This new book by Mari Ellis Dunning is out now! Set in the early modern period, following a woman who approaches a local wise woman for help.
Incorporating Welsh witch lore and inspired by real history. A lot of fun for sure!
When people envision “the fae” they almost always imagine a humanoid being. From elegant elven riders, to goblin-like household fairies.
But terms like “fairy” are a broad term for all otherworldly entities. And that includes otherworldly animals.
Fairy cows, dogs, horses, and pigs are a thing!
But terms like “fairy” are a broad term for all otherworldly entities. And that includes otherworldly animals.
Fairy cows, dogs, horses, and pigs are a thing!
October 15, 2025 at 7:32 PM
When people envision “the fae” they almost always imagine a humanoid being. From elegant elven riders, to goblin-like household fairies.
But terms like “fairy” are a broad term for all otherworldly entities. And that includes otherworldly animals.
Fairy cows, dogs, horses, and pigs are a thing!
But terms like “fairy” are a broad term for all otherworldly entities. And that includes otherworldly animals.
Fairy cows, dogs, horses, and pigs are a thing!
Felt cute, might lurk in the graveyard later and feed stolen communion wafers to an ancient toad 🐸
October 14, 2025 at 10:21 PM
Felt cute, might lurk in the graveyard later and feed stolen communion wafers to an ancient toad 🐸
Though in reality, I think they’re happy about how far we’ve come. I always think of this:
October 14, 2025 at 12:13 AM
Though in reality, I think they’re happy about how far we’ve come. I always think of this:
My brain still cannot fathom that not only have I had enough determination to write three books, but that they’ve all been published too! 😂😅 as someone who struggles to motivate myself to breathe correctly most of the time, I am rather proud!
October 13, 2025 at 8:19 PM
My brain still cannot fathom that not only have I had enough determination to write three books, but that they’ve all been published too! 😂😅 as someone who struggles to motivate myself to breathe correctly most of the time, I am rather proud!
Join me for my online talk with the Folger Shakespeare Library this Wednesday!
The talk will be recorded so you can catch up whenever!
More details here: www.folger.edu/whats-on/bar...
The talk will be recorded so you can catch up whenever!
More details here: www.folger.edu/whats-on/bar...
October 6, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Join me for my online talk with the Folger Shakespeare Library this Wednesday!
The talk will be recorded so you can catch up whenever!
More details here: www.folger.edu/whats-on/bar...
The talk will be recorded so you can catch up whenever!
More details here: www.folger.edu/whats-on/bar...
Had a rather fabulous time at the Eisteddfod in Wrexham last week.
For those who might not know: The National Eisteddfod is the largest cultural festival in all of Europe. It is one that celebrated Welsh culture. Our language takes centre stage, with a focus on art, and specifically poetry.
For those who might not know: The National Eisteddfod is the largest cultural festival in all of Europe. It is one that celebrated Welsh culture. Our language takes centre stage, with a focus on art, and specifically poetry.
August 13, 2025 at 6:29 AM
Had a rather fabulous time at the Eisteddfod in Wrexham last week.
For those who might not know: The National Eisteddfod is the largest cultural festival in all of Europe. It is one that celebrated Welsh culture. Our language takes centre stage, with a focus on art, and specifically poetry.
For those who might not know: The National Eisteddfod is the largest cultural festival in all of Europe. It is one that celebrated Welsh culture. Our language takes centre stage, with a focus on art, and specifically poetry.
What are some of your favourite hands-on guides to operative magic?
Let me know some of your favourite books that discuss the *doing* as much as the theory and historical/folkloric context behind it all. And if possible, let me know why you love it too!
Let me know some of your favourite books that discuss the *doing* as much as the theory and historical/folkloric context behind it all. And if possible, let me know why you love it too!
July 22, 2025 at 8:15 AM
What are some of your favourite hands-on guides to operative magic?
Let me know some of your favourite books that discuss the *doing* as much as the theory and historical/folkloric context behind it all. And if possible, let me know why you love it too!
Let me know some of your favourite books that discuss the *doing* as much as the theory and historical/folkloric context behind it all. And if possible, let me know why you love it too!
It’s always a thrill to find one’s own books out “in the wild”! 😁
Came across two of my books (including my most recent title that only released last month!) in a little bookshop in Liverpool yesterday - News from Nowhere. And I was also excited to spot Welsh Witchcraft in Waterstones too!
Came across two of my books (including my most recent title that only released last month!) in a little bookshop in Liverpool yesterday - News from Nowhere. And I was also excited to spot Welsh Witchcraft in Waterstones too!
July 21, 2025 at 6:49 AM
It’s always a thrill to find one’s own books out “in the wild”! 😁
Came across two of my books (including my most recent title that only released last month!) in a little bookshop in Liverpool yesterday - News from Nowhere. And I was also excited to spot Welsh Witchcraft in Waterstones too!
Came across two of my books (including my most recent title that only released last month!) in a little bookshop in Liverpool yesterday - News from Nowhere. And I was also excited to spot Welsh Witchcraft in Waterstones too!
Just a touch of darkness to help me cope with the summertime sadness…🥀
July 11, 2025 at 1:28 AM
Just a touch of darkness to help me cope with the summertime sadness…🥀
I’m suddenly all inspired to discuss Halloween and Calan Gaeaf. The motivation and drive to do so is there, despite it being bloody JUNE. About to become JULY.
So, dear brain, please keep this energy for when September and October roll around. Please?!
So, dear brain, please keep this energy for when September and October roll around. Please?!
June 30, 2025 at 6:08 AM
I’m suddenly all inspired to discuss Halloween and Calan Gaeaf. The motivation and drive to do so is there, despite it being bloody JUNE. About to become JULY.
So, dear brain, please keep this energy for when September and October roll around. Please?!
So, dear brain, please keep this energy for when September and October roll around. Please?!
I started watching Mona the Vampire recently in a need for some nostalgic calm. And I forgot how much I adored this show as a kid 🥹
Had to dig out my childhood Mona plush too!!
Did you know, in the original books…Mona isn’t always a vampire!
Had to dig out my childhood Mona plush too!!
Did you know, in the original books…Mona isn’t always a vampire!
June 29, 2025 at 11:43 PM
I started watching Mona the Vampire recently in a need for some nostalgic calm. And I forgot how much I adored this show as a kid 🥹
Had to dig out my childhood Mona plush too!!
Did you know, in the original books…Mona isn’t always a vampire!
Had to dig out my childhood Mona plush too!!
Did you know, in the original books…Mona isn’t always a vampire!
Me: Ugh I cannot stand this heat. I long for gloomy, grey days where the cold breeze brings me comfort. I am ill suited for the summer sunshine.
My friends: Have you ever considered perhaps *not* wearing so many layers of thick clothing? Maybe then you’d enjoy summer more?
Me: Never.
My friends: Have you ever considered perhaps *not* wearing so many layers of thick clothing? Maybe then you’d enjoy summer more?
Me: Never.
June 29, 2025 at 12:42 AM
Me: Ugh I cannot stand this heat. I long for gloomy, grey days where the cold breeze brings me comfort. I am ill suited for the summer sunshine.
My friends: Have you ever considered perhaps *not* wearing so many layers of thick clothing? Maybe then you’d enjoy summer more?
Me: Never.
My friends: Have you ever considered perhaps *not* wearing so many layers of thick clothing? Maybe then you’d enjoy summer more?
Me: Never.
Ahhh I’m so excited to hold it in my hands!! 🥹 Book number 3!!
Pagan Portals: Y Mabinogi is out NOW in the UK!! And will undoubtedly start reaching those who pre-ordered outside of the UK very soon too!!
Have you received your copy yet?? Send me photos!! 😁
Pagan Portals: Y Mabinogi is out NOW in the UK!! And will undoubtedly start reaching those who pre-ordered outside of the UK very soon too!!
Have you received your copy yet?? Send me photos!! 😁
June 27, 2025 at 5:33 PM
Ahhh I’m so excited to hold it in my hands!! 🥹 Book number 3!!
Pagan Portals: Y Mabinogi is out NOW in the UK!! And will undoubtedly start reaching those who pre-ordered outside of the UK very soon too!!
Have you received your copy yet?? Send me photos!! 😁
Pagan Portals: Y Mabinogi is out NOW in the UK!! And will undoubtedly start reaching those who pre-ordered outside of the UK very soon too!!
Have you received your copy yet?? Send me photos!! 😁
In another life, I was a dancer.
And by another life…I mean just over a decade ago 😅 I spent many years of my life doing ballet, contemporary, and other forms of dance. Even went on to study dance at college and university!
It’s a part of myself I don’t share much.
And by another life…I mean just over a decade ago 😅 I spent many years of my life doing ballet, contemporary, and other forms of dance. Even went on to study dance at college and university!
It’s a part of myself I don’t share much.
June 3, 2025 at 1:51 AM
In another life, I was a dancer.
And by another life…I mean just over a decade ago 😅 I spent many years of my life doing ballet, contemporary, and other forms of dance. Even went on to study dance at college and university!
It’s a part of myself I don’t share much.
And by another life…I mean just over a decade ago 😅 I spent many years of my life doing ballet, contemporary, and other forms of dance. Even went on to study dance at college and university!
It’s a part of myself I don’t share much.
According to 19th century folklorist Wirt Sikes, Welsh fairies would sit with goats and whisper into their ears occult secrets whilst braiding their beards.
…one must keep tradition alive, mustn’t one?
…one must keep tradition alive, mustn’t one?
June 3, 2025 at 1:22 AM
According to 19th century folklorist Wirt Sikes, Welsh fairies would sit with goats and whisper into their ears occult secrets whilst braiding their beards.
…one must keep tradition alive, mustn’t one?
…one must keep tradition alive, mustn’t one?
It’s less than a month now until my third book makes its way out into the world!! 🥹
2020 me would never believe you if you were to tell her where she’d be in just five years. It’s strange how quickly things can really change!
2020 me would never believe you if you were to tell her where she’d be in just five years. It’s strange how quickly things can really change!
May 28, 2025 at 12:29 AM
It’s less than a month now until my third book makes its way out into the world!! 🥹
2020 me would never believe you if you were to tell her where she’d be in just five years. It’s strange how quickly things can really change!
2020 me would never believe you if you were to tell her where she’d be in just five years. It’s strange how quickly things can really change!
late night reading 🖤
I can’t tell you how much joy this upcoming book by @bydonmartin.bsky.social is bringing me. It’s been a while since I’ve felt truly captivated by a novel…let alone a novel about Witches. But this is like stepping into a world that feels…familiar? Like going home.
I can’t tell you how much joy this upcoming book by @bydonmartin.bsky.social is bringing me. It’s been a while since I’ve felt truly captivated by a novel…let alone a novel about Witches. But this is like stepping into a world that feels…familiar? Like going home.
May 12, 2025 at 11:30 PM
late night reading 🖤
I can’t tell you how much joy this upcoming book by @bydonmartin.bsky.social is bringing me. It’s been a while since I’ve felt truly captivated by a novel…let alone a novel about Witches. But this is like stepping into a world that feels…familiar? Like going home.
I can’t tell you how much joy this upcoming book by @bydonmartin.bsky.social is bringing me. It’s been a while since I’ve felt truly captivated by a novel…let alone a novel about Witches. But this is like stepping into a world that feels…familiar? Like going home.