Year: 2023

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Litha Ritual (with cocktails) by Lizzie Burgess

Litha Ritual (with cocktails)

Litha Gin cocktailWitchcraft rituals are always unique and personal to everyone’s individual practice – but I hope you find some fun with this little structure below! If you work with deities, don’t forget to thank them, or if you use elemental energy then you could honour it during your ritual. You can do this ritual on your own, or involve a friend if you’re comfortable, but what’s important really is that it’s fun and meets your magickal intentions.

 

Cleansing the Space:

Find a quiet and comfortable space where you can perform your ritual. Begin by cleansing the area to remove any stagnant or negative energies. Light a bundle of dried herbs, such as sage or rosemary, and let the smoke fill the space. Visualize the smoke purifying the area and clearing away any unwanted energy. As the smoke dances, repeat the following affirmation:
“With the cleansing smoke, I release all that no longer serves. I create a sacred space for joy, celebration, and the turning of the wheel. As this smoke purifies, I invite in the vibrant energy of summer and the blessings it shall reveal.”

Setting Intentions:

Take a moment to ground yourself and connect with the energy of the summer season. Visualize the warm rays of the sun enveloping you and filling your being with vitality. Hold a clear quartz crystal in your hands and infuse it with your intentions for the ritual. State your intention aloud or silently:
“On this joyful occasion, I set my intention to celebrate the summer and honour the turning of the wheel. May this ritual create a space filled with love, laughter, and the essence of the sun. I open myself to the abundance and blessings that this season brings.”

Creating the Sacred Space:

Arrange your ritual tools and ingredients on a beautifully adorned table or altar. Place a vibrant yellow or orange cloth as the foundation, symbolizing the energy of the sun and the warmth of summer. Arrange fresh flowers, citrus fruits, and herbs like rosemary, elderflower heads or mint as offerings to the spirits of the season.

Gin Cocktail Preparation:
Select your favourite Welsh Witch Litha Edition gin and gather the ingredients for your cocktail. As you mix and prepare the drink, infuse each ingredient with your intention for celebration and joy. Whisper or speak the following affirmation:
“In this glass, I blend the spirits of summer. May this cocktail be a potion of delight, carrying the essence of the sun’s embrace. With every sip, I am nourished, uplifted, and connected to the abundant energy of this season.”
Celebration and Gratitude:
Once your cocktail is prepared, raise your glass in a toast to the summer and the turning of the wheel. Express gratitude for the blessings of the season and the opportunities it brings. Sip the cocktail slowly, savouring each moment and allowing its flavours to awaken your senses.
As you enjoy the cocktail, take a moment to reflect on the intentions you’ve set and the energy you’ve invoked. Feel the warmth of the summer sun within you, filling your heart with joy and inspiration. Offer words of gratitude to the universe, the spirits, and the elements for their presence and support.
Closing the Ritual:
When you’re ready, offer a final expression of gratitude and release the energy of the ritual. Blow out any candles, extinguish any incense, and thank the spirits and energies that have joined you. Close the ritual by saying:
“As I conclude this ritual, I thank the spirits/elements/universal energies that have joined me in celebration. I carry the essence of summer within me, and I embrace the abundance and blessings that this season offers. And so it is!”

Allow the sacred space to remain in place for as long as you desire, or dismantle it with gratitude, knowing that its energy lingers within you.

“Sipping the Sun” cocktail recipe

This is a very special “Sipping the Sun” cocktail for Litha, involving all the flavours you can expect with that little bit of magickal-spice added to it!

Ingredients:

  • 50ml Litha Edition gin
  • 3-4 ripe strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 330ml water
  • 2 black tea bags
  • 1 fresh lemon, sliced
  • 1 small quartz crystal (cleansed and charged)
  • Elderberries or Strawberries sliced, for garnish
  • Ice cubes

Instructions:

Honey-Soaked Strawberries:

In a small bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with honey. Gently stir until the strawberries are coated in the honey. Set aside to let them soak and release their sweet flavours overnight in the fridge before the solstice.

Sun Tea Infusion:

  • Fill a glass pitcher with water and add the black tea bags, lemon slices, and a cleansed quartz crystal. Place the pitcher in a sunny spot outdoors, allowing the sun’s energy to infuse the tea. Absolutely get it covered with cling film or a plate to ensure no insects get in.
  • Let the tea steep for 2-3 hours, depending on your desired strength. Once infused, remove the tea bags and lemon slices. Set the pitcher aside.

Cocktail Prep:

  • In a cocktail shaker, muddle (mush up) the honey-soaked strawberries to release their juices and flavours.
  • Add ice cubes and our Litha gin to the shaker. Shake well to combine and chill the ingredients.

How We Witches Serve:

  • Fill a glass with fresh ice cubes.
  • Strain the cocktail mixture from the shaker into the glass.
  • Top off the glass with the sun tea infusion, pouring slowly to control the desired strength.
  • Garnish with a few elderberries, allowing them to float on top of the cocktail.

Final Touch:

  • Take a moment to appreciate the summery appearance of the cocktail, reflecting the energy of the sun and the magick boost of the quartz crystal.
  • Stir gently with a cocktail stirrer or spoon to combine all the flavours.

 

Savouring the sweet floral notes of elderflower gin, the vibrant flavours of honey-soaked strawberries, the refreshing taste of sun tea, and the subtle earthiness of elderberries. As you sip this enchanting summer cocktail, feel the warmth of the sun’s energy, the healing power of the crystal-infused tea, and the joy of the season. Cheers to a magical summer!

The power of any witchcraft practice lies within your intentions and personal connection to the elements you choose to incorporate. Trust your intuition, adapt these suggestions to suit your preferences, and let your witchcraft practice be a reflection of your unique magick and empowerment.

And so it is!

Until next time xox

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Using the Litha Edition Gin by Lizzie Burgess

Gin has always been a staple for many witches in their practice. With its magickal correspondences of cleansing and healing properties, it can be used not just for drinking. Elderflower is a stunning witchy herb staple that can be used to make delicious summery kitchen spells. So why not use some Litha Edition Welsh Witch Gin to add a little extra magick to your Solstice celebrations? Use it for ritual offerings, adding it to your cauldron or crystal balls, or simply enjoy sipping on a gin & tonic at sunset as you watch the sunset over the horizon!

Love Elixir: Create a love elixir by infusing gin with rose petals, lavender, and a touch of honey. Use it to inspire self-love and attract loving energies into your life.

Healing Bath: Add a few drops of gin to your bathwater along with healing herbs like chamomile and eucalyptus. Allow the soothing properties of gin to amplify the rejuvenating effects of your bath.

Cleansing Ritual: In a small spray bottle, mix gin with purified water and a few drops of essential oil such as lavender or sage. Use this spray to cleanse and purify your sacred space or ritual tools.

Celebration Potion: Craft a celebratory potion by combining gin with fresh citrus juices and a sprinkle of edible glitter. Use it to toast special occasions and infuse them with joyful energy.

Love Spell Sachet: Fill a small fabric pouch with dried herbs associated with love, such as rose petals, jasmine, and cinnamon. Add a few drops of gin to enhance the potency of the herbs, and carry or place this sachet near your heart to attract love.

Healing Tea Infusion: Add a splash of gin to your herbal tea blend during a healing ritual. It can enhance the energetic properties of the herbs and help facilitate physical and emotional healing.

Cleansing Smoke Blend: Infuse gin with cleansing herbs like white sage, rosemary, and frankincense. Use it to anoint or refresh your herbal smoke sticks, creating a potent blend for purifying your space.

Celebration Candle Dressing: Mix gin with a few drops of essential oil and use it to anoint celebratory candles before lighting them. This imbues the candles with positive energy and amplifies the intention behind your celebrations.

Love Altar Offering: Place a small dish of gin on your love altar as an offering to love deities or spirits. This gesture symbolizes your openness to love and invites their blessings into your life.

Healing Crystal Elixir: Create a crystal elixir by submerging healing stones like rose quartz, amethyst, or clear quartz in a jar of gin overnight. Sip this elixir to imbibe the energetic properties of the crystals and promote overall well-being.

Cleansing Foot Soak: Add a splash of gin to warm water and soak your feet to cleanse and purify your energy. Visualize any negativity being drawn out of your body and into the water, allowing the gin to dissolve it.

Celebration Anointing Oil: Blend gin with a carrier oil and a few drops of uplifting essential oils like orange or ylang-ylang. Use this anointing oil to bless yourself and loved ones during celebrations, infusing them with joyous vibrations.

Love Divination Bath: Create a love divination bath by infusing gin with rosemary, damiana, and a pinch of sea salt. Bathe in this mixture while focusing on your desire for love, allowing the energy to guide your intuition.

Ancestor Offering: Pour a small amount of gin into a dish as an offering to your ancestors during healing rituals. Express gratitude for their guidance and ask for their continued support in your journey towards well-being.

Cleansing Floor Wash: Mix gin with a splash of vinegar, lemon juice, and water to create a cleansing floor wash. Use it to mop your floors, visualizing any stagnant or negative energies being swept away. Charge the wash with a crystal beforehand, but don’t forget to take it out!

Celebration Cleanse Spray: Infuse gin with celebratory herbs like basil, cinnamon, and cloves. Transfer the mixture to a spray bottle and use it to energetically cleanse and bless your space during festivities.

Love Charmed Jewelry: Anoint your love-focused jewelry pieces with a drop of gin to infuse them with loving vibrations. Visualize the jewelry as a talisman for attracting and nurturing love in your life.

Healing Moon Water: Charge a jar of water under the full moon and add a splash of gin to enhance its healing properties. Use this moon water for various purposes like cleansing, healing rituals, or simply to imbibe lunar energy.

Cleansing Bath Bomb: Combine gin with baking soda, citric acid, and your choice of cleansing herbs or essential oils to create a fizzy bath bomb. Drop it in your bathwater to cleanse and rejuvenate your body and spirit.

Celebration Spell Jar: Create a spell jar filled with dried flowers, glitter, and a splash of gin. Seal the jar and use it as a visual representation of celebration and joy in your sacred space.

 

Read about Lizzie here

Posted on by — Leave a comment

An intro to Litha by Lizzie Burgess

Litha – Sunflowers, sunbathing and the solstice

It’s peak summertime here in Wales, and we want to bring you the best of the season with our special summertime celebration. Summer is a great time to spend outdoors, soaking up the sun and enjoying nature’s beauty. Whether gathering with friends to celebrate this magickal time of year or spending time alone in contemplation, summertime is a beautiful opportunity to connect with the spirit of nature.

At this special time of year, we take part in Solstice celebrations and offerings to honour the warmth and light of summer. We decorate with sunflowers, wear bright colours, explore our inner light through meditation practices, dance around the fire and make offerings of thanks for the gifts the Earth provides us. We hold sacred space to honour our ancestors and open ourselves to receive what the summer offers. Nature is in full bloom, giving us an abundance of nourishment and magick that we can take with us throughout the year. This is when witches gather to celebrate Litha.

What is Litha?

Litha is a summer solstice celebration, also known as Midsummer. It is celebrated by many Pagans and Wiccans around the world on the longest day of the year and marks the first day of summer. Traditionally it is a time to honour the sun, celebrate fertility, and give thanks for abundance. For secular witches like myself who don’t honour gods or goddesses, it’s a time to be grateful for the warmth of summer and to take a moment to appreciate the earth with all it provides us when the days are at their longest.

At this special time we also pay attention to our dreams and visions. We use meditation and tarot cards for guidance as we explore deeper connections with ourselves, our community, and the divine.

You’ll find that weddings and handfastings are typically planned around this time too – love magick definitely feels heightened in the light of summertime even into the late evenings. Following on from Beltane and Ostara, the wheel has turned and so has our journey.

Litha is a great opportunity to work with the fae, too, as you’ll remember from A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Celebrate the abundance and magick of summer by making offerings to the fae folk, honouring their friendship and connection. A small bowl of milk & honey goes a long way!

Get creative with decorations, take part in rituals that feel right for you, and be sure to spend as much time outdoors as possible – it’s summer after all, and we don’t get a lot of this sunshine normally! There are so many ways to celebrate this special time of year, and so here is some additional inspiration.

Litha Correspondences

  • Crystals: Rose Quartz, Jade, Emerald, Sunstone
  • Colours: Red, Pink, Orange, Gold, Yellow, Bright Green
  • Flowers: Elderflower, St Johns Wort, Lavender, Thyme, Mugwort, Sunflowers
  • Foods: Honey cakes, Mead, Strawberries, Bread, Fresh Salads, Dandelions, Chickweed
  • Activities: Sun-bathing (safely), Dancing around the fire or a bonfire, visiting sacred sites and ancient monuments, making offerings to the fae folk.
  • Magick: Divination, Solar Magick, Fire Magick, Candle Magick, Charging tools and cleansings
  • Deities: Aine, Fortuna, Juno, Cernunnos, Pan, Dionysus, Aphrodite, Bast, Ra, Helios, Apollo

 

About the writer

Lizzie Burgess, a secular divination Bosswitch, runs BackyardBanshee.com where you can learn more about divination methods, rituals and resources that help you with your growth spiritually and professionally. Lizzie is currently finishing the upcoming book “An A to Z of Modern Divination”, where they upcycle and modernize ancient divination methods for a more accessible divinatory practice.

 

 

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Welsh Witch Cocktails to Celebrate World Gin Day

We don’t all need a reason to celebrate, but if you did – it’s World Gin Day! What better way to spend the weekend than to enjoy a refreshing tipple? If you’re looking for some inspiration, join us in our celebration of the magic and diversity of gin as we reminisce on some of our favourite gin cocktails.

 

  1. When the Viking Met the Witch

 

Feast your tastebuds on a delightfully decadent floral and aromatic cocktail this World Gin Day, perfect for those summer evenings with cherished souls. This is a summer version of our favourite winter warming cocktail ‘When the Viking Met the Witch.’ We’ve switched out the hot rooibos tea for cold by letting it cool and make sure to add an abundance of ice before serving. This floral cocktail is perfect for any garden party and feels like a sophisticated twist on fruity iced tea. For this recipe, you’ll need to mix together:

 

1.5oz Welsh Witch Beltane Gin

0.5oz fresh lime juice

0.5oz homemade honey syrup (or just normal honey!)

4oz freshly brewed rooibos tea which has been left to cool

 

You can see this delicious tipple demonstrated by Oli at Oli’s Drinks on Instagram here.

Check out Oli’s Instagram reel on how to make ‘When the Viking Met the Witch’

 

  1. Welsh Witch Strawberry & Elderflower Smash

 

With Wimbledon right around the corner and British strawberry season in full swing, why not try out our delightful Welsh Witch Strawberry & Elderflower Smash? Our Litha gin is packed full of Welsh-inspired floral ingredients, with elderflower the star of the show. Perfect to sip while enjoying a spot of tennis in the sunshine!

 

Muddle a handful of fresh strawberries in the bottom of a cocktail glass.

 

Pour in:

1.5oz Welsh Witch Litha Gin

0.5oz fresh lime juice

0.5oz Simple syrup

…And mix.

 

Fill the glass with ice, then top with:

4oz Soda water

Sprig of basil to garnish

 

Stir well and enjoy! We think this winning combination will be our drink of choice this summer.

 

  1. Simple and Refreshing Cucumber Gin Cocktail

 

A perfect pair for our Original Dry Gin is refreshing and cooling cucumber and zesty lime juice, delightful and delicate for those that prefer a less sweet cocktail.

Mix together the following ingredients for the perfect tipple to remedy a hot summer’s day:

 

Muddle a handful of mint and cucumber pieces in a cocktail shaker.

 

Add 1.5oz Welsh Witch Original Dry Gin and shake, shake shake!

 

Serve with your tonic of choice and garnish with a slice of lime and cucumber.

Enjoy a delightfully refreshing cucumber gin cocktail this World Gin Day!

Which One is Your Favourite?

 

We think they all sound delicious! Let us know if you make any of these and tag us in your creations on Instagram @welshwitch_craftspirits; similarly, if you come up with a new recipe we’d love to see it!

 

Here’s to a magical World Gin Day and hope you get a chance to try some of our magical potions brewed in North Wales.

 

Love and light,

Welsh Witch HQ x

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on by — Leave a comment

3 Enchanting Gifts For Fathers’ Day

As the summer solstice fast approaches, June is the month to celebrate beautiful plants flowering, the longest day and of course, blooming wonderful dads! Today, we’ll be talking about all things gifts on the run up to Fathers’ Day. Stick around for our top Welsh Witch gift ideas, a delightful cocktail recipe to try out on a lovely lazy Sunday and ways you can celebrate the father figure in your life.

 

Now, the date for your diary is the 18th June! Not long to go, but fret not: Welsh Witch HQ have you covered for luxurious gifts everyone will love. We’ve got crowd-pleasers and we’ve got delectable tipples for a refined palate; here’s your one-stop shop for Fathers’ Day 2023.

 

Welsh Witch Gifts for Fathers’ Day Everyone Can Enjoy

 

Our handcrafted and botanically brewed spirits are a gift straight from the heart. Here in our distillery in Wrexham we use Welsh-inspired ingredients from folklore tales and age-old traditions; perfect for that Dad who loves things “how they used to be”. Staying true to our Welsh roots, our award-winning spirits are just the ticket for the perfect gift for Dad. Check out our top 3 picks:

 

  1. Spiced Rum Gift Box

 

A winning combination for a winning Dad: look no further than our Welsh Witch Rum Gift Box. Gorgeously presented in sleek yet minimal packaging, you’ll find our gold award-winning Welsh Witch Spiced Rum and a Welsh Witch rum glass all ready to go for that Sunday afternoon tipple. All you need is some ice and Dad can enjoy our delicious dark rum, with whispers of whiskey and a bara brith inspired spice infusion all on its own, or pair with a botanical cola for that beloved flavour combination we all know and love.

Our Welsh Witch Spiced Rum Gift Box makes for perfect gifts for Fathers’ Day!

 

  1. Welsh Witch Original Dry Gin

 

What’s better than a good old fashioned dry London gin? We think not much! So, a great crowd-pleasing gift this fathers’ day is our Welsh Witch Original Dry Gin. Multi award-winning and excellent paired with a mixer of your choice makes for a great gift any gin lover is sure to adore. Delectable lemon peel and gorse flower give this dry gin a sophisticated edge, making for a perfectly refreshing G&T. If you think that’ll tickle your Dad’s fancy, you can check out our Original Dry Gin here.

A crowd-pleasing Welsh Witch Original Dry Gin, perfect for gin enthusiasts

 

  1. Welsh Witch Premium Glasses

 

A great gift idea for the man that seemingly has it all is a high quality drinking glass for their tipple of choice. Shaped especially for enhancing the tasting and nosing experience, our Welsh Witch glasses are an excellent addition to any home bar or glass collection. Branded with our magical and mystical branding, it’ll be sure to add a unique Welsh spin to each sip.

 

However you choose to show your appreciation this Fathers’ Day, we hope that the day is filled with flavour, enjoyment, and magic. If you’re feeling inspired, our full range of magical Welsh Witch Craft Spirits can be found here.

 

Fathers’ Day Magic Potion Inspiration

 

Perhaps making Dad a fancy cocktail or recipe is a great way to enjoy the special day; carve out some time and enjoy trying out some things together and find out which is your favourite!

 

If you’d like to try something new, you could enjoy our Spiced Rum Butter sauce to lather onto a fruit cake or bara brith loaf. Similarly, you could try out one of our simple Espresso Martini cocktails:

 

Mix the following ingredients together for a Welsh twist on a classic Espresso Martini:

 

50ml Welsh Witch Original Dry Gin

25ml Coffee Liqueur

15ml Sugar Syrup

35ml Fresh Espresso

 

You could even try our blackberry-infused Welsh Witch Imbolc Gin for a fruity twist on a classic espresso martini!

 

Now that’s the treats and tipples sorted, all that’s left is to enjoy the day with your favourite people! We hope the sun is shining and the G&Ts are deliciously refreshing.

 

If you try any of our recipes or brew a totally new magic potion using our spirits, please tag us on Instagram @welshwitch_craftspirits, we’d love to see them! Finally, we hope you Dads out there have a fab day, you rock!

 

Sending love and light from North Wales,

Welsh Witch HQ x

 

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Welsh Witch on Wrexham: Competition, Challenges & Community

A tale of gins: setbacks and springboards

In December 2019, many moons ago in the North Wales hills, the Welsh Witch distillery bloomed to life, ready to take on the world. Armed with beautiful botanical beverages fit for any occasion, Jade (the Welsh Witch herself) and her magic set to taking the gin-dustry by storm with her mystical branding and winning flavour combinations. Of course, in March 2020, the whole world changed when Covid took over the world and shut down life as we knew it. Welsh Witch had to adapt to running a business without being able to interact with customers face to face and engaging in events and talks to get exposure and increase our brand awareness.

Then… things got even more interesting

Now, if this wasn’t hard enough, in November 2020, we then got the news that two Hollywood A-Listers had bought our local town football club, Wrexham AFC. At first, we didn’t think twice about it, but once we found out who had bought the club, we were a little apprehensive! Of course, one of these A-Listers, Ryan Reynolds, is a major shareholder in global gin company Aviation, and the other, Rob McElhenney, owns a whisky company – of everyone it could have been! Not ideal for a small distillery based in Wrexham!

A short time later, Ryan Reynolds was sending pubs in the area free cases of Aviation gin, and then shortly after that they launched a Wrexham AFC edition of Aviation gin. This was interesting news for Jade as a one-woman band just trying to get the magic of the Welsh Witch distillery out there into the big wide world; but she took it in her stride and continued doing what she does best.

Jade busy making potions in her Wrexham distillery

But, little did Jade know this bump in the road in the shape of two Hollywood A-Listers would be the momentum needed to get Welsh Witch off the ground and put Wrexham on the map and radar of flavour and football enthusiasts alike. We’re very grateful things worked out the way they did, plus: a healthy dose of competition did us good! Our spirits have been going from strength to strength winning awards and enchanting the masses; distilled and brewed in the distillery featuring Welsh and Celtic inspired botanicals and ingredients. You can read more about our Spiced Rum Gold Award right here on the Welsh Witch blog.

 

Wrexham AFC going from strength to strength

Did you know: Wrexham AFC is the third oldest professional club in Wales! After being taken over by the new dynamic duo in town, the first year they weren’t promoted to the EFL but this has recently changed, hooray! This newfound success prompted a parade around Wrexham, which was a spectacle of community and enthusiasm, something in these trying times that is more important than ever. Keeping up with their male counter-parts, Wrexham AFC Women team have also been accruing achievements left, right and centre, including their recent promotion to semi-professional status following a string of tough wins. Reynolds’ wife and Gossip Girl icon Blake Lively’s premium mixer business is also their latest sponsor (we bet the Hollywood couple always have a G&T ready to go at home!)

 

Jade has admitted to not being a huge football fan but has always consistently backed Wrexham when the time calls for it. Something she has always admired is the fans for travelling up and down the country; the love and dedication of supporters behind the club is nothing short of heart-warming.

Documentaries and determination

If you’d like some more backstory on the club itself, the documentary Welcome to Wrexham (available on Disney+ and Amazon Prime) is a good insight into the club and its growth and success from the beginning. Hollywood aside, we can attest that the team have played with their heart and soul for the town and continue to do Wrexham proud. Their resilience and determination makes them so entertaining to watch; they are all workhorses and play with all the fire in their bellies just like the Welsh dragon. For that reason Wrexham have gained worldwide fans and recognition, with new fans travelling all the way from the United States to watch them play. And not dissimilarly, Wrexham AFC have scheduled games across the pond where their newfound success we’re sure will be admired and encouraged all the same.

 

Wrexham community spirit and bringing people together

Of course, we’re not here to throw shade on Reynolds and McElhenney. We’re actually here do to the opposite: to thank them! The effect these two have had on the entirety of Wrexham is heart-warming, inspiring and uniting for the passionate community of Wrexham. And, we can’t lie, Aviation gin is good (but don’t tell anyone we said that!) and we are flavour enthusiasts after all, so we can give credit where it’s due. We feel very lucky to be a part of this exciting time and we’re grateful for all the opportunities it’s given the Wild Moon Distillery.

welsh_gin

Our botanical beverages inspired by Celtic folklore are true to Welsh history and traditions

And of course, talking of community spirit; the stadium Wrexham Racecourse Ground is hosting Kings of Leon for an exciting performance just next week! We’re most excited to be welcoming them to our home turf and hope they can soak up the community spirit here (Jade herself will be in the crowd cheering away!). Here’s to hoping it’s a magnificent evening, and maybe they can kick back and enjoy a Welsh Witch gin after the show?!

 

Welsh Witch, to North Wales and beyond

What we do know, is that we’re prouder than ever to be at the heart of the Wrexham community making our potions and elixirs. It’s a wonderful feeling being a part of this place that is full of so many passionate individuals, whether that be for sports, food and drink, or just general Welsh pride. We’re thankful for all of our customers and supporters, wherever you may be – Wrexham or beyond! Jade feels extremely lucky, and it’s a very exciting time in the business journey and we welcome you along for the ride while we continue to expand, make magic and share the wisdom of the Welsh Witch to all the corners of the world.

If any of our tipples have tickled your fancy, you can shop the entire Welsh Witch collection, here.

Everybody is welcome here in Wrexham to enjoy the football, botanical beverages or the good old Welsh fire and enthusiasm!

 

Love and light,

 

Welsh Witch HQ x

Posted on by — Leave a comment

How to Celebrate Beltane: The Welsh Witch’s Guide

The beautiful May Day festival of Beltane is upon us and we’re here to spread some insight and ways you can spend this magical day. Our Welsh Witch herself, founder Jade, is a Beltane baby herself so knows all about the Celtic and pagan traditions and rituals. The festivities are a time of inviting in warmth, fertility and anchoring in hope for the future ahead.

 

What is Beltane?

 

Traditionally, Beltane has been celebrated by Celtics and pagans as a mid-point between the spring and summer solstices for hundreds of years and puts emphasis on the honouring of nature and changing seasons. As an homage to Mother Earth, Beltane is most notably celebrated with fire rituals, bonfires and light. This is traditionally in dedication to the gods to beckon warmer weather and plentiful harvests in the summer months.

 

Welsh Celebrations of Calan Mai

 

Also celebrated on the same day is Calan Mai, the Welsh celebration of May Day. This celebration is known for welcoming the beginning of summer and is very much part of our heritage here in Wales. Together they can be enjoyed hand in hand on the first day of May, as many of the traditions of Calan Mai and Beltane overlap and share similar themes. Singing, dancing and feasting are traditional ways of celebrating the May Day, with maypoles and bonfires aplenty. The Welsh tradition is also known as Calan Haf or Cyntefin and is known in Welsh as the first day of summer. It’s a sign sunshine is on the way!

 

How to Celebrate Beltane

There are many different ways in which you can celebrate, and of course, it is important to engage in rituals that feel authentic to you. Use your intuition and take what resonates if you’re looking for some inspiration this Beltane.

beltane fire

How will you choose to celebrate Beltane this year?

Get Festive with Florals

With flowers and botanicals abundant at this time of year, many blooming due to the coming of spring, what better way to celebrate than harnessing their magic? Many pagans and celebrators of May Day utilise these flowers by creating wreaths, harvesting flowers to dry or press, decorating an altar with their blooms (picked responsibly of course!). Brew some floral tea, bake some recipes that utilise seasonal flowers, get creative and find a way to honour the seasonal produce! This is a way that interweaves mother nature with our every day and connects us deeply to our environment.

 

Get Together with Friends and Loved Ones

 Times such as Beltane have always traditionally been a time of coming together, honouring nature and one another and celebrating in unity. Finding a community of likeminded individuals, whether that is online through social media, or through local events, is an exciting way to feel a part of something bigger. Organise a women’s or community circle event, get together with your closest friends for an evening of food, drinks, gratitude and crafts, or plan a meal with loved ones. This feeling of togetherness is a long-standing pagan tradition and it’s a perfect way to welcome in a new sabbat of the Wheel of the Year. Talk about what you’re looking forward to this year, what you’re grateful for, or discuss your worries and anxieties with people you feel safe with.

 

Eat and Drink Your Way Through Beltane

Of course, many of us are very passionate about good food and drink. What better way to celebrate than with delicious dishes and botanical beverages?! Of course, we’re a little biased here at Welsh Witch HQ, but we’re allowed to be, when founder Jade has worked hard to create the Beltane Edition Welsh Witch Gin, perfect for this day and any other! Packed with natural botanicals and a fiery kick of cinnamon to honour the Beltane fire rituals, our Beltane Gin is a perfect excuse to get together with your besties and share a tipple on May Day (plus, it’s a bank holiday – there’s no reason not to!)

beltane_gin

Our magical Beltane Gin, brewed with love in North Wales

Practice a Fire Ritual

So many fire ceremonies and rituals are associated with Beltane; why not give your own a go? Join up with friends and light a bonfire; talk about your intentions and maybe release any negative feelings by writing them on paper and burning them in the fire. You could also write down your goals for the rest of the year and burn those too, as a physical act of manifestation and writing your intentions to the universe. For something more low key, get relaxed and cosy, light a candle (our Gin & Tonic Candle is a great shout!) and reflect on what you’d like this year to bring.

beltane_candle

Our Welsh Witch with a lovely candle ready for Beltane celebrations

 

However you practice Beltane, we hope you have a marvellous May Day. Maybe try a new tradition with friends or loved ones, or enjoy a relaxing evening in with food and good times. Use your intuition and celebrate in a way that feels authentic for you. We’re wishing you all the Beltane blessings from Welsh Witch HQ and sending love and light from North Wales.

 

 

 

 

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Get to Know our Magical Wheel of the Year Spirits

With Spring now fully and truly underway, what better way to relax than with a delightful tipple in the sunshine?! Pop open a Welsh Witch spirit, brew a magical potion and let us spellbind you with a little bit more about our story and how the Wheel of the Year spirits came to be.

What is the Wheel of the Year?

First things first, we have to understand what the Wheel of the Year is and why it inspired the Welsh Witch to create her beautifully brewed spirits. Taking inspiration from Welsh folklore and Celtic pagan traditions, the Wild Moon Distillery focuses on the cyclical nature of life and the changing of seasons. Divided into 8 sabbats, the Wheel of the Year focuses on celebrating presently and honouring the nature of a turning wheel and continual death and rebirth.

woty-graphic

The Wheel of the Year sabbats

Yule – 21st of December

Unlike a traditional calendar year, the pagan Wheel of the Year begins in Midwinter, celebrating Yule during the shortest day of the year, the 21st of December. Yule celebration precedes Christian ‘Christmas’ celebrations, but the two certainly share similarities, many of which are adapted from original Pagan traditions. Gift giving, decoration with natural botanicals such as holly and pine, fires, and feasting on delicious home-cooked food with loved ones are long-standing Pagan ways of celebrating Yule. This is often a time of reflection, conserving supplies and being mindful yet optimistic of longer days to come.

 

Imbolc – 1st of February

The sabbat succeeding Yule is Imbolc, a tradition celebrated on the 1st of February. Dedicated to honouring the goddess Brigid, Imbolc is believed to be tied to the time preceding lambing season, where the fertile nature of Brigid and lambs in the womb of their mothers are developing. This sabbat is very prominent in celebrating rebirth, the coming of spring, new life and light. Our Welsh Witch Imbolc Gin is inspired by the poetry loving, smithing goddess herself. Laced with an abundance of blackberries, which were berries sacred to Brigid in healing and prosperity practices. Shop Welsh Witch Imbolc Gin.

 

Ostara – March

Up next, we have the Ostara celebrations, the festivities of which involve marking the spring solstice arrival and the abundance of blooming flowers and plants. Usually around the 20th of March, when the days sees an equal amount of daylight and darkness, the celebrations again focus on rebirth and growing. Traditional activities include decorating and painting eggs (which are a physical symbol of fertility and new life), as well as planting seeds and crops, and honouring nature. Our Welsh Witch Ostara Gin is a spirit adorned with sweet, fragrant violets, to honour the blooming of spring flowers after the dark period of winter.

Our Ostara Edition Welsh Witch Gin – shop Welsh Witch Ostara Gin here

 

Beltane – 1st of May

Our Welsh Witch herself is a Beltane baby, a celebration on May 1st which is the midpoint between the spring and summer solstice. Bonfires are abundant during Beltane, celebrating the fire rituals which are believed to be protective for the coming months. The fire is also symbolic of fertile soil and land, and thus will bring prosperity going forward. Our Welsh Witch Beltane Gin is very symbolic of these fire rituals, with fiery notes of cinnamon, along with floral notes of rose to honour this time of fertility and femininity. Shop Welsh Witch Beltane Gin.

 

Litha – June

Also known as midsummer, Litha is celebrated on the longest day of the year, around the 21st of June. The peak of the solar year sees Celtics and pagans celebrate this warmth of the sun with many taking to festivals to see the sun rise on the longest day – such as at places like Stonehenge. Traditions of Litha are all about honouring fertility and the Sun during this sabbat – it’s a great time to be outside and soak up all that magical energy. Our Welsh Witch Litha Gin welcomes the sweet and fragrant elderflower into our delightful tipple, the Elder Tree being sacred to the Mother Goddess in the fertile summer months.

Our magical Litha Edition Welsh Witch Gin – shop Welsh Witch Litha Gin here

 

Lammas – 1st of August

Up next, we have Lammas, which is celebrated on the first day of August. This is known as one of three harvest festivals, and is associated with crops, wheat and abundance. This time of year is filled with crops, wildlife and enjoying feasts with loved ones. Of course, this time denotes the darkening of the days and is celebrated as such, with thanks given to the cyclical nature of days shortening and lengthening, and so on and so forth. Baking bread is a very common tradition during Lammas, while doing so reflects on gratitude for the abundance of crops.

 

Mabon – September

Celebrating the autumn equinox, Mabon takes place around the 21st of September. Similar to Lammas, it is also treated as the second harvest festival, where crops are enjoyed, feasts are had. Loved ones get together and communities gather to enjoy the fruits of their labours. It also signifies the beginning of storing this abundance of crops to use for the cold winter months before the rebirth of spring the following year. In today’s world, it’s often a time for reflection and gratitude; in a similar theme, Thanksgiving builds on Mabon traditions and coming together with lovely food and drinks.

 

Samhain – 31st of October to 1st of November

To end the Wheel of the Year cycle, we close the wheel with Samhain, which takes place on the 31st of October to the 1st of November. Traditionally associated with Hallowe’en, this time was originally associated with wearing handcrafted masks to ward of harmful spirits. This time is also still associated with bonfires, acknowledging this season of ‘death’ (in that crops are less abundant and leaves fall from trees), and feasting with family and friends and enjoying this time of turning inwards for darker, colder weather.

 

The nature of cyclical seasons

 

Our divine collection of Wheel of the Year spirits is set to expand soon!

So, the Wheel of the Year has some ties to everyday celebrations we see around the world, and many modern traditions take inspiration from these Celtic and pagan sabbats. However you choose to celebrate these events, we hope if nothing else, you can appreciate the divine beauty of this cyclical nature we see year in year out, bringing times of reflection, celebration, preparation, energy and action alike.

 

These cycles are such a huge part of the inspiration for Welsh Witch Craft Spirits and we hope that this has given you a little bit more of an insight into the meanings behind our luxury tipples and helps you find which one may resonate with you to try it out! We are of course always creating and expanding behind the scenes so keep your eyes peeled for future Wheel of the Year spirit releases, we have some tricks up our sleeve! We hope to complete our Wheel of the Year collection some day, so you’ve joined the Welsh Witch family at a perfect and exciting time. Shop all of our Welsh Witch spirits, including our Premium Dry Welsh Gin and Welsh Witch Spiced Rum here.

If you’d like to learn more in depth about some of the pagan celebrations throughout the year, our Witch’s Journal blog features some posts on how they are celebrated and how you can get involved!

Love & light,
Welsh Witch HQ x

Posted on by

Self Love Rituals & Opening the Heart Chakra

Today we’re learning how about opening the heart chakra! What better way to celebrate Valentines Day and share the love than with some beautiful and nurturing self-care. Our busy lives often take over and we run away with ourselves, busy doing, planning, rushing onto the next thing. It’s important to take some time, especially within the theme of love, to do some self-loving! We’re going to talk through some beautiful activities you can do alone or with a partner or friends, to open up your heart chakra and spend some quality time with yourself.

What is the heart chakra?

 

The heart chakra is the fourth of seven chakra points in the body, with the heart chakra positioned at the middle of the spine in line with where your heart is. In itself, the heart chakra is the chakra responsible for unconditional love, for both oneself, for others and the world around you. It’s also the centre of empathy, care and loving compassion, so it’s a very beautiful chakra with a very emotional role in every day. It is a huge part of what makes us human. Sometimes it can be easy to forget that we need to pour love back into ourselves sometimes – that’s why we’re going to look at ways for opening the heart chakra. Perfect for Valentines Day

Now we’ve learned what the heart chakra is, let’s find out how we can unblock and open it!

 

Self love activities you can try:

 

  1. Show gratitude for loved ones and strangers alike

 

Gratitude is such as beautiful emotion that is very powerful in itself. Take some time to express thanks, whether verbally and in person, or through a meditation or journaling session, to your loved ones. We are all capable of boundless love; appreciate those warm feelings and extend your gratitude to those around, be thankful for strangers and the beauty of individuality. Spend time alone and send love to those who bring you joy and comfort.

 

  1. Prepare a cacao ceremony

 

Valentines Day is notorious for chocolate, but did you know that raw cacao has been believed for centuries by the ancient Mayans to open the heart? Cacao ceremonies are important rituals that focus on the process of preparing, enjoying, and being thankful for the cacao. This is not to be confused with the chocolates that you’ll find in the supermarket, high grade cacao is much more potent than regular chocolate, but it is excellent for you and will provide a beautiful experience. Grab some friends and a slab of cacao and have a beautiful evening of gratitude, contemplation and discovery!

 

  1. Eat and drink heart-opening foods

 

Other things known to open the heart chakra include rosewater, leafy greens, red fruits such as strawberries and raspberries. The colours to eat for the heart chakra is predominantly pink and green; green vegetables are excellent at healing. Our Welsh Witch Beltane Edition Gin was formulated with high quality rosewater, in order to help open the heart chakra when drinking. Pour a glass to enjoy with your partner, friends, or to enjoy for yourself at the end of the day.

 

  1. Practice yoga or simple stretching

 

Yoga and chakras go hand in hand, don’t they? You very often hear of people chatting about chakras when complicated yoga moves are involved. But, it doesn’t have to be difficult, and you don’t need to be a contortionist to get the heart-opening benefits of yoga. Just sitting cross-legged, breathing, and focusing on your breath is a form of pranayama yoga. It’s all about being mindful. If you are able, try out some simple poses if you like; but remember that it doesn’t need to be perfect. Take some time to feel your body moving and notice how it empowers you, focus on your breath and this will cultivate self-love and self-care, just by simply stretching and breathing.

 

  1. Meditate with light, crystals, or gentle music

 

If you know anything about crystals, you’ll know that rose quartz is the stone of unconditional love. It comes as no surprise then, that rose quartz is an excellent crystal for opening the heart chakra. Combine some crystal work, with candles or gentle music and there’s a self-care evening worth staying in for! Lighting your space with candles or incense is a great way to make things cosier, more comfortable and invoke feelings of peace, calm and love. Maybe grab a journal or list out all the things in your head that you love about yourself; remember how magical it is to be unique and what it means to be you. Find out Welsh Witch candles on the shop, if you’re in the market for a divine smelling new addition!

Our Welsh Witch candles ready to add some magic to any evening!

 

However you choose to spend Valentine’s Day, whether you’re spending it with just your beautiful self, perhaps a fur baby, a partner, or with friends, it’s important to remember how loved you are. We all have a special place in this world, and having an open and flowing heart chakra makes that unconditional love pour out even easier. With an open heart chakra, you’ll find yourself filled with compassion and adoration for even simple things, something which we need now more than ever. Make sure you take some time for yourself this Valentine’s with some self-care; no matter how small – because you are worth it too!

 

Welsh Witch HQ x

 

Posted on by

How to Celebrate Imbolc: The Welsh Witch’s Guide

how to celebrate imbolc

What is Imbolc?

woty-graphic

Celtic pagan wheel of the year

To know how to celebrate Imbolc, we first need to know its origins and why it is an important time of year. Celebrated on the first days of February every year, Imbolc is a celtic pagan holiday in the Wheel of the Year which marks the halfway point between the winter and the spring equinox. It brings the hope of warmer weather to come, and is symbolic of Saint Brigid bringing new fertility, creativity, and the promise of spring. The patron saint of smithwork, Brigid, is celebrated during these times; both in terms of human fertility and the fertility of the land and nature becoming more fruitful as the climes begin to warm.

 

The Imbolc tradition is celebratory of change; the seasons and weather transforming are honoured to embrace this in-between period. We can use this time to deeply reflect on the winter time that has passed and be inspired about the future. There are many ways how to celebrate Imbolc; this is our Welsh Witch Craft Spirits guide to the pagan celebration.

 

How to celebrate Imbolc this year:

 

There are many ways to honour the Imbolc celebrations, and everybody’s way may be different – that is okay. Finding ways that attune with your values, what is accessible to you and what feels right is paramount to making the celebrations enjoyable.

 

Clean your space ready for the new season

 

Spring cleaning is an age old tradition – what better time to start preparing for the warmer months ahead than by cleansing your sacred spaces?! Ancient Imbolc traditions paved the way for the fertile agriculture and farming seasons, so people would prepare for the bountiful harvests to come by cleaning and preparing. Maybe a modern alternative would be to have a wardrobe declutter, sell, or donate old toys or books, or even deep clean your kitchen. Whatever you do, try and do it with intention – releasing things that no longer serve you to make room for better things to come.

 

Visit or bathe in a body of water

 

Brigid is known for her power of rivers and wells; so it comes as no surprise that Imbolc traditions often include water. Finding a body of water, the ocean or a river for example to bathe in (if you’re brave!) or just to visit and reflect. If the water is frozen, it is also a sign that warmer times are coming, and to give thanks for the changing seasons. Take a cold dip in the ocean and be mindful while doing so – use this cleansing ritual to shake off the dust of winter and embrace the coming of spring with open arms.

 

Light a fire and set intentions

Our Welsh Witch candles, perfect for intention setting

Bridig is also known as the fire Goddess. Use this time to light candles, set a bonfire or write a letter of intention and burn it. Join up with loved ones and sit around a fireplace together, set intentions for the new season ahead and connect with your community. Our Welsh Witch candles are filled with intention and handmade with love; try lighting one while meditating on how you envision this year to work out for you – what you want to achieve, what you want to feel, etc. Perhaps write a letter of your desires and dreams for this year, then burn it (carefully!) to send it out into the universe.

 

Be in nature and connect with others

 

After the cold and harsh winter months, sometimes we find ourselves having become quite solitary. It’s important to use this time to reconnect with the outdoors, enjoy the crisp air and winter sun: head out on a fresh morning walk with a friend or connect with a community group for an activity you enjoy. Finding a group of people you can speak with and discuss your goals and intentions with is a great way to build motivation for the year ahead while also bonding with likeminded individuals.

 

 

Try our Welsh Witch Imbolc Edition Gin!

Our magical Welsh Witch Imbolc Edition Gin

Enjoy some magical witchcraft goodness with our beautiful Welsh Witch Imbolc edition gin. This handcrafted gin is filled with natural botanicals and all the love and intentions of the Welsh Witch. Honouring the goddess Brigid, notes of angelica, wormwood and a delectable helpful of blackberries make this the perfect tipple for welcoming in the warmer spring weather.

 

However you choose to enjoy your Imbolc celebrations, well intentioned activities are perfect for this time of year. Settle in with a good cup of tea or a glass of botanical Welsh gin and reflect on the magic of the cyclical seasons, the wheel of life constantly turning, and know that things are always shifting and changing.

 

Let us know how you’re spending Imbolc by messaging us at @welshwitch_craftspirits on Instagram!

 

Welsh Witch HQ x