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Celebrating International Women’s Day with Jade

Welsh Witch: Jade – A Female Distiller Using Feminine Energy to Spread Her Magic

Today we’re going to talk about the magic of feminine energy and how it has made the Wild Moon Distillery what it is today. The Welsh Witch herself, Jade, is a magical creator of luxurious high quality spirits, yes, but she is also a mother, a witch and an advocate for living authentically, speaking your truth and being one with nature. Jade not only attracts like-minded women, she is helping to spread the word of ancient witchcraft and Welsh folklore through her magical tipples and mythical branding.

When we asked Jade to share more about her experiences as a female distiller, she was keen to tell us of the struggles, rewards and dedication in takes in an industry which has been heavily skewed to male-run businesses for hundreds of years. Her recipes for the botanical spirits here at Welsh Witch Craft Spirits are inspired by longstanding Welsh traditions (such as the Bara Brith inspired Spiced Rum) and celtic pagan folklore (such as the Beltane Gin which has a flavour palette inspired by the Beltane rituals). This was her mission from the start: to redefine what it means to be a witch and why she is proud to be flying the flag for Wales and women. The soft, feminine energy brought to the Wild Moon Distillery is an excellent example of working in harmony with your dreams and spiritual alignment. Let’s have a look at some of the things that make the Welsh Witch so dedicated and inspired:

A team of feminine energy

Here at Welsh Witch HQ, Jade is surrounded by a lovely team of women who help to embrace and embody the ethos of the Welsh Witch and her vision. Jade managed to find these women organically, through various channels and have become an integral part of spreading her message; as if the stars aligned for these wonderful women to come together. Some may say that is the magic of a witch, attracting those who are aligned in their vision of spreading messages of love and authenticity. The Wild Moon Distillery most of the time is a one-woman band, so any help Jade can get from her magical marketing lady Mandy helps to take off some of that pressure, letting Jade focus on making her decadent spirits enlaced with tradition and magic. Sometimes, all hands on deck are needed, and Jade’s husband Sean steps in to assist with the magic too – the joy of this female-led distillery is about cultivating a strong community coming together to make the magic happen.

A mother first, distiller second

Of course, one of the main things Jade juggles daily is being a mother to lovely Aurora. Motherhood of course comes with its own challenges and joys, so on top of running an expanding business, being a mum is no easy feat. Often faced with the time constraints that come with having a young child, business deadlines and strict distilling procedures to follow, Jade sure has her hands full.

Then, there’s the inevitable mum guilt of working before Aurora starts school – there is always finding that balance between work and home life. We’re sure though, that Aurora will be very proud of her mama for the magic she is spreading through her products, her encouragement of authenticity and the homage to her Welsh roots.

Spreading the word about true witchcraft

Through her products and her work, Jade is trying to redefine what it truly means to be a witch. It should be an accessible form of spirituality that is available to anyone. There are many preconceived notions about witchcraft, but the most common one is of what being a witch entails: often people believe a witch is an old, sometimes angry, hag who is portrayed as an isolated figure. This is totally not the case; witchcraft, and witches, are about wisdom, living authentically with nature and honouring energies, cycles and traditions. Here at Welsh Witch HQ, we believe the magic is within you, and is not something to search for or acquire through buying certain things or books; you already have everything you need.

Jade believes that educating about the philosophies of witchcraft is so important, as we have lost so many traditions and ancient ways of thinking. Here on the Welsh Witch Journal, we often explore topics surrounding witchcraft, Welsh folklore and traditions, and energy healing, such as lunar cycles and the Wheel of the Year. If you’d like to know more, subscribe to our newsletter below so you don’t miss out on any posts, and we’d be delighted to have you along for the journey.

Here’s to another delightful year ahead of living with the seasons, spreading magic and honouring the nature that is all around us.

Cariad a goleuni,
Welsh Witch HQ x

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The Meaning of St David’s Day

What is St David’s Day?

On the 1st of March, every year, St David’s Day is celebrated in Wales and beyond. The day is also known as “the feast day of St David.” The celebration is most commonly associated with daffodils, leeks and the coming of spring and warmer weather. St David, in the sixth century, was a Celtic monk and was believed to be a miracle worker; he is celebrated every year for his altruistic acts and healing abilities. The 1st of March was the day he died, so it is a memorial day for the saint and celebrates all the work he did, as well as celebrating Wales itself and its magnificent rich culture. He died in the year 589 and is still celebrated fondly today.

Throughout the day, many celebrations happen across the country. That can include parades (such as the one in Cardiff) which showcases all of Wales’ wonderful history and culture and bring communities together to enjoy the festivities.

Who is St David?

St David’s last words were recorded as “Be joyful, keep the faith and do the little things” which is a motto you’ll often hear repeated throughout Wales on this special day, with a special emphasis on ‘do the little things’. He is buried at St David’s Cathedral in St David’s, Pembrokeshire, where many people take a pilgrimage throughout the year as well as this special day.

He was known in his life to be a very disciplined individual. As a monk, he spent many hours a day ploughing fields and doing hard labour. As well as this, he also practiced a very plain diet, with no meat or anything of luxury and lived very frugally. This was believed to help with reaching enlightenment. Some people speculated all he ate was leeks (which is where the symbolism comes from today!) while others believed he lived on a simple diet of bread and greens. He did so without complaint and spent a lot of his time teaching and helping the local communities with healing and preaching.

Many religious buildings such as churches, cathedrals and monasteries exist because of St David himself. He eventually became an archbishop of Mynyw (which is now of course known as St David’s).

How is it celebrated?

Of course, everybody’s way of celebrating St David’s Day is individual, but there is no doubt that Wales on the 1st of March is extra patriotic and full of enthusiasm. Some schools may encourage traditional Welsh attire, such as Welsh dresses and black hats or Welsh football and rugby shirts. For those not dressing up, adorning your outfit with the Welsh daffodil or a leek is very common and you’re likely to see lots of them around March time.

Traditional Welsh food, such as Welsh cakes and the Bara Brith are consumed around this time in particular, to honour the Welsh culture and heritage. Foods such as ‘cawl’ (a meat and root vegetable stew or soup) are often eaten together with loved ones around this time too. Food is often a big part of celebrations, whatever the religion or culture, so this is no exception! If you’d like to try out a new recipe, our traditional Welsh Bara Brith and Welsh Witch Spiced Rum Butter Sauce is a great choice!

Ways to enjoy the Welsh day

Even if you’re not Welsh, there are still wonderful ways you can celebrate the 1st of March. Here are some Welsh Witch ways to enjoy some magic of Wales:

Go on a daffodil walk

Of course Wales is associated with daffodils (supposedly because the daffodil flower is very similar to the leek flower – which is the symbol of St David), so finding a lovely trail to walk along in early March is a way to honour your Welsh roots or just appreciate the beauty of spring itself! Look out for the blooming daffodils that pop up everywhere this time of year and say a little blessing for the warmth of spring arriving!

 

Visit Wales!

If you aren’t Welsh but you’re able to do so, visiting Wales during a time of celebration is a great way to dive deep into the culture and heritage. The 1st of March is an excellent time to visit if you’re looking to enjoy the parades or traditional attire of Welsh culture. Taste some authentic Welsh foods and soak up the festive celebrations! Here’s a little fun fact for you: the oldest monastery in Britain can be found in Wrexham, where Welsh Witch Craft Spirits was founded, called Bangor-on-Dee.

Enjoy some local Welsh magic

Our Welsh Witch Craft Spirits are brewed and created right here in North Wales. Made from local ingredients and healing Welsh water, our premium Welsh spirits are perfect for celebrating the Welsh festive day. You can shop our award-winning spirits here from the Wild Moon Distillery, or in store from several stockists in Wales.

However you choose to celebrate the day, we hope you have a magical one! Welsh folk are often very proud of their roots, so if you know someone who is Welsh, they’re probably more than likely to indulge you about some facts about their heritage if you ask nicely!

We’re wishing you a merry and magical day, and all of us at Welsh Witch HQ hope you spend it with a full heart.

Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Hapus,
Welsh Witch HQ x

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Lunar energy, moon water and charging crystals

With the rise of popularity in crystals, manifestation and moon cycles, it can be a bit daunting if you don’t know where to start with all these spiritual terms. Ultimately, we want to make it as simple as possible if you’re feeling overwhelmed, or if you need a little refresher on crystals, charging them, and harnessing the magic of the moon. If you’re thinking ‘What is moon water and why are people drinking it?’, then look no further!

So, what is lunar energy?

Spiritually, many civilisations have believed in the magical properties of the moon, with each phase having different significance and healing powers. If you’ve recently embarked on a spiritual journey, or are curious about the moon, let’s unpack what happens during each lunar cycle.

Simply put, the waxing and waning on the moon can be a reflection of our own personal experiences, with life in a continuous state of ebb and flow. The moon itself is often viewed as a symbol of feminine energy, reflection and intuitive powers, and with each cycle, we can see through goals, transformations and inner journeys. The energy emitted during the moon’s phases is not to be underestimated – many people find it difficult to sleep during the full moon, or find themselves overwhelmed with emotions. The moon does control the tides, don’t forget – so it’s no wonder it has an impact on our bodies!

The way lunar energy can be utilised varies individually, but if this is new to you, there are some ways you can make a start. A new moon is the beginning of a lunar cycle, when the moon isn’t visible, as it is completely in darkness and not lit up by the sun. This time is great for new beginnings and setting intentions for the month ahead. On the other end of the scale is the full moon (which we all know and admire!) and this is the time for reflection and deep gratitude. It is during the full moon that we can admire our hard work on our intentions from the new moon, and release anything that is no longer serving us.

Using the moon to charge crystals & make moon water

The moon during its full phase is an intensely spiritual power that many people cherish. During this time of the full moon, some people may choose to charge and cleanse their crystals. Crystals are a powerful tool in the spiritual world, since many believe in their innate healing abilities and power to dispel negativity energy or emotions. This means that crystals can become blocked or ‘filled-up’ with negative energy – imagine a bucket which becomes fuller and fuller, and negativity will spill over the edges once it’s reached capacity.

Many people believe that cleansing your crystals under the full moon not only releases those collected energies, but you can charge them with higher frequencies and energies too, to make them work most efficiently. You can do this by laying out your crystals near a windowsill, or outside (if it’s not raining – some crystals don’t like water!) during the night of the full moon. The lunar energy will dispel those negative frequencies and charge up the crystal’s healing power.

You can also use this method to make moon water. Simply leave out a glass of water on a windowsill in the light of the moon, or outside (if you’re not planning on drinking it!) overnight and let the moon do it’s magic. Some people choose to drink this water, and imagine themselves harnessing the divine feminine energy of the moon and its intuition, or you may choose to water your plants, add it to a bath or use it to make a facial or body spray.

How does the Welsh Witch harness the power of the moon?

Here at Welsh Witch, rolling with the seasons and natural patterns of life is a core part of our products. Especially because our core Wheel of the Year range is what we are so passionate about: honouring mother nature and the spectacles she has to offer. That’s why each product is left to distil over an entire lunar cycle, from the new moon, through the waxing phases, to the full moon and the waning phases, in order to harness that inherently feminine lunar energy. Each batch is then filtered through reiki-charged and moon cleansed crystals for high vibrational potions, perfect for the spiritual practitioners in your life who love a luxuriously crafted beverage made with intention and care.

Each routine and practice at the Wild Moon Distillery in Wrexham has been meticulously crafted, for a magical experience that not only tastes delicious, but honours mother nature at every step.

If you’d like to try our enchanting range of Welsh Witch Craft Spirits, you can shop here.

Happy moon charging,
Welsh Witch HQ x

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St. Dwynwen’s Day: A Welsh Celebration of Love and Romance

As a proud Welsh brand we think you would be hard-pressed to find a holiday more charming than St. Dwynwen’s Day. As the Welsh equivalent to Valentine’s Day, St. Dwynwen’s is all about spreading heartfelt gestures and lovers’ well-wishes.

St. Dwynwen’s Day is a unique and cherished celebration of love and romance. This special day, observed on January 25th each year, holds a rich history and plays a significant role in the cultural tapestry of Wales.

Who is St. Dwynwen’s

St. Dwynwen, the patron saint of lovers in Welsh tradition, lived during the 5th century. The daughter of King Brychan Brycheiniog, Dwynwen fell deeply in love with a young man named Maelon. However, her father had already arranged her marriage to another nobleman. Heartbroken, Dwynwen prayed to be released from her love for Maelon.

Legend has it that an angel appeared to Dwynwen and granted her three wishes.

  1. Her first wish was for Maelon to be freed from his love for her.
  2. The second wish was for God to meet the desires of true lovers.
  3. For her third wish, Dwynwen asked to never marry, instead dedicating her life to God.

In gratitude, she founded a convent on Llanddwyn Island off the coast of Anglesey, where she spent the remainder of her days.

Why is this saint of lovers so important to the people of Wales?

St. Dwynwen’s Day is not just a Welsh equivalent of Valentine’s Day; it’s a celebration that holds deep cultural significance. As a figure of love and devotion, St. Dwynwen is revered by the Welsh people, and her day provides an opportunity to honour and celebrate the romantic bonds that exist between couples.

Join in the celebrations

On St. Dwynwen’s Day, it is customary for couples to exchange cards and gifts, much like Valentine’s Day. However, the Welsh also have their unique traditions. One such tradition is to visit Llanddwyn Island, where the ruins of Dwynwen’s church can still be found. Couples make pilgrimages to the island to seek the saint’s blessing for their relationships.

Welsh Love Spoons, intricately carved wooden spoons, are another traditional gift exchanged on this day. Each symbol on the spoon carries a specific meaning, representing wishes for the couple’s future together.

St. Dwynwen’s Day is more than just a celebration of romantic love; it is a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of Wales. The story of St. Dwynwen serves as a reminder of the enduring power of love, resilience in the face of heartbreak, and the importance of dedicating oneself to the greater good.

This celebration is not just honour a beloved saint but also reinforce the values of love, compassion, and commitment that have been woven into the fabric of Welsh culture through the centuries.

This maybe a Welsh holiday but it offers romantics a reason to give special attention and gifts to spouses and partners. Not only that it is a reminder that Valentines days is just around the corner!

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Embracing Gratitude and Setting Intentions for a Fulfilling Year Ahead

As we say good bye to 2023 and start the new year it’s the perfect time to reflect on the past and embrace gratitude while setting intentions for the journey ahead. Gratitude, often described as the key to happiness, has the power to transform our lives and pave the way for a more fulfilling future.

The fundamentals of witchcraft and the passion behind Welsh Witch is the magic of honouring yourself and adopting these positive behaviours. The Welsh Witch strongly believes in trusting yourself, extending kindness and being understanding with others to promote peace and harmony with your surroundings.
The magic of being a White Witch, as a spiritual alternative to help navigate modern life it not only centres around nature, but is deeply rooted in being kind, present and true to yourself. In short it is about happiness from within.

This time of year is the perfect opportunity to adopt a fresh outlook and new behaviours for the year ahead.

The Power of Gratitude

Gratitude is not just a fleeting emotion; it’s a mindset that shapes our outlook on life. Taking a moment to appreciate the positive aspects of our past year can create a ripple effect of joy and contentment. Whether it’s the people who supported us, the challenges that made us stronger, or the simple pleasures that brought us joy, acknowledging these moments fosters a sense of gratitude that extends beyond the immediate present.

In practicing gratitude, we cultivate a positive mindset that helps us navigate challenges with resilience. It acts as a reminder that even in difficult times, there are always aspects of our lives for which we can be thankful. As we express gratitude for what we have, we open ourselves up to more opportunities and experiences that align with our values.

Setting Intentions for the Year Ahead

While gratitude grounds us in the present, setting intentions propels us into the future. Intentions are the compass that guides our actions, helping us align our choices with our values and aspirations. Rather than rigid resolutions, intentions focus on the journey rather than the destination, fostering personal growth and self-discovery.

As we contemplate the year ahead, consider what truly matters to you. What are the values that define your life, and what do you hope to achieve or experience? Setting intentions allows us to clarify our vision for the future and empowers us to make decisions that align with our goals.

The Dance of Gratitude and Intentions

Gratitude and setting intentions are not mutually exclusive; in fact, they complement each other beautifully. The practice of gratitude provides a strong foundation, anchoring us in the present moment and fostering a positive mindset. With this foundation, setting intentions becomes a more authentic and purposeful process.
As you embark on this journey into the new year, take time to express gratitude for the lessons learned, the growth experienced, and the love shared. From this place of appreciation, let your intentions emerge. What do you want to invite into your life? What steps can you take to align your actions with your aspirations?

Throughout the year we will continue to explore and share the magic of authentic living and the beliefs that inspire Welsh Witch. With this placing a focus on how to help set intentions throughout the year.
We hope you stick around to learn more about nurturing your inner witch and how to connect deeper with yourself and other like-minded individuals. In 2024 we hope to spread more witchy goodness to the masses by encouraging more kindness, more appreciation for the abundance of nature and celebration of the self, we hope you’ll join us!

Love & Light
Welsh Witch HQ 🌙

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Guide to Winter Solstice Celebrations

The origins of Yule-tide

Yule is an ancient Germanic tradition celebrated around the winter solstice, which is mostly celebrated today by Pagans – while the more commonly celebrated Christmas traditions are followed by Christians. The Welsh Witch’s Guide to Yule will help explain deeper the ancient traditions Yule holds, as well as ways you can attune with your inner witch to honour this sacred time. With roots in Norse mythology, the tradition favours activities such as honouring light, celebrating the progress of the year and coming together in communities to eat delicious food and drink in the new year. Learn how to celebrate Yule with our ideas and festive tips. 

Since the festive celebration of Yule occurs after the shortest day of the year on the 21st of December to the 1st of January, it serves as a way to welcome in the longer days and appreciate the cyclical nature of the year passing. The celebration lasts twelve days. This is traditionally where the 12 days of Christmas comes from! You’d be surprised how many modern-day Christian traditions are inherited from Pagan celebrations and rituals. One of them being Christmas dinner – in ancient times, animals like cattle often didn’t survive the long and cold winters, meaning that there would be a surplus of meat in the Yule-tide time of the year. This made it easier to eat nutrient-dense meals (oftentimes meat) during this time. These traditions can be seen today in the feasts consumed on Christmas Day. Are you a traditional dinner eater, or do you like to shake it up and eat something totally different?

How can I celebrate Yule?

There are many ways traditionally how to celebrate Yule. Pagans around the world choose different rituals and practices. If you’re a new baby witch that’s intrigued by the traditions, these methods might be a good starting-place if you’re not sure what to try. 

Host a party to eat with friends

One of the main ways to celebrate Yule is to do what they did in ancient times! This one many people already do during the festive season anyway: coming together with your community of friends and family and enjoy a feast of different foods. Maybe create a themed evening where everybody brings a different type of dish and you share them out. Or you could try a colour-themed evening – everyone brings a different coloured dish – orange for example could include a curry, a tagine, carrot cake etc. Make it fun, that’s all part of the experience. The wackier the better – consider providing a prize for the most inventive addition! Check out our selection of premium botanical spirits with deep-rooted traditional pagan ingredients and processes for some extra Yule-tide sparkle. 

Being present and remembering the pagan roots of getting together with loved ones will reinforce the importance of these traditions and the community spirit they cultivate when connecting with others over food and drinks. 

Decorate with nature

Find some time during the winter solstice to honour the falling of leaves, the smell of evergreens, the appearance of mistletoe. Try crafting a wreath out of dried leaves and branches; give thanks to the earth for growing them and knowing they will return again next year during the rebirth in spring. Decorate your Yule tree! This tradition is also falsely attributed to Christianity, but actually stems from Paganism. It is ritualistic within Pagan households to honour the tree (sourced ethically and sustainably) by decorating it with lights, handmade ornaments with symbology and natural ingredients such as dried oranges and cinnamon. 

At Welsh Witch HQ we love using dried oranges in our products, around our house and just about everywhere during Yule!

Practice journaling or meditating in the winter solstice

The winter, for many, is a time for reflection and turning inwards. Finding ways to connect with your inner voice is important in honouring the sacredness of these months; what are you grateful for this year? What have you achieved this year? What do you hope to bring with you into the new solstice? Let us know your favourite journal prompts over on our instagram @welshwitch_craftspirits.

Take some time to relax, breathe deeply and connect with the earth around you, thank nature for doing its thing and providing life and nourishment. Write down any thoughts that come to you and honour your voice without judgement. 

Perform a Light Ritual

moon-charge-your-lifeOur Welsh Witch candles are a perfect addition to any witch’s altar!

One of the most important parts of Yule is honouring the presence of light and the gratitude for all it provides. String lights up in your home or safe space, light candles around you and bathe in the light, appreciating its warmth and comfort. Perhaps you might want to spend an evening without electricity, to honour its power and enjoy living by candlelight like our ancient ancestors did. This is a great way to cultivate gratitude by taking away something so readily available for us now, and stripping it back to a much more purposeful way of living for a while. When you switch your lights back on, use it as a way to celebrate the start of the new year and the light it will bring. 

 

However you choose to celebrate Yule, whether you want to go all in and provide a Winter Solstice feast for your nearest and dearest, or if you just want to light  a few candles and journal on the year’s events, that’s up to you. Paganism encourages you to honour your body and act intuitively, doing what feels right for you. Though if you do find yourself hosting a yummy banquet, might we point you in the direction of our award-winning spirits, perfect to adorn your Yule-tide spread with unique flavours and crafted from the soul. 

We hope you have a magical festive season, however you choose to celebrate.

And we thank you for joining us on our magical journey this year. Here’s to a happy and healthy 2024!

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Welsh Witch’s guide to cocktails this festive season

Christmas time means party season and no party is complete without that perfect cocktail. Are you in need of some mixology inspiration to dazzle your family and friends in your kitchen or at your home bar? Or simply want to get into the Christmas spirit with some festival cocktails.

Cocktails are great way to get into the festive mood for several reasons:

  • Flavour Variety: Cocktails offer a wide range of flavours and ingredients, allowing you to create drinks that are tailored to the theme or season. The flavours can evoke the spirit of the celebration.
  • Visual Appeal: The colours, garnishes, and glassware used for cocktails can be visually striking. When you’re sipping on a beautifully presented cocktail, it can instantly make you feel like you’re part of a special occasion, which enhances the festive mood.
  • Creating Social Connections: Cocktails are often shared and enjoyed in a social setting. Gathering with friends and family to enjoy cocktails can create a sense of togetherness and celebration, making it easier to get into the festive spirit.
  • Creativity: Making cocktails allows you to get creative in the kitchen. Experimenting with different ingredients, garnishes, and presentation styles can be a fun and engaging way to express yourself and set the mood for a festive occasion.
  • Versatility: You can adapt cocktails to various themes and seasons.
  • Memories: Cocktails can become a part of the memories associated with a celebration. When you have a signature cocktail at a special event, it becomes a symbol of that occasion and can trigger fond recollections in the future.

Cocktails offer a combination of flavours, aesthetics, and social engagement that can enhance the festive mood. They allow you to be creative, set the tone for your event, and provide a sense of celebration and indulgence that can make any occasion feel more special.

Five festive cocktails to get you started

We are lucky to have some very talented friends of Welsh Witch Craft Spirits with a flair for creating that perfect tipple. They have created some memorable holiday drinks recipes from our range of potions and elixirs.
A BIG thank you to @thejuniperpixie for creating some memorable holiday drinks recipes from our range of potions and elixirs to get us into the festive spirit.

 

The Holly Jolly Christmas cocktail

✨60ml Original Gin

✨30ml Elderflower Liqueur

✨100ml Clementine Juice

✨Topped up with ginger beer

Pour over ice. Garnish with pomegranate and a sprig of thyme or mint.

 

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Chocolate Rumtini

✨50ml Yuletide Rum

✨50ml Bailey’s Irish Cream

✨15ml Chocolate Syrup

Pour into a shaker and shake together. Shake over Ice and serve in a Coupe and garnish with a Sprig of Mint

 

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Chocolate Orange Espresso Martini

✨50ml Welsh Witch Yuletide Rum

✨50ml Espresso

✨25ml Cointreau

✨10ml Creme de Cacao

✨5ml Simple Syrup

 

Pour into a shaker and shake together. Serve in a chilled martini glass and enjoy.

 

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Witched Brew

✨60ml Pomegranate Juice

✨30ml Cranberry Juice

✨15ml Maple Syrup

✨60ml @welshwitch_craftspirits Vodka

Pour into a shaker and shake together Garnish with orange.

 

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Wrexham Mule

✨50ml Welsh Witch Lammas Vodka

✨Crushed ice

✨150-200ml ginger ale

✨Few dashes of ginger bitters

To garnish

✨Lime

✨Splash of grenadine

Pour the vodka into a metal mug, julep tin or tumbler. Load up ¾ full of crushed ice, then fill to the top with the ginger ale and stir gently to combine. Add a few dashes of ginger bitters.

Serve with splash of grenadine to add the Wrexham fiery red colour and finish with a squeeze of lime and the wedges on top.

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Winter Spiced Pear Cocktail

✨60ml Samhain rum

✨30ml pumpkin syrup

✨Juice of half a lemon

✨One egg white

Shake together with no ice first, then add ice and shake again into a martini glass.

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The Chocolate Orange Rumgroni

✨50ml Yuletide Rum

✨50ml Campari

✨25ml Cointreau

✨25ml sweet vermouth

Pour into a shaker and shake together. Serve in a heavy glass with a clementine slice

 

 

You can shop our whole range of Welsh Witch Craft Spirits here.

What’s more with our multi buy offer you can get any three of our craft spirits for £95. Which means it’s even easier to try the full range of Welsh Witch festive cocktails.

If you decide to try out any of these cocktails, don’t forget to tag us on Instagram @welshwitch_craftspirits

Love and light,
Welsh Witch HQ x

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How to Protect Yourself from Negative Energy

Sometimes life is hard enough, without having to deal with negative energy, people who don’t have your best interests at heart or toxic relationships. While these things are less than ideal, there are ways in which you can protect yourself from that negative energy and self-preserve your own wellbeing. Today we’re going to be talking through some simple activities you can do which help to reduce these negative scenarios impacting you. The more you practice these, the better you will get at deflecting these feelings and it’ll be like water off a duck’s back – you’ll breeze through and feel like you won’t be giving anyone else power over your feelings except you.

Make peace with what has hurt you

We’re coming in strong with something that isn’t necessarily easy. That being said, it’s vitally important that you do some digging into who and what has hurt you in the past because otherwise this will continue to negatively affect you and your state of wellbeing. This may not be a job you can tackle on your own, though, and you may need the help of a therapist or counsellor if you’re dealing with sensitive subject matter. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help tackling these things.

Decompress when you need to

Life has its tricky moments, that’s for sure. So don’t be afraid to take some time out of a scenario where you need to clear your head. For example, you may need to step away from a discussion to prevent it becoming a heated argument. You may have got some bad news and you need some time to process it and come to terms with it. It’s important that you take this time to do so, otherwise it may come rearing its head later and catch you off guard. If that happens, it’s okay too, but making sure you aren’t burying any feelings is a good way to not let them overwhelm you. Take the time you need to do what’s best for your wellbeing.

Learn to master your emotions and reactions

Often, we come from a place of reaction, rather than response. That can make for emotional outbursts and blurting out something which may make everything worse. Especially when it comes to talking about our feelings; it’s a common reaction to get defensive and standoffish as a way of preserving ourselves. Mastering our emotions is a key way to not letting negative energy effect is and bring out our unhelpful coping mechanisms. A healthy way to navigate a discussion with a friend, loved one or a stranger, is to calmly approach the topic with open-mindedness. Try and both understand where both sides are coming from, and do so from a place of compassion. Not only will this make discussions much more productive, it helps protect you from being brought down by negative energies.

Meditate, exercise, cleanse your space or journal (or all of them!)

Have a space where you can outlet your emotions; negative, positive, the works. Having this outlet is a way to balance those feelings you may have. This outlet will be different for everybody; some people prefer to diffuse those negative energies (picked up from themselves or somebody else) by doing a vigorous workout. Somebody else may prefer to meditate and undertake a visualisation where all of the negative feelings are dissipating and being replaced with love, joy and contentment. Another method is to cleanse those energies with reiki healing, using crystals or having a holistic healing treatment. These are of course not for everyone, but trying something new can never hurt; you may enjoy it! A tried and true practice for protecting yourself from negative energy is by journaling your thoughts and feelings. Having a notebook to put down those thoughts without holding back is a way to remove those thoughts from ruminating in your mind and plaguing you. Once they’re down on paper you’re free to forget about them, to no longer let them bring you down or negatively impact your wellbeing.

Remind yourself that you are full of magic

Now, we know this sounds a little cheesy, but run with us for a moment. Sometimes we all doubt ourselves, right? We all have moments where we feel less than enough. But in order to protect ourselves from negative energy (which may be of our own doing!) is to remind ourselves just how magical we are. You don’t have to be fancy with this, it can be as simple and as regular as brushing your teeth. While you look in the mirror while brushing your teeth, say to yourself “I am worthy, I am loved, I am enough.” You can get as creative as you want here, you can make them specific to a goal you’re working on, an anxiety you may have, and so on. A good way to remind yourself is by making mini affirmation cards or post-it notes in places you frequent a lot, such as on a mirror, or by your kettle. Just little reminders of your inner sparkle and the magic you bring to the world. You could even print out our monthly affirmation cards from our Instagram page @welshwitch_craftspirits.

We are here to remind you how special and loved you are, but despite all that, sometimes negative energy still happens. The important thing is to remember that it will pass and better days will be on their way soon. We hope these have been a useful guide to protecting your energy and ways you can look after your mental wellbeing.

Love and light,
Welsh Witch HQ x

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The Origins and Significance of Black Friday

This frenzied shopping day that marks the beginning of the holiday season, is a phenomenon that has transcended its origins to become a global consumer extravaganza.

Each year as retailers we all jump two feet into Black Friday events, but where does it come from?

The Origins of Black Friday

Black Friday’s roots can be traced back to the mid-20th century. The term was initially coined in the 1960s in Philadelphia to describe the chaotic post-Thanksgiving shopping frenzy. It wasn’t associated with bargains or deals; instead, it referred to the heavy and disruptive pedestrian and vehicle traffic that clogged the city streets as shoppers and tourists swarmed the area. The term “Black Friday” was not initially seen as positive but rather as a description of the congestion and disorder that accompanied the day.

The Shift from Chaos to Consumerism

Black Friday evolved over the years, transforming from a day of urban pandemonium into a day of consumer opportunity. Retailers recognised the potential to capitalise on the massive crowds, and they began offering special discounts and sales to lure shoppers into their stores. These deals often started early in the morning, and people lined up outside stores well before dawn to snag the best deals. By the late 20th century, Black Friday had become synonymous with extraordinary shopping deals.

The Black Friday Phenomenon

Today, Black Friday has become a worldwide shopping event, extending far beyond its Philadelphia origins. Retailers and consumers alike anticipate this day with excitement. It serves as the kickstart for the holiday shopping season and an opportunity for retailers to generate significant revenue.

Retailers continue to mark Black Friday on their calendars for several reasons:

  1. Boosting Sales: Black Friday typically offers substantial discounts and limited-time promotions, which draw in large crowds of eager shoppers. This influx of customers leads to significant sales volumes.
  2. Clearing Inventory: Retailers use Black Friday as an opportunity to clear out older inventory to make room for newer products, ensuring that their stores remain up-to-date and appealing to customers.
  3. Creating Hype: Black Friday generates excitement and anticipation among consumers. The limited-time nature of the deals and the competitive atmosphere create a sense of urgency, encouraging people to shop.
  4. Tradition: Black Friday has become ingrained in our culture as a holiday shopping tradition. People eagerly await the sales and view it as an essential part of the holiday season.
  5. Online and In-Store Sales: With the advent of online shopping, retailers have extended Black Friday to the digital realm, making it easier for customers to participate, even if they don’t want to brave the crowds in physical stores.

What does Black Friday mean for Welsh Witch

Yes, we want generate interest and excitement in our handcrafted spirits, however we will never use this as a way push a limited range of Welsh Witch products.

We want to use this as an opportunity to offer customers the opportunity to save money and get ready for Christmas.

This year from now until 1 December, helping to spread the magic of Welsh Witch.

Black Friday’s history is one of transformation, evolving from a term describing chaos to a worldwide shopping phenomenon. While the origins of the name might be linked to chaos, the modern Black Friday is now a celebration of consumerism and an integral part of the holiday season for people around the world.

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What makes Welsh Witch Craft Spirits different?

Welsh Witch’s award-winning distillery Wild Moon is a family run business which has been creating spirits since 2019 and currently has 3 of our spirits recognised and awarded by the Great taste awards amongst other awards bodies.

Based in Wrexham, North Wales, the distillery was founded by Jade Garston, inspired by Welsh pagan folklore and a passion for converting high quality natural ingredients into drinks that create magical moments!

Turning that passion into award-winning craft spirits

What makes Welsh Witch different is a distinct connection with Mother Earth in all our processes and a distilling process charged by the moon.
Enchanting drinkers with our natural flavours and premium taste, Welsh Witch is the world’s only distillery to be charged by the moon.

Each bottle is allowed to mature over a full moon cycle, the spellbinding perfection of Welsh Witch is conjured from nature’s purest offerings plus the most magical resource that Wales has to offer – its water.

We take our inspiration from the Celtic Pagan Wheel of the Year which celebrates the seasons, each bringing an abundance of beautiful ingredients to make our hand-crafted drinks.

The Witch behind the magic

It is in fact Jade, the Welsh Witch, at the core of what truly makes Welsh Witch different. Jade, one of the UK’s few female distillers, carries out the entire process from start to finish.
Since making potions as a little girl, she has turned her love of botanicals into a magical line of products which ooze magic and warmth.

This means there is high quality control, small batches of botanical goodness, and an underlying passion for luxurious spirits and ingredients. Each stage of the process – from label designing and branding, to bottling and hand-waxing the corks – requires finesse and expert craftsmanship.

However, the magic she creates is more than simply about the care and attention she puts into it. Her spiritual beliefs that further enrich the process.

Being a Witch is a spiritual alternative to help navigate modern life; it not only centres around nature, but is deeply rooted in being kind, present and true to yourself. In short it is about happiness from within.
It’s this magical outlook and set of beliefs that makes Jade and Welsh Witch crafts spirits so special.

“I’ve always been a deeply spiritual person. From making potions in the bath using garden foliage, to collecting seashells and intriguing stones from the beach. As I grew older, I started collecting healing crystals, using tarot & angel cards and it became a part of life and my love for witchcraft grew stronger.

Sharing Jade’s proud Welsh heritage and personal beliefs

Welsh Witch is more than a drinks brand, it’s Jade’s passion brought to life and allows her to share a magical way of life with the world.

From the moment of business conception, Welsh heritage has been weaved into Jade’s business from the get-go.

Jade is very proud of her roots, she wanted to bring the cultural folklore (the Mabinogion) and age-old traditions of Wales to the modern-day consumer. Intertwined with a rich dedication to paganism and spirituality, the luxe spirits created by Welsh Witch are both a marvel for the eyes and the tastebuds.

Through her spirits, Jade hopes to bring forth more education around spirituality, witch culture and her love of her hometown Wrexham, in the beautiful country of Wales.