MYRIAM RIAND
Irish makers and creators on how to prepare for winter
We speak to the tincture makers, stargazers and incense creators for ancient wisdom, rituals and practices to best prepare us for the darker months ahead and embrace the true magic of winter.
THE SPARK In her twenties, Eva B (aka Eva Crowley) was looking for some direction and had her birth chart read. “I felt deeply understood by it. It gave me a clearer vision on who I am, fuelling my desire to learn more about astrology.”
THE MAGIC “I love teaching people to better understand themselves. Reading someone’s birth chart is like guiding them back to their true selves. We used to be so connected to the seasons and the stars, and that connection bound us all closer together to the earth, and our own internal events. The Celtic calendar and megalithic tombs and monuments are very much connected to this and the understanding of the cosmos.”
THE WONDER OF WINTER Eva believes that these colder months offer an opportunity for discovery and learning from within. “Journalling, meditating, connecting with your creative side and taking time out; this is a time we can really connect and come home to ourselves.”
Book a reading at eva-b-astrology.ie.
THE SPARK Claire Davey began specialising in tinctures after a chance meeting with Dolores Whelan, an esteemed tincture practitioner, at a Celtic Wheel of the Year festival. As American Village Apothecary, Claire creates a seasonal liquid pantry of flavours to add to food and beverages, harvesting, concocting and bottling her tinctures in tune with Ireland’s pagan calendar.
THE MAGIC Claire has always been captivated by nature, “engaging in a deep connection with plants and gaining wisdom from them, as well as learning from the natural world including its various elements such as light and darkness.”
THE WONDER OF WINTER When asked which of her creations would help with the change in season, Claire advises adding the Maiden of Mayhem hawthorn elixir drops to your daily ritual. Formulated at Bealtaine and bottled at Lughnasa, “it is exactly what our world needs right now: to harness the chaotic creativity of liminal thresholds and breaking down illusions of normality.” Keep an eye on Claire’s website for instructions for Cailleach Rituals that commemorate the winter lunar cycles, her tinctures and her New Moon Cocktail Club subscription.
THE SPARK For Ali Waked, co- founder of this handmade incense brand, this practice goes far beyond aroma. “It has the ability to bring us back to the present moment when we are out of sync.” Ali wanted to restore the connection that our ancestors had with nature, “and the wisdom they gained from it”, and has a strong belief in plants’ ability to open our hearts and calm our minds. Our sense of smell is particularly emotional, and is associated with memory and mood in a very powerful way.
THE MAGIC “The magical moments don’t always happen, but when they do, that serene feeling is very special, experiencing glimpses of complete peace while meditating. Even the simplest of daily rituals like burning incense can encourage small steps of spiritual growth.”
THE WONDER OF WINTER One of Ali’s favourite things to do at this time of year is “lighting a small fire and setting intentions for the new year ahead while also letting go.” As for what you should burn this season, Ali recommends earthy scents such as frankincense, palo santo and chacrona and jagube. “These scents are comforting, they have the ability to slow down and deepen the breath by producing feelings of calm and promoting a deep connection within ourselves.”
Portraits by Myriam Riand and Cliodhna Prendergast. This article originally appeared in the Winter issue of IMAGE Magazine, on sale now. We may earn a commission if you buy something from any affiliate links on our site.
IMAGE Winter 2023
The Winter issue of IMAGE is here, and festive sparkles are on our mind, from our fashion shoot full of party-ready pieces to the home of jeweller Chupi Sweetman-Durney which is full of glinting gold. Plus, we learn how to make the most of festive leftovers, and are planning a winter break to remember. Plus: * Big knits * Cool corduroy * In studio with Pearl Reddington * Audrey Hepburn’s Irish connections * Confidence at work * A Kilimanjaro adventure * Beauty gifts to give yourself * Practical magic * A ski retreat with a difference * Weekend escapes * and so much more…
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