We are in the time of Samhain. Mischief making, between this world and the other. The veil is thin. Magical. Dark time. Winter ahead.

The time of the Cailleach.

The Cailleach is a divine hag, crone, in Gaelic mythology (found across Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man). Her name comes from the Old Irish word caillech, meaning “veiled one” (from caille, a veil or wool-cloak).

She rules the dark half of the year,
typically from Samhain (November 1) to Imbolc or Bealltainn—bringing frost, snow, high winds, and fierce storms.

In Scotland, she is often called Beira, Queen of Winter.

She is credited with creating mountains, hills, valleys, and islands by dropping massive rocks and dirt from her apron or creel, or by striking the earth with a magical hammer.

Legend says that on February 1st (Là Fhèill Brìghde), the Cailleach gathers firewood. If she wants winter to last longer, she ensures the weather on that day is bright and sunny so she can see to collect plenty of wood.

In Scottish folklore, she washes her great plaid or blanket in the Corryvreckan whirlpool; the resulting tempest and white foam mark the arrival of winter snows.

In Scotland, Cailleach is credited with creating numerous mountains and many of the country’s large hills. According to folklore, these were formed when she was striding across the land and accidentally dropped rocks from her wicker basket.

Cattle rustler, Goddess of Sovereignty and Guardian of animals, the Cailleach’s many meanings make for an impressive, if somewhat busy slate. In yet another string to her bow, the Cailleachan are also known as the Storm Hags. Continuing the theme of being seen as the personification of the elemental powers of nature, especially in a destructive aspect, they’re said to be particularly active in raising the windstorms of spring.

She represents the raw, untamed forces of nature, and inspires us to be sovereign, to beat our own drum, to play by our own rules.

The Cailleach is both creator and destroyer, representing the cyclical nature of life and death.

The Cailleach is inherent in rugged, wild landscapes, such as mountains, hills, and forests. Going for walks in these environments, especially in winter, can be a way to connect with her. Leave offerings like stones, acorns, or pinecones at places you feel her presence.

As she clears the land in winter, focus on personal transformation, letting go of what no longer serves you.

The key to honouring the Cailleach is to align yourself with the natural world, the changing of seasons, and the transformative power of winter.

She lays claim to the creatures of the wild and cold places, the red deer and the wolf, the leaping salmon and the springing goat, warding them and watching over them. She it was, who decided which would live and which would perish in the storms of winter, and for this she is also known as the Hag of Storms.

There is even whiskey named after her.

She has many names: Winter Witch, Queen of the Weather, but I call her Cailleach.