Hedge Witch: A Guide to Solitary Witchcraft

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I can imagine a stereotypial hedge witch, g oing out and foraging, drying herbs on the attic, and having their favorite path that they go for a walk each day.

The title and synopsis implies that this is a nonfiction book about witchcraft. Although it does cover some areas of witchcraft, it is primarily focussed on Wicca. Wicca =/= witchcraft. But, this book does do a great job of covering the basics of Wiccan beliefs and practices and if that’s what you are looking for, this could be a good place to start. A lot of the beliefs in this do not line up with my own personal experiences with the gods, and unfortunately, it wasn’t for me. The book consists of letters, written by Rae Beth to two people who are interested in witchcraft in the 80's. She teaches them little by little, step by step and answers their questions and tailors spells and steps to take for them. But there is a much earlier definition contained in an old German word ‘hagazissa’ meaning ‘hedge sitter’. And another term found in Northern European traditions – ‘haegtessa’ meaning ‘hedge rider’. Each of these refers to a symbolic hedgerow, one which could be seen to divide the everyday world of the human community from what was perceived as being beyond it – the Otherworld of wild nature spirits and ancestral spirits and elves or faeriekind. This and similar symbolism seems to have come to Britain mainly with Saxon and other Germanic tribes. However, it has parallels within the Celtic tradition, such as the Green and Burning Tree which stands at the outer edge of Faerie. And there are now hedge witches all over the World, along with hedge priestesses, hedge priests and hedge Druids. The festival of Imbolg occurs, in the northern hemisphere, at a time of increasing daylight and new life in the natural world. It is a natural time for spells of renewal of good health and inspiration and creativity. Or of magical power……...The magic of the Summer Solstice is linked with joy and fulfilment. In these difficult times, perhaps we need such spells and rites more than ever? (Some light relief. Oh yes, please.) Visit the trees mentioned above and bless them, giving an offering of fresh spring water or apple juice. If you can’t leave home for health reasons, do your best with bought flowers or leaves or dried rose petals etc. I have been practicing hedge magic and hedgerow spirituality for almost forty five years. So I can tell you this. If followed with commitment, this Path can bring you to see the magical, shape-shifting nature of all reality and also to see a role for yourself within that as a healing spell-caster with spirit allies.

Keep collections to yourself or inspire other shoppers! Keep in mind that anyone can view public collections - they may also appear in recommendations and other places. Today’s hedge magicians wisely begin by learning to ground themselves within the seasonal celebrations of the land’s yearly cycle and by coming into step with the Moon’s cycle as well. In this way, awareness of those on the far side of the hedge can open gradually and also be fully aligned with the natural world on our side of the hedge. A meeting with nature spirits or familiars then has a context, a setting which extends beyond our personal circumstances and facilitates an awareness of the bigger picture, allowing us to develop a sense of interconnectedness with all creatures - all beings of any kind. Rowan was also a great main character for this story. Mainly because she's in every way possible a typical teenager. She wants to belong. She wants some excitement. She wants a boyfriend and her first kiss. She doesn't want to be an outsider any longer. And that means that at times she does typical stupid teenage things. And then at times she doesn't, which makes her likable. Overall a great read. There are some outdated and even problematic aspects, but the underlying teachings and techniques for ritual and trancework are very insightful. In the same way, you might find yourself attracting people that need advice. Your calming nature allows them to trust and open, and share the deepest secrets with you.It only had the letters from the author, not the letters TO her. So you never really got an idea for the interest of the other party, making the book seem more like a collection of community college lectures on a subject. That was not what I was looking for. I wanted a conversation about the path, not a one-sided lecture. I do like to learn I study everything. I am very cognitive aware. emotionally aware. I see myself as the master of my ship. I am fiercely interdependent. Will Rowan be able to uncover those responsible for these misdeeds or will the magical world be exposed for all to see? A hedge witch is usually a solitary practitioner that bases their practice in the comfort of their own home. This path is highly in tune with nature and elements and it’s also connected to green, kitchen, and hearth witchcraft. Most hedge witches’ dream is to live in a witch cottage in the countryside and enjoy all aspects of running a cozy and loving homestead!

For each hedge witch, the practice comes with time. But it is something that you feel called naturally. You don’t need the company of other people or be a part of a coven. You mostly focus on your close family and friends.To be honest, as a hedge witch, you probably don’t even like when someone tells you how to do things, and you are most likely to do spells and recipes your way. Always adding a small personal touch to everything. You don’t spend years studying with magic masters. Possibly you don’t even think about joining a coven.