In contemporary Paganism, there are many diverse belief systems, and the path of the hedge witch is enjoying a spike in popularity. Although there are many varied interpretations of what a hedge witch is and does, you’ll discover that, for the most part, there is a focus on nature and a lot of work with herbal magic. A hedge witch may engage in healing and shamanic practices, commune with deities, or even work with the cyclical nature of the seasons. In other words, those who follow the path of the hedge witch are just as diverse as those who follow it.
The Hedge Witch’s Past
Any contemporary hedge witch will likely tell you they refer to themselves as hedge witches as a tribute to the past. Witches used to reside on the outskirts of a hamlet, hidden behind the hedgerows. They were frequently women, but only sometimes. The hamlet and civilization were on one side of the hedge, while the uncharted and wild were on the other. Most of the time, these hedge witches doubled as healers or cunning women, which required them to spend a lot of time gathering plants and herbs in the forests, fields, and—you guessed it—the hedges.
Old hedge witches typically worked alone and had magical daily lives; even routine tasks like making tea or sweeping the floor were imbued with magical thoughts and intentions. The hedge witch developed her techniques over many years of practice and error. Still, she learned them from more experienced family members or mentors. These activities—frequently called “green craft”—are heavily influenced by folk traditions.
Practice and Belief in Magic
Like kitchen witchcraft, hedge witchery frequently strongly emphasizes the hearth and house as the hub of magical activities. The kitchen is a magical space characterized by the energy of the people who live there, and a home is a place of stability and foundation. The home is often seen as a sacred place by hedge witches.
The natural world is the practice’s foundation if the house is its center. A hedge witch often devotes much time to practicing herbal magic. She frequently picks up related trades like aromatherapy or herbal medicine. A hedge witch doesn’t only keep plant jars; this activity is incredibly intimate and spiritual. She likely harvested, dried, and experimented with them to discover what she could and couldn’t do while taking notes for later use. It’s also likely that she cultivated or collected them herself.
Modern Witchcraft for Hedge Witches
There are many methods to practice hedge witchcraft in your daily life, most of which involve basic rituals and magical living.
Consider your modest household chores spiritually. Concentrate on the holiness of the actions, whether preparing supper or cleaning the restroom. Creating bread for your household? Add love to that loaf of bread! Speak to your house as well; you heard correctly. When you return from work, greet your home because it has a lovely energy. Say goodbye to it when you head out for the day, and commit to coming back soon.
Modern Witchcraft for Hedge Witches
There are many methods to practice hedge witchcraft in your daily life, most of which involve basic rituals and magical living.
Consider your modest household chores spiritually. Concentrate on the holiness of the actions, whether preparing supper or cleaning the restroom. Creating bread for your household? Add love to that loaf of bread! Speak to your house as well; you heard correctly. When you return from work, greet your home because it has a lovely energy. Say goodbye to it when you head out for the day, and commit to coming back soon.
Learn about the ancestors of the land and the surroundings. Work with them, and with songs, poems, and offerings, attract them into your life. They will be more inclined to give you presents and protection when you need it the more you provide them with access to you. Study the plants that grow in and around your neighborhood as well. It’s ok if you don’t have a yard or garden because plants can be found anywhere. What species are native to the planting area? Exist any public gardens or woodlands that you may explore, study, and practice witchcraft in?
If certain natural environment features appeal to you, consider looking into the practice of hedge witchcraft. Do you have a deep connection to herbs, trees, and plants? Do you feel more at home in nature and the outdoors? Do you favor using your magic solitary rather than with others? Do you want to learn more about folklore and broaden your knowledge via investigation and exploration? If so, you may like following the hedge witch’s trail!
