Just like there are all kinds of people in the world, both in Wicca and Paganism traditions, there are different kinds of witches, each with its particular quirks and preferred ways of living and working. There is no one way to do magick, just like there is no one way to live. A Hedge Witch is one type of witch, and we’ll discuss practices associated with hedge witchery in this article. As you read on, you may recognise yourself as a Hedge Witch. You may feel inspired to try some of our suggestions to start out in hedge witchery – read on for some pointers on how to get started.
What is a Hedge Witch?
Let’s start this section by saying that there is no one consensus on what a Hedge Witch is. Remember that the version presented in this article is only one version of the truth.
That being said, in the ‘olden days’, a hedge usually symbolised a border between two neighbouring villages. And so it is with a Hedge Witch – she can see beyond ‘the border’ and perceive messages from the Other World that exists beyond our physical perception and senses. The word ‘Hedgewitch’ may have its roots in the Saxon word ‘haegtessa’ which means ‘hedge-rider’.
Shamans are often regarded as a type of Hedge Witches, thanks to their ability to communicate with spirits that most of us can’t see. The Hedge Witch usually has a good plant knowledge and is drawn to medicine and healing.
Is a Hedge Witch solitary?
The Pagan Federation (Scotland) identify Hedge Witches as being either ‘solitary’ or ‘highly individualistic’ people, who prefer shady parts of nature where they can foster their talents. They believe that Hedge Witches tend to have their own inner moral code of conduct, and it is a highly individualistic one.
They are also highly intellectual, always studying about medicinal plants, as well as anything they can learn about the use of plants in crafts, dyeing, food and drink. They could be seen watching animals to predict changes in weather, and may even develop the ability to tell when a rainstorm is coming just by smelling the air!
Other modern Hedge Witches may be drawn to midwifery and the professions of healing and medicine.
Are Hedge Witches and Green Witches the Same Thing?
This is a question that comes up often, and it’s easy to see why. Both Hedge Witches and Green Witches share a deep love of plants, herbs, and the natural world. However, while the two paths overlap in meaningful ways, they are not quite the same thing.
A Green Witch’s practice is rooted primarily in the earth: in the growing, harvesting, and magical use of plants, herbs, flowers, and natural materials. Their focus tends to stay within the physical, earthly realm. A Green Witch is, at heart, a guardian of the garden and the land.
A Hedge Witch, on the other hand, takes things a step further. While she may share the Green Witch’s encyclopaedic knowledge of herbs and plants, her practice extends beyond the physical world and into the realm of spirit. The defining characteristic of a Hedge Witch is that ability to ‘cross the hedge’ – to journey into the Other World and bring back knowledge, healing, or messages from beyond ordinary perception.
Think of it this way: all Hedge Witches may have a touch of the Green Witch in them, but not all Green Witches are Hedge Witches. It comes down to that shamanic quality (that pull toward the unseen, the liminal, and the spirit world) that sets the Hedge Witch apart.
If you’d like to explore the distinctions further, Witchipedia offers a well-regarded reference on herbal lore and magical traditions that touches on both paths.
How do people become Hedge Witches?
Hedge witchery often runs in families and the practices are passed down as word of mouth. Sometimes a Hedge Witch who does not have any offspring will pick a ‘spiritual offspring’, following his/her intuition and inner guidance that may not be revealed to anyone else. They may notice certain signs on a person who is to become the next Hedge Witch.
What does a Hedge Witch do?
A Hedge Witch is usually someone who is in tune with the natural order of things – by observing the shifting patterns in nature, listening to the winds and watching cloud formations, she may be able to make certain predictions. Hedge Witches are involved in studying the Great Mysteries of nature, and could also be shamans, healers or charmers. Most often, Hedge Witches are solitary creatures, following their individual code of ethics and morals to the ‘T’.
How does a Hedge Witch perform magick?
First, a Hedge Witch is likely to set up her altar in a very simple way, using natural resources, such as plants and herbs that they may have grown in their own backyard. They typically avoid using wands, flowers or other ornaments. Practical and simple are the two words that define a Hedge Witch.
They often work with the four elements found in nature, focusing only on the intention of their spell and the energy of the elements. They are not into ceremonies, and rely on the knowledge they have learned in their lifetime, the wisdom that has been passed onto them, and their own inner moral code when performing magick spells. They are very unlikely to ever break their inner code of conduct, and it takes years to master the art of Hedge Witchery.
Some Hedge Witches prefer to work with deities, while others remain secular and work with natural elements instead. They are, above all, free spirits, and are also accustomed to practicing shamanic arts.
Are you a Hedge Witch?
Although Hedge Witchery is usually hereditary or passed down through ‘word of mouth’, if you feel the yearning within you, then you may well be a Hedge Witch who’s ready for your spiritual awakening!
Since there are many ways to practice Hedge Witchery, the signs and characteristics described below are, only one version of the truth, aimed to give you some pointers and get you started on your own journey of discovery.
You may be a Hedge Witch, if:
- You feel a deep connection to nature.
- You have a broad knowledge of plants and herbs.
- You’re interested in the healing qualities of plants and herbs, and you love digging around in the garden.
- You are a great communicator.
- You prefer to perform healing spells over others.
- You love folklore, and your secret hobby is adding new ideas to the mix.
- You simply love being outdoors, wrapped by grass, trees and animals.
How do I get started in Hedge Witchery?
The best way to get started is to gather as much information as possible before deciding what practices you’d like to try out. Thankfully, in our digital age, just about anything is within the grasp of our fingertips. We’ve compiled some online resources below to get you started on your journey to Hedge Witchery.
- You can try this free Wicca quiz to find out what type of witch you are (or just for fun).
- There is also a community of Hedge Witches who define a Hedge Witch as ‘a solitary practitioner of the herbal arts – both, medicinal and spiritual.’ They have plenty of resources available online for those who want to try Hedge Witchery for themselves.
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