Hedge Witch

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A solitary witch that spends most of their time outside in nature or inside brewing something magical. Although hedge witch is more a modern term for this kind of witch, the practices are much older.

What is a Hedge Witch?

A hedge witch is associated with working with the home and hearth, as well as protection of the home and family. The hearth and home are the center of a hedge witches practice. These witches have much in common with the green witch and kitchen witch. Now, when most of us hear the word “hedge” we automatically think of the large, trimmed bushes. The hedge witch is kind of the same but obviously hedge witches are not bushes. But the hedge witch hovers the boundaries of the natural world and the spiritual world. Some of their practice involves divination and connecting to the spirits of nature, ancestors and themselves.

Hedge witches that followed the shamanistic practice were called hedge riders. This is where the witch enters an altered state of consciousness and enters the spirit realm in to search for guidance from spirits/ ancestors. This would also be the time they would try and receive messages from those on the other side who wished to communicate.

Hedge Witch Origins

Hedge witches were not called this throughout history. Hundreds of years ago, these were the people who lived on the outside of the village closest to the forest. At the edge of the forest, it was usually lined with a mess of bushes also known as hedges. During this time, these people were named one of two names. The German term was hagazissa or “hedge sitter” and then there was the Saxon term haegtessa. These names would later bring in the term hag, used to describe the hedge witches of the time.

Considered as the “outcasts” of the village, the ones who lived on the forests edge were usually the medicinal practitioner of the village. Which makes sense since they would need to have easy access the medicinal plants, bark, berries, and flowers found within the forest. Once Christianity grew and took over Europe, these “outcasts” were being accused of witchcraft. And we all know how that went.

Practices

As we talked about earlier in this post, the center of the hedge witches’ practices was the hearth and home. The hearth was the main spot in the home. This is where the magic happens (pun intended). Most homes these days do not have a fireplace (hearth), so the modern-day hearth would be the kitchen. A lot of different hedge practices are done in this part of the house. Here are a few practices that can be done in the kitchen:

• Grow herbs in your window sill
• Dry out herbs
• Make a simmer pot on the stove
• Brew some tea
• Bake with intention (ex. love, good health, etc.)
• Cook with intention
• Make tinctures
• Make salves

Those are just a few basics that you can do as a hedge witch. But it doesn’t stop there, there are workings done outside of the kitchen as well. Here are some more practices you can do as a hedge witch:

• Clean with intention (ex. calmness, health, fortune, etc.)
• Put up home protection wards
• Work with a house spirit
• Cleanse the home/ property
• Shadow work
• Ground yourself
• Sweep away negativity with a besom (broom)
• Start a garden
• Learn native plants
• Work with plant and crystal spirits
• Practice Divination
• Take care of household plants
• Study herbs
• Walk in the woods
• Meditate under a tree
• Learn about astral projection (know defensive wards and how to cast a circle before trying to access the dream and/ or spiritual realm)
• Work with ancestors
• Work with the Fae (use caution and do your research before working with any of the Fae)
• Daily or weekly meditation

Hedge Witchery Caution

If you believe yourself to being a hedge witch, just remember that no two hedge witches are the same. Their practices may differ from yours. So, don’t compare. I also want to put out a word of caution, especially to those who are just starting their hedge witch journey. Messing with the spirit realm can be extremely dangerous and should not be taken lightly. Do your research and also learn the many ways you can defend yourself. Working with ancestors is the best place to start spiritually, since ancestors are family. However, if you are trying to connect with nature spirits, demons, deities, or any other spiritual entities, know what you are dealing with and how to protect yourself and your home. Be safe and enjoy the wonderful journey of being a hedge witch.

What witch type would you like me to cover next? Leave a comment and let me know.