While the term ‘Hedge Witch’ means different things to different witches, there are some key traits defining it. Hedge witches almost always practice solitary magic, and don’t often join covens or work with other witches, though this isn’t necessarily a requirement. It involves a deep study of the natural world and spirits. They make their hearth and home the center of their magical activity, and study and work with local flora and wildlife. A Hedge Witch’s most sacred space is typically their home. They practice most of their magic in their daily routine. Hedge Witches are also known to be healers, which feeds into their study of local plants and herbalism. They might also work with a plethora of spirits and deities. But truthfully, a Hedge Witch’s path is as eclectic and unique as the Witch themself!
It could have a few meanings. One interpretation is that, in older times, wise women typically lived outside the edges of the village or town or “just beyond the hedge”, hence the name. But a more popular and widely-known answer is that the “Hedge” refers to the boundary between the living and the dead, or the physical and the spiritual. Hedge Witches serve as emissaries between these worlds, helping both spirits and humans alike. In other words, they “walk” the hedge between two worlds! It can also refer to their practice of studying local plants and wildlife. Hedge Witch practices are similar to Green Witches, Death Witches, Dream Witches and Kitchen/Hearth Witches.
Basic Hedge Witch Practices
Hedge Witchery is all about magic in mundane living, especially in the modern day. Focus on the sacredness of your own actions and incorporate personal magical practices into your everyday life. Here’s some simple ideas from my own practice:
Leave a small jar or dish of honey out for passing spirits, especially those who help you
Study healing magic and practice it when you or a loved one are sick
Keep the house clean and tidy, and focus on the sacredness of your actions while doing so
Name and Talk to your House. Mine’s name is Elizabeth. Greet your house when you walk inside and say Goodbye to it as you leave
Always ask for permission before picking a flower, leaf or plant
Thank your spirit guides, house spirits and local spirits for their help whenever you can or feel like it, especially when you know they've helped you!
Another important part of Hedge Witchery is getting to know the spirits around you, both your spirit guides and local land and house spirits. Work with them, but also make sure to use adequate protection. Spirits are, in many ways, like people - not all will want to hurt you, but you should still be careful until you know them better. Still, you can invite them into your life with songs, poems, offerings and simple invitations. The more kind you are to the good spirits, the more likely they are to offer you protection and help. This might involve:
Studying local plants and sacred areas
Taking care of a garden or houseplants
Doing divination to communicate with them
Taking care of the natural environment around you like protecting the local wildlife and plants
Spend a lot of time out in nature and you’re bound to meet a few helpful spirits!
How do I know if Hedge Witchery is for me?
If you are drawn to working with the natural world, spirits and practicing healing magic, Hedge Witchcraft might be just what you’re looking for! If you’re interested in researching local folklore and flora, prefer to work your magic alone, have a strong connection to plants and the environment, see your house as a sacred space, and want to work with spirits, perhaps consider looking further into becoming a Hedge Witch!
But the most important element is to develop your own practice - no two Hedge Witches, or Witches in general for that matter, will be alike. Find out what works best for you and do that. If that happens to fit a specific path, good for you! If not, don’t worry about it.
Hedge Witch: A Guide to Solitary Witchcraft by Rae Beth
The Way of the Hedge Witch: Rituals and Spells for Hearth and Home by Arin Murphy-Hiscock
Hedgewitch Book of Days: Spells, Rituals, and Recipes for the Magical Year by Mandy Mitchell
https://www.learnreligions.com/hedge-witch-4768392
