What is a Hedge Witch?

There are many different individual definitions of a hedge witch, depending on who you ask. There are, however, a general set of rules for following hedgecraft. For example, hedge witches do not practice in groups or covens. They are entirely solitary and practice only on their own.

Hedgcraft does not follow specific rules or ceremonial procedures the way Wicca does. Wicca and hedgecraft are two different types of witchcraft. Hedge witches do, however, often follow and celebrate the turns of the seasons and the eight sacred sabbats contained therein.

Though several authors have written popular books on the subject of hedgecraft, there is no one exact way to practice. Some hedge witches believe in the God and Goddess. Others do not. Some take certain gods and goddesses into their own personal pantheon. Some practice without believing in any type of God or Goddess. Some hedge witches are even Christian.

Hedge witches work very closely with nature and seldom use many tools. It focuses very strongly on herblore and the use of gemstones and natural tools. Hedgecraft often includes a bit of shamanic practice and focuses on healing and positive spells. Many hedge witches do work between the worlds or work closely with dreams and psychic tools.

Hedgecraft is not as refined as many other types of witchcraft. It is wilder and more spirited and closely guarded. Hedge witches use very few tools that can be purchased from a shop, choosing instead to make charms and other items from what we find in nature. Hedge witches invoke the powers of nature spirits to guide them in their work.

Handcrafts often play a strong role in practicing hedgecraft. Hedge witches realize that the most powerful magic can be made with the most natural materials. When it is made with our own hands directly from nature, it holds the most power.

Hedgecraft is not commonly practiced by newly learning witches because most (though not all) beginners find it incredibly difficult to practice alone or to keep talk of their magical workings to themselves. Hedgecraft is something that is often a conglomeration of what a witch has learned over many years of study. Hedgecraft lacks structure, so it is not advised for those just starting out. Wicca is a good starting point for most witches wanting to learn the craft. From Wiccan studies, it is easier to move into other types of study and, if one wishes, to choose hedgecraft.

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