What exactly is a hedgewitch? Well, it depends on who you ask. Some folks find the term interchangeable with natural witch or green witch. Aunt Lucy tells me that in our family it means a someone who practices magic with and through nature in the manner of traditional village witches. That means lots of herbal craft and garden/growing magic, and refers in part to the “hedge” that used to surround many villages. Back then most witches were healers, and gathered many of the plants they used from that green space.
And, of course, that resonates with me. I’ve always had a green thumb, love to garden and would generally prefer to be outside to inside – unless I’m cooking or baking. Cooking, especially with specific herbs and focused intention, is just another way to practice magic, of course.
However, “hedge” also refers metaphorically to the veil between worlds. Many witches of old, like shamans, practiced magic that allowed them to cross that veil at will. Many modern witches do, too. Lucy tells me my father, who is part Shawnee Indian, is pretty talented at it.
That’s way beyond my ken right now, though. I’m still working out how to cast a spell by brewing a cup of peppermint-rosemary tea!
~Katie
I am anxiously awaiting your story. Thanks for taking the time to write a blog.
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