What is a Hedge Witch?
One of the most enduring archetypes of a witch is the Hedge Witch. Usually seen as a solo practitioner living at the edge of a community, a hedge witch was both feared and revered for her knowledge of nature and the spiritual world.
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One of the most enduring archetypes of a witch is the Hedge Witch. Usually seen as a solo practitioner living at the edge of a community, a hedge witch was both feared and revered for her knowledge of nature and the spiritual world. Sometimes called a wise woman (or a cunning man) a hedge witch is closely associated with home and hearth and protecting her family. Whether you identify as a witch or just want to slow down and add more intention into your life, the path of the hedge witch offers insight and guidance.
Hedge-Rider, Hex and Hag
The term hedge is used to describe a border between civilization and the wilderness. In spiritual terms, it is used to describe the threshold between this world and the other world. In early medieval Europe a hedge was a physical boundary between a village and a forest. A hedge in those times wasn’t what we think of today - a nicely manicured green shrub. It was a wild tangle of growth between the forest and the village. Those that lived along the hedge, closer to the wild than to the community, were often thought to possess magical powers and wisdom. They would be called upon for help by locals, but otherwise largely left alone. As Christianity gained power through the early and middle ages in Europe, traditional nature based beliefs and healing were deemed evil and those that lived along the hedge were particularly vulnerable to accusations of witchcraft and persecution.
According to Judika Illes in her book Encyclopedia of Witchcraft, the term Hedge-Rider was a northern European synonym for witch. In Old English it was called Haegtessa, while in Old High German hedge-rider was pronounced hagezusse. These were later shortened to Hag and Hexe respectively and were associated with old women who lived near the hedge. Over time, again with the rise of Christianity, both these terms took on a negative connotation - the Lady of the Hedge was turned into an evil old hag who was a threat, especially to children (think of the witch in Hansel and Gretel).
In English speaking countries the term Hag is synonymous with a cantankerous woman, someone who does confirm to the patriarchy’s view of womanhood. A hag does not mean a woman is necessarily old in age, but rather she is outspoken and unapologetic. This makes me think of the character Ouiser (played by Shirley MacLaine) in the movie Steel Magnolias. She was rough around the edges, but with a big heart.
A Modern Hedge Witch
Within the rise of the modern neo-pagan movement, the term hedge witch has been reclaimed by those seeking wisdom and a deeper understanding of the natural world. There are a couple of (very general) distinctions when it comes to the term hedge witch. The first refers to someone who practices rituals like tarot, divination, or has some psychic ability. This would be the more classical version of a wise woman living alone, whom people seek out for help through a reading, herbal remedies or spell work.
The second popular image of hedge witch aligns more with the modern concept of a cottage witch or house witch. Arin Murphy-Hiscock describes this type of practice in her book The Way of the Hedge Witch, as someone who practices magic in the home as a way to ensure the spiritual well-being of herself and her family. This could include imbuing some magical thoughts into everyday life through cooking, cleaning or gardening.
Following Hedge Witch Path
Even if you don’t identify as a witch, the elements of a hedge witch offer simple and easy ways to connect with nature and cultivate a peaceful home. Common ways a hedge witch cares for her home and family include cleaning not just her physical space, but also the energy that fills it. She may sprinkle salt along doorways, to keep evil spirits away or hang a glass witch’s ball* to absorb light and deflect negative energy. She may say little prayer/spell/intention while stirring a pot of soup for dinner. Her magic is in the small moments that make up each day.
Home & Hearth
No matter what interpretation you use for a hedge witch, the home is an integral part of her practice. An important element in the concept of home is the hearth. A hearth is traditionally at the center of home life. It provides warmth and light in the dark months, and is where meals are prepared. Until the late 19th century tending the hearth was an all day job for women who kept their own homes. The hearth as a focal point of life has long been revered in many cultures.
Today’s hedge witch may call upon Hestia, the Greek goddess of the hearth for safety and peace within her home. A traditional fireplace hearth may be replaced by the modern day kitchen or other area that serves as a focal point for yourself and your family. The essence of the hearth, whether invoking ancient deities or tending to the heart of the home, endures as a source of comfort and connection in the modern world.
Some might argue a hedge witch is the original witch - from where our modern associations of witchcraft and the occult stem. Today a Hedge Witch can be a solo practitioner that folks call upon for help. Or she may focus her energies on tending her home, as an extension of her own spiritual practice. Either way, the path of hedge witch offers simple ways to connect to nature, connect with others and connect to one’s self.
References and Recommended Readings*
The Way of the Hedge Witch by Arin Murphy-Hiscock
July Intentions: Welcome High Summer and a Time to Gather
As the Wheel of the Year turns, July marks the start of High Summer here in the Northern Hemisphere. This is the month when the sun is at its strongest and temperatures are at their highest. It’s a popular time for celebration, connection, and gatherings. Think picnics, family reunions, vacations, or just lazy afternoons sipping iced tea and reading a good book. As we move through the Wheel of the Year, this midsummer month is imbued with a sense of vibrancy and life, inviting us to step outside and immerse ourselves in the beauty of nature - whether that be a day at the beach, a hike in the mountains or a walk in your local park.
The Wheel of the Year represents the changing seasons and the perpetual cycle of birth, growth, harvest, and rest. Within this sacred circle, each season has its purpose and essence. July, nestled within the heart of summer, is a time of abundance, growth, and joy. Gardens are starting to flourish, offering early produce, while flowers are in full bloom.
July beckons us to gather and rejoice in the warmth of the sun and the lushness of nature. The long, sunlit days invite us to gather with friends and family. Whether it be a picnic in the park, a beachside barbecue, or a garden party, July provides the perfect backdrop for joyful gatherings and shared experiences.
Connecting with Nature
In July, nature is a tapestry of colors, scents, and sounds. The world around us is teeming with life, and we have the opportunity to fully immerse ourselves in it. The trees are full with deep green foliage, flowers bloom in every nook and cranny, while birds sing during the day and peepers serenade us in the evenings. This is the time to embark on nature walks, explore forests, or simply sit beneath a shady tree and absorb the soothing rhythms of the natural world. By connecting with nature, we tap into its rejuvenating energy, finding solace, inspiration, and a deeper appreciation for the intricate web of life.
Honoring the Harvest
Within the Wheel of the Year, July marks the beginning of the harvest season. Fields and gardens are abundant with the fruits of our labor, and we celebrate the culmination of growth and nourishment. July is a time to express gratitude for the gifts nature bestows upon us and to acknowledge our interconnectedness with the Earth. Consider visiting a local farmers' market, tending to your own garden, or engaging in practices that honor sustainability and ecological awareness. By participating in the harvest in one of these ways, we not only support local communities but also deepen our connection to the land and the cycles that sustain us.
As the Wheel of the Year turns, July emerges as a season of gathering, celebration, and connection with nature. The ease of summer days will quickly give way to the faster pace of Autumn. By immersing ourselves in the beauty of nature, honoring the harvest, and engaging in personal reflection, we can deepen our connection to the cycles of life and find harmony within the circle of existence. Let July be a time of togetherness and rejuvenation, as we embrace the bountiful blessings that nature offers us.
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Book Review: The Way of the Hedge Witch
This post may include affiliate links* and I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. Mabon House only features products that I believe in and use myself or that I believe my readers would enjoy. Thank you!
As I’ve noted before I don’t really identify as a witch per se, but there are definitely elements of witchcraft, healing and magick that I routinely embrace as part of my own spiritual path and desire to connect more with nature. As such, I do a lot of reading for both personal growth and also for content here on Mabon House. So I thought it would be nice to create some reviews of my favorite books. First up is The Way of the Hedge Witch - Rituals and Spells for Hearth & Home by Arin Murphy-Hiscock.
The Way of the Hedge Witch is an excellent book for those looking for easy ways to enhance their spiritual practice and connect with nature. Throughout the book, Murphy-Hiscock's wisdom and insights provides a comprehensive understanding of the ancient traditions of a hedge witch, which I found both helpful and inspiring. .
What I liked most about the book was Murphy-Hiscock's ability to make complex concepts accessible. I appreciated her clear explanations of the origins and history of hedge witchery and how she guides the reader through the rituals, tools, and spellwork associated with this path.
Murphy-Hiscock's emphasis on the importance of connecting with nature deeply resonated with me. Her exploration of the bond between hedge witchcraft and the natural world explained the significance of plants, animals, and the elements. The practical exercises she provided allows the reader to forge a stronger relationship with nature and its profound wisdom, which is something I certainly aspire to.
The Way of the Hedge Witch is an excellent resource on herbalism and healing, specifically. Murphy-Hiscock's wealth of knowledge on herbs and their properties enriched my understanding of their magical and medicinal uses. The inclusion of recipes for potions, teas, and salves. And while I don’t do much with DIY herbology, I did appreciate how she demonstrated ways to incorporate this practice into my own spiritual journey, if I decide to try it out later on.
If you’re looking for some general information about incorporating nature into your own practice, The Way of the Hedge Witch is a good addition to your library. Arin Murphy-Hiscock's expertise and passion shine through, making this book an indispensable guide for both beginners and experienced practitioners.
What are some of your favorite books for connecting with nature and following your own spiritual path?
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