The Magickal Cottage

Taking further inspiration from the whimsical water colors of Regan Ralston, let’s travel outside the witches’ cottage to the realms of the green witch and hedge witch.

As I mentioned in the last post, it’s possible to possess the traits of more than one kind of witchy aesthetic, and in many cases the lines between two or more paths might be a bit blurred. So it is with the green and hedge witch; so I will try to point out the main differences between the two.

The Green Witch

So, putting it bluntly, the green witch is an “herb head”. As they walk down the street they peer over peoples’ fences to see what’s growing . If you go hiking with them they will know the names of most of the plants along the path. If another green witch accompanies them they may even argue over a plants Latin or common name. But the arguing is all in good fun. To the green witch, plants are fun!

The green witches’ home may be filled with house plants and pots of soil containing their latest plant propagation projects. And a green witch doesn’t have a “dream home”; they have a “dream garden”. Not only does this witch know the names of LOTS of plants, but they know the plants’ magickal and medicinal properties as well. Got a problem? The green witch has a tea for that!

I know one green witch whose entire kitchen has been taken over by bottles and containers of her witchy brews. I mean, it’s jam packed with herbal vinegars and herbal infusions and herbal everything……It’s so cool!!!

The green witch may be an active environmentalist and/or they will send energy to planet earth and all its creatures on a daily basis. They truly understand the term, “Mama Gaia”. They connect with nature and feel their best when they can go on a hike out in nature in every season.

They love essential oils! They’re from plants, right? So picking just one for the green witch would be hard. Something herb-ally smelling like rosemary oil or thyme oil might get their attention. They probably place clear quartz crystals in and around their flower pots, but moss agate, malachite and green aventurine would inspire them as well.

I’ve just touched on some points about this green path. Want to explore green witchcraft even further? Here are a couple of book suggestions to get you started:

The Hedge Witch

In the British Isles much of the farmland is separated by plantings of hedgerows. Inside of the hedgerow was considered a safe place to be after dark for humans and livestock. Traveling beyond the hedge was considered risky. The term “hedge witch” comes from the practice of “flying beyond the hedge” which refers to astral journeying. This can be done with or without the aid of mind altering substances. The hedge witch shares this practice with those we call shamans or shamanic practitioners. The purpose of the astral journey is to gain spiritual knowledge and answers to pressing questions. This practice is what distinguishes a hedge witch.

The hedge witch does everything with intent and they enjoy their little daily rituals. So if you see an individual having a conversation with a noisy crow, or you observe them saying “goodbye, see you later” to their house as they exit the front door, they might be a hedge witch.

That individual might also be wearing practical walking shoes (none of those black, pointy toed Halloween costume shoes!). And they might be carrying a walking stick and a backpack. They are going on a mystic hike! The hedge witch shares an interest in herbology with the green witch so they may be into foraging like their witchy green cousins.

If you happen to be lucky enough to accompany them on the hike, you may observe the hedge witch pause a moment to seemingly stare at nothing. Then they will point their finger at a space under a bush and say, “There’s a lot of fae activity in there.”

Is the hedge witch loony? Some might say so, but if you understand the path of hedge witchery you will get that this person has decided to challenge the mediocre concept of reality to explore other realms. The hedge witch dares to follow their own path and enjoys keeping their own company. Sounds pretty admirable to me! BTW, if they have invited you to come on a hike with them, you may have what it takes to be a hedge witch. They just know things! That’s why you were invited to come. 😉

The hedge witch may enjoy the scent of oak moss oil or pine oil and fir tree oils. Think “trees“. They may make their own incense and can come up with some original blends to burn while in a dream state. Their best stones will be those they found out in nature. They can be lucky this way. They may find some gorgeous agates and moon stones, and I know one hedge witchy lady who found a good sized crystal point on one of her hikes

There’s lots more to know about being a hedge witch so here are a couple of books to nudge you along past the hedge:

Let me know what you think about these two paths of the green and hedge witch. Do either of them resonate with you? Tell me in the comments!

Herbal Blessings,

SARINA