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The term hedgewitch, refers to one that stands between the worlds. Between the Earth plane and the Astral,
between civilization and the wild A hedgewitch is USUALLY solitary, RARELY working in groups, who normally specializes
in herbal magick. Shamanic customs are common and a quick flick through their grimore might reveal a large number
of healing spells, for people, animals and the Earth. Flying salves and ointments to help one travel to the Astral
will also be found here, but don't expect this witch to cast a circle, have specialized tools, or worry about ritual,
for this is not the hedgewitch style.
Hedgewitchery is a path, usually within the traditional path of witchcraft, Psychotropic herbs and mushrooms
were belived to have been used (still sometimes are) to achieve a trance state, compared to those who use blood
control and dancing to achieve the same desire.
By looking at the word “hedgewitch,” we can learn that it comes from the Saxon word for witch“haegtessa”
which translates to “hedge-rider.” The Old Norse lay Havamal refers to “hedge-riders, witching
aloft.”
In physical terms, it was the hedge that separated the town from the wilderness. Crossing the hedge was considered dangerous,
due to the fact that the forest was regarded as a locus of uncanny happenings including witchcraft. To the hedgewitch and
witches alike, the hedge was not thought to be a physical boundary but a mental barrier to be crossed in trance work. It is
the line you have drawn between what is “this world” and the “next” and between what is “reality”
and “dream." All the stories you hear of witches flying off on brooms "to the sabbat" or to Venusberg Mountain are,
according to the book, true--to a point. The Hedgewitch supposedly would anoint her besom, pitchfork, goat, distaff, or bread
paddle, place it between her legs so that the ointment could enter her body, and "off" she went.
Other names for hedge-riders are “myrk-rider,” “Wyrd-rider,” and “Gandreidh
(wand-rider)
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