A Hedgewitch is a witch who practices both wortcunning and hedge jumping, that is, she has knowledge and skills about herbs and also astral projection.
Many hedge witches also accumulate a great deal of wisdom about the natural world in general, particularly their local ecology. Hedge witches often practice divination as well and act as an intermediary between the spirit or astral realms and the material realm.
A hedgewitch is similar to a shaman in many ways but there is no central hedgewitch tradition, and most hedgewitches are both solitary and eclectic in their practice.
A hedge, from the Old English haeg which is obviously related to hag defines the physical boundary between spaces, between a “civilized” garden and the wilderness, between life and death and between worlds. The primary skill of a hedgewitch navigating the hedges.
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Origins and cultural background
Hedgewitches can come from any cultural background, but the majority seem to be of European origin. This means that most Hedgewitches base their traditions on the folk folklore of the ancient Celts, Vikings, Romans, Greeks, Slavs, Anglo-Saxons, and so on.
Most Hedgewitches follow their bloodlines for inspiration and knowledge. However, some come from distant traditions and cultures.
Some may want to learn about other cultures to better understand their own lineage, which will also give them a great deal of respect for other traditions.
Hedgewitches are not opposed to studying modern traditions, and it is very important to them to bridge the gap between the old and the new.
Blending old traditions with modern-day life in a practical and easily implementable way is a goal of Hedgecraft.
Who is a Hedgewitch?
A Hedgewitch is a person with shamanic qualities, capable of traveling between the material and spiritual worlds (“riding the hedge”).
They are solitary figures, often on the fringes of society, who act as healers, fortune tellers, and keepers of folk wisdom.
Hedgewitches work with:
- Herbs and ointments, such as flying ointments.
- Divination and spells, including for healing, protection, or cursing.
- Nature spirits, familiar spirits, ancestors, and the “Mighty Dead.”
- Shamanic techniques: drumming, meditation, trance.
- They prefer spontaneous, intuitive practice to formal rituals, and often work in natural environments.
Origin of the term
The term “Hedgewitch” is a modern one, coined in the United Kingdom in the 20th century.
It derives from the symbolic concept of the “hedge” as a boundary between worlds.
There are variations such as Hedge-rider, Night traveler, Murk-Rider, Gandreidh (wand rider), or Walker on the Wind.
Role in the community
Traditionally, Hedgewitches lived outside the village, not only physically but also socially. They were healers, seers, and witches, often feared and respected.
They served the community while remaining distant, bringing uncomfortable truths and magical or spiritual aid.
Historical Example: Biddy Early
Biddy Early was a famous Irish healer who used herbs, spells, and a magic bottle to see the future. She was accused of witchcraft, but never convicted due to popular support.
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Distinction from Other Witches
Unlike the Kitchenwitch, Greenwitch, or Hearthwitch, the Hedgewitch is more inclined to external, shamanic, and solitary work. It is a “calling” received from the spirits and often involves living “between the worlds.”
Life and Spirituality of a Hedgewitch
A Hedgewitch lives a personal, often pagan, spirituality based on respect for nature and her spiritual lineage. She may live in the countryside, on farms, or in direct contact with woods and fields.
The Hedgewitch blends everyday life and magic: there is no separation between the sacred and the profane. Her practice is natural, free, instinctive, and highly individual.
She walks in the caol ait (liminal space), especially on sacred days such as Samhain.
Conclusion
The Hedgewitch is a solitary figure, intuitive and deeply connected to nature and the spiritual world. She lives on the margins, both physically and symbolically, crossing the boundaries between worlds to heal, protect and guide.
Her craft is personal, spontaneous and rooted in direct experience: a living magic, which unites the everyday with the sacred in every gesture.
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I’m having a relationship with a hedge witch and I’m wondering what my life is going to be like. Do I have to do things in order to be something to with my life to try to embrace it
Witches are people who do certain things. All of us have completely different lives, so you can’t really generalize what your life is going to be like. You should ask them.
Dont stress it, just sit down and have an honest conversation. Ask questions and be open to learning and experiencing things. Life is about to get interesting.