Walking the Hedge

So if we strip Hedgecraft right down to its basic elements, what makes a Hedgewitch a Hedgewitch?

The basic fundamentals of Hedgecraft would be (in my humble opinion):

A deep respect, even reverence, for Nature and the Earth

The practice of folk (low) magick

Shamanic practice, such as soul flight and journeying in the otherworlds

The use of trance inducing herbs is a very traditional part of Hedgecraft (and possibly the oldest tradition within Hedgecraft) When hedgewitches do use such practices, it is common to do so with a friend or group to keep an eye on them.

The practice of some form of healing (herbalism, crystal healing, massage therapy, midwifery, shamanic etc)

Being drawn to the borders between civilization and the wild, a love for rural and/or natural places.

Wildcrafting & Wortcunning. Magickal herbalism

Being something of an outsider or misfit, or just a different or eclectic personality

A simple, practical and individualized style of ritual and spellwork that is spontaneous and Nature inspired

Working with (or working for) plants and/or animals

A (usually) solitary or family-based practice that is community-minded

Working with Nature spirits and other entities such as ancestor spirits, elementals, totems etc

Blending both old and new traditions into a workable modern practice

Working and living in tandem with the cycle of the seasons and the rhythms of Nature (or striving to, anyways)

Studying and gaining an understanding of the natural world

The study of folklore, healing and magickal traditions

The study of traditional witchcraft and folk magick

Related posts:

1. Some Topics of Study for a Hedgewitch
2. What the Heck is a Hedgewitch Anyways?
3. Learning Hedgecraft