Hedgecraft & Herbalism

These two Ancient healing arts compliment each other, both in methodology and orgin. They both rely on nature, specifically plants and sound vibrations for healing. In ancient times individuals that practiced Hedgecraft and Herbalism were revered, and often sought after for medical, and spiritual relief. Names given to such a practicioner would be Shaman, Medicine Man, Mystic Healer, Witch, Wizard, and/or Wise Man/Woman. One who practices Hedgecraft today is known as a Hedgewitch, and one who practices Herbalism is called an Herbalist.

Hedge is often thought of as the ‘edge’ or border of something, which is proper for the practice, due to the fact that the “Hedger” will be using eclectic means to heal, which are beyond the normal boundaries of western medicine. For instance one of the methods of the Hedgewitch would be a constant drumming that induces altered states that are required for the healing, which can sometimes open the door as to speak to other realms or possibilities beyond the Hedge or borderline of reality, which is known as “crossing the Hedge.” This type of magical healing also has an earth based center through Herbalism, Which is another reason why they both compliment each other. The shaman based Hedgecraft can take you to new heights spiritually and renew life force energy.

Herbalism can help cleanse your bodies system and help ground you in preparation, during, and after a Hedgewitch has worked on you. Guided by the spirits of nature most Hedgewitches choose to use Herbalism in their practice, but not all will choose that path. Others choose to use mostly energy and symbols such as used in Reiki. The adept Hedgewitch would probably agree that Herbalism is essential to energy practice, and the Hedger choosing against it, is definitely missing out. Plants in their own rite have been of use to mankind in the healing arts. A good Hedger will know plants so well they can spot a species in the wild. Sadly today there is a stigma on the word “witch” so there are not many men involved in the movement. Some things die hard, yet we have come a long way from burning witches at the stake!