HedgeWitch (7 page)

The Basics of HedgeWitchery

In this section, you are learning the basic building blocks of the mental aspects of HedgeWitch magick. Here's a “remember” list with a few additional tips:

1. Always connect to Spirit first. By Spirit I mean that which you believe runs the universe. Some call it the source, others God or Goddess, or both, or neither, or whatever, or lots of names with particular influences from different pantheons. The details don't matter —what matters is that you believe in a greater power. As everyone's needs for and in spiritual connection are different, there isn't any
one
right belief. What you believe is right for you as long as it doesn't purposefully hurt anyone. Power “over” in anything will bring you a whole lot of hurting in the end. Power “within” is the ultimate vehicle of success. (The universe does not take kindly to negative beliefs, thoughts, or actions.) Warning: Be careful that the beliefs of others don't inhibit you; conversely, don't shove your beliefs on others (it lessens your own personal power). Believe that you will receive, and it will be so.

2. Start and end everything, and I mean
everything
, with a smile! Smiling raises your personal vibrational level, moving you toward the essence of the universe, which is pure joy. The magick key of the universe that opens the door to every opportunity is a simple, sincere smile.

3. Learn to speak the true language of the universe! The source of all things has its own language: basically, nouns and verbs that focus on the attraction of any given thing. The All doesn't acknowledge the rules of grammar as humans have made them. Instead, we must learn to think and speak in a simple, fundamental syntax when focusing on our desires. Stick with nouns and verbs to begin. For example: “I want cookies.” The words “I” and “cookies” are nouns. “Want” is the verb. Then, embellish carefully. “I want chocolate chip cookies.” More? “I want delicious, freshly baked chocolate chip cookies.” Remember, by using primal language, we condense our desire into a translation that the universe will understand.

4. Visualize yourself absolutely delighted with what you want, which should produce a smile, which raises your personal vibrational level, which brings the thing faster. If you need something right away, be happy!

5. You must ensure that your conscious and subconscious beliefs about the issue are in agreement. If they do not agree, then your transmission to the universe will either be changed in a way you didn't desire or will not manifest at all.

6. Nothing can grow if there isn't space. You can't receive if you've blocked the door and bolted the gate. For every specific thing that you want, whether it is healing, money, a new job, or a great relationship, let go of anything that inhibits the flow of what you desire. If you start listing a bunch of excuses, you've just lost
big time
. No magick elf presents for you! Allow change.

7. While you are waiting for what you desire, focus your attention on positive aspects in your life. Allow new and different energies to keep you occupied, rather than worrying or fretting about what you don't have. Instead, learn to honor what you do have (or had), and go from there. When we are legitimately grateful, we bring closure to any situation and allow fresh, new experiences to energize our lives. And always remember to say thank you!

Entering the World
of HedgeWitchery

Most traditional spellwork and ritual form a mental vehicle to help you communicate your desires to the universe. Such practices keep the mind busy and centered in a positive place, freeing you to fully accept that which you desire. Spells and rites of worship encourage you to connect with the source of the universe smoothly, without interruption. They require a time and place for you to specifically plug in and turn on, raising your vibratory level for your ultimate success. Adding physical objects to a spell or ritual (flowers, candles, gems, stones, shells, ribbons, food offerings, herbs, etc.) provides vibrational benefits designed to keep you focused on your intent. Incorporating sound (music) and aroma (incense or magickal oils) heightens the physical and mental experience, helping you to shift easily into the primordial language of the universe. These things can assist you to form a more open dialog with Spirit, simply because they make you feel good. And when you feel good, miracles can happen!

Totem Representations

You may also wish to collect images of the HedgeWitch totem representations for your personal altar. If these totems don't suit you, simply change them to what you feel best matches your needs and personality.

The Praying Mantis of Wisdom
—South

The Butterflies of Communication
—East

The Toads of Luck and Prosperity
—West

The Bats of Earth's Center
—North

The Serpent of Wisdom
—Sacred Center

These totem representations were chosen in direct association with organic gardening. Each brings vibrational benefits as well as prevents pests from destroying your work.

Traditional Colors

I've chosen a set of traditional colors for the practice of HedgeWitchery; however, if this doesn't interest you, that's just fine. If you feel the recommended colors are too dark for your taste, you may wish to employ floral colors and patterns in your HedgeWitchery work. Traditional colors are usually used in candleburning magick, in ritual garments, on altar cloths, etc.

Black—
for the earth and the birth of all things

Green—
for the lifeblood of the vegetation we employ and the growth we accomplish

Gold—
for the light of Spirit, the sunlight that nurtures our craft, and to remind us to look up to the stars with our hopes and dreams rather than focusing on what we do not have

White—
for the energy of the nourishing waters of Spirit and of the liquid that sustains us and the herbs of our study

You may also desire to fashion a robe or other ritual garment in the HedgeWitch color scheme. Those who have gone through the training here wore a green garment with gold and black trim or a gold and black sash, or a white garment with green, gold, and black trim or a green, gold, and black sash. You may wish to embroider the Sacred Serpent of Wisdom (shaped like a figure eight) or perhaps your personal signature herb or flower on one item of your ritual wear. (Note: You will choose your HedgeWitch signature herb the first night and work with this plant throughout your fourteen-day experience.) In HedgeWitchery, your creativity is encouraged and deemed highly important. Wear what you desire. Your HedgeWitch experience can be as formal or eclectic as you like!

Simple Formula for HedgeWitch
Spellwork, Prayer, and Meditation

1. Go to the still point. This means relax, close your eyes, take several deep breaths, and let nothing fill your mind. Be at peace. In your mind, surround yourself with white light.

2. Next, be grateful for something—anything. Say out loud what you are thankful for. These things do not have to be in line with your intent. By being thankful, you will lift your spirits.

3. Align yourself with Spirit. Shift into nature, and it is easy to touch that-which-runs-the-universe. Be grateful for this moment of peace and inner pleasure.

4. Say: “There is one power, which is within and without” (and mean it). This statement means that you acknowledge your magnificent connection with Spirit, and that together you are one.

5. State, in language as simple as possible, precisely what you want. Say the same exact statement three times, slowly and with meaning.

6. Say: “It always works! Always a blessing!” This means that you believe, consciously and subconsciously, that you will receive what you desire.

7. In your mind, see yourself having what you want, and smile.

8. Say thank you, and smile again.

This simple format can be used within a longer ritual or alone for spellworking or as a simple rite, meditation, or prayer format. It works both for group and solitary use.

Personal Cleansing

Before any rite or ritual of dedication or initiation, the seeker is normally required to undergo a body cleansing—a bath or shower to remove all negativity, both physical and spiritual. It is suggested that before you undertake each phase of this dedication, you practice the time-honored tradition of cleansing to reap the most benefits on your spiritual journey. Sections 4 and 5 of this book contain several formulas for soaps, cleansers, salts, etc., that can be used in your personal and environmental cleansing activities.

Remember, you can choose to work through the HedgeWitchery guide in fourteen days or take your time and elongate the process to fourteen weeks—it's your decision.

Are you ready?

Then let's go!

*remember to
smile
!!!

The Five I's of Manifestation

I thank you... (puts you in direct alignment
with Spirit)

I want... (be clear and use primal language)

I believe...(both consciously and subconsciously)

I release... (any negative patterns, behaviors, or thoughts)

I receive... (be ready to receive what you
wanted!)

[contents]

Section 1

Nature

section