monotheisticpagan

[monotheisticpagan]

Wampum. To be used in an ancestor communication ceremony.

#witchcraft #witch community #ancestor work #ancestry

[monotheisticpagan]

A Maine Folk Witch home protection.

Using feathers of local birds that dropped these in the yard and lilac from around the property.

#witchcraft #folk magick #witch community

[monotheisticpagan]

Where you can find my latest books.

#witchcraft #eclectic witch #author #witchcraft books

[monotheisticpagan]

My sincere apologies, yet it's time for a community vent.

Currently the witchcraft community is seeing a surge in things mentioned by influencers being bought up or becoming increasingly expensive.

One of the ingredients in my current plans for an upcoming ritual oil has been spoken about and stock is already declining.

I can make due. It is three weeks before I have disposable income and it may not entirely run out.

The real issue with this I am concerned about is that copying an influencers apothecary, book likes, taste in items or similar items, to a fault, can take away from our own practices, and our qualities which make us unique, the very things essentially which make our practices our own.

No. I don't think it is as dramatic as all that per se or that these trends have achieved making us copies yet.

However I see nothing wrong with using the correspondences which have worked time and again for us.

That is not to say don't try something different or new.

It is a mere reminder that truly we should be ourselves.

#witchcraft #witch community #influencers

[monotheisticpagan]

When I first began practicing witchcraft in 1996 I had very little in the way of supplies. I used candles and cloth for most things.

Then I performed my first binding, which was the first spell of mine that did not work.

I moved into petition magick. Simple. They never worked at first. I had trouble with the idea of the spell not being fancy enough. I was young.

In 2018 I began petition work again. I didn't have much. Things I wanted to manifest were coming to me rather quickly. I was well over needing anything to be fancy.

My altar had a few things from local shops, but most of what I set it up with came from a dollar store.

I began to work with candles more.

Today I work with a few more crystals, I have gotten new cards, my oracle decks were all stolen a number of year's ago, and I have a little more spending money.

But for the first 15 years plus of my practice, I literally used what I had around me.

Witchcraft isn't about the tools, the oils, the crystals, or other goodies.

While they can be nice to have. They don't make the witch.

#witchcraft #budget witchcraft #witchcraft supplies

[monotheisticpagan]

Elephant Carving Good Luck Jar

Items

Jar with lid.

Blue adventure elephant carving.

Blue and pink bachelor buttons, dried.

2 dried dandelion flowers.

One dried pink zinnia flower.

Snowflake obsidian.

Blue rose quartz. 

Add the items to the jar taking care to place the elephant upright and decorating around it. 

Charge with your energy. Keep this jar in the home to attract good luck. Look upon it fondly. 

#witchcraft #spellwork #magick #jar spells

[monotheisticpagan]

My rabbit fur altar cloth is finished. Sewn in a patch work pattern. I machine sewed together six hides and opted to keep them natural.

#witchcraft #hedge witch #folk witchcraft #folk magick

[monotheisticpagan]

Witch's money topical and oral tincture

Medicinal quality: Reduces swelling, and alleviates inflammation.

Intention: Prosperity. 

Into a pan of water add witch's money bag leaves and spearmint leaves. Boil the water on the stovetop. When boiling bring down to a simmer. Gather lidded bottles. After simmering allow the herbal water to cool. Unlid your bottles when the water cools, and pour the water into the bottles taking care to pour only twenty five percent of the water into each bottle. Next, add 75 percent of vegetable glycerin to each bottle. 

Mix the liquid in the bottles by moving the bottles in your hand left to right letting the liquid muddle slowly. Do this preferably about 100 times.

Store these in the fridge or another cool dark place. 

When ready to apply, as swelling goes down or inflammation alleviates, visualize that luck and prosperity increases. 

For inflammation not caused by wounds, such as joint inflammation, take one milliliter of the tincture orally two times daily. As you take the drops visualize prosperity and luck coming to you in the form you want. 

#witchcraft #hedge witch #green witch

[monotheisticpagan]

A word on local plants

Questions to ask oneself while foraging local plant ingredients.

Have I correctly identified this plant?

Is this plant toxic to handle?

Avoid handling too much if the plant irritates you or at all if it is something which can be highly toxic to handle. Some plants people can be sensitive to, such as bittersweet nightshade can actually cause hallucinations or convulsions merely by handling. This I have seen for myself.

Does this plant have magickal properties and uses? What are they?

Do they have qualities that can be utilized in magick such as thorns, pods, or fronds?

Further are they sticky?

What are their medicinal properties?

Do they go by other names? What are some of their folk names? Could these indicate magickal uses?

Further, what is their personal folklore and symbolism? Which traditions use these plants and in what way?

What are the care instructions for the plant in case you'd like to grow some or help care for those you find?

Where are the plants commonly found growing? Is this a hedgerow? A field? A roadside?  This indicates the typical plant life you will find in this particular area. Many plants which grow in hedgerows for example will occupy similar space. This can allow one to walk along a roadside and have an idea what plants are likely to be found there.

Are the plants and flowers edible? Importantly which parts of the plant are edible and which are not? Many plants have certain parts that are edible and other parts which should not be ingested. This is important if you plan to ingest an edible part of a plant. If a flower is edible, but the stem should not be ingested, make certain to completely separate the flower and the flower only.

It took over 27 years for me to learn the importance of this, but make no mistake about it, it is important.

Is the plant, flower or wood safe for burning?

Further considerations

It is advisable not to trespass or otherwise infringe while out identifying and harvesting local plants. Follow local laws and keep yourself and others safe.

It isn't the best idea to walk a few feet into the yard with lilacs while the pitbull is out barking. I wouldn't advise it even if he's not.

As well to consider there are reserves in places to protect the land and species in some areas.

There is a reserve in the town of Kennebunk Maine where I highly advise not to disrupt any plant life there. Most definitely, do not harvest from such areas.

When harvesting plants be certain not to harvest all of one thing such as leaves, flowers, etc. This can be detrimental to the further propagation and growth of a plant.

Only harvest a small amount and keep your harvesting impact to a minimum. 

#hedge witch #green witch #witchcraft #plantmagic

[monotheisticpagan]

An upcoming project I have planned is to source some rabbit pelts, and pick up a couple fabric dyes.

I intend to make an altar cloth by sewing the hides.

Some I intend to keep the natural coloring and others I may dye.

#hedge witch #witchcraft #folk magick

[monotheisticpagan]

Photograph: Featured here is Flower Circle and Night Owl. 

Magickal body oils

Some things to consider when making body oils.

What are the skin benefits of the non toxic plants you are using?

Do any of the plants you intend to use irritate the skin in any way? Some plants are capable of irritating the skin such as Prairie Fleabane, which can cause mild dermatitis. 

Are any of the plants you intend to use toxic or poisonous? Do not use toxic or poisonous plants ever on the skin. The skin absorbs anything put on it, such as, lotions, balms, and oils. Never use harmful substances in skin or body oils. 

Do not use any plant, herb, or flower that you are allergic to. 

After rinsing jars or bottles for making your oils, make certain the container is completely dry. Using a container with water on the inside, will result in molding botanicals. To increase the shelf life of the oil, make certain there is no water mixed with your base oil. 

Always seek the advice of a medical professional. Some herb and plant material can interact with medications. Bring up any concerns you have with your primary care physician. 

Discontinue use of any product which irritates the skin or that which you have any reaction to.

Remember if you want a product with less plant matter that you can strain your oil. First let the herbs stay in the oil in indirect sunlight for a few weeks to infuse the oil. This is the folk method of infusing botanical oils. 

There are safe ingredients you can use to color your oils to make them more appealing.

Mica powders are safe for cosmetic use to color your oils.  

Scent: Flower Circle

Half a blend of botanicals and fragrance oils,with a touch of rose and ritual, this oil is perfect for the green, hedge, or fae witch.

Intention: Love. Botanicals used relate in symbolism to loving intentions.

Medicinal Qualities: Soothes and softens skin, while reducing lines and wrinkles.

Ingredients:

Base oil.

Banded Agate.

Rose petals.

Three Virginia spiderwort petals.

Witch's money bag leaves.

Rose garden and white musk fragrance oil.

Five petals of narrow leaf sundrop, or Evening Primrose.

This blend was foraged locally from the yard of this hedge witch. Every medicinal and magickal ingredient was fully researched and lovingly dried and added to the base oil. This is an oil, that as I write this, I am preparing myself.

Using rose to soften skin and narrow leaf sundrop to reduce wrinkles this is a great oil for the intention of love. Magick and medicine are combined in hedge witch fashion. 

Scent: Night Owl

Magickal body oil

Intention: Protection.

Medicinal qualities: Relaxation, and helps alleviate sinus issues. 

With touches of night and campfire ritual this is a great oil for personal protection. 

Ingredients

Base oil

Snowflake obsidian

Dried purple lilac flower

Dark amethyst fragrance

Fire amber fragrance

White musk fragrance

Dried spearmint leaves

With this particular oil I like to energetically link it to a full moon cycle. It begins to charge on a full moon and grows more potent until the end of the moon’s waning phase. Bringing in protection. 

Scent: Moon over India

Magickal body oil

Intention: Psychic development. Enjoy developing clair ability with this luxurious fragrance. 

Ingredients

Base oil.

Amethyst piece (optional).

Jasmine buds.

Moonlit path fragrance oil.

Nag champa fragrance oil. 

#witchcraft #hedge witch #green witch

[monotheisticpagan]

Introduction

A small cottage sits on the border of a little village.

Months pass and the cottage sees little in the way of visitors.

The Summer leaves vibrate and wave to and fro in the light breeze.

There is a knock. Once. Twice. A rapping sound, frantic. A call.

" Are you home? I am in need of a remedy."

What is hedge witchcraft? I have heard hedge witchcraft described as a blend of green witchcraft, astral projection, and cottage witchcraft.

I have heard it described as a blend of green witchcraft, kitchen witchcraft, and cottage witchcraft.

My interpretation of it is different.

It uses both the magickal and medicinal properties of plants. At least that is the method of plant work I have used within my hedge witchcraft practice.

There is an intuitive quality to it. Journey work tends to be under taken. This need not exactly be astral projection. This can include remote viewing as a way of gathering information and meditative journeying and trance work.

It can be used to aid the home and family and loved ones.

Yet it does involve the community.

I find in many of the descriptions of hedge witchcraft about, there is neglect in mentioning one of this crafts main points.

Remedies and healing methods to bring relief to those in our community, our families, and ourselves.

Magic And Medicine

Here I begin with an example of how medicinal remedies are included within magickal practice in a way that associates it with witchcraft.

Take a magical oil for example. A recent oil I am working on is an oil for the intention of love. It includes Rose petals. Rose has long held symbolism related to love, relationships and depending on the color lust.

This rose used is a dark, almost vampiric red.

Used on the body for love, sex, or lust magic this oil can be adapted medicinally to add a level itself to the intention.

In this particular oil, rose as well as other skin safe botanicals added, help to soften skin and reduce acne.

When embracing, and becoming close soft appealing skin is a benefit and further entices the embrace.

This is an example of a medicinal remedy for magickal use. It enhances the magic and corresponds well with the intention.

I share below another remedy used magickally to give further understanding.

Strawberry leaf tea for self love and relief of menstrual pressure.

Strawberry too is associated with love, relationships, and care. Think of exchanging chocolate covered strawberries with an adored partner.

Strawberry leaf tea can help to relieve pressure and cramping caused by menstruation.

Coupled with loving properties, magic and medicine mix to form a hedge witch spell and remedy.

In my own practice of hedge witchcraft this method of using plants for both magickal and medicinal properties is common.

I have been a bit naive when younger. I thought all those whom practiced hedge craft did this. I thought this because it was always my understanding of hedge craft.

A very natural practice that involved journeying and blending the medicinal and magickal properties of herbs and plants.

When I suffered a cold and had what I needed available I'd whip up a calming tea spell that relieved sore throat.

A mix of chamomile and spearmint.

Hedge witchcraft has been a combination of magic and medicine for me for a very long while.

Flight Or The Journey

Journeying, astral travel, or remote perceiving is just as much an integral part of hedge craft as is plants and their medicine and magic.

Methods include astral projection, meditative journey or trance, and remote perceiving to gather information.

These methods can be accomplished with research, practice, and time put in as with anything that can be learned.

I will not be giving exercises here as this articles main focus is to discuss aspects of this path, rather than it is a step by step guide. Perhaps I will consider a series of exercise articles in the future.

Instead, here I give examples of the types of journeying I practice to give the reader a better idea of what can be considered forms of astral travel.

Meditative journeying

I entered a state of visual meditation. I came upon a tree. I know this tree well. It is an orange tree that has entered my meditative space before. I've sat beneath her numerous times on my journeys here.

I entered a hole in her trunk this day and climbed upward. Up I went along a case of stairs. I got then to the middle of the trunk and walked into a room. A small den like atmosphere. In the corner atop seating and leaning against two small pillows I see an old man. He comes forward into the middle of the room and places down a mortar filled with water. He casts some type of plant or flower into the water and points. I look into the mortar and witness a series of images pertaining to current thoughts and interests that, in my absent mind, I had forgotten about.

This example is telling. The series of images seen in the water filled mortar were thoughts that were within my subconscious mind below the surface. I had completely forgotten about them, yet the visual trance work brought them back to the foreground.

This same visual exercise can be practiced by the reader, however I suggest, keeping an open and non expectant mind while peering into the water. Simply relax and see if anything happens.

Try not to hold expectation.

Remote perceiving with precognition

At home I sat, bored. I had an urge to spend a bit having recently received pay. The thrift shop nearby was closed. Still I wondered if it would be worth a trip the next day. I had an idea. Why not see if I could remote view what could be in the shop? Tickled at the idea I figured I'd give it a try. What is the worst that would happen? I'd see something and it wouldn't be there.

I entered my usual trance pose, normally just to sit wherever I am, and I closed my eyes. I entered the shop through the front door. I was then feeling slightly overwhelmed. Things looked incredibly realistic. I began by visualizing things within the store as they usually are. I was hit with the small store baskets for shopping first. Settled there where they usually are directly across from the door.

I looked over to my left to view the shelf that stands there and began to view the items sitting upon it. The usual candle holders. Etc.

I began down the small hall remembering there tends to be artwork there as I had been wanting to find a witchy art piece.

There against the wall was a small image. A full moon adorned with the view of gnarled tree branches. The branches dark, upon the stark white of the full moon.

Excited I decided to make a trip the next day.

The outcome of this visit was disappointing.

The art piece of the moon eluded me.

A few months pass by.

My niece stops by after a long period of not seeing her.

We sit and chat and she is bored and wants to do something. We decide that since on that day the metaphysical shop is closed to check out this thrift shop, see what we can get up to.

We pay a visit. We are browsing. The shop is chaotic. We are checking out different areas and things, when I get the urge to enter the front room on the left. I am pulled. An employee is standing in the hall where the artwork is, blocking the entrance to the front room. I inch closer, and closer, but no movement. I decide then to circle round and give another look at the other items while I wait.

At last I make it to the room at the front. I begin to browse, I look at a spot on the wall featuring small art pieces. I stand there still. I become anxious wondering why it is I am just starting at this spot on the wall. I look downwards becoming self conscious and there! There it is. A small handpainted canvas piece featuring the full moon in her glory obscured by dark, gnarled branches.

At check out the owner comments on it.

"That is really pretty." She said.  Then "Lucky you were able to get it. I was actually about to hang it up before you came in."

Remote viewing is my favorite and is generally my preferred form of astral travel.

Conclusion

I have seen hedge witchcraft described in many different ways and combinations as of late and the only real conclusion I can come to personally is that all of them can be accurate.

There is a slim chance you will find any four hedge witches practicing the same thing.

Many paths contain those personal methods, techniques, beliefs, and elements.

Hedge witchcraft is no different.

My journey methods may not be the same as another's and what each and every one of us sees will be different.

My herbal mixes, oils, and teas may not look like another's.

This is alright and dare I say preferred.

These are the elements that make our practices our own.

[monotheisticpagan]

Flock To Me Oil

An attraction oil made from flowers grown by this practitioner.

This recipe is relative to ingredients locally grown and obtained. It is my personal attraction oil recipe.

I recommend when making your oils to use plants that are safe that have particular meaning for you.

I use plants and flowers that are grown or identified and foraged locally.

I do not often purchase herbs at the metaphysical or natural foods store.

Flock To Me Oil

• Base Oil.

• Amber Resin.

• Phlox Flower.

#witchcraft #hedge witch #botanical #folk magick

[monotheisticpagan]

Road Opener Tea

Made with forsythia flower which bursts onto the scene for a short period of time in early Spring.

Forsythia representing opportunity and pushing through the cold months, removing obstacles makes for a wonderful ingredient to open roads.

For my road opener tea I stir to dissolve the sugar counter clockwise at first to remove obstacles. Then I stir clockwise to bring in opportunities.

I add a little milk.

To me forsythia tea tastes a little like fruity pebbles.

#witchcraft #hedge witch #tea magick #road opener

[monotheisticpagan]

I have set a periwinkle plant on top of an altar to passed human spirits. It is there to honor a child spirit.

In English folklore it is said periwinkle was often planted on children's graves.

In its magickal usage it protects from the dead.

It is carried to protect from wild animals and thieves.

It was often planted in yards as a form of house protection.

#witchcraft #spirit work #folk magic #folk magick

[monotheisticpagan]

My altar to the goddess Aine.

#deity work #altars #witchcraft

[monotheisticpagan]

Collected flowers for forsythia syrup to add to lilac tea.

#hedge witch #witchcraft #green witch