Becoming a Hedgewitch: Part 1

Last year I decided to bite the bullet and take up something I have always wanted to do but never quite got around to.
I decided I was going to become my very own version on a Hedgewitch. I say "my version" as https://wiccanspells.info/wiccan-pagan-articles/hedge-witch/ 
states that there is no one consensus as to the definition.

I am not:
- able to see into the future (much!)
- particularly in touch with the natural order of nature - but like most I can spot the seasons changing ;-)
- able to read cloud formations
- worshipping any kind of deity

I am:
- developing a broad knowledge of plants and herbs
- interested in the healing properties of plants and herbs
-a lover of folklore
- a creative thinker (even if my skills don't always enable me to follow through with ideas)

I suppose I align myself more with the old crone of the village in times gone by. A wise woman maybe a more flattering picture (whatever cap fits!).

So, inspired in no small way  by Claire Beauchamp Randall Fraser (Outlander - a whole other post and obsession!!) I bought some seeds, bought a couple of cheap greenhousey things, cleared space and planted up a variety of herbs)

Lesson One: Claire Fraser, being a character in a book (and therefore not real) had a lot of help from the research of the author (Diana Gabaldon). Seeds grow and need tending, watering and planting on. I am not Claire Fraser.

I managed to grow a few of the more "special herbs" (as opposed to mint, parsley and basil). So, Common Mallow, Borage, Feverfew, Tansy, Hyssop, Comfrey, Lemon balm and Calendula all made it. Sadly St John's wort and a few others didn't. By this point I'm feeling rather pleased with my efforts.

Late in the summer last year I started watching You Tube videos with a vengenace and reading what I could about how to dry herbs, make salves, infusions, decoctions, tinctures etc etc. Bought a dehydrator, a whole raft of containers, bribed husband to design me a logo and print me some labels and got to work making lotions and potions.
Here is a link to my Youtube playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGLODbs5K_U2baFLu3F05mnhzejgoU-s9

Books I found helpful:
Culpepper Guides: How to Grow Herbs by Ian Thomas
The Complete Book of Herbs: a practical guide to growing herbs by Lesley Bremness in association with the National Trust



Lesson two: This back to nature lark is getting a tad expensive - but it's for a good cause - anything sold will go towards donations to monthly nominated animal charity.

You feel a deep connection to nature. You have a broad knowledge of plants and herbs. You’re interested in the healing qualities of plants and herbs, and you love digging around in the garden. You are a great communicator. You prefer to perform healing spells over others. You love folklore, and your secret hobby is adding new ideas to the mix. You simply love being outdoors, wrapped by grass, trees and animals.

Read more: https://wiccanspells.info/wiccan-pagan-articles/hedge-witch/

 Lotions and potions duly made - Part 2 coming soon........

You feel a deep connection to nature. You have a broad knowledge of plants and herbs. You’re interested in the healing qualities of plants and herbs, and you love digging around in the garden. You are a great communicator. You prefer to perform healing spells over others. You love folklore, and your secret hobby is adding new ideas to the mix. You simply love being outdoors, wrapped by grass, trees and animals.

Read more: https://wiccanspells.info/wiccan-pagan-articles/hedge-witch/

You feel a deep connection to nature. You have a broad knowledge of plants and herbs. You’re interested in the healing qualities of plants and herbs, and you love digging around in the garden. You are a great communicator. You prefer to perform healing spells over others. You love folklore, and your secret hobby is adding new ideas to the mix. You simply love being outdoors, wrapped by grass, trees and animals.

Read more: https://wiccanspells.info/wiccan-pagan-articles/hedge-witch/

You feel a deep connection to nature. You have a broad knowledge of plants and herbs. You’re interested in the healing qualities of plants and herbs, and you love digging around in the garden. You are a great communicator. You prefer to perform healing spells over others. You love folklore, and your secret hobby is adding new ideas to the mix. You simply love being outdoors, wrapped by grass, trees and animals.

Read more: https://wiccanspells.info/wiccan-pagan-articles/hedge-witch/

You feel a deep connection to nature. You have a broad knowledge of plants and herbs. You’re interested in the healing qualities of plants and herbs, and you love digging around in the garden. You are a great communicator. You prefer to perform healing spells over others. You love folklore, and your secret hobby is adding new ideas to the mix. You simply love being outdoors, wrapped by grass, trees and animals.

Read more: https://wiccanspells.info/wiccan-pagan-articles/hedge-witch/