HedgeWitch (8 page)

The HedgeWitch Guide
to Personal Empowerment

The HedgeWitch guide is separated into fourteen segments, each segment entitled a “night” because that is the time normally scheduled for the rite. Begin in the morning by reading the affirmation and the focus for the day. For example, the first night segment concentrates on wind, associating this energy with that of Spirit. Close your eyes, quiet your mind, smile, and allow Spirit to fully enter your body. Then repeat the word
wind
softly, conjuring your vision of wind in your mind. Open your eyes, and repeat the affirmation at least three times. Remember to smile as you finish! Throughout the day, repeat the affirmation as many times as you like. Begin and end with a smile. Write down in a small notebook anything unusual about this day and events, people, or places that carry a strong wind association for you.
In this way, you will be prepared to perform the first night ritual. Continue this process for the remaining segments.

Each segment also contains a “to do today” requirement. For example, the first night segment suggests that you choose a signature plant that you will continue to work with for the entire HedgeWitch experience. You will need to have a physical representation of this plant for the fourteenth segment (the dedication ceremony).

Each day requires that you release something negative, old, or worn from your life to make room for positive growth. You can't keep filling your life with new things without learning closure and releasing things that are no longer serviceable to you. For example, on the first day you will air out your house. Of course, what you get rid of is entirely up to you—what I have written is merely a suggestion. I realize that you are very busy, so if you miss a suggestion to release on a particular day or evening, try your best to fulfill this release sometime during the successive days (and definitely before the final ceremony).

Each “night” focuses on a set of herbs that, through correspondence, match the rite's energy intent. If you cannot find these herbs, substitutions are recommended. To find these substitutions, surf the Net (there is a compendium of information there on magickal herbal correspondences) or use
Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs
.

Your magick key:
Each sequence encourages you to draw a personal sigil, or symbol, that represents the focus of that day. This is done during the ritual sequence and relies on your observations throughout the day. You can make the symbol as simple or elaborate as you desire. Once you have completed the HedgeWitch sequence, you will have fourteen powerful “keys,” or gateways, that you can use in any type of working. Because you have designed the symbol yourself, it will have great meaning to you. In the future, you can use this symbol in candle magick, on petitions, to embroider on clothing, to place in conjuring bags, etc. Only you will know what this symbol stands for, thereby making the significance that much greater. When all the symbols are completed, you can begin mixing them together like bind runes, experimenting with how they will work best for you.

A recommendation:
Keep a HedgeWitch journal as you progress through these rites. It doesn't have to be fancy. When I teach the HedgeWitch course, my students use a simple composition book that they decorate with colorful papers, stamp art, glitter, dried herbs—whatever suits their fancy. Your journal will contain your dreams over the next fourteen days, any unusual experiences you may have, the HedgeWitch sigils you create, thoughts, insights, and so on. Writing a great deal is not necessary—jotted notes will do, as this record is only for you.

Can I reorder the rites?
Yes, you can reorder the first eleven rites as they might suit you; however, please be aware that some of the rites use materials presented in rites preceding it. If you plan to reorder your ceremonies, be sure to take this into consideration and jot down necessary adjustments. For example, if you experience a wonderful rainstorm or thunderstorm early in the sequence of days, you may wish to take advantage of the weather and work the Rite of Rain or the Rite of Thunder.

First Night

Your affirmation for today:
I am always connected to Spirit. Spirit fulfills my every need and my every desire. I know that Spirit lives within me.

Your symbol for today:
the wind

Begin your day:
Begin in the morning by reading the affirmation for the day. Today's segment concentrates on wind, associating this energy with that of Spirit. Close your eyes, quiet your mind, smile, and allow Spirit to fully enter your body. Then repeat the word
wind
softly, conjuring your vision of wind in your mind. Open your eyes, and repeat the affirmation at least three times. Remember to smile as you finish! Throughout the day, repeat the affirmation as many times as you like. Begin and end with a smile. Write down in a small notebook (or your HedgeWitch journal) anything unusual about this day and events, people, or places that carry a strong wind association for you. In this way, you will be prepared to perform the first night Rite of Wind.

To do today:
Choose your signature plant/herb/flower. It may be your favorite, or it could be a particular plant with a special meaning to you. You may wish to spend a little time surfing the Net, or visit a bookstore or library to read all about the plant you have chosen. Remember that you will need a physical representation of your choice. If you already have it growing in your garden, that's great! If not, you might visit a local nursery, the grocery store, or shop on the Net. If you are already familiar with the plant's wild location out-of-doors, a short trip to collect it might be in order. The physical plant can be dried, but you may wish to obtain a living one to forge a better connection.

Today I will release…
all unpleasant odors in my home! I will open windows and air out stuffy areas and stagnant air. I will burn scented candles or use air fresheners to keep my home smelling pleasant and fragrant. If I own a vehicle, I will clean it out, removing all trash and junk that has collected there. If I have time, I will take it to be washed. If not, I will reserve this task to be completed before I have finished this fourteen-day HedgeWitch guide.

Weekly planner:
If you are spending a week on this rite, look through Sections 4 and 5 of this book and choose one or more projects, techniques, or formulas that you feel relates to spiritual cleansing, and make those items. In this way, you will begin to build your HedgeWitch magickal cabinet of supplies.

Herbs for today:
lavender, rosemary, chamomile, lemon verbena, lemongrass

Supplies for tonight:
your magick key, incense, small bowl of spring water, a white candle, a representation of your signature herb (just the word or a picture will do for this evening), cleansing herbal mix (see recipe, page 52), cotton conjuring bag or small net bag to hold herbal mix, mortar and pestle to grind herbs if you are not using fresh herbs, paper (on which to draw your wind sigil), pen, pin to inscribe the white candle

Rite of Wind

Light incense. Pass over working area. Place the representation of your magick key (see Section 1) near your other supplies for this night. Smile. Close your eyes, and envision yourself surrounded by white light. Take thirteen slow, even breaths, inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth. When you feel relaxed, open your eyes, smile, and repeat today's affirmation three times. Smile again.

Cleansing Herbal Mix

Combine equal amounts of:

Lavender

Rosemary

Chamomile

Lemon Verbena

Lemongrass

—If using fresh ingredients, no need to grind.

Loosely grind a small amount (about ½ teaspoon) of cleansing herbal mix with mortar and pestle. The ingredients for this mix are lavender, rosemary, chamomile, lemon verbena, and lemongrass. If you are using fresh herbs, you won't need to grind them. Place herbal mixture in a cotton conjuring bag or white piece of cloth tied with white string. Hold your hands over the bag, smile, and breathe deeply. Now, repeat the following conjuration:

Sunlight to activate

Moonlight to blend
Spirit to bring the power to cleanse

Touch of wind!

Hold your hands over a bowl of spring water, smile, close your eyes, and breathe deeply, remembering to allow yourself to become one with Spirit. Say: “Joy, peace, and perfection. Peace with the gods, peace with nature, peace within.” Smile.

Dip the bag of herbs in the water and sprinkle the water over your magick key (do not let the bag touch the key). Say: “Joy, peace, and perfection. Peace with the gods, peace with nature, peace within.” Smile.

Dip the bag back in the water and begin sprinkling on yourself (if the bag touches you, that's okay). Envision that all negativity you may be carrying around is lifted from you with gentle breaths of fresh air. Allow the winds of peace, healing, and harmony to circle about your mind and body. You may experience a tingling, a rush of energy, or simply pleasant and well-deserved peace. If you are having trouble releasing any unhappiness or fear, repeat the same conjuration you initially used to empower the water. You can sprinkle as much or as little of the water as you think you need. Throw the bag out when completed.

Note:
If you are doing this activity with more than one person, each individual should use water empowered only for them and a personal herb bag.

Say: “Thank you!” and smile.

On the white candle, inscribe the word
wind
with a pin, nail, or clay-inscribing tool. Place the candle in safe holder, and light. Intone the following charm:

Herbal magick, speak to me

Of wind and language in the trees

Of cleansing breath and harmony

Of balance, knowledge, destiny

Spirit power lies in me!

Face east, and hold the candle out in front of you. Slowly, so that you can fully experience the impact of your own words, say:

I seek the source

I breathe in the source

I connect completely with the source of all things

Peace with the gods

Peace with nature

Peace within.

Face south, continuing to hold the candle out in front of you, and repeat: “I seek the source …” Face west, slowly intoning the same conjuration, followed by the north. Stand still, close your eyes, and raise the candle out and above your head, and repeat the conjuration (“I seek the source, I breathe in the source …”) one last time. Lift your thoughts as you say this, and join the sea of peace flowing throughout the universe. You should feel refreshed and experience a glorious connection with the source of all things.

At this moment, clearly state your signature herb aloud and say why you have chosen this plant.

Note:
You need not begin with the east if this feels uncomfortable to you. Perhaps you've had previous training that places north as the source of all things. Or you could incorporate a bit of Spiritism, beginning with the west, moving across to the east, then down to the south, and up to the north. I would recommend against moving backwards, though, as this is a universal symbol of undoing, unless you really desire that type of energy in your life (which I wouldn't recommend for HedgeWitch work).

Quietly meditate for a few minutes on the meaning of wind in the life of a spiritual person and the necessity of connecting with the source at all times, even when we are tense, angry, sick, or unhappy (when this connection is most needed, but we often let our emotions overshadow this wonderful connection). You can close your eyes during this meditation, or you can simply sit outside and enjoy nature and take a walk in a field, by the beach, or in the woods. If you are having trouble with a jumble of thoughts, simply repeat any of the conjurations given so far or use the affirmation of this day. When you are finished, draw your personal sigil of the wind on the paper. Repeat the word
wind
as you lay your hand over the finished drawing. Smile. Say: “Thank you! It always works. This rite is finished. Always a blessing!” Remember to smile!

Allow the candle to burn completely, if you can. In your journal, dedicate at least one page to first night wind. Record any experiences that occurred today which you feel are relevant. Write about the rite and your feelings. Leave space to record your dreams from this night and a large-enough area to add more notes about the wind, your connection to Source/Spirit, or your new purpose in general that might unfold tomorrow. Redraw or place your wind sigil in your journal, and be sure to record your signature herb. Carry your magick key with you. Dispose of water, cold candle end, used incense, and wet herbal bag in a way that is comfortable to you.

Before you drift off to sleep, close this evening by saying:

Peace with the gods

Peace with nature

Peace within.

It always works.

Always a blessing.

Remember to smile!

Second Night

Your affirmation for today:
I carry the fire of profound creativity within me. I have access to the creative power of Spirit whenever I need it!

Your symbol for today:
fire

Begin your day:
If at all possible, begin this day by watching the sun rise. Using primordial language, as explained in Section 1, make a wish. Keep this wish to yourself; tell no one. Read the affirmation for the day. Today's segment concentrates on fire, associating this energy with that of creativity. Close your eyes, quiet your mind, smile, and allow Spirit to fully enter your body. Then repeat the word
fire
softly, conjuring your vision of sacred fire in your mind. Open your eyes, and repeat the affirmation at least three times. Remember to smile as you finish! Throughout the day, repeat the affirmation as many times as you like. Begin and end with a smile. Write down in a small notebook (or your HedgeWitch journal) anything unusual about this day and events, people, or places that carry a strong fire association for you. In this way, you will be prepared to perform the second night Rite of Fire.

To do today:
Choose one small, creative project that you have always wanted to try but just never seemed to get around to doing. Use the primordial language of the universe to state what you want to do. Today, look for opportunities that might help you begin this little project. Find a small red box. Decorate it if you like, or leave it as is. This will become your HedgeWitch project box.

Today I will release…
all old photographs and memorabilia that remind me of negative events, people, and bad behavior. I will, if I can, burn all these items and repeat aloud my intention to remove these memories from my life. If I can't burn them, I will ... (you choose how you will dispose of them off your property).

Weekly planner:
If you are spending a week on this rite, look through Sections 4 and 5 of this book and choose one or more projects, techniques, or formulas that you feel relates to fire magick, passion, or inspiration, and make those items. One suggestion might be learning to make HedgeWitch candles (see Section 5).

Herbs for today:
dried (whole or powdered) cinnamon, hot peppers, galangal, cloves

Supplies for tonight:
above-listed herbs, one red candle, one red piece of felt (or a red envelope), red string, a lock of your hair, incense and holder, your red HedgeWitch project box, your HedgeWitch journal, pen, small piece of paper

Rite of Fire

Light incense. Pass over working area. Place the representation of your magick key (see page 48) near your other supplies for this night. Smile. Close your eyes, and envision yourself surrounded by white light. Take thirteen slow, even breaths, inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth. When you feel relaxed, open your eyes, smile, and repeat today's affirmation three times. Smile again.

Pick up the red candle and hold it with both hands. Smile. Close your eyes. Imagine the candle is filled with radiating light. Say: “Peace with the gods, peace with nature, peace within.” Smile. Open your eyes.

On the red candle, inscribe the word
fire
with a pin, nail, or clay-inscribing tool. Place the candle in the appropriate holder. Mix the cinnamon, hot peppers (just a tad), galangal, and cloves together. Sprinkle the herbs around the base of the candle. Put your magick key beside the candle and herbs. Light the candle, and hold your hands toward the candle and herbs. Intone the following charm:

Herbal magick, speak to me

Of fire! Passion! Creativity!

Of Spirit's gift of steady flow

And herbs of flame that make things go.

Thank you!

Meditate for a few minutes on the meaning of fire in the life of a spiritual person. Smile, and repeat today's affirmation as much as necessary, followed by the word
fire
. To conclude, chant the word
fire
several times, smile, and then open your eyes. Draw your personal fire sigil in your journal and on a small piece of paper. On the back of the small paper, write the project that you wish to begin. Place the paper on top of the felt square. Sprinkle the paper with some of the herbs from around the candle. Add a lock of your hair. Fold the felt toward you and then roll it toward you. Tie it with the red string. Place the rolled felt in your red HedgeWitch project box. Close the box. Tap the lid three times, and say:

Easy! Easy! Easy! It always works. Always a blessing.

This rite is ended. Thank you!

Remember to smile!

Place the box where you can see it but where no one else will disturb it. Allow the candle to burn completely. Offer remaining herbs outside to Spirit, saying: “Thank you!” Dispose of cold candle end and incense. Remember to record any feelings or experiences about fire energy in your journal. Don't forget to write about any dreams you may have this night!

When you have successfully finished your project, burn the red felt packet, remembering to thank the source of all things, and sprinkle the ashes to the wind. Cleanse the inside of the project box by sprinkling a bit of fresh HedgeWitch formula cleansing water (like you made for the first night's rite) in the box. Allow the box to completely dry before closing. Your project box will then be ready to use again anytime you desire!

Before you drift off to sleep, close this evening by saying:

Peace with the gods

Peace with nature

Peace within.

It always works.

Always a blessing.

Remember to smile!