The Way Of The Green Witch: Rituals, Spells, And Practices to Bring You Back to Nature

by Arin Murphy-Hiscock

The Way of the Green Witch is the path of the naturalist, the herbalist, the wise woman, and the healer. But in today's highly urbanized and technological world, those who wish to practice green magick need sound guidance and support if they are to succeed. Renowned author and Wiccan High Priestess Arin Murphy-Hiscock leads readers step by step on a magickal journey down the green path in this engaging and enlightening handbook. It's an informative, instructive path that a brief history of green witchcraft; spellcraft and ritual for the green witch; green-specific sabbats; guidelines for living and practicing green in today's world; extensive lists of herbs, trees, and growing techniques; and much more! With The Way of the Green Witch, readers of all backgrounds and traditions will find their way back to Mother Nature, learning her secrets and unearthing her treasures in the process.

Genres: Witchcraft, Nonfiction, Wicca, Spirituality, Paganism, Magic, Nature

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Currently a resident of Montreal, Canada, Arin works as a freelance writer and editor. She is the author of Power Spellcraft for Life: The Art of Crafting and Casting for Positive Change (2005), Solitary Wicca for Life: A Complete Guide to Mastering the Craft on Your Own (2005), The Way of the Green Witch (2006), The Way of the Hedge Witch (2009), and Pagan Pregnancy: The Journey From Maiden to Mother (TBA). She is also the editor of the anthology Out of the Broom Closet (2009).

Arin is a third-degree Wiccan High Priestess in the Black Forest Clan, a tradition linked both by lineage and practice to several other branches of Wiccan thought and philosophy including the Caledonii Tradition, Druidism, Gardnerian practice, Seax-Wicca, general Celtic Wicca, and German witchcraft. She works as a priestess in her community performing rites of passage and giving occasional workshops, and leads a private coven.

Her hobbies include playing the cello, handspinning, and weaving.

Reviews

[Steve Cran · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lately there has been a new trend in the sphere of Witch Craft, it is called Green Witch Craft.
I am not sure exactly what old witchcraft looked like but this path maybe more akin to the wise woman at the hedge who had explicit knowledge of herbs. The path of the green witch is about connecting with nature and running in unison with her rhythms. The green witch is not such a ceremonial person, there thing is about being connected to the earth and the land. The green witch's objective is to connect to the world, humanity and her local natural habitat as best as possible.

This book comes in a line of many books written about this latest trend. People are not much into high ceremonies and the book gives them alternatives. The book does have some great points about gardening, harvesting herbs and running an indoor garden. Ann Murphy gives advise about watering in door plants and about composting to give your soil much valuable nutrition. Of course like all herb book this one has a section on recipes for incenses, teas and bath mixes. All great and well something which could be found in Scott Cunningham's book on herbology.

Yet there is also a deeper philosophy behind Green witchery. It is a philosophy that promotes harmony with the world and keeping in tune with her cycles. The author advises staying connected with the cycle in your area and growing herbs an such that are indigenous to the area. The path also tries to promote health in mind body and spirit. Herbs and plants have always been helpful in that respect and gardening is considered therapeutic by some. Love is the key, love of yourself, individuals and humanity. The work of the Green witch is for the benefit of all. Happiness is the pursuit of everyone. The Green witch wants happiness for herself and others. Peace, abundance and protection are other principles that are striven for.

The green witch has a variety of tools at her disposal. Most Wiccans will have the chalice, athame, pentacle and a candle, for the Green witch it is way more practical and down to earth. Without saying herbs and plants are one of the main tools of the witch. She used them in her spells and her healing. Next are the witches hands which harvest herbs and makes the preparation. The Journal is where the witch watches her progress. The cup is a tool and the mortar and pestle for grinding her preparations. Bowls, Jars and canisters are her kitchen tools. Knives and scissor are used for cutting. The staff is her walking stick yet it also represents the world tree which helps the witch travel through the different worlds. Cotton. Gauze are tools. Power bags which hold her objects of power.

The author also recognized the need to create sacred spaces. This can be done by creating a shrine or an altar. Some homes have four altars one for each element and one does not have to be dogmatic about the direction. To make your home sacred it is advised that instead of the usual adding that one look at what they have and remove that which they find that they do not need. A heavy emphasis on cleanliness is essential for magical practice. The Green witch will purify her area regularly.

One example is the broom purification.

1. Stand in the middle of your room
2. Take three deep breaths
3. sweep from your right to your left. Don't touch the floor
4. Turn you body left and move in a counter clockwise motion
5. Slowly widen your circle until you reach your door
6. End purification with Bright and strong flows the energy through my home. This room is purified

Recipe for a room purification incense.
1 part Frankincense
1 part Copal resin
1 teaspoon of Lemon Zest
3 pinches of dried lavender
glass jar and mortar and pestle.

I would say for those just embarking on the path of the green witch this would be a good starter book. Yet it is not the end all. Definitely explore the works by Scott Cunningham and others. thre are more in depth books out there. Anyone who has been through the various Wicca 101 books will find nothing new here.

[Jenn Flynn-Shon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book to accompany other books on ways of living Green. With recipes and infusions for herbs, vegetables and other earth related items this will act as a handy reference tool for Green living. Written in basic language without necesity for ritual or related religious connotations the practices included are easily completed by the everyday Green practitioner. Well written and practical reference manual.

[Shana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book for anyone starting out in learning how to connect with nature.

[Lilla · Rating 2 out of 5]

A friend who read the book before me warned that the author recommends using essential oils to make infused sugar, and that is not true. The topic of infused sugar is covered on pages 232-236 and nowhere in those pages does the author mention using essential oils. She simply states to use whole or cracked herbs and flowers. Perhaps they were mistaken or just didn’t read close enough. But be warned, that’s about the only dispute about the book I will stand up for …

Arin covers many topics in the book, from what makes up a Green Witch’s path, celebrating the seasons, crafts, recipes, gardening, healing, and much more but sadly none are done at a great length and you’ll have to get additional books to full out your Green Witchcraft collection. (I recommend Ellen Dugan.) I did find it odd how Green Witches are supposed to be the most organic and yet the author recommends using saltpeter and fragrance oils in place of more natural alternatives for incense burning. The author also doesn’t give proper warning on how water is detrimental to some gemstones and therefore placing them in moving water is not a great idea. I really hope no one new to this path followed her advice and damaged gorgeous stones because of it. I have to say these and some other misinformation within this book does not bode well for her supposed ten years of Wiccan practice, because apparently none of it was spent doing proper research.

The Way of the Green Witch is a somewhat courteous book I‘ll give it that, but not one I would recommend you run out right now and purchase. I would see if a library has it or get it through the Interlibrary Loan and then decide whether or not to buy a copy.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

As someone learning and walking the witchcraft path this book was an incredibly interesting read. For a while now I've been more drawn to plant and earth magick and this book was a great way to ease into learning about it.

I enjoyed it so much I have another two witchcraft books by the same author to read now.

[Alex · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can't believe Arin is so recommended between witches. The book as well as the others are not great. Please don't recommend these books I know we all belive diffrently. Although Arin is not a good source or person.

[Holly Mays · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect book for "the kitchen witch" in all of us.

[Melaniee · Rating 4 out of 5]

All I have to say is get yourself a pen and a notebook because there's a lot of info that you will most likely find useful and practical.

[Sherron Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

My daughter bought this book for me as a Christmas gift. I enjoyed the writing style of the author and felt that she conveyed her ideas of a Green Witch nicely. She gave the reader a lot of freedom to interpret this particular pagan path with ease and individualism. I liked that about the book. I could identify with the path well enough and enjoyed the book's ideas around certain symbols and ceremonies. I would recommend it to anyone who is connected to nature, gardening, and has a passion for a simple and nature-filled journey.

[Laura Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Es un buen libro para darte una idea de cómo empezar a conectarte con la naturaleza y cómo implementar la magia en tu vida cotidiana.
Me habría encantado qué en la sección dónde habla de plantas y sus propiedades, tuviera ilustraciones, pues sin duda le agregarían mucho apoyo a la lectura.

Disfrute de sumergirme en este tema y definitivamente tomaré en cuenta la mayoría de los tips qué compartió.

[Nicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

A basic introduction to green witchcraft. Gives some ideas but generally it is up to the green witch to create their own rituals and practices.

[Susi Bains · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book. Simple, sweet and a plethora of information. A must read if you are an herbalist or simply in to nature.

[Laura Cunningham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my go to witchy book

[Jesse · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great book if one needs to rediscover the ways of the Goddess. It is so easy to stray off the path sometimes. I really enjoyed this book because it bought the idea of worship back to a practical thing. I moved from the country to the city. Yes being in the country it was very easy to feel atune with the Goddess but over the years in the city I had begun to feel lost. The exercises and guides helped to rebridge the gap so I didn't feel like a lost soul in a very different environment. I recommend this book to anyone that feels that they need just a little help to reaquant themselves with themselves.

[Penelope · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of my favourite books on Green Witchcraft. What I love most about it is how Murphy doesn't include any deity information because belief in deity isn't as relevant to Green Witchcraft practices as other Pagan paths. That way, it can be moulded to fit your own personal path quite easily. Plus, she underlines the importance of connecting to nature where you are in the world and making Green Witchcraft relevant to you.

[Shay · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didnt finish. Not that it wasnt good, I've read so many books on witchcraft they are becoming the same. I was hoping she'd get more into the philosophy. Looks like a great resource book. Very detailed. The three is more from my own disinterest in reading another book, not from her style or information.

[Alisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was not what I thought. And quite boring to read. However, I gave it 2 stars because I was interested in what it taught about herbs, plants and trees and the power they hold. So that part made it worth 2 stars.

[angela baerthel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful information

I love how it was put together..the words flowed well! Its a great beginning for your journey.. Or maybe you are already doing it and didn't know there was a name for it! I liked it!

[Leisl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the books that come full of information that feels so right on so many levels, a book that reinforces for me THIS is who I am.

[Lisa Hutchings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book, very informative

[Katie J Schwartz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did like: The recipes and instructions for various teas, oils, and things.

Did not like: Even though Arin Murphy-Hiscock claimed to not be pushing Wicca, at times I really felt like she was.

[Leannear24 · Rating 4 out of 5]

i thought that it was really interesting with some great tips
however, i would only recomend it to ppl that are interested in following this particular path in the craft

[Tangee]

Keeper. Quaint, approachable and low on the cheeeeeese factor.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to buy this book. Well-written and easy to read

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful little book with lots of great advice and ideas for connecting with nature.