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The Path of the Hedgewitch: Simple Natural Magic and the Art of Hedge Riding
Natural Witchcraft for the Solo Practitioner Relying on wits, intelligence, integrity, and strength, the hedge witch walks a simple and solitary path that requires few tools or complex rituals. This path teaches you how to create a more beneficial life for all beings through traditional folkloric knowledge, a relationship with nature, and the art of hedge riding (trance work). Joanna van der Hoeven shows you how to work with the elements, harmonize with the cycles of the moon, walk between worlds, and establish an ever-growing relationship with the Fair Folk. Covering everything you need to build your own Hedge Witchcraft tradition, this beginner-friendly book connects you to the wisdom of wild places and inspires you to find enchantment every day.
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Published January 31, 2023
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About the author
Joanna van der Hoeven
24 books112 followersJoanna van der Hoeven was born in Quebec, Canada. She moved to the UK in 1998, where she now lives with her husband in a small village near the coast of the North Sea.
Joanna is a former Trustee of The Druid Network. She has studied with Emma Restall Orr and the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids. She has a BA Hons English Language and Literature degree.
She is regularly involved with charities and working for her local community.
Joanna is a former Trustee of The Druid Network. She has studied with Emma Restall Orr and the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids. She has a BA Hons English Language and Literature degree.
She is regularly involved with charities and working for her local community.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 21, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and Llewellyn Publishing for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
As someone who isn't very knowledgable in this area, but has an interest in learning more, I found this to be the perfect place to start. The author explores a lot of topics and offers a ton of information at the beginner level. She provides a great foundational basis in the first half of the book, only getting into the actual practice of Hedgewitchery in the later part of the book, once I was more familiar with the concepts and basis. Many of the unfamiliar terms were defined clearly, with information on background and history provided in a way that was interesting and informative, and avoiding the pitfall of becoming lecturing and dry.
One of the things I liked the most about this book is the way the author consistently encourages readers to find what works for them as individuals. The path of the Hedge Witch is a unique one for each practitioner, with no one path that fits all. The rituals and workings must be adjusted to feel right for each person, and as a solitary practitioner, this will obviously be different for each individual. She encourages the use of smarts and common sense, especially since some of the herbs, rituals, and practices can be dangerous if used incorrectly, but just about everything in the book seemed relatively straightforward and accessible to even a beginner.
The author's practice and knowledge skews towards the rituals and practices that she seems most familiar with; the Celtic, Druidic, Norse, Roman, and Greek roots of witchcraft, with some European history thrown in for good measure, but I couldn't help but notice the heavy Christian influence over all of it. So many of the significant dates correspond to Christian holidays, as do the way they are celebrated, and at least one of the sources that was cited co-opted from Jewish religious texts, essentially stealing from a closed religious practice. I would have liked to see how other religious systems practice witchcraft, or how those are drawn into more modern practice, but I think I'd probably have to dig a little deeper into that. In addition, I'd also probably have to study a little deeper to see how these practices could be put into action in a different setting, such as in North America as opposed to the UK, since the flora/fauna are different, as are the seasons and tides.
Overall, this was an interesting and enlightening read, full of information presented in an engaging and captivating way that was easy to grasp. Looks like I'll be getting started on my journey for more information soon!
As someone who isn't very knowledgable in this area, but has an interest in learning more, I found this to be the perfect place to start. The author explores a lot of topics and offers a ton of information at the beginner level. She provides a great foundational basis in the first half of the book, only getting into the actual practice of Hedgewitchery in the later part of the book, once I was more familiar with the concepts and basis. Many of the unfamiliar terms were defined clearly, with information on background and history provided in a way that was interesting and informative, and avoiding the pitfall of becoming lecturing and dry.
One of the things I liked the most about this book is the way the author consistently encourages readers to find what works for them as individuals. The path of the Hedge Witch is a unique one for each practitioner, with no one path that fits all. The rituals and workings must be adjusted to feel right for each person, and as a solitary practitioner, this will obviously be different for each individual. She encourages the use of smarts and common sense, especially since some of the herbs, rituals, and practices can be dangerous if used incorrectly, but just about everything in the book seemed relatively straightforward and accessible to even a beginner.
The author's practice and knowledge skews towards the rituals and practices that she seems most familiar with; the Celtic, Druidic, Norse, Roman, and Greek roots of witchcraft, with some European history thrown in for good measure, but I couldn't help but notice the heavy Christian influence over all of it. So many of the significant dates correspond to Christian holidays, as do the way they are celebrated, and at least one of the sources that was cited co-opted from Jewish religious texts, essentially stealing from a closed religious practice. I would have liked to see how other religious systems practice witchcraft, or how those are drawn into more modern practice, but I think I'd probably have to dig a little deeper into that. In addition, I'd also probably have to study a little deeper to see how these practices could be put into action in a different setting, such as in North America as opposed to the UK, since the flora/fauna are different, as are the seasons and tides.
Overall, this was an interesting and enlightening read, full of information presented in an engaging and captivating way that was easy to grasp. Looks like I'll be getting started on my journey for more information soon!
August 15, 2022
I have enjoyed some of Joanna van der Hoeven’s work, having previously read several of her Pagan Portals series books related to Druidry. While I identify as a druid, Joanna identifies as both druid and witch, and I was curious to read a witchcraft-focused book from her.
There is a lot to appreciate about this book – it’s very 101-level, consistently defining terms rather than presuming the reader knows them, is written in accessible language, and is encouraging of diverse cosmologies and belief systems (ex. noting the chapter on deity can be skipped entirely if personified deities are not part of your practice). I also appreciate the author’s willingness to make ethical statements – ex. on the environmentally devastating impacts of crystal mining and the importance of sustainable harvesting – though it’s not the focus of the text, and to clearly distinguish what is her own experiential view versus what is traditional or scholarly. I do wish she would do much better at not putting forward a cis-centric and binary conception of gender (ex. referring to gender with reference to reproductive anatomy), though this too is not the focus of the text and in this book is confined to perhaps two passing comments. I also wish the book was more consistently footnoted – lots of claims here are unsubstantiated – though I do appreciate the bibliography.
van der Hoeven notes that the term ‘hedge witch’ is used in a range of ways – to refer to anyone who is a solitary witchcraft practitioner, for example – but that her focus is on hedge riding as a practice. I wish that this was actually more the case with this book: a lot of what this text covers is in no way specific to hedge witchery or even to witchcraft in general: moon phase associations, herbal work, working with elements, and the wheel of the year cycle of holidays are all practices common to many traditions and paths, and these kinds of topics taking up as much space as they do in this text means that it ends up repeating a lot of what is found in many, many other 101-level witchcraft books rather than emphasizing the specific topic of hedge riding. This might be fine if this is a beginner witch’s first book, but for any reader who’s engaged with other beginner books on witchcraft this will probably be very repetitive.
I will note that I cannot include anything related to the images in the book in my review as these were not included in the digital ARC copy.
Thank you to Llewellyn & NetGalley for providing an ARC.
There is a lot to appreciate about this book – it’s very 101-level, consistently defining terms rather than presuming the reader knows them, is written in accessible language, and is encouraging of diverse cosmologies and belief systems (ex. noting the chapter on deity can be skipped entirely if personified deities are not part of your practice). I also appreciate the author’s willingness to make ethical statements – ex. on the environmentally devastating impacts of crystal mining and the importance of sustainable harvesting – though it’s not the focus of the text, and to clearly distinguish what is her own experiential view versus what is traditional or scholarly. I do wish she would do much better at not putting forward a cis-centric and binary conception of gender (ex. referring to gender with reference to reproductive anatomy), though this too is not the focus of the text and in this book is confined to perhaps two passing comments. I also wish the book was more consistently footnoted – lots of claims here are unsubstantiated – though I do appreciate the bibliography.
van der Hoeven notes that the term ‘hedge witch’ is used in a range of ways – to refer to anyone who is a solitary witchcraft practitioner, for example – but that her focus is on hedge riding as a practice. I wish that this was actually more the case with this book: a lot of what this text covers is in no way specific to hedge witchery or even to witchcraft in general: moon phase associations, herbal work, working with elements, and the wheel of the year cycle of holidays are all practices common to many traditions and paths, and these kinds of topics taking up as much space as they do in this text means that it ends up repeating a lot of what is found in many, many other 101-level witchcraft books rather than emphasizing the specific topic of hedge riding. This might be fine if this is a beginner witch’s first book, but for any reader who’s engaged with other beginner books on witchcraft this will probably be very repetitive.
I will note that I cannot include anything related to the images in the book in my review as these were not included in the digital ARC copy.
Thank you to Llewellyn & NetGalley for providing an ARC.
September 21, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book.
I really wanted to like this book since I've been studying areas related to Hedgewitchcraft. I was expecting something related to focusing on your local area (which is considered important) but there were more Wiccan influences that I couldn't deal with. Giving more time to Gardner and the other Wiccan forefathers than to historical record bugged me. But then again, the historical record isn't even accurate. Early in the book (page 18), the author says that King James I (IV of Scotland) is the son of Queen Elizabeth I who had an astrologer, Dr. John Dee, as an advisor. I knew this sounded wrong so I looked it up (a very quick Wikipedia search combined with drawing my own family tree) and it's completely false! Like come on, no one caught this? After that, I felt like I had to take everything said with a grain of salt.
I really wanted to like this book since I've been studying areas related to Hedgewitchcraft. I was expecting something related to focusing on your local area (which is considered important) but there were more Wiccan influences that I couldn't deal with. Giving more time to Gardner and the other Wiccan forefathers than to historical record bugged me. But then again, the historical record isn't even accurate. Early in the book (page 18), the author says that King James I (IV of Scotland) is the son of Queen Elizabeth I who had an astrologer, Dr. John Dee, as an advisor. I knew this sounded wrong so I looked it up (a very quick Wikipedia search combined with drawing my own family tree) and it's completely false! Like come on, no one caught this? After that, I felt like I had to take everything said with a grain of salt.
September 13, 2022
Book Review:
The Path of the Hedge Witch: Simple Natural Magic and the Art of Hedge Riding
by Joanna van der Hoeven
Rating: 3.5/5 Broomsticks
Joanna van der Hoeven is well-loved among modern Druid circles for her previous work on hedge druidry. This is the author’s first book dedicated to her witchcraft practice.
Hedgewitchcraft can be defined in many ways and van der Hoeven’s definition is a quote from author Rae Beth: “Hedgewitchcraft works upon and with relationships between humanity and the land, and between this tangible Earth and theelven (fairy) realms.” She describes the practice of hedge riding as essential to hedgewitchery…”
The book reads sometimes descriptively and sometimes chatty. The author is upfront that this book is a depiction of her personal solitary practice and not a how-to for hedgewitchery. Her practice (and therefore the book,) is a mix of ideas from folk witchcraft, Wicca, and druidry. This may be confusing for some readers, especially for those who pick up the book looking for more information on British folk practices.
Overall, this is a pleasant book for a 101 practitioner but it does fall short in some ways. Like many books on hedgecrossing, the author assumes a certain level of skill and does not include adequate suggestions on how to begin this type of work. She also talks extensively about “Fair Folk, what they are called in different regions, and how she works with them in her own personal practice. However, her definition of Fair Folk isn’t well defined to the reader and she gives no historical insight.
This book is best suited for:
beginner practitioners
practitioners from a Wiccan or Druid background who are interested in integrating folk magic into their practice
Thank you to Llewellyn & NetGalley for providing an ARC.
The Path of the Hedge Witch: Simple Natural Magic and the Art of Hedge Riding
by Joanna van der Hoeven
Rating: 3.5/5 Broomsticks
Joanna van der Hoeven is well-loved among modern Druid circles for her previous work on hedge druidry. This is the author’s first book dedicated to her witchcraft practice.
Hedgewitchcraft can be defined in many ways and van der Hoeven’s definition is a quote from author Rae Beth: “Hedgewitchcraft works upon and with relationships between humanity and the land, and between this tangible Earth and theelven (fairy) realms.” She describes the practice of hedge riding as essential to hedgewitchery…”
The book reads sometimes descriptively and sometimes chatty. The author is upfront that this book is a depiction of her personal solitary practice and not a how-to for hedgewitchery. Her practice (and therefore the book,) is a mix of ideas from folk witchcraft, Wicca, and druidry. This may be confusing for some readers, especially for those who pick up the book looking for more information on British folk practices.
Overall, this is a pleasant book for a 101 practitioner but it does fall short in some ways. Like many books on hedgecrossing, the author assumes a certain level of skill and does not include adequate suggestions on how to begin this type of work. She also talks extensively about “Fair Folk, what they are called in different regions, and how she works with them in her own personal practice. However, her definition of Fair Folk isn’t well defined to the reader and she gives no historical insight.
This book is best suited for:
beginner practitioners
practitioners from a Wiccan or Druid background who are interested in integrating folk magic into their practice
Thank you to Llewellyn & NetGalley for providing an ARC.
August 14, 2022
An unfortunate book in that it is a combination of Neo-Pagan Wicca 101 with the barest info on journey work and dangerous at that if anyone actually does journey with only this information.
Fae Folk are not all kind and saying that its only Christian propaganda or people with evil in their hearts that meet bad ends when encountering entities in other realms is ignorant. Just as you wouldn't saunter into someone's property or a city run by a gang or mob with disrespect and ignorance, you wouldn't wander through a realm without any protection other than basically "don't eat the food."
The same with guiding people through rituals and techniques for hedgeriding (journey work) without the foundation of cleansing, energy work, or building their spiritual protocols and getting their own house in order with ancestors and Gods...sure there's a section on Deity but its flippant at best.
I was just disappointed.
Fae Folk are not all kind and saying that its only Christian propaganda or people with evil in their hearts that meet bad ends when encountering entities in other realms is ignorant. Just as you wouldn't saunter into someone's property or a city run by a gang or mob with disrespect and ignorance, you wouldn't wander through a realm without any protection other than basically "don't eat the food."
The same with guiding people through rituals and techniques for hedgeriding (journey work) without the foundation of cleansing, energy work, or building their spiritual protocols and getting their own house in order with ancestors and Gods...sure there's a section on Deity but its flippant at best.
I was just disappointed.
November 27, 2025
A Disappointing Read for Hedge Witch Practitioners
As a long-time hedge witchcraft practitioner, I am deeply disappointed with this book.
At its core, it reads as a really basic Wiccan primer, focusing heavily on dualism (suggesting everything must have a gender - a concept that feels outdated in the 2020s and overlooking neutrality) and the God and Goddess (which are primarily Wiccan concepts). It includes practices like "Drawing Down the Moon/Sun," which are purely Wiccan rituals, alongside only poor explanations of hedge riding and what actually is hedge witchcraft.
The author discusses the Wiccan Wheel of the Year, presenting several historical inaccuracies. While she correctly notes that Mabon was a term associated with the Autumn Equinox by Aidan Kelly in the 1970s, she overlooks the fact that Ostara and Litha were also Kelly's insertions into the wheel, leading readers to believe these terms are ancient. Furthermore, she includes the Holly and Oak Kings as part of hedge witch beliefs. While this is a venerable medieval Celtic legend and modern lore is certainly valid, the lack of explanation makes it seem like a prescriptive practice for all hedge witches.
The author claims that each hedge witch's path is different, yet then proceeds to speak collectively, stating things like, "we worship the God and the Goddess." I believe it would be more appropriate for her to speak only from her personal experience.
The author also confuses deep trance states with the altered state of consciousness required for hedge riding:
Trance states are deep, often involuntary, and difficult to exit quickly if an emergency arises.
The altered state of consciousness required for hedge riding is much lighter, voluntary, and allows one to return to a normal state immediately if, say, a fire alarm goes off, without serious consequences.
Suggesting that one can have severe physical and mental repercussions for returning too fast feels misleading and irresponsible. While a brief feeling of being "disconnected" (like waking up suddenly) is possible, nothing genuinely harmful should occur.
She also refers to the spiritual worlds simply as "the astral." This is a significant error; they are not the same, and the techniques used to enter the astral plane versus the spiritual worlds are entirely distinct.
When you astral travel, you have a full Out-of-Body Experience (OBE) where your spirit leaves your body. Conversely, when hedge riding, only your consciousness travels, while your spirit remains in place. The author also suggests the possibility of physically traveling in the spirit worlds. This misrepresents the nature of spiritual travel. While you might catch glimpses, you cannot walk with your physical body into the spirit worlds. This kind of assertion, which borders on fantasy, could be harmful to vulnerable readers.
Finally, I take issue with the prescriptive nature of the preparations and rituals before hedge riding. While individuals are welcome to practice as they choose, the author should avoid stating this as the definitive method for all hedge witches. Personally, I don't require all the ceremonial elements to begin journeying. I just sit on my sofa, focus on my breath, and listen to the drum.
On top of this, the author incorporates practices from Traditional Witchcraft (threading the mill, the compass, the stang, etc.) without acknowledging their specific origins.
The only sections I found decent are the introduction, which briefly explains the history of modern witchcraft, the part on the fair folk, and the concluding chapters on building your own tradition, the herbs and the countryside lore. But there are much better books about these topics too.
The last few pages were also pretty cheesy and bordering on religion with the author stating that "the God and Goddess are always watching over us in the forest", which felt a very Christian like sentiment.
I cannot advise this book for people genuinely interested in Hedge Witchcraft, as it fundamentally misses the mark.
As a long-time hedge witchcraft practitioner, I am deeply disappointed with this book.
At its core, it reads as a really basic Wiccan primer, focusing heavily on dualism (suggesting everything must have a gender - a concept that feels outdated in the 2020s and overlooking neutrality) and the God and Goddess (which are primarily Wiccan concepts). It includes practices like "Drawing Down the Moon/Sun," which are purely Wiccan rituals, alongside only poor explanations of hedge riding and what actually is hedge witchcraft.
The author discusses the Wiccan Wheel of the Year, presenting several historical inaccuracies. While she correctly notes that Mabon was a term associated with the Autumn Equinox by Aidan Kelly in the 1970s, she overlooks the fact that Ostara and Litha were also Kelly's insertions into the wheel, leading readers to believe these terms are ancient. Furthermore, she includes the Holly and Oak Kings as part of hedge witch beliefs. While this is a venerable medieval Celtic legend and modern lore is certainly valid, the lack of explanation makes it seem like a prescriptive practice for all hedge witches.
The author claims that each hedge witch's path is different, yet then proceeds to speak collectively, stating things like, "we worship the God and the Goddess." I believe it would be more appropriate for her to speak only from her personal experience.
The author also confuses deep trance states with the altered state of consciousness required for hedge riding:
Trance states are deep, often involuntary, and difficult to exit quickly if an emergency arises.
The altered state of consciousness required for hedge riding is much lighter, voluntary, and allows one to return to a normal state immediately if, say, a fire alarm goes off, without serious consequences.
Suggesting that one can have severe physical and mental repercussions for returning too fast feels misleading and irresponsible. While a brief feeling of being "disconnected" (like waking up suddenly) is possible, nothing genuinely harmful should occur.
She also refers to the spiritual worlds simply as "the astral." This is a significant error; they are not the same, and the techniques used to enter the astral plane versus the spiritual worlds are entirely distinct.
When you astral travel, you have a full Out-of-Body Experience (OBE) where your spirit leaves your body. Conversely, when hedge riding, only your consciousness travels, while your spirit remains in place. The author also suggests the possibility of physically traveling in the spirit worlds. This misrepresents the nature of spiritual travel. While you might catch glimpses, you cannot walk with your physical body into the spirit worlds. This kind of assertion, which borders on fantasy, could be harmful to vulnerable readers.
Finally, I take issue with the prescriptive nature of the preparations and rituals before hedge riding. While individuals are welcome to practice as they choose, the author should avoid stating this as the definitive method for all hedge witches. Personally, I don't require all the ceremonial elements to begin journeying. I just sit on my sofa, focus on my breath, and listen to the drum.
On top of this, the author incorporates practices from Traditional Witchcraft (threading the mill, the compass, the stang, etc.) without acknowledging their specific origins.
The only sections I found decent are the introduction, which briefly explains the history of modern witchcraft, the part on the fair folk, and the concluding chapters on building your own tradition, the herbs and the countryside lore. But there are much better books about these topics too.
The last few pages were also pretty cheesy and bordering on religion with the author stating that "the God and Goddess are always watching over us in the forest", which felt a very Christian like sentiment.
I cannot advise this book for people genuinely interested in Hedge Witchcraft, as it fundamentally misses the mark.
September 16, 2022
Good Information
Joanna van der Hoeven begins by providing background information on witchcraft, what it means, and it's practice. She that Witchcraft is a practice that is as old as the hills, is a skill in the arts of magic, healing, herbcraft, psychology, animal husbandry and more. She, also, states that it has been practiced all over the world, by every single civilization throughout time.
The author discusses the difference between a Solitary Witch and the Hedgewitch. She describes the Hedgewitch as being a deliciously enigmatic figure, conjures the image of person living on the edge of a village, brewing potions from the herbs they have gathered in the wilds, chanting magical spells over it as they stir the cauldron or cooking pot with cats wandering underfoot, or sleeping in nooks and niches around the home. Furthermore, she states that all these ideas may indeed be true of a Hedgewitch today and that, she for one, do actually live on the edge of a village, and collect herbs from my meanderings on the heath and in the forest, or just down the lane.
On the other hand, the author states that Solitary Witchcraft is just that: Witchcraft that is practiced solo, that it doesn’t mean that solitary Witches don’t have contacts with others or become hermits. It simply means that they practice their Craft on their own, and that this might be because there are no other Witches in the area, or that they simply prefer to practice the Craft alone.
Joanna discusses the difference more in detail, while stating that many Witches work with deity, in the form of a twin or dual deity concept of the Goddess and the God, or the Lord and the Lady, others in the path of Witchcraft follow many deities, or focus just on one deity. However, there are also other Witches who don’t follow any deity figures at all, who don’t believe in deity or who are agnostic. Some see deity simply as the forces of nature, and have no need to personify them or worship them in any way.
While discussing the Lunar Path, the author states that the moon is perhaps the most magical draw to the path of Witchcraft, and for Hedgewitches it is no different. Just as Witches follow the tides of the moon, so too do they follow the cycles of the sun, and states that the eightfold Wheel of the Year known in Modern Paganism was created by Gerald Gardner and Ross Nichols.
Hedges have so many uses. They mark boundaries, they protect, they shelter, they can provide food, and they can also be used to travel between the worlds.
The author really discusses the Hedge Witch in great detail, from hedge riding (The art of travelling between this world and the Otherworld), ritual concepts, tools, rites and rituals, and many other aspects of being a Hedge Witch.
This is a very good book dealing with the ways or the path of the Hedge Witch. Highly recommend. It has a lot of valuable information, especially, dealing with spell-casting.
Joanna van der Hoeven begins by providing background information on witchcraft, what it means, and it's practice. She that Witchcraft is a practice that is as old as the hills, is a skill in the arts of magic, healing, herbcraft, psychology, animal husbandry and more. She, also, states that it has been practiced all over the world, by every single civilization throughout time.
The author discusses the difference between a Solitary Witch and the Hedgewitch. She describes the Hedgewitch as being a deliciously enigmatic figure, conjures the image of person living on the edge of a village, brewing potions from the herbs they have gathered in the wilds, chanting magical spells over it as they stir the cauldron or cooking pot with cats wandering underfoot, or sleeping in nooks and niches around the home. Furthermore, she states that all these ideas may indeed be true of a Hedgewitch today and that, she for one, do actually live on the edge of a village, and collect herbs from my meanderings on the heath and in the forest, or just down the lane.
On the other hand, the author states that Solitary Witchcraft is just that: Witchcraft that is practiced solo, that it doesn’t mean that solitary Witches don’t have contacts with others or become hermits. It simply means that they practice their Craft on their own, and that this might be because there are no other Witches in the area, or that they simply prefer to practice the Craft alone.
Joanna discusses the difference more in detail, while stating that many Witches work with deity, in the form of a twin or dual deity concept of the Goddess and the God, or the Lord and the Lady, others in the path of Witchcraft follow many deities, or focus just on one deity. However, there are also other Witches who don’t follow any deity figures at all, who don’t believe in deity or who are agnostic. Some see deity simply as the forces of nature, and have no need to personify them or worship them in any way.
While discussing the Lunar Path, the author states that the moon is perhaps the most magical draw to the path of Witchcraft, and for Hedgewitches it is no different. Just as Witches follow the tides of the moon, so too do they follow the cycles of the sun, and states that the eightfold Wheel of the Year known in Modern Paganism was created by Gerald Gardner and Ross Nichols.
Hedges have so many uses. They mark boundaries, they protect, they shelter, they can provide food, and they can also be used to travel between the worlds.
The author really discusses the Hedge Witch in great detail, from hedge riding (The art of travelling between this world and the Otherworld), ritual concepts, tools, rites and rituals, and many other aspects of being a Hedge Witch.
This is a very good book dealing with the ways or the path of the Hedge Witch. Highly recommend. It has a lot of valuable information, especially, dealing with spell-casting.
March 4, 2023
I did enjoy the book and I'm happy that the glaring historical inaccuracy has been fixed, it was surprising given the authors obvious enamor with her adopted county that, she, the editor and the publisher didn't catch it but - stuff happens :)
There is some good stuff in here - I liked how the author made a point of stressing that its best to be in-tune with your own environment/climate as opposed to following the dogma of the Wiccan wheel of the year calendar -her simplified versions of ritual, rites and tool use and overall basic information was easy to read/understand - might not bode well for traditionalists - but I liked it.
It was a bit heavy on fair folk and and at times the "stories" seemed a bit dramatic , we could all hope to live in such an idilic part of England. Not really understanding why the author has to change the directions of the elements for her area - being in England heading west you eventually will hit water I mean its an island... :) Even where I live in New England the ocean may be thousands of miles to the west - but there's a huge river first and eventually ya hit the ocean. - I wouldn't make east water because the Atlantic its closer - seems like it was a bit too extreme and dramatic with being in touch with your local area. Still not a bad book overall. I'll defenatly use it as reference.
There is some good stuff in here - I liked how the author made a point of stressing that its best to be in-tune with your own environment/climate as opposed to following the dogma of the Wiccan wheel of the year calendar -her simplified versions of ritual, rites and tool use and overall basic information was easy to read/understand - might not bode well for traditionalists - but I liked it.
It was a bit heavy on fair folk and and at times the "stories" seemed a bit dramatic , we could all hope to live in such an idilic part of England. Not really understanding why the author has to change the directions of the elements for her area - being in England heading west you eventually will hit water I mean its an island... :) Even where I live in New England the ocean may be thousands of miles to the west - but there's a huge river first and eventually ya hit the ocean. - I wouldn't make east water because the Atlantic its closer - seems like it was a bit too extreme and dramatic with being in touch with your local area. Still not a bad book overall. I'll defenatly use it as reference.
July 3, 2024
This book feels like a jar of homemade jam that you always keep on your shelf—sweet, very familiar, and perfectly suited for its purpose. The author has such a charming style that it managed to keep me invested even in the most tedious chapter commonly found in witchcraft books—the history of witchcraft (or rather, the portion the author chose to share). The poetic attention to detail is one of the book's many charms, from the short fiction (?) texts at the beginning of each chapter to the spell texts, all of which are infused with the author's soul. There's a specific calmness in this book that sets it apart from many similar ones, which I can't quite explain but very much enjoyed.
The practices themselves are a good, eclectic collection, which unfortunately doesn't offer anything notably different from most contemporary books. However, the thing that bothered me the most was the author's over-cautiousness, repeatedly stating that "your practice is your own" and "I won't tell you what to do." I truly believe that this could have been a single poetic disclaimer in the introduction.
Overall, the book is a nice, warm experience that will be very helpful to beginners and bring good vibes to more experienced practitioners.
The practices themselves are a good, eclectic collection, which unfortunately doesn't offer anything notably different from most contemporary books. However, the thing that bothered me the most was the author's over-cautiousness, repeatedly stating that "your practice is your own" and "I won't tell you what to do." I truly believe that this could have been a single poetic disclaimer in the introduction.
Overall, the book is a nice, warm experience that will be very helpful to beginners and bring good vibes to more experienced practitioners.
March 14, 2023
A truly realistic book for the solitary practitioner and the eclectic witch. A book which is not just focused on doing spells, but more in creating an individual and beautiful connection with the nature and the Divinity in your surroundings, a connection you're not able to find just reading books.
The book is simple and easy to read, Van Der Hoeven don't come with big pretensions to be the authority in the topic, she brings a practical easy-to-use Grimoire for each one of those witches working alone and looking to find magic in every corner and in every day and night.
The Spells and Rituals are also very practical and at the same time informative, teaching you to use simple elements and at the same time guiding you in the process to understand why you are doing (the way of the ritual) and 'why' of each step.
Review by Elhoim Leafar & @Solitarywitchbooks
Hedge Witches
"For the edge witch, the path may be simply one of life's work, a way of life that honours the cycles of nature without needing the label of religion or spirituality attached. Then again, a hedge witch may honour the gods and goddesses as they please."
- Joanna Van Der Hoeven.
The book is simple and easy to read, Van Der Hoeven don't come with big pretensions to be the authority in the topic, she brings a practical easy-to-use Grimoire for each one of those witches working alone and looking to find magic in every corner and in every day and night.
The Spells and Rituals are also very practical and at the same time informative, teaching you to use simple elements and at the same time guiding you in the process to understand why you are doing (the way of the ritual) and 'why' of each step.
Review by Elhoim Leafar & @Solitarywitchbooks
Hedge Witches
"For the edge witch, the path may be simply one of life's work, a way of life that honours the cycles of nature without needing the label of religion or spirituality attached. Then again, a hedge witch may honour the gods and goddesses as they please."
- Joanna Van Der Hoeven.
February 22, 2023
Take what you need and leave the rest!
To start the biggest thing I take away from this book is the fact that the author states in the very beginning ‘this is your practice, not someone else’s.’ As a Witch of over twenty years, who does not identify past that, I appreciate that statement and agree completely. If you ask ten witches/pagans/wiccans/druids/etc the same question you very well could get ten different answers and the author states upfront, ‘take what resonates and works for you, leave the rest.’ I agree with some things presented in this book and there are things I don’t, but the author has done a great job presenting them. I enjoyed the book, it was a good read written from knowledge and experience. As a Witch, I recommend it.
To start the biggest thing I take away from this book is the fact that the author states in the very beginning ‘this is your practice, not someone else’s.’ As a Witch of over twenty years, who does not identify past that, I appreciate that statement and agree completely. If you ask ten witches/pagans/wiccans/druids/etc the same question you very well could get ten different answers and the author states upfront, ‘take what resonates and works for you, leave the rest.’ I agree with some things presented in this book and there are things I don’t, but the author has done a great job presenting them. I enjoyed the book, it was a good read written from knowledge and experience. As a Witch, I recommend it.
August 15, 2022
I really enjoy reading about others practices and learning from them. What I like a wee bit more is learning about old customs and traditions, so this book was a great choice for me.
As a solitary witch, it doesn’t mean that I do t learn from others, it just means I practice solo and spend time in Nature. The author, who is also a solitary witch, is sharing her practices and old lore. You’ll learn about being a hedgewitch and her witchcraft path. She also shares how to ride the hedge, which is up to you whether to embrace and try. Either way, you’ll learn a lot from the author and can add to your own oath, as each of ours is different and unique to ourselves. An excellent read!
As a solitary witch, it doesn’t mean that I do t learn from others, it just means I practice solo and spend time in Nature. The author, who is also a solitary witch, is sharing her practices and old lore. You’ll learn about being a hedgewitch and her witchcraft path. She also shares how to ride the hedge, which is up to you whether to embrace and try. Either way, you’ll learn a lot from the author and can add to your own oath, as each of ours is different and unique to ourselves. An excellent read!
October 21, 2022
Excellent resource for a discerning witch (or druid)
As always, Joanna has crafted a thoroughly beautiful and practical book for anyone interested in the pagan path. While its title marks it for witches, it is just as useful to those of the druid/pagan path. There's tons of information to get folks going or to tweak your current practice and I love the frequent reminders that each of us may and should develop a practice based on our location, abilities and personal preference. I highly recommend this book as a delightful read and a vital resource.
As always, Joanna has crafted a thoroughly beautiful and practical book for anyone interested in the pagan path. While its title marks it for witches, it is just as useful to those of the druid/pagan path. There's tons of information to get folks going or to tweak your current practice and I love the frequent reminders that each of us may and should develop a practice based on our location, abilities and personal preference. I highly recommend this book as a delightful read and a vital resource.
December 9, 2023
NetGalley ARC review
Pleasant and authenticity written, has all the qualities I look for in these kinds of books. I’ve read a few books by this author and I’m never disappointed. I always come away with a new perspective on something I didn’t have before, or learn something new all together.
Highly recommend
Pleasant and authenticity written, has all the qualities I look for in these kinds of books. I’ve read a few books by this author and I’m never disappointed. I always come away with a new perspective on something I didn’t have before, or learn something new all together.
Highly recommend
September 11, 2022
Even if I already read other books about hedge wtichcraft this one made me learn something new.
Well written and easy to follow.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Well written and easy to follow.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
September 27, 2022
This is an excellent book about magic techniques, and even though most of the information is basic this text will charm you with its beauty, sincerity and care for the reader so that he or she will understand much better these ancient occult arts.
April 1, 2023
Was looking for more Shinto like rituals and less woo woo ones
January 2, 2024
good intermediate info and historical context
August 30, 2024
It's not for me. It's very basic stuff, and I'm past the basics now. It would be great for the beginner.
December 20, 2024
Overall it was an okay book but needed a bit more depth. There was a lot of focus on theory for a beginner but not much on detail on practicing hedgecraft.
January 4, 2023
Honoring Nature in your Solitary Practice.
Joanna describes a Hedge Witch as someone who honors their craft by communing with nature. While she does not delve into the nuances of hedge witchcraft and its relation to Wicca, she does an excellent job of defining the craft through her own Druidic lens.
By and large van der Hoeven does an excellent job of breaking down hedge witchcraft in all of its components, starting with the history of witchcraft. In fact, the whole first section of the book is dedicated to word origins and history. While fascinating, most of it is not new information.
I enjoyed taking this journey with her, even if it did not do much to invigorate my own practice beyond emphasizing the importance of practical application and dedication in solitude. I would definitely recommend this read to anyone who is new to their craft and struggling to find structure as a solitary practitioner.
[Thank you to NetGalley and Llewellyn Publications for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.]
p.s. I decided to revisit the text in audio format to see if there were other lessons I had missed but found the narrator's voice too irritating to finish. She has a habit of speaking flatly and adding inflection only to the end of her sentences, even when the book is written with tongue-in-cheek humor. It was almost palatable at 1.5x speed, but even then, I found myself chronically checking to see how much time was remaining. I would advise listening to a sample before purchasing the audiobook.
Joanna describes a Hedge Witch as someone who honors their craft by communing with nature. While she does not delve into the nuances of hedge witchcraft and its relation to Wicca, she does an excellent job of defining the craft through her own Druidic lens.
By and large van der Hoeven does an excellent job of breaking down hedge witchcraft in all of its components, starting with the history of witchcraft. In fact, the whole first section of the book is dedicated to word origins and history. While fascinating, most of it is not new information.
I enjoyed taking this journey with her, even if it did not do much to invigorate my own practice beyond emphasizing the importance of practical application and dedication in solitude. I would definitely recommend this read to anyone who is new to their craft and struggling to find structure as a solitary practitioner.
[Thank you to NetGalley and Llewellyn Publications for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.]
p.s. I decided to revisit the text in audio format to see if there were other lessons I had missed but found the narrator's voice too irritating to finish. She has a habit of speaking flatly and adding inflection only to the end of her sentences, even when the book is written with tongue-in-cheek humor. It was almost palatable at 1.5x speed, but even then, I found myself chronically checking to see how much time was remaining. I would advise listening to a sample before purchasing the audiobook.
March 15, 2023
A somewhat different look at Druidry, has more of an emphasis on Northern Tradition than the usual Celtic perspective. The chapters on Hedge Riding are fairly basic but still interesting. More of a beginner's text that I might usually read but I did find material of interest. Beautiful cover!
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