Path of the Moonlit Hedge: Discovering the Magick of Animistic Witchcraft

by Nathan M. Hall, Christopher Penczak (Foreword)

Rewild Your Soul and Deepen Your Relationship with Our Interconnected World

Discover an exciting approach to witchcraft that teaches you how to see and work with the life in all things, from animals and plants to rocks, rivers, and beyond. Nathan M. Hall provides an in-depth and thoughtful exploration of animism, guiding you down the path of the moonlit hedge with more than thirty exercises that support the needs of your wild soul.

This book builds your magickal foundation through journeying and trancework, helping you connect with natural energies and patterns of the earth. You’ll meet and partner with spirits of the land, perform meditations and spells that strengthen your commitment to the craft, and learn how to cross the hedge (enter the spirit world) to participate in the Witches' Sabbat. By adopting this magickal worldview, you can create balance within yourself and empower your work as a witch.

Genres: Witchcraft, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Paganism, Audiobook

224 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 6, 2024

Reviews

[Michelle H · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never write reviews, but when I noticed how few there are for this book I thought I should put in the effort. This was one of my favorite books on witchcraft I’ve read in a long time. It covers all the basic exercises in ways that are interesting and refreshing, and I thought the author was relatable and wrote in a way that was both approachable and inspiring. I appreciated that this book didn’t just repeat the same set of topics so many books on witchcraft run through. Sometimes books on witchcraft seem like they are more focused on being pretty than deep, and so the depth in this book (while not being needlessly wordy or at all condescending) was a really nice change. I liked how the author treats his audience as capable of real understanding, change, and power. I’m certainly not comfortable reviewing books but if the basic premise of the book interests you I can confidently say that this book will not let you down.

[Elyse Welles · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re not talking to the plants growing around you or the wild animals seen in your ecosystem, it’s time to begin.” (Chapter 1, ‘Hedgewalking, Witchcraft and Animism’ pg. 12) If you’re new to the Craft but know that nature is the central piece of your practice, this would be a great first read.

“If we are the wild world speaking through humanity, ani is the voice and the spirit behind hat voice.” - Chapter 1, ‘Hedgewalking, Witchcraft and Animism’ pg. 9

Anyone with animism at the core of their practice should add this to their list. If you’re interested in a spiritual life but aren’t fully sold on deity work, this is the book for you. Land spirits are the cornerstone of my animist practice and I felt that Hall’s experiences and advice came from a place of experience and genuine reverence.

In the Moonlit Hedge, historical facts, scientific connections, and existential commentary weaves together to move the reader from armchair witchery to practical connections. Animism makes the spirit world more approachable, and Hall’s candid, personal storytelling shines through.

“Cultural programming is an almost irresistible current that pushes you downstream even as you study us that s river shouldn’t be here.” Chapter 1, ‘Hedgewalking, Witchcraft, and Animism’ pg. 15

From mushroom magic to uniting the three souls, Moonlit Hedge sets itself apart. I was taken but the various meditations that had more than one outcome, and the depth of description found in these meditations.

The Art Magick exercises were particularly fulfilling for me. The etheric cord cutting exercise, with the delightful nod to T Thorn Coyle, is a favorite. I also love the heart flame visualization. The exercises always felt purposeful and the author’s own endorsements and personal stories added to the power of the activities.

“Magick holds the promise of agency in one’s life… you become attuned to the patterns of life and are able to bend them…” Ch. 3 ‘The Healing Journey’ pg. 25

For those readers who find nature’s wellbeing at the core of their own lives’ goals, you’ll find a wellspring of good information. Tread lightly along the moonlit hedge, for there is wonder and mystery beyond. “The liminal isn’t outside time. It is time.”

And my personal favorite quote: “When society is telling everyone to look in one direction, it’s the witch’s work to look everywhere else to see what’s really going on.” ‘Chapter 9: Time’ pg. 154

[The Bookish Bandit (Michael Usher) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nathan Hall has provided a much needed text on the intersection of animism and witchcraft that is both meaningful and thought provoking. There are many useful, practical exercises throughout, some of which aren’t always deeply explored like the work of integrating the Shadow self. New approaches to similar practices found in various traditions are also present, helping to breathe new life into the work.

I particularly enjoyed the work of creating a fungi charm to work as a shield that transmutes energy rather than deflect it. And the opportunity to have Nathan’s Florida water recipe (which is amazing, if you ever have the opportunity to use it)!

My favorite parts are the concise guides on connecting with local land spirits and how to begin working with your ancestors. These are two big bodies of practice that can be intimidating, but Nathan makes them approachable and achievable for even the busiest of witches.

[Kristy Marquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I tend to be very critical of Witchy books for a variety of reasons, but I am happy to report that none of them apply here.

My biggest pet peeve of 101 of any kind is they lack uniquenesses. If I wanted to read a basic 101 there are dozens of books that have been around for years that often do it better. Path of the Moonlit Hedge is a bit of a 101, but it is a unique and entertaining 101. Nathan does a great job of putting his magick, his rituals, his views, and his spin on this book. Like most 101’s you will find familiar material in this book, but you will see it in Nathan’s eye and that is a completely different view that you have never seen.

One of my favorite parts of this book is quirky comments and pop culture references that help explain what he means. From movies to comic books, from medical sources to pagan books, he connects real-world references to the concepts in this book in an interesting and teaching way. He brings you with him on his journeys and you feel like you are walking the Everglades right there next to him.

I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.

[Kenneth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a 101 book, and it's approach isn't what I wanted or needed. I'm giving it five stars, though, because I feel like that's more my fault and where I am than the book itself. The book does what it sets out to do. It's from an animist perspective. It covers a lot of ground, and some of it in a very interesting manner, but not in a lot of depth. If this was your first book of this sort, you could do worse.

It's very pretty. Nicely laid out. Hey, Llewellyn puts out a nice looking book. I just find that I'm not getting much out of these any more.

[Maggie Hopkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nathan Hall writes with carefully chosen words. He writes about some pretty advanced stuff, yet he does it in a way that a beginner can easily utilize the information. I found it enriching.

[Cosette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Path of the Moonlit Hedge: Discovering the Magick of Animistic Witchcraft by Nathan Hall is a gentle introduction to animistic witchcraft.

Hall encourages readers to connect with the natural world, embrace their intuition, and cultivate a deeper understanding of the magick surrounding us. Path of the Moonlit Hedge has excellent practical exercises, and the author's anecdotes and reflections make the content more authentic and engaging.

Although seasoned practitioners may be familiar with the ideas and exercises in Path of the Moonlit Hedge, it's not quite a book for new seekers either. This book would be great for those with basic skills who are ready for more.

[Dayan Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a south Florida local and a witch of almost 20 years now, all I can say about this book is... WOW! Perfect addition to any witchy library, full of incredible work and insight that will SURELY carry one's practice to the next level. The animist perspective is explored, not just in magic and spirituality, but also in its corresponding ethical dimensions. The grounding of this work and this book is real, powerful, and generative.

Could not recommend it more!

[Ve Henkel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked the way this author invites you in. They speak as a friend to another friend rather than a teacher who thinks they have the answers. I read this tandum paper and audio to better enjoy the exercises. It's the first time I have done that, so my opinion could be extra positive. I suggest trying it. I had many good experiences within, and will be coming back to my flagged pages in the future.

[Bry · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn’t get past the beginning of this book. It was so beyond ridiculous, yet also condescending.

[Justin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Did not feel the love

[Allison]

This book was good. It’s a great book for beginners. The many exercises in the book were focused on imagination, trance work, and nature.

[Annabell Champeaux · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like that christopher penzak did the foreward. Nice simple exercises. 👍 Enjoyed his stories of his experiences. I would recommend it. 🤗👍