The Way of the Hedge Witch

[thevioletsunflower]

The Way of the Hedge Witch by Arin Murphy-Hiscock

 

This book is not about Hedge Witchery; at least not the type most here (including myself) associate the term with. I would call what this book deals with hearthcraft, personally (which is a term she uses repeatedly in the book). She explains hearthcraft:

 

Hearthcraft, like other aspects of the hedge witch's path and other forms of kitchen and green witchcraft, revolves around practicality, with little ritualistic guideline or necessary formality. Here's a list of some keywords to keep in mind when you think about hearthcraft: * Simple * Practical * Family-related * Domestic * Everyday * Household * The practices suggested in this book are based in simplicity. Here the word "ritual" dosn't mean something full-blown and complicated; instead, it means an intuitive ceremony or something set apart from everyday action by mindfulness and concious intent.

 

 

I bought the book full knowing it was about magic and ritual for the home, in fact that is exactly why I bought it. It was recommended to me when I asked for something that had to do with the home along with Ellen Dugan's Cottage Witchery. Out of the two I greatly prefer this one. Her approach to hearthcraft (which is explained above) is right up my alley. I found Ellen Dugan's to be a bit too "dressy", for lack of a better term, and Arin Murphy-Hiscock's to be a lot more practical.

 

 

Things I have found of benefit in the book:

• The home and domestic activity as sacred
• Explanation of and technique for the "needfire"
• Recipe for creating clay figures for shrines or other uses
• Threshold protection
• Various protective techniques (one I hadn't thought of and is useful to me now is painting protective symbols on your walls before painting over a room. It was a "duh!" moment for me. I like those)
• Incense ball recipe made with herbs, resin, dried fruit, honey, etc (really want to try this out)
• Folk techniques for purifying the home/a space
• Fostering mindfulness through domestic activity

 

I found her writing style straightforward and without the "glitter" a lot of New Age authors sprinkle all over their pages. She presented her information and more or less left it at that.

 

Though I wouldn't say this book blew me away with loads of new information (like all books this isn't perfect and like most on the subject of magic it has Wiccan overtones but I do have to say that it's not nearly as Wiccan as most or as it could have been) it has provided me with some food for thought as well as some techniques and recipes I will be putting to use. I bought this book for techniques and recipes for a few specific things and walked away with more than that. All in all I am glad I spent the $5 I did on it. It has provided me with some new information (though not much) but even more importantly to me it has provided me with practical applications which is something I am looking for these days- less study and more getting my hands dirty.

[CelticGypsy]

What a wonderful review, Marabet. It's reviews like this for me, not familiar with certain authors, that I greatly appreciate. Well thought out, thank you for taking the time to post your thought process on this book. I just gotta vote it up, dear. I'm sensing that you endorse Ms. Dugan's writing over the other author mentioned, for the practical Witch. I like practical. lol !

 

Regards,

Gypsy

[thevioletsunflower]

Thanks, CG!

I'm sensing that you endorse Ms. Dugan's writing over the other author mentioned, for the practical Witch.

 

Whoops! I see how I was unclear in my original post. Though I don't *dislike* Ellen Dugan I prefer the author of the book I reviewed here- Arin Murphy-Hiscock. I find AMH to be more practical in both her approach in writing and in magic.

[CelticGypsy]

Thanks, CG!

 

 

Whoops! I see how I was unclear in my original post. Though I don't *dislike* Ellen Dugan I prefer the author of the book I reviewed here- Arin Murphy-Hiscock. I find AMH to be more practical in both her approach in writing and in magic.

 

 

LOL ! Oh you're welcome, thanks for the clarity about which author you do prefer, as I've not heard of either.:smile:

 

Regards,

Gypsy

[Lynn]

The Way of the Hedge Witch by Arin Murphy-Hiscock

 

This book is not about Hedge Witchery; at least not the type most here (including myself) associate the term with. I would call what this book deals with hearthcraft, personally (which is a term she uses repeatedly in the book). She explains hearthcraft:

 

 

 

 

I bought the book full knowing it was about magic and ritual for the home, in fact that is exactly why I bought it. It was recommended to me when I asked for something that had to do with the home along with Ellen Dugan's Cottage Witchery. Out of the two I greatly prefer this one. Her approach to hearthcraft (which is explained above) is right up my alley. I found Ellen Dugan's to be a bit too "dressy", for lack of a better term, and Arin Murphy-Hiscock's to be a lot more practical.

 

 

Things I have found of benefit in the book:

• The home and domestic activity as sacred
  
• Explanation of and technique for the "needfire"
  
• Recipe for creating clay figures for shrines or other uses
  
• Threshold protection
  
• Various protective techniques (one I hadn't thought of and is useful to me now is painting protective symbols on your walls before painting over a room. It was a "duh!" moment for me. I like those)
  
• Incense ball recipe made with herbs, resin, dried fruit, honey, etc (really want to try this out)
  
• Folk techniques for purifying the home/a space
  
• Fostering mindfulness through domestic activity
  

I found her writing style straightforward and without the "glitter" a lot of New Age authors sprinkle all over their pages. She presented her information and more or less left it at that.

 

Though I wouldn't say this book blew me away with loads of new information (like all books this isn't perfect and like most on the subject of magic it has Wiccan overtones but I do have to say that it's not nearly as Wiccan as most or as it could have been) it has provided me with some food for thought as well as some techniques and recipes I will be putting to use. I bought this book for techniques and recipes for a few specific things and walked away with more than that. All in all I am glad I spent the $5 I did on it. It has provided me with some new information (though not much) but even more importantly to me it has provided me with practical applications which is something I am looking for these days- less study and more getting my hands dirty.

 

I have two of her books, this one and 'The Way of the Green Witch". Have you read the second one and if so, do you feel it is a bit fluffy? Yesterday I was pouring over my books, reading up on some herbs and I noticed that in her book it seemed every herb in its magical properties had characteristics of "harmony" or "tranquility" or "love" or "happiness", etc. Got a bit cloying or maybe I was just in a pessimistic mood.

 

Mugwort (Artemesia vulgaris) Also known as artemesia and sailor's tobacco, mugwort is another ubiquitous witchy herb. A decoction of the leaves is said to help open your mind before you try divination. Magically, it is associated with prophetic dreams and divination, relaxation and tranquility, protection, banishing and consecration.

 

Just an example.

 

I have used some of her recipes tho.

[Whiterose]

I have two of her books, this one and 'The Way of the Green Witch". Have you read the second one and if so, do you feel it is a bit fluffy? Yesterday I was pouring over my books, reading up on some herbs and I noticed that in her book it seemed every herb in its magical properties had characteristics of "harmony" or "tranquility" or "love" or "happiness", etc. Got a bit cloying or maybe I was just in a pessimistic mood.

 

Mugwort (Artemesia vulgaris) Also known as artemesia and sailor's tobacco, mugwort is another ubiquitous witchy herb. A decoction of the leaves is said to help open your mind before you try divination. Magically, it is associated with prophetic dreams and divination, relaxation and tranquility, protection, banishing and consecration.

 

Just an example.

 

I have used some of her recipes tho.

 

Books like this are the reason I am really looking forward to Mountain Witch's new book.

[Lynn]

:smile: