#hedgewitchery

i've read quite a few books which describe their own techniques of soul-flight, and eventually ended up on my own. i'd recommend the same to you! if you're interested, i'll include a reading list at the end.

when i am entering a deep trance, that being one i can use for spirit-flight or hedge-crossing, i typically follow a specific simple routine. firstly, i light a mugwort incense.

here are some excerpts about mugwort from The Green Mysteries: Arcana Viridia, by Daniel A Schulke:

Mugwort’s planetary resonances are with Venus and the Moon. As used in magical operations it is associated with a multitude of powers including Clairvoyance, Banishing, Divination, Oneirogenesis, Summoning, Protection from Maleficia, Summoning, Protection for Livestock, Protection from Thieves, Envigoration, Beautification, Longevity, and use as a hunting charm...The Spirit-Retinue of Mugwort: Sagacity, Enthusiasm, Immediation, Glamor, Facilitation, Inspiration, Effusiveness, Virid Warmth, Fragrant Waysides, Mental Idyll, Spirited Redress, Sanguinous Efflux, and Menstrual Wrath...Powers: Revelation, Protection, Blessing...Embodied State: Trance/Dreaming.

after the incense, i take down my hair (typically it is braided), and i'll grab an herb or one of my amulets of grounding for usage afterwards.

here is an excerpt from Viridarium Umbria: Pleasure Garden of Shadow by Daniel A Schulke:

Worts of Earthing include Cohosh Root, smouldered over coals; Oil of Fennel, passed under the nose; Seed of Mustard, ground and placed in the mouth; Root or Pod of Burdock, or Seed of Aesculus, held in the hand; Thorn of Rose, placed on the flesh; Leaves of Rosemary and Eucalypt, bruised and deeply inhaled; Brandy distilled from Wine of Pear; Thistle and Nettle Leaves, rubbed on the skin; smoke of Tobacco, blown into the ears; and Bulb of Garlic, bruised and passed under the nose.

i get in a comfortable meditative spot, typically in Śavāsana (AKA Corpse Pose), and sometimes i'll put on nature sounds or sound bowl videos if i am dealing with an especially active mind.

i begin with simple meditation, moving further and further into a trance state. here is where my method splits off from typical. once i am far enough in a standard meditative state, i can visualize and experience the connection of my crown to my soul star (sometimes called the Merkāḇā), then i rise above my body, thus entering spirit-flight.

from here i may hedge-cross or travel the world tree to go to specific locations. i may expand upon these specific methods in the future!

in my recent spirit-flight, i utilized the astral space to perform spells which i haven't had the energy or tools to do. the example i will share was the hedge or 'witches lump' figure, from Gemma Gary's Traditional Witchcraft: A Cornish Book of Ways:

To protect farm land, and all that lies within its boundaries, take small amounts of earth from the north, south, east and west of each piece of land that is to fall under the protection of the charm, remembering to collect also dirt or dust in the same way from each of the farm’s buildings. Mix these small samples together, and work them well into a lump of rough clay (even better if the clay used can be dug from the land to be protected), crafting this into a human but sexless form. As the body is worked, so the Pellar breathes life into it. The figure’s garments must then be set with small panels of broken glass. Once fired, set the figure somewhere within one of the farm’s hedges, so that it may keep a protective watch over the land and all that lies within.

i performed this spell in the astral, primarily because teaching the corners of my property is difficult and so is making a poppet in this way! after creating it i stored it in a chest, within my corridor (see Weaving Fate: Hypersigils, Changing the Past, & Telling True Lies By Aidan Wachter), and lit a candle on it and left it for later, when ill place it on a hedge.

after i finished everything i was doing in my flight, i return to my body and meld myself with it, visualizing my soul star again, then i slowly open my eyes. after this ill utilize my grounding tool, as well as active grounding techniques.

this was not an especially thought out post so if i've missed anything or you're curious about anything please feel free to send me an ask about it!

reading list:

Besom, Stang, and Sword by Christopher Orapello

Celtic Hedge Witchery by Joey Morris

Folk Witchcraft: A Guide to Lore, Land, & the Familiar Spirit for the Solitary Practitioner by Roger J. Horne

Six Ways: Approaches & Entries for Practical Magic by Aidan Wachter

The Crooked Path: An Introduction to Traditional Witchcraft by Kelden