Hedge Witch: A Guide to Solitary Witchcraft - Rae Beth 2014

Introduction
Part One

The following letters were not meant to be in a book, originally. They were written as lessons for two apprentice witches. For the real-life Tessa and Glyn. Then I realized that this could well be a book of interest to many who are seeking a path of nature magic, but who are unprepared, for one reason or another, to involve themselves with covens.

Tessa and Glyn have been taught in an old tradition, that of the solitary or ’hedge’ witch. This is rather like the old-time village wisewoman or wiseman: one who ’knows’ and worships the Goddess and her consort, the Horned God; one who practises spellcraft for the purposes of healing, and teaches the mysteries. Though this is sometimes a lonely path, it leads to places of great beauty. Parts of it can be walked in company with others, but the magical workings are always done alone, or with one magical partner. This suits some of us, for there is a certain kind of witch at home with solitude. He or she need not be friendless. But by temperament, some are drawn to worship and work magic on their own, and to fulfil a different archetype from that of coven member. To them, and to my husband and magical partner Cole Campion, this book is dedicated.

Rae Beth

Yule 1988

The West of England