How to Hedge Witch through Winter

Winter can be one of the more difficult months to feel connected to the natural world, because modern life is at odds with what is happening in nature.

The modern world never stops: artificial light, constant deliveries, social media and everything on demand.
It can make the same demands of the people living under it too.
Winter is the opposite – a time for slowing down, increasing darkness, and rest.

No wonder so many of us struggle with the Winter season. After the beautiful decorations of Winter Solstice / Christmas are gone… everything can start to feel a bit dreary.

So how do we tap into the power of the Hedge Witch in order to see us through?

Nature leads the Way

When in doubt, check out what is happening naturally all around you. The seasons aren’t as set in stone as human-beings might like, with differences occurring yearly. The power of observation is actually incredibly magical. We tend to overthink and rationalise all the time – and sitting and just observing is actually a form of semi-active meditation. It will relax you and connect you into the natural world all at the same time… and it’s quite low effort!

Did you know that Winter is the best time for planting trees?

Whether or not you can actually plant one, it’s an interesting parallel for our spiritual practice. Winter is a time of rest, of slowing down, of making that blanket fort… but you can also be making wishes. Noting down ideas. Considering how to make those a reality going forward. Nature is dreaming… and so can you!

Potion making

I honestly think Winter is an ideal time to tap into granny magic and investigate some homemade remedies for all that ails you.

At this time of year I advocate the Hot Toddy – one of my Grandma’s favourites. It combines water, whiskey, honey and lemon juice. You can of course make a non-alcoholic version – I tend to add grated ginger instead of the whiskey personally. It chases off the winter blues so the say goes – and guards against illness.

Bonus points if you can gather local ingredients from farmers and beekeepers. Supporting local sellers is definitely magic in its own right – the creation of bonds and connections in community is the heartbeat of what it truly means to be human. Especially in the modern world which discourages it. Rebel and connect this Winter, Witches!

Another immune boosting tea you could make this Winter is Elderberries, Cinnamon and water. You can add a little honey too if you like! Elderberries are pretty great at supporting your immune system, and make a fabulous cough syrup. They are also aligned with the Goddess, so make a lovely libation whilst healing!

Evergreens

You can totally be wildcrafting your own Evergreens this Winter season. Here’s some advice from the Woodland trust foraging page:

Collect the needles and the seeds. A tea extracted from pine needles is apparently high in vitamin C, making it a great anti-cold remedy. It also contains vitamin A and beta-carotene. Seeds can be dislodged from open pine cones by shaking them. Seeds can be eaten raw but are usually roasted or toasted.

Just be careful that you can tell the difference between Pine and Yew – because Yew is toxic. You can easily download a plant identification app to help if you’re unsure.

Pine and other Evergreens are also an incredibly beautiful and magical part of the Winter Solstice. Representing the eternal life-force, the Gods of the Forest, and hope for the future, they bring an incredible magic into your home when used for decoration that goes beyond a pretty aesthetic. You can even keep them there until Spring!

I highly recommend using natural and ethically sourced evergreens – or Wildcraft your own.
A few wildcrafting tips:

1. Never take more than you need.
2. Form a bond with the trees that you’re harvesting from. Take them offerings of water, or sing to them. I wouldn’t leave anything in the ground that you don’t know it’s source (crystals can be very unethically mined for example.)
3. If you can harvest from naturally fallen pieces – do that. The tree has already gifted them!
4. Obtain permission from any tree or plant before harvesting – you do this by asking permission, and feeling into the energy of the tree for a response. Any resistance (sometimes a headache) means No. Respect that.
5. Wash your evergreens and dry them for longevity. You can also dry them after they’ve been decorating and are beginning to droop a bit (and then make them into incense!)

Pine makes a wonderful incense – smelling fragrant but also dispersing negativity in the home. You can also asperge with a pine branch: bless some water and sprinkle it throughout your home using a hand-sized piece of branch and needles.

Feed the birds

This one goes without saying, but as the hedgerows are under attack from building work and roads, the birds and animals that live there are becoming endangered. We can feed them and look into measures for protecting them this Winter. Without our natural ecosystems, nature becomes unbalanced.
We need to be guardians of nature, Witches. All year round.

Have a very blessed Winter!

Joey Morris