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Book Review: The Way of the Hedge Witch, Rituals & Spells for Hearth and Home by Arin Murphy-Hiscock

The Way of the Hedge Witch

Rituals and Spells for Hearth and Home

By: Arin Murphy-Hiscock

Paperback: 256 pages

Publisher: Provenance Press (April 18, 2009)

hedgewitch

If you are looking for a book on Hedge-Witchery, this is not for you. However, if you are wanting a concise guide to Cottage/Kitchen Witchcraft you can’t go wrong with this tome that is full of lore, mystery, and magic. To me, Hedge-Craft is for those who wish to “jump the hedge”, traveling to the Witches Sabbat/Sabbath and the Other-worlds. Most Hedge Witches also practice Cottage and Kitchen Witchery. Arin Murphy-Hiscock explains the difference in these types of witchcraft, and on page 3 coins the term Hearthcraft for the form of magic and witchcraft covered in this book.

Scattered throughout this book are simple spells and rituals that a Cottage/Hearth Witch can use. Witchcraft lore and myth is covered, including some history on magical cauldrons and the deities who own them. Arin Murphy-Hiscock shares information on various household deities and spirits from many cultures, some of which were new to me.

House Deities covered are:

Hestia Kamado-no-Kami

Vesta Gabija

Brigid Ertha

Tsao Wang Frigga

Kamui-fuchi Bes

Household Spirits covered are:

Brownie Tomte

Boggart Nisse

Hob Kobold

Domovoi

There are many crafts, activities, spell work, and recipes provided in The Way of the Hedge Witch. I enjoyed the addition of kitchen magic and folklore along with the information on tools, herbs and foods of Hearthcraft. This is a simple, down to earth book and will be a welcome addition to any Cottage Witch’s library. Guidelines on how to make your own oil lamps, figures made of clay and herbs for your household shrines, and the setting up of wards and boundaries are given. Recipes for bread, scones, stews, and casseroles are lovingly shared by the author. A taste of magic and charm can be found in every chapter of this knowledge filled book.

I believe any Cottage, Hearth, or Kitchen Witch will enjoy The Way of the Hedge Witch for what it is. A delightful little tome on magic for the witch’s home. Arin Murphy-Hiscock has done a superb job of sharing her wisdom on Hearthcraft. This book will be sure to make an enchantingly welcome gift for many a Cottage Witch. It is definitely one this Witch turns to often.