A Simple Path: Journey of a Hedgewitch

*The Hedgewitch lives in the space between the Village and the Forest. Between the mundane and the magical. S/He lives with a foot in both worlds.
This column is dedicated to the Hedgewitches of the planet earth.

April in the hedge; Communing with the Maiden

This is such a magical time of year, when the Maiden is dressed in Her finest, and the lush, verdant energy of the season seems to stir young and old alike.
This time of year always makes me so grateful for my Path, and an appreciation of the simple pleasures available all around me. I walked for years without taking notice of these tiny treasures, and it warms my heart to take time to truly see and be grateful for them, now.
The spider web covered in dew. The palest of green leaves sprouting off bare branches.
With a turn in the weather, folks come outdoors and spend time on their lawns and in flower beds planning, tilling, dreaming.
It seems Divine inspiration has descended on the whole hemisphere and the people and animals alike are feeling reborn anew.

This time of year always makes me want to join them, outdoors, and I tend to neglect the indoor chores. But even in this seemingly inconvenient event, I find, the Maiden has a lesson for me. Bless this mess, she whsipers, with a giggle, as I squirm for ways to avoid having to begin the washing up.
This puzzles me, for a moment, as My Goddess has never spoken to me in tired cliches. What in the world is She talking about?
Then it hits me. I have all these dirty dishes because I had food this week. We ate abundantly and without worry. No dishes means no food, and as I pray for abundance always, this suddenly strikes me as significant.
My in-box is overflowing (almost onto the floor) and this is a sure sign of business transactions, of bills being paid, and orders being received. Isn’t that the whole idea?
So, as I start some wash water for dishes, I chant to myself, Bless this mess, for it means I was blessed. Thank you, maiden, for showing me another way to perceive this.

I find that even as the breeze tickles the wind chimes, and stirs them to song, laughter has been filling a lot of my days. There is a spirit of joy that has come to live with me here in the hedge, and I smile with gratitude when I remember all the little jokes and puns and silliness.
I have many friends in this new town, and I appreciate them all so much.
These, too, are gifts of the Maiden, as Her joy is boundless, Her whole youth spread before Her like a picnic blanket.
her joy is contagious and I laugh along with Her in this time of renewal.

And while Her Magic feels neverending in this very active season, I feel compelled to stillness. To listen to the owls hooting from the top of the giant maple tree. To walk quietly along the sidewalk, breathing in the scent of growing things being carried on a playful breeze. To stop what I am doing and just Be.

There are so many blessings this time of year, I am remiss in forgetting to mention more than I have. I invite you to find your own blessings of simplicity and nature this verdant season.
And to take time to commune with the Maiden, the carefree, innocent, joyful nature of nature.
Bright Blessings to each one of you!