Connecting With the Outside World
Working as a Solitary Hedgewitch is an extremely rewarding path. You work as a single energy with the world around you, quietly making each day magickal for you and those around you, for the greater good of all. But sometimes, it can be a lonely path, with no one to talk to about your magic or beliefs, no one to connect with or even to exchange ideas with. On the other hand, a coven or group may not necessarily be the way you want to go. Because we are all human, groups have a tendency to get a bit cliquey. You know what I mean— he said/ she said stuff. Groups that manage to maintain a balance are rare, but they do exist. So if you are after a group setting for your rituals and magic and you find a good one, hold on tight to it!
In general, however, we Hedgewitches like to work alone. So how do we connect with others to share all our magical stuff ? Well, if you have a local shop where you get your witchy supplies, chances are others like you will frequent the same shop— so get chatting with them. If someone notices your pentacle necklace and asks a question— chat! Welcome interest in what you believe and practice, and have confidence in your own path. I know, however, that not everyone is as fortunate as I am to live somewhere where alternative beliefs are accepted. If this is the case for you and you want to meet like-minded people, you may need to travel farther afield to a witchy fair or a solstice celebration. People with the same ideals tend to gather together to honor the festivals, so head to your nearest monument or hilltop. If you’re there, chances are others will be too.
By far the most popular way to connect with others is now online. We are so fortunate to have the Internet, and we should all make use of this modern technology if we can. The online world opens the doors to a world of Hedgewitchery that our ancestors could only dream of! Facebook and social networking sites can provide links to others with interests similar to yours. They are meeting places for like-minded folks to chat and interact. I have met so many wonderful people through my site— they are my online family! There are so many ideas that have now been put online by people sharing with others that the Internet should be celebrated and not feared.
Of course, you should never place yourself in harm’s way. Always follow safe online practices. Research and check any groups or communities that interest you and remember, you don’t have to give out any information you don’t want to. Online, you can exchange ideas and thoughts, get involved in celebrations and forums, and feel a part of something. You may still be working alone, but there is a wealth of knowledge there at your fingertips. There is much to be gained by sharing knowledge in any way we can, and online is a great way to do it— a bit like reading a book and then having a chat about it at a book club.
Remember, it’s not just about connecting with other people on your path; it’s also about your connection to the world in general. Everything around us has a connection to us all. The elements, plants and animals, the earth, sky, ocean, and fields— all are part of our shared reality. So we need to reinforce our connection to them every single day. Touch base with what is around you; help where you can; heal whenever it is needed; volunteer if you have the time; make a difference. Make a mark on the world. Become at one with everything and everyone. Seeing all aspects of the world and acknowledging your connection to other things and other people will strengthen your magic.
Hedgewitch Book of Days: Spells, Rituals, and Recipes for the Magical Year
Mandy Mitchell
Witches Of The Craft® 