Enchanted Hedgerows

by Stewart Farquharson
What is a hedge?

Hedgerows are narrow walls of earth or stone topped with wildflowers,

herbs, briars, and small trees. They separate farmers’ fields and run
alongside roads. Some are many hundreds of years old, especially in
places such as Cornwall.

To make a hedge first you dig a ditch. Then you pile up earth and put
stones on the outside, or plant fast-growing saplings. Typical shrubs are
hawthorn and blackthorn, and hazel.

Every once in a while the shrubs are cut free of branches and woven into
their neighbour’s stems to fill up holes in the wall.

Who lives in a hedge?

Flowers and grasses grow at the lowest level, including valuable herbs for
healing such as cowslips, nettles, cleavers, wild lettuce and wild garlic.

Above them grow taller herbs such as mugwort, foxglove, motherwort,

and trees such as elders, hawthorns, blackthorns and rowans and
birches.

Small birds such as wrens, warblers and sparrows build nests here and
mice, moles, hedgehogs, and rabbits hide here under the prickles of rose
and brambles. Hawks may rest in the upper branches in the daytime and
owls at night. Foxes, badgers, and weasels pass through the hedge on
their travels.

People pick sloe berries from the blackthorn to make refreshing drinks,
and jams, and blackberries of course.

Why are hedges enchanted?

Places where one thing becomes another are considered the special
haunt of fairy folks, and powerful places for magic and healing energy.

For instance, fairies are said to guard hawthorn trees. This may also
reflect the old ruins of celtic hill forts dating from before 100 BC that
allow hedge shrubs to grow along their earthen walls.
 Which plants are special to fairies?

Blackthorn is useful in defensive magic. You can stick its sharp thorns in
one end of a stout wand. Or make a walking-staff.

Hawthorn is lucky and helps in fairy workings. It is good for healing and
emotional pain.

Hawthorn blossoms and berries

Wild Rose protects, soothes, helps with romance and self-esteem.

Gorse grows so thick in places that people may not walk through. It
protects, and is very lucky and brings wealth. Fairies like it, too.

blackthorn spines and sloe berries

 gorse blossoms

Some Uses of Trees

Elm trees are beloved by the elves and give help with sleep, and you
make healing poultices from the leaves. Elm stands for dignity, grace and
power. This tree can help you contact your ancestors. It is associated
with underground mother goddesses.

Oak trees give strength and power, bring money and fertility. The oak is
associated with fire and male sky gods such as Zeus. The Yule log of the
winter feast is made from oak. Acorns bring a man protection, virility and
guard from lightning.

Ash is a water tree and can bring or stop rain. It can absorb negativity
for you and ground it in earth. Tools and spears were made from ash. It
also is used for yule logs. It heals the bowels and gives courage and
confidence, and a broader outlook on life.

Birch is a lady tree and grants fertility, family, romance and health. It is
associated with the mother goddess. Spirits are said to be very protective
of this tree, and to live in its branches. Birches heal rheumatism and
help with sleep and the bladder. People tie rags on birch trees near a well
to ask for the blessing of the fairy in its branches.
Trees
Ash tree Birch tree

Elm tree Oak tree

 some beasts and fairy folk

badger hedgehog

You can use the magic of hedgerows in your reiki healing just by walking
along in the country with your palms held towards the plants.

Another way is to sit by a hedge and breathe in imaginary light through

your whole body. This refreshes you.
Or you may sit down by a thorn tree and offer friendship to the fairies
and a happy smile. This is all they require, some recognition.

Call this energy system down by your favorite method and attune others
to it likewise.

Best wishes,
Stewart

Disclaimer: This energy system is intended for relaxation and wellness and spiritual
growth, but people with medical problems should of course continue to see their doctors
and get medical advice from a professional