What is a Garden Witch

Written by Madame Aradia

Monday, 18 August 2008 00:27

In stories, witches cast evil spells and ride broomsticks and are often portrayed as a green-faced hag stirring a bubbling cauldron. This of course makes for a colorful story but paints a pretty bad picture of a witch.  Throughout history, witches have been women who have studied herbs and flowers, mathematics (such as geometry), and astrology (how the dance of the heavens affects us) and uses that knowledge to help herself and those around her. Many times, especially in years long past, women who studied and practiced those things mentioned (as well as others not mentioned) are often looked down upon in society.  A garden witch (long ago, a garden witch was often called a hedge witch or a wise-woman) is one who studies herbs and flowers and trees and uses them in every day life. She studies the effects different moon phases and certain days have on plants when planting or watering or feeding. She also pays attention to reading nature, such as if it might rain or will it be sunny or when the first frost will come.  A garden witch often uses her knowledge of herbs and plants to create teas and brews for medicine or well-being.  So, I consider myself a “garden witch” because I practice the art of mystical gardening. But it goes beyond that. Plants and trees are more than just grassy or woody lawn “filler”. Every plant has its own “personality”, if you will, and effects it surroundings in emotional, mystical, and physical ways; as well as, the plant is effected by who is around it and who tends the garden. Nature is a way to commune with God, a way to find peace in this world. Just listen.