Green Witchcraft?

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[Zoe Moonchild]

I've not, my money feels safer buying books. Not always true of course, and not to impugn worthwhile courses, but I'm less comfortable forking over my quids for internet courses. On the other hand, I don't really have access to (at time of typing) to any pagan/witchcraft groups or member individuals, and I've spent two years exploring the ultimate base 101 levels to find out exactly what feels right for me to pursue. Some people, in two years, would have left me coughing in their dust trail.

I'd closely check the syllabus for the courses and amount of contact with the tutor. If there's something on offer that you haven't found in books, or open communication channels for you to ask the questions that books can't answer for you, and you're happy about the worth of the exchange, by all means go for it. Perhaps after it you can come back and tell me I'm being far too cautious.

I can definitely do that!  One reason I was drawn to Ellen Dugan's courses is because the book is required so I can get it first and read it and see if it's anything I would want to pursue, etc.

[SleepyRedGirl]

I can definitely do that!  One reason I was drawn to Ellen Dugan's courses is because the book is required so I can get it first and read it and see if it's anything I would want to pursue, etc.

I haven't read Ellen Dugan's books, so I can't really comment on them or her work. I would hope that investing money in her online course would result in good communication with her, or the tutors assigned. Otherwise, it's much cheaper to work with the material given in her book(s), those listed in her bibliography, and communicate with other practitioners (for free) on questions raised that the books don't answer, or answer unsatisfactorily. If the main benefit of the course is commitment, having to answer to someone to make sure progress is made by the way of quizzes, assignments, essays (like Literature 101)... Well, I wouldn't spend too much money on that. I am Queen Shirker, and online shirking is easier than shirking to your flesh-and-blood, I've-made-time-for-you-today tutor.

I'll stick with what I know, and say that 'A Witch Alone' gives a good study outline if you stick to it. In fact, so do her 'Aquarian Magic' books. A chapter on a certain topic, for example:

> The Sacred Cycles - A Circle Between the Worlds - The Old Crafts of Divination and Dowsing (A Witch Alone)

> Personal Alchemy - The Magic of Water - The Magic of Trees (Gentle Arts of Aquarian Magic)

...followed with a handful of exercises, little things that can be worked on everyday (ideally) over the course of a month, with a sample of further reading on the topic. You won't have earned a First Degree qualification in anything, and you won't have 'Mastered' anything (no matter how many book titles promise that) but it's a great door opener.

Some questions are preferably answered face-to-face, or with experiential methods, and you can't get that with a book or internet correspondence. Thus, two years since starting (well in the closet) I have the basics down, theoretically, yet I can still have sessions where I'm not entirely sure if I raised and directed energy correctly, or just gave myself a headache. In my case, I have to blunder forward occasionally and make guesstimates. When I burn my hands, I learn.

[Zoe Moonchild]

I haven't read Ellen Dugan's books, so I can't really comment on them or her work. I would hope that investing money in her online course would result in good communication with her, or the tutors assigned. Otherwise, it's much cheaper to work with the material given in her book(s), those listed in her bibliography, and communicate with other practitioners (for free) on questions raised that the books don't answer, or answer unsatisfactorily. If the main benefit of the course is commitment, having to answer to someone to make sure progress is made by the way of quizzes, assignments, essays (like Literature 101)... Well, I wouldn't spend too much money on that. I am Queen Shirker, and online shirking is easier than shirking to your flesh-and-blood, I've-made-time-for-you-today tutor.

I'll stick with what I know, and say that 'A Witch Alone' gives a good study outline if you stick to it. In fact, so do her 'Aquarian Magic' books. A chapter on a certain topic, for example:

> The Sacred Cycles - A Circle Between the Worlds - The Old Crafts of Divination and Dowsing (A Witch Alone)

> Personal Alchemy - The Magic of Water - The Magic of Trees (Gentle Arts of Aquarian Magic)

...followed with a handful of exercises, little things that can be worked on everyday (ideally) over the course of a month, with a sample of further reading on the topic. You won't have earned a First Degree qualification in anything, and you won't have 'Mastered' anything (no matter how many book titles promise that) but it's a great door opener.

Some questions are preferably answered face-to-face, or with experiential methods, and you can't get that with a book or internet correspondence. Thus, two years since starting (well in the closet) I have the basics down, theoretically, yet I can still have sessions where I'm not entirely sure if I raised and directed energy correctly, or just gave myself a headache. In my case, I have to blunder forward occasionally and make guesstimates. When I burn my hands, I learn.

I suppose I just like formalized learning.  I like things spelled out simply and directly and I really like having someone's brain to pick, whether it's a co-student or a teacher.  Once I get to the point of having a fundamental grasp then I surge forward with my own experimentation. 

I am the classic student who asks why to everything.  For example in my own life ... I have been a bookkeeper for 10+ years.  When I finally had all my kids in school and got to go to college myself I had to take Accounting I & II.  You would think after working in the field all those years I would have things figured out.  I know I thought that.  Ha!  Was I wrong!  I knew WHAT to do ... but I didn't know WHY it was done that way.  My gosh I learned so much.  I can't tell you the times I had a major epiphany in those classes.  Lights came on all over the place.  My head probably glowed after every class.  LOL  It's not that before I did my job 'wrong' or 'improperly'.  I always did a good job or else I wouldn't have kept the job, obviously.  But having the understanding of WHY made such a huge difference in how I approached what I do now that I really have a hard time putting it into words. 

It's what leads to my frustration now.  I have just enough knowledge that I know I want to pursue the Craft.  However, I get tired of books that tell you HOW and not WHY.  For my way of processing/thinking these types of 'how to' books just do not excite me.  I enjoy doing the rituals and such but afterward I still feel like I missed something.  Like I have not truly connected with what I am suppose to connect to.  I am still left wondering WHY.  For whatever reason ... there is just something about me ... I am left with a part of me feeling dissatisfied. 

Anyway ... that is why I have an interest in the online classes.  I am in the middle of nowhere and when I do get somewhere it's the middle of the Bible belt.  If you go a mile and don't see a church then you're on a dirt trail in the middle of the woods. Seriously!  There is just no one to ask. 

I don't know that I'll pursue the classes, but it's a thought at least.  If I can find some really good books that start with the basics and then build on them I would probably be okay.  Especially after finding places like this where there are people to ask questions of.  So we'll see.  I find it so interesting to see how everyone learns differently and approaches spirituality and life in different ways.  If you have any books that seem to fit the description please let me know.  I think out of all the traditions I like the Fairy Tradition the best.  It seems to best compliment my own beliefs.  At least at this point in time.  But just plain broad-based Wiccan would be great as well.  I've had some pull towards the Celtic Shamanism too .. but I just can not locate any reliable resources.  At least not in my opinion. 

Thanks again for the input.  You're cool to talk with.   

Zoe

[SleepyRedGirl]

I suppose I just like formalized learning.  I like things spelled out simply and directly and I really like having someone's brain to pick, whether it's a co-student or a teacher.  Once I get to the point of having a fundamental grasp then I surge forward with my own experimentation. 

I am the classic student who asks why to everything.  For example in my own life ... I have been a bookkeeper for 10+ years.  When I finally had all my kids in school and got to go to college myself I had to take Accounting I & II.  You would think after working in the field all those years I would have things figured out.  I know I thought that.  Ha!  Was I wrong!  I knew WHAT to do ... but I didn't know WHY it was done that way.  My gosh I learned so much.  I can't tell you the times I had a major epiphany in those classes.  Lights came on all over the place.  My head probably glowed after every class.  LOL  It's not that before I did my job 'wrong' or 'improperly'.  I always did a good job or else I wouldn't have kept the job, obviously.  But having the understanding of WHY made such a huge difference in how I approached what I do now that I really have a hard time putting it into words. 

It's what leads to my frustration now.  I have just enough knowledge that I know I want to pursue the Craft.  However, I get tired of books that tell you HOW and not WHY.  For my way of processing/thinking these types of 'how to' books just do not excite me.  I enjoy doing the rituals and such but afterward I still feel like I missed something.  Like I have not truly connected with what I am suppose to connect to.  I am still left wondering WHY.  For whatever reason ... there is just something about me ... I am left with a part of me feeling dissatisfied. 

Anyway ... that is why I have an interest in the online classes.  I am in the middle of nowhere and when I do get somewhere it's the middle of the Bible belt.  If you go a mile and don't see a church then you're on a dirt trail in the middle of the woods. Seriously!  There is just no one to ask. 

I don't know that I'll pursue the classes, but it's a thought at least.  If I can find some really good books that start with the basics and then build on them I would probably be okay.  Especially after finding places like this where there are people to ask questions of.  So we'll see.  I find it so interesting to see how everyone learns differently and approaches spirituality and life in different ways.  If you have any books that seem to fit the description please let me know.  I think out of all the traditions I like the Fairy Tradition the best.  It seems to best compliment my own beliefs.  At least at this point in time.  But just plain broad-based Wiccan would be great as well.  I've had some pull towards the Celtic Shamanism too .. but I just can not locate any reliable resources.  At least not in my opinion. 

Thanks again for the input.  You're cool to talk with.   

Zoe

Why, thank you much. I know what you mean about not having anyone to ask - I have one sympathetic listener who gives me the view from the non-practitioner's side of the fence. Most of the time he says that he has no idea what I'm talking about and doesn't know what to say in reply, but every now and again he comes up top, asking me a question I'd never thought to ask myself but leaves me thinking about some very important holes / patches in my theory to address.

On the other hand, that dirt trail in the woods? Sometimes there's nothing quite like being on a dirt trail in the middle of the woods, hearing patterns in the gusts of the wind, seeing the nervous bird scuttling through the brush, and scaring yourself witless when something unseen makes a hell of a racket. After months of practice, I finally learned to meditate (completely unintentionally) under an ash tree on a riverbank. Not your point, I know, but I couldn't resist.

I've not found a trad, or theology that I fit 100% with, and it's not for lack of searching. But eclectic witches exist for a reason, and 'eclectic' would be a fair description of my work. I find things that work well for me, research them as much as I can, and adapt that knowledge. The key I hold myself to is research: I'm no academic, but I see the folly in picking and choosing facets without being acquainted with the whole. I'm interested in using runes in magic, and I like to make offerings to land spirits. I'm reading about these from a northern point of view, reading the Northern lore and taking an interest in ongoing archaeology in my country, keeping an eye and ear free for news of Dark Age finds, and looking at mundane and potential magical existing runic inscriptions. I'm not a heathen by any means, and certainly no Asatruar, but I'm learning so much and my practice being enriched by reading Norse lore. I think of Woden a lot day-to-day, but I don't invoke him or ask his help because we have not been introduced, so to speak. But still, he influences me.

I find that looking at similarities (and differences) between different practice helps me work out what is important, and utilising and altering certain things leads me to find out why things are important. Casting a circle Neo-Wiccan style was indispensable to me, once upon a time. As I read more, I found out that some practices make preparations prior to ritual that alter the working space somewhat, some practices simply have a prayer, and some practitioners need no preparation what so ever. I considered them all carefully, and after a little experimentation I have my own three-step sacred-space-making procedure. Might not make sense to others at first, but it works for me and, most importantly, I know what every action is for. I know exactly what I'm doing. Good ol' research and experimentation.

I can't place the name, but I once read that the most useful books are in the history, anthropology and psychology sections of the bookstore, and you'll get more from those than from a book with the word 'witch' in the title or a crescent moon on the cover. Not that I don't buy a worrying about of books with the word 'witch' in the title or a crescent moon on the cover - sometimes you do get a little illumination from the author's perspective, but they never fascinate me as much as a documentary on Viking society in the city of York can.

[Zoe Moonchild]

Why, thank you much. I know what you mean about not having anyone to ask - I have one sympathetic listener who gives me the view from the non-practitioner's side of the fence. Most of the time he says that he has no idea what I'm talking about and doesn't know what to say in reply, but every now and again he comes up top, asking me a question I'd never thought to ask myself but leaves me thinking about some very important holes / patches in my theory to address.

On the other hand, that dirt trail in the woods? Sometimes there's nothing quite like being on a dirt trail in the middle of the woods, hearing patterns in the gusts of the wind, seeing the nervous bird scuttling through the brush, and scaring yourself witless when something unseen makes a hell of a racket. After months of practice, I finally learned to meditate (completely unintentionally) under an ash tree on a riverbank. Not your point, I know, but I couldn't resist.

I've not found a trad, or theology that I fit 100% with, and it's not for lack of searching. But eclectic witches exist for a reason, and 'eclectic' would be a fair description of my work. I find things that work well for me, research them as much as I can, and adapt that knowledge. The key I hold myself to is research: I'm no academic, but I see the folly in picking and choosing facets without being acquainted with the whole. I'm interested in using runes in magic, and I like to make offerings to land spirits. I'm reading about these from a northern point of view, reading the Northern lore and taking an interest in ongoing archaeology in my country, keeping an eye and ear free for news of Dark Age finds, and looking at mundane and potential magical existing runic inscriptions. I'm not a heathen by any means, and certainly no Asatruar, but I'm learning so much and my practice being enriched by reading Norse lore. I think of Woden a lot day-to-day, but I don't invoke him or ask his help because we have not been introduced, so to speak. But still, he influences me.

I find that looking at similarities (and differences) between different practice helps me work out what is important, and utilising and altering certain things leads me to find out why things are important. Casting a circle Neo-Wiccan style was indispensable to me, once upon a time. As I read more, I found out that some practices make preparations prior to ritual that alter the working space somewhat, some practices simply have a prayer, and some practitioners need no preparation what so ever. I considered them all carefully, and after a little experimentation I have my own three-step sacred-space-making procedure. Might not make sense to others at first, but it works for me and, most importantly, I know what every action is for. I know exactly what I'm doing. Good ol' research and experimentation.

I can't place the name, but I once read that the most useful books are in the history, anthropology and psychology sections of the bookstore, and you'll get more from those than from a book with the word 'witch' in the title or a crescent moon on the cover. Not that I don't buy a worrying about of books with the word 'witch' in the title or a crescent moon on the cover - sometimes you do get a little illumination from the author's perspective, but they never fascinate me as much as a documentary on Viking society in the city of York can.

You are very welcome!   

You know ... you really have a point there about the dirt road.  When I need to just center myself I don't cast a circle, burn a candle or pray.  I go for a walk through the woods.  I am very blessed to be in the middle of nowhere and have lots of natural woods around the house.  I can take off in any of three directions and go for a long way before I run into a road, house or person.  I can breathe, smell, look and basically just soak up nature.  It's hunting season now <ugh!> and I have to be careful how far I roam but there is enough 'unclaimed' woods that I can still get away. 

The last two days my youngest has been home sick so I've had a lot of time to really do some research on the net.  Seems like I can just not find what I am looking for.  I have a sense of the direction that I want to go in, but seems the path is elusive.  After two days of nothing my frustration was really rising.  Then after talking to you and seeing some of the other post on the boards I thought ... well, maybe the frustration is trying to communicate something to me.  Maybe I am just suppose to stumble through this for now.  Find my own path through the woods instead of following someone else's.  I had the thought that maybe I'm just use to having things laid out for me to either agree with or disagree with.  Maybe what I need is to dig deeper and find out what works for me.  I have a strange feeling that one day the path will suddenly appear before me, but I guess in the meantime I've got to look under every rock and around every tree to find it.  Maybe that's the point.  *shrug* 

I am not totally sure yet how to go about all this.  I think I will just concentrate on the things/parts that interest me the most, like the natural magick.  I can always grab up a book, article, etc. to learn about other things I'm interested in that go with this.  I know I need to get back to my meditations and see where that leads me.  One thing that I enjoy the benefits of (though not always the process) is getting to know myself better and hopefully through the experience come out a better person on the other side.  If nothing else I can lock that in my radar and take off on my newest adventure!  lol

Thanks again for the input ... you gave me some thoughts to run around through my brain.  I feel better for it too. 

[SleepyRedGirl]

You are very welcome!   

You know ... you really have a point there about the dirt road.  When I need to just center myself I don't cast a circle, burn a candle or pray.  I go for a walk through the woods.  I am very blessed to be in the middle of nowhere and have lots of natural woods around the house.  I can take off in any of three directions and go for a long way before I run into a road, house or person.  I can breathe, smell, look and basically just soak up nature.  It's hunting season now <ugh!> and I have to be careful how far I roam but there is enough 'unclaimed' woods that I can still get away. 

The last two days my youngest has been home sick so I've had a lot of time to really do some research on the net.  Seems like I can just not find what I am looking for.  I have a sense of the direction that I want to go in, but seems the path is elusive.  After two days of nothing my frustration was really rising.  Then after talking to you and seeing some of the other post on the boards I thought ... well, maybe the frustration is trying to communicate something to me.  Maybe I am just suppose to stumble through this for now.  Find my own path through the woods instead of following someone else's.  I had the thought that maybe I'm just use to having things laid out for me to either agree with or disagree with.  Maybe what I need is to dig deeper and find out what works for me.  I have a strange feeling that one day the path will suddenly appear before me, but I guess in the meantime I've got to look under every rock and around every tree to find it.  Maybe that's the point.  *shrug* 

I am not totally sure yet how to go about all this.  I think I will just concentrate on the things/parts that interest me the most, like the natural magick.  I can always grab up a book, article, etc. to learn about other things I'm interested in that go with this.  I know I need to get back to my meditations and see where that leads me.  One thing that I enjoy the benefits of (though not always the process) is getting to know myself better and hopefully through the experience come out a better person on the other side.  If nothing else I can lock that in my radar and take off on my newest adventure!  lol

Thanks again for the input ... you gave me some thoughts to run around through my brain.  I feel better for it too. 

Valiente was right when she wrote that if what you seek can't be found within, it won't be found without. On the other foot, it's not always easy to look inside properly! That's a good half of meditation, relaxation and divination practice. A week ago, after demonstrating my slightly-better-than-average knowledge on 'pagan survivals', I was asked: 'Why, and how, do you know this kind of stuff?' To me, that's a demonstration of Valiente's statement in practice. I had the desire to know more about the craft, so I went out to supplement my knowledge. Without the desire from within, you won't find the knowledge you could use from the outside world. In my case, it took a lot of wandering around, looking under rocks, but the desire, the spark, came from me. I spent far too many hours jamming my eyes in front of the computer screen, reading articles, lurking in tC, reading posts and hundreds of comments on NonFluffyPagans, then spent a lot of hard-earned money on books (more than I like to admit) - but I'd do it again, to be honest. Even the books I found laughable, useless, shallow and cringeworthy, I learned something from.

I've heard many times that, if this is your path, it won't be easy. There are really good times, when the lightbulbs come on and the neurons fire across connections you didn't even know existed. Then there are the ass-hard days where I cry out of sheer frustration, feeling like I've been hitting my head against a brick wall for months and don't even have a bruised forehead to show for it. I do wish you the best of luck and a fruitful search.

[Zoe Moonchild]

Valiente was right when she wrote that if what you seek can't be found within, it won't be found without. On the other foot, it's not always easy to look inside properly! That's a good half of meditation, relaxation and divination practice. A week ago, after demonstrating my slightly-better-than-average knowledge on 'pagan survivals', I was asked: 'Why, and how, do you know this kind of stuff?' To me, that's a demonstration of Valiente's statement in practice. I had the desire to know more about the craft, so I went out to supplement my knowledge. Without the desire from within, you won't find the knowledge you could use from the outside world. In my case, it took a lot of wandering around, looking under rocks, but the desire, the spark, came from me. I spent far too many hours jamming my eyes in front of the computer screen, reading articles, lurking in tC, reading posts and hundreds of comments on NonFluffyPagans, then spent a lot of hard-earned money on books (more than I like to admit) - but I'd do it again, to be honest. Even the books I found laughable, useless, shallow and cringeworthy, I learned something from.

I've heard many times that, if this is your path, it won't be easy. There are really good times, when the lightbulbs come on and the neurons fire across connections you didn't even know existed. Then there are the ass-hard days where I cry out of sheer frustration, feeling like I've been hitting my head against a brick wall for months and don't even have a bruised forehead to show for it. I do wish you the best of luck and a fruitful search.

Thank you so much.  I hope my search is fruitful too.  After finding TC I feel like my resources are more rounded out and I can find books, etc. that will help even that much more.  I sort of feel settled now so that I can begin the next phase of studying and learning.  I look forward to it very much!

btw ... Happy Birthday 

[SleepyRedGirl]

Thank you so much.  I hope my search is fruitful too.  After finding TC I feel like my resources are more rounded out and I can find books, etc. that will help even that much more.  I sort of feel settled now so that I can begin the next phase of studying and learning.  I look forward to it very much!

btw ... Happy Birthday 

The book reviews here are invaluable, as are those on Daven's Journal - in fact, D's Journal is a really great resource site. Book reviews there, articles on Wicca, Seax-Wicca, witchcraft, Druidry and Celtic paganism, and Being A Pagan. Take a peek, if you haven't already.

_{Thank you, I thought I'd be discreet! =D}

[Zoe Moonchild]

The book reviews here are invaluable, as are those on Daven's Journal - in fact, D's Journal is a really great resource site. Book reviews there, articles on Wicca, Seax-Wicca, witchcraft, Druidry and Celtic paganism, and Being A Pagan. Take a peek, if you haven't already.

_{Thank you, I thought I'd be discreet! =D}

I have been doing that.  I already have a long list of 'to get asap' books.  lol  It's invaluable to have a resources like TC so I don't spend my pennies on books that won't help.

You're welcome.  Hope it's the best one yet!

[SleepyRedGirl]

I have been doing that.  I already have a long list of 'to get asap' books.  lol  It's invaluable to have a resources like TC so I don't spend my pennies on books that won't help.

You're welcome.  Hope it's the best one yet!

I have a little section of my bookshelf affectionately known as 'What Were They Thinking?!' - thankfully most of them were cheap. My Books To Buy list is about as long as my arm! I R BookWitch. =)

[Zoe Moonchild]

I have a little section of my bookshelf affectionately known as 'What Were They Thinking?!' - thankfully most of them were cheap. My Books To Buy list is about as long as my arm! I R BookWitch. =)

Haha!  Me too.  Maybe I need to put that as my religious affiliation.   

[SleepyRedGirl]

Haha!  Me too.  Maybe I need to put that as my religious affiliation.   

It was mine for a time, till I got sick of seeing it. =)

[LittleAcorns]

In browsing some threads I saw some references to the tradition of Green Witch.  There were a couple of other references to belief systems/traditions that were similar.  Is there a board here that explains the foundational beliefs of this tradition and/or anything falling under similiar beliefs?  If not, are there some accurate books on the topic?  I don't want books full of how to's so much as I would like something that explains foundational beliefs and how they are applied to everyday life.  Websites are good too.  Thanks for any direction.

Green witchcraft is generally a nature based practice. Green witches usually involve cottage/kitchen witchery in their practice, and sometimes hedge witchery (if you prefer a more shamanic path).  Green witchcraft itself isn't Wiccan, but Wiccans can be green witches too. I wouldn't recommend Ann Moura, she may be popular, but I feel she would be good for green Wiccans instead.  However Arin Murphy Hiscock has a great book on green witchcraft, called The Way of the Green Witch. Great for starting off. Also check out Marian Green and Poppy Palin. And perhaps Ellen Dugan, she is Wiccan, but definitely more green witch than Ann Moura in my opinion. Don't forget books on herbalism, trees, folklore, etc. Doesn't need to be titled green witch to be just that. 

[Darkmoondog]

Green witchcraft is generally a nature based practice. Don't forget books on herbalism, trees, folklore, etc. Doesn't need to be titled green witch to be just that. 

Signs you may be a Green Witch-

1. You have more plants than human friends.
2. You tear up in the produce isle at the grocery store and linger over the florist counter.
3. You plan your dinner menu with what comes out of the garden.
4. Your most extravagant offering is well aged compost.
5. You talk to your plants.
6. Your plants talk back.
7. The Farmer's Almanac is your BOS.
8. Your ritual robes include gardening gloves.
9. You feel no guilt at using your Athame to dig weeds.
10. Your altar is your kitchen.

[monsnoleedra]

This is a bit old as I wrote it a number of years ago but I think it pertains to the subject at hand here.  It is something I wrote trying to explain the concept of "Green Witchcraft" as I was taught and understood it to be.  The critical facet here being the statement as I was taught not that other's or their ways are wrong.

I should point out my particular style of Green Witchcraft is derived from Hedgecraft and Shamanic influence built upon a family tradition.

..........................

What is Green / Hedge Witchcraft?

First let me preface this with the statement that all that follows is my own opinion and thoughts on this question.  As such they may not align with what others would perceive Green Witchcraft to be.

I think that Green Witchcraft is similar to Shamanism in a number of ways.  While the two have similar type concepts I think there is enough difference to make them separate.  I find that the Green Witch is closer aligned to the physical aspects of mother earth than any other Witch is, granted many Witches respect the earth and even follow some green type thoughts but they don’t quite reach the same depth.

I believe that the green witch looks to the deeper association with the Earth.  While the Shaman may journey to other planes of existence, the Green Witch journeys within the physical realm.  In the learning of their path, the Green Witch comes to understand the concept of time, the cycle of life and interaction of herbivores, carnivores and even omnivores.  They learn the teachings of the various groups of people that live upon the earth and the means of working with and calling upon them. 

They travel upon the face of the earth and view the world through green eyes if you will.  He/she sees the Mighty Oak but sees beyond just its physical appearance.  To the typical viewer the oak is a majestic tree the Green Witch sees the life cycle that is tied to it.  They see the small acorn as not only a seed to the future but a personification of the life cycle itself. 

They see that for the 100’s of acorns that drop only a few shall ever be given the chance to grow to the might oak.  Many will gain a small foothold of life only to have it snuffed out in any number of ways.  They see the animals of the forest that rely upon the oak for food and understand that some of them will also die upon the realm but that enough will survive to ensure the continuation of their species.  They will see both life and death displayed for all to see if they but open their eyes.  They also know the delicate balance that exists and the repercussions should it be upset.

They look upon the land and see not only what was but things that can come again.  They look to the creek that runs shallow and stagnate and see its once former power.  They see the might power that lies dormant within the small stagnate pools but can feel the energy that can swell at a moments notice when the elements come together.

They see the combination of elements and how they support and strengthen each other.  They look upon the flame and know that it is the fire that burns within, it is the source of spirit that motivates them.  But they also know it is a fire that can not only inspire but also consume if not balanced with the other elements.  They know a fire can burn and forge a new life from the ash or simply consume its host and leave just a burnt out Caracas.

Within the confines of the elements they see every aspect of man.  The fire that encourages us and drives us forward, but can consume at a moments notice or weakness.  They see the air that fills our bodies with life and touches the face of all things. From Earth comes the strength of our bodies and the bones upon which we are built.  From water comes the very blood and liquid that gives us life.

Not only do they recognize the internal aspects but also recognize the external effects.  They feel the pull of the planets and moon upon the very liquids that pump through their bodies. They see the strength of the earth within their bodies but also see the decay that starts from the moment of inception. They know the in-balance facets of the elements. They see the desert that is left when Fire and Earth are out of balance.  They see the mist and steam when Fire and Water are out of balance. They see and fill the destruction that occurs when earth and water are out of balance.  They acknowledge and see the immediate destruction that occurs from the raging river and see the minute destruction that is caused by the gentle touch of time and wind upon the face of the mighty mountain.

Like Shaman they also work with the Spirits and protectors of a given area.  They know the power runs and Lay lines for an area they work with.  Within the confines of their realm the power vortex are known and the association of certain vortex’s to specific guardians are recorded and studied.  They see both the positive and negative runs as facets of nature neither one good or bad simply in opposition or balance.

Similar to the Shaman they also learn from the creatures of the wild.  They see teachers in everything and learn to look for the truth from animal teachings.  They also recognize that just to see a creature does not mean there is a lesson to be learnt from it.  They also recognize and acknowledge the different type of people that live upon the earth.  They know the green people, the stone people, the winged people, the two legged, the four legged and all that fall in-between.

The Green Witch may have similar abilities as those of a Hedge Witch with their knowledge of herbs and such.  However, that knowledge is not the center of their truth or the main lesson they focus on. Instead they focus upon the energy that travels through the ground and in the air about them.  They see and learn to harness and focus the abundant energies that ripple across the face of the planet.  They see both the creative and destructive powers unleashed by the earth through volcanoes or earthquakes.  Yet they also see the force and energy contained within the storm and lightning, the breath of the wind, the rivers and waters, and the various guardians of place.
   
The Green Witch knows of the hydraulic cycle of the earth.  He/She may not know the specific technical terms of the cycle but have an understanding of the relationship of weather and the movement of water. There will be an understanding of the Plate tectonics theory and the movement of the rock of the earth.  They will see the long-term birth and death of the rock people, though they are on a different time line than the earth.  They may feel the association of their time line or even understand the illusion of strength that comes with it.

Again these are MY thoughts and opinions on this.   

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