A hedge-priest is…

Hedge \Hedge\, n. [OE. hegge, AS. hecg; akin to haga an inclosure, E. haw, AS. hege hedge, E. haybote, D. hegge, OHG. hegga, G. hecke.]

A thicket of bushes, usually thorn bushes; especially, such a thicket planted as a fence between any two portions of land; and also any sort of shrubbery, as evergreens, planted in a line or as a fence; particularly, such a thicket planted round a field to fence it, or in rows to separate the parts of a garden. [1913 Webster]

Note: Hedge, when used adjectively or in composition, often means rustic, outlandish, illiterate, poor, or mean; as, hedge priest; hedgeborn, etc. [1913 Webster]

A hedge-priest is thus a poor, vagabond priest, without benefice or home.

Amusingly the above would symbolically suit me at this precise point in time. However I chose the term Hedge Priest more specifically because it seems to be a variant of the terms Hedge-Witch or Hegde-Druid.

A Hedgewitch, has traditionally been seen as a shamanistic person who can cross the “hedge” or boundary between this world and the other. The Hedgewitch is usually a solitary practitioner, but may be attended by assistants. Her main function is as mediator between the spirit world (the Divine) and people. She may also work as a herbal healer and midwife.

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A hedgepriest’s first ‘hello’

Well, I’ve considered starting a proper blog for yonks… so here we go.

I guess I ought to begin by saying a little about myself, and my intentions for this blog.

I was a C of E Vicar for about ten years. That role (and privilege) came crumbling to an end two and a half years ago, after I decided to play the fool (as in the mystical Zero numbered card from a certain esoteric deck). The full story is too long for this introductory post but it will, no doubt, gradually trickle out over the next few months. What I will say for now is that my own failures – and the admission of them – resulted in a total change of direction. I was asked to resign my post for a three year period and, after the initial shock, I chose to use the time as an opportunity to explore the deeper aspects of life – primarily faith, spirituality and magic.

Two main developments have occurred over these years:
1) As a magician (illusionist) I have found my performances lead, more and more, to powerful experiences that can only be described as real magic. It is as if the natural opening up of the right-brain hemisphere that occurs when exposed to magical effects, evokes wonder and awe which, in turn, seems to heighten the possibility of encountering genuine synchronicities. More on that on future blogs. And…

2) My adventure has taken me into the beautiful world of the modern nature based tradition of OBOD Druidry (and other Paganisms). Back in the days of theological training I was encouraged to immerse myself in the faith traditions of the East and learn from their unique insights and myths. I did so with delight and always saw what I learned as complimentary – never incompatible with my own faith. Likewise my more recent earth-based travels have brought me face to face with a spirituality than has been nothing short of life changing, and has been easily assimilated into my Christian understanding. In fact I’ve found myself radically re-interpreting many of my older beliefs in the light of what I’ve grown to love about Druidry. Consequently I’ve grown and deepened as a result.

I have recently been given the green light to return to the full time parochial life. I am currently pondering the implications of whether I do or don’t. One thing I do know is that, whatever I do, it must be with integrity and every effort to remain authentic.

Gosh, tired now. I’ll continue this soon.

ps. I’ll explain why I chose to call myself a ‘hedgepriest’ in my next post.

Confessions of a Hedgepriest