The Hedge Craft – The Middleworld. In witchcraft, the Middleworld refers to the everyday, physical world in which we live. However, for practitioners, this world is not simply ordinary. It is seen as a dynamic space where the energies of the spiritual Upper and Lower worlds come together and are expressed in daily life.
You can think of the Middleworld as the setting for all of life’s experiences. It is where the spiritual and the material interact. For instance, a hill on a plain is more than just a landform. In witchcraft, it may be viewed as a sacred place, where the boundary between different realms feels thinner. Sitting on such a hill, you might notice a sense of connection to both the earth below and the sky above, linking you to deeper and higher aspects of existence.
Another example is a well, with sunlight reflecting on its surface. To a witch, this is not just a water source. It can be seen as a meeting point of energies, or a place for reflection and inspiration. Even a tree in your backyard can serve as a symbolic world tree, or axis mundi, offering a way to connect with both the Upper and Lower worlds through meditation or contemplation.
Engaging with the Middleworld often involves becoming more aware of your environment. This could mean learning about the local plants, trees, and herbs, or observing the land’s features, the movement of water, the habits of animals, and the changes in the seasons. Each of these aspects can hold meaning and insight for those who take the time to notice them.
For many witches, this connection is built through direct experience. Walking barefoot on the earth, touching the soil, listening to birds at sunrise, or watching the moon rise are all ways to become more present. These simple actions can help you feel more grounded in the Middleworld and more open to its unique qualities.
With regular practice, it often becomes clear that the Middleworld is just as fascinating and mysterious as the spiritual realms above and below. In the symbolism of the tree, the Middleworld is like the trunk—providing support and connection between all parts of the whole.
If you feel a special connection to a particular tree—whether it is in your garden, a park, or a forest—it can serve as a personal anchor. By sitting with your back against its trunk and breathing deeply, you may sense the energy of the earth rising through its roots and the inspiration of the sky coming down through its branches. This simple practice can help you feel connected to all three worlds and more present in the moment.
The Middleworld is not something to avoid or overlook. Instead, it is a realm to appreciate. Every day life can hold deep magic and meaning, especially when you are attentive and open to what is around you.
