The Hedge Craft is a spiritual practice that helps us connect with different realms of existence, including the Upperworld. In Celtic tradition, the World Tree, sometimes called the sacred bile, is seen as a bridge between these realms. The ancestors are often associated with the Underworld, humans live in the Middleworld, and the gods are believed to dwell in the Upperworld. However, these boundaries are not fixed—beings can move between worlds, especially during special times or through ritual and intention.
In the Hedge Druid’s Craft, practitioners learn to journey between these realms using various techniques. These include working with herbs, plants, and animals, as well as performing rituals, spells, and charms. The Upperworld is often viewed as a place of higher spiritual awareness. When we journey there, we gain a broader perspective and can see the larger patterns of the universe. This realm is not concerned with everyday problems, but instead offers deep wisdom and insight into the nature of existence.
The Upperworld is associated with wisdom, knowledge, and prophecy. It is connected to the celestial bodies—the stars, sun, and moon. If you imagine the World Tree as a symbol of yourself, the roots represent your connection to the past and the land, the trunk is your present self, and the branches are your consciousness reaching upward. By expanding your awareness toward the Upperworld, you can experience transformation and a sense of wholeness.
This journey is sometimes described as transcendence—a state where you connect with your higher self, free from the limitations of the past. The Upperworld is often seen as the destination of the soul’s journey and a place where the future is shaped. By working with the Upperworld, you can access creativity and new perspectives, allowing you to see beyond illusions and outdated beliefs.
In this realm, you may find that many of your so-called truths are simply stories you have told yourself. The Upperworld encourages you to look beyond these stories and gain clarity. With a fresh perspective, you can begin to change yourself and, in turn, influence the world around you. Guides you have met in the Lower and Middleworlds can help you find this new perspective, and sometimes, it is helpful to let go of all perspectives and simply be present.
While everyone sees the world through their own lens, it is possible to become aware of this and strive to see beyond it. Although there are factors in life that are beyond our control, our perception is something we can work with, especially if we have explored our hidden or unconscious aspects and received guidance from teachers and spiritual allies.
The phrase “the sky’s the limit” resonates with the Upperworld. You may have a vision of your best self, and that vision exists in the Upperworld. Bringing it into reality requires effort, self-reflection, and a willingness to change. It can be helpful to research local deities or spirits connected to your area, as building a relationship with them can deepen your spiritual practice.
To begin a journey to the Upperworld, find a quiet, special place where you feel comfortable. You might stand in a posture that feels balanced and open, or simply place your non-dominant foot forward. When you are ready, you can say words such as: “I walk between the worlds with the World Tree as my guide. May my roots reach deep, my core be strong, and my inspiration reach toward the skies. I now venture into the Upperworld to understand my highest potential, to seek inspiration, and to connect with the Shining Ones.”
You may wish to turn around three times counter-clockwise and say: “By the power of three times three, this is my will, so may it be.” Imagine yourself at the World Tree, opening a doorway to the Upperworld. Visualize a staircase leading upward, and begin to climb, following a gentle light. Take a moment to adjust to this new realm.
Place your hand on the trunk of the tree and ask the Upperworld to reveal your guide. This guide may appear as a god, a spirit, or a member of the Fair Folk. When a figure appears, greet them respectfully and ask if they are your guide. If they are, you can ask questions and learn from them. If not, you can ask to be directed to your true guide.
After meeting your guide, thank them and prepare to return. Place your hand on the tree again, and visualize a doorway opening. Descend the staircase, leaving the Upperworld behind as you return to the Middleworld. Step out from the doorway, and let it close behind you. Offer thanks to the World Tree and return to your starting place.
