In the Hedge Druid’s Craft, the World Tree is a key symbol. It represents how the universe is structured and how all life is connected. The World Tree is more than just a metaphor; it is seen as a living axis that links different realms of existence. These realms are the Lowerworld, the Middleworld, and the Upperworld. Each realm has its own qualities, spirits, and lessons for those who explore them.
The word “hedge” in hedgecraft refers to the boundary between the everyday world and the mystical, unseen worlds. “Hedge riding” describes the journey along the World Tree’s axis—moving between these realms to seek wisdom, healing, and spiritual insight. This journey can be both symbolic and, for some, a real experience. It reflects the Druid’s ability to cross the boundaries of consciousness and reality.
For Druids, who are sometimes called “oak-knowers,” the image of the tree is especially important. Ancient sources say that Druids held their ceremonies in sacred groves, called nemetons, and that trees were central to their spiritual traditions. The oak tree, in particular, was respected as a symbol of strength, endurance, and connection to the divine. By using the World Tree as a symbol, modern Druids continue this ancient respect and see the tree as a bridge between worlds.
The three realms of the World Tree are sometimes named in Welsh and Irish tradition as Annwn (or Ceugant), Abred, and Gwynfed. Annwn is often described as the Otherworld, a place of spirit and potential. Abred is the world of experience, learning, and physical life. Gwynfed is the realm of enlightenment, wisdom, and harmony. These worlds are not separate; they are interwoven. Some Druids picture them as circles or spheres within each other, each one affecting and supporting the others.
The way to access these three worlds is through the center—the axis mundi, or the trunk of the World Tree. In Irish tradition, this is called the Bile. The Bile stands at the heart of the Middleworld, connecting the Lowerworld and Upperworld, and acts as the path for spiritual travel. By journeying along this axis, Druids can move between the worlds, seeking guidance, healing, and a deeper understanding of themselves and the universe.
For those starting out in the Hedge Druid’s Craft, learning about the World Tree and the three realms is an important foundation. This idea offers a map for spiritual exploration and a way to connect with the wisdom of nature, ancestors, and the divine. Through study, meditation, and ritual, practitioners can learn to move through these realms, honoring ancient traditions while creating their own unique path.
