Hedge-witchery

In contrast to sorcery, simple mystical practises are commonly known as hedge-witchery. Hedge-witchery is often not seen as mysterious or mystical as sorcery, but as a daily common practice, similar to the baker next door. Village witches and wizards are often not even referred to as mages. The reputation of village witches and wizards greatly depends on regional superstitions, and ranges from regard equally with the local herbalist and midwife to not much more than a dimmer or night cleaner.

Mystical abilities

Hedge-witchery mainly revolves around activation of dormant magic. Common practises of hedge-witches and -wizards include spell-binding for talisman crafting, and simple potion brewing. Folk come to witches and wizards for simple spells of fortune, love and luck, and potions for endurance and healing. Talismans to make the wearer more charming or trustworthy, or instead less noticeable; talismans to protect a home against fire or storms, to make a shop more inviting, to improve crop yield, or protect cattle from disease.

Apprenticeship

Hedge-witchery is often taught by a master to an apprentice. Many cities and towns often have at least one hedge-witch or -wizard. They are more common in towns since the people in cities have started to turn to religion or science for solutions to their struggles and problems. Young men and women can turn to these village witches and wizards for apprenticeship. Few are turned away and almost always given a chance to prove themselves to be adept in the mystical arts to at least some extent.

Uncommon nowadays, but common in the past, was witches and wizards discovering and teaching themselves. This was when the number of village witches and wizards was small and hedge-witchery regarded as nonsense.