PERSONAL EXPERIENCES OF APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING more information      An Overview of Apprenticeship Training – from those who have experienced the apprenticeship programme.
	But first a few words from Sally Morningstar..... This is a distance learning programme, so wherever you are in the world you can sign up for the Scheme.This way is not a religion, anyone can be a hedgewitch whether a Christian, Jew, Muslim, or Hindu for example or even of no faith whatsoever. Below, you will find words written by apprentices about their experiences of the Scheme. Their words express their own particular learnings and study programme and so things that they mention may not appeal to you, or feel appropriate to your needs. Each apprenticeship is totally unique - tailored to each student's requirements. Some may not feel drawn to deities, or to altars or to working with magical tools. Others may desire to connect more closely to wild creatures, or to herbs and trees or perhaps to the creating and making of healing balms or magical oils. Whatever your soul's
	requirement is - be it your relationship with nature, your magic, soul or spirit, be it hedgewitchcraft or simply learning new skills, or finding yourself - that is what we would work on together. It does not have to be anything that is not suited to who you truly are or wish to be. There is one thread that weaves its way through all apprentices' studies, however, and this is Mother Nature. Through her we discover the wonders of Creation, the teacher within, the magical spirit, our own gifts and skills, as human nature and wild nature entwine to connect each of us with our true and Divine self.  So, read on and I hope to hear from you should you feel the calling in your heart. ----------------------------------------------------------- TESTIMONIALS
	Forgotten Language   Once I spoke the language of the flowers, Once I understood each word the caterpillar said, Once I smiled in secret at the gossip of the starlings, And shared a conversation with the housefly in my bed.   Once I heard and answered all the questions of the crickets,  And joined the crying of each falling dying flake of snow,   Once I spoke the language of the flowers…..How did it go?How did it go?  Shel Silverstein Where the Sidewalk Ends
	This has always been one of my favourite poems, and I remember as a child thinking how sad it was and wondering why this special language had been forgotten. Of course I never realized that - as I was growing up - I was also in the process of forgetting this beautiful language.   I have been an apprentice for well over a year now and I want to thank Sally with all my heart for the gifts she has helped me develop, for the wisdom she has shared and for her understanding and love. I especially want to thank Sally for reminding me of my connection to nature. For helping me to see and understand how my actions (no matter how small) affect others and how, as a result I CAN make a positive difference in this World. Thank you Sally for bringing the language of the flowers back into my life! Working with Sally is pure joy! This is simply the most rewarding and incredible journey I have been on. With Sally’s love, guidance, support and wisdom she has helped me find my way home – back to my true self. It hasn’t always been easy as there have been challenges to face, but knowing Sally is by my side has given me the strength to face these challenges and become a stronger more grounded person. I find that now, when I am faced with difficulties my attitude to them is very different.
	I feel more aware, more confident and when I take action (if it’s necessary) I feel it comes from a more balanced, more carefully considered place.   The apprenticeship has also given me the opportunity to explore and continue to develop my magical practice. Crystals, Essences and Herbs are only a few examples of what I have been able to explore. Each one has been thoughtfully chosen by Sally to help me on my life path. To work with Sally in this way is ….. something I find extremely difficult to describe. I have wanted to write a testimonial for a long time now – but it has been difficult for me to put into words just how special the apprenticeship is and what it means to me. The work I have been doing with Sally has made an enormous difference to my life. I can’t recommend it highly enough! Since I have started this journey I have ‘woken up’ and I realize that I am becoming more and more my true self every day. This is the most precious gift.  All my love to you Sally.                                                                                       -------------------------------------                        Meagan, Kent
	What Sally has shown me is more than I could ever have imagined or hoped for. It has been a journey of discovery that has deepened my understanding of self, spirit and love, life and the universe. This magical journey has been a profoundly beautiful experience and quite unique to me, in a way that’s hard to describe. But there are places I’ve visited and lovely people I’ve met that I will never forget as a result. A few months ago, Sally and I had a chat about making a difference. Making a difference to improve the environment, to give something back, to help when we saw a need. On visiting the vet, an advert caught my eye about helping out at the local Animal Shelter. Spirit suggested I telephone; maybe I could be of help. And that is what I have been doing for the past four months and love every moment of it. Mainly cats and dogs are cared for and Sally has helped me so much with the healing aspects of the work. Many of the cats are abandoned strays or have been in road accidents and to know that I can help to heal them is just magic and such a privilege.  On a more practical level, during this most magical year, I have grown herbs and made essential oils from them. Found a wonderful Tree Spirit in my garden. Created my own rituals and blessings. Made corn dollies and decorative wreaths, learnt to “talk” to animals and at present am learning to read Tarot. Oh… and so very much more! And all this magic, because of one mystical, amazing, loving, wise Lady…Sally.
	Whenever I have a question, she tries to answer. When I need reassurance, she is beside me. Encouragement and love she gives constantly. Sally has been with me step by step throughout my “Year of Magical Thinking”. Sally has taught me the most extraordinary thing we can experience is the mysterious. Of course someone else will experience quite a different journey to the journey I have had. That’s magic too. I think this bit of prose; entitled “Starlight” says it all: All men have stars…but they are not the same thing for different people. For some who are travellers, the stars are their guides. For others they are no more than pretty lights in the sky to wish upon. For astrologers, the stars predict future events. For those who are scholars of astronomy…they are planets and galaxies mathematically defined bodies in the heavens. But all these stars are silent. You – and you alone – will have the stars as no one else has them. You – and you alone – will have a magical journey as no one else has.                                                                                                                 H.B. - UK
	-------------------------------------------------- I’ve been studying with Sally since March of this year. As the apprenticeship lasts approximately 1 year, I’m, unfortunately, already into my last half year, yet it feels as if it only started last month! I’ve learned so much from Sally, things concerning magic and rituals, but I’ve also gained a lot of insight into myself. She has so much wisdom, I still cannot believe it is possible to learn so much in one lifetime! Subjects can be about mythology, herbs, oils, (healing) energies, trees, gods and goddesses, minerals and crystals, animals and feathers (but that's a personal one of mine :) and so on. During our weekly contact I really feel we connect and I enjoy our contacts tremendously! Apart from serious conversation, there’s also the occasional giggle! At home our contact has been made into a verb: “Sallying”. Frequently my partner asks me something and when I don’t reply, his comment is “Oohh, you’re Sallying!” meaning he knows I’m not “on this planet” for a while!
	About the apprenticeship as a whole; you help to define what it will be like, so you get out of it what you need. And even if you’re not sure what it is you need, Sally will help you, guide you. If you’re ready to grow, Sally is the way to go! (No, I am not  a shareholder of Sally’s, I simply love the woman!)                                                             Angelina, Netherlands            ---------------------------------------------------- "Thank you for showing me how to be ME!   This is the ``HAPPIEST `` I have been in a long long time."                                                                                                                                                                             Lottie, UK
	-------------------------------------------------------- Here I am already in the sixth month of studying the Craft with Sally. What a wonderful journey it has been so far! I have learnt so much in such a short time. Ever since I saw Sally on a television programme, many moons ago, I so wanted to meet her and study the way with her. Finally I got my wish and met her on one of her excellent courses in Glastonbury. Was this the Fates working for me, or had this come to pass exactly as it was meant to be? I remember saying to her, “How do I become a Witch?” to which she replied, “You only have to ask!” Well I asked and Sally kindly consented to guide and teach me. I was overjoyed at the prospect and couldn’t wait to get started. From the very beginning I knew this was going to be a life-changing experience. Sally makes me feel I am her one and only student, her chosen one. Yet I know she shares her wisdoms with many and I wouldn’t want it any other way. How does she manage to make me feel so special? I know from the many warm tributes written about her, we, her students, are the lucky ones. Sally has a big heart and makes us all feel special. Her teaching is unique. Sally brings out the very best in her apprentices. She will share the journey with you but the path taken is your own individual choice because we all have different aspirations. Sally appreciates this only too well.
	Along this path, Sally will stop every now and then to show you a magical place, a spiritual truth, a healing remedy, an ancient wisdom or a helping energy. Sally is the best guide you could ever wish for. Ultimately though, it is your journey, your path, your work and your magic which brings untold treasures. Sally has opened my Spirit to the wonder in which the universe is ordered and governed and I am amazed by the sense of the miraculous. I just love Sally to pieces and to show how much I love her, I will end with this ancient Celtic Love Blessing dedicated to Sally.  “You are the star of each night. You are the brightness of each morning. You are the kernel of my heart. You are the face of my sun. You are the harp of my music. You are the crown of my company. You are the wings of my Spirit.” Bright Blessing dear Teacher, (and you are the icing on my cake!)                                                                    Moon Hare x   --------------------------------
	What I love about Sally's apprenticeship course is that it doesn't matter where you are in your spiritual development, from the complete novice to those like me who have been gathering knowledge and wisdom for some time, there is a starting place for everyone at any time. Since starting this course I have gained a sense of purpose in my learning and a greater confidence in using what I have learned.  I have become empowered because you cannot gain knowledge such as this without also gaining respect for yourself, for others and for Mother Earth.  And with that respect comes a magnificent sense of awe and beauty both of yourself and of all around you. To embrace this path is to live with beauty and magic everyday of your life - now what could be more fab that that?!! ----------------------------------                                  Jacquie, Wiltshire
	The day had been beautifully warm and as dusk fell, the air was still and heavy with the smell of new mown grass. Walking with bare feet, I approached my altar. Breathing in the warm sweet air, I performed a little ritual dance, (as Sally taught us on her Healing course). This was indeed a magical evening, everything felt just right. A year ago this week I would not have thought this possible. This will sound dramatic but is nevertheless true, I wanted to die. In fact I tried…. I am a recovering alcoholic. This was not the first time I had tried to “recover”; I have been an alcoholic for more than twenty years. My short-term aim this time around last year was to spend the weekend with Sally on her Wiccan Healing Course in Glastonbury. Meeting with Sally that weekend saved my life! Sally has saved my life! With her loving guidance, I am being healed and have found something so special I never want to lose it.
	My world is alive again, full of magical experiences, surprises, love and joy. Sally has shown me that out of destruction comes creation, out of despair comes hope and out of self-hatred comes love. Not to mention out of the ordinary comes the extraordinary! The most extraordinary of all is Sally. Gently guiding, non judgemental and always encouraging, I grow daily in the ways of the craft with her by my side. She has opened my eyes to the most wonderful possibilities.  Through my elemental work I have found out I am not a grounded person. I was not prepared for the practicalities of wanting to change for the better. I never thought I could be someone other than my old alcoholic self. But that is all changing and my confidence gradually returning. Sally has taught me that when something feels right, it usually is right. During our weekly phone chats, I will tell her of something that has occurred, then I hear her infectious chuckle, “Yes, yes ”, she answers knowingly. I thank the Gods for leading me to this wonderful lady who is sharing her wisdom with me and I thank Sally for allowing me to be here to write this! If love is sharing a part of ourselves with others, then Sally is love                                                                                                                                                                    Heather, Surrey------------------------------------------------------
	Sally is an intuitive mentor and healer. She works over the telephone or by email on a weekly basis, energetically tuning in soul-to-soul, which enables her to identify the relevant issues and topics to be worked with during that session. She brings qualities of divine love, teachings of profound wisdom, life experience and a deep intuitive knowing to each session. She works with integrity and honour. Each apprenticeship training is unique to the individual. During my own 13 months of study with Sally, we worked on healing issues from my past, my childhood and ancestral patterns, and my femininity and sexuality. I have worked to connect with the nature kingdom and the four elements, learnt magical techniques and meditations, rituals and blessings and working with the Goddess and God. Sally has always held a sacred space in our work together where I felt safe, heard and reflected. She has given me an experience of being in right relationship with another person. Our journey together has brought me to a place where I have healed my issues from childhood, ancestral patterns and the past. I now feel strong and confident as an empowered adult woman and also as the matriarch for my family. I am living my life in the present moment with love and from my own inner authority and wisdom. It is so very hard to describe this place even when you get here. It is as Sally said “you just know when you have got it” It is freedom. It is peace.                                                                                                                      Deborah, Birmingham-                                                                                 --------------------------------------------------------------------
	Sally, I have been trying to sit down and write about what the apprenticeship means to me for a while now. I would like you to know what sort of impact it’s made on my life … however, words escape me. I’ve come to the conclusion that this path and my apprenticeship can not be described in words any more than things like ‘LOVE’ or ‘HAPPINESS’ can be described to someone who has never felt such breathtaking emotions. So I’m not going to try. What I’ll do instead is tell you how this course and path have benefitted me, my life, and even those I love.I am stronger, I feel like I’ve earned the strength, I faced the challenges and with your help, came through on the other side. I am grounded, I am balanced because I am rooted in the Earth with my head in the Sky. I feel unshakeable. The value of that alone is priceless. It makes me accept that anything can happen and I will be OK. I have learned surrender to balance my drive. I have learned I have a spirit of Fire somewhere inside and that I like it. I am a better mother because I understand the meaning of mother more. I am learning wisdom, not just from books but from LIVING my life AUTHENTICALLY.I am not all these things all the time. But the beautiful part is that everyday I am learning … not to be someone else or change my essence … but to be MORE ME as you say! It is amazing to learn that my soul knew how to do these things all along. You are a wonderful mentor and this experience is priceless to me and one of the most important undertakings in my life.                                                                                                                                                         Chrissy -Ireland
	“We have arrived”. The words spoken by Sally and I as this unique journey of apprenticeship came to its natural conclusion. How do you know when that ending is close? There are no obvious signs, but you both just know. I shall miss the weekly contact with Sally who has tuned in to my needs, offered her wisdom, gently guided and helped me to develop the knowledge, and gain the wisdom and courage to practice safely and ethically. There are no words that can encapsulate how special this apprenticeship with Sally has been, but it has been magical and a joy as all her teachings are based on the love of and respect for Mother Earth who nurtures us all.  During my time, with Sally’s help, I have healed deep emotional wounds, learned of my Soul’s purpose and discovered new awareness of the magic that is all around us.  She has enabled me to develop Self, and with visualisation and contemplation, explored new worlds. Rituals have been learned and practised with confidence and love, and it was my great pleasure to be able to perform a Handfasting for my daughter. All possible because of Sally’s teaching. I have learned to work with the Elements, connect to the Sacred Nature all around us, found my Guardian Spirits and better understand my place in this great Universe.
	The absolute trust, which I placed in Sally, has never been called into question as she works with integrity and dignity. If a modular type of training is what you require, then this is not the path for you, but if you want gentle guidance in accordance with your own development, then Sally will guide you to your own unique, fantastic teaching and guidance.   I have very much enjoyed this journey of discovery and awareness and have been very privileged to have Sally Morningstar to facilitate it and walk with me. I give thanks to the Lady and the Lord for directing me to Sally. So now I am able to embrace my power and fly with the merlins! (and Sally, only you will understand what that means ! x ) My big wave on which I have been so gently carried for the last year or so has finally brought me home.   Thank you Sally, and long may you continue to share your wisdom and knowledge.  Leonore Newson - upon completing her studies .
	---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Since starting my apprenticeship training with Sally, my healing and development process has quickened and deepened enabling me to reach parts of myself previously untouched by other practitioners.  I now have a greater sense of self-empowerment and inner authority and a feeling of finding my rightful place in life for the first time.  Sally has taught me how to heal my ancestral family line, which has been a very important part of my soul's purpose. My connection with nature and understanding of the elements is growing as well as a confidence and belief in myself. Sally uses her strong intuitive wisdom, and wisdom of life, to bring me to a deeper understanding of myself and of life. She holds a very safe, supportive, nurturing space within which to explore all aspects of spirituality, life and magical work.     D.L.
	-------------------------------------------------------------- A higher force directed me to Sally to begin my apprenticeship with her and I am so glad that this happened. It may have been that now is the right time for me to embark on something that is so special. With Sally’s gentle guidance, she is helping me to develop my knowledge and awareness.   The weekly contact with Sally is special and I look forward to it. During that time, we reflect on what has happened over the previous week and Sally gives advice and some explanations to events. She very gently makes me focus on what is important and what the next step should be. Not everything happens overnight, but a gentle awareness develops.  For me, I feel as if I am being carried along on a big, safe wave. I am not being dragged or pushed and there is nothing threatening to this feeling. It is a feeling of childhood excitement and joy. At the same time, I am beginning to get to know myself and like what I see.
	It is fabulous to be developing an awareness of the magic that is all around us. Sally is such a wise and warm lady in whom I put my trust and know that this will not be abused. Her infectious laugh and wise wisdom make her a very special lady, and I feel very privileged that she has been able to help me. At last I have come home. Thank you so much, Sally and may you continue to share your wonderful knowledge with us. Leonore Newson.   --------------------------------------------------------------
	I began my apprenticeship with Sally just a couple of months before my life fell into crisis - I honestly dont know what I would have done without her. Sally encouraged me and stood beside me every step of the way.  She has taught me how to look deep within myself - even when the search is sometimes painful - and I have found that much is to be gained from such searching. Gradually, I am learning what it means to work with one's dark side and the importance of faith in Spirit when all other lights seem to have gone out. Just like Frodo in Lord of the Rings, I felt 'naked in the dark' but Sally was never far from me. I am still discovering what it means to maintain faith and build a spiritual practice which embraces the Divine Feminine  and all the bounty that She provides. I have gained wonderful insights into how spirit opens and blesses, when we strive to find this within ourselves and Sally has guided me constantly in doing this.  Sally has given me analogies, visualisations and practices specially created for me through her wisdom and insight. I am learning to trust her judgement more and more as she continues to assist me in having faith in myself and my own abilities. I expected the apprenticeship to be something along the lines of rituals and written assignments, but Sally's tuition is very personal and creative. I am sure that no two apprentices will have exactly the same experience. My fondest love and blessings to Sally - I look forward to working with her for a long time. There are many teachers in this world, but very few spiritual guides.           Sian, Somerset
	A Sprinkling of Testimonials for Sally Morningstar Sally, thank you for all your advice. I am truly grateful to have met you. You are a wonderful lady. G.R. Sweden Thanks Sally. You are a gem. Where would the world be without people like you? A.H. London. UK
	The Hedgewitch training has been such a fabulous experience. It has been a great pleasure and honour to work with you. BM - Somerset. UK "Sally is a wise woman. I love her to pieces" AB, Somerset, UK Thank you from the bottom of my heart for planting a valuable seed that has changed my life in so many ways. B.B. Eshowe, South Africa
	"Your wisdom is a treasure from Mother Nature herself." CH - Ireland There is no-one in this world that I would rather have to guide and teach me. (And yes, I do feel that absolute about it!) CK - Cornwall. UK
	"When I was experiencing major health and emotional problems due to psychic attack; you were so understanding and commenced 'help' immediately. Within a matter of days, I began to feel better, both physically and emotionally. Thank you - it is much appreciated. Your psychic skills solved the problem, where other things had failed!" S.R. Weston Super Mare. UK