Witching It in the Devon Countryside: Unschooling, Magic, and Mayhem

Hey hey, fellow wanderers of the wild and curious minds! Pull up a broomstick, brew a cup of tea, and let me take you on a little adventure into my world—a place where the ancient magic of the Devon countryside meets the delightful chaos of unschooling my children.

You see, being a witch in the beautiful, windswept lands of Devon isn’t all about cackling over cauldrons and conjuring thunderstorms (although that’s definitely a perk). It’s also about connecting with nature, embracing the whimsy of life, and—most importantly—attempting to keep my children from turning the cat into a toad. Spoiler alert: It hasn’t happened yet, but there have been some close calls.

Life as a Modern Witch

Picture this: rolling hills, misty moors, and a cottage tucked away where the Wi-Fi signal is as mystical as a unicorn. That’s where we live—myself, hubby (a long-suffering muggle), and our 4 little feral ones (which I take as a HUGE compliment). We’re surrounded by trees older than your gran’s best china teacup, fields that seem to stretch into infinity, the odd mystical stone circle and hedge way portals. It’s a witch’s paradise.

But let’s not get carried away with all the mystical mumbo jumbo. Sure, I dabble in herbal potions and might have a knack for finding lost socks (which I’m convinced is actual magic), but my daily life involves a lot more muddy boots and “where did that frog come from?” than one might expect. And somewhere between trying to keep all of the animals the kids find alive and making sure the house doesn’t fall into disrepair, I’ve decided to throw unschooling into the mix.

Looking to add a touch of magic to your own home? Check out these handmade candles that bring a bit of witchy charm into everyday life.

Unschooling: Or, How to Learn From Your Mistakes… Literally

Unschooling, is a bit like letting a leaf float down a stream and seeing where it ends up. It’s the idea that kids learn best when they’re interested, motivated, and—importantly—when no one is forcing them to write sentences or memorize the kings and queens of England or most importantly to sit still for hours on end.

Our days are a mix of foraging for wild berries (or “berrying” as the kids call it), reading books about dragons, and embarking on impromptu science experiments. Ever tried to explain why the moon isn’t actually made of cheese while knee-deep in a muddy stream, fishing out what might be a magical stone? It’s an experience, to say the least.

My youngest has recently decided he’s going to be a dragon trainer when he grows up. I’m just grateful it’s not a career in potion explosion testing, as my kitchen has only just recovered from the last “experiment.” One of my eldest girls, on the other hand, is convinced that fairies are real and spends a significant amount of time designing elaborate traps (or as she calls them, “fairy houses”). I’m just waiting for the day we accidentally catch a badger instead.

Finding the Magic in Everyday Chaos

So, what’s the secret to balancing witchery, unschooling, and not losing my marbles? It’s all about finding the magic in everyday moments. Whether it’s spotting a deer on our morning walk, discovering the perfect rock for skipping stones, or simply watching my kids light up with curiosity, it’s those little sparks of wonder that keep the magic alive.

And when the day’s done, and the kids are finally in bed, I’ll pour myself a glass of elderflower wine (made from the bushes in the garden, of course), and I’ll sit by the fire, knowing that amidst the chaos, there’s something truly magical about this life we’re living.

So here’s to unschooling, witchcraft, and the Devon countryside—a trio that’s never boring and always full of surprises. If you ever find yourself wandering these parts, feel free to drop by. Just don’t be alarmed if you’re greeted by a frog wearing a tiny wizard’s hat—it’s just one of the kids practicing their spells.

your unschooling witchy mum x