Practical Magick & Kitchen Witchery

A teach-in for WWU Pagans by Simone Mack

 ”Kitchen Witches cook and craft with intention while being

mindful of the natural properties of the materials they use”(1) “While many Kitchen Witches work on instinct, they also spend

a great deal of time studying recipes and the magical, healing and nutritional properties of the foods they use”(1)

Cottage witches are not “restricted” to the kitchen or may involve other household crafts more equally

Practical Magick is the use of these practices and crafting ways in tandem with other religious paths. Some people may feel that the use of Practical Magick enhances their daily sense of spirituality and keeps energy flowing through out the day and in the home.

There are few guidelines, these practices are not very formal and generally come back to what “feels right”.

What is a Kitchen Witch/Cottage Witch and Practical Magick?

Do what feels right Practice “slow food” when you can (sustainable,

local, organic, community, enjoyment) Cook/clean/craft with intent Boost magick with proper correspondences,

candles, ritual space, etc. Give thanks, and offerings From simply stirring with intent to a working

kitchen alter and devotions Keep your space clean

Fundamental Principals

Use natural bowls, pots, and tools

Cast iron is traditional, cooper for luck/love, steel, porcelain, wood, glass – avoid synthetic materials

Your spice cupboard is your good friend Mortar and pestle is a favorite You can choose to cleanse and consecrate your tools, or

keep special tools set aside. – A wooden spoon can be a wand, a pot a cauldron, have a

functional besom, make your own cleaning agents Have garden space? Grown and harvest your own herbs! Keep plants in the kitchen/house to enliven the space

Craft Tools

Stir, mix, chop, scrub, plant- do it all by hand! Feel free to incorporate words or a chant Sing a related tune or a favorite general song that evokes

spirituality in yourself Dance a little while in the kitchen, while sweeping or

vacuuming! Remember: do everything with intent and focus When you add ingredients to a pot or a craft, focus on the

desired property you want to draw out from the ingredient Visualize the end product clearly and desired consequences You can call for aid from gods, goddesses, spirits, ancestors,

kindred etc. As always: Harm none!

Energy Work

Spices : cinnamon is good for protection,

healing and passion (2) “staples” like flour, butter, oil etc. Having a well stocked cupboard makes daily

cooking easier and can save money- try buying in bulk

What’s in your Cupboard?

Natural cleaners Body products Décor and furniture arrangement to enhance

energy flow in the space Crafts Gardening Construction and home improvement

House hold crafts

A healthy body is vital to conducting magick safely Cooking with whole foods is generally healthier Cooking and cleaning is a good way to distress and

having a clean environment promotes mental health

Using homegrown or fresh ingredients boost health Being a conscious consumer (buying locally and

sustainably) benefits the community Making natural cleaners and body products can

save money and reduce the amount of toxins entering your body

How does Health Play a Role?

Tips for Preparing a Magical Meal: Begin by cleaning your workspace and evoking your Hearth God or

Goddess. Light a candle and invite His/Her presence and blessing. Leave the candle burning while you work

Kitchen witchery should be drawing magic. Don't try to cook banishing magic into your food!

Focus! While you are stirring, cutting, kneading, etc. stay focused on your intent and remember to think positive. Sing while you're cooking.

Bring your intention to the table. Decorate with flowers and colors Eat with focus and gratitude. Say a prayer of thanksgiving. Savor every

bite and enjoy each others company. Leave a small offering to your household Gods or ancestral spirits. Remember that your kitchen is your temple. Keep it clean! From reference (1) kitchen witch corner

Kitchen Magick Sample Template

(1) http://www.kitchenwitchcorner.com/ (2) Magical Herbalism by Scott Cunningham http://sacredhearth.com/ A list of correspondences

http://www.kitchenwitchcorner.com/magickal-ingredients/p/4

Links and References