The Art of the Kitchen Witch

By Josh P.

"There are many doors to the kitchen," my girlfriend often says. She is referring to the art of witchery within the kitchen, and how we each have our own ways - neither better nor worse than each other's.

She's right, of course - as she is about many things. She and I both engage in ritual work and we have very different styles. But despite our differences, we have found that we share something in common when it comes to witchcraft. An innate talent that blends raw power with traditional practice (different ones, naturally), and a smidgeon of innovation, resulting in undeniable results.

I want to talk about the journey I am on in learning about my own magical existence as a Kitchen Witch. Sharing what I do, and my girlfriend and a few other witches I know, might offer some insight or inspiration for you on your journey. If you've never considered yourself a Kitchen Witch, maybe you'll learn a few suprises. If you are practiced and skillful, I hope that you may still learn something, or at the least, enjoy reading about my learning process.

For background, I come from an Alexandrian tradition, (although I parted ways with my coven a few years ago and am now more solitary than not), mixed with Gaelic-based religious beliefs. I am exploring my Continental Celtic side, so to speak. Katya, my girlfriend, is Baltic, which generates some interesting dynamics when combined with her Dianic-Wiccan path. She is currently moving away from Wiccan towards the traditional Baltic faith. There's a lot of witchcraft in her blood, and her family, while nominally Christian, remained faithful to the old ways since conversion - like many of the Baltic-Lithuanian peoples. Her experiences have influenced a lot of my own practices.

Before getting into my style, let's take a brief look at the usual understanding of Kitchen Witchery. Kitchen Witchery is non-path specific. Anyone, Pagan or otherwise, can practice it. Mind you, there are faiths in Paganism that are less suited to it - those who practice a reconstructed version often don't engage in Kitchen Witchery as it is not specified as traditional to their faith, and is thus not viewed as authentic to their belief system. But, regardless, anyone who chooses can practice it. It is not a religion in itself, although it can be associated with your own spiritual journey if you like. It is not about worshiping the gods or placating the spirits.

It is about magic. Pure and simple magic.

Kitchen Witchery is focused upon home, hearth, and heart - concerns revolve around those three areas, and the magic worked is aimed at influencing them. Simple magics indeed. Cantrips to bring happiness to the table, sleep to the child, soothe an injury, heal emotional hurts, keep the home clean - these are the common magics of the Kitchen Witch. The ingredients used come from the kitchen (usually), or other areas of the home. Charms, talismans, herbal mixtures, and various crafty type creations are the hallmarks of most Kitchen Witches. Yes, simple is a good word to use. Of course, not every magic worked is minor - Kitchen Witches have vast reserves of power to use and can direct those reserves towards greater needs. But even then, the working tends to be simpler than ritual magic worked within a religious context.

Powerful...yes, do not confuse simple with weak. Kitchen magic is often very stong - powered as it is by the heart of the home. The Kitchen Witch and his/her workspace (usually the kitchen) are enfused with the energy of the house and its inhabitants. The happier and more peaceful and content a house, the stronger the magic. Because the home itself is the ritual space of the witch, all actions within it charge the energies there. And the witch draws upon and utilises these energies in his/her magic. This is where purity comes in - not the insipid idea of innocent equalling pure. But pure, undistilled, undiluted - powerful.

Next time you brew a cup of tea for a tired spouse, cook a meal with love for your children, or make yourself a pick-me-up coffee, think about what you are doing. Is there a ritual involved? Do you cut the vegetables up in order? Rinse out the kettle before refilling? Set out the cups in a specific way and prepare the drink "just so"? Chances are, you're engaging in the simplest of Kitchen Witcheries. Next time, try consciously focusing your intent as you perform that little ritual. Be aware of the energy you are releasing into the food. Be aware of how it makes you feel as you bring your magic to bear upon this small act of love.