Sample Page

Kitchen witchcraft, also known as home witchcraft, cottage witchcraft,^[1] hearth witchcraft, or kitchen magick, is a form of witchcraft centered on cooking.^[2] The practice is found in neopaganism.^[3][4][5]

Kitchen witchcraft has existed throughout history. In certain ancient cultures, hearths were seen as sacred and the act of cooking was seen as a practice of magic.^[1] Many historical kitchen witches were midwives, wise women, and matriarchs as women did house work in certain traditional cultures. Some were also revered in leadership roles.^[6] Herbs were used frequently in the practices of cunning folk and some were herbalists.^[7][8] Historically, wise women prepared meals and herbal teas meant to divert infections and diseases, as they practiced healing.^{[9][10][7][11]} Some of these meals were broths and soups.^[12][13] These practices were also practiced by shamans.^[14]

The kitchen can be considered a sacred or blessed space to practice kitchen witchcraft.^[15][16] One way kitchen witchcraft is practiced is setting intention for whatever meal is being cooked or baked.^[4][17][18] Herbs can be used in this practice, as specific herbs may be considered to have specific magical practices such as chamomile and lavender for relieving anxiety.^[19][20][15] Some of the practices in kitchen witchcraft is potion-making.^[3][17] Rituals combined with the act of cooking may be done as well.^[15]