Book Title: Pagan Portals: Kitchen Witchcraft
Author: Rachel Patterson
Publication Date (month and year): February 2013
ISBN (if known): 1780998430
The phrase 'Kitchen Witchcraft' conjures up
brewing potions and hanging herbs, and while this of course can be the case,
the experienced witch knows the kitchen can be the beating heart of their home,
where the material and the mystical meld to create magic.
Rachel approaches this topic with just such
a theory in mind, and makes no assumptions about the level of skill or
experience of the reader. It's important to bear in mind that as part of the
Pagan Portals series, this book is intended as a brief introduction to Kitchen Witchcraft. Having said that, for
such a slim volume, Rachel manages to pack in a great deal of info.
She starts by introducing the idea behind
kitchen witchcraft, and giving an overview of things that may be needed: tools,
ingredients and attitude. Even for the experienced, this is a good reminder and also interesting to gain an insight
into what another experienced witch has in their own cupboards, physical and
otherwise.
The eight big seasonal pagan festivals are
discussed with particular focus on what kitchen crafts can be used to celebrate
them. In here are correspondences, incenses and many more hands on ways to get
your worship on. She also talks about how the differing phases of the moon can
affect one's workings, and while this section is a little simplistic for those
experienced in moon magic, again, it is a great point of reference and a good
reminder of the roots of many more complex types of moon magic. She looks at
working with energy, and how to utilize candle magic, from the very simple to
the more convoluted spells that can be worked.
One of my favourite sections of the book is
the meditations in the final chapter. Each one is a different journey for a
different purpose, and while each is written as a detailed journey, there is
plenty of scope to make the journey your own. Unlike the narrative style which
is direct and almost chatty, these written meditations have a wonderful dream
like quality which is just perfect for getting you in the right frame of mind
for approaching this type of working.
Rachel's style is very accessible and
conversational. Despite being almost a reference book at times, this short
volume is a complete page turner as it is a real pleasure to read. It is as if
she is in the room with you, talking you through the ideas that she is
obviously passionate about. This is a very modern way of writing about a
subject as old as the hills, and will make the subject easy to absorb even for
the complete novice. Yet she manages this while making it a perfect refresher
for the experienced witch, by including lists, correspondences and ideas from
many paths.
This could be my favourite point of the
book, that Rachel does not assume
that you are Wiccan, or indeed of any particular religion at all. Most of the
practical tasks in the book could be completed by someone of no religious
beliefs at all, as the main focus is on a connection to nature, the world, and
one's self.
There
is no limit to who would enjoy this volume. The only downside is that it is so
short, however as an introductory piece, as it is intended, it is absolutely
ideal. I will definitely be getting a hold of her larger volume, Grimoire of a Kitchen Witch, to see if
the style and themes are expanded upon. Highly enjoyable, and it has inspired
me to get back in the kitchen- not something I say every day!
Mabh is the author of A Modern Celt exploring the
relevance of Celtic culture in modern Paganism and spirituality. She also writes
a regular blog covering
Paganism, politics and the turn of the seasons. A singer and musician too, she
gigs and does spoken word at venues across the UK. She has two crazy cats, an
even crazier three year old boy and a very patient other half! You can find her on Facebook.
