Kitchen witchcraft
Form of witchcraft focused on cooking
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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]
Overview
History
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]
Practices
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]