Cottage/Kitchen Witchery

[~Macha~]

MM all you little Cottage/Kitchen Witches!!!
I just HAD to share some things, and I didn't want to overrun the Kitchen Witchcraft CoT (specailly since I don't teach it!)
I bought Ellen Dugan's book Cottage Witchery and I LOVE it! Anyone else read it/bought it? Anyway...
Questions first and then comments:
What are y'all's feelings on dragons/faeries(browines) and such? She discusses them in the book, those two at length, along with the fire elementals (my guess, because Cottage/Kitchen Witchery centers around then hearth... thus fire). Have any of you worked with dragons? Specifically, why? She discusses them in a protective capacity. I have thought about calling upon a dragon to protect me and my little girl because of some harrassment and such towards me from her father. Also... I recall going to a Ren Faire and someone giving me one of those decrative gem stone things (you know u buy them in a bag for 98 cents at wal-mart to put in vases and such) and calling it a dragon's tear, and that putting it under my pillow would bring good dreams and keep the bad away. Anyone else on that? I am actually gonna put that in Just Pagan as a question, but anyway...
I am absoultly loving the fact that I can open a chapter and know just where I need to find stuff. The color magick and herb magick guides/lists are so helpful and easy to understand. Granted, they are a tiny bit limited, but hey- do some of your own research, right?
So, we need to keep an active Cottage/Kitchen Witch thread going in here because I think that we are a totally misrepresented path due to the fact that most of us might be solitary (you know what they say about too many cooks... same goes for kitchen witches, I think) Write back y'all, and let's keep this active!

[Crystal Craft]

MM to you and all. I would first like to that you for and new author and book to check out. The reason I decided to write back is you little story about the gemstone you purcused at a Renn Faire, I my self own a business and do Renn faires and unforcunatly you have to be careful when it comes to stones and jewlery. There are crystals and other minerals that can be used in many different ways. For better sleep and bad dreams I would suggest Rose quartz to flow love in to your dreams state. I hope this helps you and I can't wait to read that book. Thanks again for that information.
Blessed Be
Crystal _vb_

[Isabella LeCour]

I'm writing because I'm on the spring class list for Kitchen Witchcraft class here and while I'm waiting I've got some questions. I haven't read any books devoted to this area but I've read other occult and Pagan books. I'm just wondering, what's so different about Kitchen/Cottage Witchcraft from other "paths" of Witchcraft? At this point I can't ask a specific question. I don't have enough of an idea to what makes it "kitchen" in the first place. Could someone fill in the my missing info?
Thanks.
BB Isabella

[Faery-Wings]

CottageWitch, thanks for the new book suggestion. I am going to have to check that one out. It has been a long time since I got a new book.

And please feel free to share in the KW CoT class. I love to have other people's input.

BB

[Gede]

MM~
This is definitely the next book I am investing in! I love Ellen Dugan! She is an excellent author!

Namaste, Gede...

[~Macha~]

Gede- Isn't she? I laughed, I cried, it moved me. No seriously, it did!!! And I LOVE the fact that she uses tealights instead of a taper/pillar for candle spells. I'm sorry, I have no where safe to burn out a candle after a spell... tealights are perfect! Especially for petitions because it burns out and seals the petition in!
Chryssi- I hope I am not overstepping my bounds answering Isabella's question... please throw in some other stuff, because I am new to this path (as you know!)
Isabella- what makes Kitchen/Cottage Witchery differnent is that fact that it focuses around the "heart of the home" or the hearth. These type of witches are more likely to be the ones that have potted herbs, they might do more herbal magic, spells and energies might be focused into keeping the home, and those in it safe. Try visiting this site (http://www.owlsdottir.com/kitchen.html) and see if your questions are answered. A PM Chryssi... I think she might agree that having some questions answered before the class starts will help you understand what is going on, and the importance and resons as to why we are learning what we are.

[LacyRoze]

Looks like I'll be purchasing a new book, lol,( more like adding it to an already long list).

Some say a kitchen witch is just another name for a traditional witch. I, personally, do not agree with this but to each their own. I know that for me, all my workings are done in the kitchen, most of my spellwork is done through food. My life centers around my family and home so being a "kitchen witch" just feels right. It's so nice to know that there are others who feel the same....:loveduv:

[Nitefalle]

I just bought Cottage Witchery and I have to say that I loved it. I did her Heart of Home blessing and it inspired me to bless my bedroom in a different way that really worked! I also want to to the hearth spell with the red candle and stones since I don't have a real fireplace/hearth. I am actually going to be recieving Garden Witchery soon as a belated birthday gift from a friend and I can't wait to crack it open and meddle in my garden this spring!!! Her practical and down-to-earth methods really appeal to me as I was never much of one for fancy ritual and drawn out invocations. Anyway, I am an official cottage witch now, lol. :D

~N~

[Romani Vixen]

I'll have to check out the book.

To me, Dragons, Faeries, even my little gremlins, are simply the face and name that we put to a particular type of non-physical energy. They don't have form, in that sence they don't exist, but they do exist through the perception of those who choose to apply that immage to them.

[~Macha~]

I just ordered garden witchery from the bookstore!!! wOOt! Ok Chryssi- now you have more crazies who will be asking questions... or maybe just me!

[Athene]

I'm just wondering, what's so different about Kitchen/Cottage Witchcraft from other "paths" of Witchcraft?

Hi there,

The terms 'kitchen', 'green', 'cottage' witch/witchcraft are new inventions. Traditional witchery is kitchen and green (the cottage idea, and no offense to anyone, is a little ridiculous. It's supposed to conjure a cutesy village woman doing her Craft)

The terms have come about for two reasons that I can see, the first is book publishing - publishing houses make more money if they can make fields more specific. I'm looking forward to the next terms: Forest witch, Urban witch, High-Rise Apartment witch, Healing witch, Herbal witch, Crystal witch, Patio-Garden witch, Weekend witch .... :gagged:

The second reason is because the term 'witch' is now used by many Pagans and many of the practices are new-age or centred on ritual and worship. So those that want to follow a traditional path feel somewhat lost by simply calling themselves witch and perceive that a whole new path is the only option, like green or kitchen witch.

The concept of calling oneself a Green witch is, to me, like calling yourself a praying Christian. Calling yourself a kitchen witch is like calling yourself a Church Christian.

I'm not arguing that the terms shouldn't be used, each to their own, if it brings you happiness and peace then so be it. But for the sake of seekers, I'm offering the view that they're just not necessary. And know, that to traditional witches, you sound wacky. lol :abanana:

keep on cooking.. :kooky:

[HorseCrow]

Weekend witch .... :gagged:
:lol: :T

I am what might be referred to as a "kitchen/cottage/green/whatever" witch. I usual go with pagan witch, when people ask.

However, though it might seem silly to some, I find all these "labels" quite helpful. We are a community of individuals and a whole lot of solitaires and eclectics- which makes it somewhat difficult to know what path someone is on, or what their special area of interest and focus is. So, when someone says "I'm a green witch", I find that I get a little closer to knowing what they are about.

I love my green-cottage-kitchen path. My kitchen is the heart of our home and my garden with its herbs, blooms and trees, is like a companion and accomplice. My herb cabinet in my kitchen has over 50 different herbs, and I use them, not only for medicine and magick, but also in cooking. I find food is a great carrier for magick.

So for all the other kitchen/cottage/green/whatever witches out there: Fire burn and cauldron bubble :bigblue:

[LacyRoze]

And know, that to traditional witches, you sound wacky. lol :abanana:


Won't be the first time I've been called "silly" in my life and I'm quite sure it won't be the last. What's "silly" to one is often quite serious to another. My personal opinion,,,if it holds meaning for you, go for it. Who cares what others think...

[~Macha~]

I don't see how cottage witch conjures those thoughts up... it makes me think of a witch who's whole "being" centers around her home and garden. As for kitchen witch- some witches never set foot in the kitchen to do things with herbs... so I think that makes sense.

[Isabella LeCour]

When someone says Cottage Witch, I do see in my minds eye an image of a woman stiring a caldren in front of an English style cottage, thanks to a very famous picture that's all over the web. With Green Witchcraft, I tend to see the book cover of Ann Moura's books series "Green Witchcraft." With Herbal Witchcraft, I see a morter and pestal surrounded by herbs. And for Kitchen Witchcraft, I don't see anything. It's not something that has a image to it yet for me. I'm wondering if anyone has a particular image when they hear "Kitchen Witchcraft?"

[Faerwolf]

When someone says Cottage Witch, I do see in my minds eye an image of a woman stiring a caldren in front of an English style cottage, thanks to a very famous picture that's all over the web. With Green Witchcraft, I tend to see the book cover of Ann Moura's books series "Green Witchcraft." With Herbal Witchcraft, I see a morter and pestal surrounded by herbs. And for Kitchen Witchcraft, I don't see anything. It's not something that has a image to it yet for me. I'm wondering if anyone has a particular image when they hear "Kitchen Witchcraft?"

When i think KITCHEN WITCH the first image that comes to mind is the modern version of what you look at as the Cottage Witch. wether it is a wood, stone, or mud house with a thatch roof. With a large hole in the ceiling for the fire's smoke to escape, or a highrise apartment with a black and white checkered floor with shiny stainless steel appliances, i get the same feeling. A person standing beside the stove, one hand stirring, one hand reaching, (a witch must know how to multitask) a small smile on the face while silently reciting chants and incantations, candles lit in the kitchen, magic tolerates technology even though technology doesn't tolerate magic much. I see a kitchen witch making infusion and herbal teas in a crock pot or automatic drip coffee maker, blending herbs in a BLENDER. I good book to get perspective on this is Everyday Magic.

[Caeridwynn]

I would most definately consider myself a "cottage witch" these days. I guess I always have been one, however I never used that term.

[firemyst]

I've never heard of a cottage witch...please inform me about this..
thanks!

[Niamh celtic mist]

When someone says Cottage Witch, I do see in my minds eye an image of a woman stiring a caldren in front of an English style cottage, thanks to a very famous picture that's all over the web. With Green Witchcraft, I tend to see the book cover of Ann Moura's books series "Green Witchcraft." With Herbal Witchcraft, I see a morter and pestal surrounded by herbs. And for Kitchen Witchcraft, I don't see anything. It's not something that has a image to it yet for me. I'm wondering if anyone has a particular image when they hear "Kitchen Witchcraft?"

Lol my husband! Thats what I see! He is the green witch/kitchen witch/herbalist in the family....Now if I could just get him to whip up a meatloaf while he's in there... That would be real magic lol!

But, seriously..He is the one that is really studying Kitchen witchery...now to me I think of kitchen, cottage, green as the same thing..I don't have a set picture in my head....

He does tend to focus more on the medicinal aspects of the herbs at the moment...I'm lucky because I tend to focus more on the magical aspects of the craft..and if I need an herb for a spell..he usually has it...oils as well....

I think of myself as the hodge podge witch....(Is that a new term?..Oh! Perhaps I should call the Publishing Companies!) If I want to do something ..I'll do it...wherever the spell takes me thats where I'll be....I collect whatever I need to keep my focus....I believe that most things are used as accents...the mind is where the true magic is...


I definetly don't see only women ...when I think of kitchen/cottage/green witches....

Blessings,

Niamh

[Niamh celtic mist]

When i think KITCHEN WITCH the first image that comes to mind is the modern version of what you look at as the Cottage Witch. wether it is a wood, stone, or mud house with a thatch roof. With a large hole in the ceiling for the fire's smoke to escape, or a highrise apartment with a black and white checkered floor with shiny stainless steel appliances, i get the same feeling. A person standing beside the stove, one hand stirring, one hand reaching, (a witch must know how to multitask) a small smile on the face while silently reciting chants and incantations, candles lit in the kitchen, magic tolerates technology even though technology doesn't tolerate magic much. I see a kitchen witch making infusion and herbal teas in a crock pot or automatic drip coffee maker, blending herbs in a BLENDER. I good book to get perspective on this is Everyday Magic.


Oh...that is a great book!

Don't get me started on Morrisons books!

BB,
Niamh
:reading:

[Niamh celtic mist]

My husband has been looking at her book and not buying it...I'm going to have to get after him to just get it! :flowers:

If the Cottage Witchery book has something on Faeries and Brownies...I'll be borrowing it from him!

Blessings,
Niamh

[Niamh celtic mist]

Hi there,

The terms 'kitchen', 'green', 'cottage' witch/witchcraft are new inventions. Traditional witchery is kitchen and green (the cottage idea, and no offense to anyone, is a little ridiculous. It's supposed to conjure a cutesy village woman doing her Craft)

The terms have come about for two reasons that I can see, the first is book publishing - publishing houses make more money if they can make fields more specific. I'm looking forward to the next terms: Forest witch, Urban witch, High-Rise Apartment witch, Healing witch, Herbal witch, Crystal witch, Patio-Garden witch, Weekend witch .... :gagged:

The second reason is because the term 'witch' is now used by many Pagans and many of the practices are new-age or centred on ritual and worship. So those that want to follow a traditional path feel somewhat lost by simply calling themselves witch and perceive that a whole new path is the only option, like green or kitchen witch.

The concept of calling oneself a Green witch is, to me, like calling yourself a praying Christian. Calling yourself a kitchen witch is like calling yourself a Church Christian.

I'm not arguing that the terms shouldn't be used, each to their own, if it brings you happiness and peace then so be it. But for the sake of seekers, I'm offering the view that they're just not necessary. And know, that to traditional witches, you sound wacky. lol :abanana:

keep on cooking.. :kooky:




I think the next question should be what is a traditional witch?

As far as the christian analogy ...don't get me started........How many forms of christianity are there?...Baptist, Methodist. Lutheran..Born again..Jehova witness..Catholic, Eastern Orthadox...

.The same with all the the other religons,,,they all have sects that are simular...but different...I don't believe any are wrong....I don't think there will ever be one label that can contain the human spirit...for eons men, women have gathered with like minded people....That is the reason we have so many religons on this planet so...no one is a round peg in a square hole...If people didn't fit ..they branched off to form their own group...

The history of witchcraft is a varied one..but just like other religons it is a mishmash of many beliefs and practices...
We give ourselves labels to feel connected...Traditional Witch is just another label just like any other.....

Just my 2 cents....

[ollathair]

I'm not arguing that the terms shouldn't be used, each to their own, if it brings you happiness and peace then so be it. But for the sake of seekers, I'm offering the view that they're just not necessary. And know, that to traditional witches, you sound wacky. lol :abanana:

keep on cooking.. :kooky:

Hmmmm, Traditional Witches don't like 'handles'? Then why do they call themselves 'Traditional' Witches? Isn't the term 'Traditional' a title? And what IS a so-called 'Traditional' Witch? To me a Tradition is a Path and if my Path is the Kitchen then I am a Kitchen Witch -- if my Path is the home in general then I am a Cottage Witch -- if my Path is herbalism then I am a Green, or Hedge, Witch.

I guess us Kitchen/Cottage/Green Witches probably think 'Traditional' Witches are wacky :p

[~Macha~]

Ellen Dugan's books do discuss Faeries and Brownies, so check it out!

[Hærfest Leah]

I also wish to learn more about kitchen witchery. I'll have to look in at this book also.

[ollathair]

Well, my wife coerced me and I finally ordered both "Cottage Witchery: Natural Magick For Hearth And Home" and "Garden Witchery: Magick from the Ground Up" both, of course, by Ellen Dugan along with "The Real Witches' Kitchen: Spells, Recipes, Oils, Lotions and Potions from the Witches' Hearth" by Kate West.

I ordered Garden Witchery to try to turn by black thumb green LOL Plus, the outside of the ol' homestead will look far nicer with some colour :)

[Hærfest Leah]

The more I think on the picture the individual terms bring to mind for me....
Green - herbs, plants, nature
Cottage - yes the quaint old cottage comes to mind but more specific cooking, nutrition, protecting the home and those in it with some healing if someone is sick.
Traditional- not much of an image at all other than maybe family traditions
Hedge- one good at diving between the worlds

I have been stewing around the idea of "House Witch" as a replacement for "cottage", it's more modern, it includes everything involved with a home inside or out. The entire property is magickal.

I definitely don't think a catch all term fits me because I can't be described by the workings of green or hedge. I have a brown thumb other than hardy house plants & herbs in oil or dried form. Yet I'm a good cook, keep a clean house and am all about protection and health of my home & family. And my home does not look like an old cottage.

[btrsweet5747]

Hello! I have that book, but I haven't delved into it yet- I'm going to tonight, though- now that you mentioned it! I will check back tomorrow on you all!

BB!!

[IvyWitch]

Also... I recall going to a Ren Faire and someone giving me one of those decrative gem stone things (you know u buy them in a bag for 98 cents at wal-mart to put in vases and such) and calling it a dragon's tear, and that putting it under my pillow would bring good dreams and keep the bad away. Anyone else on that? I am actually gonna put that in Just Pagan as a question, but anyway...

I hate to derail the thread, but I had to ask you.....was it at a booth that sold magic wands at the NY ren faire?

[~Macha~]

I hate to derail the thread, but I had to ask you.....was it at a booth that sold magic wands at the NY ren faire?

Nope,actually,it was at a Ren Faire in Colorado when I was about 8 or so

[IvyWitch]

Nope,actually,it was at a Ren Faire in Colorado when I was about 8 or so

*whew* Ok that makes me feel better.

[~Macha~]

*whew* Ok that makes me feel better.

why?

[IvyWitch]

why?

I worked at a booth at the faire that does soemthing similar and I I get upset when they scam kids into buying those litle glass things, but I'd feel even worse if it was someone here.