Kate West - The Real Witches’ Kitchen - Spells, recipes, oils, lotions and potions from the Witches’ Hearth

SPELLS, RECIPES, OILS, LOTIONS AND

POTIONS FROM THE WITCHES’ HEARTH

Element

An imprint of HarperCollins Publishers 1 London Bridge Street London SE1 9GF

www.harpercollins.co.uk

Element is a trademark of HarperCollins Publishers Limited

First published by Thorsons, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers 2002

This edition published by Element 2002

© Kate West 2002

Kate West asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work

A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library

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Source ISBN: 9780007117864

Ebook Edition © FEBRUARY 2016 ISBN: 9780007387588

Version: 2016-01-06

Cover

Title Page THE REAL WITCHES’ KITCHEN SPELLS, RECIPES, OILS, LOTIONS AND POTIONS FROM THE WITCHES’ HEARTH

Copyright

Introduction

ONE: Witchcraft, and Empowering your Herbal Work

TWO: Guidelines for Buying, Using and Storing Herbs and Plants

THREE: Soaps and Bathing Preparations

FOUR: Oils, Lotions and Potions

FIVE: Candles and Incenses

SIX: Feasting around the Wheel of the Year

SEVEN: Breads, Cakes and Biscuits to Honour the Goddess and the God

EIGHT: Soups and Foods to Strengthen and Heal

NINE: Brews and Teas

TEN: Looking Good, Feeling Fine

ELEVEN: Herb Sachets and Gifts

Keep Reading

Terms and Definitions

Further Information

Index

Acknowledgements

Also by the Author

About the Publisher

And welcome to The Real Witches’ Kitchen. The image of a Witch as a ragged-haired woman, dressed all in black, throwing strange ingredients into a bubbling cauldron in the dead of night is somewhat outdated! These days she, or he, is far more likely to be someone you know, dressed in normal clothes, working in their own kitchen. Witchcraft (or the Craft) is a very practical path, so who is going to forego the convenience of a modern cooker, the cleanliness of a decent work surface or the comfort of their own home for the environment that our predecessors were obliged to make do with? A herbal remedy, candle or incense is not going to be any less effective because you created it in the kitchen at lunchtime rather than in the woods at night. Witches of old may have needed to work furtively without modern power and water supplies, but that was because of the times they lived in, not because it makes for better Magic.

This book, however, is not just about Witchcraft or just for Witches. More and more people today are looking for natural remedies to enhance their physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. They are seeking ways of enhancing their health, bodies and lives in ways which do not involve chemicals but rather make use of the herbs and plants which are all around us.

The Real Witches’ Kitchen is a book for everyone who wants to start making use of nature’s healing store. Here we look at the ways that common herbs and spices, and even some unlikely-sounding plants, can not only enliven our diet but also be used to heal the body, soothe the mind and enliven the spirit. Whilst this is not a cookery book, there are recipes and menus which can be used to celebrate the seasons, help our bodies to combat common ailments and even enhance romantic moments. There are teas, brews and even alcoholic beverages for celebration and for healing. There are soaps, oils, lotions and potions to smooth the way in daily life, as well as dietary advice and guidance, grooming and cosmetic tips to help you make the most of what nature has given you and candles and incenses to create a mood or focus you in the direction you need. There are even ideas for gifts for those who are dear to you.

Those who practise the Craft will find new ideas for celebrating the Wheel of the Year and ways of honouring the Goddess and the God. There are ways of feeding the elements within and working towards balance. Here you will find soaps and bathing preparations to ready yourself for the Circle, anointing oils for yourself and for Magical work, candles to carry your intent and incenses to please the Gods. There are sachets and charms, wards of protection and ways of enhancing your fortunes.

Those of you who are reading this without any previous knowledge of the Craft or who find the term ‘Witchcraft’ disturbing will find a very basic introduction to this largely misunderstood belief system in Chapter One, ‘Witchcraft, and Empowering your Herbal Work’. This chapter will also provide guidance on using Magic to enhance the effectiveness of your work if you are new to the Craft. If you would like a more in-depth understanding, then I recommend that you also read The Real Witches’ Handbook , together with some of the other books mentioned in the Further Information section at the end of this book.

Whatever your beliefs or spiritual path, here you will find ways of working with nature and walking more lightly on our world to make a positive difference to your physical, emotional and spiritual life.

Blessed Be

Kate

‘Let the Magic come to life…’

You do not have to be a practising Witch to make use of the recipes and skills which are covered here, but it will help if you have an understanding of the principles of the Craft. For some this will mean putting aside the misconceptions created by the media (especially the popular press) and the adverse comments made by those who have no understanding and no desire to understand our heritage.

Witchcraft is one of a number of belief systems whose roots pre-date Christianity and which come under the ‘umbrella’ heading of Pagan. Indeed, Witchcraft has roots which go back to Palaeolithic times, as illustrated by the cave paintings of our ancient ancestors. Having said that, the Craft is a living religion and has as much relevance to us today as it had to its practitioners in the past. We still seek healing of our bodies and minds, strength to deal with our daily lives, understanding and compassion to help us relate to those around us and to develop our own selves.